For various reasons, Yeon Woo, who felt somewhat disconnected from the two in the front, sank into the back seat and habitually opened her social media app.

Scrolling through photos of food, travel, dogs, cats, and babies, her finger stopped on a photo of a magnificent nightscape.

It was a romantic proposal scene straight out of a textbook: a beautiful night view of Seoul seen from a high place, a meal with elaborate plating, a lavish bouquet, and a ring with a diamond the size of half a fingernail.

…There was only one person in Yeon Woo’s circle who would post such a picture.

“Everyone! Ji Woo is finally getting married >_< Starting anew in a special place. Guess where! A place beyond imagination. #Love_in_Harvard #Veritas"

As expected, it was Yoon Ji Woo.

It seemed like Cha Han Bin had finally made the proposal he had been so diligently planning.

…And thankfully, it seemed like Cha Han Bin had also decided to leave Lo and Yul.

'If you've written Harvard on the side, what’s there to guess.'

Yeon Woo shook her head at Yoon Ji Woo's typical plea for attention and scrolled to the next post.

So engrossed was she in Ji Woo's photo that she didn't notice Hong Yu Kyung addressing her.

"Deputy Kim?"

"Yes, yes?"

"Where do you live?"

Hong Yu Kyung's sharp inquiry made Yeon Woo answer awkwardly.

"Ah, yes, I live in Eunho-dong."

"That’s nearby? It's in the opposite direction from my house."

Yeon Woo lightly agreed with Hong Yu Kyung, who turned to talk to her, then looked out at the road signs flashing by. A left turn at the next intersection would lead to Eunho-dong.

Turning her gaze back inside, Yeon Woo's eyes met Jun Hwi's in the rearview mirror.

Ouch, that stung. His piercing gaze seemed to prick Yeon Woo.

Was he tired? She remembered him struggling with a challenging brief during overtime the previous night.

‘You don’t have to go out of your way to drop me off.’

Yeon Woo was not the type to depend on others, and she was long past the age of measuring affection by such gestures.

She should've just told him to rest more instead of giving her a ride. Taking a taxi would have been fine.

A sense of unnecessary guilt weighed on Yeon Woo's heart.

As they approached the intersection, Hong Yu Kyung made a suggestion.

"Shall we turn left and drop Deputy Kim off first? What do you think, Attorney Kwon?"

"……."

"In the meantime, I’ll ask my mother to prepare some warm tea when we reach my house[Dash]."

Screech!

The car suddenly swerved to the side of the road and stopped just before the intersection.

Everyone jolted violently in their seats. Yeon Woo hastily grabbed the back seat handle, blinking rapidly.

"Get out here. Hong Yu Kyung Attorney."

With his gaze still fixed ahead, Jun Hwi spoke sharply. His face was expressionless, not allowing even a needle to penetrate.

"Attorney Kwon[Dash]."

"You get out first."

Despite being told to get out, Hong Yu Kyung remained motionless in the passenger seat.

What caused this sudden turn of events? Had Yeon Woo missed something?

Yeon Woo, too, swallowed hard, observing the situation.

"Hong Yu Kyung Attorney. I warned you clearly last time."
Jun Hwi, gripping the steering wheel with both hands, turned towards her and spoke again. At his words, Hong Yu Kyung's face instantly flushed red.

What warning was that…?

But Yeon Woo, trying her best not to pay attention to their conversation, took great care not to make a sound, as if she hadn't heard anything.

Sitting between the two had been extremely uncomfortable, like sitting on pins and needles.

"Still, Attorney Kwon, I[Dash]."

"Get out."

Eventually, Hong Yu Kyung left the car with a quick "Take care" and slammed the door behind her.

"What's the matter?"

"Huh?"

Caught off guard by Jun Hwi's sudden question as she was still watching Hong Yu Kyung's retreating figure, Yeon Woo jumped.

"Come to the front."

"Ah…"

As Yeon Woo hesitated, Jun Hwi gestured towards the passenger seat again. Yeon Woo gave one last look to Hong Yu Kyung, who was walking away.

Could she still be harboring feelings for him?

Yeon Woo felt as though she was deceiving Hong Yu Kyung, who didn’t know about her and Jun Hwi's relationship.

‘Feels a bit sorry.’

With a bittersweet feeling, Yeon Woo moved to the front seat. The click of the seatbelt being fastened was followed by Jun Hwi stretching out his right arm to hold Yeon Woo's left hand, as if nothing had happened.

The black sedan, now peaceful again, smoothly started moving.

“Did you drink a lot?”

“No, I only had a little.”

“Didn’t you empty two bottles of soju?”

“What are you talking about? That’s well below my limit. Maybe… half a bottle?”

Relieved to see him return to his usual composed self, Yeon Woo tried to shake off the awkward feeling.

Anyway, now that they were finally alone, it was more important to make the most of the short time they had.

Yeon Woo started to chatter about what had happened at the dinner as they drove, and soon, the familiar scenery of her house came into view.