Yesterday, after receiving So-eun’s call, Hee-wook was incredibly busy. He had to forge a health examination report for his sister, who had nothing but a healthy body.

It was a casual remark when he suggested showing So-eun “my sister’s diagnosis” to gain her trust. He hadn’t expected So-eun to take the bait. Hee-wook had to make a convincing fake report that So-eun would believe at a glance.

While fabricating the document, Hee-wook found himself increasingly annoyed with Han So-eun. Planning to break up with her in a few days, he invited her to the hotel. He intended to make a heartfelt apology, reconcile, then lead her to the hotel room for a good time, before cleanly breaking up with her the next day.

He also prepared a parting gift. He bought a new cell phone for So-eun. He planned to give her the new phone and delete all records from the old one. That would mark a clean break-up.

While researching how to completely delete phone data, So-eun arrived.

“You’re early?”

“Oh. So-eun.”

Hee-wook put his phone in his pocket and smiled.

Han So-eun, without her glasses, was indeed beautiful. Maybe because she had a hard life, her face usually seemed shadowed, and recently she had looked rather sullen. But seeing her pretty smile after a long time stirred something in him. Perhaps the thought of having to let her go soon made her seem more precious.

“I was looking into self-activation of cell phones. It’s time for you to change yours. I remembered and bought one. It’s a gift.”

Hee-wook naturally extended the new phone.

“You didn’t have to.”

Expecting a reaction like ‘Really, for me? You’re the only one, oppa, I’m touched,’ So-eun’s response was lukewarm.

“It’s not the latest model, huh? Anyway, thank you.”

After briefly inspecting the phone, So-eun set it down and asked.

“I can just use this, right? There’s no contract or cost attached?”

“Just use it. I paid the full price in cash.”

“Aren’t you wasting money on me?”

“Why would it be a waste to give it to you?”

Hee-wook was momentarily lost for words at So-eun’s cold response.

“Then this is mine now?”

“Yes… That’s right.”

“Then I’ll handle it myself. Thank you.”

So-eun put the untouched new phone into her bag. Hee-wook’s eyes widened.

This wasn’t going as planned.

But there were still many opportunities left. After a nice dinner, he could secretly work on the phone in the hotel room.

Hee-wook tried to hide his emotions and took out some papers from his bag.

“I brought the papers because you asked to see them. If you read through, you’ll understand how weak our sister is.”

“Oppa.”

But once again, So-eun only briefly glanced at the documents and set them down.

“Did you think I wouldn’t understand if you didn’t explain it like this from the start?”

“……”

“I knew from the beginning that a liver donation could happen even with different blood types. I knew it all. I would have willingly donated to your mother regardless. That’s not the issue, oppa.”

“……I’m grateful you understand. I’m sorry for making you misunderstand. And this too, a gift. I remembered you liked the flowers I sent you last time.”

Despite So-eun’s chilly reaction, Hee-wook calmly extended the bouquet.

Today’s goal was to bring Han So-eun to the hotel room. He had to do his best for that.

“You’ve been through a lot too, so let’s have a date today. Let’s have a nice dinner and then go up. I’ve booked a room.”

Pfft.
But. As soon as Hee-wook suggested it, So-eun burst into laughter. It was a laugh that seemed to mock him. Hee-wook’s face, which had been trying to maintain composure, twisted for a moment.

“Why are you laughing?”

“Oh, sorry. It reminded me of something someone said.”

“What? Who? What did they say?”

“Never mind that, Oppa. I’m done, and you should have a good time with Hyun-ji.”

“What do you mean by that……”

Hee-wook’s face turned red, feeling like his secret had been exposed. But he still feigned ignorance.

“You must be jealous because of the Japan trip, So-eun. It was really important business. Do you want me to show you the business trip record?”

“No, I believe it was a business trip.”

“Then why are you acting like this!”

Hee-wook raised his voice, drawing attention from those around them. Clearing his throat, he pleaded softly.

“So-eun, you’re all I have. You know that.”

“I saw everything at the airport. So, no need to lie.”

So-eun ruthlessly spilled the truth.

There was no longer a need to hesitate as there was no need to be cautious.

Hee-wook’s eyes widened as he realized that So-eun knew everything.

“So-eun, that day, it was just… Hyun-ji was clinging to me…”

“No need to make excuses.”

So-eun cut off his words.

“You said to Hyun-ji you’d break up with me within a week, I heard that.”

You don’t understand my feelings. The wish to cut out even the memories with you.

The desire to rip out the heart that fluttered for you and wash it clean.

You’ll never understand this desperate feeling. And it doesn’t matter if you do. That’s the world I’m heading into.

“So, I came to say that. Let’s end this now.”

“……”