Weekend.

---

The morning sunlight streamed through the grand windows of the Seol family estate, casting a warm glow over the elegantly set breakfast table. Seol Yoon-ah leaned back in her chair, poking at the last remnants of her fruit salad with a disgruntled expression.

"Where are you going?" her father asked, glancing at her over his newspaper.

Yoon-ah dramatically sighed, pushing her plate away. "Out. To try and salvage my stress-free life."

Her mother, sipping her coffee, raised a perfectly arched brow. "And what, exactly, is so stressful about your life right now?"

Yoon-ah shot her father a pointed look. "Because of him. Because of that flashy Car he forced on me, I've been living in anxiety. Every time I park somewhere, I feel like a target. The stares, the whispers—do you know how uncomfortable it is to be mistaken for some chaebol princess flaunting her wealth? People act like I should have a driver, a security detail, or a designer handbag worth another car! Now this is just me not parking at work! Imagine if I did!"

Across the table, Seol Hyun continued eating, his chopsticks moving at an even pace as he chewed, unimpressed. "Tragic. I'm sure the Car cries itself to sleep every night, feeling unappreciated."

Yoon-ah shot him a glare. "You wouldn't get it. You don't have to drive around in a vehicle that screams, 'I have money, kidnap me!'"

Seol Hyun exhaled through his nose, still eating. "Yeah, poor you. A Bentley. How do you even cope?"

"You say that because you're not the one getting stalked in parking lots by car enthusiasts!" She whined, "on weekends, I can't even grab coffee without someone middle aged man asking if I appreciate the craftsmanship of my car. I just want to drive without being weirded out by people."

Seol Hyun chewed his toast methodically, utterly unmoved by her plight. "Must be so hard." He muttered, eyes glued to his phone. "Being rich and oppressed."

Yoon-ah shot him a glare. "You're just salty because dad didn't get you one."

At that, he looked up finally. " And I have every right to be." He turned to his father, eyes aflame with deep seated betrayal. "Dad. I'm literally an athlete. I need fast transportation. What do I have? " He pointed to himself. "A humble sports student with a sports car of old."

"The one you call a 'car of old' is something I have you just last year. It's fast enough for you." His dad replied offhandedly, looking unbothered as he flipped a page of his newspaper.

"No. I need something of this year..."

Their father, utterly unfazed by their plight, hummed as he flipped a page. "You're both welcome, by the way."

"We didn't say thank you!" Yoon-ah pouted. "Dad, seriously! You should have just given it to Hyun-ie instead."

At this, Seol Hyun finally paused, glancing up with narrowed eyes. "You really want to rub salt in my wounds, huh?"

Their father stood, straightening his tie. "I see no problem. Hyun-ie can buy his own car when he graduates. And stops acting like a thug on a taekwondo mat."

Seol Hyun scoffed. "It's called training, not thuggery."

"Sure, son." Their father patted Yoon-ah's shoulder. "I'm heading to the study. Don't wreck the car, unless you plan on buying another."

"That's literally what I'm about to do!" Yoon-ah exclaimed as he strolled away.

Her mother watched him go before turning to Yoon-ah. "So?"

"I'm buying a more acceptable car for work. Something that won't turn heads. And less conspicuous too."

With the air of aristocratic disapproval and an unchanged expression on her face

"A Seol doesn't downsize." Her mother sighed, setting down her coffee. "I won't have anything modest in my house. You better go for the best. Do I give you money, or will you pay for yourself?"

Yoon-ah groaned, defeated. "Mom, that's not the point—"

"Do you need money or not?" her mother pressed.

Yoon-ah crossed her arms. "I'll pay for it myself."

"Suit yourself. But if you bring home anything ugly, I'm burning it."

"I won't bring home a rust bucket. I promise."

Her mom didn't say anything more. The silence was all Yoon-ah needed to know that her mother had agreed (begrudgingly). Yoon-ah and Hyun both knew that if thier mom agreed now, then her dad also agreed. That man would do anything for his wife.

Seol Hyun, who had been silent through their exchange, suddenly perked up when Yoon-ah turned to him. "Hyun-ie, come with me to pick out a car."

He didn't even hesitate. He dropped his phone so fast it was concerning. "Done. Why didn't you start with that?"

Yoon-ah squinted at the sudden enthusiasm."You agreed too fast."

"I like cars. You should know by now Noona."

"Still too fast."

"I would have followed you even if you told me to walk there, besides I want to bring someone along."

"Ah. There it is."

"Haneul's coming."

Yoon-ah blinked. "Haneul? The quiet fencing guy?"

Seol Hyuk shrugged. "Yeah. He said he'd visit today. Probably on his way already. I can't make him go back home or wait for me."

Their mother, looking mildly intrigued for the first time, glanced at her son. "The one who always stares at you?"

"He doesn't stare."

"Sweetheart, he absolutely stares."

"He just thinks before he speaks. Unlike some people at this table."

Just then, the doorbell rang. Seol Hyun got up, not bothering to check who it was, because he already knew.

A few moments later, Kang Haneul stepped into the entryway. He was smaller than Hyun, dressed neatly, his posture straight and refined. He nodded politely at their mother and Yoon-ah, but as expected, said nothing. His presence, however, lingered like a question left unanswered. He had a cute face but without an excitable expression. He was timid and shy looking.

"Haneul," Yoon-ah greeted. "You're coming with us?"

"Coming with you guys?" His smoky sounding voice was laced with a bit of confusion. His gaze that had been on Yoon-ah moved to Seol Hyun who– when he'd noticed his stare shrugged. "Mm."

His voice It was more of a sound than a word, but it was confirmation enough.

Their mother sighed. "At least he has manners. Unlike my children."

Yoon-ah stood up, smoothing her dress. "Let's get going."

Seol Hyun grabbed his keys. "We're taking my car."

"I have no issue with that."

As they headed out, Haneul fell into step beside Hyun, the contrast between them as striking as ever. He said nothing, just cast Hyun a timid glance before looking away, his thoughts once again unreadable.

And just like that, the adventure to find Yoon-ah a 'modest' car began.

---

The dealership was sleek and polished, a quiet hum of business in the air as salespeople moved between gleaming cars. Seol Yoon-ah walked in with easy confidence, her sharp heels clicking against the showroom floor. Beside her, Seol Hyun strolled in with his usual composed air, hands in his pockets, looking effortlessly put together.

Trailing just slightly behind them was Kang Haneul, silent as ever, his gaze flickering across the vehicles with interest before settling—subtly, as always—on Hyun.

A well-dressed salesperson approached them with a practiced smile. "Welcome! How can I assist you today?"

Yoon-ah sighed. "I need a new car. Something practical. Office worker normal."

The salesperson hesitated, taking in her expensive coat and unmistakable aura of wealth. "Of course, Miss. We have several models that are popular among professionals—"

Before he could continue, Hyun—who had so far been watching with detached boredom—suddenly moved. His gaze sharpened, scanning the showroom with laser focus. He was calm, yes, but now his interest was undeniable.

Haneul noticed the shift, his expression unreadable.

The salesperson led them to a Hyundai Grandeur first.

"One of our best sellers among corporate professionals," he said with enthusiasm.

Yoon-ah glanced at Hyun for his take. He exhaled quietly, studying the car with a measured gaze before giving his verdict.

"It's decent. Safe choice. Reliable engine." He paused. "Also the car of a guy who always orders an Americano and calls it a day."

Yoon-ah frowned. "That doesn't sound bad."

Hyun shrugged. "It's fine." His tone was calm, but his lack of excitement made it clear—he wouldn't be caught dead in it.

The next car was a Genesis G70.

"This is great for young professionals who want a mix of performance and luxury," the salesperson explained.

Hyun ran a hand over the sleek exterior, then gave a slow nod. "A logical choice. Sporty. Balanced. You'd fit in with all the guys who bring protein shakes to work."

Yoon-ah sighed. "You're giving personality analyses to cars again."

"It's just facts."

Then came the Volkswagen Arteon.

"How about this one?" the salesperson asked.

Hyun took one look at it and hummed. "For people who wear turtlenecks and always have a book in their bag they never actually read."

Yoon-ah turned to Haneul, who had been listening quietly. "What do you think?"

Haneul, who rarely gave strong opinions, glanced at the car before simply saying, "It's alright."

Hyun smirked. "Which means it's mid."

Haneul's dark eyes flickered between Yoon-ah and the car before he gave a small nod. "It's practical."

"Practical?" Hyun smirked. "That's what you say about your fencing gear, dude."

Haneul didn't reply, just blinked slowly, his expression unreadable as always.

Finally, they came across a BMW 3 Series.

"This one has excellent handling, stylish but not excessive," the salesperson continued.

Hyun studied it for a moment longer than the others. "It's a car for people who say they 'invest in experiences' but only ever take business-class flights to the same five countries."

Yoon-ah pinched the bridge of her nose. "Do you ever just… like something?"

"I like good cars," he said simply.

She turned back to the Hyundai Grandeur, ignoring her brother's blatant disapproval. "I'll take this one."

Hyun exhaled, a picture of resigned disappointment. "Sure. Go blend in with the finance department's lunch crowd."

"That's the point," she shot back.

As the paperwork was being finalized, Hyun casually flipped through a car brochure. Haneul, who had been standing beside him, leaned slightly to look at the page—one of the higher-end sports models.

"You'd buy that if you could?" Haneul asked, voice as soft as ever.

Hyun smirked, his usual cool demeanor slipping just slightly. "In a heartbeat."

Haneul gave a small nod, thoughtful but unreadable.

And just like that, the moment passed.

Yoon-ah stretched, satisfied. "Finally. I can drive in peace."

Hyun shut the brochure, slipping his hands into his pockets. "Great. Can we please go eat now?"

"You didn't do anything except judge my choices."

"And suffer while doing so."

Haneul exhaled lightly—just barely a sound. If Yoon-ah wasn't paying attention, she wouldn't have caught it.

But she did. And she wondered, briefly, if he was laughing.