TN25

TN

Posted by Emma, Released on June 19, 2025

Chapter 25

Seorin couldn’t quite remember what was discussed during that day’s gathering. Most of the conversation was led by Youngsook and Chaehee, with Jung-hyun chiming in occasionally. Seorin was so drained just by being there that it felt like her soul had left her body.

She vaguely remembered Jung-hyun gently tucking her hair behind her ear like a real lover would and treating her kindly. She also recalled Chaehee whispering closely to Taeyoon, sticking by his side.

Usually, Taeyoon would have pushed Chaehee away, but for some reason, he didn’t reject her this time. He simply sipped his drink and silently watched Seorin and Jung-hyun with calm eyes.

Seorin did her best to play the part of a loving girlfriend, smiling at Jung-hyun occasionally. Though her mind was hazy from the intensity of Taeyoon’s gaze piercing through her, she didn’t let her smile falter.

Just as the gathering began to die down, it was Changhyun who announced they should leave.

> “…I’m sorry, but we need to go. I stepped out during work to come here.”

> “Ah, right. We’ve kept a busy man for too long,”

Youngsook waved her hand with a bright smile. She looked content, as if everything she had intended for the day had gone as planned.

> “I’ll take Seorin with me, if that’s okay?”

> “Of course. Jung-hyun, take her home, will you? We’ll chat a bit more before heading out.”

> “Sure.”

Jung-hyun bowed respectfully to Youngsook and gestured toward Seorin to head out. Seorin rose with a heavy expression.

As she bowed to Youngsook and turned to leave, she could feel a lingering gaze burning into the back of her head. She didn’t have to look to know whose it was.

But Seorin didn’t turn around. She kept her eyes forward and left the lounge.

Once they got into the elevator heading to the lobby, Seorin finally let out a long sigh. All the tension that had been bottled up inside her seemed to collapse at once, and her entire body felt weak.

> “Are you okay?”

Jung-hyun’s worried voice reached her from beside.

> “Yes, I’m fine.”

> “Still, I didn’t expect things to unfold like this. You didn’t know either, right?”

Seorin nodded slightly. Who could have imagined Youngsook would summon her and Jung-hyun to parade them in front of Taeyoon and Chaehee?

Seorin’s somber eyes darkened again as she came to her senses—she owed Jung-hyun.

> “I’m sorry, oppa.”

> “For what?”

> “Everything. I dragged you into this lie.”

She fiddled with her fingers. She felt awful for pulling him into this charade out of nowhere.

> “I told you to use me if you needed to, didn’t I?”

He shrugged it off and added with a grin,

> “Besides, I enjoyed pretending to be your boyfriend.”

At Jung-hyun’s playful reply, Seorin couldn’t help but laugh.

> “Thank you, oppa.”

She was genuinely grateful to him—more than words could express.

> “Don’t mention it.”

By then, the elevator reached the lobby. Seorin stepped out first. Taeyoon followed behind and approached her.

> “I’ll drive you home.”

> “No, I’d rather go alone.”

> “I want to walk a bit,” she added quietly.

Seeing her expression, Jung-hyun smiled gently.

> “Alright then. Take care.”

> “See you next time.”

After bidding farewell to Jung-hyun, Seorin walked out of the lobby.

Back in her room, Seorin removed her makeup and took a shower. Under the hot water, the exhaustion that had built up in her body melted away.

Her back and neck were stiff—probably from tensing up too much. But how could she not be tense in front of Taeyoon’s gaze? The way he had looked at her like he wanted to devour her made her chest feel heavy, as if a wrinkle had been left behind in her heart.

> Don’t think about him.

Seorin shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts.

> I made it clear today. He won’t come looking for me anymore. Youngsook and Chaehee got what they wanted, so they won’t need me either. That means there’s no reason for me to stay here any longer.

She decided she would talk to Youngsook tomorrow morning and tell her she planned to leave. Judging from Youngsook’s reaction today, she wouldn’t try to stop her.

After her shower, Seorin remembered something while drying her hair. She opened her suitcase.

> Since I’m leaving tomorrow, I might as well pack now.

She hadn’t brought much to begin with, and she wanted to get out of this place as soon as possible.

While she was folding clothes into the suitcase, there was a knock on the door.

> Who could it be?

She tilted her head. Suwon-taek, who occasionally visited, had said he wouldn’t be around today because of a memorial service. Madam Kang hadn’t returned from the main house, and the remaining staff had gone out to accompany Youngsook on her shopping trip. That meant there weren’t many people left in the guesthouse.

> “Who is it?”

As she approached the door and called out, a low voice rumbled from the other side, like someone clearing their throat.

> “Open up, Eun Seorin.”

Seorin’s eyes widened. That familiar low voice—it was none other than Taeyoon.

> “How did you…?”

> “You going to leave me out here? Someone might see and that would be worse.”

After a moment of hesitation, Seorin opened the door. Though the watchful eyes that had followed her everywhere at first had faded lately, she couldn’t guarantee no one was watching now.

As the door opened, she saw Taeyoon leaning against the doorframe. With his tall frame and broad shoulders, he practically filled the doorway.

> “Can I come in?”

Letting out a sigh, Seorin glanced down the hallway. Thankfully, no one was around. She stepped aside and said,

> “Come in.”

As soon as Seorin allowed him, Taeyoon stepped inside, almost shoving his way through.

There was a faint smell of alcohol on him. He must have been drinking alone after the gathering ended.

Although it wasn’t large, Seorin’s room had been perfectly cozy for one person. With Taeyoon inside, it suddenly felt too small and full.

His eyes swept the room—bed, wardrobe, a small desk, and the suitcase on the floor half-filled with clothes, as if she was ready to leave at any moment. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

> “So you were planning to leave? Without saying a word to me?”

> “I told Director Lee I’d be leaving the house soon.”

At his sarcastic remark, Seorin glared up at him.

> “Why are you here? Why did you come looking for me?”

Taeyoon turned toward her and slowly walked forward. Seorin instinctively stepped back to create some distance, but the room was too small to escape.

> “Your acting today was impressive.”

> “What do you mean?”

> “Looked pretty natural. Holding hands, tucking hair behind the ear, being all affectionate…”

Seorin shook her head.

> “That wasn’t acting…”

A dry chuckle scraped past her earlobe like a scratch. Before she knew it, Taeyoon was close enough that their breaths could mingle.

> “You think I don’t know Eun Seorin? I’ve been watching you for over twenty years. You think I can’t read a single expression on your face?”