Ho Su Min, Jeong Tae Ho, and Pak Nuri were walking home together since they lived in the same area.
- Do you think Kim So Hee is okay?
Pak Nuri asked worriedly, looking between Jeong Tae Ho and Ho Su Min.
- Don't even ask me.
Ho Su Min replied, still not getting over the chaos caused by Li Nami.
Pak Nuri turned to Jeong Tae Ho, waiting for his answer.
- Don't look at me either. I don't care what happens to her.
Pak Nuri was a bit hurt by his response, especially since Jeong Tae Ho was talking about her best friend.
- Don't say that.
Before Pak Nuri could say more, Ho Su Min spoke up.
- Hey! Two against one, that's not fair, don't you think?
Jeong Tae Ho started laughing, followed by Pak Nuri, and Ho Su Min was the last to join in.
They arrived at Pak Nuri's house and were about to part ways.
- Well! See you tomorrow.
Pak Nuri said cheerfully as she walked toward the front door.
- Yeah. See you tomorrow.
Ho Su Min said calmly, but it was clear he was still worried about Kim So Hee.
- Hey, don't stress so much! You could tell she was fine.
Jeong Tae Ho said loudly, almost as if he was trying to shove his words into Ho Su Min's head. Then he turned and left without looking back.
- Alright.
Ho Su Min muttered, then he walked away as well. Pak Nuri entered her house and, as usual, shouted to her mom.
- I'm home!
At Kim So Hee's house.
Kim So Hee opened the door and entered. She turned on the lights, walked to her room, and shut the door behind her. She threw her backpack on the floor next to the desk by her bed.
- Finally, I'm home.
She said quietly, exhausted. Then she lay down on the bed, staring at the ceiling above her. She began to think about everything that had happened today.
"H-h-hm. When I mentioned her father, was that really true? I thought it wasn't. But it turns out I was wrong. Her father's business really is falling apart. Now I know why she's so scared. Serves her right. Now she'll know better than to mess with me."
Kim So Hee stayed lying there until she felt hungry.
She went to the kitchen, opened the white fridge, and found it empty. She'd have to go to the store again.
Kim So Hee was walking down the street. Under the moonlight, she noticed someone ahead of her. The person was walking straight toward her, and their face was hidden in the dark. But as they both turned toward the store at the same time, they realized...
- You?!
- You!
Kim So Hee and Jeong Tae Ho shouted simultaneously.
- Again? Are you serious?
Jeong Tae Ho asked, disappointed.
- Are you asking me?
Kim So Hee replied with clear sarcasm.
- How about we just ignore each other?
Jeong Tae Ho suggested.
- I'm all for that!
Kim So Hee agreed happily.
From that moment, they walked in silence, not saying a word, until they reached the store.
- Let me ask you right away. Are you here for ramen with cheese?
Kim So Hee asked suspiciously.
- It's yours today.
Jeong Tae Ho answered coldly, as if he had been expecting such a question.
He entered the store, and they parted ways, each going after what they needed.
After buying food, as they were leaving the store, Jeong Tae Ho called out to Kim So Hee.
- Hey! You. Can you hear me?
- No.
She replied sharply.
- I'm serious. Ho Su Min was worried about you, and so was Pak Nuri.
Jeong Tae Ho said in a calm, cool voice, then turned and went home. Kim So Hee froze in place.
"What? What did he say? Ho Su Min was worried about me? Why? Why did my heart start pounding when I heard that? What's happening with me?"
She thought, quickly gathering herself. She needed to get home as quickly as possible. These thoughts were just getting in the way.