.  * * *

  The interior of the shop was indeed grand and imposing as it looked from the outside. I could tell, at a glance, how upscale the building materials were from my experience of following Yeo Dan oppa and Ban Yeo Ryung to some fancy events as well as from the prestigious schools I went to. Those exclusive materials were laid out harmoniously without the slightest sign of boasting off, which made this shop look even more remarkable.

  And inside this exceptionally classy shop, I was…


  “Oh, now I come to think of it, if this was a TV drama, wouldn’t it be threatened to pull the plug? You know, this is something like… the supporting characters taking all the scenes from the leads…”


  I was dropping some bullshits.

  Eun Jiho, beside me, tossed the question with a bitter look.

  “What…?”


  “I was thinking about how could this situation take place if this was a TV drama.”


  “So, why are you thinking about those things…?”


  With that reply, Eun Jiho sent a mixed gaze at me. He soon shook his head and got farther away. His cold and flat voice, which he usually had when talking to strangers, then rang my ears.

  “Ms. Kwon Hye Young, please. We have a reservation at two o’clock.”


  Only then did I raise my head to cast a far glance. Eun Jiho was talking to a lady at the counter, whose face was glowing radiantly like those working in beauty shops.

  My jaw dropped, thinking, ‘Wow, so here is where all the beauty queens have gathered.’ Of course, Eun Jiho was still larger than life in the midst of all that.

  Rambling those thoughts, I threw my glance at Eun Jiho’s platinum blond hair, framing his face under the photo studio-like dazzling lights, and revealed the subtle feelings I had on my face.

  Well, if those silver hairs want to look less impressive, he should better go to Hongdae or so…


  A moment after, the lady, who confirmed his name on the reservation list, ushered us to a private room and asked us what we wanted for drinks. Since I never been to this kind of place before, I felt uncomfortable in fear of having butterflies in my stomach, so I refused to order. Eun Jiho, who was staring at me, also turned his head to say, ‘No, thank you.’ The lady then politely bowed at us and left the room.

  When only the two of us were left in a place where I was a complete stranger, I felt so anxious that I glanced around, putting my elbow on the armrest with my chin on my palm.

  That was when I heard the leaking voice through the door.

  “OMG, is he the heir of Hanwool Group? Besides, a high school student?”


  “Just wait for two years and see what happens!”


  Hmm, I carefully thought about the answers as if it was me who received the questions. ‘I think he would either be a senior in high school or worldwide No. 0…’


  At that moment, Eun Jiho’s voice struck my ears.

  “Ham Donnie, what are you thinking?”


  “Huh? Oh, nothing.”


  He had good ears, but why wasn’t he hearing any of those things?

  That was when I looked up at him with mixed feelings. As the door opened, a lady then smoothly walked into the room.

  What first came into my sight was a shiny black hair running down her shoulders. Through her hair, I saw a pair of hoop earrings shaking alongside her steps, which made my jaw drop to the floor.

  Wow, although I was quite used to Ban Yeo Ryung’s appearance, she was such a drop-dead gorgeous. Her outfit, a black suit, looked too simple for her glamorous features; however, no one could look away from the beauty she flaunted. When our eyes met, she then smiled with her eyes. It fretted my heart that I sank my head on my chest eventually.

  Eun Jiho, sitting across from me, looked nonchalant as usual. What he said to her then made my eyes widen in surprise.

  “You still look fabulous, Hye Young noona.”


  I guess she was Kwon Hye Young, the owner of this beauty salon.

  But what did he just say? Noona…?

  Eun Jiho, who spoke out those words, looked unexpectedly comfortable. He still veiled himself with tension as we were in a public place; however, he was having the look that he put on his face when he encountered a person whom he had known for a long time. She then responded to him leisurely with her eyes curved into a smile.

  “So are you, my dear client. In a few years, you’ll blind everyone who walks pass by.”


  She then turned around to look at my direction and flung a question.

  “May I have the name of my new client here?”


  I, who was in a daze until now, opened my mouth in a hurry. Honestly, how often would I see that Eun Jiho showing such a casual attitude toward people older than him?

  “Um, my name is Ham Donnie. I’m Jiho’s…”


  “We’re in a relationship.”


  That was when he interrupted me by throwing some ridiculous words. With my eyes wide open, I turned my head.

  “What?”


  “Lovely!”


  Regardless of myself looking at Eun Jiho with my jaw dropped, Kwon Hye Young clapped her hands and emitted an exclamation. ‘I can tell my dear client is now a grown man!’ Lowering her head to my side, she then said with a grin.

  “What an adorable couple!”


  “Ah, um, I…”


  Taking a step back, I realized why I became, strangely, at a loss of words in front of Kwon Hye Young. ‘This unnie reminds me of Ban Yeo Ryung. No just her appearance, but her aura, the way she speaks, and the look on her face closely resemble Yeo Ryung.’


  Since three years ago, when I started my new life in this world as Ban Yeo Ryung pulled me with a firm grip on my hand, it has proved very well that I am particularly vulnerable to Ban Yeo Ryung.

  The moment when I was just pouting my lips speechlessly, a ludicrous remark flew over and struck me dumb.

  “Ham Donnie, are you ashamed of me?”


  I stood stiff like a robot for a while then slowly turned my head, feeling my neck hinge creaking. When I noticed that Eun Jiho was sending me a sad gaze, I just wanted myself to be blacked out. It was then that I realized what we had promised earlier, before entering this place. The BIRTHDAY…


  I struggled to turn my mouth up slightly to resemble the hint of a smile. Putting a forced grin, I answered back.

  “Ah… nope. Why would I be ashamed of you… I was just… playing.”


  “Really?”


  Switching his face instantly into a softer look, Eun Jiho stuck his hand out to me. I could hardly refuse his medieval gentleman-like attitude, so I quietly placed my palm on top of his hand.

  Oh, lord! Why me… for God’s sake…?

  Turning my head to furrow my brows, I swallowed my tears. Kwon Hye Young and Eun Jiho were, in the meantime, squabbling something from beside me.

  “Strange, dear. Why do I see a relationship with no chemistry?”


  “No chemistry? Can’t you see us holding hands affectionately?”


  Looking at me and Eun Jiho alternately, she spoke with a mischievous look.

  “I mean, she looks like a kidnapped princess…”


  “Enough. We’re doing fine, so would you prepare some matching outfits for us?”


  Listening to their conversations while barely pulling myself together, I raised my head in surprise at that point.

  Eun Jiho was wearing a bright white suit that looked brilliant with his platinum blond hair; however, I couldn’t put myself out there to say that I would look like human chalk with those on. Especially, in front of the lady whom I saw for the first time in my life.

  While I was in a dither, making a long face, Eun Jiho rolled his eyes in silence. Kwon Hye Young, beside him, stared at me for a second then carefully detached her lips; however, at that very moment, Eun Jiho called my name.

  “Ham Donnie.”


  “Why…”


  “Are you ashamed of me–?”


  “Ahhh! Okay, okay! I get it, so please don’t do that!”


  I shrieked in front of Ms. Kwon Hye Young while forgetting the fact that we had met for the first time. Eun Jiho asked me back with a veil of sorrow on his face.

  “Don’t do what?”


  “That face!”


  Blinking his eyes, Eun Jiho then nodded with a smile as an agreement. ‘I guess this would be it,’ I sighed; however, my cheeks tinged pale by his following actions.

  Holding my hand with a tightening grip, he flung a question with a shy face this time.

  “Then we’re wearing matching outfits as a couple, right?”

  “Argh!!! Eun Jiho, what the hell is wrong with you?”


  Looking at me, who was refusing his hands in fright, Ms. Kwon Hye Young put an awkward smile on her face. She then left the room, saying that she would bring the catalog.