episode_0021

No matter what dress I looked at, I couldn’t approve of any of them, so I declared that I would rather wear a men’s suit.

The part-time job older sister, as well as the uncle, stiffened in shock, but it was a matter I couldn’t compromise on, so I hardened my heart and continued to fight until the end.

After a long struggle that consumed a considerable amount of time, I couldn’t help but feel extremely satisfied that I could finally choose the outfit I wanted.

And so, the day of the party arrived.

Dragged to a salon instead of my regular hair shop to get my hair done, and after putting on light makeup on my bare face, I finally set off towards the party venue.

“Why do you look so gloomy?”

As I got out of the car and was briefly bowing my head, the uncle, wearing a black tuxedo over a white shirt, expressed his concern and spoke to me.

“Uncle, I feel like I’ve lost something very precious right now…”

With a puzzled expression as if asking what I meant, the uncle soon reached out his hand to escort me.

Why is this uncle asking me why I’m so gloomy?

*Sigh…*

Just looking at my outfit makes me sigh involuntarily.

I’m currently wearing a black flared one-piece dress that goes down to my knees because of someone like Mr. So-and-So. Although there’s a slight hint of cleavage, it was the dress that came closest to meeting my standards because of the long sleeves.

But why am I in this outfit when I declared I wouldn’t wear a dress?

It’s all because of this uncle who grabbed my hand.

While protesting in the dressing room, he suddenly handed me this dress and said, “I think this would look good on you.”

If the uncle says that, I have no choice but to wear it!

Honestly, I didn’t want to wear it, but as the decoration of the uncle’s wife, I had no choice but to act like a loving couple in front of others. So, it was inevitable that I blushed in front of the uncle while wearing this.

“But did you have to come with me, uncle? If it’s a party you must attend, shouldn’t you go with your partner?”

Fanning my heated face, I asked the uncle the question that had been bothering me.

“I would like to, but I haven’t been allowed to have a relationship with the family yet, so I have no choice.”

Oh, so that’s the situation.

The uncle and his partner love each other, but their relationship is not allowed by the family… It’s like a cliché soap opera plot.

“Shall we go then?”

Arriving at the hotel, the uncle turned to me at the entrance and spoke. Hmm, this uncle looks really good in a black bow tie. Well, it’s only natural since I picked it out, right?

“Yes, uncle!”

“Hey… isn’t it a bit much to call me ‘uncle’ even in a place like this? Can’t you call me by my name?”

Come to think of it, that’s true. It’s really crossing a line to casually call him ‘uncle’ in a social gathering with so many people.

But what was the uncle’s name again?

The party was being held on the 2nd floor of the hotel.

Due to the uncle’s reluctance to meet people, he deliberately arrived late, but still a considerable number of people flocked to him. Eventually pushed away by the crowd and separated from the uncle, I found myself looking at the hotel’s food from a distance, feeling awkward.

The food was served buffet-style, so I had to hold my plate and move around busily with the goal of conquering all the menu items.

Of course, there were also table seats, but I was a bit hesitant to sit alone… I wanted to sit comfortably and eat, but it was regrettable.

“His name is Kang Sun Woo… I must remember it.”

Even as I tasted the sushi with caviar, I engraved a single word in my mind.

I felt ashamed that I had forgotten his name after calling him ‘ajusshi’ every day, but from now on, I must remember it.

[Don’t forget, Kang Sun Woo, that’s my name.]

Suddenly, the man who fed me honeyed words and told me his name came to mind.

[Oops! It hurts… Alright, I won’t forget, Sun Woo-ssi! …Is this okay?]

[…]

But all I did was call out Sun Woo-ssi’s name, so why did he make that expression? Is this man deliberately making it awkward?

“Excuse me, miss. Did you come alone?”

“What? No…”

As I recalled what happened before entering the party hall, a strange man suddenly approached me.

When I turned my head towards the man, the scent of his cologne made me frown.

He seemed older than the man, and with his navy blue suit and slicked-back hair, his face looked even more repulsive due to his smug appearance.

“I didn’t come alone. And if you know it’s an intrusion, please don’t talk to me for no reason.”

Feeling even more uncomfortable due to his repulsive appearance and the piercing cologne scent, I tried to politely avoid the situation.

“Hahaha, you’re quite amusing. Leaving such a beautiful lady alone… Seems like your partner is neglecting you.”

“No, that’s not it.”

“In fact, my partner and I aren’t on good terms either. It’s fate that we meet, so how about chatting on the terrace for a while…”

Ignoring my words, the weasel-like man continued to hold onto my arm and waist, trying to lead me somewhere.

Due to the suddenness of the situation, my body didn’t move well.

But this weasel kept moving his hand down… Could he really be doing this in such a crowded place?

“Excuse me, could you let go of my hand?”

Damn you, it hurts! I wanted to shout, but I had to endure it as I didn’t want our man to get into trouble. Why is this weasel holding onto my arm so tightly? Oh, I’m blushing, damn it!

“I’m almost done, so you don’t have to be polite.”

I tried to struggle, but this weasel held on so firmly that I couldn’t break free. I kept getting more anxious… Where is the man?

The man who grabbed the terrace curtain now had a sinister smile on his face, even licking his lips. Damn you weasel! And politeness my foot… What are you touching!

“Let go of me!”

“Oh, it’s better to stay quiet. You wouldn’t want to cause unnecessary trouble, right? Just give me a little time.”

I didn’t want to spend a single minute with this disgusting man, but no matter how much I struggled, it was futile. I tried to throw a punch several times, but my hands kept shaking, and I couldn’t even resist.

“…Ah!”

Terrified, tears welled up as I tried to hold back, and suddenly the weasel’s scream echoed throughout the banquet hall.

Walking without looking ahead, did I just bump into a wall? If so, now is the perfect opportunity to escape, but my legs feel weak and I can’t move at all.

“Who… are you touching so recklessly?!”

At the moment a man’s shout echoed, my trembling body stopped.

Although it was a familiar voice, the fierce shout was unfamiliar, making me feel strange. However, despite the unease in my heart, it had suddenly calmed down.

“Uncle?”

*

Stepping out onto the terrace and leaning on the railing, I could see an arch made of red roses in the garden on the first floor.

Even though it was late, the night view from here, illuminated by lights, had a soothing effect on my restless heart.

“I’m sorry for not paying attention. Were you… scared?”

The recent commotion had attracted attention, but people’s gazes were drawn to the raccoon caught by the men in black sunglasses.

The man seemed ready to strike violently, clenching his fist, but thanks to someone calming him down, a bloodbath was avoided.

But if it ended like this, I would feel unjust. I kicked the raccoon being dragged away by the men in black sunglasses with all my might and slapped his cheek.

Wearing high heels, it must have hurt a lot, you damn bastard.

“Scared? Who do you think I am? I’m not afraid of someone like you!”

Although my wrist was swollen and red, it was nothing serious. Moreover, even if the man didn’t step in, if it was just me and that guy left alone, I would…

“Joo Eunhye. Turn around and look at me properly.”

Why is this man telling me to turn around… Can’t he see that I’m engrossed in the night view?

“Oh, there are a lot of stars out tonight? Take a look, Uncle!”

“Hey, Joo Eunhye.”

As I stood on the terrace railing, looking up at the sky, the man suddenly grabbed my shoulders.

“Turn around.”

“I don’t want to.”

If he decided not to interfere in each other’s private lives, then why is he doing this? I’m looking at the stars right now…

“Joo Eunhye, you…”

I said I don’t want to, why are you doing this to me?

*Sobbing*

How much longer do I have to endure?

*Sobbing*

How scared was I?

“Eunhye?”

Why are you looking at me with those eyes?

*Sobbing*

Please don’t look at me like that, I’m begging you.

*Sobbing*

Please don’t hug me so recklessly. Don’t pat my head.

“I’m sorry… I’m sorry…”

I don’t understand why I’m like this.

Why am I shedding tears, why is this man apologizing to me?

And why does the warmth of the man’s chest as I bury my face in it feel so comforting?