Chapter 9: Who Is This Man

Chapter 9: Who Is This Man

The restaurant maintained an elite atmosphere through its golden chandeliers which created a gentle warm light that illuminated the perfectly set tables. Classical music created a soft backdrop as silverware sounds and minimally raised voices flowed between each other.

Urek Han occupied a table near the windows while his intense stare examined the restaurant's luxurious design before resting on Kim Jenny who faced him. Her appearance was stunning as usual with her chestnut-brown hair flowing over her shoulders to frame her delicate facial features. The unreadable emotion in her eyes combined with her shy smile that curved her glossy lips.

Tonight, she seemed different.

The two remained silent for an extended period. Urek maintained a relaxed posture while he examined Jenny's facial expressions through his crossed arms. She looked… nervous? That was rare.

She removed a perfectly wrapped present from her elegant handbag before setting it carefully on the table in front of them. The silk wrapping shone brightly under the restaurant's dim lighting as the golden ribbon displayed perfect craftsmanship.

"Urek," Jenny said softly, her voice carrying an unusual tenderness. "This is for you."

A gift? From Kim Jenny?

Urek's eyebrows rose slightly as he kept quiet. Jenny never provided random gifts to anyone but she chose to give him something special.

She moved the package toward him while her fingers showed a faint tremor. "It's a painting. I spent the entire night working on its completion.

Urek didn't immediately react. He gazed at the package while tapping his fingers on the table's smooth surface.

A painting?

He had never received such a valuable present from anyone in his life.

The light expectation in Jenny's gaze combined with her nervous bite of her lip made him feel this moment was important.

Urek maintained his composure when faced with the gift.

Slowly, he reached forward, his fingers brushing against the silky fabric as he undid the golden ribbon with deliberate ease. The wrapping fell away, revealing a canvas.

As he unfolded it, his sharp eyes traced over the painting. The colors blended together with skillful strokes, creating an image that felt personal, expressive, and undeniably beautiful. It was clear that Jenny had put a great deal of effort into it.

She leaned forward slightly, her gaze locked onto his, searching for a reaction.

"Do you like it?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty.

Urek's grip on the painting tightened slightly.

Kim Jenny… this is bait, isn't it?

His mind worked quickly. Jenny was smart, calculating—she wouldn't go through all this trouble without an agenda. But what was she after?

His expression remained unreadable, but the corner of his lips twitched, betraying the amusement flickering in his eyes.

Jenny's excitement faltered as she noticed his lack of response. Her fingers fidgeted in her lap.

"Wait… You don't like it?" she asked hesitantly. "I—I thought you might…"

Urek finally looked up, his dark gaze locking onto hers. But instead of answering, he suddenly reached out and snatched the painting from the table.

Jenny gasped. "Hey—!"

Before she could react, he leaned in, closing the distance between them in an instant. The warmth of his breath brushed against her cheek, sending an unexpected shiver down her spine.

His voice dropped to a smooth, teasing whisper.

"In the future," he murmured, his lips barely an inch from her ear, "if you don't receive gifts like this… then you'll have to take responsibility for me."

Jenny's entire body stiffened.

Her mind went blank.

Her heart skipped a beat—then another.

She could feel the heat creeping up her neck, burning into her cheeks.

"You—!" she stammered, abruptly pushing against his chest. "You damn guy! How outrageous! You scared me to death!"

But Urek didn't budge. Instead, he held onto her wrist, his grip firm yet not forceful. His fingers were warm against her skin, sending an unfamiliar sensation coursing through her body.

"Kim Jenny," he said smoothly, his voice deep and velvety, "compared to your gift… I think I prefer you more as a person."

The words hit Jenny like a lightning strike.

Her breath hitched.

Her heart pounded wildly in her chest.

For the first time in a long while, Kim Jenny—the school beauty who was always in control—felt completely thrown off balance.

And just as the overwhelming emotions started to settle—

[Ding! Kim Jenny's favorability +5.]

As Urek Han held Kim Jenny in his arms, he could feel the warmth of her body against him, the faint scent of jasmine clinging to her like a delicate whisper. She was soft, fragile in his embrace, yet there was a sharp glint in her eyes—a woman who knew how to wield beauty as a weapon.

For a brief moment, neither of them spoke. The world around them faded, leaving only the sound of their breathing, the silent battle of intentions between them.

Urek smirked inwardly.

She thinks she's playing me.

He could see it—the way she used charm and affection to control people, to keep them within reach yet just far enough to maintain her advantage. But Urek wasn't a fool.

You want to take advantage of me?

Fine. Let's see who wins this game.

Just as he was about to tighten his grip, a sharp voice sliced through the moment.

"Kim Jenny!"

The air tensed.

Jenny stiffened in his arms.

A figure stormed toward them, his expression a storm of fury and disbelief.

"Didn't you say you were going for a manicure with your best friend?" The young man's voice was cold, his dark eyes burning with accusation as they landed on Urek. His jaw tightened, fists clenched at his sides.

"Who is this man?"

Silence.

Jenny's breath hitched, and Urek?

He only smiled.