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Why? Because even if things went wrong, it had nothing to do with Go Seok-hyun. The one who would be devastated by the destruction of a precious violin was Yoo Hee-jin, and the one who would have to be "charitably" given a new violin was also Yoo Hee-jin. Go Seok-hyun was merely the role of the one feeling proud that she could reach this position thanks to the fine violin he provided.
Because he was born with everything, because he lacked desperation, he stole the desperation of others to achieve a sense of accomplishment.
- Come back, Hee-jin. You were doing well here. The second-chair position is right in front of you. Your efforts are finally about to bear fruit.
Hearing his words reminded her of how happy she had been when she first joined the orchestra. She had dreamed of climbing step by step—from second violin to first violin, and eventually to concertmaster.
“…You’re right.”
Hee-jin took a deep breath. Strangely, once she was able to look at her situation objectively, her mind became calm. Her legs were shaking, but she pushed herself up from the wall she had been leaning against and shook her head firmly.
- Then….
“I’m still not going back yet.”
- Hee-jin, listen to me properly….
“I know. I heard you clearly. But I still have time left on my vacation.”
- …….
“I know what you’re worried about. I have no intention of entrusting my life to someone who treats everything as a game.”
He didn't let go of his worry, but he didn't rashly say more. She faintly heard the sound of him shaking his head as he let out a low sigh. Knowing it was a habit he had when he was troubled, Hee-jin couldn't help but smile. It suddenly occurred to her that the time she spent in America hadn't been so bad.
“Thanks for worrying about me, Andy.”
✾ ✾ ✾
When evening came, Seok-hyun visited her at the hotel. She had wanted to organize her thoughts a bit more before meeting him, but since he said he had already placed the order at the restaurant, she had no choice but to go.
Hee-jin wondered if she could maintain her composure in front of Seok-hyun, but surprisingly, she was able to treat him as usual. Aside from waking up from the illusion, it seemed to be because she now knew that Go Seok-hyun was originally that kind of person.
“How are you feeling?”
There was no hint of hypocrisy in his worried tone.
“I’m fine. You don’t have to take care of me like this.”
“Why? What could be more important than managing an artist's condition?”
“…….”
It was a remark that sounded as if the decision to accept the sponsorship had already been made. Then again, considering the atmosphere in the meeting room, it was understandable. Although there had been a difference of opinion regarding the broadcast appearance, the mood had shifted toward accepting the sponsorship as Seok-hyun stepped back. If there had been a contract on the table, she might have even signed it.
Hee-jin took a sip of water to moisten her throat before speaking.
“It’s not confirmed yet. I’ll manage my own condition.”
At those words, the smile that had been flowing like water vanished instantly. However, as if deciding that such a reaction was possible, Seok-hyun gave a small nod and apologized in a serious voice.
“I apologize once again for the incident with Yuna. Something like that will never happen again.”
“I hope so. I don’t like hearing this and that about myself from third parties.”
Whether she liked Go Seok-hyun or not was irrelevant; she didn't want to be entangled with someone who held ill will and tried to throw filth at her.
Looking at Go Seok-hyun, who was staring intently at her, Hee-jin recalled what had happened in Japan. If she could cast aside the prejudices formed in childhood, Go Seok-hyun was incredibly charming. It would be strange not to feel attracted to someone who provided a level of inspiration that one could never forget in a lifetime.
That was when it started. When Hee-jin forgot reality and became immersed in a sweet dream.
Without Andy's advice, would she have been able to escape this sweet trap on her own? Hee-jin quietly shook her head. In Korea, where she had nowhere to turn, she was in a situation where she dealt only with Go Seok-hyun. Rather than regaining her reason, it would have been easier for her to fall deeper and deeper.
“Are you in a very bad mood?”
Sensing that Hee-jin's expression was stiff as she stared at him without a word, Seok-hyun pondered how to deal with Hong Yuna. Hong Yuna, who had been in charge of key tasks since the company's founding, was certainly an essential talent. However, no company stops running just because one person is gone. While he was thinking of other talents who could take over the offline business led by Hong Yuna, the strange aura emanating from Hee-jin irritated him.
“I’ll be fine.”
Hee-jin answered nonchalantly and naturally shifted her gaze, turning her head away. Seok-hyun's eyes narrowed as he watched her look around.
Yoo Hee-jin, who originally tried not to show her emotions and kept her walls high, had been gradually opening her heart thanks to his passionate advances. That was why she had smiled at him and why they had slept together.
But now, how should he put it… it felt as if she had taken a step back. It wasn't that she had closed the door to her heart again, but it felt like she was keeping her distance. Not knowing what caused this, Seok-hyun felt frustrated. Unconsciously, he clenched his fist and scrutinized Hee-jin obsessively.
From her hair to the shape of her eyebrows, the movement of her eyelashes, the frequency of her blinking, the direction of her pupils, the degree to which her lips parted…. He scanned and analyzed every single physical signal Yoo Hee-jin sent.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
Perhaps feeling burdened by the piercing gaze, Hee-jin tilted her head to the side. Seok-hyun, engraving her voice, the gesture of her stroking her hair, and even the angle of her head into his mind, smiled brightly and said it was nothing.
The change he couldn't be certain of then arrived the very next day.
- Today is difficult. I have another appointment.
Seok-hyun bit his lip, feeling the strange sensation he had detected during yesterday's dinner turn into something concrete. Yoo Hee-jin, who had been completely immersed in the dream of soaring while holding his hand until Hong Yuna said those useless things, was now keeping her distance.
“Is there something more important right now than the sponsorship?”
The fact that she had another appointment also grated on Seok-hyun's nerves. What other appointment could Yoo Hee-jin, who didn't have a single friend in Korea, possibly have?
- I talked with my dad a while ago about having a meal. We barely had a chance to talk on the day of the formal family meeting. And like you said, I need to talk about the sponsorship too.
To the man who abandoned you? I'm the one who will save you. Seok-hyun barely swallowed the words he almost spoke and kept his mouth shut. To meet her father now, at this very moment, despite the fact that she hadn't met him once in the week since Yoo Da-ae's family meeting? The timing was extremely coincidental.
“Then how about meeting after the meal? You need to meet the director, and there's a lot to discuss.”
- I'm sorry, Go Seok-hyun. Today will be difficult.
“…….”
Seok-hyun's lips itched, but he couldn't say anything. It was because every word that came to mind was threatening. A threat that if she acted this way, he wouldn't proceed with the sponsorship. But since Hee-jin might simply decide not to receive the sponsorship, it was a phrase he couldn't utter.
“Noona is right. It's time with family, so you should cherish it. I understand.”
After wishing her a good time and hanging up, Seok-hyun's expression transformed. The corners of his mouth were curled up, but his eyes were not smiling at all.
✾ ✾ ✾
A meal with Dad?
There was no such thing. Ridiculously, her father, who had suggested they eat together once before she returned to the US, hadn't called her once since then. Whether he was distracted because Yoo Da-ae's marriage was finalized or if he had simply forgotten her, Hee-jin had no intention of contacting him first.
“Talking about sponsorship is….”
It sounded ridiculous even as she said it. Would her father even be interested in her situation right now? She'd be lucky if he didn't tell her not to cause trouble for the in-laws.
Regardless, the reason she avoided Seok-hyun by telling such a lie was that she needed a moment to clear her head. Searching for studios around the hotel, she fortunately found a place that rented out practice rooms by the hour.
The practice room, packed with soundproofing material and without a single window, was no different from a small closet, but she didn't care. Hee-jin placed a single bottle of water on the piano and began to play the violin. The habit of escaping into practice when reality became overwhelming had not disappeared even at her age.
This was because when she played the violin, she could forget the passage of time. Her parents' divorce, their escape into new families, and the loneliness of being left all alone.
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