episode_0017

‘Pretense is…’

If that was the case, it would have been like that from the beginning. However, it wasn’t entirely wrong.

An hostage must remain alive to have value, and a secret must remain a secret to be a weakness. If that is broken, the one with power becomes advantageous.

“Of course, if that happens, I guess those who look down on you won’t be feeling so great, huh?”

Giving Yeji a moment to catch her breath, Hye-hyun began to exploit Yeji’s weakness.

“Then what about A-yeon? Can A-yeon handle things as resiliently as you? Or will the others just leave A-yeon alone? Even if it’s not visible, there are surely others with taste as vulgar as yours.”

Although feeling extremely offended by Hye-hyun’s low assessment of them once again, the truth in Hye-hyun’s words couldn’t be denied.

Still, they had to push forward strongly here.

“Do you forget who I am? I can trample over the entire school starting tomorrow. Including you.”

‘You should know that better than anyone.’

“Do you think I can’t even protect A-yeon?”

It was clear. Queen Baek Yeji. From the volleyball incident to becoming famous in this area, Yeji had gained quite a reputation. There was even a story of Yeji challenging the delinquents from Yeomkwang Special School, stripping naked in the gymnasium, writing their names with her butt, and teasing them until the Yeomkwang students were satisfied.

But while Yeji was absolutely untouchable, those who harbored ill feelings towards A-yeon, who had been overshadowed by Yeji all this time, would surely target A-yeon.

And in the end, they would fall victim to Yeji. If an incident occurred with A-yeon during a moment without Yeji, Yeji would exact revenge on those involved to a level several times greater.

After several cycles of bloody revenge, even if it was terrifying, the torment towards A-yeon would cease.

Still, compliance was not an option here. Although there were still hidden cards to play, they had to shatter all of Yeji’s thoughts.

“You’re the one who forgets, A-yeon is such a pathetic girl that she couldn’t even stand up to Yeo-seo. If a girl who doesn’t know how to protect herself becomes the target of the entire school, what will happen? Even if Yeji can protect you 24/7… Before becoming a prince on a white horse, wouldn’t A-yeon be broken first?”

“…”

“If she’s targeted by some clever kids, they’ll trample over her like a toy, playing around as if it’s fun. Even the kids who are into lesbians will find it very interesting, right? But if you don’t know who they are, how will you seek revenge?”

It could very well happen. But there was a way. The method Yeji had in mind…

“Surely you’re not relying on adults, right? Or are you the kind of cowardly girl who pretends to be mature and superior, but when things go south, relies on her parents’ power? Oh, it was unfortunate from the start to act like the allowance you receive is your own hard-earned money.”

Thinking it was time to bring out their hidden card, Hye-hyun mentioned the last method Yeji could use while pressing on.

“Ugh…”

“But is that really a good solution? If it were me, I’d rather die of embarrassment. Knowing that your daughter…”

They were almost there. The look in Yeji’s eyes, staring at them, was evidence of that.

Feeling more exhilaration than fear from Yeji’s gaze, the current situation felt like a dream.

“Knowing that your daughter is a filthy lesbian, and not just that, but engaging in all sorts of vulgar and perverted acts with relatives, naked.”

Bang –

“What?!”

Yeji slammed the table hard, looking incredulous.

‘As expected, she didn’t know.’

Then it was truly their ace in the hole.

“Oh, you didn’t know? Well, if you did those things knowingly, what’s the difference between that and being a beast~? So… was it 6th cousin or 8th cousin? Still, it’s weird for relatives to do that.”

“No…”

Although she seemed to still not believe it, Yeji’s hands were trembling.

“Our dad even confirmed it for me~ He said he’s friends with your uncle and has met Ayeon a few times.”

Hyehyun excitedly showed Yeji the conversation where he asked about their parents’ names and confirmed with their dad.

“Well, if it doesn’t matter if it spreads, then go ahead.”

There was nothing to argue against.

“Hmm~ Yeji is really strong. She’s not just thinking about herself, right? It’s embarrassing to say it out loud, but kicking with relatives… Anyway, how will Ayeon react to the shock?”

Hyehyun continued to tease with exaggeration, observing Yeji’s expression. She seemed almost resigned.

“Or should I tip off a third-rate gossip website? Even if it’s not about a romantic relationship, people who like scandals will be interested. Shocking private life of K Construction’s Yeonae! Or Forbidden Love! Something like that?”

Yeji could only think of one thing as she looked at Hyehyun mocking her.

It was inevitable, no excuse would work. She had to prevent it from being exposed at all costs.

“…Please…”

Yeji whispered, but Hyehyun didn’t seem to hear and asked again.

“What? Can’t hear you.”

“Keep it… a secret…”

Hyehyun didn’t respond. Yeji, who couldn’t even raise her head, felt more anxious as the silence lingered.

It wasn’t her intention to play on this psychological effect. Hyehyun just enjoyed the feeling of winning and smiled crookedly at Yeji in front of her.

‘Enough! Finally, I…’

Hyehyun, who was enjoying his victory, suddenly came to his senses.

In fact, this was just the beginning. He had just taken the first step to ruin Yeji.

“Do you dislike it?”

“What? Why…”

Yeji, who thought there must be something he wanted from her, couldn’t hide his confusion.

Ending this after going through all this trouble with ‘I’ll spread rumors’ didn’t make sense. But it seemed like it was going to end that way.

It was the first time. Hyehyun found it enjoyable to have Yeji following him and talking to him the way he wanted. How much had she ignored and looked down on him all this time. Yeji, who trembled no matter what she said, looked pathetic.

“I don’t like it. Why would I?”

It was the right thing to say. She was desperate, while there was no reason for Hyehyun to be like that. What if this rumor really spread?

Not only herself, but Ayeon would also be deeply hurt, and their parents would undoubtedly suffer a huge blow socially. They could become easy prey for those groups always eyeing the chairman’s position, just like in dramas.

Of course, Yeji’s delusion, but in a situation where normal thinking was difficult, all sorts of negative thoughts swept through her head.

“Please…”

Her plea didn’t seem sincere. It was just to satisfy her pride because she was desperate. There was no sense of humiliation or shame in her choice of words or her desperate emotions.

‘Fine. It’s just the beginning.’

“Please? It’s not a plea at all, are you mistaking ordering me as usual?”

“Ugh… Please, I beg you, keep it a secret.”

“Ugh…? I’m starting to not want to listen to you. But did you wear a neck brace? You look so stiff.”

Yeji, who understood Hyehyun’s intention, naturally lowered her head with an expression.

“Please, I beg you, keep it a secret.”

Baek Yeji obeying her words. There was no intention to end it here.

“Again.”

“What?!”

“Do you think you’re smart? Just following my orders without any creativity? Why don’t you try doing it yourself?”

‘This damn guy…’

Yeji, with tightly pressed lips, stood up from her seat. She adjusted her posture, crossing her legs and facing Hye-hyun, who had also straightened up, bending her waist at a 90-degree angle as she spoke.

“Please, I’m begging you to keep it a secret..!”

Anger was palpable in her voice.

“Haah, Yeji. I’m giving you a chance because we’re friends, right? But why do you keep acting like this?”

First, she had to step on his still-standing pride. By making him realize his own position.

Little by little, like sinking into water.

‘What more can I do?’

Suppressing her rebellious spirit as much as possible, she looked at Hye-hyun and said,

“Do you want me to tell you how to say it?”

Hye-hyun, shaking her head helplessly, completely ignored Yeji as she had done until now.

“Are you an idiot? Is your brain just for show? Can’t you even think that much?”

Even though she didn’t care and always thought of herself as superior, there was nothing she could do now, hearing such words from a girl she didn’t even care about.

Looking at the quiet Yeji, Hye-hyun spoke as if she was being considerate.

“I was planning to make you figure it out on your own, but I guess I have to be nice and help you. But if I just tell you, you’ll probably make the same mistake again, right? So, let’s make a rule to make sure you don’t forget what I teach you today.”

“A rule…?”

“Yeah. Every time I point out what you did wrong, you have to take off one piece of clothing.”

“W-what…?!”