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Episode 15
Before she could even press the doorbell, the front door swung open and Kyobin appeared.
“Welcome.”
Startled, Heejae instinctively stepped back, but Kyobin caught her wrist in one swift motion. She staggered, and in that fleeting moment, he pulled her inside.
Seated on his living room sofa, Heejae glanced around. Though it was only a floor above hers, this place felt like a different world—luxurious and remote. No matter how close he seemed, even living under the same roof, the distance between them never shrank.
“Since moving out, this is the first time you’ve come to my place,” Kyobin remarked, setting a steaming cup of tea before her.
“Wait for it to cool before drinking. It’s hot.”
Heejae looked down at the rising steam, then raised her eyes. Their gazes met, and Kyobin smiled with a slight curve of his eyes. Flustered, she turned away quickly and lifted the cup.
“I worked a full night shift today. I’m exhausted. Just get to the point.”
Instinct warned her: staying here too long would only lead to repeating past mistakes. She needed to finish quickly and leave.
“You’re always impatient.”
Kyobin dropped down on the sofa beside her. The sudden closeness made her shrink away. He only chuckled and sipped his tea.
“Next week you’re scheduled to meet Shin Seheon.”
That caught her off guard. She arched a brow at him.
“I wanted to ask if you’ll be alright.”
Of all people, Seheon was the one Heejae least wanted to face. When she had lived with her mother in Chairman Shin’s home, Seheon had been the most uncomfortable presence. Unlike Sunhye, who openly scorned her, Seheon never spoke a word to her. He would only look with disdain, click his tongue, and turn away. His cold indifference left her helpless.
So, Heejae learned to slip behind corridors, to avoid his gaze, to disappear.
Kyobin clicked his tongue. “Like a child left by the water’s edge… I can’t leave you alone without worrying.”
Only then did she realize he knew every detail of her schedule. She wanted to protest—why spy on her life, why dig so deeply into her privacy—but she said nothing. Words were useless with Shin Kyobin. He would only turn her accusations back on her.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay? You two were always uncomfortable around each other.”
“It’s my business. Not yours.”
Kyobin sighed, setting his cup down.
“My brother changed after being permanently removed from his position.”
Leaning back, he draped an arm behind her, crossing his leg and turning fully toward her. His presence pressed close until Heejae turned sharply—and found his face right there, nearly touching.
“Into a complete bastard.”
She stared at him warily. There were so many things she wanted to say—worse than you ever were—but she swallowed them.
“So? Why are you telling me this?”
Her sharp voice only drew a softer look from him, as if he found her endearing. He lifted a large hand and turned her face gently toward his.
“Be careful.”
His hand slid down to rest over hers. She flinched, trying to pull away, but he clasped her tightly.
“I won’t let that bastard lay a finger on you.”
His touch trailed smoothly down her index finger.
“Get hurt? What are you talking about?”
“You know he hates me enough to kill me.”
Kyobin leaned closer, lips grazing the edge of her ear.
“So he might take it out on the woman I treasure most—you.”
His hot breath brushed her skin, and Heejae shuddered, drawing her shoulders up. But Kyobin pinned them firmly, keeping her from retreating.
“I’m saying this because I’m worried.”
His hands slid up her shoulders, over her neck, cupping her cheek. Their eyes locked, and the charged atmosphere felt like sparks were about to ignite.
Her throat went dry. She shut her eyes tight, refusing to sink into the moment. Yet when his hand stroked her cheek, it was so gentle she couldn’t push him away.
“I’m glad I can see your face so often, Heejae.”
When his touch withdrew, she cautiously opened her eyes. But instead of retreating, Kyobin leaned in closer, breath mingling, lips nearly touching—until she turned her head away at the last second.
She had sworn never again. Never to let their relationship slip into anything more.
“If you’re done talking, I’ll go now.”
The tea was still steaming, untouched. She rose quickly. But before she could leave, Kyobin caught her wrist again.
“I waited for you. Stay a little longer.”
“…No.”
He stood too, and fear made her step back. Yet instead of forcing her, Kyobin released her wrist.
“Then wait here a moment.”
He disappeared into a room and returned with a shopping bag, pressing it into her hand.
“What’s this?”
“It’s your mother’s birthday today. Did you call her?”
“…What?”
She had completely forgotten. The flood of work, the move, settling into a new place—she hadn’t spared a thought for it.
“I knew it. You’ve been too busy, haven’t you?”
Inside the bag was a set of high-quality supplements, beautifully wrapped. Easily worth hundreds. She shoved it back at him in disgust.
“I don’t want it. Why would you—”
“If you leave without it, I’ll take it to mean you’d rather spend the night under me.”
He jerked his chin toward the door. Flustered, she ended up shoved out into the hall, bag still in hand.
As she waited for the elevator, Heejae pulled out her phone and dialed her mother. After only a few rings, her mother’s voice came through the line.
