Even though Jungwook laughed it off like it was nonsense, he couldn’t stop the earlier conversation from echoing in his head.

“Twins, huh.”

What were the chances of meeting someone who looked exactly like a twin?

And even if they were twins… could two brothers really fall for the same woman?

The more he thought about it, the more unsettling it became.

“I know – I probably sound crazy. But from the beginning, something about the way he looked at Noona bothered me. It sounds like something out of a ridiculous novel, I get that. But when it comes to money? There’s nothing in this world that can’t be faked or covered up.”

“Wow.”

Eunhyuk’s mind drifted back to the first time he saw Beom Yuhyeon.

“It was love at first sight.”

Even then, it had felt a little strange – but since marriage was already being discussed, he hadn’t questioned it too deeply.

Now, however, things felt different.

The ten billion won loan was suspicious enough. But marrying a man who looked exactly like someone else? That was too much to ignore.

“Didn’t they say that the man who supposedly died never shared anything about his personal life either? Maybe it’s just a gut feeling, but… there are too many strange pieces that seem to fit together.”

“You’ve really read too many mystery novels. Why are you getting so intense all of a sudden? You kind of scare me when you get like that.”

“You know everyone. You have connections. I need you to look into him. I don’t care if it’s gossip or the truth – just find out everything you can about our brother-in-law.”

“W-wait-are you seriously thinking of digging up our brother-in-law just because he looks like Noona’s ex? We heard her say he was dead. And you still doubt that?”

“Noona got really sick before the wedding. I didn’t understand it then… but I think I do now. Damn it…”

Eunhyuk started to put the pieces together, one by one, like a jigsaw puzzle slowly coming into focus.

And with it came the memory of how sick she had been back then.

It must have been when she was trying to let go, trying to move on… When she had said goodbye to the man she had once loved.

“If I can help, I will. Especially since this is about Noona…”

“I just… I hope I’m overthinking it. But if she’s been cornered into something she can’t undo… I won’t be able to forgive him. Not only him – our brother-in-law – but also myself.”

Eunhyuk ran his hand through his hair, frustration clouding his face.

Five years ago, Soo-min had been forced into an arranged marriage.

And not a day had gone by that he didn’t regret keeping silent when she needed someone to speak up for her.

***

The once-gentle Soo-min now had a noticeably sharper look in her eyes.

Eunhyuk returned home thirty minutes later.

“This is my business.”

“I know.”

“I understand you’re worried, but I don’t want anyone interfering with the decisions I have made.”

“Noona, I’m just trying to look out for you…”

“You took 50 billion won in investments from Yuhyeon and called it business, but you’re so worried about the 10 billion I borrowed from our cousin?”

“That’s… I mean, yes, but still…”

“You’re accusing him just because he looks like someone else. That’s not fair.”

The moment she snapped, some of the heaviness inside her began to lift.

“Fine. I don’t question your choice. You said you love him – and I believe you.”

“But when he gets here… don’t make it obvious that we fought.”

Just then, the doorbell rang.

She quickly ran over and opened the door—standing there was a strikingly handsome man.

Soo-min immediately brightened.

“You’re here? You must be hungry.”

“A little.”

“Go wash your hands…”

Before Soo-min could finish, his arm slipped around her waist and his lips met hers.

She froze, startled. She could feel the eyes behind her – watching, perhaps judging – but the flushed heat rising in her cheeks was hers alone.

Still, her heart pounded in her chest.

She had missed this – the warmth of even a brief kiss after only a day apart.

His kiss was soft, sweet, like cotton candy melting on her tongue.

“It hasn’t even been that long… but I’ve missed you.”

She knew it was all an act. But still… her heart couldn’t help but flutter.

Jungwook stepped in and led Yuhyeon to his seat with a grin.

“All right, all right. Let’s all sit down. I’m starving here. Eunhyuk, what are you doing? Is that how you treat your guests?”

“I’ll get the drinks.”

Eunhyuk went into the kitchen.

“Tonight’s main course is shabu-shabu.”

“Sounds delicious.”

Jungwook, sitting in front of the portable burner, turned the knob.

“Okay, let me light the burner.”

Click, click.

Only a few small sparks flew – no flame appeared.

“Hey, Eunhyuk! Is the gas out or something? Why won’t this thing light up?”

Jungwook shook the gas can, put it back on the burner and tried to light it again.

Click, click

He turned the knob several times and suddenly a burst of flame flared up.

The bluish flame flared up a little larger than usual, but quickly returned to its normal size.

“There! I got it. The flame is lit. But… brother-in-law?”

Jungwook stared at Yuhyeon, and Soo-min, sensing something, turned her head belatedly.

Since he was sitting right next to her, she hadn’t noticed before – but his expression was unusually stiff.

No, not just his face – his whole body was stiff as stone, his eyes fixed on the gas flame.

‘Ah… was he startled by sitting so close?’

The flame had flared up a bit due to a slight gas leak, but it wasn’t enough to be that shocking.

“Yuhyeon… are you okay? Are you feeling sick?”

Yuhyeon suddenly stood up from his seat.

“Excuse me… Where is the bathroom?”

“That way.”

Just like last time, he rushed to the bathroom.

‘Could it be… is he throwing up again? But this time there is no chicken…’

“I think I’ve messed up. What should I do, Noona?”

“It’s probably nothing.”

Was it because of the fire?

No, no-that can’t be it. Why would he throw up just because the gas flame flared up a little?

“Is he… afraid of fire or something? That’s unexpected.”

“There was a burn victim in his family. That could be the reason.”

Right – it was because of Ivan.

Since Ivan had suffered from burns, it made sense that Yuhyeon, as a family member, would be sensitive to it as well.

Yuhyeon returned to the table.

“Are you okay?”

“I just had to go. I’m curious how the shabu-shabu tastes.”

He looked at the hot pot.

‘His complexion is so pale… it’s worrying.’

Now that she noticed, he was sitting quite far away from the burner. He must really dislike fire.

Soo-min looked around the table.

“Jungwook, if you just put meat in it, it will just taste like meat. Let me take care of it. Give it to me. Would you mind switching places with me?”

“……”

Soo-min went to the pot and took Yuhyeon’s place. After asking Jungwook for the tongs, she carefully added slices of beef and a handful of vegetables to the simmering broth.

When everything was cooked just right, she carefully placed some of the meat and vegetables on Yuhyeon’s plate.

“Shabu-shabu tastes best with vegetables. And make sure you get some broth, too.”

“Oh, Noona! Do you only care about your husband? So unfair!”

Jungwook’s playful pout made her smile, and she put some food on his plate as well, unable to help the warmth that bubbled up in her chest.

“Alright, here you go.”

“People keep saying that Jungwook is all grown up, but he’s still such a kid. Don’t overdo it – someone’s about to shoot lasers out of his eyes.”

Yeon-joo joked teasingly and Jungwook quickly looked around to read the mood.

“Okay, okay, I get it, Noona. I’ll do it. Hahaha.”

“Yuhyeon, did I see that right? Were you jealous?”

“Not at all.”

“Then, sorry~”

Jungwook held an empty glass in front of Yuhyeon.

“Come on, let’s have a drink. Nothing beats soju for Koreans. Have you ever tried it?”

“Hmm… I used to prefer wine, so…”

“Well, being Russian, I figured your alcohol tolerance must be crazy high.”

“I’ve never been the first to pass out.”

“Perfect. I’m a heavy drinker too, so let’s see how you handle it.”

“Sure.”

When Yuhyeon agreed, Soo-min quickly waved her hands.

“This isn’t a drinking contest, okay?”

“Noona, you know guys usually bond over drinks, right?”

“I like drinking. I like drinking with people too.”

“Stop being so formal, it feels weird. Eunhyuk and I have been friends since we were kids. In Korea, when you’ve known someone that long, you talk casually. And since you’re practically my brother-in-law, you can drop the formal language with me too.”

“Should I?”

“Yes!”

Yuhyeon and Jungwook got along surprisingly well. The atmosphere was warm and easy, filled with laughter and good energy.

When Soo-min looked at Eunhyuk, he didn’t seem uncomfortable either, which was a huge relief.

“Drink.”

The five of them raised their glasses and toasted together.

The glasses clinked in the air again and again. And as soon as one was emptied, it was immediately refilled – no one was allowed to have an empty glass for long.

Jungwook, known to hold his liquor well, drank everything offered without hesitation.

‘It must have been his first time drinking soju, but he handled it with ease.’

Then again, vodka was the norm in Russia, so the lower alcohol content of soju probably felt like nothing compared to that.

Watching everyone laughing and enjoying themselves, Soo-min felt a faint warmth in her chest.

How much time had passed?