Chapter 10

“I’m leaving.”

Eunjae tried to keep a neutral face. If she could just act like nothing happened, that would be enough. Sorting out emotions could wait. As she left the bedroom and stood by the door, Wooseok grabbed his car keys and got up from the kitchen chair.

“I’ll drive you.”

“What? Why?”

Surprised, Eunjae turned around while putting on her shoes. Wooseok approached her as if it was natural.

“It’s four in the morning. It’s dangerous to take a taxi.”

“Hey, come on! It’s safe. I’ll take something safe.”

“I’d be worried.”

He’d never done this before. Working late was routine, and she took a taxi at dawn three or four times a week. Each time, they’d wave goodbye and go their separate ways, but now he was suddenly acting differently, leaving Eunjae bewildered.

More than anything, if she left with him and took his car, she couldn’t bear the awkwardness, embarrassment, and silence. He should be able to read the room. Or at least show some conscience. Couldn’t he see how mortified she was? It was so ridiculous, she got a little annoyed.

“If you drive now, it’s drunk driving. You’ll test positive right away.”

Eunjae gave a reasonable excuse. Wooseok stared at her for a moment.

“Need some time to think?”

“…What?”

“Do you want to go alone?”

‘So he wasn’t completely oblivious.’

“Yeah. Right now… I do.”

“…Okay.”

“Then, rest.”

As Eunjae turned to leave, Wooseok stopped her again.

“Give me your phone.”

“…Why?”

“Taxi.”

Before she could say she’d do it herself, Wooseok took her phone. He skillfully opened the taxi app, entered his address, and quickly booked a ride. He even took a screenshot of the car number and driver’s face and sent it to himself.

Anyone would think he owned the phone.

“Text me when you get there.”

“…Okay.”

Eunjae half gave up and answered, and he followed her to the front door.

‘Again, why!’

“Wear something comfortable.”

“Huh?”

A pair of comfortable slippers was suddenly at her feet. Remembering what had happened with her high heels, Eunjae squeezed her eyes shut. For now, she decided to just do as told. That seemed the only way to leave this house.

“Thanks.”

“Want me to walk you to the taxi?”

“No!”

Unable to hold back, she raised her voice. Wooseok just smirked. He was doing this on purpose. He knew everything. Otherwise, why was he the only one acting like nothing happened? Had he already forgotten what they did yesterday? Or did he really believe, as she’d said, it was just a moment of l*st and nothing more, so it was fine to act normal?

Eunjae’s head started to hurt again. She put on the slippers and opened the front door. After closing the door and walking to the elevator, she realized she didn’t have her shoes. But she couldn’t go back now. Afraid Wooseok might come out with her shoes, she frantically pressed the elevator button.

* * *

Eunjae opened the front door and closed it quietly. She walked softly, softly again. Holding her breath to avoid making any noise, she arrived at her room. Just open this door and go in—she thought, but froze as she opened it.

“Just got home?”

Jiyeon was sitting on her bed like a ghost.

“You… didn’t sleep?”

Eunjae swallowed nervously.

“How could I sleep? I’ve got a guilty conscience.”

Ah. Eunjae finally remembered the failed blind date. It felt like a distant memory. To her, it was nothing, but not for Jiyeon, who’d arranged it.

“It’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”

“Did you drink with Wooseok?”

“Huh?”

As Eunjae put down her bag and took off her accessories, Jiyeon came over and sat down. She seemed determined to interrogate. For now, Eunjae decided to play dumb.

“Just a little.”

“If you drank until now, it wasn’t just a little, was it?”

“We parted ways while drinking…”

“And then?”

She was asking where Eunjae had been until now.

“To sober up, I went to the office. Did some work there before coming home.”

“Ah…”

Jiyeon nodded, knowing her sister’s usual habits. Fiddling with the earring Eunjae had taken off, she seemed to have something to say. Probably felt guilty. Eunjae knew her sister better than anyone.

“I’m fine. You don’t have to feel sorry anymore.”

“Seriously, I could’ve… never mind.”

Jiyeon still looked annoyed. Eunjae appreciated her sister’s concern. Who else would get mad for her? She herself felt nothing about men. There were plenty of jerks out there. She’d met so many in her working life. Reacting to each one would only hurt and tire her out. Her life motto was to just ignore the crazies.

“It’s better not to have met him.”

“Huh?”

Eunjae casually wiped off her makeup, speaking to her sister.

“If I’d met him a few more times and got tangled up with his ex, it’d be even more of a headache.”

“Well, that’s true.”

“I’m really fine. Even going out for that blind date today was just… anyway, I’m fine.”

“Still, Wooseok comforted you well, huh? I’m glad I told him where you were.”

Jiyeon shifted the topic. Eunjae couldn’t even force a smile. Was that… comfort? Maybe it was, depending on how you looked at it. She gave a bitter smile, feeling her chest tighten. She felt a bit empty. Failing one blind date had made her let down her guard. The future felt uncertain.

“Unnie, I want to rest now.”

“Ah, yeah. You look exhausted. Go wash up and sleep.”

Jiyeon patted Eunjae’s shoulder and left the room. Turning her head, Eunjae focused on removing her makeup, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her face looked drained, as if all her energy had been sucked out. No wonder.

She quickly shook her head, trying to forget what had happened. She just wanted to wash up and sleep properly. Her whole body ached as if she had muscle pain and the flu. Groaning, she got up. She didn’t even realize someone kept calling her while she showered.

Five missed calls. Three texts. All full of concern. With a towel wrapped around her wet hair, Eunjae looked down at her phone screen. He’d told her to text when she arrived, but she’d forgotten. It wasn’t the first time. He usually didn’t react this much, so it felt strange. After a moment’s thought, she sent a simple text.

[Arrived safely. Forgot because I was washing up. Rest.]

As soon as she sent it, it showed as read and a call came in. Wooseok’s name appeared on the screen. In vibration mode, the phone buzzed in her hand. Eunjae hesitated, wondering whether to answer.

He knew she’d arrived safely, so why did he have to hear her voice too? Why? She couldn’t understand his obsession. He was the one acting like nothing happened. Eunjae, feeling strangely rebellious, ignored the call.

[Can’t talk on the phone]

She sent another text. Only then did Wooseok stop calling and texting. Eunjae flopped onto the bed. She should dry her wet hair, but she couldn’t muster the energy. Her chest still felt heavy and lost. When she closed her eyes, the image of him kissing her passionately came to mind.

Haa…….

Deep sighs were all that came out. Eunjae curled up and eventually fell asleep.