Chapter 23: Ryu Taesan

Sera and I had made a silent agreement—we would keep our relationship a secret from everyone except Dohyun and her brother, Soobin. It wasn't just a matter of privacy; it was about safety. With the threats looming over us, revealing our bond to the world would only put her in more danger. And I couldn't let that happen. Not after everything.

It was already late when my phone buzzed.

Jihoon hyung.

"Come to my office. Now."

His voice was sharp, urgent. Something had happened.

Without hesitation, I grabbed my coat and rushed out.

When I entered Jihoon hyung's office, the atmosphere was suffocating. He was sitting behind his desk, his fingers tapping against the wooden surface. His face was serious—too serious. The dim lighting made the tension in the room feel even heavier.

The moment our eyes met, he stared at me strangely. There was something unsettling in his gaze, something that sent a shiver down my spine.

He gestured towards the chair in front of him. "Sit."

I obeyed without a word.

Then, in a grave tone, he finally spoke.

"I got some clues about your father's case."

My breath caught in my throat.

My father's case.

The very thing that had haunted me since that day. The accident. The guilt. The pain I had carried all these years.

"Mr. Ryu Jin's death…" he paused, watching me carefully, "wasn't normal. It was preplanned."

The words hit me like a truck.

I clenched my fists on my lap, my body rigid. "What… what do you mean?"

Jihoon hyung exhaled sharply. "You were driving that day, right?"

I nodded, my voice hoarse. "Yes. It was my first time… I had just gotten my license."

He leaned forward, his eyes piercing. "Tell me in detail. Everything that happened that day. I know a bit from my father, but I want to hear it from you."

I swallowed the lump in my throat and forced myself to revisit that nightmare.

March 3rd.

"One of our business partner's daughters was getting married that day," I started, my voice strained. "The wedding was a huge event. My father, my mother, and I attended together. Our family driver took us there."

Jihoon nodded, listening intently.

"During dinner, my father suddenly said he wasn't feeling well. He said it was just gastric issues, but… he looked pale. Restless."

I sucked in a sharp breath, my fingers gripping my knee.

"My mother was busy chatting with people. I looked for her—I searched everywhere. I called her. She didn't answer." My jaw tightened. "I didn't want to waste time. I told my father I'd drive him to the hospital myself."

My heartbeat pounded in my ears.

"I was so careful. It was my first time driving him. I didn't take any risks." My voice wavered, but I pushed forward. "And then… something felt wrong."

I exhaled sharply, my chest tightening.

"The brakes… failed."

Jihoon hyung didn't say anything. He just let me continue.

"I pressed the pedal—nothing. I tried again—nothing." I swallowed hard, my hands gripping the edge of my seat. "I panicked. I was losing control. And then… I saw it."

My breathing grew unsteady.

The light.

A massive truck's headlights.

It was too close. Too fast. I had nowhere to go.

Everything blurred.

A loud crash.

A scream.

And then… blackness.

When I finally looked up, my vision was blurry. I didn't even realize I was breathing heavily, my chest rising and falling rapidly.

Jihoon hyung studied me for a moment before reaching for his laptop.

"Alright," he said, his voice quieter but firm. "I need you to see something."

He turned the screen towards me. My eyes locked onto the first clip.

The Wedding Parking Lot – Security Footage

A man in a hoodie and a mask appeared from the shadows, walking straight toward our car.

My heartbeat spiked.

He looked around, cautious, before opening the car door. He climbed inside.

Five minutes passed.

Then, he stepped out and disappeared into the alley.

My blood ran cold.

Before I could even process that, Jihoon hyung played the second clip.

The accident.

I watched myself driving. The exact moment I realized the brakes had failed.

The car swerved, completely out of control.

And then—the truck.

The brutal impact.

I flinched. My stomach churned violently.

Jihoon hyung's voice cut through the suffocating silence.

"Brake Failure + Truck Collision."

I tore my gaze away from the screen, my entire body shaking.

He continued. "Someone cut the brake fluid. That's why you couldn't stop."

I could barely breathe.

"The person who did this arranged for a large truck to block an intersection. You swerved at the last second, but the impact hit the passenger side—where your father was sitting."

I felt nauseous.

"Your father died instantly." Jihoon hyung's voice was steady, but I could see the tension in his eyes.

My fingers dug into my palms. My vision blurred.

"You survived with injuries," he continued. "But your father… someone made sure he wouldn't."

My heart clenched. I felt like I was drowning, suffocated by the weight of something I had never been able to understand.

And then—

Jihoon hyung's next words shattered me.

"Someone also mixed something in your father's food."

My head snapped up.

My breath hitched.

"…What?"

He met my eyes, his expression dark. "It wasn't just the brakes. Someone poisoned him first. That's why he felt unwell after dinner. That's why he was restless."

My chest tightened so painfully I thought I might collapse.

Everything… was planned.

From the poisoned food… to the brake failure… to the truck's position.

They had calculated everything.

They wanted him dead.

And I—

I was just collateral damage.

The weight of the truth suffocated me. My hands trembled, my breath came in shallow gasps.

For a long time, I had blamed myself. I thought it was my fault.

But now—

Someone had murdered my father.

And they had let me live.

Why?

My blood boiled, my fists clenched so tightly my nails dug into my skin.

I looked up at Jihoon hyung, my voice low, unsteady.

"Who did this?"

He didn't answer. Not yet.

But his silence told me one thing—

We were about to find out.

The weight of the truth still pressed heavily on my chest, but there was no time to dwell on it. We needed answers.

Jihoon hyung sat across from me, his expression unreadable. The dim office light flickered slightly, casting sharp shadows across his face. His fingers tapped rhythmically against the desk—a habit he had when he was deep in thought.

Then, finally, he spoke.

"Tomorrow, Senior detective Seok Hanbin and Prosecutor Jeonghan will talk to your business partner—the one whose daughter's wedding was held that day. We need to collect the guest list and find out exactly who attended."

I nodded, trying to steady my breathing.

"The people who were invited aren't trustable," he continued, his voice dark. "Someone among them mixed something into your father's food."

My stomach churned violently.

This wasn't just some shadowed figure hiding in the dark. It was someone close enough to be a guest at that wedding. Someone who had access to my father's meal.

I swallowed hard, my jaw clenching.

Jihoon hyung's next words pulled me from my thoughts. "Where is your mom right now?"

My body tensed.

A long silence stretched between us before I exhaled, my voice quiet yet firm. "I have no clue. I haven't contacted her since… You know what happened."

Since she left me behind. Since she turned her back on me.

Jihoon hyung studied me carefully, then leaned forward. "Where would she go?"

I hesitated.

Where could she go?

And then it hit me.

"Her hometown."

His eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you sure?"

I nodded, but uncertainty gnawed at me. "Ninety percent sure. She has nowhere else to go except there." I paused, my fingers tightening into fists. "Her visa and passport got rejected when she was trying to run away. That's all I heard."

Jihoon hyung let out a slow exhale, processing my words. "Alright. Make sure where she is."

I reached for my phone without hesitation. "Give me a minute. I'll call Jongkook nim."

Jihoon hyung nodded, watching me carefully as I dialed the number.

Ring.

Ring.

Then, a click.

"Hello?"

Jongkook nim's voice was calm as always, but there was an edge of alertness, as if he already knew why I was calling.

I got straight to the point. "Jongkook nim, can you confirm where my mother is right now?"

A brief pause. Then, "Okay. Give me some time."

"Thanks." I hung up, my grip tightening around the phone.

The seconds stretched into minutes, my heartbeat loud in my ears. I could feel Jihoon hyung's gaze on me, but neither of us spoke.

Then—my phone rang again.

I picked up immediately. "Jongkook nim?"

His answer was short, firm. "She's at her hometown."

My chest tightened. I exhaled, rubbing my temple. Of course, she was.

But before I could respond, Jongkook nim's next words sent a shock through my system.

"I have a spy on her."

I froze.

My grip on the phone tightened as I processed what he just said. "…Wait, what?"

"You didn't tell me that," I said, my voice dangerously low.

Jongkook nim let out a light chuckle. "You don't need to know these things, kid." His voice softened slightly. "Let me handle some things. You're already under too much pressure."

I swallowed hard, my throat dry.

Jongkook nim had always been like a second father to me. Always watching over me, always handling things I didn't even realize needed handling. But this… this was something else.

Still, I couldn't argue. Not now.

"Thanks, Jongkook nim," I said quietly before ending the call.

I turned back to Jihoon hyung, who had been silently watching the entire exchange.

"Hyung." My voice came out steadier than I expected. "She's in her hometown. A village side."

He nodded once, his expression unreadable.

"Alright."

The weight in my chest didn't lift.

Because deep down… I knew.

Finding her was just the beginning.

The tension from my conversation with Jihoon hyung still lingered in my chest, but I pushed it aside. My mind was exhausted, my body even more so. I needed something—anything—to distract myself.

And that's how I ended up at the grocery store with Jihyo.

She had insisted on coming, saying she needed snacks for school, and since I had nothing better to do, I agreed.

The store wasn't too crowded, the warm yellow lights casting a soft glow over the shelves. Jihyo walked ahead of me, scanning the aisles with excitement. She hummed a little tune as she stuffed way too many snack packs into the basket she made me carry.

"Jihyo." I gave her a blank stare. "How much are you planning to buy?"

She grinned. "Oppa, you wouldn't understand. A high schooler's snack stash is sacred."

I sighed, adjusting the weight of the basket. "You're lucky I'm too tired to argue."

She just giggled and skipped ahead.

I followed behind, moving toward the beverage aisle when suddenly—

A voice called out.

"Excuse me?"

I turned around to see a high school girl, probably around Jihyo's age. She had neatly tied brown hair, a school uniform, and a notebook in her hands. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and she looked nervous.

"Um… You're really handsome," she said, her voice shy but determined. "Can I have your number?"

For a moment, I just blinked.

What?

I wasn't used to things like this. Sure, people often stared, sometimes whispered, but a high school girl boldly asking for my number?

I cleared my throat, unsure how to respond.

Before I could say anything, Jihyo stepped in.

She placed a hand on her hip, tilted her head, and gave the girl a sweet but smug smile.

"My brother is already taken."

My entire body froze.

Wait. What?

The girl's eyes widened, her face turning redder than before. "Oh— I— I'm so sorry! I didn't know—"

She quickly turned around and rushed away, practically running out of the store.

I stood there in complete shock, my brain processing what just happened.

Jihyo casually picked up a drink from the shelf like she didn't just drop a bomb on me.

I turned to her, narrowing my eyes. "How did you know?"

She opened her drink and took a sip before looking up at me with an innocent face. "Know what?"

I crossed my arms. "That I'm… taken."

She rolled her eyes. "Oppa, you're my brother. Even if we're step-siblings, I can still read you like a book."

I frowned. "That doesn't answer my question."

She smirked, looking way too proud of herself. "You've been smiling like an idiot since yesterday."

I blinked. "…No, I haven't."

She raised a brow. "Oh really? So you weren't blushing when you were looking at your phone earlier?"

I clenched my jaw. "…That was the lighting."

She let out a laugh. "Sure, Oppa. Sure."

I sighed, shaking my head. "You're ridiculous."

Then, she grinned mischievously.

"Also, I heard you calling Sera Unnie last night."

My breath hitched.

Damn it.

She saw my reaction and immediately smirked harder.

"See? Caught you."

I rubbed my face, exhaling sharply. "You're too nosy for your own good."

She shrugged. "It's my job as your little sister."

I shook my head but couldn't stop the small smile forming on my lips.

Sera Unnie.

I liked the way Jihyo said it. Like she already accepted Sera as part of our family.

I cleared my throat, changing the subject. "Come on. Let's finish shopping before you empty my wallet."

Jihyo giggled. "Too late for that."

I sighed dramatically, but as we walked toward the cashier, I felt lighter.

Maybe… just maybe… having a little sister wasn't so bad.

That evening, I was lying on the couch, scrolling through my phone, when the doorbell rang.

"Taesan Oppa, get the door!" Jihyo called out from the kitchen, her voice muffled from the snacks she was munching on.

"You get it," I replied lazily.

"I'm busy!"

I sighed, dragging myself up and heading to the door. When I opened it, Dohyun stood there, looking as unbothered as ever.

"Finally home?" he said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. "I was about to put out a missing person's report."

I rolled my eyes. "I was literally at work."

Dohyun shrugged. "Work is overrated."

Before I could respond, Jihyo suddenly appeared, practically materializing from thin air. She smoothed down her hair, adjusted her clothes, and smiled way too sweetly.

"Oh! Dohyun Oppa, you're here?" Her voice was softer than usual—way too soft.

I almost laughed. Oh, here we go.

Dohyun turned to her with a polite nod. "Jihyo."

She beamed. "Come sit here! Right next to me! Do you want something to drink? Water? Juice? Coffee? I can make tea! Oh, but you probably like coffee more—wait, do you take sugar?"

I bit my lip to keep from laughing.

Dohyun blinked at her, his expression unreadable. "…Water is fine."

Jihyo practically sprinted to the fridge, grabbed a bottle, and almost tripped over herself on the way back. She handed it to him with both hands, her face completely red.

"Here you go, Oppa."

Dohyun took the bottle calmly, acting like he didn't notice how Jihyo was literally trembling with excitement.

"Thanks." He twisted the cap open and took a sip.

Jihyo stared at him.

Just stared.

I leaned back on the couch, watching the disaster unfold.

She was so obvious, and yet Dohyun sat there with the most neutral expression in the world, as if he had no idea what was happening.

Then—

"So, Oppa… do you have a girlfriend?" Jihyo blurted out.

I choked on air.

Dohyun blinked at her. "…Why?"

Jihyo's face turned as red as a tomato. "Oh! No reason! Just curious! You know, because you're handsome and all…"

Dohyun nodded slowly, then turned to me. "Taesan, your sister is asking weird questions."

I burst out laughing.

"Dohyun, she just complimented you. Say thank you."

Dohyun turned back to Jihyo, who looked two seconds away from fainting. "Thanks?" he said, his voice so painfully casual that it made it even funnier.

Jihyo grabbed a pillow and screamed into it.

I patted her head. "It's okay, Jihyo. He's just dense."

Dohyun smirked slightly—so small that only I noticed. Oh, you clever bastard. You know exactly what's happening.

Jihyo peeked out from behind her pillow. "Oppa, do you like younger girls?"

Dohyun took another sip of his water. "…I like water."

I lost it.

Jihyo groaned dramatically. "Why are you like this?"

Dohyun smiled—really smiled—and ruffled her hair. "You're funny, Jihyo."

I swear I saw actual hearts appear in her eyes.

I shook my head, sighing. "Dohyun, stop torturing her."

Dohyun stretched, acting completely innocent. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Liar.

Jihyo was still sitting on the couch, hugging her pillow, her face redder than ever. She was clearly flustered, and yet she refused to give up.

I sighed, already mentally preparing for whatever embarrassing thing she was about to do next.

Dohyun, on the other hand, remained completely composed, as if he wasn't fully aware of how much chaos he was causing.

Then—Jihyo sat up straighter, determined.

"Dohyun Oppa, are you staying for dinner?" she asked, her eyes bright with hope.

I glanced at him. Please say no.

Dohyun tilted his head slightly. "…What's for dinner?"

Jihyo practically jumped to her feet. "I'll cook! Anything you want! Just tell me, and I'll make it!"

I groaned, throwing my head back. "Jihyo, you literally burn instant ramen."

She whipped around, glaring at me. "I have skills, Oppa! I just never had a reason to show them before!"

I raised a brow. "Oh? So Dohyun is the 'reason' now?"

She turned even redder.

Dohyun, as expected, acted completely oblivious. He leaned back on the couch, totally relaxed.

"I don't mind staying for dinner."

I sat up immediately. "No, no, no—he doesn't mean that. You're busy, right, Dohyun?"

He smirked slightly—so subtle that only I noticed.

"Nope. I'm free."

Jihyo beamed. "Yay! I'll cook, then! Just wait here, Oppa!"

With that, she ran into the kitchen, nearly tripping over her own feet in excitement.

I stared at her, then turned back to Dohyun.

"…Why are you doing this?"

He took another sip of his water, completely unbothered.

"What do you mean?"

I glared. "You know exactly what you're doing."

Dohyun smirked. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

I rubbed my face in frustration. "You're playing with her."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm really not."

I raised a brow. "Then why did you agree to stay?"

Dohyun stretched lazily. "Because it's funny watching you suffer."

This bastard.

I threw a cushion at him, but he dodged it effortlessly, still smirking.

From the kitchen, I heard a loud crash.

Jihyo's panicked voice followed immediately after. "I'M OKAY! EVERYTHING IS UNDER CONTROL!"

Dohyun and I locked eyes.

I sighed. "I should go check before she burns the apartment down."

Dohyun grinned. "Yeah. I'd rather not die today."

I shook my head and walked to the kitchen, mentally preparing myself for whatever disaster awaited.

Jihyo was standing there, holding a frying pan upside down, looking way too proud of herself.

I glanced at the stove. Something was already smoking.

I sighed. "You know what, Jihyo? Let's just order takeout."

She pouted. "But—"

"No buts." I grabbed my phone. "Dohyun, you're fine with fried chicken, right?"

He called back from the living room, still amused. "Yeah, sounds good."

Jihyo sighed dramatically. "Fine… but next time, I'll cook properly for you, Dohyun Oppa!"

I rolled my eyes. "He might not survive 'next time.'"

Jihyo smacked my arm. "Shut up, Oppa!"

Dohyun just sat back, watching us with an unreadable expression.

But I knew him.

He wasn't clueless at all. He just liked to make things interesting.

And unfortunately for me—he was too good at it.

After finally convincing Jihyo that her cooking skills were not fit for human consumption, I placed an order for fried chicken. She was still sulking, but the moment I told her we were getting extra cheese balls, she lit up like a Christmas tree.

Dohyun was still lounging on the couch, completely relaxed, watching our sibling argument like it was some kind of entertainment show.

When I sat down next to him, he smirked. "So, is this what your daily life looks like?"

I scoffed. "This is just a warm-up. You should see her when she wants something expensive."

Jihyo, who was now comfortably sitting across from us, huffed dramatically. "I am a very reasonable person!"

Dohyun raised a brow. "Really?"

Jihyo nodded confidently. "Of course! For example, if I wanted something, I'd only ask my brother three times before I start guilt-tripping him."

I threw a pillow at her. "See what I deal with?"

Dohyun chuckled, shaking his head. "Remind me never to owe you anything, Jihyo."

Jihyo immediately perked up. "Oh, Oppa! You already owe me something!"

I narrowed my eyes. "What now?"

She smiled way too sweetly. "A date."

I choked on air.

Dohyun blinked. "…What?"

Jihyo clasped her hands together dramatically. "Oppa, you've been single for way too long! I'm just saying, if you ever need suggestions, I have a whole list of cute girls—"

I threw another pillow at her. "Jihyo, stop harassing him!"

She dodged it, giggling mischievously. "What? I just think Dohyun Oppa should experience a little romance!"

Dohyun, being the master of poker faces, simply tilted his head. "Why do I feel like this isn't about me?"

Jihyo froze.

Busted.

Her eyes darted away. "W-What do you mean?"

Dohyun leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees, his gaze sharp but amused. "Jihyo, are you trying to set me up with someone… or are you trying to set yourself up with me?"

I covered my mouth to keep from laughing.

Jihyo's soul left her body.

Her face turned red—no, scarlet. She opened her mouth, closed it, then opened it again. "I-I— That's— You—"

Dohyun smirked slightly—just enough for me to know that he was having the time of his life watching her panic.

I decided to add fuel to the fire. "Jihyo, why are you blushing so much? Is it hot in here?"

Jihyo threw a pillow at ME this time. "TAESAN OPPA, SHUT UP!"

Dohyun leaned back, arms crossed. "I'm flattered, Jihyo."

Jihyo looked like she wanted to sink into the floor.

Ding dong.

The doorbell rang. Saved by the chicken.

Jihyo SPRINTED to the door like her life depended on it.

As she disappeared, Dohyun turned to me, his smirk still in place. "Your sister is fun to mess with."

I sighed. "Yeah, well, you better be careful. If she ever thinks she has a chance, I'm gonna have to start planning your funeral."

Dohyun chuckled, shaking his head. "Noted."

Jihyo came back holding the food tray like it was a treasure chest.

"Okay! Let's eat!" she announced, acting like she hadn't just embarrassed herself five minutes ago.

I shook my head, but I had to admit—

Dinners at home had never been this entertaining.

As soon as Jihyo placed the food on the table, she clapped her hands together dramatically and declared, "Okay! Let's eat!"

Dohyun and I exchanged a look. She was definitely trying to pretend the last five minutes never happened.

I smirked. "Jihyo, your face is still red."

She whipped her head toward me, her eyes wide. "NO, IT'S NOT."

Dohyun, ever the troublemaker in disguise, casually grabbed a cheese ball and said, "It is."

Jihyo let out an exaggerated groan, grabbing a drumstick and taking a huge bite just to avoid answering.

I laughed, reaching for a piece of chicken. "At least she's eating instead of throwing pillows."

She pointed at me with her chopsticks. "You're just jealous because I'm a natural flirt."

I choked on my drink. "I'm sorry, what?"

Dohyun chuckled, shaking his head. "A natural flirt?"

Jihyo nodded confidently, now fully recovering from her embarrassment. "Of course. Oppa, you saw how I handled that high school girl earlier. I have skills."

I scoffed. "Jihyo, you panicked and hid behind a pillow."

She glared. "That was a tactical retreat."

Dohyun smirked. "So, what's your strategy with me?"

Jihyo froze mid-bite.

I nearly fell off the couch laughing. Dohyun had turned the tables on her so effortlessly.

She stared at him, completely flustered, before mumbling, "…I'm still working on it."

Dohyun leaned back, looking way too satisfied. "Take your time."

Jihyo groaned, grabbing a cheese ball and shoving it into her mouth aggressively.

I wiped away a tear from laughing. "Dohyun, I think you just broke my sister."

Dohyun gave a small shrug. "She's entertaining."

Jihyo swallowed her food and pointed at him. "Oppa, don't underestimate me. One day, I will win."

Dohyun, cool as ever, simply took another bite of his food. "Good luck."

I sighed, shaking my head. "Jihyo, just eat your chicken."

She pouted but finally focused on her food, muttering something about "playing the long game."

Dohyun looked at me, smirking. "Your house is fun."

I sighed. "Yeah, fun for you because you're not the one suffering."

He just laughed, and honestly—I couldn't even argue.

After we finally stopped teasing Jihyo, the three of us focused on eating. The fried chicken was perfectly crispy, the cheese balls melted in my mouth, and for a while, there was a comfortable silence.

But of course, Jihyo couldn't stay quiet for long.

She turned to me with a mischievous smile. "Taesan Oppa, do you and Sera Noona eat together like this?"

I froze mid-bite.

Dohyun immediately looked at me with interest, as if he'd been waiting for this conversation.

I cleared my throat, acting like I wasn't affected. "Why are you asking?"

Jihyo smirked. "Because you've been smiling at your phone a lot lately. And you keep looking at your messages when you think no one's watching."

Dohyun raised an eyebrow. "Is that true?"

I gave him a look. "Don't encourage her."

Jihyo ignored me and continued, "Oh! And the other night? I totally heard you whispering on the phone. 'Good night, Sera.'"

Dohyun's lips twitched. "Oh?"

I groaned, putting my head in my hands. "Jihyo. Mind. Your. Business."

She gasped dramatically. "So, you admit it! You two are acting like a real couple now?"

I glanced at Dohyun, expecting him to laugh, but he was watching me carefully. His usual amused expression had faded into something more thoughtful.

I sighed, leaning back. "We're keeping it quiet. It's not safe right now."

Jihyo's playful energy dimmed slightly at that. "Because of what's happening, right?"

I nodded. "Yeah. Only you, Dohyun, and Soobin hyung know. And I want it to stay that way."

Dohyun leaned forward slightly, tapping his fingers on his glass. "How is she?"

I exhaled. "She says she's fine, but… she's not. She's been through too much."

Jihyo's voice softened. "She's strong, though."

I smiled slightly. "Yeah. She is."

Dohyun watched me for a moment before asking, "And you? Are you happy, Taesan?"

I blinked at him. The question caught me off guard.

Was I happy?

For the first time in years… I think I was.

I wasn't just surviving. I wasn't drowning in guilt or fighting against my past alone anymore.

I had Sera.

I looked down at my phone. A message from her was waiting. "Did you eat dinner? Don't skip meals."

A small smile tugged at my lips before I typed a quick response. "I'm eating now. You?"

Jihyo caught my expression and gasped. "Oh my God. You're smiling like an idiot right now."

I threw a napkin at her. "Shut up."

Dohyun just smirked. "He's in deep."

I didn't deny it.

Jihyo was still giggling about my smile when my phone buzzed again.

Sera: "I just finished eating. What are you doing?"

I started typing a reply, but before I could send it, Jihyo snatched my phone right out of my hands.

"YAH!" I tried to grab it back, but she jumped over the couch, holding it away from me like a kid stealing candy.

"Ooooh, should I send her a heart emoji?" she teased, her fingers hovering over the keyboard.

Dohyun sat back, completely entertained. "I'd like to see how this plays out."

"Jihyo, give it back." I stood up, towering over her, but she dodged behind the table, grinning.

"Not until you say, 'I really, really like Sera!'"

I glared. "I'm not saying that."

"Then I'm sending a '💋' emoji to her right now."

I lunged.

Jihyo squealed and ran, but I was faster. I grabbed her wrist, twisting my phone out of her grip in one swift motion.

"Ha." I smirked, holding it up victoriously.

Jihyo pouted, crossing her arms. "You're no fun."

I checked the screen—luckily, she hadn't sent anything embarrassing. I quickly typed a response to Sera.

"Just dealing with my annoying little sister."

A second later, she replied.

Sera: "Jihyo?"

Me: "Who else?"

Sera: "Be nice to her. She likes you a lot."

I glanced at Jihyo, who was now stuffing her face with cheese balls, still sulking.

I sighed, reaching over to ruffle her hair. "Alright, brat. I won't be mean."

Jihyo swatted my hand away. "Too late! You already are."

Dohyun, still watching, smirked. "This is cute. You two have a very… sibling-like relationship."

I rolled my eyes. "Obviously."

Jihyo, suddenly looking excited again, turned to Dohyun. "Oppa! What do you think about Sera unnie?"

Dohyun paused mid-sip of his drink.

I narrowed my eyes. "Why?"

Jihyo grinned. "I'm just curious! She's kind of like my sister-in-law now."

I choked. "Who said that?!"

Dohyun, instead of answering immediately, set his glass down and looked at me. "She's good for you."

The simple statement hit harder than I expected.

Jihyo beamed. "Right?! I knew it!"

Dohyun continued, his voice serious now. "You're different when you talk about her, Taesan. Lighter."

I didn't know how to respond to that.

Jihyo, on the other hand, sighed dramatically. "Ugh, this is so romantic. Oppa, you should call her."

I scoffed. "Why would I call her?"

Jihyo wiggled her eyebrows. "Because you miss her."

I threw a napkin at her again.

But later that night, when I was alone in my room, my finger hovered over Sera's contact.

And for some reason…

I pressed the call.