A week had passed.

Looking around the quiet hospital after a long time, Da Jung let out a small sigh. Was it over? Perhaps because she had been overworking herself, the week felt like a month.

Reality was slowly coming into focus now. Dreams must eventually come to an end, after all. During this time off, she planned to visit her mother’s hospital and do a thorough house cleaning. That was the reality she was given.

The day Kyung Jun found out about her relationship with Jae Ho. Da Jung asked him to secretly pick her up in the morning.

She had asked him to park outside and walk in if possible, without entering the pension, and Kyung Jun faithfully followed those instructions. Thanks to that, she was able to quietly move her luggage and sneak out.

She was a bit worried for a day or two. Jae Ho didn’t know Da Jung’s exact home address, but he knew roughly which apartment complex, and he definitely knew her workplace. She was on guard alone, wondering if he might come looking for her, angry that she had left without a word.

Jae Ho did not come looking for Da Jung. It was a needless worry.

He didn’t show up at her house or the hospital. Well, how could a well-known actor come to such a crowded hospital? What was she even worried about? This wasn’t the countryside.

Am I feeling disappointed?

Even though she was the one who left on her own, she felt a bit empty now that he was staying away so cleanly. She couldn’t help but think of the contents of that document envelope. That might be true. Perhaps his game ended successfully by me leaving first, as he had anticipated.

Her mouth tasted bitter.

Yet she also worried if he had managed to resolve that suspicious surveillance well. It was a foolish heart that still worried about his well-being even after leaving him.

“Nurse Yoon. It’s the day to change antibiotics for the patient An Soo Jung in Room 701, so please check on that.”

“Yes, I’ll confirm it.”

At the hospital, Kyung Mi gave work instructions as a strict superior. Da Jung responded respectfully and headed to the patient room.

“Mrs. An Soo Jung. Excuse me.”

The 26-week and 1-day pregnant patient An Soo Jung was recovering after a cerclage surgery two days ago. The patient who had just fallen asleep stirred slightly and greeted with her eyes.

“I’ll check your blood pressure. Please relax.”

She skillfully put the blood pressure cuff on her arm and checked. She also adjusted the IV fluid volume.

“Hmm. It’s a bit on the high side, but still within the normal range. I’ll administer the antibiotics now. This injection might hurt a bit today.”

“Okay.”

Da Jung flashed her characteristic bright smile.

“…It must be hard. Lying down all the time. But after the professor’s examination tomorrow, you might be able to sit up a little.”

The patient smiled back.

“Thank you.”

“All done. You did well. Rest now.”

“You seem to be the kindest nurse. I’m always grateful.”

Da Jung smiled and bowed before turning away. It was an ordinary day. There were no emergencies or surgeries today. An uneventful day was coming to an end, and it was almost time to get off work.

“Nurse Yoon. Coffee?”

Young Sook asked, and Da Jung shook her head in refusal. As the two were exchanging light jokes, there was a vibration in her pocket. She took it out to find an unknown number. After a moment’s hesitation, she hung up. She preferred not to answer unknown numbers if possible.

Then a message came.

[It’s me.]

Thump. Her heart sank.

[I’m at the main entrance. Come when you’re done. 10 minutes left until you get off work.]

It had been a peaceful day without emergencies, but an emergency situation was starting in Da Jung’s heart. Her heart pounded as if it would burst out of her chest. Her ears instantly turned bright red.

Main entrance.

Lee Jae Ho.

Although he only said “It’s me,” there was no way she wouldn’t know it was Lee Jae Ho. His unique presence was heavily felt even through the text.

Why did he come? If he had something to discuss, he had plenty of time throughout the past week, so why now?

Thinking about avoiding the main entrance and going out through the back or side entrance, Da Jung took a deep breath. She absolutely wouldn’t meet him. Just as she was considering whether to block the number, her phone rang again.

[Don’t run away.] [If you don’t come out after work, I’ll go in and say I’m Yoon Da Jung’s boyfriend.]

Just as it had begun on that beach, the man once again grabbed Da Jung’s ankle. Although there was clearly nothing there, her ankle felt as heavy as a thousand pounds, unable to budge.

[I’ll meet you in ten minutes.]

**

The winter wind blew against her nose. The sun had already set, and it was getting dark early.

It was a desolate weather, at the boundary between fall and winter, tilting slightly more towards winter.

As if wearing red shoes, her legs moved on their own to the main entrance. Da Jung stared blankly at the black luxury car parked across the street.

It was a familiar car, yet somehow unfamiliar. She had only ever seen it parked by the beach, so seeing it again in the forest of buildings felt different.

The shiny car had an appearance that suited the city very well. It never had the look of belonging in the countryside to begin with.

There must be more than just that one car. But the fact that he came in that particular car, was it to remind her of their past trip?

As the traffic light turned green, her legs moved on their own again. As Da Jung approached his car, he got out himself to escort her. Looking around at the crowds crossing the traffic light, Da Jung pushed him back into the car.

“I’ll, I’ll get in myself.”

“Alright.”

Da Jung huddled in like a thief sneaking into the car. Then he greeted her.

“Have you been well?”

A calm voice.

“It’s been a week. I missed you.”

“…”

“You look gaunt. Have you been busy with work?”

His breathtakingly handsome face smiled brightly. Da Jung couldn’t smile back.

“No, why on earth…”

Is this how things become as if nothing happened?

“Let’s talk as we go for now.”

He cut off the conversation abruptly and started the car. Da Jung, who had only intended to get in the car briefly to talk, grabbed the door in panic. Even though she knew it wouldn’t open.

“W-wait a minute. Wait. I only got in to talk. Where are we going?”

“Well. Where should we go?”

“Don’t do this. I want to get out. Please stop the car.”

“There are many places to go in Seoul.”

The man said without much reaction.

“It’s incomparable to the countryside. For our first date in this nice place, why should we talk in front of the hospital?”

“No. I don’t want to.”

“How do you know you don’t want to when you don’t know where we’re going?”

The man said leisurely. Da Jung bit her lip.

“I just don’t want any of it. We’re over, aren’t we?”

Jae Ho’s eyes turned cold for a moment. He let out a deflated laugh and said,

“Fasten your seatbelt.”

**

Of course, it took Jae Ho less than half a day to find Da Jung. Knowing everything about her, it was child’s play.

Although he wanted to rush over and bring her back immediately, he watched for now. He wanted to see how well she was living after abandoning him.

Why would Yoon Da Jung do this?

Why go through all this trouble?

To be honest, he was a bit angry too. He had done his best to show his feelings at every moment, so how could she not trust him until the end and run away? Did she have so little faith in me? She just had to close her eyes and follow along, what was so difficult about that?

Did my feelings seem insufficient?

He also felt a base sense of betrayal.

He had done everything he could. In Seoul, he would be able to do even more things for her in the future. To the extent that buying a building or two would be nothing. That’s how sincere he was about everything.

He knew their love wasn’t equal when they started, but he didn’t know the difference would be this big. Realizing that to Yoon Da Jung, Lee Jae Ho was a man she could forget moderately easily, his heart ached as if it was being torn apart.

How can you forget? I’ll die without you now.

The photos of Da Jung sent by the guards over the past week kept Jae Ho breathing. She’s living so diligently, unaware of the stranger lurking around. While overworking herself. Only three hours of sleep a day. Barely one meal. Did she make up her mind to starve to death? Why abuse herself like that?

If you were going to suffer that much, why did you run away so impudently?

“Please let me out.”

They had entered the highway, but Da Jung was still holding onto the door handle as she spoke. Jae Ho hid his burning despair and pulled out his usual leisurely attitude. He intended to act as if nothing had happened.

“If you get out here, you’ll die.”

**

When the hotel staff appeared and opened the car door, Da Jung was startled. Jae Ho naturally handed over the key and escorted Da Jung. Da Jung froze, unable to enter.

“Why. This is a hotel, why…”

“Yes.”

Jae Ho grabbed Da Jung’s hand and pulled her into the lobby. When Da Jung tried to slightly pull her arm away, he pulled harder. As if familiar with the place, he quickly got on the elevator and pressed the 4th floor.

Seeing the restaurant name written, Da Jung’s tension suddenly eased. Jae Ho lightly tapped Da Jung’s cheek and chuckled softly.

“Were you nervous? Or expectant?”

“That’s not…!”

“If you have any thoughts, just say so anytime.”

Jae Ho said, pointing to the button for the suite room. Da Jung was at a loss for words and couldn’t reply. In the meantime, the elevator doors opened and Jae Ho led Da Jung again. It was neither a fast nor slow pace. Only after arriving at the quiet room did he let go of her hand.

“As reserved.”

“Mr. Jae Ho. Let’s talk.”

“Food first.”

The gesture of skillfully pouring and handing over water was nothing but kind.

“Shall we have a glass of wine too?”

“I wish you wouldn’t do this.”

“I missed you.”

“…”

“Of course. You must have too.”

“No. I didn’t.”

When Da Jung replied defensively, Jae Ho slightly raised his eyebrows. That was all. But Da Jung read the faint sigh contained in it.

“This is uncomfortable.”

Emotions she didn’t want to reveal poked out. She was a woman who didn’t fit in with this expensive restaurant. Seoul was clearly a society with economic disparities, and unfortunately, Da Jung was far below Jae Ho by that standard.

Room 101 and Room 102. The difference that wasn’t felt in that daily life of living in identically structured rooms now seemed to stand out more and more.

The man’s extremely expensive-looking designer suit seemed to clearly speak of that difference. Da Jung found this situation difficult, where she looked relatively very shabby.

“We agreed to end it, didn’t we?”

“You did, alone.”

Why is he trying so hard to meet me again?

What’s his scheme this time? You were the one who stated we couldn’t make promises, and yet.

Although she loved him, she didn’t want to be foolishly dragged into his schemes again.

What fate?

It wasn’t fate, and it certainly wasn’t coincidence. It was just a long schedule meticulously planned by Lee Jae Ho. Da Jung steeled her resolve.

She had been deliberately avoiding even the fan cafe, wanting to cut off all points of contact with him.

“Ms. Yoon Da Jung.”

The man who had been languidly drinking water put down his cup with a clank.

“If possible, I want to grant all your wishes, but.”

“…”

“We can’t break up. Regrettably.”

“…”

“The sooner you give up, the easier it will be for you.”