IDMPYU 21

21. Where Is She?

“Auntie, what is all this…?”

Jihyun stood gaping, staring back and forth between Hyunsook and the huge shopping bag.

“Try it on.”

Hyunsook pointed with her chin like it was no big deal. Inside the bag was a white goose-down padded coat. A familiar logo on the inside caught Jihyun’s eye—it was a brand often worn by her classmates. Jihyun shook her head.

“This is way too expensive. Auntie, really, I’m fine. Let’s just go back and return it—”

“If you don’t wear it, I won’t be returning it. I’ll just throw it out.”

Hyunsook looked at her with a frustrated expression.

Other kids were a problem because they always wanted more. But her niece was a problem because she had grown up too fast.

Even when the padding on her faded, old jacket was sticking out, or her sneakers had worn soles, Jihyun never once asked for new clothes. Seeing her like that broke Hyunsook’s heart.

“Still…”

As Jihyun hesitated, fiddling with the shiny padded coat, Hyunsook pressed again.

“You’re not testing me to see how impulsive I can be, are you?”

Faced with the serious tone, Jihyun reluctantly tried on the coat—and it fit her perfectly, like it had been tailored just for her.

Jihyun tried to suggest at least exchanging it for a darker color since white gets dirty easily, but Hyunsook flatly refused. She just wanted to dress her niece in something pretty, no questions asked.

With her light complexion and hair, white suited Jihyun far better than black.

“This is the nicest thing I’ve ever worn.”

Jihyun whispered in awe, and Hyunsook adjusted the coat for her, responding casually.

“That’s good. Don’t try to save it—wear it often. I’ll buy you more.”

“This alone is more than enough. Thank you so much, Auntie.”

Jihyun’s eyes grew red with emotion.

“No need to thank me for something like this…”

Truthfully, Hyunsook had never bought such an expensive coat before either. But seeing Jihyun wear it, it didn’t feel like a waste at all.

“You said you’re meeting your friends today, right? Go have fun. Don’t even think about coming home early.”

Hyunsook’s stern encouragement made Jihyun burst into laughter. It was her first time seeing her friends since vacation started.

On the last day of school, Hajun had persistently asked for Jihyun’s contact info. Since she didn’t have a phone, she had reluctantly given him her aunt’s number, promising he’d only use it in emergencies.

But Hajun contacted her, along with Miri, to meet up. There was no reason to say no. So of course, she said yes.

Technically, it was Hyunsook who said yes—but still.

Hyunsook seemed more excited than anyone, like she was the one going out. She stuffed spending money into Jihyun’s hand, saw her off at the gate, and reminded her again:

“Don’t even think about coming home before sunset.”

Jihyun, excited for her first time hanging out with friends, practically floated down the street. Her steps were light, and she kept nervously adjusting her long hair.

Then she spotted someone up ahead—and her eyes widened.

“…Huh?”

A man in a black shearling coat, familiar in silhouette, was walking toward her. Jihyun instinctively held her breath.

He had a stranger’s face, but a familiar build that reminded her of someone. He passed by without noticing her, but her startled heart wouldn’t settle.

For a second, she thought it was Shin Seungho.

But there was no way he would be here. She knew that. Still, she couldn’t take her eyes off the man’s retreating figure.

‘He’s probably doing just fine by now.’

Jihyun stood there a while before shaking her head and continuing on.

Hajun and Miri, who had arrived first, welcomed her cheerfully. Miri circled around her and let out exaggerated gasps.

“Ooh, Jihyun! You look so pretty today! The reincarnated villainess wears a white padded coat!”

“Villain…ess?”

Jihyun looked pale at the unfamiliar term, and Miri burst into laughter.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean you’re evil. In romance fantasy novels, villainesses are just pretty main characters.”

Hajun, watching nearby, clicked his tongue and gave Miri a playful smack on the back.

“Stop reading those web novels! You’re a test-taker now! What did you even score on the last mock exam?”

“Ugh, I’d rather be possessed by a novel character than talk about my scores.”

At the mention of exams, Jihyun’s face stiffened. She wasn’t a senior yet, but her academy was already focused on entrance exams and frequently held mock tests.

While she’d been busy with housework, she had temporarily forgotten her worries. But now, they came flooding back.

“Anyway, Jihyun, how’ve you been? Studying? You said you’re not attending an academy—so, library?”

Unaware of Jihyun’s situation, Miri asked brightly. Jihyun had no real answer.

The only consistent thing she’d done over the break was shoveling snow. She’d studied a little, but it didn’t compare to friends already in full exam prep mode.

“Um…”

Just as she was fumbling for an answer, Hajun jumped in between them and looped his arms around theirs.

“What’s with you?”

Miri tried to pull her arm away in disgust, but Hajun only tightened his grip and started dragging them.

“Photos.”

“Huh? What photos?”

“Photos. You know, those four-cut photo booths. Everyone in class has one.”

“Not today! I’m not camera-ready. If you want it so bad, go alone.”

“You’re so unhelpful, Miri…”

Hajun grumbled under his breath and clicked his tongue disapprovingly.

“We’re all taking one. Right now.”

“Fine, but let go of my arm first!”

Practically dragged by Hajun, the three of them ended up taking pictures together.

“Okay, smile! We’re pretending to be happy regardless of our grades!”

Thanks to Miri’s over-the-top energy—even wearing a wig—Jihyun couldn’t help but smile for real. She was happy.

Kim, the house manager, was pale as she rushed out of the mansion after receiving an unexpected call.

There was no time to summon the staff. Just as she reached the gate, a deluxe taxi pulled up and stopped in front of her. When she saw who got out, she gasped and quickly bowed her head.

“You’re back, Young Master Seungho.”

Even an early return was expected to be a month away—yet here he was.

“Have you been well?”

Seungho’s gaze, which had been fixed on the mansion, turned to Kim. Though his sudden call had thrown the whole house into a frenzy, he remained calm and composed.

“Yes, sir.”

Kim replied but was full of questions. Seungho was supposed to be in Europe, both for a vacation and to prepare for studying abroad. Why had he come back so suddenly? Still, she didn’t dare ask.

“You must be tired after the long flight. Please, come inside.”

Seungho nodded slightly and walked ahead while Kim followed with his luggage.

“Chairman Shin is currently on a business trip in the U.S., and Madam accompanied him. Young Master Myungho is out with a friend, so he’s also—”

Right then, at the entrance, Seungho stopped and turned around.

“What about that girl?”

Caught off guard, Kim blinked.

“Pardon?”

Seungho stared toward the annex.

“Where’s Choi Jihyun?”

“Wow, today was really fun.”

Miri stretched with a satisfied smile.

After taking sticker photos, they had laughed endlessly sharing goofy shots. Then they had burgers and chatted for hours at a café.

The winter sun had already set, and the sky was dark—it was time to part ways.

“Everyone heading home now?”

Miri carefully attached one of the group photos to the back of her phone.

“I’m gonna swing by the academy. Still got some studying to finish.”

Hajun’s calm answer made Miri roll her eyes.

“You’re such a nerd.”

“Not everyone slacks off like you.”

Hajun shrugged and glanced at Jihyun, pulling her closer to his side.

“Jihyun and I are going the same way. You should get going too, Miri.”

“Huh? My house is in that direction too—”

“Don’t go home. Go to the academy. I know you’ve got a makeup class tonight.”

Busted, Miri scowled at Hajun.

“How do you know that?”

“All academies are the same. Don’t skip it.”

“Ugh.”

With her cover blown, Miri said goodbye with a resigned face. Jihyun waved, looking a little sad.

“Everyone has extra classes…”

Even while worrying about her future, she couldn’t abandon studying. Jihyun briefly considered using her part-time wages to pay for online lectures.

Then—an armful of books fell into her arms.

They were from Hajun’s backpack.

“They’re just ordinary reference books, but they’ll help. You know that, right?”

Worried she might refuse, Hajun added that with a smile.

Jihyun quietly nodded.

“…Thank you.”

“Miri works harder than she looks. She wants to go to the same university as you, so…”

He peeled off the happiest photo of the three of them and stuck it on top of the study guide.

“Don’t give up. Keep going.”

Jihyun’s nose tingled at Hajun’s quiet encouragement, like he understood exactly what she was going through. She couldn’t speak, so she simply nodded.

She hadn’t meant to come home late, but she’d stayed out longer than expected. Feeling anxious, Jihyun picked up her pace. Hajun had wanted to walk her back, but she insisted he go to his class and pushed him away.

Walking through the alley leading to the mansion brought back old memories she hadn’t thought about in a while.

Maybe it was seeing someone who looked like him earlier.

She almost expected to find him waiting at the gate.

“Don’t go anywhere without my permission.”

Remembering his cold eyes and voice, Jihyun shook her head.

There was no way he was in Korea. He was supposed to be traveling Europe, probably skiing happily in Switzerland.

He’d completely forgotten her, the one he claimed to hate.

As she neared the mansion and her nerves began to settle, she saw no one at the gate.

‘Ugh, what was I even thinking?’

Relaxing, she rubbed her numb cheek and slipped through the door that the staff usually used—only for Manager Kim to come running out in a panic.

“Where have you been?!”

She grabbed Jihyun’s wrist in alarm.

“What’s going on?”

Jihyun asked innocently, unaware of what was happening.

Manager Kim swallowed dryly and said:

“Young Master Seungho is back.”

“…What?”

Jihyun’s heart dropped at the unbelievable news.