Seeing Sunwoo, who was always surrounded by people, utter somewhat cold words, she felt a sense of alienation.

“But… Oppa, you’ve always been surrounded by people. Whenever someone asked about someone’s well-being, you always seemed to know.”

Looking at her speaking to herself with a vacant look, Sunwoo found it cute and smiled slightly.

“People just came up to me and talked freely. Every time you asked about someone’s well-being, I simply found out from those who approached me so freely.”

Thinking about them, Sunwoo’s gaze momentarily became chilly. Then suddenly, as if he wasn’t the Sunwoo she had known until now, Lajin touched her own wrist.

“Why? Is it cold?”

Even with her very small gesture, he quickly noticed and responded. It was surprising that he was indifferent to others.

“I didn’t know at all. I just thought Oppa was kind to everyone equally and had a lot of interest in people.”

“Is there such a thing as equal kindness in the world?”

Sunwoo stared into Lajin’s eyes.

“If someone seemed to be kind to everyone equally, there are two reasons. First, to hide their feelings. Second, not to burden the other person. It’s much better to watch from a distance than to get further away.”

Ah. Lajin could understand Sunwoo’s words one hundred percent.

While she was silently admiring Jaehun, she had treated others equally, not revealing her feelings. It was a reassurance, meaning that they were not special to her.

“I’ll raise the child thinking of it as my own. I’ll treat and cherish it with love.”

“…Oppa.”

“Let’s get married, Lajin.”

In response to the bombshell-like words, Lajin froze.

She couldn’t believe whether the person sitting in front of her was really Sunwoo Seonbae.
Sunwoo was someone who might be somewhat fatal, but he was determined to hold onto even the slightest sliver of hope.

“…First of all, thank you for thinking of me that way. I also know well what it’s like to have unrequited feelings. I’m aware of how much you’ve cherished me all this time, and also the immense courage you’re showing now.”

Upon Lajin’s words, Sunwoo swallowed his breath.

Suddenly, it felt like Seokwang was visible far away.

Perhaps, just maybe…

“Oppa, do you happen to remember? Back when we were in college, Yoon Chaekyung, the granddaughter of the Seodo Group chairman who majored in dance, used to follow you, right?”

“Yeah, I remember. She was quite famous.”

Yoon Chaekyung was a popular female student with a beautiful appearance, a wealthy family, and, during her university years, she garnered attention by passing an announcer exam.

“Do you also remember what your father said to Yoon Chaekyung when she confessed to him in front of the park in front of the College of Liberal Arts?”

Of course, he remembered.

Seo Jaehun and Yoon Chaekyung were famous for similar reasons, and when it became known that Yoon Chaekyung liked Seo Jaehun, their every move became the focus of attention.

Then, Yoon Chaekyung approached Jaehun and confessed, despite the people around them. It was an attitude that showed confidence that she would not be rejected.

“Jaehun Oppa, you’ll attend the party at the LJ Hotel this weekend, right? Please be my partner.”

“I’m an adopted son. I don’t know why I’m your Oppa.”

“Huh? Oh, Oppa, too. Just kidding. Hoho. Dad wants to see you. He says he’s thinking of cooperating with Geonyoung Group.”

“First, I’m not your Oppa. Second, we’re not close enough to talk like this. Third, I don’t know why Seodo Group, which is neither a particularly valuable group nor participating in the forefront of business, is blabbering about what it knows.”

“Hey, isn’t that a bit too harsh…! Seriously, are you going too far?”

“Someone who approaches without notice, steals my time with the strong smell of nasty cosmetics, and hasn’t made any promises or commitments has no right to complain, right?”

“Sob… Sob…”

Looking at Yoon Chaekyung, who shed tears, Jaehun spoke with an emotionless gaze.

“If you continue to spread rumors and intertwine our names, Seodo Group and whatever else, be aware that I will officially sue. Ah, don’t act like you know me when you see me this weekend.”

Yoon Chaekyung, who disappeared crying, took a leave of absence on that day and didn’t return until Jaehun graduated. She eventually went abroad for further studies.

Recalling that time, Sunwoo nodded.

“Yeah. Since that day, the number of people confessing to Jaehun has decreased a bit. He was so cold-hearted.”

Lajin, who was looking directly at Sunwoo, opened her mouth.

“One of the many reasons I like Chairman is that he doesn’t give false hope. Firmly rejecting without leaving any possibility, making the other person vow to completely let go of their feelings.”

Nothing hurts a person as much as false hope of someday being loved.

“Let’s forget about the safe house story. And also about the job. I’ll move out even from the officetel.”