Side Story 2.5

Maybe it was because of his appearance, which Junhee’s father had once described as “the face of a delinquent.” Maybe it was the karma from the reckless way he had lived his life at twenty, without Junhee by his side. Even so, the thought of someone saying such things to Junhee when he wasn’t around filled him with uncontrollable irritation.

As it was, he was already on edge because of how beautiful Woo Junhee had become as an adult. The university was full of men who had their eyes on her. On top of that, he was terrified that hearing such rumors might shake her. After all, it had taken him so long to finally win her over and become her boyfriend. He was scared she might throw away all their promises and time together and walk away.

Because of this, Dowook often thought these days that he needed power. To punish those who tried to disrupt their relationship, to ensure that no one dared to hurt Junhee’s heart simply because she was loved by him, and to protect her for a long time to come—he needed power.

That was why he diligently attended his grandfather’s management lessons and worked hard to win his favor. He was still at the beginner level, just taking baby steps, but one day—someday—he wanted to have enough power to crush anyone who tried to come between them.

Their date came to an end. Until he dropped Junhee off at her apartment, she didn’t show any signs of suspicion. They talked about what they would do and eat tomorrow. Her casual attitude twisted Dowook’s insides, but he didn’t let it show and continued the conversation as if nothing was wrong.

Junhee got out of the car, waved at him, and told him to drive safely before heading toward her building. Dowook quietly watched her back as she walked away.

Junhee hadn’t asked him anything, so Dowook tried to hold back as well. He didn’t want to start talking now because he was afraid he might end up yelling at her. He didn’t want to show her that side of himself. He didn’t want to risk earning her resentment. So he tried to endure it. But damn it, he couldn’t.

It was when Junhee reached the entrance of her building. She heard heavy footsteps approaching rapidly from behind. Before she could even wonder about the source of the sound, an arm grabbed her, and she was pulled back.

“Why didn’t you ask?”

Dowook demanded abruptly, his face filled with anger. Junhee didn’t understand what he meant. She couldn’t comprehend why he looked like this after they had just finished their date so pleasantly.

“What?”

“Joo Ha-yeon. Why didn’t you ask about her?”

“Joo Ha-yeon? What are you….”

She trailed off, recalling the message she had received earlier in the day.

“…Did you see my phone?”

“I saw it. At the library.”

She didn’t feel upset about him seeing the message. She just couldn’t understand why he was so angry about it.

“I just didn’t ask.”

“Just?”

“There was no reason to bring it up. It’s not true—it’s just a rumor. Why bring it up and make things uncomfortable for no reason?”

“So you didn’t ask because of that?”

“Yeah.”

Dowook’s jaw clenched, his teeth grinding as his chin twitched. Worried by his expression, Junhee reached out to him, calling his name, but Dowook grabbed her hand and pulled her toward his car. In an instant, he opened the backseat door and pushed her inside.

He climbed on top of her and started kissing her fiercely. Though caught off guard, Junhee instinctively responded to his kiss, as if it were second nature. It was short but intense. He explored her mouth aggressively. When the kiss ended, Dowook cursed under his breath. Junhee looked up at him, breathing heavily.

“There was nothing between us. Last year or now—nothing. She confessed to me on her own, saying she liked me. I drew the line. I didn’t do anything. I don’t even remember hanging out with her. She was probably just part of the group because we were in the same department. That’s all it was.”

“…I know.”

“You know?”

“Of course. I’m fine. Really, I’m fine.”

At Junhee’s reassurance, Dowook’s expression turned oddly somber. A moment of silence passed.

“I’m glad you’re fine.”

“Yeah. I really am.”

“That’s good. But why am I still so annoyed?”

The pitch-black night, the confined space, and his low voice created a peculiar atmosphere. Junhee stared blankly at Dowook as he lowered his head again. Tilting her chin, he began to kiss her once more.

Junhee barely managed to swallow the saliva that flooded into her mouth, helpless against the onslaught. This time, Dowook lifted her T-shirt, his hot hands gripping her chest. Junhee let out a groan, her body tensing involuntarily.

She was confused—should she be okay with this, or should she not? She didn’t know which reaction would calm Dowook’s anger.

Between kisses, Dowook whispered, 

“You’re the only one for me. And you should only have me.”

Junhee, panting heavily, nodded mechanically. She couldn’t think straight under his intense caresses. For the first time that day, Dowook’s hand ventured toward Junhee’s groin. Although it was over her pants, his strong touch sent a moan spilling from her lips. Junhee’s trembling whimpers echoed within the narrow confines of the car.

Her lips, chest, and lower body all felt dominated by Dowook. It was a strange pleasure she had never experienced before. Feeling the heat pooling between her thighs, Junhee unconsciously clung to him.

Neither of them cared about the rocking car or the sounds that might escape.

It wasn’t until Junhee’s phone rang that she began to regain some semblance of composure. The call was from her grandmother. Struggling to steady her breathing, Junhee answered the phone.

Even as she spoke with her grandmother, Dowook clung to her chest, sucking on her br*ast. Her lower abdomen tightened, and her toes curled. Sensations of electricity coursed through her body.

She twisted her body, worried that the sound of Dowook suckling might reach her grandmother, but he persistently followed her movements, continuing to latch onto her chest.

In the end, she hurriedly ended the call with her grandmother. She wanted to scold Dowook for interrupting her, but the moment she saw his lustful eyes devouring her, her anger dissipated.

“Let’s go home.” 

“Home?” 

Dowook asked, wiping the saliva from the corner of his lips with his fingertips.

“Let’s go to my place and continue.”

Even in the dim light, Dowook’s eyes gleamed. He didn’t refuse Junhee’s suggestion. Together, they climbed the stairs of her villa. Several times, they paused on the landings, unable to suppress their desire, tangling their bodies and kissing passionately.

Pressing her back against the cold concrete wall, Junhee wrapped her legs around Dowook’s waist. Tilting her head, she welcomed his tongue deep into her mouth. The orange lights on the staircase flickered intermittently. Over his pants, she grasped Dowook’s arousal, and he bit her lips while twisting her n*pples.

By the time they finally reached her room, they were too consumed to make it to the bedroom. They collapsed just beyond the entrance, exploring each other’s bodies. Moans, whose owner was indistinguishable, filled the air.

Sometimes Junhee was on top of Dowook, and other times she was on all fours beneath him. They bit each other’s necks, groped each other’s most intimate parts, and discovered new realms of pleasure together. It felt like they were studying the most thrilling and sinful subject in the world. They ignored the passage of time, engrossed in their exploration. They didn’t want the lesson to end. Neither Junhee nor Dowook let go of the other.

Eventually, Dowook left Junhee’s apartment in disheveled clothes just before dawn.