episode_0065

As mentioned earlier, Yu-na and I gathered at the station to meet Jung So-yeon. We boarded the subway without any special conversation.

“Let’s learn a lot there.”

I glanced at Yu-na, who was burning with academic fervor, sitting in the seat next to me.

‘She’s still bright.’

Jung So-yeon called us near the hospital. Yu-na seemed indifferent, but I knew that hospital well.

‘Was it the name of the hospital where Jung So-hye is hospitalized? Is she planning to reveal it herself?’

My guess was somewhat correct as we got off at the station near the hospital, and Jung So-yeon greeted us with a dark expression.

“Hello, Yu-na. And the junior over there, long time no see.”

“Hello.”

“So-yeon, are you feeling okay?”

When Yu-na cautiously expressed concern, Jung So-yeon forced a smile.

“Ah… I’m not feeling great today. But it’s okay to talk with you guys.”

Jung So-yeon reassured us with a wave of her hand. However, her expression remained dark.

“Shall we go to a nearby cafe? It seems like we’ll have a long conversation.”

“Yes, I’ll learn diligently.”

Yu-na accepted Jung So-yeon’s suggestion.

The three of us entered the cafe. The difference in temperature between the air conditioning and outside was striking.

“Since we’re here to learn, let us treat you. What would you like to drink?”

“Thank you. Just an iced Americano.”

We all ordered Americanos and took our seats. Even after sitting down, Jung So-yeon fidgeted with her glass before speaking.

“It seems like you have something you want to say.”

When I prompted her, Jung So-yeon’s shoulders tensed.

“You catch on quickly. In fact, I have a matter to discuss with you, not just the other way around.”

“Us…? Including Maru?”

Yu-na seemed surprised that Jung So-yeon included me in her statement. Since I had little connection with Jung So-yeon.

“Because it’s the two of you, I feel prepared to speak. You both know your commonality, right?”

“Well… Maru and I don’t have anything in common. Gender, appearance, education, nothing…”

Even though Yu-na made a self-deprecating remark, Jung So-yeon continued without addressing it.

“I heard about the incident at the Rotary Club with Ojakgyo. It was quite disappointing.”

As Jung So-yeon brought up the main topic, Yu-na’s expression turned serious. She understood what Jung So-yeon was going to talk about.

“But at the same time, at this point, you two are the most likely forces to bring down Ojakgyo. That’s why I want to ask for your help.”

“…Maru.”

As usual, Yu-na asked for my opinion.

I had been leading and guiding most of the events until now. Even Kim No-eul and Han Do-a often sought my opinion first.

I wanted to accurately understand Jung So-yeon’s intentions first.

“What exactly do you mean by ‘help’? Just so you know, impossible tasks are out of the question.”

“Impossible… but aren’t you already challenging the impossible?”

“W-What do you mean?”

When Yu-na asked in confusion, Jung So-yeon sighed and took a sip of her coffee.

“Frankly, if you’re a student studying at Hukdo, everyone knows. Resisting that woman is a reckless act.”

We were speechless. Jung So-yeon slightly narrowed her eyes at our reaction.

“I’m not trying to belittle you. Rather, seeing you face difficult situations head-on made me admire you. That’s why I decided to confide in you about my situation.”

“…We’ll listen for now.”

With my permission granted, Jung So-yeon calmly continued.

“So-hye… she’s currently hospitalized in that visible hospital. She attempted suicide due to bullying.”

“Oh, the call back then…?”

Yu-na mentioned as if something clicked.

“Yu-na, you’re right. Remember when I was on the phone with Seo-yoon on the park bench? Seo-yoon has been sending me money for the hospital bills.”

“Seo-yoon? But isn’t she from Ojakgyo?”

“…She’s trapped using money as leverage.”

Jung So-yeon chewed on her lip thoughtfully.

“Seo-yoon was close with So-hye. However, after what happened to So-hye, Seo-yoon felt guilty… and went under Alice’s wing. For money.”

“I don’t quite understand. There are other ways to make money…”

“Can a student earn a large sum of hospital fees in a normal way?”

Jung So-yeon interrupted Na Yuna’s words.

“Moreover, that hospital… had deep ties with the Sungkwang Foundation. From Seo-yoon’s perspective, choosing Alice was probably the best option.”

It’s not just having money that improves Jung So-hye’s condition. A suitable medical system is also necessary.

And the existence of Alice is the ultimate key that can solve both of these problems.

“Besides, since that key is by Seo-yoon’s side, it would have been difficult for Seo-yoon to reject Alice’s proposal.”

Recalling Seo-yoon’s background, I refocused on Jung So-yeon’s words.

“But Seo-yoon’s approach was wrong. We could have found another place for our family besides the hospital. So, I persistently tried to persuade Seo-yoon, but…”

“It failed.”

Jung So-yeon nodded with a discouraged expression at my words.

“If you’re in the middle of repenting, why don’t you listen to me? Isn’t adding more sins while repenting ironic?”

“So-yeon, do you wish for us to eliminate the bridge?”

Upon hearing Na Yuna’s question, Jung So-yeon briefly fell silent.

“It’s slightly different. I hope you can save Seo-yoon.”

“Isn’t destroying the bridge the solution?”

“Even if the bridge disappears, if Seo-yoon continues to meet Alice personally? Then nothing will be resolved.”

There is logic in Jung So-yeon’s words. As long as Alice continues to hold Jung So-hye as a hostage, Seo-yoon will forever exist as her right-hand person.

“In that case, we must change her mind completely.”

In fact, this issue was supposed to be resolved in the second semester. As is often the case with school dramas, sometimes problems are solved through confrontation.

“Kim No-eul needs to handle this well.”

Ironically, the problem between the Jung sisters and Seo-yoon is resolved by Kim No-eul, who seems unrelated.

Because Kim No-eul and Seo-yoon stand at opposite ends.

Both women failed to protect someone dear to them.

However, one continues to live correctly and strive, while the other struggles in the abyss of corruption.

If Kim No-eul breaks Seo-yoon, Seo-yoon will reflect on her sins by observing Kim No-eul’s life. Thus, she returns to the embrace of Jung So-yeon and Jung So-hye.

“It’s not appropriate to say such things recklessly. If I can help Seo-yoon come to her senses, I’ll do anything. If you need money, I’ll work even harder.”

“So, So-yeon…”

Na Yuna looked at Jung So-yeon with a complex expression as she bowed her head to us with a helpless look.

“Don’t feel burdened.”

“I didn’t intend to burden you.”

When I objected, Jung So-yeon finally raised her head.

“While resisting the bridge, I will try my best to take care of Seo-yoon. Of course, I can’t guarantee it will work.”

“Just that alone is appreciated. It feels like I’m burdening you more.”

“…Maru.”

“Yes?”

Suddenly, Na Yuna called me. Like Jung So-yeon, she also bowed her head to me.

“Thank you for saying you’ll help So-yeon. Actually, I wanted to help because I’m close to So-yeon, but I was worried about causing trouble to you.”

It seemed so.

When Jung So-yeon bowed her head, Na Yuna glanced at me discreetly. She was worried I might refuse.

“Yuna, we didn’t originally come here wanting something or resisting the bridge. If we were greedy, we would have sided with the bridge long ago.”

“That’s true…”

“Since students of Hakdo are doing this to make life better… including Seo-yoon in the process wouldn’t make much of a difference.”

After finishing her statement, Jung So-yeon stared blankly at me. Her piercing gaze made me uncomfortable.

“Why are you staring at me like that?”

“Oh, no, I was just…”

Jeong Soyeon placed a coffee-filled glass against her cheek, seemingly flushed.

Watching Jeong Soyeon’s actions, Na Yuna sent a somewhat uneasy glance her way. Startled, Jeong Soyeon offered an explanation to Na Yuna.

“It’s just because it’s hot! So, you don’t need to worry!”

“….”

“I-I mean it… I’m not interested in others’ business….”

The conversation between the two women was incomprehensible.

“Let’s start the model meeting,” said Na Yuna dryly, to which Jeong Soyeon nodded in agreement. Perhaps wanting to change the subject, she smoothly continued the conversation with Na Yuna.

“In reality, most concepts are determined by the gaze.”

“Sometimes give signals to the camera director. Of course, consider the director’s personality.”

“A suitable ad-lib is fine. Your golden angle is the best because you know yourself the best.”

Listening to the conversation between the two professionals, I had nothing to do but take notes on the side.

As the conversation progressed, Na Yuna’s expression brightened. It seemed like she was getting a sense of how to digest the magazine’s concept.

Continuing the conversation, the glass bottom was suddenly revealed. After finishing the coffee, we moved inside the hospital.

Stepping into the hospital, we entered Jeong Sohye’s hospital room. Since it was a single room, there were no other patients, making it suitable for private conversations.

Na Yuna looked at the motionless Jeong Sohye lying on the bed and took a deep breath, seeming quite shocked.

“Sohye, my friends are here. Yuna and Maru.”

Jeong Soyeon sat beside Sohye and held her hand.

“S-Sohye? Hello…?”

Na Yuna waved her hand towards the closed-eyed Sohye, but there was no response.

“They said they would help Seoyun. Isn’t that good? Soon Seoyun might come to visit you.”

Perhaps due to mood.

It somehow seemed like Sohye’s lips were slightly lifted.

“Are there no other family members here right now?”

“My parents are at work. They work late. That’s why I’m taking care of Sohye.”

Responding to my question, Jeong Soyeon calmly spoke.

“I wanted to succeed as a model someday to relieve my parents’ burden…. Yuna, seeing you reminds me of my rookie days. The time when I harbored ambitions and worked hard.”

“Really? I didn’t enter this industry with such a grand purpose like you, so I feel embarrassed….”

“I can assert this. You will become very famous soon. President Lim didn’t bring you here for no reason.”

Seemingly happy that a senior in the industry believed in her, Na Yuna couldn’t hold back her smile. Her lips curved up.

“Alright, since we’ve finished taking care of Sohye’s appearance today, my task is done. You’ve learned a lot, and I’ve conveyed my request well.”

“You’ve worked hard.”

Na Yuna responded to Jeong Soyeon’s words.

“It’s already late afternoon. Sorry for keeping you here until now. I ended up sharing all the know-how I knew, and that’s how it turned out.”

“I’m actually grateful. I’ll do my best for this shoot.”

“Since you’ve received my know-how, make sure to push Je Gal Yeonhwa’s nose. Got it?”

“Yeah.”

“SC itself should feature the most sensational photo on the cover. This is an example.”

Jeong Soyeon handed a magazine to Na Yuna. I also went over to her to look at the cover.

“Is the cover model always Je Gal Yeonhwa?”

Dressed in a white t-shirt and jeans, exuding innocence fitting for summer, her picture adorned the cover.

“This is the June issue. What you’re shooting now is for the July issue.”

As Jeong Soyeon stood up to hand over the magazine, she sat back down and continued speaking.

“I hope the cover model changes for the upcoming July issue.”

“…I’ll work hard.”

Encouraged by Jeong Soyeon, Na Yuna put on a determined expression.

“Maru, you’ve also worked hard. It must have been boring listening to uninteresting stories.”

“I’ve learned a lot. It was interesting because it was unfamiliar content.”

Jeong Soyeon also encouraged me.

“Thank you once again for granting my request. It was a good decision to confide in you. I feel relieved.”

“Even though I’m a counseling center staff… If you need to talk, please call me again.”

“Again? Is that okay?”

When Jung So-yeon made a hesitant expression, the atmosphere next to her with Na Yuna turned sharp. The cautious Jung So-yeon clicked her tongue.

“It’s better to hold back since someone nearby might get suspicious. Don’t worry, Yuna.”

Jung So-yeon chuckled and patted Na Yuna’s head. Na Yuna’s expression as she was being patted looked chubby.

“Senior Yuna, let’s go now. It would be a nuisance if we linger more.”

“…Alright. I’ll contact you after the shoot, So-yeon.”

“Take care, everyone~.”

Na and Na Yuna left the hospital.

*

*

*

“Argh!”

In the alley of Hakdo.

Screams of students could be heard there. A tall girl, larger than others, was subduing three students.

One of the subdued students muttered, “Damn… Why are you here at Hakdo even during vacation…”

“I heard she was suspended and not supposed to be active.”

The girl subduing the students, Seo Yoon, sighed.

“This is not an activity but miscellaneous work. Unpaid tasks that don’t earn any money…”

Since the end-of-term meeting, Seo Yoon had been living like a dead mouse, not wanting Alice’s anger to escalate further.

However, Eun Yoori gave separate instructions. She instructed to organize incidents happening at Hakdo during the vacation.

Seo Yoon, who was hastily doing part-time jobs due to the loss of money from Alice, couldn’t even do part-time jobs now because of Eun Yoori’s instructions.

Dark circles were prominent under Seo Yoon’s eyes.

“Ahh!”

As Seo Yoon was lost in thought, a female student rushed towards her. Seo Yoon precisely met the punch from the student with her own fist.

Thud.

A harsh sound came from the student’s fist hitting Seo Yoon’s finger joints. The student fell down screaming.

Seo Yoon forcefully stepped on the fallen student’s stomach, adding her weight. The girl groaned like a pig being slaughtered and fainted.

“Phew….”

After finishing up, Seo Yoon felt her phone vibrating. The caller was Jegal Yeonhwa.

“Why is this person calling…?”

Despite her doubts, she answered the call.

[Our youngest, Uni~. How have you been?]

“What’s the matter? I’m busy right now.”

[Busy? Weren’t you supposed to be inactive during the vacation?]

“Official activities, yes. I received separate instructions from Yuri.”

“Oh, so you’re working without pay? You really live a tough life.”

“…Get to the point.”

“You’re still as prickly. After the first shoot, I tried calling the executives for a moment. Jihye didn’t pick up.”

“It’s common sense that she wouldn’t take your call, right?”

“I called on purpose. Just to annoy her.”

Understanding Jegal Yeonhwa’s taste was still difficult.

“In fact, I tried persuading Yuri to give me some activities. Unlike Alice, she has some principles, right? But she didn’t answer.”

“After you were temporarily stripped of authority, isn’t Yuri managing everything? She must be busy.”

“That’s right, it was like that during the meeting. I was short-sighted. What about Alice?”

“…Are you seriously calling that person too?”

“Although she’s a superior, I occasionally ask about her well-being through text. Most of the time, she ignores it.”

Seo Yoon was speechless. Just standing in front of Alice was challenging enough, but this woman…

“But this time, she didn’t even read it. Number 1 remains unread.”

“I heard she went for volunteer work.”

Seo Yoon was Alice’s right arm, so she occasionally reported to Eun Yoori about Alice’s whereabouts. It was to prepare for similar situations.

“Volunteer work? Her? That exploitative woman roaming around students… What kind of volunteering is she doing?”

“In the Oakjak Bridge activity plan, it was written that they would be staying at a foster home called ‘Angel’s House.’”

[Never heard of it. Anyway, it means they’re busy, right?]

“Well, I suppose so.”

[Hmm, can’t be helped. Then just this much for greetings to the officers… Ugh!]

“What was that noise just now?”

“It’s nothing much. Just disciplining some unruly bloodline. It’s annoying being together at home during the vacation.”

On the other end of the phone, a woman could be heard screaming in agony.

“Lyn~. Didn’t I tell you to raise your arm straight? Are you trying to make me angry again?”

“…I will hang up.”