When the door closed, Hwan remained still.
He picked up his glass but didn't drink. The anger, jealousy, and that other nameless emotion… they all swirled together inside him.
Yuna, whispering that angel's name and holding onto him…
He wouldn't forget it.
Taking a deep breath, he glanced down at the bracelet in his hand.
He had done everything to take it. But why did he still feel like something was missing?
Eunwoo – Yuna's Home
Just moments ago, as he took Yuna from Hwan, he couldn't shake off the sound of her sleepy voice murmuring his name. "Eunwoo…" And at that moment, she had unconsciously wrapped her arm around his neck.
Eunwoo slowly unlocked the door. Yesterday, he had taken the spare key from Yuna's friend.
Carefully, he laid her down on the bed. Gently, he brushed a stray strand of hair from her face. She looked so exhausted…
Eunwoo let out a quiet sigh. Slowly, he pulled a small piece of paper from his pocket and placed it on the bedside table.
"I have an important schedule tomorrow, but when I return, I want to see you. Please take care of yourself. – Eunwoo."
He hesitated for a moment. He didn't want to leave. But as an idol, he had duties to fulfill.
Taking one last look at Yuna, he turned and left the room.
Hwan – A Visit to the Café
By morning, Hwan entered the café.
The place was as busy as usual, but the moment the staff noticed him, silence fell over the room.
All eyes locked onto him.
Because beside him stood Mr. Kim—Yuna's former boss.
And Mr. Kim's eyes were filled with fear.
Yuna stared at them in confusion as Hwan walked forward with slow, deliberate steps. He stopped at the center of the café.
Then, turning his head toward Mr. Kim, he spoke in a cold, commanding voice:
"Do what I told you to do."
Mr. Kim flinched. His eyes widened in terror.
As the employees tried to understand what was happening, Mr. Kim lowered his head and, with a trembling voice, spoke:
"I… I'm sorry, Yuna."
The entire café froze.
Everyone stared in shock, and Yuna's eyes widened.
"What?" she whispered.
Mr. Kim, his voice shaking, repeated:
"I'm sorry. I treated you unfairly for years. I belittled you… I oppressed you… Please forgive me."
Yuna couldn't breathe for a moment.
Her boss… was actually apologizing?
But the real shock was just beginning.
Hwan calmly crossed his arms, tilting his head slightly.
"An apology isn't enough, is it? Or did you forget what I said, Mr. Kim?"
Mr. Kim's eyes widened, his knees trembling.
"Please… Don't do this…"
Hwan took a step forward, his gaze ice-cold.
"Just as you humiliated her in front of everyone, you will now bow to her in front of everyone—with respect."
Mr. Kim's entire body shuddered.
"I… I can't!" he whispered in fear.
Hwan's eyes darkened, his head tilting slightly.
"You can't?"
The atmosphere inside the café instantly changed. The employees instinctively took a step back.
Sweat dripped down Mr. Kim's forehead.
Then… he hesitated, stepping back.
But Hwan only stared at him.
There was no threat in his expression, yet Mr. Kim's blood ran cold.
And then… with trembling hands, he bowed.
Bowed deeply toward Yuna.
"I'm sorry, Yuna…"
Yuna held her breath in shock.
Her boss had actually… bowed to her.
How… How had this happened?
The entire café remained silent, holding their breaths.
Hwan's lips curled slightly.
But there was both danger and victory in his smile.
Then, he turned his gaze to Yuna.
"That's it. Are you happy now?"
Yuna couldn't answer.
This… was too much.
At that moment, one of the employees, gathering courage, asked:
"Why is the boss apologizing?"
Hwan let out a soft chuckle.
Then, with absolute ease, he pulled a document from his pocket.
He placed it on the table.
And then, leaning slightly, he locked eyes with Yuna.
"Because I'm the boss now."
Yuna's heart pounded.
"What?"
Hwan tilted his head slightly.
The sharp glint in his eyes never wavered.
"You heard me."
He tapped the table lightly.
"This café belongs to me now. And no one will ever oppress you again, Yuna."
Yuna was in shock.
How… How had this happened?
At that moment, last night's words flashed through her mind.
"Even my boss doesn't like me."
Had he decided then?
Hwan's eyes gleamed dangerously.
And Yuna knew—this was just the beginning of a new game.