Chapter 97
Baek I-hae had been going out alone regularly, not just to her obstetrician appointments. It was to draw Baek Yong-jo’s attention.
“I’m always against it, so if you don’t want to do this, don’t push yourself. The boss can be the bait too.”
As she prepared to leave, slipping on the bulletproof vest she’d obtained for emergencies and layering a loose cardigan over it, Baek I-hae turned her head.
Chai Ryeong stood there with a sullen expression.
“Today’s the day we’re executing the plan—what are you talking about?”
Late that evening, they’d received a report on Baek Yong-jo’s movements.
As Ye Eun-seol had predicted, breaking into the house itself was impossible, but tracking down the address hadn’t been difficult.
“Even if I’m careful, he’s someone who could target me anytime, so leaving him alone is more dangerous.”
“But you’re not alone anymore.”
Baek I-hae paused with her hand on the doorknob. She understood Chai Ryeong’s worry.
Baek Yeong, Seo I-heum, Seo-yeol—all of them were moving at her request, yet they were still concerned.
‘It would be easier if I just stayed put and let others handle everything.’
Even then, she’d still get the “Game Clear” reward.
After a brief silence, Baek I-hae smiled as if to say not to worry.
“If they’re targeting Baek Yeong oppa, they’ll come even more prepared, making them harder to deal with. It’s better if I act as bait—they’ll let their guard down, and we’ll catch them off guard.”
Chai Ryeong groaned, seemingly at a loss for words. Worried she might try to stop her again, Baek I-hae stepped out quickly and strode to the elevator.
Staring at the numbers descending to the first floor, her expression was complicated.
[Player: Are you worried about Seo Do-gyeom’s trauma? He’s just a guy you’ll never see again once the game ends.]
The player’s message popped up defiantly in her vision. Lately, it hadn’t initiated conversations, so why today?
Alone in the elevator, she hesitated for a moment before responding.
“That’s not it. More importantly, what happens to the original Baek I-hae’s body if the game ends?”
[Player: That’s none of your concern.]
“And if I fail—what about Baek I-hae’s death?”
[Player: Exactly what it sounds like. You’ll feel all the pain of death as you end your life. You won’t even return to your original world.]
Death. The word still felt distant, like it belonged to someone else.
Wrapping her arms protectively around her belly, shielded by the vest, Baek I-hae asked once more.
“Even if the game ends, save the baby if you can. It might mean nothing to you, but the child—and everyone else—are real, living people.”
The elevator doors opened. The lobby was empty at this late hour, with no one around at night.
She hurried out of the complex, pretending to head to a nearby convenience store. All the while, the player kept prompting her, as if seeking confirmation.
[Player: You want to save Seo Do-gyeom’s child too? The guy who abandoned you?]
Baek I-hae didn’t answer. Someone might overhear her talking to herself, or Baek Yong-jo’s watchers could be nearby.
[Player: Once this quest is over, whether you succeed or fail, Seo Do-gyeom might meet a new female protagonist.]
She knew. Though they’d veered far from the game’s scenario, it could still be forced back on track if someone wanted.
“It’s fine. Whoever Seo Do-gyeom meets.”
It wasn’t fine at all. Wasn’t that why she’d been so disappointed and angry, running away from him?
Even thinking she’d let go, just seeing his face made longing flood her—how could it be fine?
“If you’re going to make him meet someone else, at least let him be happy this time.”
That was her conclusion after much thought upon receiving this final quest: her feelings aside, she wanted the Seo Do-gyeom who remained to be happy.
Saying it aloud somehow lifted a weight, and she smiled faintly. The player asked, as if baffled.
[Player: And you? Are you okay?]
Why ask that? As if her opinion mattered.
Just as Baek I-hae was about to respond, someone seized her wrist. Thinking it was one of Baek Yong-jo’s men, she whirled in surprise—only to gape stupidly at the unexpected figure.
“Seo Do-gyeom? Why are you here…?”
“What did you just say?”
She hadn’t even sensed him approaching. How had he gotten so close? Back then, she’d always notice and turn when he came from behind.
Had he deliberately made noise so she’d notice? Thoughts swirled.
‘I was talking to myself—he’ll think it’s weird.’
And of all times, caught saying something about him.
Instead of excusing herself, Baek I-hae shook off his arm and answered.
“None of your business.”
“You were talking about me. Saying it doesn’t matter who I meet.”
Again. This time, Seo Do-gyeom didn’t let go easily. As if proving that she’d only ever shaken him off because he’d allowed it.
“Why say that?”
“Ha, Seo Do-gyeom.”
Baek I-hae sighed, running a hand through her hair. With Baek Yong-jo targeting her, she didn’t want Seo Do-gyeom getting involved by lingering.
She needed to shake him off quickly, but his expression showed no sign of backing down.
“It’s the truth. What’s left between us now?”
“……”
“We broke up, and I don’t live in that house anymore. We’re not even friends.”
“Baek I-hae.”
“You let me go first.”
His hand slowly released. It was hard to meet his shaken, shocked eyes.
If he was going to hold on like this, why not that day? Why seek her out now, clinging with such regretful expressions?
“And that’s all you came to say?”
“….I’m sorry.”
“For what.”
“For hurting you with my stubbornness, letting you go, and then chasing after you like this. I heard from Yeol that you didn’t want me looking for you.”
Seo Do-gyeom clenched his fists tightly. Just from that, he’d realized others knew her whereabouts but not him—and despaired.
She wondered how he’d found her here, if he’d been to the obstetrician, but didn’t ask.
“I thought letting you go, giving up, was protecting you. That as long as you were alive, even if sad, it was okay. But as time passed, I missed you more….”
She listened quietly, curious what he’d say next.
“Even if you’re doing well with Baek Yeong, it’s my fault—so you did nothing wrong.”
His cautious hand reaching for just her pinky, his eyes reddening—she was flustered, bewildered, and couldn’t speak rashly.
‘Is he seriously thinking, from seeing me at the obstetrician, that I’m pregnant with Baek Yeong’s child?’
Well, since she’d gone with Baek Yeong, it was understandable!
If he misunderstood, he could curse her for moving on so quickly, resent her.
Yet unlike how he treated others, his face looked on the verge of tears.
‘This is driving me crazy.’
No one would understand if that face still made her heart race.
She turned away. Her face felt burning hot, but luckily, Seo Do-gyeom was focused on her hand and didn’t notice.
‘Why does he look so cute like this?’
Misunderstanding yet telling her she did nothing wrong, in case she felt guilty.
For a moment, all her anger melted, and she nearly hugged him—but held back.
[Player: This is driving me crazy too. One minute you’re sobbing and raging.]
‘Hey, I’m holding it together right now.’
[Player: Manage your expression, at least.]
Baek I-hae pressed her lips together. Desperately suppressing her rising smile, her face flushed even redder without her realizing.
