Chapter 82: Rainy Treasures and Racing Hearts

With time to kill before the treasure hunt, Ji An and I ended up side-by-side under a large canopy. Others, exhausted from earlier games, sprawled on mats; the energetic ones clustered with beer and meat, chatting. Only the final treasure hunt remained. I looked at Ji An.

“Didn’t know you were this athletic.”

The original story had no such episode. Her company change was a factor, but landing a full-time job early had erased many of her money-related struggles. They’d only recently met Do Yoon—this was the story’s early stage—yet Ji An seemed far brighter and cheerier than I remembered.

“I’m giving it my all. Never been happier to join this company.”

Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. No trace of the tragic, protective vibe from the novel. She looked ready for nationals.

“Why?”

“Who gives this many prizes for a sports day? All Haewon Electronics appliances. My company loyalty’s skyrocketing. Thanks, sunbae-nim.”

“…Wasn’t my doing. Good luck.”

“Thanks! The treasure hunt’s the best—no limit. Other events need first place, but here, the more you find, the more you get. I need those prizes.”

First time seeing her this chatty. The nine-years-younger heroine felt adorable. Like a little sister. No wonder Grandfather liked her in the novel. Smiling, I asked.

“What do you want so bad?”

“TV, fridge, washer, dryer, dishwasher.”

Almost everything?

“Stocking a new house? Hard to carry home.”

“No, I’ll sell on Hongdangmu Market for cash.”

“Ah…”

Her practical answer stunned me. For living expenses? Her family wasn’t well-off in the original. I nodded. She asked brightly.

“What about you, sunbae-nim?”

“Me? I…”

After a pause.

“Nothing, really.”

She gazed at me admiringly, murmuring, “Wow, cool…”

I felt awkward, like I’d flaunted wealth unintentionally.

Actually, I did want one thing: a ladybug-shaped robot vacuum, overlooked among flashy prizes. Same model Do Yoon and I picked when we moved out together.

For the record, I broke it years later, drunk, by stepping on it.

Then—something ice-cold touched my nape.

“Gah!”

I jumped, spinning around. Predictably, Do Yoon stood there, holding a chilled sports drink, lips pouting. Talking to the heroine again, huh?

Seeing me startled, he naturally handed me the drink, then wedged between Ji An and me, standing like a pillar. Abruptly, he asked her.

“Does my brother look cool to you too, Bae Ji An-ssi?”

“Of course, sunbae-nim’s cool…”

His thick brows furrowed deeply. He muttered.

“So he does…”

Chills ran down my spine.

It’s just talk! She’s navigating office life! He’s way too guarded. But his glance at me was so resentful, I was speechless.

A bit hurt, but survival first. I smiled awkwardly, stepping back.

“You two have fun.”

“Where? I came for you.”

“Yeah, sunbae-nim, stay.”

No, you two play!

But Ji An looked uncomfortable. Alone with Do Yoon was still awkward for her. Despite lunches with me as a buffer, she’d talked plenty…

Do Yoon’s coldness probably scared her. Without Yeon Seok, their progress was glacial.

“…Okay?”

Do Yoon nodded vigorously. Not that bothered by me, then. Rain started pattering.

People on mats scrambled under the canopy. Ji An said anxiously.

“Treasure hunt won’t be canceled, right…?”

Dead serious about prizes. I reassured her.

“They worked too hard. No way. People’ll hunt in the rain.”

“Good.”

We talked awkwardly, bent around Do Yoon’s pillar-like presence. Ji An, feeling obligated, asked him.

“What do you want, Director?”

“Nothing.”

“Oh…”

His curt reply embarrassed even me. I cleared my throat. Rain intensified. But as predicted, the hunt proceeded—with rain ponchos provided.

The emcee, hyped, bellowed into the mic.

“Folks! Rain before the grand finale! We hid 1,000 clues with blood, sweat, and tears—find them! Wet clues with unreadable numbers are void! Indoors, outdoors, hills, river—30 minutes, go wild!”

Cheers and groans. The starting gunshot bang! sent poncho-clad hordes charging across 60,000 pyeong like wild horses. Including Ji An.

Instantly, only Do Yoon and I remained under the canopy. Heavy rain drummed the roof. Awkward silence fell. To break it, I said.

“You acted like you wouldn’t join, but you crushed it.”

“Wanted to impress you.”

I snorted. He asked.

“You insisted on coming but barely participated.”

“Used all my energy getting here.”

“You always lounged at home too.”

I glanced up. His casual past references made my heart sink. The unanswered question still lodged in my chest like a stone.

Why did you really leave me back then?

Asking felt like risking his disappearance again. I changed the subject.

“Your face is red. From subbing in the relay?”

“Is it? How red?”

He leaned down, face inches from mine. My lashes fluttered. He gently took my right wrist, pressing my palm to his forehead.

Heat radiated through my hand and wrist. Eyes wide, I met his jewel-like brown gaze. He said softly.

“Can’t tell. Yours looks red too.”

Shocked, I yanked free and bolted into the rain. Too flustered to return, I frantically scanned trees and buildings, suddenly hyper-focused on treasure hunting without a poncho. My fingers trembled picking up clues. I was way too rattled.

His face got too close, that’s all.

I barely convinced myself, darting around. My heart pounded from shock.

Soon, the ending gunshot rang. People returned, excited or disappointed. I’d found five clues by accident. Rain eased; a vivid rainbow arched.

Do Yoon seemed to have much to say about my sudden exit but stayed silent with the crowd. As today’s star, people swarmed him. Then, damp-haired Ji An spotted me and ran over happily.

“Sunbae-nim, how many did you find?”

Her hands clutched a stack of papers. My eyes widened.