Chapter 13

Jeong Yuseon raised her gaze to the elevator display. 21st floor, 22nd floor. The red numbers were firmly in place, but their shape differed.

The elevator slid upward and soon stopped in front of the 22nd floor. Ding, the door opened. Yuseon quickly stepped out.

“Yuseon, Kang-joo still doesn’t know anything. He has no interest in marriage. In a situation like this, the person who has their eyes on someone has to make the first move. I’ll let him know, so would you like to go visit him? Five o’clock would be good. You can have dinner together too.”

Yuseon recalled her phone conversation with Yeong-hyeon from yesterday. Yeong-hyeon, Kang-joo’s mother, had sent Yuseon a love call months ago. After they had built a relationship overseas, they kept in touch, and one day, Yeong-hyeon subtly tested Yuseon.

“Yuseon, what do you think of Kang-joo? You should meet him sometime...”

“Oh, Kang-joo is such a charming person, Director.”

Before Yeong-hyeon finished her question, Yuseon eagerly nodded, pleased.

Cha Kang-joo. He was the person Yuseon had been eyeing for some time. They occasionally ran into each other at parties, but that was about it. Yuseon had wanted to build a closer relationship, but every attempt had failed. Kang-joo was kind and warm, but he had a peculiar way of building walls around himself, making it hard to approach him.

Even without the halo of the Seonggang Group, he was still an impressive man. His relaxed smile, his ingrained manners, and his confident demeanor naturally drew attention.

Any mother with a daughter would glance at him with greedy eyes. To think that his own mother liked her, it was quite flattering. When Yeong-hyeon first brought up the topic of marriage, Yuseon had to hold back from bursting into joy.

But what seemed to be progressing smoothly hit a snag. Kang-joo himself was uninterested in marriage. What was marriage, anyway? He always turned down formal blind dates. Yeong-hyeon pushed several times, but he always shook his head.

He gave excuses like being too busy, saying it wasn’t the right time, or repeating the cliché that he wasn’t interested. Always, it was “next time, next time.”

Eventually, Yuseon took matters into her own hands. She made the decision to visit him in person like this.

As her high heels clicked along, the secretary, guarding the executive office, looked up.

“May I help you?”

“I’m Jeong Yuseon from Buyeong Group. Director Yeo should have informed you.”

Buyeong Group Jeong Yuseon. With just her background and name, she was given a free pass. Yuseon casually offered a box of cookies to the secretary.

“Please have one.”

“Oh, thank you.”

With a smile, Yuseon passed by the secretary’s desk and stepped into the office. Inside, the curtains were drawn, and bright sunlight poured in.

“Hello, it’s Jeong Yuseon.”

Kang-joo was sitting at a slight angle by the window, talking on the phone with his mother, Yeong-hyeon. Yeong-hyeon had told him that Yuseon was coming and urged him to be kind and polite, especially since Yuseon would be seeing her face.

“Has Yuseon arrived already? Be polite, be kind. Alright? Mom trusts you.”

“...”

While holding the phone, Kang-joo stared at the entrance of his personal office. He saw Yuseon walking confidently inside.

He pressed the call-end button. As he lowered the phone, a faint hint of irritation flickered across his face. But when he looked up again and met Yuseon’s eyes, a smooth smile appeared on his face, as if it had been planned.

“Hello, I’m Cha Kang-joo. I’m a little surprised by your sudden visit.”

With a gesture, he indicated for Yuseon to sit. Instead of sitting across from her, Kang-joo took a seat at his desk. He placed the box of cookies down while Yuseon comfortably sat on the sofa. Kang-joo, clearly showing distance, still wore his confident expression.

“Is it uncomfortable that I came uninvited?”

“It is uncomfortable.”

Kang-joo replied with a smile, as if his answer were razor-sharp. Yuseon widened her eyes slightly but smiled back casually.

“You’re more straightforward than I expected.”

“If we beat around the bush, it will be tiring for both of us.”

Kang-joo, resting his chin on his hand, stared intently at Yuseon. The polite smile on his face, still freshly drawn, remained.

Yuseon crossed her legs and comfortably leaned back on the sofa. Her posture signaled that she wasn’t bothered by his blunt rejection and had no intention of leaving.

“I’m not sure if you know this, but I came here of my own will. It wasn’t because my family pushed me to. So, please don’t be too wary.”

“That’s unfortunate. I’m here right now because of my mother’s wishes, not mine.”

“So, are you saying you wouldn’t be dealing with me if it weren’t for Director Yeo?”

Instead of answering, Kang-joo simply returned his smile. It was a sign of affirmation. Yuseon, now sitting with her legs crossed the other way, spoke in a direct yet somewhat endearing tone.

“Please, Kang-joo. The truth is, I’ve been interested in you for a while. I’ve wanted to get closer to you, even if it meant sticking around like this.”

“...”

“I always take what I want.”

Her confident attitude was rooted in self-assurance. A solid background and flawless appearance.

Even if Kang-joo, standing before her, put up a cold wall under the excuse of “not being interested in marriage,” it didn’t matter. As a man, he couldn’t help it. Unless he were gay, he would eventually give in. After all, marriage had to happen, and there couldn’t be a better match than someone like her with perfect conditions.

Kang-joo set down the pen he had been holding. He stared at Yuseon.

“......”

Yuseon, momentarily tense, rubbed her palms together. The smile on his face had completely vanished, and his expression now appeared distinctly cold. But this lasted only for a moment. When Kang-joo consciously smiled again and stood up from his seat, her tension eased.

“It seems to me that relationships are always one-sided for you, Yuseon.”

He spoke calmly, standing in front of the coffee machine. Coffee? She nodded toward his deep voice. Yes, coffee.

The sound of the coffee beans grinding filled the air, and the rich aroma of coffee spread throughout the office. Soon, Kang-joo returned with two cups, placing one in front of Yuseon before sitting down across from her.

They drank their coffee in silence. The silence lingered between them, surrounded by the rising haze of coffee scent. After a brief pause, Kang-joo finally spoke.

“I can offer you a cup of tea. After all, my mother’s face is here too.”

Kang-joo, pushing his cup aside, leaned back against the sofa. He stared at Yuseon, his gaze still chilly, with his chin resting in his hand.

“But that’s where it ends.”

“......”

The rejection was delivered bluntly. The cold sentence implied that once the coffee was finished, it would be time for her to leave.

Yuseon gripped her cup tightly. For a moment, her eyes twitched, but she quickly concealed it.

After taking a couple more sips of her coffee, Yuseon set the cup down neatly. She wrapped her scarf around her neck and stood up, picking up her bag with a sense of lingering regret, as if her feelings were only half-empty, like the coffee that was still left in her cup.

“Alright, I understand what you mean.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

Yuseon gave Kang-joo a long, steady look as he escorted her to the door. His solid hand opened the office door to guide her out. The charming smile he wore was just an added touch.

With such a polite expression, he was still cutting her off so abruptly. Yuseon slipped her body through the door he had opened. As she turned to look back at Kang-joo, who was giving her a final farewell, she smiled brightly.

“You said earlier, right? That you’d offer me tea at least because of Director Yeo’s face. I’ll come again for coffee next time. See you then.”

After casually promising to come again, Yuseon left.

“......”

Kang-joo silently watched Yuseon’s back as she walked away. The smile he had consciously put on had faded completely.

He turned his head. The secretary, who had been sitting next to the door, quickly looked away, having been caught secretly watching the interaction between Kang-joo and the woman from the Buyong Group.

Kang-joo’s gaze fell to the secretary’s desk. There was the cookie box. The same one Yuseon had placed on the coffee table in the office.

It seemed like one had already been taken, as a cookie wrapper was carelessly lying on the saucer. Kang-joo stared at the crumpled wrapper for a moment before calling the secretary.

“Secretary Choi. You let an outsider in without my permission.”

“Well, Director Yeo called directly, so there wasn’t much I could do—”

“Then why are you here, working as my mother’s secretary?”

“......”

Secretary Choi nervously looked up at Kang-joo, unsure of what to say. He seemed flustered, his lips moving but no words coming out. The usually composed Kang-joo was clearly mocking him, showing his displeasure.

Secretary Choi finally realized his mistake. Oh, I’ve messed up. He had gotten too relaxed around Kang-joo, who had always been gentle and well-mannered. Forgetting that the man could look this cold when upset had been a huge mistake.

“Oh, I’m sorry. It’s just—”

“Find a replacement. Whether it’s a reassignment or hiring a new person, do it as soon as possible.”

Kang-joo cut off Secretary Choi, turning his back. The startled secretary immediately stood up.

“Director?”

Kang-joo turned his head just slightly, speaking firmly.

“Make sure the handover is done properly. The position of Secretary Choi is now my direct secretary. Get someone who can follow the right path.”

With a heavy thud, the door was closed. Secretary Choi stared at the closed door and nervously bit his nails.

“Ah... I’m done for.”

It was because of Director Yeo’s request that he had guided the guest without thinking. A sigh-like breath escaped his lips.

Director Kang-joo. Always acting politely and never arrogant, he was the perfect boss, one who didn’t require flattery. And now, he had just kicked the cushy position of assisting him to the curb.

Meanwhile, Yuseon pressed the elevator button and hummed a tune under her breath.

Kang-joo had coldly and harshly pushed her away, but she wasn’t really hurt. In fact, she felt even more drawn to his unwavering stance. Isn’t it attractive? Much more than those types who wag their tails like puppies, trying to please at every turn. There’s a certain satisfaction when you possess something rare and difficult to attain.

“He’s handsome, though.”

Yuseon shrugged as she recalled Kang-joo from earlier. A smile involuntarily spread across her face.

After work, in the car on his way home, Kang-joo called Younghyeon. After a few rings, she picked up as if she had been waiting.

• Kang-joo? How was it today? Did you have dinner with Yuseon? I’ve been so busy that I haven’t been able to talk to her since then. Was everything okay?

Although it was Kang-joo who had called, Younghyeon’s questions came pouring out. Kang-joo didn’t even have the chance to respond as he listened to his mother’s voice. Once there was a pause, he finally answered slowly.

“We didn’t have dinner together, and it didn’t go well.”

• Huh? Why? Didn’t you have any other plans for the evening?

Kang-joo stopped the car at a red light and drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. The information that he didn’t have any other schedule was probably leaked by his secretary. This was going to get annoying. He didn’t want to meet someone he wasn’t interested in...

As the light turned green, Kang-joo pressed the accelerator.

“I’m seeing someone.”

• What? What did you say?

“I said I’m seeing someone.”

• “Oh my, really? Who is it? Could it be someone your dad introduced this time?”

Her mother muttered with a voice full of disapproval, as she didn’t like the idea of those people. From what she had seen, it seemed like Kang-joo wasn’t satisfied with the matches his father had tried to set up, so it looked like Younghyeon had high standards for the person Kang-joo would be with.

Kang-joo avoided giving a clear answer and promised to introduce the person later.

“I’ll introduce them later.”

• “Later? When? Why not now? Does that mean it’s not a serious relationship?”

“It’s serious.”

Kang-joo answered without hesitation. Then, hearing the silence from Younghyeon on the other end of the line, he continued with a voice full of warmth, as if trying to reassure her, speaking gently as if to comfort her.

“Don’t worry. When the time comes, I’ll introduce them to you first.”

• “...Mom doesn’t need to worry, right?”

“Yes.”

Younghyeon sighed softly on the other end of the phone. She couldn’t tell whether Kang-joo’s words were just an excuse to get through the situation. If he really was seeing someone, she hoped they were a suitable match.

Since she hadn’t been able to look after Kang-joo properly when he was younger, Younghyeon had always carried a sense of debt toward him. This was why she was so eager to find him a good wife. She wanted him to receive the love and affection she couldn’t give him.

“Anyway, I hope nothing like today happens again, Mother.”

• “Alright, I understand. But you should meet them one more time...”

“I’m entering the parking lot now. The call quality isn’t great. I’ll call you later.”

While driving down the main road, Kang-joo cut off Younghyeon’s words.

As soon as Jae-hee arrived home, she went straight to the bathroom to wash herself with hot water. She ran into her room and submerged herself in the misty, warm water, letting out a deep sigh.

She didn’t know how she had managed to work until quitting time. The unfamiliar news she had heard through the company messenger had been gnawing at her the entire workday.

“Did you hear? The daughter of Buyong Group has been coming in and out of the director’s office?”

Rumors spread as quickly as the wind. The name “Jeong Yuseon,” who had visited Kang-joo’s office earlier that day, was already making its rounds on the company messenger. A meeting between two wealthy families. It was obvious. When someone openly visits another company’s office like that, it’s clear there’s some sort of progression between them.

A young and handsome executive. The capable heir to a conglomerate. Kang-joo was the perfect subject for gossip, both in terms of looks and background. Everyone was intrigued and would definitely want to listen to the rumors.

Of course, Jae-hee didn’t take the rumors seriously. She just saw them as a way to pass the time during her monotonous workday.

However, the light-hearted gossip had weighed heavily on someone’s heart, like a boulder pressing down. To Yoon Jae-hee, it had come as a frightening and intimidating rumor.

“Sigh...”

Jae-hee wiped the water running down her face and sighed again. Then, she wrapped herself in a towel and walked out.

She lay down on the large bed. It was the new bed Kang-joo had bought for her. It was soft and comfortable, but she hadn’t spent much time lying on it. Her nights were always spent on Kang-joo’s bed.

She absentmindedly traced the fabric of the bed sheets. The soft, cool sensation enveloped her.

“It’s just like him.”

Soft yet cold. Kind yet distant.

She had felt like there was a hole in her heart since earlier. The empty space was now filled with cold reality, and a chill ran through her entire body.

After a while, she heard movement from outside. It seemed like Kang-joo had arrived. Jae-hee quickly got up, changed into her pajamas, and went outside. Kang-joo wasn’t visible; he seemed to be washing up.

‘Should I ask him if he’s eaten? Should I ask if he had dinner with that Jeong Yuseon?’

Had he gone out for a meal with her?

Jae-hee sat awkwardly in the living room, contemplating. It felt strange, as it was a usual dinner, but tonight, she wasn’t sure how to look at him. She wanted to act as if she knew nothing, but her emotions weren’t that simple.

She fidgeted with her toes, glanced at the kitchen, touched a book on the table, and nervously looked out the dark window, her eyes darting back and forth.

Finally, when Kang-joo emerged, she straightened up and sat with a tense posture. Kang-joo opened the fridge to grab some water and spoke.

“Maybe I should start taking the subway with you, holding your hand like we’re on good terms.”

“Why?”

“I always see you arriving first, and I’m a bit jealous.”

Kang-joo smiled lightly as he ran his wet hair through his fingers.

“You’ll probably find it hard. There are so many people.”

“You do it every day, though.”

“I’m used to it...”

It was amusing to divide people into those who could take the subway and those who couldn’t, but from Jae-hee’s perspective, Kang-joo was someone who didn’t seem like he could ever take the subway. If he bought a whole subway car, that would be one thing.

While engaging in this trivial conversation, Jae-hee awkwardly fidgeted with her hands.

She felt anxious and fearful facing him now. She was nervous, afraid that the happiness she was currently experiencing, so simple and natural, might end just like that.

If Kang-joo ever kicked her out of this place, she would have to leave without hesitation. That was the nature of their relationship. A proper order, an unspoken agreement.

She had approached him with the intent to throw herself into it, but had learned nothing. She still didn’t know the truth about his mother or the past involving Chairman Cha. She had yet to uncover anything.

Kang-joo stared at Jae-hee, who had fallen silent. He placed the glass of water on the table, narrowing his eyes as if deep in thought. It seemed like he had sensed something from Jae-hee’s expression. It was obvious, without even needing to ask. It was clear that she had heard some rumors.

He sat down on the sofa opposite Jae-hee and spoke.

She was anxious and fearful facing him now. The situation felt strange, as if the happiness she had been experiencing in such a natural, everyday way might come to an end.

If Kang-joo ever kicked her out of this place, she would have to leave without hesitation. That was the nature of their relationship. It was a proper order, an unspoken agreement.

She had approached him ready to throw herself into it, but learned nothing. She didn’t know the truth about his mother or the past with Chairman Cha. She hadn’t discovered anything yet.

Kang-joo stared at Jae-hee, who had become silent. He placed the glass of water on the table, squinting as if lost in thought. It seemed he had sensed something in Jae-hee’s expression. It was obvious, without even needing to ask. She had clearly heard some rumors.

He sat down on the sofa opposite Jae-hee and spoke.

“Did you hear any rumors? Don’t worry about it.”

Jae-hee lowered her gaze to the table, staring at the elegant marble pattern.

‘So this is the moment the words come out.’

The fact that she was feeling despair didn’t make sense. Kang-joo and she were in a relationship that didn’t need such excuses.

She nervously rubbed the leather of the sofa before raising her head.

“Um... I’m fine, Manager.”

She forced a smile, hoping it wouldn’t seem awkward, and continued.

“I’m not trying to interfere. You don’t need to worry about me.”

She spoke calmly, almost as if confessing. It felt ridiculous that she was hurting herself with these words, but this wound was one she had caused herself. She had wanted to be by his side at first, now she wanted to know the truth about his mother. She had jumped into the fire, knowing how it would end, and it was her own doing.

She had no intention of blaming him or resenting the situation. She just hoped the end with him would be delayed a bit longer.

“I really don’t care. Whoever you meet, that’s your personal business.”

Kang-joo’s face slowly hardened.

He seemed to freeze, as if splashed with ice water. Jae-hee didn’t notice his expression as she continued muttering.

“But if you do get married, please let me know in advance. I don’t want to be the other woman.”

She raised her head, trying to maintain her composure and forced a smile. She barely managed to hold back the tears that seemed on the verge of falling. Sharp, jagged emotions broke inside her, leaving wounds.

Yeah, pretending for her mom’s sake—was that really such a big deal?

……

Kang-joo’s face cracked slightly. In his usually deep, calm eyes, flames began to rise.

Jae-hee, facing him, instinctively leaned back against the sofa. The nervous tension made her shoulders shrink slightly. He was just staring at her, but she felt like an accused child. She struggled to suppress the urge to escape from his gaze.

Kang-joo clenched his teeth and spoke as if chewing the words.

“Right. It’s none of your business, Jae-hee. We’re just sex partners.”

……

“Yeah, if you want, I’ll tell you.”

Kang-joo stopped there, staring at her. His gaze, so deeply sunk, felt like it could scrape to the very bottom of her soul.

He slowly pushed his hair back. A cold smile briefly tugged at the corner of his mouth.

“I’ll give you what you want, but Jae-hee, you’ll have to give me what I want too.”

“Excuse me? What...?”

Kang-joo lazily sank into the sofa, leaning back like a predator. His voice, commanding and authoritative, almost like a demand.

“Suck.”

Jae-hee’s gaze wavered.

She had spent many nights with him, but this was the first time she had heard such direct words. She had always considered herself his sex partner, but this felt like a relationship that was purely physical.

Even if it was true, hearing it confirmed like this made her heart drop.

Unable to approach, Jae-hee hesitated, biting her lips in confusion. A smile slowly spread across his face.

“You came to my house for sex, didn’t you?”

……

“Don’t like it?”

He arrogantly asked with eyes full of malice.

There was no coercion, no forceful grip, just a leisurely and quiet suggestion that drew her toward him.

Jae-hee rose from her seat like a ghost. She couldn’t even bring herself to refuse the sudden proposition.

This was the raw truth of their relationship. His kindness and gentleness were just a thin veneer over burning desires. Once the shell was stripped away, only lascivious needs remained.

Jae-hee knelt at Kang-joo’s feet. His figure, seated firmly, looked like an arrogant dictator.

Though her mind was made up, she couldn’t summon the courage easily and simply stared at his solid legs. Beneath her lowered chin, a firm hand lifted her face.

Kang-joo pulled her chin up, looking down at her, asking emotionlessly.

“Should I wait longer?”

His voice was incredibly soft, yet his gaze felt unfamiliar, like that of a stranger. What had made his eyes grow so cold? Why?

Jae-hee couldn’t understand anything. The situation felt just as ambiguous.

So, she was now kneeling, lying flat for the truth. She feared this relationship might end like this. Like a spider dangling in mid-air, she clung desperately to the web, swaying with every gust of wind, too afraid to sever the thread.

Suddenly, a sense of injustice surged within her.

She hated the past where she had silently cherished her unrequited love for him, and she felt bitter about the current situation where their relationship was nothing more than a mutual exchange.

‘How much would you charge to let me cum inside?’

The words Kang-joo had thrown at her suddenly came to mind, and Jaehee smiled faintly.

Yes, if our sex is a mutual exchange, as you say, then I should receive something in return. I will become an utterly vulgar and materialistic woman, creating a valid reason to be by your side.

If the reason I am kneeling before you now is not love. If our relationship is not love. If it is solely based on our mutual purposes.

Jaehee took a deep breath in her heart. And with hardened eyes, she looked up at him intently.

“You once said, Director, that our relationship is a mutual exchange, so I should say anything I want.”

Kang-joo did not avoid her unwavering gaze. Jaehee calmly continued, meeting his dry gaze.

“You’ve given me everything I wanted... But now that I think about it, just having my rent waived seems like a losing deal for me.”

“......”

“Give me compensation.”

She casually mentioned compensation. The hand Kang-joo had on her chin tightened. His elegant jawline moved firmly and then relaxed, as if he had clenched his teeth.

Jaehee swallowed nervously. His persistent gaze felt like it was about to devour her, making it hard to breathe. It would be better if he gave any kind of answer. Instead of waiting for his reply, Jaehee continued, feigning boldness.

“When I think about it, it will all be over when you get married, Director, but I think I’ve been missing a good opportunity.”

She put all her effort into becoming materialistic. She squeezed out all her courage and audacity and hid her self-loathing.

His hand that had been holding Jaehee’s chin slowly fell away. A suffocating silence followed. Jaehee swallowed hard. In fact, what she was desperately swallowing was not saliva, but something closer to tension and anxiety.

His wavering gaze settled heavily on Jaehee’s face. It lingered for a long time, rummaging, scanning, and digging.

Then, Kang-joo smiled softly. He simply raised the corners of his lips, but the coldness that had penetrated between them calmly melted away.

“Okay. What should I give you? Money?”

It was a question that poured out humiliation in a direct sentence. Jaehee’s neck flushed red with shame. It was a reaction she had expected, but just because she had expected it didn’t mean she wasn’t hurt.

Before she could answer, Kang-joo leaned back on the sofa and continued leisurely, like a predator about to tear into its prey.

“Luckily, I have a lot of money. So... how much would satisfy you?”

“Money is good, but nothing comes to mind right now. I’ll decide gradually after seeing what else you want from me, Director, and how far you want to go.”

Even as she spoke calmly, Jaehee was surprised at herself. This is a real deal, isn’t it? She was giving her body to meet his expectations and demanding a definite reward that would fall into her hands.

It started with a remark she impulsively blurted out due to a sudden surge of defiance. And now, it has become like a negotiated agreement on a negotiation table.

Kang-joo raised the corner of his lips as if mocking her.

“I’m curious what you’ll ask for. What you really want from me, Jaehee.”

He stroked his chin once, as if intrigued, and continued.

“Okay. If you want it, I’ll grant it all within my power.”

“I won’t make any unreasonable demands either.”

Jaehee lifted her head, pretending to be confident, and answered boldly.

Yes, there’s no turning back now. If it has really become a deal to sell my body, I intended to use it properly. Perhaps, it could even be used in the process of uncovering the truth about my mother.

Just now, the compensation for the act of ‘being by his side’ was determined. The things she would receive in exchange for giving her body as he demanded and burying her head between his legs.

Compensation. Now, she was not even his sex partner. Isn’t this selling my body? The demand she made to him was a boulder that crushed her own heart, and it was a perfect definition that revealed the relationship between him and her.

The ornate chandelier above Kang-joo’s head shone blindingly. It was dazzling. Her eyes felt like they were about to tear up, so she slowly closed and then opened them. Fortunately, her pupils, which had been blurring with moisture, cleared up.

She prayed that her feelings would not reach him. That he wouldn’t see the cracks behind her face of feigned composure.

His hand slowly came around the back of her neck. And that hand gently pulled her towards him.

Jaehee forcibly lowered her upper body between his legs. Naturally, without being able to resist.

A calm voice fell from above her bowed head.

“Then now, show me what you’re worth, Jaehee.”

An extremely gentle voice commanded arrogantly.

A chill ran over Jaehee’s lips. A faint sense of shame arose, and a feverish anxiety ran through her entire body. It was fortunate that she was bowing her head. If she had continued to face him, her painfully bitten lips would have been revealed.

At the end of her gaze, she saw his gown. Beneath the gown, a large, heavy form was outlined. She carefully reached out and slowly pulled back the fabric. A half-erect penis suddenly appeared.

She unknowingly gasped. She had only ever had him inside her, never faced him so nakedly close like this. Even the blood vessels surrounding the shaft felt dangerous.

Jaehee gathered her courage and grasped the shaft. Even though it wasn’t fully erect yet, it was difficult to hold with one hand, so she gripped it with both palms. And she lowered her head towards the head of his penis that was peeking out above her thumb.

A sticky liquid was beaded at the tip. Jaehee, not knowing what to do, wet her lips with the tip of her tongue and then shyly parted her lips. Something slippery touched her lips. The tip, barely caught, poked the roof of her mouth.

From above her head, she heard Kang-joo’s suppressed breathing. Hot breath tinged with excitement.

Jaehee felt a strange tickle in her stomach and fidgeted with the hands holding the shaft before slightly pulling her head back. The penis slipped out from between her red lips.

A nervous sigh escaped her. She hadn’t even been able to fully take the tip into her mouth, but her jaw felt strangely stiff and uncomfortable. Was she doing this right?

‘What should I do?’

Jaehee worried, holding his penis. She didn’t know what to do. Having never done it before, she hesitated in her actions.

“Did you just taste it and finish?”

Jaehee, with a pale face, only bit her lip. Kang-joo tapped Jaehee’s cheek with a teasing voice.

“Do it again properly.”

(Missing page)

I wanted to ignore my own lewd reaction. But instead of ignoring it, I used one hand to spread my labia, and rubbed against the wet valley revealed between them. The clitoris, exposed after the foreskin was peeled back, gleamed with lubricating fluid.

“Touch up there too.  Jaehee, you like it when I touch you there, don’t you?”

Kang-joo said it like a command to Jaehee, who was clumsily masturbating.

Jaehee diligently followed his instructions. She brought her hand to the clitoris revealed between her spread labia.

“Ah!”

A sharp thrill of pleasure briefly shot through her.

Jaehee began to clumsily touch her clitoris. She mimicked the feeling of his touch, remembering it.  She rubbed and stroked the pointed nub, and as she gently rotated it with her fingertips, a lewd sensation tickled her insides.

“Ah, uh… “

Her fingers slipped in the copious lubricating fluid that gushed out. She parted and rubbed her soft, tender labia with her fingertips, then moved back up to crush her clitoris.

“Hng…”

Another moan, like a groan, escaped her. Jaehee bit her lip, desperately suppressing her moans.

Pleasure surged from the explicit act of self-arousal. With every touch, pleasure bloomed from her quivering labia.

Her white nape flushed red with arousal. Jaehee swallowed her sobs with difficulty, clumsily stimulating herself like someone masturbating for the first time. Her labia, twitching lewdly as if wanting penetration, gushed out lubricating fluid.

“Uh, uh-huh.”

Even with her eyes closed, she felt his gaze piercing her genitals.

She felt ashamed to be revealing her hidden desires, her unwilling arousal, in front of him.

If Kang-joo weren’t there, she wouldn’t have felt this way.  Amidst the shame, the excitement surged from the fact that he was watching her, as if about to strip her naked.

The fact that she was performing this secret, explicit act, an act she couldn’t show anyone, in front of him, evoked a pleasure that felt like a sin.

The strap barely holding her dress on her shoulders slipped down. The fabric covering her breasts slid down subtly. One breast was lewdly exposed. Her nipple was sharply erect with arousal.

Jaehee continued moving her hand, unaware that one of her breasts was completely exposed.

“Touch your breasts too. Like I do.”

Only when his low voice rasped did she manage to clumsily grasp her breast with one hand. Her ample breasts were difficult to hold with one hand.

“Ah… uh… “

She moaned, rubbing her genitals with one hand and caressing her breasts with the other.

The soft flesh gathered and then gently pressed down. The plump, swollen nipples trembled and were crushed.

She squeezed and twisted her nipple with her thumb and forefinger. The thick nipple flattened and popped out between her fingers.

“Ah!”

Her shoulders twitched from the stimulation.

Jaehee curled her toes, rubbing her lewdly gaping labia and stimulating her stiffly erect clitoris. She felt like she was on the verge of an all-consuming pleasure, but hesitation kept creeping into her hands.

Kang-joo, who had been watching Jaehee, rose from his seat. His penis, engorged beyond its limits, stood stiffly erect, reaching up to his navel.

He pushed aside his robe, revealing his suddenly appearing penis, and approached Jaehee, swaying it slightly.

“Mr. Kang-joo…?”

Jaehee’s panting voice called out to him with difficulty. She stopped moving and stared blankly at him. Her cheeks were flushed red with arousal.

Kang-joo unceremoniously grabbed her breasts. Her soft breasts were roughly crushed.

“Ah!”

Jaehee was startled and pushed him away. Kang-joo pinned her down, squeezed her breasts together, and bit hard on her protruding nipple.

“Ah!”

As Jaehee moaned, tilting her head back, he released his grip and sucked strongly. He wrapped his tongue around the erect nipple and sucked so hard it made a sound.

As if even swallowing it whole wasn’t enough, unable to control his impulse, he bit the nipple painfully again.  “Ung!” Jaehee shook her head, then embraced his head, unable to bear the pleasure bordering on pain.

His teeth scraped against the sensitive peak as he sucked and chewed fiercely.  A feverish moan erupted. His breath, too, was hot against her breasts.

“Ah… uh! Ung.”

Jaehee’s toes curled. Her body, already familiar with arousal, instinctively drew her to him.

She couldn’t find satisfaction in simply caressing her breasts and stimulating her clitoris.  She felt like she needed to take his throbbing penis inside her to quench this thirst.

Kang-joo, clinging to Jaehee’s breasts like a madman, released her nipple. Then, he spread her legs wide and buried his face between them.

“Mr. Kang-joo, uh…!”

Jaehee covered her genitals with her hand. Her fingertips trembled like a frightened herbivore. She felt ashamed of her lower body, exposed as if thrust before his face.  It had already been exposed long ago, but the mere proximity of his gaze made her feel ashamed anew.

Kang-joo’s hands firmly grasped Jaehee’s thighs.

“Ah, Mr. Kang-joo, wait…”

Then, he pinned her down, struggling, and lowered his face between her legs. He buried his face in her crotch and gently rubbed her clitoris, engorged with arousal.

“Ah!”

A sharp cry escaped Jaehee.

A pleasure unlike anything she’d experienced alone surged through her body. Her body twitched with a thrilling, dizzying sensation.

He spread her struggling thighs even wider, his grip leaving red marks on her pale skin.

His thick tongue slowly rubbed and gently licked Jaehee’s clitoris.  He caressed it with his lips, as if comforting her efforts.

“Ah… ah.”

Jaehee let out a feverish moan, her labia twitching. Kang-joo thrust his tongue into the opening and closing gap. He stirred her heated insides, thrusting it in deeply. The sound of his tongue rubbing against her wet flesh was lewd.

“Haah, uh…!”

Jaehee moaned with her eyes closed. Her head tilted back, her lips parted.

The arousal that surged to the top of her head frightened her, and she frantically pushed Kang-joo’s shoulders. But Kang-joo’s solid body didn’t even flinch. He continued to lick her clitoris and sloppily lick the gap between her labia, savoring her pleasure.

“Mr. Gang, Mr. Kang-joo, uh, ah…!”

Her overheated body easily succumbed to his gentle touch. Jaehee trembled violently as she reached her climax, her breathing ragged.

Kang-joo’s tongue invaded her insides, which were quivering with arousal. Jaehee’s labia, tightening and loosening, pulled and sucked Kang-joo in.

Kang-joo lewdly licked her opening, as if soothing her orgasm.

“Hng…”

Her climax-stricken body went limp.

Before her orgasm completely subsided, Kang-joo hastily entered Jaehee’s legs. Then, he quickly thrust his aroused penis into her opening.

“Ah!”

Jaehee’s insides, still trembling from the aftereffects, tightly gripped him. She instinctively sucked and writhed, as if she would devour him.

He began to move his hips.

His penis violently thrust into her, piercing through the lingering orgasm. He roughly tore and ravaged her slippery insides.

“Ah, ah, uh!”

Jaehee clung to his shoulders, shaking uncontrollably. His heavy breathing filled her ears. He was moaning like a beast, lost in arousal.

It was chaotic. The hurried, frantic thrusting felt less like human sex and more like animal coupling.

His penis, thrust deep into her, scraped against her mucous membrane as it withdrew and then thrust in again.

“Ah…!”

Jaehee cried out.  Opaque lubricating fluid flowed down between the thrusting hole.  A lewd sound echoed loudly with each fast, grinding friction.

Kang-joo thrust his penis in with his full weight. Jaehee’s writhing body was pushed to the edge of the sofa. The glans, scraping the inside, made a wet, slapping sound as it pounded in like a stake.  A piercing pleasure struck her like lightning.

“Ah, uh! Ha-ung, ah!”

She moved wildly under him.  Her tender labia turned crimson from his pounding thrusts.

“Aaah! Uh…!”

Jaehee let out a long moan as she approached her climax.

As if sensing her end, Kang-joo forcefully spread her quivering opening and thrust his penis deep inside. He pulled her towards him, gripping her waist, and poured his hot semen inside her.

“K-huh.”

“Ah… ah-ung…”

Jaehee writhed her waist, panting heavily.

Her insides squeezed his painfully. Her mucous membrane, rapidly contracting and relaxing, sucked his penis, extracting every last drop of semen.

Jaehee trembled, still gripping him. Her body was too overwhelmed with pleasure to control.  An orgasm nearing its limit engulfed her body like a flame.

“Huk… ah…”

Jaehee sobbed, her shoulders shaking. The tremors wouldn’t stop. The prolonged climax was frightening.

Kang-joo pressed his penis into her quivering vagina. Then, he hugged her small, writhing body tightly.

“Shhh… it’s okay.”

A gentle voice soothed her.

Jaehee, nestled like a baby in a swaddling cloth, let out her excited breath. The unfamiliar fear vanished like a lie at his voice.

Clinging to Kang-joo’s strong arm, Jaehee let out a tearful sigh. The trembling gradually subsided, her breathing slowly returning to normal. Her body, having passed the ordeal, went limp.

Kang-joo rubbed his cheek against her hair, whispering to himself.

“I can see everything about Jaehee, from the tips of your hair to your toes, deep inside… but… I can’t see anything else. I can’t see it.”

Jaehee barely managed to lift her hazy eyes. She tried to focus on his voice, but her body kept melting languidly.  Her body, like wet cotton, stretched out, sinking into a dull numbness.

“The only truth I can hear from you is this moan.”

Jaehee’s hand, which had been holding his arm, fell limply.

Kang-joo firmly grasped her fallen hand and continued to whisper.

“So what can I do? I have no choice but to cling to this.”

Jae-hee, who had been tossing and turning, slowly opened her eyes. She could see him, holding her tightly in his arms. The blue dawn light was pouring in over his broad shoulders.

She couldn’t even remember how many peaks she had climbed and descended throughout the night. Trapped in him, swaying and being tossed around, her cheeks wet with tears, she had passed through the deep night and arrived at this moment.

Kang-joo had washed Jae-hee himself and then wrapped her in a large towel, holding her close. He lay down, cradling her as if soothing a swaddled baby.

“......”

A slow breath escaped from Jae-hee. Her whole body felt lethargic. She felt as if she was melting away, her body no longer her own. Her lower body trembled slightly, lacking strength.

She remembered his sharp gaze that had enveloped her like a tidal wave. It had glinted and twisted as if he would devour her alive. With those eyes, he had violated and pushed her to her limits.

Even though she was nestled in his arms, a cold chill ran down her spine. A shiver coursed through her, making her teeth chatter. It was a chill that pressed down on her mentally.

“Are you cold?”

His gentle touch brushed against her back. He caressed her, soothing her. Jae-hee shook her head. As she moved, the cloth that had covered her shoulders slipped away. She stretched her arms and wrapped them around his neck, burrowing into his embrace. Pressing her cheek against his broad chest, she could hear the steady beat of his heart.

Cha Kang-joo. Cha Kang-joo. After listening to the sound of his heart for a while as he gently soothed her, she looked up at him. She could see his elegantly defined jawline.

“Director.”

Kang-joo lowered his head and gazed at Jae-hee. She whispered softly, almost as if spilling her words towards his languid eyes.

“I miss the mansion. The big house where I lived when I was young. The place I spent time with you.”

“......”

“It wasn’t my house, but sometimes it comes to mind.”

The small room where they studied together. It must have been a painful memory for Kang-joo, yet it was a place where they had shared a sense of excitement together, even in the storage room. The main house where she occasionally followed her mother. The spacious garden where she used to sit with Kang-joo and enjoy the sunlight.

She wanted to go there and find something, anything related to her mother’s incident. Although everything might have been erased by now, she felt she had to try to do something.

As Kang-joo gently tucked her fallen hair behind her ear, he asked.

“Do you miss it?”

“Yes, a little.”

“I’m going on a family trip soon and will be away from home. Should we go visit?”

“Really?”

Jae-hee’s eyes widened as she hugged his waist. The smooth skin that touched her palm was firm and warm. She clung to him even more. Kang-joo embraced her in return and kissed her forehead, continuing to speak while rubbing her lower abdomen with his palm.

“I told you, if I can, I’ll do anything for you. Just tell me. If you want something, I’ll make it happen.”

“But if it’s a family trip, don’t you have to go too?”

At her words, Kang-joo smiled faintly.

“Jae-hee, I’ve never been part of that family.”

He said it casually, wrapping her tightly in his arms, holding her firmly against him.

He nestled into her neck, resting his forehead against her cheek. As if wanting to feel her body heat, he rubbed his cheek against her skin for a while, then muttered self-deprecatingly.

“Because there has always been only one person who stayed by my side.”