11.2

The red camellia flowers within the snow globe seemed just like her—unexpected yet fitting. The first time they were together, the air was filled with the scent of peonies.

He picked up the snow globe and shook it, watching the snow settle on the camellias. He knew that from now on, whenever it snowed, he would think of Jeju Island, the red camellias, and the girl who liked them—just as he found himself searching for peonies among other flowers to remember Chaeyoon.

He had always competed with Chaeyoon, striving to win. Looking back, it seemed that was the only way he knew how to catch her interest.

The thrill he felt when she said, “I wanted to sleep with you,” the indescribable satisfaction of being intimately connected with her, and the regret of letting her go the morning after—those feelings had marked the beginning. 

At first, he thought he coveted the vitality she possessed, but then he wondered if what he actually desired was Chaeyoon herself.

He thought that perhaps that’s why he had readily lent his villa when Joo-eun asked for a venue for Chaeyoon’s farewell party, even though he knew Joo-eun was using him.

Perhaps he had agreed to be a witness because of what Chaeyoon said, that nothing is free in this world and that good deeds always come back to you, no matter what.

He wondered if he pushed for Joo-eun’s wedding even though he didn’t have to, because he wanted to use this as an excuse to meet Chaeyoon, knowing she would surely attend.

He realized that whenever the name ‘Chaeyoon’ comes up, he reacts to it like a sensor light.

“I wish I could like her without actually liking her. Chaeyoon probably feels the same.”

“What do you mean you wish you could like her without actually liking her? What’s that supposed to mean?”

Seonho put the snowball on the table and asked.

“It’s the same context as when Chaeyoon and I stopped Seokhyun and Joo-eun from dating. Chaeyoon is both beautiful and talented. She’s the perfect trophy partner for any wealthy family. Do you think she hasn’t been approached by any of our chaebol classmates?”

“Other guys have already made a move?” 

Seonho’s gaze turned cold.

“Of course, they did. And they were rejected. Do you know why?”

“Why?”

“Because the guy is a member of a tycoon family.”

 “Can that really be a reason? Usually, that’s exactly why women flock to them.”

From a chaebol’s perspective, it was almost neurotic trying to discern women with genuine affection and opportunistic advances.

A clever girl like Chaeyoon could have easily picked a suitable man from a wealthy family and managed him to her advantage.

Junsu furrowed his brow in confusion.

“Chaeyoon could only attend the private middle school exclusive to chaebol children thanks to Chairman Cha’s consideration.”

“I know.”

“But Chaeyoon was recognized for her own abilities, becoming the student council president and even getting a scholarship offer to continue at the same foundation’s high school. So why did she go to a public high school instead?”

“……because she thought it was more advantageous?”

“Exactly. She realized there are walls that can’t be overcome just by ability. The written exams might be manageable, but the practical scores depend on the teachers’ whims. If her GPA dropped, it would significantly affect her chances in both admissions processes.”

“So, factors beyond mere ability can interfere a lot.”

Let’s face it. Many children being groomed as successors go abroad for middle school. It’s no secret that those who remain in Korea use their financial resources and connections to get into universities beyond their abilities.

In the process, kids like Chaeyoon, who compete purely on merit, are often victimized.

“She said she doesn’t want to be involved with a chaebol family in any way and that she would go where her abilities and efforts are recognized.”

“But isn’t becoming the daughter-in-law of a chaebol the fastest way to rise in social status?”

It’s funny. Seonho despised that kind of woman, but if it’s Chaeyoon, she seems alright.

“She doesn’t consider becoming a chaebol’s daughter-in-law as a rise in social status. Instead, she deliberately avoided getting entangled with chaebol sons to the extent that she wouldn’t allow even a single scandal.”

“Hmm.”

Seonho was deep in thought.

He would never have imagined that Chaeyoon had such feelings for him until he heard her say, ‘I wanted to sleep with you.’ Her attitude towards him had been so cold.

‘It doesn’t mean I want to date you. It’s definitely not because I have feelings for you. It’s just an impulse to sleep with you once.’

Chaeyoon had said it clearly that day.

“That impulse could be dismissed as a deviation that was only possible because she was about to study abroad.”

Seonho muttered as he tapped the armrest with his fingers.

“May I now speak as your secretary now?”

Junsu straightened his posture, adopting a professional demeanor. He always took on such an attitude when discussing matters that required detachment from personal feelings. 

“Go ahead.” 

Seonho replied formally.

“I would prefer if you weren’t involved with Chaeyoon any further.”

“Is that your personal opinion, or does it reflect the direct boss’s wishes?”

Seonho’s lips twisted slightly. 

“I am not a spy. I don’t report everything. Personally, I care for both of you like siblings, and it’s clear that it’s not a good choice for the group either. Of course, you know best, Team Leader Yoon. But as they say, familiarity breeds fondness, I hope you don’t take it lightly.”

“I understand your concerns, Secretary Hwang. I hope you continue to follow my instructions well in the future. I will take responsibility for whatever I do.”

Junsu was not pleased with Seonho’s vague answer, but he did not show it. 

He was not a friend but a secretary, and a secretary’s role was limited to offering opinions; the final decision was made by the boss, and the secretary was to follow it.

“Thank you for your work today. You may leave now.”

“Then, I’ll see you tomorrow, Team Leader.”

Junsu, acting impeccably as a secretary to his boss, gave his last greeting before leaving for a late departure.

Seonho picked up and shook a snow globe again.

“I shouldn’t see her, right?”

In that state, Seonho was lost in thought for a long time.