Chapter 82
Several days passed.
Baek I-hae’s wounds had healed considerably. She never asked about Do Ha-jun, but judging by the proud look on Chai Ryeong’s face, revenge had definitely been taken.
Whenever Chai Ryeong seemed about to explain how she’d handled it, Baek Yeong and Old Man Oh hurriedly silenced her.
I don’t know the details, but it was probably settled gangster-style.
It was a little regrettable that she hadn’t gotten to slap Do Ha-jun herself, but she didn’t particularly want to witness anything gruesome either.
Besides, it felt right that Chai Ryeong—who harbored far more hatred toward him—had dealt with it.
After that, the status window stayed silent. Perhaps that meant the game was nearing its ending.
Maybe the end really is close now.
A happy ending.
She still didn’t know who the intended female lead for Seo Do-gyeom was, but she could sense the conclusion approaching.
Suddenly remembering the kiss they’d shared in his room a few days ago, she touched her lips.
Kissing… it makes you feel that lewd.
That long, seemingly endless kiss. And the way Seo Do-gyeom had looked at her afterward—like he wanted to devour her—had frightened her enough to push him away.
If he hadn’t let her, she might really have been consumed.
But we’re adults now, and we love each other—so if it’s not at home, it should be okay, right?
Maybe the person Seo Do-gyeom, the male protagonist, was meant to end up with was her.
After a moment of hesitation, she searched the name of the hotel Ye Eun-seol had booked.
“It’s expensive…”
That annoying rich bastard Ye Eun-seol! But she was proud to have her as a friend.
Checking her bank balance, Baek I-hae remembered she’d barely touched the part-time pay Seo I-heum had given her, so money wasn’t an issue.
Entirely unaware of the existence of motels, she blushed as she moved the mouse.
Just preparing in case something happens. We can’t exactly do adult kissing outside, can we?
If Ye Eun-seol saw her now, she’d probably scold her for getting ahead of herself when they’d only just taken their first steps.
No one was around to rein in Baek I-hae’s excitement.
She booked a room immediately and began humming as she rummaged through her closet, wondering whether to wear a dress or something more modest.
“…Going somewhere fun?”
The door had been open; Seo-yeol stood there with a bewildered expression.
He couldn’t possibly know her plans, yet she felt as though her hotel booking had been discovered, and her face turned red.
“Y-yeah, it’s been a while since Do-gyeom and I went on a date, so I’m excited!”
“Ah, a date.”
He nodded, then asked if he could come in. When she agreed, he strode inside in comfortable clothes.
This kid really does get taller every time I see him. He’ll probably surpass Uncle soon.
He’d already caught up to Seo Do-gyeom’s height. Seeing him in casual clothes instead of a uniform gave her a strange feeling.
If Seo Do-gyeom and Seo I-heum were cool, restrained beauties who resembled each other, Seo-yeol was a slightly different type. Handsome, yes—but with a bolder, more vibrant edge.
Compared to the refined pair, he was a flashy beauty. Different again from Baek Yeong’s elegant allure.
Eun-seol is flashy too, but in a different way. Suddenly realizing it—I’m surrounded by gorgeous men.
Staring openly at Seo-yeol’s face, she noticed him tilt his head curiously.
“What?”
His voice seemed deeper too.
Observing the changes in him, Baek I-hae spoke without thinking.
“Just… you’re really handsome.”
Only after saying it did she think, Oh no.
But it wasn’t an insult, so it should be fine.
Or is it giving mixed signals to someone who likes me?
Catching the shift in her expression, Seo-yeol grinned, clearly pleased.
“You only just noticed I’m handsome? Would’ve been nice if you’d realized sooner.”
He stepped closer and examined the dress in her hands.
“Noona looks good in white. It suits your vibe.”
“What’s my vibe?”
“Clear and pure. Makes me want to protect you.”
She suddenly remembered the white bouquet he’d given her at graduation.
Trying not to look at him, she lifted the white dress.
“Then I’ll go with this. Thanks—I was actually wondering what to wear.”
“Have lots of good food with hyung and enjoy yourselves.”
She glanced at him cautiously and nodded.
It’d be awkward to ask if he still likes me. Since Yeol is treating me like before, I can do the same, right?
Having never been confessed to or loved before, she didn’t know how to handle it.
As she fiddled with the dress, Seo-yeol lightly patted her shoulder.
“I’ll head out so you can change.”
“Yeah, thanks.”
“If hyung ever gives you a hard time, tell me anytime. I might not badmouth him to others, but for noona I’d happily tear into him.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
She laughed, and he laughed with her. He turned to leave as though that was all he’d come for, and only then did she relax.
Looks like he’s moved on from liking me.
Maybe he’d just been confused because she was the only girl his age around when they were younger. Feeling lighter, Baek I-hae hummed again as she changed.
Everyone wore warm smiles at the thought of their date. She hadn’t announced it, but her obvious effort in getting ready said everything.
“Go relieve some stress after so long, miss. Here’s the boss’s card—go wild with it.”
Old Man Oh discreetly slipped her the card. She wasn’t sure he should be handing out Seo I-heum’s card without permission, but she accepted with an awkward smile.
Seo I-heum was still lecturing Seo Do-gyeom at length; somehow she could guess the content.
He’s probably telling him again not to touch me carelessly like before.
She wondered what expression Seo I-heum would make if he knew she’d booked a hotel room.
Sorry, Uncle. Your son is in danger right now.
She apologized to him inwardly. Of course, she had no intention of canceling the reservation.
Seo Do-gyeom, now used to the lectures, listened with an expression that said it went in one ear and out the other.
He finally emerged with an “I understand,” grabbed Baek I-hae’s hand, and headed outside.
“Dad’s overprotective streak is intense. Though since it’s you, I get it.”
“But you’re his son. He probably just doesn’t want you getting into trouble at a young age.”
She smiled playfully as they walked side by side. She wasn’t the only one excited—he was dressed up more than usual too.
To think this incredibly handsome man was hers! She tried to calm her racing heart, but just looking at his face made it pound.
Watching her, Seo Do-gyeom gave a small smile, lifted their joined hands, and brushed his lips lightly across her knuckles.
“I’m not just a kid anymore.”
What did that mean?
Face burning, she averted her eyes, and he laughed—he was definitely teasing her.
The restaurant reservation was for dinner. They strolled through a park, catching up on everything they’d missed.
She skimmed over anything involving Baek Yeong as much as possible—there was nothing pleasant for him to hear—but he seemed to want to know, so she told him what happened.
Afterward she mentioned the bouquets Seo-yeol and Seo I-heum had given her at graduation and shared her university acceptance news.
“Oh, you were hospitalized so you couldn’t take the CSAT. What about college?”
“I’m not sure. I’ll probably skip university and learn Dad’s work instead.”
Baek I-hae stopped walking. Seo Do-gyeom stopped too and looked at her.
Seeing her press her lips together as though she had much to say, he stepped closer.
“You don’t want me to become a gangster?”
“…Honestly, no. Even if you don’t intend it, you’ll end up using violence, and people will get hurt because of it.”
Whether the other person was bad or good, their loved ones would suffer, and they would come to resent Seo Do-gyeom.
She didn’t want to see that. She was also afraid someone might seek revenge against him.
Truthfully, I want to tell him not to become one.
But was that okay? In the original story, he’d become a gangster as though it were the most natural thing.
“I want to be with you safely for a long, long time.”
[Prospective gangster Seo Do-gyeom’s favorability +10]
Seeing the status window after so long, Baek I-hae let out a hollow laugh.
He’s not even a baby gangster anymore—he’s a prospective one.
No matter what, the ending probably wouldn’t change.
“I was just saying it casually. Don’t take what I said too seriously…”
“Then tutor me.”
“…What?”
Strength entered their clasped hands. Seo Do-gyeom continued.
“I want to go to the same university as you, so teach me.”
“…Does that mean you’ll choose a different career instead of becoming a gangster?”
“It’s the first thing you’ve ever asked of me.”
He said that since he hadn’t been able to help properly with Do Ha-jun, this time he wanted to grant her wish. Tears threatened to spill.
“But it was something natural for you.”
“It was natural, yes—but it wasn’t my priority.”
It felt as though he was telling her that now, his priority was Baek I-hae.
So happy.
Pure joy filled her heart. She pulled him into a tight embrace.
