ST - 1

Eo-ryeong unconsciously opened her mouth. 

In the heart of the city stood a towering building, resembling a lone spire. Its overwhelming grandeur pressed down on anyone who dared to look at it, as if threatening to crush them under its weight. 

She pulled out her phone from her pocket and double-checked the text her sister had sent. The thought of being late—and consequently slapped—made her heart race with anxiety. 

The hotel name in the message matched the one before her. This was the place. 

[Bring some clothes for me to wear tomorrow.] 

The brief sentence appended to the concise address already made her feel uneasy, as though she’d been scolded in advance. 

Eo-ryeong clutched the shopping bag tightly and stepped inside. 

Today’s gathering was taking place at the pool on the hotel’s top floor. 

When she opened the door after following the staff’s guidance, the distinct smell of chlorine and loud noise hit her all at once. The sharp scent of alcohol and cigarettes lingered faintly, creeping up on her senses a moment later. 

The floor beneath her feet felt slick. Worried her shoes might get wet, Eo-ryeong carefully took each step. 

The space she entered felt dim and secretive, like a movie theater just before the film began. It was an atmosphere that overwhelmed her with its intimacy. The splashing sounds of water from the crowded pool were the only things keeping her from feeling an eerie chill. For Eo-ryeong, this environment was undeniably alien. 

She proceeded cautiously, ensuring the shopping bag wouldn’t get wet. The scattered blue light from the lights shimmered across the pool, and a fair number of people had gathered around the sunbeds lined up beside it. 

As expected of a poolside setting, most of the attendees wore swimsuits, holding glasses filled with honey-colored or deep crimson drinks. The clamor was enough to make anyone frown instinctively. 

“Hey, hi.” 

A woman who seemed somewhat familiar noticed her presence and greeted her. She wore a red bikini that barely covered her chest and groin, with an English tattoo visible near her belly button. She was her sister’s friend. When Eo-ryeong awkwardly bowed in greeting, the woman approached her. 

“You’re here because of Ha-jin, right?” 

“Yes. Um, where’s my sister…?” 

“Just a moment. Where did she go again?” 

Muttering something about her sister possibly having slipped away for another romp, the woman seated Eo-ryeong on a sunbed and tucked her in with a dry towel while pulling out her phone. 

Eo-ryeong nervously licked her dry lips and glanced around. 

This wasn’t her first time running errands for Ha-jin, so the scene before her wasn’t entirely shocking. Still, it was clear that she would never grow accustomed to such sights. 

The weather was mild during the day but grew chilly at night. Unlike her, dressed in a cardigan and long pants, the men and women gathered here shamelessly exposed their bodies, covering only the bare essentials. 

“She’s not answering. Just a moment.” 

Her sister’s friend excused herself and headed off somewhere, likely to look for her sister. Left alone, Eo-ryeong neatly placed the shopping bag on her lap and fidgeted with her fingers. Suddenly, the sound of women’s laughter erupted from across the pool, drawing her attention involuntarily. 

At the end of the row of sunbeds, someone reclined on a velvet sofa surrounding a table. 

It was a man who had sprawled out comfortably, his chiseled abs, shoulders, and arms on full display without hesitation. A woman leaning against him passed him a cigarette, which he took between his lips. 

He inhaled deeply, filling his chest, then exhaled slowly, releasing wisps of smoke that swirled lazily into the air. 

Had she stared too blatantly? 

The next moment, their eyes met through the haze of smoke. His dark eyes pierced through the mist, unobscured. 

Startled, Eo-ryeong flinched and quickly lowered her head. Her fingers gripping the shopping bag strap turned cold and stiff. Summoning her courage to look up again, she found him still gazing at her intently, the cigarette now burning in his hand with the help of the woman beside him. 

Several women surrounded him. 

Like the friend of her sister who had greeted her earlier, they wore bikinis that revealed their smooth skin. Whether flaunting voluptuous chests or slender calves, they leaned against men in swim trunks, giggling uncontrollably. Their laughter was drunken and exaggerated, like children laughing hysterically at a clown. 

“Hey, come here.” 

The man, who had been lounging languidly, suddenly sat up. Amidst the cacophony, his voice cut through clearly, reaching her ears. At the same moment, someone swimming vigorously in the pool emerged, causing water to splash over Eo-ryeong’s feet. 

“Oh no,” she thought, checking to see if the hem of her pants had gotten wet. Distracted, she didn’t notice the man approaching until he plopped down heavily beside her. 

“Hi.” 

The man, a freshly lit cigarette dangling from his lips, spoke to her. Realizing his presence belatedly, Eo-ryeong straightened her back and froze like a stone. 

“Why are you sitting alone? Who are you here to see?” 

His tone was completely different from when he had brushed off the woman clinging to him earlier. It was as if he were speaking to a lost child.

Unprepared for the unexpected warmth, Eo-ryeong tried to calm her nerves and lifted her head. Even making eye contact felt like a daunting task for someone who had grown accustomed to staring at the floor. 

“Uh, my…my sister.” 

“Your sister? Who’s your sister?” 

Smoke seeped through his slightly parted lips with each breath, the rebellious scent of nicotine spreading like an intimate allure. His damp hair and eyelids—likely from playing in the pool—gave him an even more seductive appearance. 

“Iha-jin…” 

Eo-ryeong spoke as if entranced by the overwhelming presence she was encountering for the first time. 

The man’s thick eyebrows twitched faintly. 

“Ha-jin has such a cute little sister? Why didn’t she introduce us?” 

He chuckled softly, the corners of his eyes crinkling into a warm smile. His already delicate and refined features seemed to glow even brighter under this expression. 

Eo-ryeong stared blankly at him, unable to shake the thought that he resembled a masterpiece. 

“Did you come here to hang out with your sister?” 

Even after figuring out her identity, his tone remained tender, as though speaking to a child. Realizing it was a question, Eo-ryeong shook her head. 

“Then why?” 

“I came to give her this…” 

“What is it?” 

“Clothes. Clothes.” 

“So you’re just going to drop it off and leave?” 

“Yes.” 

The man shifted the cigarette from his lips to his fingers and reached for a robe carelessly tossed nearby. As he draped it over himself, he leaned closer to whisper in her ear. 

“You’re leaving already? What a shame.” 

Was it because they were by the pool? His baritone voice rippled gently across her eardrums like a soft wave. 

“What’s your name?” 

“I…Eo-ryeong.” 

“Eo-ryeong.” 

He repeated her name slowly, as if engraving each syllable into his mind. After murmuring it a few times, he leaned his upper body toward her. Eo-ryeong stiffened when she realized his lips, which had been holding a cigarette moments ago, were now dangerously close to her face. 

“What’s my name?” 

“Well…” 

“Guess.” 

Flustered, Eo-ryeong stammered, rolling her eyes anxiously before finally settling on a look that seemed on the verge of tears. Her expression screamed how awkward she found the situation. Watching her like one might admire the antics of a helpless animal, the man brought his lips close to her ear. 

“Choi Dam-young.” 

“Choi Dam-young…” 

“Yes, Choi Dam-young.” 

As if to ensure she wouldn’t forget, he emphasized his name clearly before straightening his posture. 

With both arms stretched back, tilting his torso slightly, he scanned the humid, floating air inside the space. 

Then, rolling the cigarette filter against his tongue, he muttered, “Hmm, Ha-jin isn’t here?” 

Following his gaze, Eo-ryeong cast her eyes around the room. 

“Where did she go?” 

“I don’t really…” 

“Shall we go look for her together?” 

His tone was gentle, almost syrupy, like the curve of a soft smile. His gaze, too, was transparent and devoid of any ulterior motive. 

Feeling unsure, Eo-ryeong glanced back toward the pool entrance. The friend who had left earlier to find her sister was nowhere to be seen. 

After a brief hesitation, she decided it would be better to follow him than stay seated there any longer. She nodded quietly. 

When Choi Dam-young stood up, all eyes turned to him. 

“Hey, are you leaving already?” 

“Just looking at her, I can tell she’s totally Choi Dam-young’s type…” 

“She looks young. Should we really let her go alone…?” 

Various murmurs followed him as the crowd buzzed. Turning his head toward them, Dam-young silenced their incessant chatter with a single glance. Yet, the faint, somewhat unsettling smirk lingered stubbornly on his lips.

Eo-ryeong tilted her head slightly before following Choi Dam-young out of the pool area. 

“How old are you?” 

“Twenty-three.” 

As Dam-young pressed the button for the VIP elevator leading to the suite, he immediately followed up with another question. 

“So you’re in college, right?” 

Eo-ryeong nodded. 

“Same school as Ha-jin?” 

“No… a different one.” 

“A different one? Where?” 

His demeanor seemed indifferent to worldly matters, yet paradoxically, he continued to ask questions in a calm and steady tone. Eo-ryeong, inexperienced in conversing with people—especially men—was so focused on answering his questions that she absentmindedly stepped into the elevator he led her to. 

“But do you know where my sister might be…?” 

She was about to finish her question when, suddenly, Dam-young leaned his body toward her. Startled by the weight of his large frame pressing against her shoulder, Eo-ryeong staggered but managed to steady herself. Her wide-eyed expression was an added bonus. 

“Uh, um…” 

“Oh, I’m feeling dizzy.” 

“…” 

“Maybe I drank too much…” 

Though it seemed somewhat intentional, the layered scent of alcohol on his breath made it hard to dismiss entirely. 

With a troubled expression, Eo-ryeong reached out to support him. She was surprised by the dense, solid mass of his body—so unlike hers or Ha-jin’s—and quickly withdrew her hands. 

“If you don’t mind, could you help me get to my room?” 

“Uh, ah, yes, yes?” 

Caught off guard by the seamless flow of events, she was momentarily stunned. But when she looked closely at Dam-young’s eyes, they truly appeared unfocused. 

Was he really too dizzy to walk? 

After a fleeting moment of hesitation, she reluctantly agreed. 

Dam-young recited a room number. Finding it wasn’t particularly difficult. The large door had a door lock instead of a card reader, suggesting it was reserved exclusively for someone of importance. 

Exhausted from dragging his massive frame, Eo-ryeong failed to notice how effortlessly he disengaged the lock—a feat uncharacteristic of someone supposedly drunk. 

“Hmm.” 

Only after laying him down on the spacious bed did Eo-ryeong finally lift her head. Despite the significant height difference, moving him had left her sweating. Wiping her forehead, she adjusted her disheveled clothes, bewildered by how a simple errand for her sister had turned into this strange situation. 

Suddenly, feeling his gaze, she looked up to find Dam-young lying sideways on the bed, staring intently at her. 

His narrow, half-closed eyes and the blurred focus behind them sent a shiver down her spine, raising goosebumps. An inexplicable, almost embarrassing sensation prickled her skin. 

He seemed intoxicated, yet his unwavering stare suggested otherwise… 

The man presented himself as an enigma. 

But it was an enigma she didn’t need to solve. 

Having safely brought him to his room as he’d requested, her role here was done. 

Eo-ryeong clutched the shopping bag she’d managed to bring along. Before Dam-young could part his elegantly curved lips again, she bowed deeply—so respectfully that anyone watching might mistake her for addressing a demanding boss. 

“I’ve brought you here safely, so I’ll take my leave now!” 

Without looking back, she dashed out of the room. 

She thought she heard a sound from behind, but she wasn’t sure. Hurrying out, Eo-ryeong leaned against the closed door and exhaled deeply. Her face flushed, and she fanned herself while pulling her phone from her pocket. 

There were no new messages from Ha-jin. Whether that was fortunate or unfortunate, she couldn’t tell. 

Glancing back briefly, she saw the door was shut tight. There was no way for her to know what expression the man inside might be wearing. 

---

Keeeeeek. 

The front door creaked open irritably. 

The sound jolted Eo-ryeong awake. As soon as she opened her eyes, the shopping bag she’d returned with last night came into view. 

In the end, she hadn’t been able to meet Ha-jin. No matter how many times she called, there was no answer, leaving her with nothing to show for her efforts but the bag she’d dragged home. 

BANG!

The sound of the bedroom door slamming shut echoed loudly. 

Still half-asleep, Eo-ryeong had been lying in bed with her head on the pillow, blinking groggily, when the harsh noise jolted her upright. After hastily smoothing down her tangled hair, she stepped out of the room to find Ha-jin, who had been nowhere to be seen the previous night, now stomping off her shoes in irritation. Without a moment’s hesitation, Ha-jin strode toward her younger sister, who was clearly just waking up. 

“What were you doing yesterday? Where were you?” 

A finger tipped with apricot-colored nail polish jabbed forcefully into Eo-ryeong’s forehead, pushing her back. Still weak from sleep, Eo-ryeong stumbled and collided with the dresser behind her, eliciting a faint groan. 

“I went there yesterday, but…” 

You weren’t there. 

The words rose to the tip of her tongue but retreated just as quickly. In front of an irritable Ha-jin, silence was always the safer choice. Rambling excuses would only earn her more punishment. 

Ha-jin furrowed her brow deeply and brought the sleeve of her shirt to her nose. 

“Ugh, I smell alcohol. I told you to bring clothes because I knew hanging out with those jerks would make everything go sideways… Honestly, you never do anything right, Eo-ryeong. Hurry up and bring me new clothes.” 

Eo-ryeong straightened herself and returned to the bedroom. She retrieved the outfit from the shopping bag she’d prepared the day before and handed it over. Ha-jin snatched it from her with sharp, impatient movements. 

While Ha-jin disappeared into the bathroom, Eo-ryeong headed to the kitchen for a glass of water. Something felt tender on her forehead, and as she touched it, a stinging sensation spread along the spot where her sister’s sharp nails had scratched her. Sighing quietly, she swallowed the familiar frustration. 

Half-sisters. 

That’s how their relationship was often defined by outsiders. 

It was a bond that seemed close on the surface but was, in reality, distant. Though they shared the same father, Ha-jin exuded confidence as the daughter of his legal wife, always self-assured and assertive. 

On the other hand, Eo-ryeong—whose father’s identity had long been unclear due to her mother’s affair—had only recently been formally registered into the family. Her existence bore the shame of her birth, forcing her to live perpetually crumpled and overshadowed. 

This wretched life hadn’t always been her reality. 

Her personal hell began the day her mother died. 

At her mother’s lonely funeral, attended only by Eo-ryeong herself, people claiming to represent her father suddenly appeared. 

Occasionally, when drunk, her mother would bitterly recount fragments about Eo-ryeong’s father. She cherished Eo-ryeong but, in moments of intoxication, couldn’t hide her resentment: “You were conceived from one reckless night.” 

And that reckless night, she emphasized, had been a grave mistake for her father. 

Eo-ryeong never imagined that this “mistake” referred to a married man—a prominent businessman with significant influence in both political and corporate circles. Her father, ambitious to expand his reach into politics, feared that Eo-ryeong’s existence might become an obstacle. What terrified him wasn’t moral corruption but the public scandal that could erupt if the truth came to light. 

After the funeral, stepping into her father’s household felt like descending into hell. 

She later learned that Han Yeojang, the legal wife, and Ha-jin had vehemently opposed her father’s decision to register Eo-ryeong into the family. 

Their resistance was understandable. 

How could they welcome the child born from their husband’s—or father’s—affair with another woman? 

From middle school onward, Eo-ryeong endured relentless abuse and mistreatment. They treated her not as part of the family but as a pet to be broken. Countless situations framed her as the guilty party, blaming her for everything. 

Her father turned a blind eye to this torment, believing he’d fulfilled his duty simply by providing her shelter and meals. His warped sense of responsibility shielded him from guilt. 

The household, already fractured beyond repair, saw its final collapse when Han Yeojang passed away at a relatively young age. Predictably, Ha-jin blamed Eo-ryeong for her mother’s death too. 

“It’s all your fault.” 

“If you hadn’t come into our house, Mom would’ve lived longer.” 

“Our poor mother suffered because of your shamelessness.” 

“My mom is dead—why are you still alive?” 

“I wish you’d disappear.” 

These verbal assaults haunted Eo-ryeong endlessly, even invading her dreams. Sometimes, she’d wake up realizing it was just a nightmare—but nightmares were no escape from her harsh reality. 

“Hey, what are you doing?” 

“Huh?” 

Ha-jin emerged from the bathroom and sat at the dining table. 

“Why are you standing there like an idiot? Make breakfast. I’m starving.” 

“Okay… Just a moment.” 

With a hangover, Ha-jin was even more sensitive than usual, lashing out at trivial things. 

Eo-ryeong opened the fridge, considering what to prepare for her sister’s hangover cure. Spotting leftover bean sprouts, she decided to make soup and began gathering ingredients. 

“What’s this? You’re actually making a call?” 

Ha-jin answered her phone, her previously sullen tone now oddly animated. Eo-ryeong glanced at her while pulling out a pot from the cupboard. 

“Now? Yeah, I haven’t eaten yet. Where should we meet…?” 

Ha-jin paused mid-conversation, her cheerful demeanor faltering. She shot Eo-ryeong a puzzled look. 

“You’re with someone? Why does he ask? Did you two meet yesterday?” 

Removing the phone from her ear, Ha-jin fixed Eo-ryeong with a cold glare. 

“Were you at the hotel yesterday?” 

“Uh, yeah.” 

“Who were you with?” 

Eo-ryeong’s eyes darted nervously, memories of the previous night flashing through her mind. She recalled the man whose breath had brushed against her ear, his dampened features enhancing his allure… 

Snapping out of her thoughts, she met Ha-jin’s piercing gaze. 

“Just… some handsome guy.” 

“Choi Dam-young, huh? He says he has something to tell you and wants you to come out.” 

“Something to tell me?”

While Eo-ryeong tilted her head in confusion, Ha-jin ended the call with an affirmative response. She casually added as she set her phone down: 

“Did you make some kind of mistake yesterday?” 

At those words, Eo-ryeong’s face instantly paled. Still holding the pot, she quickly sifted through the memories of the previous night. Nothing stood out. 

But even so, she couldn’t confidently claim that no mistakes had been made. If she hadn’t made any errors, as Ha-jin suggested, then there would be no reason for that man to seek her out now. 

A sudden wave of fear gripped Eo-ryeong’s chest, making it feel dry and hollow. Sensing her reaction, Ha-jin smirked, assuming she’d guessed correctly. 

“Let’s go. Get ready.” 

Ha-jin never missed an opportunity to involve herself in situations where Eo-ryeong might struggle. In fact, she often orchestrated such scenarios, finding immense satisfaction in them. No one reveled in Eo-ryeong’s misfortunes quite like Ha-jin did. 

The words “I don’t want to go” rose to Eo-ryeong’s throat but remained unspoken. Quietly, hesitantly, she placed the pot back down. The face of the man who had kindly asked her name last night flickered faintly in her mind. 

When they arrived at a Japanese restaurant after Ha-jin drove them, the interior exuded the clean and luxurious ambiance typical of high-end establishments. It seemed they had reserved a table beforehand, as they were immediately led to their seats upon giving Ha-jin’s name. Eo-ryeong swallowed hard, unable to hide her nervousness. 

As the sleek, minimalist door opened, the man from last night was already inside. Choi Dam-young, sipping tea from a cup adorned with plum blossoms, noticed Ha-jin and Eo-ryeong following behind her. He greeted them with the same enigmatic smile he wore the day before. 

“You’re here?” 

“Yeah. Where is this place? I’ve never heard of it.” 

“It’s new. I came once before—it’s pretty good.” 

Their conversation flowed naturally, as if they were acquaintances. Meanwhile, Eo-ryeong sat stiffly beside Ha-jin, feeling like an outsider at a formal gathering. Every time Dam-young’s gaze brushed past her, she felt an electric jolt somewhere deep within her ribs. 

So it really was him—the man from yesterday. 

Had she truly made some kind of mistake? 

Unconsciously, Ha-jin’s habitual reproach echoed in her mind: “Everything you do turns into trouble anyway.” Imagining him looking at her with disdain, just like Ha-jin, made her stomach churn. 

“The order?” 

“I took care of it. It’ll be out soon.” 

“I need something to sober up.” 

“After seeing how much you drank last night, I figured you’d have enough sense for that.” 

Dam-young chuckled lightly, and Ha-jin blushed slightly, though she looked pleased. Eo-ryeong found herself stealing glances at her sister, surprised by this unfamiliar expression on her face. 

Not long after, the staff brought out a lavish spread. It was then that Dam-young directly turned his attention to Eo-ryeong. 

“Hello, Ha-jin’s younger sister.” 

Startled, Eo-ryeong dropped the pickled radish she had picked up from the side dishes. Before she could retrieve it, Dam-young skillfully used his chopsticks to place it onto her personal plate. His movements were impeccable—just as polished as his appearance. 

“I’m disappointed, Iha-jin.” 

“About what?” 

“Why didn’t you tell me you had such a cute younger sister?” 

Dam-young’s complaint was perplexing, and Ha-jin dismissed it lightly with a laugh, saying, “What are you talking about?” 

Eo-ryeong cautiously observed their interaction before hurriedly popping the pickled radish into her mouth. Though its tangy crunch should have been pleasant, the awkwardness of the situation left only a bitter taste on her tongue. 

Ha-jin and Dam-young bantered comfortably, their rapport evident. Amidst their friendly atmosphere, Eo-ryeong kept her head bowed, silently focusing on eating without uttering a word. 

Any careless action might invite unnecessary scolding from Ha-jin. While being alone with her at home was one thing, behaving improperly in front of others—especially someone like Dam-young, whose eyes crinkled beautifully when he smiled—was something she desperately wanted to avoid. 

Every so often, when she dared to lift her gaze, her eyes met his relaxed yet sharp interest, causing her throat to tighten. 

He seemed fully aware of her tension, occasionally refilling her empty glass with water. His demeanor was infuriatingly composed compared to her own unease. 

“I’m going to the restroom for a moment.” 

Perhaps overwhelmed by consuming raw food while still hungover, Ha-jin, who had primarily eaten abalone porridge and clear soup instead of sushi, stood up. Dam-young nodded leisurely. The sound of the door opening and closing signaled her departure. 

Left alone in the subtly cramped yet spacious room, Eo-ryeong and Dam-young remained. 

With Ha-jin gone, Dam-young’s attitude shifted more directly. He rested his chin on his hand and openly observed Eo-ryeong. She mechanically shoveled food into her mouth, unsure whether it was entering through her lips or nose, until finally summoning the courage to look up. 

Now that Ha-jin had left, this felt like the perfect opportunity. 

“Um… excuse me.” 

Despite her attempt at bravery, her voice betrayed her lack of confidence, trembling faintly.

“Did I... make some kind of mistake yesterday?” 

“Hmm? No.” 

The abruptness of his answer left Eo-ryeong momentarily stunned. She was about to lower her head again when she noticed Choi Dam-young watching her intently, as if amused by her awkwardness. Surprised, she quickly dropped her gaze. 

“Is this how you usually are?” 

“Huh? What do you mean?” 

“Do you always avoid eye contact when talking to people?” 

Though his voice was gentle, the remark felt like a subtle reproach to Eo-ryeong. Was her habit of avoiding eye contact irritating to him? She fidgeted with her hands resting on her lap. 

“I’m sorry.” 

“Why are you apologizing? It’s cute.” 

Cute...? 

Eo-ryeong wondered for a moment if her ears were playing tricks on her. Dam-young, seemingly aware of her discomfort, placed a piece of sushi—similar to the ones she had been reaching for earlier—onto her personal plate. 

“Don’t people often say you look like a rabbit?” 

“Huh...?” 

“You do.” 

He pointed to his own eyes with his chopsticks, exaggerating their roundness comically. 

“Especially when you’re surprised like this.” 

He grinned, revealing faint dimples at the edges of his bright smile—a subtle, intimate feature that was easy to miss unless closely observed. 

“So, did you sleep well after going home?” 

“Uh, yes...” 

“I see. I didn’t sleep well.” 

“Why...?” 

“The room felt too big after you left.” 

Was he naturally cryptic in his speech? Eo-ryeong tilted her head slightly in confusion. The suite she had seen yesterday was spacious and comfortable—she imagined she would have slept soundly there. 

But saying so outright in front of someone who hadn’t slept well felt inappropriate, so she simply nodded sympathetically. Seeing this, Dam-young chuckled again. 

“By the way, did you commit some crime against Ha-jin?” 

The sudden mention of her sister’s name made Eo-ryeong’s fingertips twitch nervously. 

“I noticed you keep glancing toward the door.” 

It seemed he had already picked up on how she kept looking toward the entrance after Ha-jin left the room. 

“Or are you uncomfortable being with me?” 

Dam-young feigned disappointment, winking playfully. Flustered, Eo-ryeong set down her chopsticks and waved her hands dismissively. 

“No, no!” 

“Then you’re comfortable?” 

She knew it was her turn to respond politely in the affirmative, but the truth wasn’t entirely transparent, leaving her momentarily stuck. Before she could react, Dam-young burst into laughter, having caught her frozen like an ice sculpture. 

“You’re surprisingly honest.” 

“Um, um...” 

As she hesitated over whether to apologize again, Dam-young let his lips droop into a smirk. 

“Ha-jin was just bait.” 

Eo-ryeong stared at him, trying to decipher the meaning behind his words. 

“I figured you wouldn’t come out unless I involved her somehow.” 

Before she could fully process his statement, the door opened, and Ha-jin returned. Though nothing between them warranted suspicion, Eo-ryeong nervously cleared her throat. Dam-young acted as if it made no difference whether Ha-jin was present or not. His consistent demeanor made their earlier conversation feel dreamlike. 

“Shall I drop you off?” 

As soon as they stepped outside after finishing the meal, Dam-young asked. 

“No need. I brought my car.” 

Ha-jin gestured toward where she’d parked and walked ahead. As Eo-ryeong began to follow, a shadow loomed over her feet. 

“I wasn’t asking her. Funny, isn’t it?” 

Leaning his upper body close as if to embrace her from behind, Dam-young whispered into her ear. His breath brushed against her earlobe. Startled by the unexpected intimacy, Eo-ryeong’s neck stiffened. Sensing her reaction, he chuckled softly, the sound grazing her ear like a teasing breeze. 

“I’ll have to take you home next time.” 

Something touched the back of her jacket. It wasn’t hard to guess it was Dam-young’s fingers.

“See you again, Eo-ryeong.” 

As Choi Dam-young straightened his upper body, creating a more appropriate distance between them, Ha-jin happened to glance back just in time. It was a close call—had she turned a moment earlier, she might have caught them whispering intimately. 

“Hey! What are you doing? Hurry up!” 

“Y-Yes, I’m coming!” 

Like a child who had done something mischievous and was now rushing to hide the evidence, Eo-ryeong scurried toward Ha-jin. 

Just before climbing into the passenger seat, something inexplicably drew her gaze back toward where he stood. As Dam-young opened the driver’s side door of his car parked on the opposite side, their eyes met once more. 

His gaze washed over her like gentle waves lapping at sand—soft yet penetrating. 

With an inexplicable flutter in her chest, as though the ground beneath her feet were trembling, Eo-ryeong quickly climbed into the car. 

---

The sound of a mouse wheel scrolling scraped against the silence of the empty house. 

Eo-ryeong stared intently at her laptop screen, her eyes sharper than usual as she meticulously checked each line for errors. After carefully reviewing the seven-page report, she scrolled back up to double-check the header. 

“Ah.” 

This was why proofreading was essential. 

Unconsciously, she had entered her own student ID number instead of Ha-jin’s in the designated field. If Ha-jin had noticed, it would have sparked a major uproar. 

Eo-ryeong quickly corrected the ID to match Ha-jin’s. Staring at the combination of numbers followed by the name “Iha-jin,” she felt a heavy stone settle in her stomach. 

Here she was, unable to complete her own assignments, yet pouring all her effort into finishing Ha-jin’s work. She couldn’t help but think how utterly pathetic she was. 

A glance at the clock on the wall revealed it was already past 10 p.m. 

She had started immediately after dinner—how had so much time passed without her realizing? There was no helping it. Since they attended different schools and departments, completing Ha-jin’s assignment took far longer than handling her own tasks. 

After finally sending the completed report to Ha-jin’s email, Eo-ryeong gazed blankly at the pale glow of the screen, drained of energy. 

By now, she was used to it. 

Having her time stolen—or her freedom taken away. 

Of course, there had been a time when she resisted this unjust arrangement. Back then, she believed that her time and freedom belonged solely to her, not meant to be sacrificed for Ha-jin’s sake. But with her introverted nature and the prison-like environment of neglect and abuse, her willpower had gradually worn down. 

“I hope you live your entire life never knowing happiness.” 

She could still vividly recall those words. They were spoken during the funeral of Ha-jin’s mother—the woman who was also Eo-ryeong’s stepmother. Amidst the somber, oppressive atmosphere, Ha-jin had uttered them with a chilling tone, her eyes red from crying. 

It was as if she had declared it as a vow. From that point on, Ha-jin systematically worked to make those words a reality, slowly eroding Eo-ryeong’s sense of self without her even realizing it until it was too late. 

Anything Eo-ryeong possessed—whether material belongings or people—Ha-jin couldn’t bear to leave untouched. Classmates who tried to befriend Eo-ryeong during high school were routinely blocked. And any man who showed even the slightest interest in Eo-ryeong inevitably became Ha-jin’s boyfriend. 

Repeated exposure to such treatment eventually led to resignation rather than resistance. Eo-ryeong wasn’t immune to this process either. 

Her heart was repeatedly bruised by relentless verbal assaults, leaving gaping holes through which her emotions spilled out. With no one to mend those wounds, they inevitably festered and rotted away. 

That was how Eo-ryeong’s willpower crumbled. 

“Choi Eun-cheol... was it?” 

Among the fragments of her shattered will, one memory stood out vividly—a bittersweet episode she could never forget. 

It was the first time she had ever liked someone. 

In her second year of high school, Eun-cheol, who was assigned to the same class, began showing interest in her early in the semester. Outgoing and confident, he was popular among students, even serving as the physical education representative. Initially uncomfortable with his bold personality, Eo-ryeong gradually warmed up to him due to his natural sociability. 

Spending time with Eun-cheol was fun and exciting—but also filled with anxiety. She instinctively knew that if Ha-jin discovered this fleeting happiness, it wouldn’t end well. So, she went to great lengths to conceal her feelings and maintain a facade of indifference. 

But perhaps hiding everything while attending the same school and living under the same roof was impossible. 

“...” 

Even now, she couldn’t describe how she felt that day. 

Peering through the slightly ajar bedroom door, she saw Eun-cheol kissing Ha-jin on her bed. His lips, which she once thought tender, were smeared with Ha-jin’s red lipstick. 

For Eo-ryeong, it was a scarlet nightmare. 

Afterward, the same pattern unfolded. Eun-cheol began dating Ha-jin, and all communication between him and Eo-ryeong abruptly ceased. They became strangers—mere acquaintances. 

Bzzt. 

A sudden vibration startled her, burying the bitter memory she had dredged up under layers of dust once more. 

Eo-ryeong grabbed her phone resting on the couch. 

[Come see me.] 

It was a message from Ha-jin.

Eo-ryeong blinked her eyes slowly. 

Come see me? 

Confused, she scrolled through the previous messages to check for context. As expected, something felt off. Ha-jin never used such a casual tone when summoning her—she always issued direct, commanding orders. 

“Come see me.” 

This phrasing sounded more like something you’d send to someone close... 

While she was still puzzling over it, another message arrived, specifying a location. 

Eo-ryeong recalled the day she had carried a shopping bag to the hotel pool at Ha-jin’s request. Along with that memory came the image of the man with chiseled features who had approached her that night. 

Shaking her head vigorously, she quickly stood up. Even if doubts lingered, there was nothing she could do about it now. Her immediate priority was to avoid Ha-jin’s irritation by hurrying over as instructed. 

The taxi dropped her off in the heart of the city, at a bustling club. 

Her plain outfit nearly got her turned away at the entrance, but fortunately, one of the club MDs she occasionally encountered while running errands for Ha-jin recognized her and let her in. 

“What was your name again? Eo-ryeong?” 

“Uh, yes, Eo-ryeong.” 

Inside, the heat was palpable, radiating against her skin. The vast vibrations of the amplifiers thudded beneath her feet, and the deafening electronic beats pounded relentlessly against her ears. The sharp scent of alcohol and cigarettes overwhelmed her senses, making it hard to ignore. 

“Why didn’t you come with your sister earlier, Eo-ryeong?” 

The club MD introduced himself as Jae-joon. He casually draped an arm around her shoulders as if they were close friends. 

Distracted by the sight of scantily clad women passing by, Eo-ryeong didn’t immediately shrug him off. Even if she had realized what he was doing, her best response would have been to awkwardly roll her eyes, too uncomfortable to push his arm away. 

Their destination was naturally the second floor. 

At the base of the staircase leading up, bouncers stood guard—men who had nearly blocked her entry earlier. Though the club was usually open for all guests to move freely between floors, tonight the second floor was closed off for an exclusive gathering of the so-called elite. 

Ha-jin was likely up there. 

“Ha-jin noona!” 

As Jae-joon called out upon reaching the second floor, all eyes turned toward them. Eo-ryeong froze, her body stiffening. She hated being the center of attention—it made her sweat nervously even during simple presentations. Avoiding attention wasn’t just a preference; it was a necessity for her. Overwhelmed, she fidgeted with her hands before lowering her head in defeat. 

Soon, the commotion reignited like embers catching fire, and someone approached. 

“Why are you here?” 

It was Ha-jin. Dressed in a revealing shoulder-baring dress and heavier makeup than usual, she looked utterly exasperated. 

“Huh?” 

“You just show up uninvited like a stray dog now?” 

“No, I got a text...” 

“What text? You’re ruining the mood just by showing up. Leave. Stop bothering me.” 

Her dismissal was sharp. As Ha-jin flipped her long, straight hair over her shoulder, mocking laughter echoed from somewhere nearby. Feeling humiliated from head to toe, Eo-ryeong blinked helplessly before turning to leave. 

The piercing gazes boring into her back made her want to disappear on the spot. Flustered and flushed, she stumbled forward without looking where she was going. 

Finally spotting the stairs, she hurried toward them—but suddenly, her arm was grabbed. 

“Why are you leaving just like that?” 

The diagonal beams of light made it hard to see clearly, and Eo-ryeong squinted. First, she noticed the colorful array of bottles decorating the bar, then the elongated countertop, and finally, Choi Dam-young lounging casually on a stool, filling her field of vision. 

Eo-ryeong could only blink, frozen, as she remained caught by the arm. 

“Ah, um, my sister...” 

She wanted to say, She told me to go, but the words wouldn’t come out. While it was true, she didn’t want to reveal her submissive attitude so openly—especially not in front of this man, whose gaze seemed oddly soft and indulgent. 

“I got a text from my sister and came, but... I think there was some misunderstanding.” 

“That text was from me.” 

“...What?” 

“I didn’t know your number.” 

Winking playfully, Dam-young pulled her closer, right at the edge of the stairs. 

“Let’s hang out.” 

He grinned mischievously, his boyish charm oddly out of place amidst the chaotic pop songs and pungent smell of alcohol. 

Eo-ryeong bit her lip nervously, then cautiously—almost imperceptibly—tried to free her arm. 

“Oh... I think I’ll go home today...”

She didn’t understand why this man had taken her sister’s phone to send her a text, nor could she comprehend how he could so casually suggest hanging out while her mood was at rock bottom. 

Even so, she couldn’t bring herself to firmly reject him—her anxiety kept her head bowed low as she struggled to process the situation. 

“Are you crying?” 

His handsome face suddenly filled her downward-facing vision. 

He leaned forward, bringing his face close to hers. Startled out of her gloom, Eo-ryeong gasped. 

“No...!” 

“Are you leaving?” 

Eo-ryeong nodded. 

“Then I’ll take you home.” 

Choi Dam-young stood up nonchalantly from the stool. 

Eo-ryeong floundered as he grabbed her arm and started leading her toward the stairs. 

“Uh, um!” 

“You came all this way—it’d be lonely to go back alone.” 

“I’m fine...!” 

“Yeah, okay.” 

His words were polite, but his actions were entirely domineering. 

Before she realized it, they were already inside a luxury car parked in the lot. As they sat side by side in the backseat, his scent wafted strongly toward her. 

A faint trace of cigarette smoke, a subtle hint of cologne, and a lingering whiff of alcohol intertwined with something else indefinable—his presence was as enigmatic as his persona. 

It was perplexing, yet undeniably captivating. 

“Where do you live?” 

While Eo-ryeong fidgeted with her hands resting on her neatly folded knees, Dam-young lounged lazily, half-reclined against the seat. When she glanced at him, he gestured toward the driver’s seat, indicating she should give the address to the chauffeur. Reluctantly, she spoke the address aloud. 

The engine roared to life, and the car began to move. 

For a moment, Eo-ryeong silently stared out the window at the passing scenery, stiffening like a statue when she felt Dam-young’s body lean toward her from the opposite side. His hand lightly tapped her shoulder. 

“But...” 

The man, who she thought was asleep, suddenly spoke. 

“Yes, yes?” 

“Do you get bullied by Ha-jin?” 

Eo-ryeong froze again, this time for a different reason. 

“If I had a younger sister like you, I’d spoil her rotten...” 

“...” 

“Why is she so desperate to break your spirit?” 

Dam-young muttered ambiguously, as if asking himself more than her. 

Eo-ryeong couldn’t respond. It seemed he had witnessed the earlier commotion after all. 

A wave of shame washed over her again, tightening her chest. Unconsciously, her clenched knuckles turned ghostly white. But Dam-young didn’t press further—it seemed he hadn’t expected an answer in the first place. 

After a brief silence, Eo-ryeong mustered the courage to turn her head. 

“...Huh.” 

The tension that had been building inside her abruptly dissipated when she realized he had fallen asleep. Here she was, completely on edge, while he rested peacefully. 

But if he had been awake and their eyes had met, it would have been equally awkward. In a way, this outcome was preferable. 

Taking the opportunity, Eo-ryeong studied his face carefully. 

His long, thick lashes—unusually lush for a man—cast soft shadows on his cheeks. The striking features that had captured her attention from afar now made her heart race up close, as though she were gazing upon a masterpiece crafted by a genius painter. 

“We’ve arrived.” 

So mesmerizing was his face that she hadn’t even noticed the car had stopped. 

Startled awake, Eo-ryeong stammered, “Yes, yes,” and reached for the door handle. However, Dam-young was leaning against her, and if she got out now, he might tumble forward. 

Carefully, she eased him back against the seat. Her gaze lingered on his aesthetically pleasing face for a few seconds longer before she finally stepped out of the car. 

As she approached her house, she hesitated, wondering whether to glance back at the car—but decided against it. 

Caught by some inexplicable reluctance, she focused on not looking back until she entered her home. Only later did she realize she hadn’t heard the car drive away until after she was safely inside.