IDMPYU 17

17. Warning

“Can we talk?”

Hajun grabbed Jihyun’s arm just as she was about to storm into the kitchen.

“There’s nothing to talk about.”

Jihyun snapped coldly, casting a nervous glance at the stairs. If anyone were to see them like this, if someone asked whether they knew each other from before, she felt she’d owe Hajun an apology.

So, in her guilt, she acted distant.

She was afraid that even the mere fact of knowing her might tarnish Hajun’s reputation. What if this meaningless connection led to her precious friend being criticized, too?

“Then go back upstairs. Your friend must be looking for you.”

Jihyun, anxious that someone might catch them, pushed him away, but Hajun stood firm.

“I don’t care. It’ll only take a minute.”

“…Fine. Follow me.”

Sighing, knowing he wouldn’t give up without a proper conversation, Jihyun led him to the garden behind the mansion.

Once they reached the secluded area, Jihyun finally stopped. Hajun’s eyes hadn’t left her for a second.

“Jihyun…”

His voice was tender, but instead of replying, Jihyun tapped at a white pebble near her foot.

She knew how considerate he was, how he hesitated to speak for fear of hurting her, and she couldn’t bear to look him in the eye. So she spoke bluntly.

“Just get to the point. I need to get back.”

Her insides twisted. It would’ve been nice if they could’ve smiled together as equals, as friends. But here, that was impossible.

“You came here as a guest, but I’m just a worker.”

But Hajun seemed to think differently.

“Jihyun, can you look at me? Please?”

Unable to ignore his pleading voice any longer, Jihyun reluctantly lifted her head. Though she was the one feeling utterly miserable, it was Hajun who looked like he was about to cry.

“I hope you’re not upset about being found out. Remember what I said? Working is never something to be ashamed of. If anything, it’s something to be proud of.”

His words were incredibly kind. But to Jihyun, they pierced like sharpened blades. Hearing comfort from a classmate only emphasized the gap between them.

“You’ve said your piece, right? I need to get back. That’s it.”

“Wait!”

As she turned to go, Hajun quickly pulled something from his pocket—a thin notebook.

“These are my notes from class. I’ve been writing everything down while you’ve been away from school. It should help you catch up.”

Seeing the notebook brought back memories of taking the same classes with Seungho. She remembered how clueless she felt, and how Seungho had mocked her. The thought made her oddly angry.

“I don’t need this. I’m fine.”

But Hajun forced the notebook into her hand.

“No matter how you’re doing, it’s okay. Now and in the future, I’ll always be your friend. That won’t change. So…”

Hajun took a deep breath and said what he’d really wanted to.

“Don’t push me away.”

“Ha, this is hilarious.”

Seungho watched from a distance as Hajun and Jihyun reentered the mansion, a smirk on his face. He’d laughed so much listening to them in the garden, he was nearly in tears.

Hajun’s desperate expression had piqued his interest, so Seungho had followed them secretly. Hidden behind a wall near the garden, he’d caught every word of their conversation. It was just as amusing as he’d expected—no, even more.

“What a tearjerker of a friendship.”

He used to curse the unknown idiot who gave Jihyun the textbook she dropped. But now he knew exactly who it was.

“Kim Hajun. So that dumbass was you. What good is your fancy background if you’re that stupid?”

While Hajun fretted over whether his words might hurt Jihyun, he didn’t even notice how her shoulders trembled. Pretending not to know might’ve helped her more, but his “noble kindness” wouldn’t allow it.

Seungho, recalling the sweet comfort Hajun had given her, sneered coldly into the air.

“Friend, my ass. What kind of friend talks like that?”

Still laughing inwardly, Seungho headed up to the second floor—only to stop in surprise.

Someone who should’ve been around was nowhere to be seen. Hajun was chatting with Minwoo as if nothing happened, but Jihyun hadn’t returned.

Just then, Mr. Kim came upstairs carrying drinks and desserts—something Jihyun should’ve done.

“What about her?”

Scanning the table, Seungho asked him calmly.

“Oh, Jihyun said she wasn’t feeling well.”

Mr. Kim looked awkward, and Seungho let out a short laugh.

“There it is.”

She must’ve found it too hard to keep working in front of her friend—so she ran.

Seungho swept back his hair with a long finger. He felt no sympathy. All he felt was irritation, sparked by this uninvited guest disrupting his mood.

“If you act like this, it ruins the fun.”

“Call her back.”

“Pardon? Um, she really didn’t look well. Maybe she should rest a bit…”

Mr. Kim rarely objected, but now he did. Seungho’s eyes turned icy.

“Call her. Right now.”

Soon, Jihyun appeared, pale and unsteady. Just as Mr. Kim said, she looked like she’d collapse at any moment.

Jihyun stared hard at Seungho, lips tightly pressed together. Her eyes were red—she’d probably been crying. Hajun followed her with concern in his eyes, but as Jihyun had hoped, he kept his emotions in check.

“You couldn’t even look me in the eye before, and now this…”

Disgusted, Seungho spoke lazily.

“I heard you’re not feeling well?”

“…”

“Well, that’s a problem.”

He leaned forward and raised his right hand—wrapped tightly in a white bandage.

“Because I’m not doing so well either.”

The moment her eyes met his cold, black ones, a chill ran down Jihyun’s spine.

His smile, meant to seem apologetic, was filled with malice. Yet everyone around only worried about his injury. His eyes, kind but icy, commanded her:

“Can you pass me a glass of water?”

Without a word, Jihyun obeyed. But the water in the glass was soon splashed onto her instead.

The empty glass rolled to the floor. It all happened in an instant. As she looked down at her soaked pants, she heard Seungho’s fake-apologetic voice.

“Oh no, I’m so sorry. My hand slipped.”

He didn’t sound sorry at all. He furrowed his brows as if he were in pain—pretending his right hand still hurt. But Jihyun remembered clearly:

“He took the glass with his left hand.”

Still, she was too tired to challenge him. Swallowing a sigh, she brought a towel from the bathroom and cleaned the floor.

Seungho, expressionless, looked down at her bent over the floor. His gaze shifted to Hajun, who was pretending to chat with Bora and Minwoo but was clearly on edge, his eyes following Jihyun, ready to jump in at any moment.

Watching this, Seungho scoffed again.

“Such touching friendship…”

When Jihyun stood up, Seungho pointed at the table and said sweetly:

“I’d love some shine muscat grapes. Could you get me some?”

Jihyun did as asked, selecting large, firm grapes and placing them on a plate.

Seungho crossed his legs leisurely, picked one up, then deliberately dropped it. Though it was clearly tossed, he smiled like it was an accident, glancing between the grape on the floor and Jihyun.

Knowing exactly what the smile meant, Jihyun bent down under the table to retrieve the grape. At that moment, Seungho’s slipper pressed down gently on her fingers.

She winced and looked up, locking eyes with him. Her body stiffened.

Seungho’s face was emotionless, his eyes icy cold.

“I told you,” he said in a low voice.
“Don’t disappear without my permission.”