The Breakup Between You and Me - Episode 6

Episode 6

As I heard the door close, a tear slipped from my eye. I wiped them away with the back of my fingers and knelt to look at the mess that was on the floor.

I put on my clothes after looking at the floor, which was as messed up as my heart. I took out a tissue and wiped the wet floor with sperm and tears. 

My nostrils were pricked by the harsh aroma of nightcap. My hands were trembling.  I threw his footprints in the garbage, grabbed my crumpled shirt, and went to the bathroom.

To go to the bathroom, I had to open three doors. The house, like him, had simply the necessities. It was a large house, but it was sparsely furnished.  

At the sink, I washed his shirt sleeves clean. I was about to go when I realized he was wet because of me. I finished by hanging the garments on the towel rack and washing my face with cold water.

The icy water jolted me back to reality.  I stepped out to the living room and took a long look around the large mansion. The stairs to the second floor appear to be the staircase to paradise. As a result, this is hell.

I flashed a smirk and peered out the window, only to discover it was raining. I shook my head in astonishment. Contemplating the idea of texting him to borrow an umbrella briefly crossed my mind, but I hesitated, doubting that he would appreciate my reaching out, so I stashed my cell phone in my pocket.

I donned my shoes, grabbed my umbrella, opened the door, and stepped outside. The rain was coming down pretty heavily. It was almost summer, and the unseasonably cold weather left me conflicted. Should I just allow the rain to drench me?

Would the rain cleanse the pain in my heart? Eventually, I relented and opened my umbrella. I couldn’t help but wonder about the consequences if I were to catch a cold in the rain, especially concerning my work and my dad’s well-being.

I was aware that my mom wouldn’t be available. My dad solely relied on me, just as I depended on him. He was the one who consistently found humor in my words and was always eager to lend a hand in any situation.

He was a strong advocate for me, someone who would trust my explanation when I claimed I had valid reasons for my actions. My dad, who stood by my side, made sure I was well-fed and prepared when my mom was preoccupied with her business and overlooked my needs.

One step after another, I moved forward, gripping the umbrella with determination. I felt the pain, but it hadn’t shattered me. I buried it deep within, just as I always did.

At least I could temporarily set aside my concerns about Dad’s medical expenses, which was a relief. This would free me to fulfill tasks I had previously been unable to do and provide financial support to the caregiver.

I may be perceived as harsh, but that’s alright. It’s perfectly fine. Why did it seem like the rain was pouring down on me despite the fact that I was shielded beneath an umbrella?

* * * * * * * *

The following day at work, I began to comprehend the reason behind his sudden departure.

“What did the Cultural Heritage Administration reveal?” I inquired.

“They’ve decided to conduct a comprehensive excavation and will inform us of the findings,” came the response.

Within a single day, the entire company was thrown into disarray. Up until the previous day, we had been proud of being the first to embark on the construction of a high-end Hanok hotel, but just before laying the foundation, artifacts had been discovered.

When artifacts are unearthed at a construction site, the determination of their significance lies with the Cultural Heritage Administration and the Cultural Heritage Committee, which means we have no idea when the investigation results will be made available.

The project’s course might be subject to alteration depending on the investigation’s findings, potentially leading to project cancellation.

I learned that the reason for my uncle’s, the company president, anxiety was rooted in his concern that the Royal Group might withdraw from the project.

This development served as a warning, as it implied that a thorough revision of the business plan would be necessary, contingent on the results of the cultural property valuation survey.

Reporters have been reaching out to me since this morning to determine if any information has been leaked. I’m not well-versed in the details, but from what I’ve gathered, the narrative unfolds as follows.

While I was sorting through receipts, I happened to catch a glimpse of the boss emerging from the department head’s office. Observing the significant aging of his face throughout the day, I couldn’t help but recognize the gravity of the situation.

Is he alright? His well-being briefly crossed my mind.

“Take this to Mr. Han,” the boss instructed.

“I’ll handle it,” Sooyin responded, her tone indicating her willingness.

“Can’t you sense the atmosphere?”

It was the first time he had witnessed his uncle display such anger towards Sooyin. It had to be a significant matter. All eyes in the office were fixed on the two of them.

“Dad, there are a lot of people…”

“Is this the moment for you to be running errands? With so much work to be done in the company right now, you should be focused on your tasks!”

She fixed her gaze on Sooyin, who was visibly upset, her pride wounded as she bit her red lips.

“Se-yeon, you should go. Leave work right now,” he directed, implying that he had a substantial workload and I was the only one not contributing to the company’s efforts.

“Yes,” I replied, rising from my seat and heading towards the boss. Sooyin shot me a fierce glare, as if she could throttle me, but I feigned ignorance.

My heart raced as I realized that I was going to the Royal Group. Just the day before, I had suffered an injury, and my pride was the least of my concerns.

“…….”

Pride seemed inconsequential at that moment. All I longed for was the chance to see him and be by his side. The pain I felt physically paled in comparison to the emotional anguish of leaving him behind.

This level of discomfort meant nothing. With a determined expression, I hastened my steps toward the Royal Group. Despite my heavy heart, my footsteps felt surprisingly light.

Arriving at the Royal Group headquarters for the first time, I couldn’t believe he occupied the top floor. It made me wonder about the effort he had put into his work.

Han Se-hyuk was a college student who dedicated himself to his studies and work, so I could easily imagine how tirelessly he had been living without needing to confirm it.

Recalling his weary expression from the previous day, I remembered him mentioning how long it had been since he had last returned home before returning to work. He appeared as though this was a recurring pattern in his life.

When I inquired about whether he had a girlfriend, his shoulders slumped. What a foolish question, I scolded myself. Why am I bringing up topics like that? The elevator doors opened, signaling our arrival on the 44th floor.

As the elevator doors parted, I was greeted by a red carpet leading the way. I proceeded along the path and was met by a secretary.

“I’m here from Gaon Architects.”

“Yes, we were informed in advance,” she replied.

I handed the secretary the documents, but her attention suddenly drifted past me, and she leaned in closer. I turned to follow her gaze.

“Ah… How have you been?”

He was standing at the end of the aisle I had been walking down. I offered a polite nod, and a sly grin tugged at one corner of his mouth, causing my heart to race as if it might burst.

I raised my hand and gently pressed it against my chest. If I didn’t do this, my heart might swell so much that it would burst.

“Secretary Xin, please fetch me some tea.”

“Yes.”

He locked eyes with me while speaking, leaving me unable to move a muscle. With my body as immobile as a statue, he gestured toward the president’s office.

“Step inside.”

“Oh, but I was supposed to go to…”

“You’re leaving work immediately, correct?”

I offered a subtle nod, my movements somewhat rigid, as if the idea of lying had never crossed my mind. How did he know that I was leaving work immediately? The use of the honorific form was also unfamiliar to me.

A small smile tugged at the corner of my mouth, but I sensed that he wasn’t pleased. I turned to make my way to the president’s office, and true to his instructions, only then did I notice the deep weariness etched across his face.

His appearance troubled me. His face seemed even more fatigued than the previous day, and he appeared as though he might collapse at any moment. Had he not rested or slept?

Upon entering the president’s office, I removed my coat, observed him taking a seat at his desk, and settled onto the couch. With my posture erect, his secretary brought me a cup of tea.

I gazed at the pristine white teacup with a faint reddish hue and its mysterious contents. I offered a slight nod of gratitude to the secretary. The sound of the door closing left me feeling parched.

“Please, go ahead and have some tea.”

“Oh, yes.”

Initially, I assumed he was engrossed in reviewing some documents, but to my surprise, he instructed me to have some tea. I turned my head to regard him, but his gaze remained fixed on the paperwork. I raised the teacup to my lips.

Whether I took a sip through my nose or my mouth, all I could see was his fatigued countenance. I lowered the teacup back onto its saucer without making a sound.

“You appear quite weary.”

“…It’s alright, I’ve always been like this.”

I was taken aback that I had commented on his tiredness, but I was even more surprised that he responded. I began to speak, but he preemptively silenced me.

He gazes downward, seemingly uncertain about why he’s revealing this, as if he’s made an unintended error. Impatiently, he flips through the papers, and the ringing of the phone halts his actions.

I retrieve my cell phone from my bag and press the reject button.

“Answer it.”

“…”

“Please answer it.”

My cell phone rang once more, and I couldn’t help but answer it aloud, not having noticed the call.

“Hello?” It was Miho on the other end.

-Where are you? Let’s grab dinner!

“Miho, I’m still at work…”

-You’re not finished yet? It’s way past your usual quitting time.

My heart sank, and my shoulders tensed as I observed him tossing his pen across the desk. I wasn’t at fault for anything, but I couldn’t help but glance in his direction.

“Hey, Cha Se-yeon, are you still working?”

“Oh… Yeah.”

Miho’s complaining voice barely registered in my ears; all my focus was on him. He angrily tossed his pen onto the desk and hastily stood up.

“Miho, I’ll call you back.”

Miho said something in response, but she ended the call. She tilted her head to look up at him. I bit my lip, uncertain of what to make of his fierce and fatigued expression as he stared at me.

“I told you not to get involved with boys, didn’t I?”

“…”

“Miho? The one who’s a bit of a sissy?”

“She’s just a friend!”

“Aah, so you’re still hanging around with her?”

I felt embarrassed being interrogated by someone who was well aware of our friendship. However, I chose to remain silent, reluctant to engage in conversation.

“That was the jerk who gave you a ride,” he muttered, his words seemingly a mix of a question and self-talk, and he extended his hand suddenly.

“are you crazy?”

I nearly yelled. His hand slipped under my skirt, and I pushed him on the shoulder hard, but it didn’t work. Instead, he slid deeper into my thigh and cupped it.    

“We’re at work!”

I ask quietly whether anyone can hear me, and he smiles dropping my shoulder.    

“Doesn’t matter.”

“What the…!” 

Of course, it makes no difference. When I open the door, there are three secretaries inside. I can’t believe I’m doing this at a place where I have no idea when they’ll walk in. Despite my concerns, he doesn’t seem to bother and puts her hand into his boxers.    

“Uhhhhhhh!”

To keep the moan from exiting my mouth, I bite my lip till it bleeds. As if that weren’t enough, I put my hand over my mouth. The hand that had just been playing with a pen pierced my v*g*na.

My grip tightened downward.    

“Your p*ssy is begging for something to put in it,”

He whispered in my ear, making the nape of my neck blush. When I reached out to slap him across the face, my hand was caught and I was pinned to the couch.  

My stomach dropped. Her skirt went down over her stomach, and her underwear slid to the side.  Then,

“Shhhhh!”

He shook his head. My eyes widened in surprise, and as my legs flailed, he tightened his grip on my thighs, forcing them apart.    

“If I put another c*ck in your cunt, you’ll know right away, so be careful.”

I couldn’t say anything as he buried his mouth in my p*ssy and inhaled deeply. My entire body shudders, as if I were a herbivore about to be devoured by a beast.    

“I’ll check on you anytime.”

I clamped my eyes tight as he buried his lips between my knees, questioning whether I had heard him correctly.

“Ugh…s*ck!”

I cringed every time his lips brushed mine. It was impossible for me to believe. His face is sandwiched between my legs. Unlike me, who was flailing all over the place, his face was between my legs, licking downward so familiarly.  

I couldn’t come up with anything else. I shook my head, my hand covering my mouth to prevent anyone heard outside.    

“Ughhhh! Please…!”

I stammer a request for him to stop, but he ignores me. My eyes welled up with tears as he sunk his tongue even deeper, as if to punish me. I should be enraged at the thought of him doing this to me, but my mind is blank.

The hand that was supposed to push him away gets a handful of jet-black hair as his tongue begins to move in a concentrated motion.

I don’t mind the way his hair slips from my fingertips.  No, that drove me insane.  The strange sensation frightens me, but it also causes the bottom of my stomach to tighten.

I clamped my mouth shut, but it was too late to stop the tiny moan. My hips shook convulsively, as if I couldn’t get off, but I couldn’t tell what was going on. Was it me or him who was rocking?  

Churrrr. Choo-choo.  

The sound of his n*ked tongue sucking hard on my hole is deafening. I push down  his head, afraid that people outside may hear, and the harder I push, the deeper he goes.

The tip of his tongue is relentlessly pursuing the split wings. The surge of blood to my clitoris was overwhelming, but his tongue pushed and prodded, and my mouth gaped open as he flicked from side to side.

I was unable to swallow my saliva.    

“Ugh. Please! Please stop… He didn’t want my pleasure to end, so he s*cked on my clitter.”

All the blood rushed to my v*g*na and I felt like it was going to burst. I lifted my upper body and shook my head wildly, convinced that even the slightest touch would be disastrous.

I felt trapped in a spider’s web, unable to escape. The more I fought, the more pitiful I felt, like an insect entangled in a spider’s web.

I pleaded and begged him.  My v*g*na jerked and shed tears against my will. My cries changed into moans, and he slowly lifted his head after sucking downward for a bit.

“…….”

I wanted to ask him why you’re gazing at me with pained eyes, but I couldn’t since I know it’s all my fault. I lay on the couch with my legs spread wide, breathing heavily, like an animal whose windpipe had been severed.

My eyes welled up with tears. His leisurely glance captures the tears and lights up his eyes.  In delight, I bite my lower lip. He wishes for me to be sick.

“Go away,”

He said, and a chill ran down my spine as he withdrew as swiftly as he had kissed me. The cold air enveloped us, and if it weren’t for the residue around his lips, I would have been unaware of what he had just done a moment ago.

I watched his back as he walked to his desk and gathered my clothes. He ran his fingers through his disheveled hair and slipped on a pair of scuffed shoes.  

I can’t see his face as he looks at the papers. On unsteady legs, I manage to get to my feet, my p*ssy aching and pouring beneath me.

My underwear were completely soaked but I didn’t show it. Instead, he kept his head down and a casual expression on his face.

“I’ll go.”    

I offered a wistful smile at him when he remained silent, then opened the door. As I walked down the red carpet, my head hung low, and I couldn’t bring myself to meet the secretary’s gaze.

Despite knowing that they were unaware of what had transpired behind closed doors, I felt a lingering sense of embarrassment. There was a moment of stumbling, but I managed to reach the elevator without any mishaps.

It wasn’t until I arrived at the high school that I recollected that I had forgotten to call Miho. I quickly dialed her number, informed her that I couldn’t meet up, and then collapsed into bed.

As I gazed at the worn and discolored ceiling, a surge of emotion overwhelmed me. The tears I had been suppressing finally welled up and streamed down my face. I had become so accustomed to crying in solitude that I found it challenging to shed tears in the presence of others.

But when I’m alone, I can’t stop crying. My stomach continues to ache.  It hurts, it hurts, it hurts.  I was crying as hard as I could, but all I could hear was the sound of a woman’s anguish while I wondered if the man in the next room was watching porn again. 

I buried myself under the covers, hoping that I’d feel more composed after letting out all my emotions through tears. I attempted to restrain my crying, but for some reason, the tears continued to flow. I wasn’t even tired, not in the least.

Why couldn’t I make the tears cease? I clutched the quilt so tightly that my knuckles turned white. It felt as though I needed something to hold onto, to anchor me in the storm of emotions.

* * * * * * * * *

“Don’t you want to be introduced to a guy?”

“What?”

My eyes widened as I listened to the story from Ms. Kim, who was seated next to me. After the meeting, Ms. Kim didn’t pester me. She didn’t even ask me to fetch coffee, which was unusual, and she apologized for her earlier inebriation.

But being introduced to a guy?

“You remember that group photo we took during the team competition, right? Someone I know saw it and asked me to introduce him to you.”

“Oh…”

“Give it some thought.”

“I’m not particularly interested in meeting someone, I’m sorry.”

“Are you sure?”

I offered a somewhat uncomfortable smile in response to Ms. Kim’s expression, indicating that I would inform her if my stance changed. A boyfriend was already a distant prospect for me, let alone marriage.

“Get it right with men.”

Her voice had an alluring quality. The sensations of heat radiated from the places she had nibbled and kissed the day before. It had persisted since morning. I felt an itch and a warmth down there. Actually, my face was flushed, and I realized I had a fever.

I touched my forehead and confirmed that it was indeed feverish. I then opened a drawer and retrieved my headache medication, taking two pills and swallowing them.

My throat felt as if it were being torn apart. After lunch, I was sorting through my papers when Sooyin entered the room, arriving late.

“Ms. Cha Se-yeon, why don’t you bring in the receipts you’ve organized?”

“Sure.”

I recognized that Sooyin was upset about my visit to the Royal Group yesterday. I knocked on the door with a sign reading “Department Head’s Office” and heard a chilly voice respond, “Come in.” I took a deep breath before entering, my eyes weary and darkened, already anticipating another source of distress for the day.

As anticipated, Sooyin’s anger was out of control. In a fit of rage, she managed to grab a stack of neatly organized receipts and tossed them in a fit of frustration.

“Get your act together!”

“…I’m sorry.”

Sooyin glared at me as if I were some mortal enemy. I couldn’t fathom why she held such intense animosity toward me. In retrospect, she had been the same way when we were children.

I would see her once or twice a year, but I consistently got the sense that she harbored a strong dislike for me.

“Get out!”

“Yes.”

I turned to leave and heard Sooyin’s voice from behind me. Her tone was noticeably altered, sending a shiver down my spine.

“I’m hosting a birthday party for my dad at my place this weekend, so you should join us.”

“…….”    

I narrowed my eyes at her, but she discerned my hesitation and mumbled.

“I’ve already made all the reservations, so I don’t have much of a choice.”

“If I attend…”

“My aunt will be there.”

As she mentioned her aunt, my mouth fell open. My mother was always so occupied, unable to call me or attend my dad’s surgery, yet now she was going to my uncle’s birthday celebration.

I clenched my teeth tightly. I knew I had to go and confront her, ask her why she had to hear about her mom’s involvement from Sooyin.

* * * * * * * *

I arrived at my uncle’s house right on schedule. She had mentioned having a garden party, and as soon as I opened the door, my jaw dropped.

The place was teeming with people, just like my uncle, who had a penchant for grandeur. There was even a small orchestra providing music.

“You’ve arrived just in time. Help out” my aunt told me.

It had been quite a while since I’d seen my aunt, but I didn’t have a moment to greet her before she handed me a tray. After I placed the food on the table and turned around, I spotted Sooyin in a vibrant red dress.

I had come dressed in my brightest and cleanest clothes, but they couldn’t compare to Sooyin’s, which was covered in fine jewelry. She was so beautiful even to me.

Every detail of her, from her hair and makeup to her manicure, shoes, and accessories, made Sooyin shine, but I didn’t feel bitter. I understood that it was wiser to relinquish something that could never be mine, sooner rather than later.

I diligently carried out my aunt’s instructions, serving food and clearing the table. In the midst of this, I kept an eye out for my mother’s arrival. That’s when I heard a shattering noise that seized everyone’s attention.

I turned in the direction of the sound.

“I’m sorry.”

I recognized the back of a man crouched on the ground, picking up the broken glass.

“…Mom?”

Beside me, my aunt put on a smile with the corner of her mouth turned up, pretending that everything was fine, but I could see through the façade. It was evident in her expression.

“How much is this bowl?”

I understood that she would be irritated that I had disrupted the party unexpectedly. I was about to say something to her when my gaze landed on my mom. Tears welled up in my eyes.

“I’ll clean it up.”

She must not have been aware that I was coming. I gently helped her to her feet, and as we both sat on the floor, her emotions were in turmoil. When I asked her what she had been doing and why she hadn’t been reachable, she explained that she had been caught up with work, which seemed to be true.

I felt a mixture of resentment and a sense of desolation.

“I’ll take care of it.”

“No. I’ll handle it. You go wash your hands.”

Water welled up in my burning eyes, and I clenched my lip to prevent the tears from falling, opening and closing my eyes quickly. As I picked up the shattered glass with my palm, I glimpsed a man’s shiny black shoe. Slowly, I raised my gaze.

“…….”

Our eyes locked as he gazed down at me with a cold, unwavering expression. I willed my eyes to water and the corners of my lips to quiver, making it appear as though I was still not feeling well. In truth, I was feeling quite unwell.

Perhaps I should have considered going to the hospital. It seemed that the headache medication hadn’t been sufficient. I emitted heat with every breath.

Turning my head, I finished clearing the remaining glass shards. As I rose to my feet, my mother approached me, wearing a worried expression. I met her gaze and shook my head, trying to reassure her, “It’s okay, it’s okay.”

He and Sooyin turned and walked away. In the distance, the orchestra continued to play.

“It’s him, isn’t it?”

I didn’t respond.

As I walked over to the trash can in the corner to dispose of the shattered glass, my mother’s arms were flailing in panic.

“It’s him, isn’t it?” she inquired, her eyes filled with concern.

“…The President of the Royal Group.”

“What? What? Really?”

I offered a bitter smile to my mom as her voice expressed disbelief. A solitary tear trickled from my eye, and I promptly wiped it away with the back of my hand. She turned and walked away swiftly, her countenance composed as though she hadn’t shed any tears.

Throughout the party, his uncle and Sooyin remained by his side, conversing openly for everyone to hear. His heart sank as he overheard how well they appeared together.

A few individuals engaged him in conversation, and he responded with a smile, saying, “Is that so?” each time. He chuckled and replied, “Is it?”

A smile he rarely bestowed upon me but frequently shared with others. It became clear why Sooyin had invited me. She wanted to demonstrate that she was by the side of the President of the Royal Group.

As I discreetly raised the corner of my mouth, I observed Soo-yin sending occasional, self-satisfied glances my way. I wondered what kind of expression she would make if she discovered that the man she had longed for was my ex-boyfriend.

Time seemed to pass in a whirlwind, and I felt dizzy. When the food was finally served, I realized the commotion had subsided.

I called out to my mom, who was in the kitchen washing dishes.

“Why are you still working here?”

“Why are you working here?”

I went to my sister’s house and asked if they needed an employee.

“The hourly wage here is a bit higher. Your aunt can be a bit particular about food, but she pays well.”

I didn’t say anything.

“How hard is it to find a job like this?”

My heart ached when I saw the expression on my mother’s face. I had thought I was the only one facing difficulties, but I was wrong. My mother was enduring her own hardships in her own way.  

“Why are you working so much? I know it’s for Dad’s medical bills, but what about you?”

“Oh, it’s…”

I squinted at my mom as she hesitated.

“You don’t mean… You owe me money?”

“I’m sure you owe me a few bucks, since… went out of business,” I replied, but I couldn’t bring myself to explain why I hadn’t informed her. It felt as though I was the one questioning my mom about her finances.

“Is that why you and Dad divorced?”

“I couldn’t bear….”

It felt like a heavy burden on my shoulders.

“I’m close to paying off my debt, so just hold on a bit longer. I’ll settle it, and I’ll assist you. I owe that person money, and I appreciate how kind he’s been to me. I’m only human, and I understand that.”

I remained silent.

“After I’ve cleared my debt, I’ll visit your dad.”

Did she want to see her dad? My mom’s eyes welled up. She clenched her teeth. Suddenly, she recollected what her dad had mentioned casually:

“Mom loves me so much, she cares for me, so I’m not worried.”

Her jaw quivered.

“It’s late, and I need to leave.”

I didn’t manage to stop her as she turned away, claiming she had to attend to something else. She remained stationary, her head bowed.

Then I realized something. I rushed to where I had left my bag, snatched my purse, and called out to my mom as she dashed out the back door. My head was throbbing from the haste.

“Why me?”

“Mom, this,” I began.

I exhaled, opening my wallet. I retrieved the money and pressed it into my mom’s hand, and she gasped.

“Take it,” I urged. “Come on, take it! I’ve been working longer hours, and you’re the most important person to me. I’ll take care of Dad.”

“……Thank you.”

My mom’s hand, holding the money, seemed hesitant. She should have taken the cash. After all, it was her money, so why didn’t she immediately accept it? She turned away and took a few steps, then turned back around.

“But why did Han Se-hyuk return to you…” I inquired, and she appeared intrigued. Her jaw tightened.

“Mom, I’d rather you not talk about him; it’s all in the past.”

“Mom, I’d rather you not discuss him.” Her eyes grew distant once more.

“I don’t want you to think about him, especially you.”

I pretended not to notice her shoulders droop and turned away with a distant demeanor. Perhaps I should have taken some Tylenol. By the time I had finished tidying up after the party, my body felt weighed down.

As I struggled to take another step and paused while walking downhill, I couldn’t help but wonder if all wealthy individuals resided in elevated areas. I decided that I should head home and rest.

The honk of a car horn startled me, and I turned to locate its source.

“Get in.”

He hadn’t brought a driver today; he was driving himself, and he instructed me to enter the car.

“…I’m really tired today.”

I could have simply complied, but for some inexplicable reason, I didn’t want to do as he asked. I felt as though his intense gaze could penetrate my forehead.

However, I stubbornly feigned ignorance of the expression in his eyes.

“Get in,” he grumbled, as if he had run out of patience, and I took a moment to look around. A car was approaching in the distance, and I realized he wouldn’t budge until I complied, so I quickly hopped into the car.

“Buckle up.”

I fastened my seatbelt, and the car jerked into motion. I stole a glance at him while he drove in silence. I used to love observing his sideways glances when we were dating. I admired the way his long fingers would tap aimlessly on the table, and I cherished how I would sit in a coffee shop and gaze at his hands.

There was a time when that was all I desired to do. I recalled how he used to laugh and converse with Sooyin, and it was as if a realization had dawned on me.

I gazed out of the window, reluctant to meet his gaze, until I realized that I was on the way to his house. I then turned to look at him.

“I’m too exhausted to do anything, please stop.”

He didn’t respond, and I observed him driving away. The view outside the window remained obscured. This was the first time I had entered his house via the underground parking garage.

“Go to bed and rest.”

My eyes widened at the mention of a bed as soon as I entered the house. I squinted as if I hadn’t heard him correctly.

“Go to that room and lie down.”

As I remained still, he let out an irritated sigh and seized my wrist. I held onto his wrist as he pulled me back to the room. Upon entering the room, I beheld a bed that was three or four times larger than my own.

I didn’t say anything, but my face turned crimson.

“Lie down.”

“I should wash up and… I’m sweating a lot.”

“I don’t care, just go upstairs and lie down.”

My heart raced as he left the room. I ascended the stairs to his bed, plumped the pillow, and lay down.

I stared at the pure white ceiling, unable to calm my racing heart. It was finally my first night.

“…….”

I waited for him, but I felt like I had a fever. Lying on his comfortable bed, my body ached all over. I groaned and caught a whiff of sweat in the air.

I should have insisted on washing. My fingers tingled as if they were cut. My heart was pounding, my body ached, and I felt like a complete mess.

I expected him to arrive shortly, but he didn’t. My eyelids grew heavier and heavier.

I couldn’t gauge how much time had passed when I was suddenly jolted awake by someone touching me. I nearly screamed when I saw an unfamiliar man reaching out to touch my forehead.

“No, who are you?”

I blushed and looked towards the door, ready to make a quick escape.

“It’s a doctor; please, calm down.”

“……A doctor?”

“Yes. Open your mouth, please. Ah-“

I instinctively opened my mouth.

“You have a sore throat; it must have been quite painful.”

“……”

“Let me take a look at your finger as well.”

He opened his bag and tended to the wound.

“Take your medicine, I’ll give you some water, and get some rest.”

“…What if it’s all right?”

I inquired about what to do with the needle.

“Mr. Han will remove it.”

The needle pricked the back of my hand, and it didn’t hurt at all, yet tears welled up in my eyes. I wasn’t sure if the pain was making me feeble or if I was just feeling emotional.

“Does it hurt a lot?”

The doctor assumed I was crying due to the pain, so he retrieved a tissue and handed it to me. I pressed the tissue to my eyes and shook my head.

“You should rest now.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m getting paid for this.”

When had he realized I was unwell? Had he been waiting for me to show signs of illness? He must have been waiting for at least half an hour, as I had come out after the party had ended and cleaned up.

As the IV was inserted, my entire body broke out in a sweat. I could sense myself improving. I blinked slowly and drifted into sleep, feeling the softness of the bed and faintly catching his scent.

Upon waking up, I made eye contact with him as he removed the needle.

“…Thank you for today.”

My voice was muffled from lack of sleep.

“Get out.”

I watched him disappear with the empty syringe and got out of bed. I smoothed my disheveled hair and headed out the door. I followed him to the kitchen, my eyes widening at the sight of steaming porridge on the table.    

“Eat.”

“It’s okay…….”    

I said it was okay because I thought I’d feel sick if I ate the porridge, but he sat down across from me and spoke through clenched teeth.    

“Eat the porridge, you have to take your medicine.”

I sat down in my chair and played with my spoon, feeling a piercing glare aimed at my forehead. He bent over his bowl and stirred it absentmindedly.

I couldn’t tell if he was pushing the spoon into my nose or my mouth, and I couldn’t taste the porridge. His gaze then shifted to his tablet. I felt a pang of sympathy for his busyness as he worked at the table.

After finishing my porridge and taking my pills, his cell phone on the table rang.

“Yes.”

Because he was seated right in front of me, I could clearly hear the person on the other end. The caller was Sooyin. Were they still in contact after hours?

I dropped my spoon with a thud as Sooyin’s voice came through the speaker, and I made eye contact with him. Unable to maintain the eye contact, I averted my gaze first. I could sense him slowly getting to his feet.

“Well?”

She looked up as he walked up beside her, putting the call on speaker and placing his phone on the kitchen table.

“What’s going on?”

My eyes widened in horror as he ripped his shirt open to the side, buttons flying off and hitting the floor, sending chills down my spine.

I try to push him away, but before I know it, a hand is unclasping my bra behind my back. My face is flushed, but he maintains his customary cool demeanor, as if nothing has happened.  

He cupped my bare br*asts without hesitation, forcing a succession of little groans to escape my lips. I hesitantly looked down at his phone on the table.    

“Do you have something to talk about?”  

-Yes. I’d like to meet with you. I’ll wait.”

“Hmm. “Please wait while I think about it.”

I locked my gaze on him, not wanting him to leave.  He dropped his head slowly and n*pped my br*ast with his teeth.   

 “Mmm…hmm.”

In response to the groan that escaped me, I lifted his hand to bite the back of his hand. It appeared to be the least I could do.    

Mr. Se-hyuk, I miss you.  

“Have you been drinking?”

Sooyin was so drunk that she didn’t recognize her garbled pronunciation. Her tongue trailed along her areola before flicking at the protruding n*pple.

She held her breath in order to keep a whimper from escaping. But I couldn’t take it anymore. With my hand, I pushed his head away.    

-I’ve had a drink now, liar.  Her speech was slurred, so she must have had a lot to drink.    

-Are you coming, or not? He s*cked on my br*ast till it tingled, then chewed on it before responding.    

“Yep. I’ll be there in a minute.”

The sound of Sooyin’s joyous laughter broke my heart. My head was warped just thinking about her being with him.  

When the call ended, his lips grew more demanding, n*bbling not only on my n*pples but also all over my br*asts, till he eventually drew away.  He gripped my shoulders and moved away to gather his breath after a while of obsessing over my br*asts.

His lips were thick and swollen, and a chilly wind blasted through his body as he pulled away.  I sat on the couch a few moments later, watching as he changed into more comfortable clothes.  

I expect him to tell me something, but he doesn’t, and I walk quickly to the front door.

“Are you dating Sooyin?”

I ask, turning slowly. Please, I hope there’s nothing going on with her. Not with anyone else, not with Oh Sooyin. Please.

“Well?”

I search his face, but I can’t read it. I wonder what he’s thinking.

“Sooyin is related to me, so…….”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

I pressed, determined to get an answer.

He sneered at me, one corner of his mouth twitching upward, and then he turned away. I stood still in place until he was out of sight, my heart heavy with uncertainty and frustration. My fists clenched tightly, a mix of emotions swirling within me. It was my fingers that were cut by the glass, and they tingled, a reminder of the pain and confusion I was feeling.