episode_0451

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The same.

These days flowed exactly the same as when Baek Jiho had briefly returned before.

School. Class. Training. Meals. Small talk. Going home. Leisure activities. …Relieving sexual urges. And sleep.

If I had to point out any difference, it was that my interactions with Baek Jiho were now limited to just my phone.

Unfortunately, since he said he was tired, we couldn’t meet often, though we did see each other a few times for family meals.

Anyway, aside from these trivial things, it was exactly the same as when Baek Jiho had briefly returned a week ago.

Seo Woojin doesn’t seek me out. Naturally, I don’t contact him either.

The time I used to empty out like a habit has become awkward. I pass the time with light exercise, social media, or assignments. …And eventually, a little more boldly than before, I end up groaning to relieve my urges even when my parents are around.

After struggling to satisfy myself with just enough pleasure, I diligently wipe down the used toy with a wet wipe. I finish what’s left of my routine, pretending nothing happened.

Today marks the fifth day of this becoming my daily life.

“Haah…….”

Excluding the slip-up on Saturday morning, it’s been about two weeks since I last saw Seo Woojin.

Lying on my bed, counting the days on my fingers, I stretched my arms toward the ceiling and let out a deep sigh.

It’s not that I’m dissatisfied. In fact, if you think about it, this is a pretty positive sign, isn’t it?

He used to exploit my weakness relentlessly, but now it seems he’s finally getting bored. If I think about it that way, it’s actually a relief.

“…….”

If I think about it that way, it should be a relief.

451

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri.

After five dull days, the sixth day— Saturday.

Lazily rubbing my cheek against the pillow, I slowly got up only after the sun was high in the sky.

Today, I had plans with friends. Not for any grand purpose—just to hang out.

To put it bluntly, since there was nothing to do at home anyway, meeting up was just a way to kill time.

I spat out the hair stuck to my lips, adjusted my disheveled sleepwear, and walked out.

First, I greeted my mom, who was sitting on the living room couch. Skipped lunch, saying I’d eat out with a yawn. Brushed my teeth while staring blankly at the mirror. Tried (and failed) to do something about these delinquent-looking eyes. After showering and drying my hair, I got dressed and headed out.

Hanging out with friends, enjoying meaningless chatter, before I knew it, the sun was setting. It was barely past 6 p.m., but the chilly weather meant the sun hid early.

On the crowded subway ride home, after my friends got off at their stops, I was left alone with my earbuds in, listening to music.

“…?”

My phone vibrated lightly in my hand. Conscious of the people around me, I turned on the screen.

[Seo Woojin] – Are you busy right now?

First, I reflexively covered the screen like an idiot. I don’t even know why I did that.

It’s not like an academy friend was sitting next to me—just some middle-aged men tense about sitting near a young woman. Even if they glanced at my phone, they wouldn’t suspect anything strange between me and Seo Woojin. At most, they’d think…

[Seo Woojin] – Wondered if you might have some time.

…Boyfriend. That’s as far as they’d assume.

An unpleasant misunderstanding, but unavoidable in this case.

“…….”

But the real problem was what came next.

I didn’t think much of Seo Woojin calling me out to meet. Lately, it’s been rare, but a month ago, it was practically routine.

But when Seo Woojin called me out like this before, what had I said in response?

I couldn’t remember. Scrolling up didn’t help—the results were the same.

The day Baek Jiho came home, I’d deleted all the messages between me and Seo Woojin, afraid he’d find out. Not a single message remained from the days I was constantly called out to have sex.

“…Ugh….”

Had I readily agreed? But wouldn’t that make it seem like I was enjoying my relationship with Seo Woojin too much?

Had I cursed at him here? I might have the first few times, but surely not every time. No way I cursed every single day we had sex.

Had I refused once or twice? But if I refused now, this pervert would obviously just contact another sex partner.

“…….”

I didn’t agonize for long. Fiddling with my phone, I eventually sent what seemed like the most plausible reply.

[Seol Dabin] – I’m free. – Just met up with friends, so I’m on the subway right now.

This absolutely does not mean I was waiting for you to text first. I was having a great day with my friends when you suddenly messaged. Besides, if I’d been home, I’d have said I was busy—but since I’m on the subway after meeting friends, that’s why I said I’m free. Don’t get the wrong idea.

…That was the vibe I was going for.

[Seo Woojin] – That’s a relief. About what I said last time—to let you know as soon as possible—I couldn’t keep that today.

…You’ve got to be kidding me. Was that one sentence the reason we hadn’t been in contact all this time?

I scrolled up to check the message I’d sent five days ago and let out a disbelieving scoff.

Now that I thought about it, on weekdays, just getting home from school often dragged past 5 or 6 p.m. Even if I killed time and just ate dinner, it’d easily be past 7 p.m. And 7 p.m. generally counts as “late.”

Of course, everyone’s definition of “late” varies, but since I’d added that I didn’t want to cancel plans, around 7 p.m. would…

…Anyway.

On the other hand, if he’d just sent a message earlier in the day asking to have s…ex, this wouldn’t have been an issue. But I forcefully pushed that thought away.

[Seol Dabin] – Should I go to your place?

It was practically synonymous with “Should I come over to get fucked?” But in terms of embarrassment, this phrasing was far less mortifying.

I got up, easing the tension of the middle-aged men who’d been eyeing me, and grabbed the pole near the exit.

Judging by the tone, it was half-confirmed that he’d tell me to come over. The sex I hadn’t had in nearly a week was also pretty much confirmed. That’s why my body moved first.

“…….”

Before I saw the next message, before I carefully reread Seo Woojin’s first message from the beginning, I was sure of it.

[Seo Woojin] – Before you come, there’s something I want to ask. – Have you had dinner yet? – I need someone to taste something for me.

…Now that I think about it, this bastard never actually said anything about having sex.

Well, I came anyway. I hadn’t eaten dinner yet, and… …you never know.

When he asked if pasta was okay, I said I didn’t care. I requested a small portion—just a bite. When he asked if slightly spicy was fine, I said there’s plenty of pasta like that, so it didn’t matter. When he asked if I had a preference, I told him to make whatever.

Arriving at Seo Woojin’s place, the rich, oily aroma of olive oil lingered faintly in the air. Next, the spicy scent of peperoncino hit my nose. Mixed in was the deep fragrance of garlic.

The dish he’d prepared was most likely—

“I looked it up online. It’s my first time making it, so I’m not confident about the taste.” “…It doesn’t look great either.” “Well… I did try to make it look nice…” “Somehow, I get the feeling you’re terrible at drawing, too.”

Aglio e olio. A messy, shapeless oil-based pasta sat on the plate.

“…So why are you suddenly cooking? Do you usually cook?” “Not often. Someone I know asked me to.” “Someone you know?” “A couple of days ago, someone treated me to a meal, and they forced me to return the favor. They said it’s fine if it tastes bad since they weren’t expecting much anyway.” “…Must be a woman. Another sex partner, I bet.”

I could pretty much guess. One of Seo Woojin’s sex partners had cooked for him and then demanded repayment. In other words, it was a ploy to increase the number of times she could see him.

Whoever it is, what a joke. What kind of cheap trick is that?

Frowning slightly, I cautiously sat at the table. The neatly arranged tableware caught my eye.

“Aren’t you eating?” “I kept making and eating it while practicing. I’m not really hungry.” “Hmm…” “Anyway, could you try it and give me your thoughts? I think I’m getting better.”

It’s not like I couldn’t give an evaluation. Glancing briefly at the bed in the distance, I twirled some pasta onto my fork and took a small bite.

“How is it?” “…….”

Honestly, it needed a bit more salt. Among other things, it fell short compared to restaurant pasta, but that’s expected from an amateur. More garlic, less peperoncino. Without even thinking deeply, a list of adjustments came to mind.

But the answer I gave after swallowing was much simpler.

“…It’s okay. Not restaurant-level, though.” “That’s… something, I guess.”

It’s not like I’ll be the one eating it anyway. It’s for some other woman. Whether it’s delicious or not, it doesn’t really matter to me.

What’s important to me is what comes next.

“…Um, some water, please…” “Ah, just a second.”

…How do I avoid leaving just like this? How do I avoid making it obvious I want sex? What do I have to do for Seo Woojin to bring it up first?

That’s what really matters.

“…….” “…….”

But, unless I say, “I should get going,” there’s nothing else to say. …And Seo Woojin doesn’t seem inclined to stop me either.

I reluctantly let go of a bit of my stubborn pride. As I’d seen before, even someone as composed as Seo Yeon-sunbaenim would tell cute little lies in front of this trash.

Telling him to get lost, that she hates him, to go do it with his other sex partners— there’s no reason for him to choose a girl who says such nasty things over them.

…He’d only reach for me if there was something about me that turned him on.

“Hey, um… since I’m here, there’s something I’m curious about. …Can I ask?” “Curious about what?” “Well, uh…”

I’d rather die than show him how much I, a girl with a boyfriend, had fallen into enjoying sex with this bastard. …But I’d rather die.

Because it felt so good. That sensation I could never achieve alone— the way my back would arch without me realizing.

“That time… at my place. …You remember?” “Yeah. That time.” “At first, you only… rubbed the shallow part… the head… It felt really good.” “Shallow part?” “…Near the entrance… I mean, the opening…” “…….” “…How did you do that? Back then?”

This way, I could always claim I was asking so I could try it with Baek Jiho.

Pretending not to be embarrassed, I maintained my composure and stared straight into his eyes. …Come on, in porn, isn’t this when the guy just… pounces?

“Hmm. I don’t think I’ve ever consciously done something like that.” “…….” “Try it with your boyfriend when he gets back. It should be easy to reach that part.” “…….” “Want another glass of water? I need to go meet Hayun-noona soon.” “…No thanks.”

…Ah, seriously. … … …Fucking bastard…