WAK 14

Chapter 14

“Sniff…”

Chasing the scent that disappeared into the air, she sniffed unconsciously. Her reflection appeared in the elevator door, and for a moment, she felt embarrassed by how ridiculous she looked.

She quickly straightened her head and checked around to see if anyone had noticed. Luckily, no one was nearby.

> “It’s serious, really serious.”

Had she been cursed by Ryu Jeonghan? Why did she have to dream something like that?

No, it was wrong from the start. Jeonghan had chased a bug in that strange position.

Who in the world stands over a woman’s body—even if their bodies didn’t touch—and chases a bug?

She took a deep breath to steady herself.

At times like this, only one thing was needed: work. If she threw herself into it, her distracting thoughts would vanish. A few days later, she would surely forget the man named Ryu Jeonghan.

—

**Saturday morning.**

Hanah ran forward with all her strength, gasping for air.

When she reached the halfway point, she bent over with her hands on her knees. She could feel the blood rushing to her head, her pulse pounding urgently.

> “Huff… huff…”

She watched the sweat drip to the ground and tried to catch her breath.

Because of the big temperature differences, it was chilly at night but extremely hot during the day.

She finally stood up and headed to a nearby convenience store.

After choosing a soda and paying, she sat on an empty bench. Then, her phone rang from the bag on her waist.

She stared at the Han River as she carefully took out her phone and checked the number.

“Who is it?”

It was an unknown number.

Not wanting her alone time disturbed, she swiped to reject the call and put the phone down.

Drinking a sip of soda, her overheated body cooled down.

As she drank repeatedly, a notification appeared: a message had arrived.

Her eyes naturally fell on the phone beside her.

> -Hello. You didn’t answer the phone. You might remember the accident at the department store.

Reading the message, Hanah straightened her back and immediately pressed the call button. She had completely forgotten about the department store man because too much had happened recently.

[Hello.]

“Hello. Hi.”

[Finally, the call connected.]

Hanah looked apologetic.

> “Sorry. I didn’t answer because I didn’t recognize the number…”

[It’s okay. Lots of people do that these days.]

“You called about the cost, right? If you give me your account, I’ll transfer the money.”

She silently prayed that the man hadn’t bought expensive designer pants.

[Money is a bit awkward.]

“What then…?”

[Well, how about this? Instead of money, let’s have a meal.]

Lately, so many people wanted to buy her meals.

She didn’t want to think about it, but naturally, Jeonghan came to mind. And she remembered their last meeting—the bug-chasing and that awkward dream at the Han River.

Hanah pinched her nose and shook her head to push away the thought of Jeonghan.

> “Sorry. That’s a bit hard. Give me the receipt and account number, and I’ll transfer the money immediately.”

She drew a firm line in a determined voice.

There was silence on the other end.

Checking if the call had dropped, she saw the timer still running.

“Hello?”

[Then let’s do this.]

Could he really be asking for emotional damages? Having seen all kinds of cases as a divorce lawyer, Hanah tensed sharply.

[Meet me in person.]

“Pardon?”

The unexpected words left her momentarily stunned.

[Not a bank transfer. I want it directly.]

In this world where money could transfer instantly with a few taps, why insist on meeting?

After some thought, Hanah decided to comply. After all, it had been partly her fault.

“Alright. I’ll meet you and give it to you.”

[Today is tough, right?]

“Today?”

After so long without contact, he was suddenly rushing.

“Where shall we meet?”

[Hannam-dong. Can you come?]

From Sangam to Hannam-dong wasn’t far.

[You choose the time, Kang Hanah.]

She planned to go to the law firm briefly to check some documents. She calculated the timing in her head.

> “I think I can be there around five or six.”

[Alright, then.]

“Please tell me how much it cost.”

[I’ll send the receipt photo via message.]

“Okay.”

Soon, a receipt with an enormous amount arrived. Hanah muttered curses and made a grim face.

> “I should have just bought cheap ones.”

Worried about spending that much, she gulped down her soda and got up.

—

After talking to Hanah, Hyeonsu nearly lay down on the sofa, resting his legs on the low table.

Near the sofa was a large suitcase.

He zoomed in on Hanah’s photos sent by Sangjin, staring at them.

> ‘A woman related to my brother…’

Suddenly, the photo disappeared, and the phone rang.

Frowning, he lowered his legs from the table and picked up his mother’s call.

“Hello.”

[You’re back in Korea.]

Returning from a business trip to Singapore, he was home less than 30 minutes after landing at Incheon Airport.

> “Mom knows everything, it seems.”

[You should go greet your father.]

“It wasn’t far, only a week-long trip.”

[Still, it feels like half a year.]

Hyeonsu laughed weakly. His mother was indulgent with herself and always felt like a victim, despite having an affair with a married man.

[You’re coming, right?]

> “Not today. I have plans tonight.”

He thought of Hanah. Memories of meeting at the department store faded; only the messy, slightly embarrassing images from Jeonghan’s suite were vivid.

—

Jeonghan entered his empty apartment. No one lived there.

He stood by the window overlooking the Han River. The sun glittered on the calm water.

Two people entered behind him.

“Hello.”

Jeonghan greeted the interior designer standing next to Manager Choi.

“May we look around together?”

“Sure.”

They began to inspect the house.

Jeonghan had bought this apartment when he became independent. It felt too large for living alone, so he later moved to a smaller place. After two years, he moved again to the hotel, where he stayed continuously.

> For Jeonghan, home was uncomfortable. A place meant to feel cozy and comfortable felt awkward.

After a long absence, some repairs were needed.

“I’ll design according to the concept you mentioned.”

“Yes.”

> “Check it and choose, and construction will start immediately.”

Manager Choi took the designer away. Jeonghan returned to the window, hands in his pockets.

The Han River had pulled him back into the home space. The night view with Hanah at Han River Citizen Park replayed in his mind.

He smiled faintly.

—

Leaving the apartment, Jeonghan noticed Hyeonsu coming out humming.

> “Why are you coming out from there?”

His voice was cold.

Hyeonsu smiled and approached casually.

“I didn’t know? I’ve been living here for a while.”

Jeonghan glanced at the front door behind Hyeonsu and gave a wry laugh.

> “Since when?”

“Do I have to tell you everything?”

“Here?”

Jeonghan snorted, and Hyeonsu’s smile disappeared completely.

> “Why are you here?”

“This is my house. Didn’t you know?”

Ignoring Hyeonsu, Jeonghan walked to the elevator.

Hyeonsu’s expression hardened. They rode in silence. At the first floor, Hyeonsu got off without a word. Jeonghan coldly pressed the close button.

Hyeonsu stopped, clenched his fists, and walked forward again.