TN23

Episode 23

Taeyoon’s teeth clenched slightly. As if denying an unbelievable reality, he forced a crooked smile and finally spoke with difficulty.

“Don’t joke around, Eun Seorin. This isn’t funny at all.”

His twisted expression shook Seorin’s heart again. The words that it was all a lie, that she had never once cared for Cheonghyeon oppa, rose up to her throat.

But it was something she must never say. If someone couldn’t let go, then it was right to cut the feelings off at the root.

If she didn’t end it clearly now, Taeyoon would never stop pursuing his feelings for her. Seorin bit down harder and spoke even more coldly.

“Why don’t you believe it? After you left for America, I really started developing feelings for Jeonghyeon oppa.”

“…What?”

“You know how feelings work. People lean toward those who are beside them. That’s what happened with me and Jeonghyeon oppa.”

“You expect me to believe that you want to be with Lee Jeonghyeon, that bastard?”

Ha. A sound that might’ve been a laugh or a sigh came from Taeyoon’s mouth.

“Believe it or not, that’s your decision. But my heart no longer belongs to you.”

At that moment, Taeyoon took a step forward and stood very close to her. Grabbing her shoulders tightly, he growled.

“Eun Seorin, look me in the eyes and tell me. You really have no feelings for me?”

There was a fire in his eyes—like molten lava threatening to overflow. The burning intensity of his gaze made it hard to look straight at him.

But Seorin didn’t flinch. If she backed down now, nothing would be resolved.

“Yes. I’m sick and tired of you now.”

At her firm words, the blazing fire in Taeyoon’s eyes suddenly extinguished. Like pouring water over a flame, Seorin added in a steady voice:

“I like Jeonghyeon oppa now. So please… just go and marry Chaehee.”

It was only then Taeyoon realized Seorin now called him “Director Seo,” while she called Jeonghyeon “oppa.”

When did we grow this far apart?

How did those few years, which I thought meant nothing, create such a distance between us?

His hands, which had been tightly gripping her shoulders, weakened and dropped to the floor helplessly.

In his line of sight, he noticed the bracelet on Seorin’s wrist—it was unfamiliar, not the one he had given her.

That unfamiliarity hit Taeyoon like a punch. The shock passed from him straight into Seorin. She wanted to reach out and hug him, to comfort him. But she clenched her fists instead.

Seorin bit her lip hard, turned around, and ran away.

Even after she left, Taeyoon stood frozen in place for a long while, alone.

After what felt like ages, he finally returned to his room.

“…Lee Cheonghyeon. Lee Jeonghyeon… Jeonghyeon.”

He ripped off his tie in frustration and muttered Jeonghyeon’s name over and over. Then a bitter smile appeared on his lips.

“So it was Lee Jeonghyeon and Eun Seorin.”

The veins on his clenched jaw stood out prominently, and his teeth ground together with a sharp sound.

Thinking back, Jeonghyeon had always been like that. Quietly approaching Seorin, hovering around her under the guise of being harmless and gentle.

But if anyone knew better, it was Taeyoon. The way Jeonghyeon looked at Seorin from time to time—it was fiery enough to burn.

Maybe that’s why Taeyoon had always disliked him, despite everyone else liking him.

Because Taeyoon knew.

That damn persistent affection.

It had lasted for over ten years.

And now, it had finally ignited into full-blown fire.

Taeyoon, who had been staring blankly into the darkness, slowly lifted his gaze. His eyes, shadowed by his lashes, shone dangerously even in the dim room.

—

Hearing the news from Lady Kang, Myeongsook blinked in surprise.

“Seorin said she’s seeing Jeonghyeon?”

“Yes! She said that clearly!”

Though she wasn’t very close, she had ears and eyes. She had definitely heard Seorin tell Taeyoon she was seeing Jeonghyeon. And Taeyoon’s reaction afterward said it all.

“I’ve never seen Director Seo so shocked before.”

Myeongsook had known Taeyoon a long time, and this was the first time he looked that shaken. A man who normally couldn’t be swayed by anything had clearly been hit hard by Seorin’s words.

“When did those two become a thing? I had no idea.”

“Well, they did bump into each other often at events. And Jeonghyeon was always patient and kind with her.”

It was usually one-sided, but still. Lady Kang recalled how Taeyoon always found something to nag about when it came to Jeonghyeon.

“Oh, that’s right!”

Myeongsook suddenly slapped her palm with her fist, remembering something.

“Jeonghyeon… How did I forget about him?”

Since childhood, Jeonghyeon had been known as a prodigy in the neighborhood. Polite, mature for his age. She had even once thought, if I had a daughter, I’d want someone like him as a son-in-law.

Of course, she only had Taeyoon, so it remained just a thought.

“Seorin and Jeonghyeon…”

Myeongsook murmured to herself, then smiled widely.

“Yes. That’s a good match. I support them.”

Her face brightened visibly.

“Then, about the arranged date…”

“If she’s seeing Jeonghyeon, why would I go ahead with a blind date? She should’ve told me earlier. That girl really!”

Waving her hands and shaking her head, Lady Kang’s eyes suddenly widened as if she remembered something.

“Wait, I can’t waste time right now.”

She began counting with her fingers, calculating dates.

“Right, Saturday! This Saturday will be perfect.”

Clapping her hands together, she quickly picked up her phone. Not long after dialing, a calm young woman answered.

After brief greetings, Myeongsook got straight to the point.

“Jaehee, are you free this Saturday?”

– “Saturday?”

“Yes, I’m trying to set up a meeting with Taeyoon.”

A sly smile crept onto her lips.

—

Meanwhile, Seorin stood nervously in front of a hotel. Earlier that day, Myeongsook had told her to come dressed nicely for a gathering. She had no idea why she had to come here.

“It’s not even a real event…”

Even though it made no sense, she couldn’t refuse. When they called, she showed up.

She wore a modest dress and heeled shoes, just like when she had to go on that blind date. After walking through the hotel lobby, she stood in front of the elevator. She pressed the button and waited for it to descend.

Just then, someone appeared beside her.

“Moon Seorin.”

Startled, Seorin turned around at the familiar voice.

“Cheonghyeon oppa?”

She hadn’t expected to see him here of all places, right after their last awkward meeting.

“Why are you here…?”

Seeing her confused, Jeonghyeon quickly waved his hand.

“It’s a coincidence, really. I do have an appointment here, but I didn’t plan to run into you.”

He smiled awkwardly and scratched his head.

“I really didn’t come to see you on purpose.”

His expression was slightly flustered, worried she might not believe him. Seorin blinked and then smiled.

“I believe you, oppa.”

“Whew. That’s a relief.”

They smiled at each other just as the elevator dinged and arrived.

“Let’s go.”

They stepped into the elevator together. Just as the doors were about to close, a figure came into view beyond the lobby.

It was none other than… Taeyoon.