Episode 13

Despite the three people's gazes meeting, Woon's expression remained nonchalant. Soon enough, Byeol realized the reason and spoke up.

"That's brother Hyun's wife."

"...Of course, I knew that."

"What a joke."

Although they were cousins, they weren't particularly close, and Woon didn't attend their wedding. In reality, this was the first time So-jung and Woon had met after the marriage.

"Hello."

"Likewise. This is our first time meeting, isn't it?"

"It is."

The three exchanged brief greetings and entered the restaurant. Noticing So-jung was alone, Woon inquired.

"What about Brother?"

"He's still not feeling well. I'm the only one here today."

A family meal. Although it was supposed to be a family meal, the only relatives present were Woon and Byeol, and the atmosphere was far from pleasant. The highlight of this gathering was the grim-faced Mi-ae seated inside as they opened the door.

"It's been a while, second Aunt."

"..."

Choi Yong, the first chairman and founder of Kyungmoon Enterprise.

Choi Yong had three sons: Choi Nam, Choi Seok, and Choi Dong. The eldest, Nam, gave birth to Hoon and Yeon; the second, Seok, gave birth to Hyun; and the third, Dong, birthed Byeol and Woon.

Their fathers, the three brothers, did not get along well. This was evident as most of them declared their non-attendance whenever a family event was scheduled.

Familiar with such an atmosphere, So-jung remained silent throughout the meal. Meanwhile, Mi-ae, who had organized the whole agenda, seemed flustered by the amount of missing attendees. She continued sipping her cold water.

That meant she was anxious.

Her husband was in a vegetative state, and her only son had lost his memories since becoming an adult. In such a situation, with all their remaining relatives coming from abroad for the upcoming commemorative event, Mi-ae's stress naturally rose.

Although she invited them to gauge their intentions, only Woon and Byeol attended.

"By the way, it seems we're the only ones here. I don't see anyone else."

"...Indeed. Everyone seems busy. It would have been nice if we could have eaten together."

"Well, we'll see each other at the commemoration anyway. Honestly, I don't see why this meal was necessary."

Woon's remark about the commemoration forced a smile on Mi-ae's face.

"So, is it just the two of you? Your parents aren't coming?"

"They said their flight was delayed, so it shall be us."

"..."

"Why, is there a reason we shouldn't come alone?"

"No, of course not."

At Woon's sarcastic remark, Mi-ae's hand trembled for a moment as she clutched the cutlery. Despite their smiles, the atmosphere was tense. In this precarious situation, all So-jung could do was continue eating as if nothing was wrong.

Even though her husband had lost his memories due to an accident and her child couldn't meet her father, she had to pretend everything was fine...

Clang.

At that moment, the spoon slipped from So-jung's hand and clattered against the plate, drawing everyone's attention.

"...I apologize. I got lost in thought for a moment."

Mi-ae frowned at So-jung's demeanor but didn't say anything. Woon and Byeol only glanced at her briefly before turning their attention back to Mi-ae.

"By the way, is Hyun still ill?"

"...Yes. He's recuperating at the villa."

"The accident must have been severe if he can't even attend the commemoration."

The conversation naturally shifted to Hyun.

"How bad is it? I sent a message to check on him, but there was no reply."

"..."

"He must be so impaired that he can't even move a finger."

Hyun's phone was damaged in the accident, and even if he had it, he couldn't use it properly due to his memory loss. Mi-ae, flustered, bit her lip slightly.

"I told him not to receive any calls."

The unexpected speaker was So-jung.

"I wanted him to rest without worrying about anything. I'm handling any necessary business communications along with his secretary."

"..."

"If you're concerned for him, I'll pass on your message. That his cousin is very worried."

With those few words, the topic of Hyun was never brought up again. After a few more trivial conversations, the meal finally concluded.

"See you at the commemoration. Goodbye."

"...Yes."

As she had no business left, Mi-ae left the restaurant without looking back. So-jung was about to follow her out when Woon stopped her.

"By the way, sister-in-law."

"Yes?"

"When you see Hyun, tell him I want to meet him sometime."

"...Of course. I'll tell him."

Only after that could So-jung leave. Once only the two of them were left in the room, Byeol finally spoke.

"What, you're really trying to meet Brother Hyun?"

"Why would I? I'm not meeting him."

"Then why did you say that earlier?"

"Well... I kind of wanted to ask him some things, but..."

"But?"

"Forget it."

Woom summed up his impression of So-jung in one sentence.

"Still, considering she entered our family through an arranged marriage, I thought she would be a more refined woman. But she's not at all. She doesn't even seem confident in front of her mother-in-law. She just eats mechanically and greets formally."

Then Woon tilted his head.

"What on earth did Hyun see in her to marry her? Her family background isn't even impressive."

"Second uncle pushed for the marriage. That's probably why."

"Even so, how could he marry such a woman? I would never do that."

Woon shook his head as if greatly displeased. Byeol, seemingly uninterested, touched up her makeup.

"Well, then I guess you'll marry a perfect woman."

"Of course. To marry me, a woman has to be the best in every aspect—family background, character, appearance..."

"Anyway, let's go. I'm heading to the department store now. I couldn't even eat properly because of this."

Ignoring her brother's words, Byeol glanced at her phone and stood up.

"Are you going straight to the hotel?"

"No. I have an appointment."

Woon checked his watch and gauged the time for his next meeting.

---

"It's been a while, everyone."

"Senior! How have you been?"

"Hey, what's this? You lost so much weight. What have you been up to?"

Inside a café on the street, a few people were gathered, exchanging warm greetings. It was the day of the university club reunion.

After graduation, they had met a few times, but it had been a long time since some had attended. While everyone was busy greeting each other, So-jin sat quietly, deep in thought.

"Hey, what are you doing? Jeong-hyeon is here."

Hye-young, having noticed So-jin's unusual demeanor, took a seat beside her. So-jin mumbled to herself.

"...Wouldn't a physical shock bring back some memories?"

"What?"

"Oh, sorry. When did you get here? I was lost in thought. So, Jeong-heon is here?"

Ever since learning about Hyun and So-jung's situation, So-jin had been deeply worried. Her sister might have seemed fine, but to a sibling who lived with her for decades, such a façade was transparent.

Seeing her sister appearing thinner, So-jin couldn't help but worry.

"Long time no see, how have you been?"

"Long time no see. How about you?"

However, the people around her didn't give So-jin much time to ponder. Soon, many people gathered around her, and the atmosphere heated up.

"It's nice to see so many people after a long time, right?"

"Yeah. It's really been a while."

The reunion naturally revolved around those who hadn't seen each other in a long time. Hye-young, looking pleased, glanced at So-jin.

"By the way, did you hear?"

"Hear what?"

"I heard Choi Woon is coming today."

So-jin almost choked on her drink at Hye-young's words. Surprised, Hye-young patted So-jin's back.

"Hey, are you okay?"

"What! Is Choi Woon really coming today?"

Despite choking, So-jin urgently asked.

"Yeah. I heard he just flew down to Korea. So I told him to stop by if he had time."

"..."

"We haven't seen Choi Woon in years. So I invited him."

Dammit.

At the reunion leader's words, So-jin muttered in despair.

"...No wonder there were clouds over Incheon Airport these past few days."

Hye-young chuckled at So-jin's remark.

"You two still fight? It's been years since graduation."

"I don't know. Anyway, I can't handle seeing that annoying face again... Did you purposely not tell me? Knowing he was coming!"

"Of course. Watching you two fight was one of the reasons I enjoyed school. I wouldn't miss this."

So-jin felt an impulse to grab Hye-young by the collar but now was not the time. She needed to leave before Choi Woo arrived for the sake of her mental health.

But as if to deepen her despair, someone entered the café.

"Hey, Choi Woo. Over here!"

The leader was the first to react, waving enthusiastically. The sound of his shoes clicking approached So-jin.

"You're here? It's been a while. You haven't changed a bit."

"Then, you should know I don't drink this cheap coffee. Let's go somewhere else instead of this place. I'll rent it out."

Woon confidently nodded his head toward the others. Finally, his gaze settled directly on So-jin below. In response, her eyes lifted to meet his.

"Why not set aside that cheap coffee and join us? Since you've lived in Korea for so long, you should already be tasting some of the finer brews."

"Hmm, I might just splash this on your face and be done with it. After all, if you're back in Korea, you ought to get acquainted with our coffee, don't you think?"

Years had passed since they last met, yet sparks flew between them without a proper greeting. The bystanders, unfazed, gathered their belongings, while Hye-young watched the confrontation with keen interest.

---

Prev || Toc || Next