It was a conversation that felt like it would shatter one’s head just listening to it, and it continued relentlessly.

“Even if you compromise a hundred times on everything else, please don’t oppose Seoyeon.”

Kwonyul drew a clear line as if cutting it with a knife. However, being turned away by the parents he trusted was inevitable.

“Sigh…”

Recalling last night’s conversation, a disappointed sigh burst out of Kwonyul.

Already burdened with the formidable Minhyuk and the non-war war, the fact that everyone was so displeased just because he was dating Seoyeon was disheartening.

“What’s the big deal about age?”

So far, what his parents emphasized the most was not money or honor but the person. Yet now, their disappointing reaction to not wanting to know the real Seoyeon was deeply unsatisfying.

If his entire family opposed Seoyeon…

Even with just a simple household, Kwonyul felt a heavy stone placed on his chest.

He wanted to shield Seoyeon from even the slightest harm, even if it meant facing a dreadful event he didn’t want to think about.

That’s how special Seoyeon was to him.

“Let’s tidy up the situation with Jinvora first today. That’s the order.”

To ensure that Bora wouldn’t be able to go to extremes, Kwonyul had to resolve it in the most certain way.

Even if it caused a great wound to Bora now, if he handled it clumsily, the precious Seoyeon might suffer an even greater injury.

“It’s difficult…”

While Kwonyul was organizing his thoughts, looking down the clean path without any chewing gum marks,

“How did you come in?”

Suddenly, he found himself at the entrance where a security agent was stationed.

“I have an appointment in the penthouse.”

After completing a simple verification process, the door of the private elevator opened.

Whether they had received notice that a visitor had arrived, Bora’s mother, dressed in an elegant suit, was standing in front of the entrance.

“Come in. Yul.”

“Hello.”

“You seem taller since you were discharged.”

Kwonyul smiled vaguely and entered the interior adorned with marble and expensive artworks.

“Bora is still asleep since it’s the holiday. Would you like to sit for a moment?”

“I apologize for disturbing you early in the morning.”

“No, it’s fine. I get to see your face after such a long time like this.”
In a peaceful atmosphere, the conversation continued with light banter.

“Bora’s dad just needs to put on clothes. I’ll be out in a moment.”

As Bora’s mother affectionately requested and entered through the large door, Kwonyul sat on the sofa, preparing to bring up the subject first.

At that moment, a loud noise, like a large object falling, was heard.

When Kwonyul turned around, a wet Bora with her bangs dripping was stumbling down the stairs.

“Kwonyul! What brings you here at this hour?”

As if Bora’s large eyes were about to overflow, she exclaimed.

“I have something I want to say.”

“What… What is it?”

“If you want to hear it too, sit down.”

Kwonyul also told Bora to sit down willingly. Then she sat down next to him without hesitation.

Bora was curious about why Kwonyul had come early in the morning, and seeing his face after a long time made her happy.

‘Did he apply some CC cream?’

Bora wanted to look pretty to Kwonyul, who stared at her with a stern expression, looking straight ahead.

She wanted to run upstairs and decorate herself from head to toe, but she couldn’t leave her seat in case an important conversation took place.

Still, with a sense of regret, she kept brushing down her disheveled bangs with her fingers.

But whether Bora did that or not, Kwonyul, like a student staring at the blackboard, didn’t even turn his eyes.

Thud.

When the door opened, Kwonyul stood up from his seat.

“Oh, sit down. Sit down.”

Bora’s parents gestured simultaneously, looking at Kwonyul and Bora standing side by side with pleased expressions.

“Did you greet each other at the entrance ceremony?”

Speaking warmly to Bora’s father, Kwonyul briefly answered the last meeting date.

“I returned from the military, so maybe that’s why. I seem to have become more manly. What do you think?”

“Your military vibe hasn’t worn off yet.”

Kwonyul neither denied nor affirmed. He just nodded lightly.

‘I don’t need to mark a date for Bora’s parents. I just need to state my intentions clearly.’

Today’s purpose was sufficient just to make it clear that he was not Bora’s match.

“Yeah, did you do well on the second round of exams this time?”

“Yes, I did well.”

The results hadn’t come out yet, but unless there was a change, there was no need to worry about receiving a dismal outcome.

With Kwonyul’s confident answer, Bora’s parents exchanged meaningful glances, smiling kindly at each other.

“Yul must have seen you studying. We don’t know how hard our Bora tried.”

“Our Yul worked hard studying. As for me, I just slightly teased his heart.”

Bora shyly laughed, acting like someone introducing her boyfriend.

Kwonyul glanced at her and clenched his fist. Now was the time to precisely convey today’s purpose.

As their eyes met for a moment, Bora’s pale cheek turned pink.

“Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something wrong with my hair?”

“No, it’s fine.”

Relieved by Kwonyul’s reassurance, Bora’s gaze softened.

“Bora.”

“Yeah. Yul, why…”

Bora looked at Kwonyul’s face, then glanced at her own parents’ faces as if in embarrassment.

Then, she waited for Kwonyul’s next words while inserting her long hair into her ear.

“Please, let’s stop this.”