Chapter 57: Misunderstandings and Unspoken Tensions

After the chaotic call with Mother, I barely managed to leave work on time. Surprisingly, I ran into Do Yoon and Hwang Yeon Seok on my way home. I remembered Yeon Seok lived nearby. Last year, they didn’t seem close, but as sophomores, they were hanging out more. Spotting me from afar, Do Yoon shouted and ran over.

“Hyung!”

“Do Yoon, didn’t you say you’d be late?”

“Extra class got canceled.”

He stood beside me, beaming. He’d been dreading school even before the semester started, which worried me. Yeon Seok, panting from catching up, bowed politely.

March was still chilly, and Yeon Seok’s stylish coat contrasted with Do Yoon’s baseball jacket and hoodie. Do Yoon was better-looking, though. Yeon Seok grinned, ever the charmer.

“Hyung-nim, long time no see. Doing well?”

“Yeah, you too? With Do Yoon?”

“Yup! Heading to meet my girlfriend, but our last class overlapped, so we’re walking together.”

“Got it.”

Already dating—true to his novel role as a romance expert. I glanced at Do Yoon, wondering if he’d be influenced by Yeon Seok’s ways. Then Yeon Seok’s eyes widened.

“Hyung-nim, were you at B Hotel last weekend?”

“Yeah. How’d you know?”

“I knew it! I was there for my parents’ 25th anniversary. The food’s pricey but good. I saw someone like you in a black coat and suit but wasn’t sure. Thought you were a celebrity at first, then you looked familiar.”

“Haha, really?”

Yeon Seok’s extroverted flattery was embarrassing but not unpleasant. Do Yoon looked prouder than I felt. Smiling, I said.

“You should’ve said hi. Missed opportunity.”

“Nah, couldn’t interrupt your date. I’ve got tact.”

Silence fell.

“…What?”

It wasn’t me who responded—it was Do Yoon, his smile vanishing as he turned to me.

“A date?”

I hadn’t done anything wrong but waved my hands in panic.

“Not like that.”

“Oh, so you’re just in the talking stage. Got it.”

Got what?! Yeon Seok, ignoring my expression, kept grinning.

“She was really pretty. Hope it works out.”

“It’s not like that. It was… work-related.”

I blurted a half-lie. Do Yoon’s face darkened by the second. Technically, it wasn’t a lie—more of a business alliance discussion. Guilt and self-justification clashed. Yeon Seok finally looked embarrassed.

“Oh, my bad. Misunderstood.”

“It’s fine. Easy mistake.”

I tried to sound casual. Yeon Seok laughed awkwardly.

“You two looked so good together, I assumed it was a date. Anyway, I’ve got plans. See you tomorrow, Do Yoon.”

“Yeah, bye.”

I waved Yeon Seok off, but Do Yoon only nodded curtly. As Yeon Seok disappeared, an awkward silence settled between us. Gauging his mood, I said.

“Wanna grab food? Tired?”

His eyes, now subdued, fixed on me.

“Really for work?”

“Y-Yeah…”

My voice lacked confidence. It was work, sort of—a corporate matchmaking scheme.

“But you said you were meeting Father.”

I flinched.

“Well… Father called me, but someone else showed up.”

“A random woman?”

“Not random. We went to school in the States together. Neither of us knew it’d be that kind of meeting.”

His intense gaze wavered, eyes shaking.

“You mean… an actual blind date?”

“Kinda. But we just had coffee and left. Won’t meet again. The adults tricked us—Mom, Dad, Grandfather, all in on it.”

His jaw dropped, the most dazed I’d ever seen him. After a long silence, he looked away, mumbling.

“I see… Why didn’t you tell me… Never mind.”

He muttered, “You don’t have to tell me everything,” and walked home mechanically. I called after him, but he didn’t respond. Even at home, he seemed soulless, heading straight to his room without a word.

I’d never seen him like this, and it rattled me. Was it worth getting this upset? He sulked often, but this felt serious.

I paced the living room, then knocked on his door cautiously.

“Do Yoon, asleep?”

“…No, but I’m tired. Sleeping early.”

“…Wanna sleep together?”

“No.”

His lifeless tone sparked anxiety. I decided to let him be for now. I felt guilty, but I couldn’t pinpoint what I’d done wrong.

The next morning, I made breakfast and stopped him before he left for school.

“Do Yoon, I didn’t hide it on purpose. I thought it wasn’t a big deal. I didn’t know it’d be a blind date, and we sorted it out. If you’re mad, let it out.”

He gave a weak smile.

“I’m not mad.”

“…Liar.”

“No, really… I just never thought about this happening. I’m just surprised. I’ll head out. Have a good day at work.”

He bowed and left. I was stunned—first time he’d acted like this. My head spun more than after Mother’s call. I got scolded at work for lacking focus. The chaos continued when Seung Hee called near the end of the day.

<Something up with you?>

“Why?”

A thought hit me.

“The blind date?”

<Yup.>

Not mad, huh? Why ask Seung Hee instead of me? I was baffled and annoyed.

“Why ask you? I’d have told him everything.”

Surprisingly, she replied calmly.

<He always calls me when something’s up with you.>

“What? Why?”

<How should I know? Guess I’m your guardian. You two fighting?>

I flinched. Not exactly fighting—Do Yoon was upset alone, but I wasn’t fully honest either. Still, I didn’t get why it was such a big deal.

“What’d you say?”

“Like what?”

<About Ria. If you went to school together—yep. Koryo Ilbo’s daughter, one year older, adults pushing the marriage, and you crying and chasing her in the States.>

“What’d he say?”

<Just ‘okay.’ Nothing else.>

If that’s all, fine, but I felt uneasy.

“That’s it? Didn’t seem mad?”

<Didn’t sound mad, but his voice was flat. I told him I’d find him a good match when he’s ready. Not as good as your family, though.>

My face flushed. I thought he was mad I hid the blind date, but maybe he felt left out, seeing the family rally around my marriage prospects. Even if he’ll marry Ji An, Seung Hee’s thoughtfulness moved me. She’s a real adult. I nodded.

“Got it. Thanks.”