On the day of the typhoon, when the two of them became wet mice guarding the apple tree. They had placed an electric heater in the main hall like this and slept side by side, falling asleep. Throughout the night, just knowing that he was there made her feel warm and secure.

“Shall we sleep together?”

Suddenly saying this, he flinched.

“…Is it okay?”

Warmth quickly returned to his black eyes. Seeing him gulp like a man, Eunseo’s heart fluttered, and she quickly reached out with both hands.

“No, I mean, like last time! Why, on the day of the typhoon, did we sleep peacefully side by side…”

“I told you, I’m not eighteen anymore.”

He cut her off.

“Sleeping peacefully side by side like that, I can’t do it now.”
“If I’m not just sleeping, then… Before I could even imagine, the wind that made my face burn rushed in. Startled, Eunseo quickly retreated and leaped into her room.

“Well, have a good night!”

A small sigh was heard from behind.

The group dormitory where the participants of ‘Idol Project 10’ stay.

During the stay, everyone’s mobile phones are confiscated, and calls cannot be made at any time. Today, being Christmas Eve, a special time was given to talk with family.

“Mommy!”

“Dad, it’s me!”

Everyone laughed and cried while talking with their parents, but Chris had no one to call.

Her family in Korea had died a long time ago, and her American step-parents had both passed away in an accident last year. Chris coming to Korea and participating in the idol competition program was partly because of this. She thought that maybe she could find at least one relative remaining in Korea.

They had raised her with love as much as her biological parents did. The fact that Chris could speak Korean somewhat fluently, even with a bit awkward pronunciation, was thanks to her step-parents who emphasized not forgetting her roots by providing separate Korean language education.

Certainly, she missed her parents, but what she kept thinking about lately was her deceased sister. It had been happening more often recently, maybe because she saw a woman at the hospital who looked exactly like her sister.

Anyway, even though there were no family or relatives to call, she still had to make a call. The scene of the call would be edited and broadcast, so cameras were installed.

The production team didn’t force her to make the call, but this, too, was part of the broadcast. Even if it was only a few seconds, she didn’t want to miss it.

In the end, Chris spoke to the empty phone, addressing her sister in heaven.

“Sis, how is it up there? Are you getting along well with Mom?”

…

“It’s tough for me, but I’m doing my best. Many people are cheering for me.”

There was no response, but Chris believed that her sister was definitely listening.

“I’ll work hard and debut for sure. You have to cheer for me too.”

When Yejin opened her eyes, the man wasn’t there.

Getting up and looking around, she saw Seunghyun smoking on the terrace in the distance. Yejin put on a silk gown and went out to the terrace.

“Are you awake?”

Seunghyun greeted her warmly. Instead of answering, Yejin gestured, and Seunghyun put the cigarette in her mouth and lit it for her.

Yejin deeply inhaled the smoke of the burning cigarette. Mixed with the cold morning air, it felt like her chest was being pierced.

She had slept with Seungjoo’s brother. Somehow, just that fact alone felt exhilarating.

Although they had met for the first time last night, they got along well. Especially in harboring resentment towards Kwon Seungjoo.

Yejin had been venting her anger at Kwon Seungjoo to his brother.

[I can’t forgive how he embarrassed me in front of another woman.] [“But why do you want to marry my brother?”] [“If you break up with that woman, won’t you suffer?”]

Into Yejin’s ears, Kwon Seunghyun sweetly whispered.

[Well, marriage is a topic for later. Will you be with me tonight?]

On Christmas Eve, the only remaining room in the hotel was the Presidential Suite that cost a whopping two million won for one night. Even though Yejin is the daughter of a conglomerate, it’s not a place she can easily go to. Of course, she could stay there if she wanted to, but there was a risk of hearing something from her father for indulging in luxury.

Kwon Seunghyun casually reserved such a room and escorted Yejin. His attitude, as if she deserved such treatment, subtly comforted Yejin’s wounded pride.

The night that unexpectedly unfolded was quite sweet. She was embraced by the brother of the man she had decided to marry. Aside from the strange sense of gratitude and the thrill of revenge, Kwon Seunghyun was a quite likable partner.

“Do you really have to go through with this marriage?”

What’s this, already being clingy after spending just one night together? Yejin chuckled and replied.

“I’m not fond of men who beg.”

But Seunghyun had a rather serious expression.

“It’s not because I like Kwon Seungjoo that I want to marry him, not now. I just want to mess with him. Is there another way we can do this?”

“How?”

“Instead of Kwon Seungjoo, be with me. Then, I’ll take everything he has.”