Episode 23
Taeyoon clenched his teeth. As if trying to deny the unbelievable reality, he twisted his lips bitterly and finally opened his mouth with difficulty.
“Don’t joke like that, Eun Seorin. This isn’t funny at all.”
His distorted expression shook Seorin’s heart once again. She wanted to say it was a lie, that she never once had feelings for Cheonghyun. The words were at the tip of her tongue.
But it was something she must never say. If they weren’t meant to be, it was right to cut off the sprout of any lingering emotions.
If she didn’t end it clearly now, Taeyoon would surely never stop having feelings for her. Seorin spoke with even more resolve.
“Why don’t you believe it? After Director Seo left for the U.S., I developed feelings for Cheonghyun oppa…”
“What?”
“That’s how people are, right? Feelings tend to drift toward the person beside you. I fell for Cheonghyun oppa.”
“You’re saying you want to be with that bastard Lee Cheonghyun? You expect me to believe that?”
Ha. A laugh or sigh—an ambiguous sound escaped from Taeyoon’s lips.
“Believe it or not, that’s up to you. But my heart is no longer with you.”
In that moment, Taeyoon stepped forward and closed the distance between them. Grabbing Seorin’s shoulders, he growled lowly.
“Eun Seorin, look me in the eyes and say it—do you really not have any feelings for me?”
It looked like spring flowers bloomed in Taeyoon’s eyes. His gaze, burning like flowing lava, was so intense it was hard to even meet.
This is the final chance. If I back down now, nothing will come of this. Seorin stared at him without backing down.
“Yes. I’m sick and tired of you now, Director Seo.”
At those words, the fire that had burned in Taeyoon’s eyes instantly died out. Like water poured over a flame already going out. Seorin repeated her words clearly.
“I like Cheonghyun oppa. So, please go ahead and marry Chaehee.”
Only then did Taeyoon realize that Seorin had called him ‘Director Seo,’ while calling Cheonghyun ‘oppa.’
When did we become so distant?
Had those few years we brushed off as nothing really built such a huge distance between us?
Strength drained from Taeyoon’s hands. His grip on her shoulders loosened and his hands dropped lifelessly.
Then he saw the bracelet on Seorin’s wrist. It wasn’t the one he had given her—it was unfamiliar.
The shock Taeyoon felt transferred straight to Seorin. She wanted to reach out and comfort him, but she clenched her hands instead. Biting her lip, she turned and ran away.
Even after she left, Taeyoon stood frozen in place for a long time.
Only after a while did Taeyoon finally return to his room.
“…Lee Cheonghyun. Lee Cheonghyun. Lee… Cheonghyun.”
He muttered Cheonghyun’s name over and over while pulling off his necktie in frustration. A bitter smile floated onto his face.
“So it’s true. Eun Seorin and Lee Cheonghyun ended up like that.”
The veins in his jaw stood out sharply, and he ground his teeth hard.
Come to think of it, Cheonghyun had always been like that. Before he realized it, Cheonghyun would show up near Seorin, loitering with an innocent face, acting like he had no intention at all.
But Taeyoon, unlike others, knew better. The way Cheonghyun looked at Seorin sometimes—it was scorching, intense, almost burning.
Perhaps that’s why he was the only one who disliked Cheonghyun, despite everyone else liking him. Because he knew that Cheonghyun liked Seorin. Liked her for years.
That damned persistent emotion. It was stickier and more tenacious than he had expected. Even after more than a decade, the flame hadn’t died—it had survived, and now it finally exploded.
Taeyoon, who had closed his eyes for a moment, opened them again. His eyes, burning under lowered lashes, were sharp and bright even in the darkness.
After hearing the news from Madam Kang, Youngsook blinked in surprise.
“Seorin said she’s dating Cheonghyun?”
“Yes. That’s what she told Director Seo!”
Even though she didn’t hear it clearly from a distance, she had eyes and ears. Seorin had definitely said she was dating Cheonghyun. Taeyoon’s reaction had confirmed it.
“I’ve seen Director Seo for a long time, but I’ve never seen him look like that. He, who always looked unshakable, was clearly shaken by Seorin’s words.”
“When did those two get that close? I had no idea.”
“Well, the three of them used to hang out when they were kids. Cheonghyun always had a gentle personality and got along with Director Seo, even when he threw tantrums.”
Though most of it was very one-sided, Madam Kang recalled how Taeyoon constantly picked fights with Cheonghyun and clicked her tongue inwardly.
“That’s right! Now I remember!” Myungsook clapped her palm with her fist, as if something had dawned on her. She rubbed her chin as she sank into thought.
“Cheonghyun… Why didn’t I think of him sooner?”
He had been the neighborhood prodigy since he was young. Mature for his age, polite and refined—she’d even once thought he’d make a good son-in-law if she had a daughter. Of course, since Youngsook only had Taeyoon, it had remained a fantasy.
“Seorin and Cheonghyun…”
Myungsook murmured and then smiled with satisfaction. The two of them were quite a good match.
“Yes, this is good. I fully support the two of them.”
Youngsook’s face noticeably brightened.
“Then… the arranged date for Seorin—”
“Why would I do that if she’s seeing Cheonghyun? Gosh, this girl Seorin really knows how to embarrass people.”
Waving her hand and shaking her head, Youngsook suddenly widened her eyes as if she remembered something.
“Oh, right! I can’t waste time here.”
She began counting on her fingers like she was calculating a date. Her eyes darted back and forth as if plotting something. Seeing that, Madam Kang asked cautiously,
“What are you planning, ma’am?”
“If Seorin already has someone, then it’s time to properly arrange a meeting between Taeyoon and Jaehee.”
She nodded as if making up her mind.
“Yes, Saturday. This Saturday will be perfect.”
Clapping her hands together, she quickly grabbed her phone and dialed a number. A soft female voice answered after a short greeting. Youngsook got straight to the point.
“Jaehee, are you free this Saturday?”
—”Saturday?”
“Yes, I want to arrange a meeting with Taeyoon.”
A very interesting meeting, indeed.
A thin smile formed on Youngsook’s lips.
Meanwhile, Seorin stood in front of the hotel with a slightly nervous expression. Earlier that day, Youngsook had told her to come neatly dressed for a gathering. She couldn’t guess what kind of event it was.
“A gathering? What kind of gathering…”
It was a vague instruction, but she had no choice but to follow it. She’d dressed like she had for a blind date—wearing modest heels and a neat dress.
After walking through the hotel lobby, she stopped in front of the elevator. She pressed the button and waited for it to arrive. At that moment, someone approached and stood beside her.
“Eun Seorin.”
She turned at the voice calling her name—and was shocked.
“Cheonghyun oppa?”
She couldn’t believe she was seeing him here again after the last arranged meeting. It was completely unexpected.
“Why are you here…?”
Seeing her confused expression, Cheonghyun quickly waved his hands.
“Total coincidence. I’m happy to see you again, but I swear I didn’t come looking for you on purpose.”
He scratched his head awkwardly with a smile.
“I have an appointment here too, just happened to be the same place.”
His expression showed slight embarrassment, wondering if she’d believe him. Seorin blinked and then smiled.
“I believe you, oppa.”
“That’s a relief.”
The two exchanged smiles as the elevator dinged its arrival.
“Let’s go.”
They entered the elevator, and just before the doors closed, a figure came into view from the lobby.
It was none other than—Taeyoon.
