I woke up from a familiar nightmare.
The endlessly recurring dream always began the same way. When I looked down at the small hand tugging my arm, young Chae Hyunji was crying, her round eyes filled with tears.
Chae Hyunji.
She was Sahee’s half-sister, born from her mother Lee Misook’s remarriage.
“I lost Mimi…”
Until then, the relationship between Sahee and Chae Hyunji hadn’t been bad. They didn’t act like close sisters or quarrel, but they hadn’t had any major conflicts either.
However, it was impossible for a family formed through remarriage to become a real family overnight. Even so, considering the blatant hostility their mother Lee Misook sometimes showed toward Sahee, their relationship had been relatively okay.
At least, that’s what Sahee had thought—until that day.
It was a day with rain in the forecast. The light drizzle was already tapping on the eaves when Chae Hyunji, face wet with tears, came to Sahee, sobbing that she had lost the doll she carried with her every day.
Let’s go look for it after the rain stops.
Standing up wasn’t just out of goodwill. Sahee was also confused by the new family her mother had brought, but she couldn’t help having a bit of hope.
When her mother’s new husband, Chae Yoonbok, treated Sahee kindly like a real father, and when Chae Hyunji hesitantly but often came to her, calling her sister…
“Let’s go.”
Sahee had harbored a faint hope that maybe, just maybe, they could become a real family.
The place Chae Hyunji led her to, claiming she had lost her doll, was a valley at the foot of the mountain. As they looked around, the light rain soon turned heavy, soaking their sneakers.
“It’s dangerous. Let’s go back. I’ll come back tomorrow and find it for you.”
At that moment, the child’s face twisted with anxiety. It was a memory Sahee could no longer be sure was real or distorted.
Even in the dream, Sahee could never shake the image of Chae Hyunji stubbornly insisting they look around just once more. In her mind, she had grabbed the child’s collar and slammed her head hundreds, thousands of times—but it was no use.
The dream always brought Sahee back to that place.
“Hyunji, I think we should look for the doll tomorrow…”
As she turned back from the valley, a strong force shoved her from behind. The ground beneath her feet was slippery, and before she could process what was happening, she lost her balance.
Splash. Her body plunged into the water. Cold fear swallowed Sahee. The heavy rain struck her face as she struggled, and river water flooded into her mouth, cutting off her breath.
At the end of her blurred vision, the last thing she saw was Chae Hyunji, pale and trembling.
****
Sahee woke from the dream, gasping for breath.
She wiped the cold sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand, shivering. It had been a while since she’d had that dream, and it seemed her body wasn’t in great shape.
When she was younger, she would always fall seriously ill after dreaming it. Now, it was just an unpleasant nightmare.
She took a moment to catch her breath, then got up. She gathered her disheveled hair and tied it back, then changed out of her damp clothes.
The more the nightmare tried to drag her down, the straighter she stood.
It was almost time to prepare dinner.
****
The air was dry, as if it had never rained.
Sahee, walking slowly with her head down, reached the side door and paused at the familiar noise. The many voices she heard were unmistakable.
“Did you hear? Hyunji’s family is coming soon.”
…Ah. So, it was today.
Sahee suddenly remembered and opened her lips. It wasn’t a pleasant realization.
She stepped through the side door and stared blankly in the direction of the voices.
Lee Misook, Chae Yoonbok, and Chae Hyunji stood with their luggage piled up beside them, greeting Park Jisun and Uncle Bang.
“Grandma, how can we sleep in that haunted annex? We stayed in the main building last year and the year before! We’re here for two weeks—not just a day! It’s too much to clean up! Mrs. Chun isn’t well either! There’s no one to clean it!”
“Hey, kid. How many times do I have to tell you the Jungmun Group is staying there? I’ll go clean it. And Mrs. Chun will be up and about by tomorrow.”
“Uncle Bang, stay out of it! Grandma, please? Mom and Dad came to help out, so shouldn’t we all stay in the main building? Why go back and forth?”
“You’re whining so loud, even the mountain spirit’s worried!”
“Hey! Stay out of it!”
The first to notice Sahee’s presence was Park Jisun. She glanced down at her granddaughter clinging to her waist, then turned her head to look at Sahee.
“Oh, Sahee.”
Her stepfather, Chae Yoonbok, smiled awkwardly at her. Ironically, her biological mother and half-sister stayed silent.
“Long time no see.”
“Indeed. Sahee, you get prettier every day.”
“I’m going to help with dinner preparations.”
“Oh, sure, sure. You’ve been working hard. It’s been a while since we met. How about we all eat dinner together as a family? What do you think, Sahee? How about you two?”
Chae Yoonbok smiled broadly at Lee Misook and Chae Hyunji, trying to get their agreement. Sahee smirked at their stiff faces.
“No, I don’t feel like it. Enjoy your meal.”
“Oh? Oh, okay.”
Chae Yoonbok looked at her with a helpless expression as she turned away. It was hard to keep up appearances any longer.
That day, Sahee had come back from near death. She returned to the world as a cripple, unable to walk or run properly.
She often thought—if only she had died that day, she wouldn’t have had to endure such disgrace.
“Do you have proof? Do you have proof Hyunji did it? You don’t, do you!”
“Sahee, please forgive our Hyunji, just this once. She’s just a child who didn’t know any better. She took her mother’s foolish words literally…”
“But she’s alive! Isn’t it enough that she’s alive!”
“If you forgive her this once, I’ll never forget it for the rest of my life. Please…”
Chae Hyunji, who had never seen anyone die before, had been terrified and confessed that she pushed Sahee into the water. Lee Misook refused to believe it and defended her, but there had been a witness.
In the end, Sahee’s mother and Chae Yoonbok had taken turns kneeling in front of her. They’d wept bitterly, fearing their young daughter might be branded a juvenile delinquent.
The incident was ultimately recorded as Sahee falling into the water while looking for Chae Hyunji’s lost doll. They paid a large sum to the witness to keep quiet. Since the witness was just a local visitor, no major rumors spread.
People called Sahee a good sister who cared for her sibling, but she knew the truth—she was just a cripple who’d lost a leg over a cheap doll.
“Yeon Sahee!”
Uncle Bang called loudly to her. She turned toward him.
“Starting tomorrow, you don’t have to go to the annex anymore! Mrs. Chun’s better now, so just help with the meal prep!”
“…”
“Yeon Sahee! Did you hear me?”
She didn’t have to go to the annex. If she didn’t go to the annex, she wouldn’t have to see Jung Taeon again.
It seemed even the gods had some shred of decency. She was sick of both the Jungmun Group and Chae Hyunji, but at least one was gone.
“Yeon Sahee?”
She gave a slight nod and turned away. Behind her, she could hear her mother trying to persuade Park Jisun.
Eventually, on the condition they wouldn’t cause any disturbance, Park Jisun allowed them to stay in the main building.
When the three family members cheered, Sahee also felt a small sense of relief. Whatever it meant to each of them, it was the first time they’d managed to pretend to be a family of four.
Mrs. Chun got up from her bed. She’d been stuck in her room so long she thought she might die there. Now she was making twice, even three times the fuss.
Naturally, the annex duties Sahee had been handling were passed on. Now, she only helped with dinner prep or worked in the kitchen.
No longer did she have to endure the man’s oppressive gaze, every hair on her body standing on end, or the heat rising in her throat.
“Today was amazing again. You shone.”
Sahee listened to Mr. Jung Taeon’s stories like someone hearing about a stranger.
What suit had he worn today? Had he eaten? Was there a particular dish he enjoyed? Mrs. Chun’s gushing made her sound like a diehard fan of an idol group. It was oddly entertaining to listen to.
“Right, ma’am. I’d love to live with that face and body for just one day.”
“Me too. Just one day with a man like that. I feel like I wouldn’t even need to eat—I’d be full.”
Like someone seen only on the news, he felt far removed now, and that distance made her feel relieved—as if everything was finally back in place.
“By the way, Sahee, why didn’t you just say you were sleeping and stay back? What good does it do, eating with those people?”
“What? Say she’s sleeping? She’s clearly awake.”
“That’s not what I meant, Mr. Bang.”
“Heh.”
Uncle Bang snorted and shrugged.
It was an annual routine. Whenever her mother, Chae Yoonbok, and Chae Hyunji came down to Yeonghwadae, they shared at least one meal together. This time, with the Jungmun Group visiting, it seemed the tradition might be skipped—but then the call came.
“Hey, Yeon Sahee.”
Even though she pretended not to hear the voice calling from outside, Uncle Bang dragged her out.
Mrs. Chun always wished Sahee could avoid it, but Uncle Bang would get angry, saying there was no reason for her to hide as if she’d done something wrong. Their methods were different, but both cared for her. Knowing that, Sahee left her room.
“Mr. Bang, Sahee. Let’s just eat quickly and get out. Otherwise, you’ll get indigestion.”
“Yes, we should.”
“I wish they’d leave soon. They say they’re helping, but all they do is nag—it’s so annoying.”
“Exactly. I bet they’ll be fawning over the fairy again today.”
“Hahaha!”
Amid these trivial jokes, they arrived at the dining room. When the door opened, Chae Yoonbok raised his hand brightly to greet them.
“Mrs. Chun, you’re here? Sahee, come sit down. You too, Mr. Cheoljun.”
“Sorry we’re late.”
“It’s nice having the whole Yeonghwadae family gathered again after so long! Right, mother-in-law?”
Chae Yoonbok beamed as he looked around. The scene of everyone gathered around the table, with Park Jisun at the head, was a familiar one.
“Yes, it’s been about a year.”
“Feels like perfect timing. I’m glad we can help, even just a little. Mrs. Chun was sick, so Sahee had a lot on her plate. You must’ve been busy with your nails, too. Good work.”
“Yes.”
At Sahee’s indifferent reply, a moment of silence settled over the table. Chae Yoonbok forced a smile, but it couldn’t thaw the frosty air.
Park Jisun clicked her tongue and looked at Chae Hyunji, seated close to Chae Yoonbok.
“You must’ve had a rough time emotionally. Are you feeling better?”
It sounded like a well-prepared question, her face solemn.
Not long ago, Chae Hyunji had broken off an engagement. She’d once bragged about marrying the son of a successful mid-sized company president, but Mrs. Chun had scoffed, saying it came out of nowhere.
Though everyone wanted to know the reason for the breakup, the family would burst into tears every time it was brought up—until Park Jisun cut through the silence.
“There will be better men out there. Hyunji’s still young. She’s not the kind to lose confidence over this.”
“That’s right. Compared to that pig, I was too good for him anyway. I’m fine now, Grandma. I’ve been resting and healing, and honestly, it’s been comfortable. This whole thing even brought Mom and Dad closer, right?”
“Of course, of course. These days, we’ve even started taking golf classes together. Mother-in-law, you should join us sometime…”
“But you still need to make a living.”
Before Chae Yoonbok could finish, Park Jisun cut in with a sharp glare.
“Mother-in-law, please don’t be so cold. Can’t I take responsibility for Hyunji?”
“Who’s going to take responsibility for a grown daughter?”
Chae Yoonbok tried to defend Hyunji, but Park Jisun was unmoved.
Tears welled up in Chae Hyunji’s eyes. And just like that, Chae Yoonbok dropped to his knees at the table.
“Mother-in-law, may I say something since we’re on the topic?”
“If it’s nonsense, don’t bother.”
“…Could you possibly lend us a little more money?”
“What?”
“We’re planning to start a salad business under ‘Bok Food.’ Body profiles are trending, and salad shops are doing really well.”
“Hah.”
“…If it works out and we turn it into a franchise, Hyunji and her mother can be the manager and assistant manager. Then I won’t be a burden. I even talked to a branding expert before we came down—the idea has potential. Just one more time, if you could help us…”
“Again!”
Bang!
Park Jisun’s thick hand slammed the table. The deep crease in her brow spelled fury.
This wasn’t the first time Chae Yoonbok had borrowed money from her. In nearly thirty years of marriage, he had failed in over ten business ventures. If not for Yeonghwadae’s support, ‘Bok Food’ would’ve folded long ago.
“Just make do with the business you already have.”
“Mom! Why are you like this?”
“Haha, Misook, it’s fine. I spoke too soon.”
“Hyunji, think about going back to work at your father’s factory, or maybe ballet again.”
“…Yes.”
The atmosphere bottomed out. No one dared to speak. The table fell into a suffocating silence.
Then, the door swung open.
“Hello!”
It was Lee Hyungu. His hair was neatly styled, and he wore a suit. After greeting them, he scanned the room—and locked eyes on Sahee.
Sahee glanced toward Park Jisun, who looked unfazed and began the introduction.
“I invited him. This is the son of Mrs. Yoon, a guest of Yeonghwadae. Mrs. Yoon has helped us a lot recently, so I invited him in return. Introduce yourselves.”
Everyone’s eyes turned to Lee Hyungu. Even Chae Yoonbok, who was still on his knees, stood and waved.
“Oh, I see? Come in, have a seat. You look like a real gentleman.”
“Thank you. My mother had something to do today, so I came alone.”
“If she helped Yeonghwadae, she’s a benefactor to all of us. It’s a shame, but please tell her to visit next time so we can thank her properly.”
Lee Hyungu smiled and sat next to Misook. He handed out a shiny, gold-plated business card and introduced himself again.
He smiled at Sahee amid all the tension, his shamelessness astounding even now. Sahee turned her head with a sigh.
At that moment, she caught the strange expression on Chae Hyunji’s face. Still sulking from Park Jisun’s scolding, she was now examining Hyungu’s business card closely. Her glances toward him were sharp—pointed.
****
As soon as the meal ended, Mrs. Chun and Uncle Bang pulled Sahee out of the dining room like they’d planned it.
Neither of them had eaten much. They made excuses about needing to take a walk to aid digestion.
“I’ve never seen the fairy so rattled!”
“Right, right! He and Hyunji were a perfect match. Did you see them exchanging numbers? Their eyes were sparkling.”
“What?”
“Girl, really. If it’s too much, go up to Seoul. I’ll get you a ticket.”
Sahee pretended not to hear and looked up at the newly budding cherry blossom tree.
“Looks like the flowers will bloom a little late this year.”
“That’s what the news said. Mr. Bang, since we’re on the topic, why not bring your girlfriend to the picnic?”
“No! What are you even talking about!”
The focus shifted back to Uncle Bang, who raised his voice, unsure how to respond.
“Why are you so defensive?”
“Not at all.”
“We should at least see her face once!”
“Why on earth does Mrs. Chun need to see my girlfriend’s face! Is Mrs. Chun my mom?”
“Yes, kid! I’m your mother!”
“Oh, come on!”
Uncle Bang quickened his pace, nearly running off. Mrs. Chun laughed heartily at his antics. Sahee also smiled quietly as she watched them.
It was peaceful. This felt like just the right temperature for her.
Spring would soon arrive. Trapped in the seasons of the past, Sahee had always waited for spring in this place.
She hoped for a full bloom. She wouldn’t mind being swept away by the pink rain.
Sahee walked slowly, following the two.
****
Taeon stepped out of the shower, tossed the towel he’d used to dry his hair aside, and sank into the sofa. Leaning back, his damp hair clung to his neck.
His eyes narrowed with faint irritation, reflecting the absence of a certain woman who had been lingering in his thoughts for days.
Sigh.
Straightening up, Taeon rubbed his temples with his fingers, his head bowed.
How ridiculous.
A faint, crooked smile crept onto his lips at the thought.
Since that day in the annex yard, Yeon Sahee had vanished as if she’d never existed. She was no longer visible, but Taeon knew she was still somewhere in Yeonghwadae.
In place of the woman who used to limp in and out of the annex several times a day, a middle-aged maid—an acquaintance of his mother—had taken over. She was skilled, discreet, and most importantly, a pleasant companion for his perpetually bored mother. That was a relief.
Compared to the woman who had fumbled with cleaning and frequently disturbed his mother’s mood just by appearing, the maid was far preferable.
And yet—
Taeon picked up a book from the sofa table.
Cotton Dust.
A square, hardcover children’s book sat in his hand.
It hadn’t been available nearby, so one of his secretaries had driven down from Seoul to get it.
A story about a pesky bit of black dust who wants to become cotton candy and sets off on a journey. It struggles to find the light in a pastel world, only to discover a beautiful aurora buried in adversity at the end of its path.
“I’m not cotton candy. But that’s okay. This is who I am.”
At the end of the story, the protagonist smiled brightly in a dreamy glow.
For a moment, an image from the woman’s room flashed through his mind. Yeon Sahee, eyes closed and smiling with youthful ease, overlapped with the character from the storybook.
The girl in the photo, smiling like she had already reached her happy ending, might still face more nightmares—but they would be mere stepping stones on the way to something better.
Like a stray golf ball at his feet. Just another bit of madness in a life already full of lunatics.
How unpleasant.
Taeon tapped the cover with his fingertips. Her name was printed vertically on the spine.
Written by Yeon Sahee.
He traced over the letters with his thumb.
Screech.
At the end of that rough friction, Taeon tossed the book aside.
It didn’t take him long to leave the annex.
****
Meow.
Meow.
Sahee looked down at the kitten crouched beneath the fence, mewing. She had stepped out onto the porch to sketch and stumbled across the unexpected guest.
The kitten, somehow stranded, was alone. When she got too close, it hissed, but when she stayed at the right distance, it cried at her.
“Where’s your mom?”
Meow.
The kitten tilted its head. Sahee looked around, puzzled. If she saw the mother, she’d return the kitten, but the area was quiet.
“Are you cold?”
Meow! The kitten meowed as if it understood. Its fur was puffed up. Though it wasn’t shivering, the air had a chill. Sahee herself was wearing a thick cardigan.
“Wait here for a moment.”
Sahee turned back toward her room. Climbing onto the porch on her knees, she carefully avoided knocking over the beer can beside her sketchbook.
She found a cozy, light-gray blanket in a drawer. She couldn’t bring the kitten inside because of how wary it was, but this should help it stay warm through the night.
However, as she opened the door, she froze, one hand on the doorknob.
The tension she had been trying to ignore surged up from her legs and struck her throat in an instant.
The kitten had disappeared, and in its place stood CEO Jung Taeon in the yard.
It was late at night.
A gust of wind stirred, rustling Sahee’s thick hair. She closed her eyes and brushed it from her cheek, hoping it was just a ghost.
“Yeon Sahee.”
But that voice that brushed her ear was unmistakable. A low, fluid baritone. Dressed in just a white shirt and navy slacks, he looked surprisingly at ease for someone who had shown up uninvited.
Sahee stepped out, trying to mask her unease. Her second wish was that he would use the name Yeon Sahee—like she was nothing more than a servant of Yeonghwadae.
“Do you have something for me to do?”
“Didn’t you quit a while ago?”
The wind gently collapsed and drifted away.
It had only been two days.
The reason for his strange stares, the quiet harassment. The look in CEO Jung Taeon’s eyes made his reason for being here painfully clear.
“It’s fine. Let me know if you need anything.”
Sahee pretended not to notice his gaze and sat down on the porch, putting on her sneakers while enduring his stare.
“If I ask.”
“……”
“Will Yeon Sahee do everything?”
The cool scent of shower cologne drifted over, cooling her face that had flushed slightly at his slow, languid tone.
CEO Jung Taeon, now standing beside her, sank comfortably onto the porch. Sahee instinctively leaned back. He chuckled.
“……No.”
“Then why?”
“If it’s something I can’t do, I’ll contact someone else. There should be someone still awake.”
Sahee inhaled deeply and stood up. His gaze, legs crossed, shoulder leaning against the pillar, followed her every move.
“Sit down.”
“……”
“Is it difficult?”
“What do you need me to do……”
“Yeon Sahee, will you sit down?”
His loose smile was irritating. When Sahee looked at him with wavering eyes, without answering, Taeon’s gaze briefly softened.
“Are you cold? You’re even holding a blanket.”
He looked at her with indifferent eyes, then picked up the beer can left on the porch. The sharp crack of the can opening echoed deliberately.
“Why are you doing this?”
Taeon took a sip and raised an eyebrow. His gaze was so dry, it looked like it could catch fire at any moment.
“Don’t you know?”
“Not at all.”
“I think you do.”
“……”
“See? You know.”
He was certain—smiling, amused by her silence. Sahee’s brow furrowed without her realizing it.
Buzz.
That’s when her phone rang. Sitting atop her sketchbook, the phone vibrated.
Taeon glanced down and saw the name on the screen. Sahee, standing nearby, saw it too.
[Kim Juhwan]
Watching her breath quicken, Taeon casually picked up the phone and handed it to her like he was doing her a favor.
“Answer it.”
His brazen indifference ignited something unfamiliar inside her.
It was pure impulse. Sahee grabbed the phone and pressed the call button. She remembered how his tone had oddly softened when she’d explained she and Juhwan were just acquaintances. Maybe that’s why she did it—out of spite.
“Hello.”
— Yeon Sahee. What are you doing? Where are you?
Amid the tense standoff, Juhwan’s voice rang out.
“…I’m at home.”
— Did you see the documents I gave you?
“I did.”
— What do you think?
“I’m thinking about it. Thanks.”
— No need to thank me. Yeon Sahee, are you seriously considering it? It’s a really good opportunity, you know?
“Yes, I know.”
— There’s no one like me, right? Huh? Huh?
“What’s with the ‘oppa’…”
Sahee let out a small, bewildered laugh at Juhwan’s playful tone.
Taeon narrowed his eyes and took another sip of beer. The way his Adam’s apple moved as he swallowed caught the eye.
— There’s no one like me, right? Talking to you at night reminds me of the old days. It was fun when our class did night work.
“You still share a studio with Minjae, don’t you?”
— Don’t even bring him up. That guy fights with his girlfriend ten times a day. Every time he smokes and cries, I wonder why I still live with him.
“Park Minjae is still like that?”
— He’s obsessed with love. Keeps telling me to date someone. Suddenly wants to introduce me to a girl. I told him I already like someone…
“…Really?”
Her focus stayed on the man in front of her. Her replies came late—half on autopilot.
— Yeah. Ah, it’s hot.
Sahee lightly bit the inside of her lip.
— Anyway! Why don’t you come to Seoul? The guys want to see you. If it’s hard, I’ll come get you. Let’s have a meal together—just like old times.
Taeon scoffed and drained the rest of his beer. He crushed the can in his hand, set it upright on the porch, and stood up.
His eyes were calm.
“Hang up.”
— How is it?
Taeon’s voice and Juhwan’s overlapped in the air. The man who approached now smiled—but he was anything but harmless.
— …Is someone there with you?
Sahee tightened her grip on the phone. She needed to answer—but her lips wouldn’t move.
— Yeon Sahee?
Just as she was about to speak, Taeon snatched the phone from her hand.
— Hey, Sahee…
The call ended before he could finish.
The phone began vibrating again in Taeon’s hand, but he ignored it. With a tilt of his head, he rejected the call and slowly looked up.
“…Give it back.”
Sahee lowered her eyes and reached out for the phone. At that moment, his fingers spread like a trap and caught her hand.
“Yeon Sahee.”
“……”
“Shall we sleep together?”
Because I’m attracted to you, let’s sleep together.
Should she be relieved he was being direct—ending it without pretense? Sahee’s face stiffened, then curled into a hollow smile.
She knew. Just like he said—men’s desires were too obvious to be mistaken. If anything, it was strange not to be suspicious of a man showing up unannounced at night.
“No. I don’t want to.”
Even after being turned down, Taeon tightened his grip. One hand held hers, the other slipped into his slacks pocket as he tilted his head.
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t want to.”
“What don’t you want?”
“You.”
Sahee gritted her teeth.
It might be easy for him—but not for her. Min Yeojin had introduced five potential suitors to Park Jisun. Sahee knew the man in front of her would soon marry one of them.
For Jung Taeon, marriage was nothing more than a duty. His proposal revealed exactly what he thought of her.
A woman like a passing station. A disposable item. A fleeting amusement.
How easy did he think she was? She’d rather grab a rotten rope than hang herself with a ribbon that would unravel the moment it was convenient. Dying for love might be the stuff of legendary romances—but this was just cheap sex.
“Should I have sweet-talked you?”
As if reading her mind, Taeon smiled and asked. Sahee barely suppressed a bitter laugh. Instead, she gave a smile that mirrored his.
“Maybe. If you had, I might’ve slept with you.”
Sahee yanked her hand free with all her strength. Silently, she bent down and picked up the fallen phone.
“If you’re done talking, I’ll be going in.”
And just like that, she turned her back on Taeon.
****
She had a slight fever.
Her muscles ached like she’d been beaten. Sahee spent the early morning curled up in bed.
All she found in the medicine cabinet were empty packets. She didn’t have the strength to go to the main building, nor could she bring herself to ask anyone—already busy from dawn—for help.
Whether it was a cold or the flu—
It felt like a fever was boiling where CEO Jung Taeon had touched her. She couldn’t name it, so she denied it—and just endured.
It’s not like this is the first or second time. Who does he think he is? Compared to all the vulgar harassment I’ve endured, this is nothing. There’s no special reason to feel more hurt.
Sahee gritted her teeth.
****
By the time she finally felt clear-headed enough to wash up, it was already near lunchtime.
After washing, Sahee threw on a thick, light-blue cardigan and crossed the side door to the main building.
“I’m not here to see you, okay?”
Worst-case scenario. Lee Hyungu was pacing the yard, holding a bouquet of roses—a different color from last time. For a moment, she wondered if it was a fever dream, but his flushed face and flustered energy told her it wasn’t.
Dealing with him was exhausting. More than anything, seeing Lee Hyungu reminded her of another man—the warmth of the one who had lifted her when her knees buckled in this yard was still vivid.
“I didn’t ask.”
“Ha! Seriously, you…”
She gave him a brief glance and walked past without a word. Lee Hyungu planted his hands on his hips and frowned deeply.
“Hyungu oppa!”
At that moment, his head turned toward the cheerful voice like sunlight. His frown melted into a wide smile.
Chae Hyunji, in a blouse with a large ribbon and a pink tweed two-piece, carried the scent of flowers. Her curled, light-brown hair bounced as she ran, and the blush on her cheeks made her look fresh and full of life—so much so that Sahee smiled faintly in spite of herself.
“Hyunji.”
Lee Hyungu lowered his voice and cleared his throat. But Chae Hyunji glanced warily between him and Sahee. She’d been like that when she brought her previous fiancé to Yeonghwadae too.
“Why didn’t you tell me you had such a pretty sister, honey? I thought you were an only child.”
That one comment had sparked a brutal argument between Chae Hyunji and the man that night, ending in a wild, animal-like encounter that even Mrs. Chun had shaken her head at.
But Sahee knew—it was all just a defense mechanism. The more it happened, the clearer it became: Chae Hyunji remembered that day too. She couldn’t forget. And she was falling apart slowly, in her own way.
Maybe that’s why she returned to this wretched Yeonghwadae after college. Maybe she needed Sahee to limp in front of her once a year, just to be reminded.
It’s unfair, isn’t it? That I stay broken while the one who shattered me forgets and flies.
“…What? Do you two know each other?”
“Oh? Oh, yeah—we’re classmates. Sahee and I went to the same high school.”
“Really? You must be close, calling her by name.”
In a place like this, there’s no gossip richer than a broken family. Sahee’s story had already been picked apart and chewed over by the entire village.
Right after the accident, people had said it was a blessing the sisters got along. But after the three of them left Sahee behind and moved to Seoul, no one called them a family anymore. They just shook their heads and muttered—you can’t raise someone else’s child.
Lee Hyungu, of course, knew all of this. His pale face watched Chae Hyunji’s reaction.
“Just classmates.”
“Not close.”
Sahee snapped the words and frowned as she walked past them. Chae Hyunji glanced after her, then quickly moved closer to Lee Hyungu.
“What’s this? Why the flowers?”
“I just thought of you and bought them on the way.”
“Oh, come on. Why are you acting like my boyfriend already?”
“It’s not like that.”
“Why are you nervous? Hyunji means she likes it.”
So sly.
Sahee let their conversation drift in one ear and out the other as she walked faster.
Then—she saw someone running from a distance.
Mrs. Chun’s pale face came into view as she called out.
“Sahee! Yeon Sahee!”