Chapter 7

Seungwoo kept his eyes on me, watching like he could see right through every thought in my head.

"Mr. Seungwoo," Nakyung said with a teasing smile, clearly enjoying the tension.

That's when the music began to play, soft and elegant at first. The lights dimmed a little, casting a warm, romantic glow over the room. People started moving to the dance floor, laughter echoing around us.

Then I saw her—Yuna.

She turned to Joonseo, said something I couldn't hear, and just like that… he nodded.

They walked hand in hand to the floor, and he placed his hand on her waist as they started to dance.

My heart sank. That tight feeling in my chest? It broke.

This is the end, Joonseo.

You made your choice. I'm done caring. I'll live for myself now. I'll enjoy my life too.

"Miss Minji," Seungwoo said suddenly, standing up, his voice smooth, confident, and directed only at me. "Would you honor me with a dance?"

He didn't even glance at Nakyung. His focus was only on me.

I looked up at him. Then, my eyes shifted to Joonseo and Yuna, dancing like they had no past, no guilt. I felt heat rush through me—not sadness this time… strength.

"Go on," Nakyung whispered, nudging me with a proud grin.

I smiled softly. "Sure."

He stretched his hand toward me, and I placed mine gently in his.

As I stood, my red dress shimmered under the lights, catching the attention of a few nearby. I felt bold. I felt seen.

We walked to the center of the dance floor, not too close to where Joonseo and Yuna were swaying, but close enough to feel his eyes if he dared to look.

Seungwoo's hand slid around my waist, gentle but firm. The other hand held mine securely. I placed my free hand on his shoulder, and we began to move to the music.

His steps were smooth, like he knew exactly how to lead. My dress twirled slightly with every turn.

As we danced, I started to feel all eyes turning our way.

"Wow… look at her and that perfect dress," one girl whispered behind me.

"Is she a model?" another asked, awe in her voice.

"She looks better than Yuna," someone else muttered.

Better than Yuna?

I smiled without even meaning to. That kind of compliment? It hits different when you've been hiding behind someone else's shadow.

I turned my head slightly—and there he was.

Joonseo.

Staring at me with those same dark, intense eyes. His jaw clenched, his hands stiff at his sides like he wanted to say something… or do something.

And beside him? Yuna.

Her eyes were like daggers—jealous, bitter, confused.

I kept dancing. Gracefully. Like nothing could touch me.

When the song ended, Seungwoo gently led me off the floor. Nakyung clapped with a proud smile as we reached our table.

"You ate, girl," she whispered like a cheerleader hyping her queen. I smiled back and sat down beside her, Seungwoo taking the seat to my other side.

I leaned close to Nakyung and whispered, "Can I stay at your place tonight?"

She chuckled softly. "Girl, my house is your house—anytime."

"Thank you," I said with a soft smile, already feeling safer just knowing I had her.

"Uh-oh," she suddenly muttered under her breath. "Girl, Yuna and Joonseo are coming this way."

Before I could even turn around, I heard her voice behind us.

"Hello," Yuna said, too sweet, too fake.

"Yuna," Seungwoo replied politely, keeping his tone neutral.

"Can we sit?" she asked, not waiting for a real answer.

"Sure, sure," Nakyung said quickly, throwing a glance at me like brace yourself.

Yuna slipped into the seat beside Seungwoo, and Joonseo sat beside her. I could feel his presence even without looking. The tension at the table was thick.

But I just kept smiling.

Let them sit.

Let them see.

"Minji, right?" Yuna said, her voice smooth but her eyes sharp as she looked straight at me.

"Yeah, it's me," I replied, keeping my tone light but guarded.

"You look good tonight," she said, flashing a flawless smile.

"You look pretty too, Ms. Yuna," I responded, matching her energy with a smile of my own. We both knew the game we were playing.

Then she turned her gaze to Seungwoo, sharp as ever. "Seungwoo, are you and Minji… together?"

I felt Joonseo's stare hit me like a knife. His eyes narrowed, waiting.

I met Seungwoo's gaze—silently asking him to play along. And he didn't hesitate.

"Yeah," he said confidently, sliding his hand over mine. "We are."

He smiled at me like it was the most natural thing in the world.

I smiled back, heartbeat racing, but face calm. Two can play this game, Joonseo.

"Is it true, Minji?" Joonseo asked, his deep voice cutting through the table's atmosphere like thunder.

"Yeah, Mr. Joonseo," I replied with a small nod. Then I turned to Yuna, keeping my tone composed. "Ms. Yuna, Seungwoo is a really good guy."

I felt Nakyung shifting beside me, completely confused, her eyes bouncing between us like what in the drama just happened?

"I've known Minji since we were seven," Seungwoo added smoothly. "She's an amazing girl. Anyone would be lucky to be with her."

"Oh, I see," Yuna said, smiling—but something in her eyes twitched. Maybe it was surprise. Maybe it was satisfaction. Maybe both.

Then Joonseo leaned forward slightly, voice lower than before, eyes locked on mine.

"So… is he your boyfriend?"

My chest tightened, but I kept my gaze steady.

I glanced at Yuna. Then I looked straight at Seungwoo—and nodded.

"Yes," I said firmly. "He is."

Joonseo stared at me—hard. His eyes didn't blink, didn't move, just stayed locked on mine. Then, without saying a word, he pulled out his phone.

"Excuse me," he said, standing up. He walked away from the table, each step sharp like he was trying not to explode.

A few minutes passed.

Then my phone started to ring.

I glanced at the screen—his name.

I stood up quickly. "Excuse me, it's my father," I said to the table, faking a calm smile. My legs were already moving, stepping far—opposite from him—as I picked up the call.

I barely said a word before his voice cut through.

"Do you want to die?"

His voice was low. Angry. Sharp like a blade pressed against my throat.

I froze. My hand tightened around the phone.

There it was—the real Joonseo.