14. As Long as I Want
“Who do you think you are…”
As Seungho descended the stairs from the study after finishing his scheduled classes for the day, he found himself muttering the phrase once again—like a mantra.
He couldn’t understand why his once-calm mind became so unsettled whenever he saw Jihyun, like a small pebble disturbing the still surface of a lake.
It had always been that way. From the moment he saw her under the dazzling sunlight—her calm expression and the small hand picking up a white stone—something inside him stirred, and he lost his composure like ripples on a tranquil shore.
On impulse, he’d wanted to inflict pain, and when her clear, glass-like eyes wavered as she looked up at him, he felt a thrill he couldn’t explain.
The face slowly contorting in pain, the look that seemed to yearn for something from him—those expressions lingered in his mind and disrupted his daily life.
Had he always had a cruel streak?
There were always students at school who were outcasts or bullied, but he had never felt anything particular toward them.
In truth, he rarely felt anything at all. From birth, he’d fulfilled his role with perfect precision.
Fulfilling the expectations his older brother failed to meet, earning the title of “the next-generation leader with a promising future”—these were natural outcomes for him. And so, the only outlet for his twisted desires became Choi Jihyun.
“As long as I want it, you should bring me pleasure.”
The chill that had crawled down his spine came from her. Naturally, she had to take responsibility. That was the conclusion Seungho had reached.
With a heated desire to draw tears from her pale-colored eyes, he found himself at the entrance to the study.
He took a deep breath, cutting off his wandering thoughts. There was no need to reveal his monstrous inner self to Jihyun.
“Tch, not even studying…”
But instead of frightened eyes, he was met with the sight of Jihyun peacefully asleep. Seungho couldn’t help but let out a hollow, bitter laugh—part disappointment, part anger.
He had come intending to grant a brief reprieve followed by prolonged torment, yet she was fast asleep, unaware of his presence. For a moment, he considered shaking her awake by her small, curled-up shoulders, but then changed his mind and sat beside her.
If she woke to find Seungho beside her, she’d likely show the expression he wanted anyway—so this wasn’t a bad outcome.
He could wait as long as necessary.
Tossing the bundle of essays he’d brought aside, Seungho propped his chin in one hand and simply stared at the sleeping Jihyun.
It was the first time he’d really studied her face this closely. His eyes moved slowly—over her neatly shaped brows, along the fine bridge of her nose, stopping at her soft, red lips.
Pretty, but nothing special. Faces like hers were a dime a dozen at Seomun High.
If Jihyun had been at Seomun, she would’ve blended into the crowd—forgettable. A sudden thought struck him: He really should have brought her to Seomun High. Then the bumbling fools at Cheongmyeong wouldn’t have shown any interest in her.
“Mm…”
Perhaps the cold indoor air disturbed her sleep. The prey he had waited to awaken slowly furrowed her brow and opened her eyes.
As expected, the instant fear crept into her startled gaze upon seeing him, Seungho watched it unfold with the calm satisfaction of a predator, smiling coolly.
Jihyun’s complexion was pale as she accepted the snacks brought by the housekeeper.
The suffocating atmosphere between them was broken not by either of them, but by Manager Kim, who had been waiting downstairs. Hearing his urgent footsteps, Kim carefully watched Seungho’s expression as he entered the study.
“Young master Seungho, your friends are here.”
Annoyance briefly flickered in Seungho’s eyes at the unexpected news, but quickly vanished. He rose slowly, heading off to greet them.
“Bring them to the second-floor lounge.”
Jihyun wasn’t happy about the visit either.
Seungho’s friends…
She immediately thought of the group that had once humiliated her—the mocking laughter, the uncomfortable glances that scanned her from head to toe. Recalling those memories, Jihyun decided to escape before having to face them.
Her plan was simple. As soon as Seungho went up to the second floor, she would sneak out through the back door of the mansion.
It seemed foolproof. Seungho would focus on his guests, and she’d be out of his sight, out of his mind.
Convinced the plan would work, she took a step toward the stairs, trying to keep her distance—only for her heart to drop.
Seungho had turned around at the bottom of the stairs and was staring down at her.
“What are you doing down there?”
Jihyun tried to stay calm.
“Ah, I just needed to step out for a bit…”
A flimsy excuse, obviously. Seungho narrowed his eyes.
“And where do you think you’re going without my permission?”
“…”
“Don’t even think about running. Come upstairs.”
He spoke as if he could read her mind. The corners of his mouth curled up habitually, but his eyes were cold. Jihyun’s resentful glare pierced his back, but Seungho didn’t care and continued up to the second floor.
“Seungho, are you feeling better?”
Bora greeted him with a bright smile that gradually faded.
It was because of the unwelcome figure standing just behind his shoulder.
“She’s still working here?”
Thankfully, she wasn’t as blatantly rude as last time, but her sharp tone made Jihyun flinch.
“Of course. Chairman Shin treats his staff really well.”
Minwoo interjected suddenly. Of course, by “treats them well,” he meant they were paid handsomely.
Ignoring Bora’s annoyed glare, Minwoo waved at Seungho.
“Hey, Seungho. I’m here too. How’s the hand?”
“It’s fine…”
Seungho’s indifferent reply, which would have gone unnoticed if not for the bandages, made Minwoo shake his head.
“You really are impossible.”
Bora’s sharp eyes quickly moved from Jihyun to Seungho’s right hand.
“That looks bad. I’m so upset.”
She looked at him with concern, as if she were the one hurt. Her lashes fluttered more than usual, clearly made up for the occasion.
Seungho was looking at Bora, but his gaze lacked focus. His apathetic silence prompted Minwoo to scold him.
“Hey, at least look at her properly. She went to the salon just to see you.”
“I am looking…”
His smooth, ceramic-like gaze lifted from his hand. His expression clearly said: So what? Cold and detached as ever.
“Unbelievable,” Minwoo muttered.
“Minwoo, don’t put words in my mouth. He’s already not feeling well.”
Bora pouted, playing the innocent. The cold Seungho and the emotionally tone-deaf Bora somehow made a perfect match.
“You two really suit each other, you know? Like fate. Give it a shot.”
“Oh my, do we? Seungho, what do you think?”
Bora lit up, responding eagerly. At that moment, even Minwoo flinched.
Seungho’s stare burned cold. Clearly, he hadn’t liked that comment. His eyes were sharp—like blades. Minwoo instinctively felt fear but didn’t take back his words.
“Even if Seungho doesn’t, you will be happy.”
As the others bickered in front of their injured friend, Jihyun’s presence faded into the background. No one noticed her quietly standing at the far end of the second-floor lounge.
She let out a small sigh of relief, again and again. As long as she acted invisible, she could endure this moment.
It really was a relief. She genuinely believed that—
Until another uninvited guest appeared.
