The place they arrived at was a hotel not far from the department store.

As they exited the exclusive elevator that went straight up to the banquet hall, a large automatic door on the left opened wide.

In the center of the large hall was a notice announcing the event taking place in the banquet hall that day, and a soft carpet extended along the long corridor.

Yi Soo followed Ji Ho, holding his interlocked hand tightly.

Yi Soo felt a bit nervous and excited at the thought of meeting Ji Ho’s old friends who had been with him since childhood.

Yi Soo took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down.

“Do you usually meet your friends at places like this?”

All day today, Yi Soo felt like she was experiencing a different world that Ji Ho lived in.

Ji Ho, who said he was meeting friends, was walking towards the hotel banquet hall.

“Actually, today isn’t just a regular gathering, it’s to celebrate a friend’s wedding, so a lot of people will probably come. On days like this, we rent out the entire hotel studio.”

“Ah… Your friend is getting married already?”

When Yi Soo asked with wide eyes, Ji Ho nodded.

He said it was a friend getting married before going abroad to study.

‘Even his friends are not ordinary.’

It was surprising, but more than anything, Yi Soo felt nervous again at the mention of many people gathering.

As they reached the end of the corridor, an employee standing in front of the door opened the majestic studio doors.

Yi Soo’s mouth fell open at the sight that greeted them as soon as the doors opened.

The interior of the luxury hotel studio had an incredibly high ceiling with dazzling chandeliers sparkling, and each table was adorned with beautiful fresh flower arrangements, complemented by the view, making it extremely luxurious.

The classical music played by professional musicians added an extra touch of elegance to the atmosphere.

‘Wow… I didn’t expect this kind of atmosphere. This is a complete private party.’

Yi Soo swallowed dryly while inwardly marveling.

As Ji Ho and Yi Soo took a few steps inside, the gazes of everyone inside simultaneously poured towards the two of them.

Yi Soo stuck close to Ji Ho like a frightened child.

The worry from earlier about being overdressed was really unnecessary.

Inside, most of the women were dressed in glamorous clothes and made up prettily like dolls, as if they had come to a party.

In comparison, Yi Soo felt rather ordinary.

“Oh, Seo Ji Ho! You finally came!”

“It’s been a while, Min Ho. Congratulations on your wedding.”

“Thanks.”

There was a man who approached quickly as soon as he saw Ji Ho, greeting him warmly.

As soon as the greeting ended, the friend’s gaze turned to Yi Soo.

“Who’s this?”

“Say hello. This is my girlfriend, Yi Soo.”

Ji Ho introduced her while putting his arm around Yi Soo’s shoulders.

“Wow!”

The friend’s mouth gaped slightly open as he exclaimed in surprise with wide eyes.

Thinking this couldn’t be that surprising, Yi Soo greeted him first.

“Hello. I’m Jung Yi Soo. You seem very surprised.”

“Ah! It’s because this is the first time Ji Ho has brought a girlfriend. I can’t believe it even seeing it. Haha.”

“You’re exaggerating.”

Ji Ho chuckled as he watched his friend laugh awkwardly.

Judging by how he couldn’t easily erase his surprised expression, it didn’t seem like an empty statement.

“Hello. I’m Kwon Min Ho. Nice to meet you.”

When Min Ho extended his hand towards Yi Soo as if offering a handshake, Ji Ho lightly pushed his hand away.

“No need for a handshake.”

Min Ho smirked and withdrew his hand at Ji Ho’s words.

Just then, a group that had spotted Ji Ho came over in a crowd.

“Oppa! It’s nice to see you.”

Several women with flushed faces greeted Ji Ho simultaneously.

Adding a flirtatious smile was a given, of course.

The sidelong glances at Yi Soo standing next to him were also identical, as if by agreement.

Even the wavering of their eyes as they looked at Ji Ho’s large hand resting on Yi Soo’s shoulder was similar.

It seemed not just friends, but seniors and juniors had all gathered.

At that moment, there was a woman staring intently at Ji Ho, who was sitting upright surrounded by the crowd.

As soon as she spotted Ji Ho, she quickly typed a message on her phone and pressed the send button firmly.

**

“It’s nice to see you all after so long.”

Ji Ho answered the group with a brief greeting and led Yi Soo inside.

He went to a round table by the window, pulled out a chair for Yi Soo to sit down first, then sat down next to her.

The woman who had been constantly watching Ji Ho and Yi Soo since earlier was sitting on the inside of the table.

She exchanged greetings with Ji Ho with a slight nod of her head.

Min Ho, who had followed, sat down next to Ji Ho.

“Ji Ho, when I said you were coming, this many people showed up. I thought there would be plenty of space, but it’s packed. It’ll be troublesome if more people come.”

“If more come, I’ll leave, so don’t worry.”

Ji Ho said with a laugh in response to Min Ho’s words.

“Hey, don’t ruin the mood unnecessarily and stay until the end. More than half the people here probably came to see you. I think all the girls from our class came.”

“It’s not right on a day when you’re the main character. If I had known it would be like this, I should have met you separately. It is a bit chaotic with so many people.”

It seemed like at least twice the usual number of people had come.

“I’m happy that so many people came.”

“Did you invite the bride’s friends too?”

Ji Ho asked, looking around the studio.

“Yeah, the Wonju friends are on the opposite side over there. Today, since you’re not alone, I won’t have to suffer.”

Min Ho said, leaning close to Ji Ho’s ear.

Whenever Ji Ho made an appearance at gatherings like this, Min Ho would often be pestered with requests for introductions from those around him.

As the table where Ji Ho sat filled up with people, the staff began to bring out food.

“Shouldn’t you go see Wonju?”

“I’m planning to greet her together after we eat.”

Yi Soo sat awkwardly in her seat, receiving curious gazes from all directions.

Ji Ho was starting to feel uneasy about Yi Soo being uncomfortable with people’s stares.

Everyone seemed frustrated, dying to know Yi Soo’s identity but unable to ask Ji Ho directly as it was difficult to approach him.

Despite many people coming with partners, attention was particularly focused on Yi Soo.

Sensing this atmosphere, Min Ho opened his mouth.

“Hey guys, this is Ji Ho’s girlfriend. So stop staring now. It must be too uncomfortable.”

“Oh my!”

“Really…?”

“Hah…”

Short gasps of surprise, exclamations of disbelief, and low murmurs of incredulity all reached Yi Soo’s ears at once.

Just as she was about to feel offended, wondering if they were deliberately saying this for her to hear, a clear female voice suddenly interjected.

“Wow, is that true?”

As Yi Soo turned her head towards the voice, she saw a woman staring intently at her with an artificial smile.

“What are you asking? I just said so.”

Ji Ho stepped in and replied curtly on her behalf.

“Is it really true?”

Even after hearing Ji Ho’s answer, she asked Yi Soo the same question.

Yi Soo opened her mouth, thinking the woman wanted to hear her voice.

“Yes.”

“Wow, it really is true.”

The woman finally showed a surprised expression, as if she hadn’t heard anything that had been said until now.

Soon after, she tilted her head and stared at Yi Soo.

“Ah, Ji Ho, Teacher Im Young Soo is in the next room right now. Let’s go greet him together.”

Min Ho suddenly said.

“In the next room?”

“Yeah. It’s his grandson’s first birthday party today. I was so surprised when I ran into him earlier by chance.”

“Wow. What a coincidence.”

“He said he wanted to see you when I told him you were coming today.”

“Alright. Let’s go greet him.”

Ji Ho folded the napkin he had spread on his lap and placed it on the chair as he stood up.

“Yi Soo, I’m going to briefly greet my elementary school teacher. Go ahead and eat first.”

“Oh. Okay.”

Yi Soo nodded reluctantly, uncomfortable with being left alone.

As soon as Ji Ho left his seat, the woman’s mouth opened again as if she had been waiting.

“Hello. I’m Min Ji Eun. Ji Ho’s elementary school classmate.”

Ji Eun leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table.

As soon as Ji Ho disappeared, piercing gazes focused on Yi Soo.

Now that there was no one to be mindful of, it felt like they were collectively shooting lasers at her.

Amidst this, Ji Eun was openly staring at Yi Soo with her chin propped up.

Neat and tidy bob-cut hair.

A small face with delicate features that gave off an intelligent aura.

The straight and confident feeling emanating from her upright posture.

‘She has a pretty face that anyone would recognize, but not enough to satisfy Ji Ho’s standards… I wonder what Ji Ho sees in this woman to like her.’

Ji Eun’s eyes were sharp as she scrutinized Yi Soo intensely.

“Is there something on my face?”

Feeling uncomfortable, Yi Soo asked while looking back at her.

“No. I’m just a bit curious. I wonder if Ji Ho’s taste has changed a lot since I last saw him…”

Blatant hostility was felt in the rude words that showed no consideration for the other person.

Ji Eun deliberately trailed off, waiting for Yi Soo’s reaction.

“Hmm. That could be the case.”

“It seems so. Ji Ho used to like very glamorous styles, but Yi Soo-ssi has a more elegant vibe, I guess…”

Ji Eun spoke as if flaunting Ji Ho’s past that Yi Soo didn’t know about but she did.

She looked at Yi Soo with an arrogant expression, as if it were some great weapon.

“I see.”

Yi Soo took a sip of water and responded calmly.

“Has Ji Ho ever mentioned it? His first love.”

Ji Eun, annoyed by Yi Soo’s unshaken expression, threw out what she thought was a powerful blow.

She lifted the corner of her mouth crookedly, thinking she had delivered a strong hit.

Yi Soo lowered her gaze immediately, but her eyes couldn’t help but waver slightly.

First love. Of course he must have had one. Still, hearing it made her heart thump.

“Should I tell you if you’re curious?”

“No. I’m not curious at all.”

For a woman itching to speak, the best attack would be to prevent her from talking.

Yi Soo, having regained her composure, answered in a dry voice.

Yi Soo could see right through Ji Eun’s intentions.

‘Did this woman also have a one-sided love for Ji Ho like Yumi? Why is she being so hostile towards me?’

At that moment, Ji Ho returned and sat down next to Yi Soo.

“What were you two talking about so intently?”

Ji Ho asked Yi Soo as he unfolded his napkin again.

“Ji Eun-ssi seems very curious about why you like me. Right?”

Yi Soo smiled brightly as she looked at Ji Eun.

Ji Eun’s face contorted awkwardly in surprise.

“Ah, no. I was just trying to make conversation so she wouldn’t be bored alone.”

Ji Eun, knowing Ji Ho’s personality well, tried to brush it off.

To Ji Eun, Ji Ho was a first love and unrequited love that was too distant and difficult to approach.

Whenever she tried to get close, she was inevitably pushed back as if hitting a wall.

Even as a child, Ji Ho didn’t mingle widely with friends.

Even in elementary school, he was very popular with girls due to his looks, which weren’t much different from now, but Ji Ho was indifferent to girls and preferred to hang out with boys.

Ji Ho was especially cold towards girls who liked him.

It was unbelievable to see love dripping from Seo Ji Ho’s eyes right in front of her, even as she watched it happen.

It was even more so because the woman didn’t seem impressive enough for her to acknowledge.

If she were the daughter of some great family, she would have recognized her immediately, but judging by the unfamiliar face, that wasn’t likely either.

When this unimpressive woman showed up claiming to be Ji Ho’s girlfriend, Ji Eun couldn’t help but feel jealous and twisted inside.

Until now, there had only been one of Ji Ho’s girlfriends that Ji Eun found acceptable.

That woman was on her way here now.