Seung Ho rested his chin on his arm positioned at an angle. In front of him lay a thick foreign book to reference for writing an essay, but his gaze was fixed on Ji Hyun sitting beside him.

It was intriguing to watch her flipping through the book, then grasping a mechanical pencil in her small hand and earnestly writing something down.

Whether she was doing it on purpose or truly had excellent concentration, Ji Hyun had not turned her head once towards him since taking her seat. So he looked at her to his heart’s content.

From her small head that made one doubt she could memorize all those books, to her round nose, slightly flushed cheeks, and the lips muttering words while diligently moving.

Overall, Ji Hyun had soft and delicate features, but what undoubtedly caught the eye were her exceptionally long eyelashes. The lashes fluttering down to her eyes were like butterflies, making it difficult for Seung Ho to look away.

Her uniquely pale-colored long lashes cast shadows whenever her eyes moved. He thought her characteristic wistful aura might emanate from those eyelashes.

‘A yellow butterfly.’

The corners of Seung Ho’s mouth curved up slightly. He had asked because her eyelashes fluttered so much.

She climbed up and down the stairs constantly, so he expected her to at least be able to name the butterflies displayed in the mansion. But out of all the numerous butterflies, she said yellow butterfly, of all the trivial names…

Even if he liked her, she had to like something like that. A common and ordinary butterfly that could be seen in any flower garden come spring.

Mockery and mischief towards Ji Hyun, who was utterly ignorant about butterflies, swirled in his mind.

Perhaps he should catch and mount a yellow butterfly once this winter passed and spring arrived…

Amidst the butterflies boasting large and colorful wings, a plain and small butterfly would not suit being displayed in the mansion even if mounted.

Nevertheless, there was only one reason Seung Ho wanted to mount a yellow butterfly.

He wanted to see Ji Hyun’s reaction.

Would she like it? Or be shocked…?

In any case, one thing was certain – both reactions would bring him joy.

Ji Hyun took out her cherished white padding jacket that she hadn’t worn in a while. Seeing this, Hyun Sook let out a shallow sigh. It was the jacket she had bought for her.

Hyun Sook had made up her mind and bought it for Ji Hyun because she disliked seeing her wear a ragged jumper. But Ji Hyun treasured the padding more than herself and never wore it in the mansion.

‘I should have thrown out that rag first…’

In fact, her niece looked quite pretty no matter what she wore. Whenever Hyun Sook saw her, she thought it was fortunate that Ji Hyun didn’t resemble her decidedly average-looking paternal family.

She never imagined being attacked in this way…

Whatever Director Kim heard from Chairwoman Shin, his gaze towards Ji Hyun, whom he had only viewed favorably, sharpened like a hawk.

“Warn Ji Hyun. Don’t let her throw her weight around in front of Young Master Seung Ho and make it reach the Madam’s ears.”

Hyun Sook snorted.

‘What a ridiculous woman. Who the hell is throwing their weight around?’

If it were her usual self hearing such nonsense, she would have rushed over, demanding what she just said, and fought tooth and nail. But Hyun Sook held back her anger.

The ludicrous position of ‘study mate’ left a bad taste in her mouth, but in truth, it wasn’t a bad thing for Ji Hyun.

Unlike her friends who could just study, Ji Hyun also had to work part-time, so she had relatively less time to study, putting her at a disadvantage.

Of course, it bothered her that the person Ji Hyun had to be with was Young Master Seung Ho, whom Director Kim doted on as if he were his own son. But still, being able to study without doing menial tasks was something.

Hyun Sook was satisfied with that. Yesterday, Ji Hyun received a call from a friend and said she was going out today to meet that friend for the first time in a while.

Seeing the liveliness return to her gloomy face, Hyun Sook thought it was good. Ji Hyun’s face looked much more pure as she brushed back her not-yet-fully-dried hair.

“Auntie, I’ll get going.”

“Have fun and come back late.”

“You’re the only one who says that.”

“I mean it.”

‘Going out and coming back late is a hundred times better than enduring Director Kim’s pointless monitoring.’

Hyun Sook waved her hand lightly, seeing Ji Hyun off with an easy heart.

“She looks so excited.”

Seung Ho bit his lip as he watched Ji Hyun leave through the window. Min Woo had said he was coming to see him with his friends today.

So he had Director Kim tell Ji Hyun to take the day off. It was a decision he made because he didn’t want to face her shadowed face whenever his guests came.

But if he had known his mood would sink like this, he never would have done it. Seung Ho’s displeased eyes shifted to Min Woo, who was sitting carefree.

Min Woo had always visited often, but his visits became even more frequent after the last one. Seung Ho never minded people coming and going, but lately, others entering and exiting irritated him.

Most of those called Seung Ho’s friends were either preparing to study abroad or had already left. They occasionally video called Seung Ho or sent messages coaxing him to come and enjoy together.

A few went to domestic universities, but that too was just for appearances.

For those at the top of the pyramid, studying abroad was like an escape route. As the door Ji Hyun had opened fully closed, irritation welled up for no reason.

“Aren’t you going to study?”

At Seung Ho’s gruff question, Min Woo’s eyes widened as he lay half-reclined, absorbed in a game.

“Study? Who? Me?”

The small hand tightly gripping a mechanical pencil appeared above Min Woo’s hand holding the game console. For a moment, Seung Ho blankly chased the afterimage of the white hand, and Min Woo spoke gravely.

“If I do something I never do, I’ll die. Seung Ho, I want to live a long life.”

Min Woo was preparing to study abroad in England following Seung Ho. But unlike him, who was perfectly ready whenever he left, Min Woo’s IELTS score was far from sufficient.

His tutor stamped her feet, urging to schedule additional lessons for the much remaining curriculum, but somehow they didn’t seem to be kept well.

Seung Ho narrowed his eyes at Min Woo, who hardly budged.

“…Study a bit, will you?”

It was an order to get out and go home, but Min Woo, who hated studying, chose to endure his gaze here rather than meet his tutor.

“Yeah, I will. Starting tomorrow.”

Watching his hopeless friend who had no intention of taking his eyes off the screen, Seung Ho’s already thin patience finally ran out.

“At this rate, you won’t even set foot in university and just go on a European trip.”

Seung Ho strode into the dressing room and took out a black oversized coat. Only now sensing the unusual atmosphere, Min Woo tossed aside the game console and hurriedly stood up.

“Hey, where are you going? The guys will be here soon.”

“You guys can hang out and leave on your own.”

“How can you do this, man? I’m coming with you.”

Min Woo’s breath quickened as he followed Seung Ho, who was walking with wide strides.

“You’re really acting strange.”

“…”

Seung Ho admitted Min Woo’s words with silence. Even to himself, his current state felt unfamiliar. Had his emotions ever swung up and down like a pendulum? As far as he could remember, definitely not.

His emotions, which had been like a tranquil sea no matter what he did, swirled like a typhoon. The irritation that surged once did not subside and became the fuel that moved him.

“Where are we going? I need to know to contact the guys.”

A resentful question flew from Min Woo, who diligently followed, but Seung Ho couldn’t answer. He himself didn’t know. He didn’t know where he was headed, only that he was frantically chasing.

‘Today’s gathering is off.’

The moment Min Woo took out his phone to send a cancellation text to the group he had planned to meet, as he had hurriedly put on a camel coat while leaving, Seung Ho’s steps halted.

About to collide with the large back that abruptly stopped, Min Woo approached Seung Ho to confront him about what was wrong again, but couldn’t say a word.

Deep, abyss-like eyes with a glint of madness.

Seung Ho’s gaze, which Min Woo detested the most, was fixed on the inside of a café. His expressionless lips curved into a gentle arc.

“…Found her.”

Inside the café, visible through the transparent glass window, Ji Hyun and Ha Jun were ordering drinks at the counter and bickering over who would pay.

“I’ll pay.”

“No, I’ll pay. I have money.”

Mi Ri just watched them arguing with a pleased look from behind, not intervening.

“Sorry, kids. I’ll pay next time. Web novels took all my allowance this month.”

Ha Jun quickly held out his card, but as Ji Hyun’s hand came up on the back of his hand to stop him, he gasped. Ji Hyun’s touch, as light as a bird’s feather, was infinitely soft.

“Ha Jun, please let me pay. I’m asking you.”

Ji Hyun pleaded with an exceptionally pale face, the scent of shampoo wafting from her not-quite-dry hair.

How could he win against you?

He nodded as if surrendering, then turned his head to breathe evenly. Meanwhile, Mi Ri was thoroughly examining the dessert corner.

“This looks tasty. Caramel pudding?”

Ha Jun, who found her behavior deplorable, signaled her to stop, but Mi Ri’s eyes didn’t leave the appetizing pudding.

“It’s okay. Have it. Please add it to the bill.”

The moment Ji Hyun laughed out loud and placed the counted bills on the counter, an arm extended over her shoulder, holding out a card. The cold air slicing through and the scent that came with it were familiar.

“Two coffees, please include them in the bill.”

At the low voice familiar to her ears, Ji Hyun slowly turned around.

It was Seung Ho.