After parting with Ha Joon and returning home, Youngju recalled their last conversation.

[Dash] It doesn’t matter if you don’t confess. We have all the evidence and witnesses anyway.

The documents shown to her had no clear evidence of her involvement, but could there be other evidence? Who could the witness be? The traffic accident perpetrator?!

[Dash] I’ll give you a week. If you intend to apologize to Seo Ah, contact me first. From this moment, you can’t approach Seo Ah directly.

Youngju frantically tousled her hair.

A week was too short. It wasn’t enough time to ponder a decision affecting her life or to plan any other action.

Moreover, it seemed Seo Ah had been assigned a bodyguard, making it difficult to approach her alone. Had someone been watching her as well?

Informing the broker and seeking help seemed risky, as the broker and client might not leave her alone.

But she couldn’t think of any other way.

After much contemplation, she called the broker using a burner phone.

[Dash] What’s up?

“Kang Ha Joon has figured everything out.”

[Dash] What?

“He knows my identity and seems to know who the client is too.”

[Dash] Explain in detail.

Youngju summarized her conversation with Ha Joon.

Expecting the broker to be angry and threatening, she was surprised when the broker responded calmly.

[Dash] Wait. I’ll consult with the client and contact you.

“Just a minute!”

Youngju shouted in panic as the broker was about to hang up.

[Dash] Speak.

“It’s just a precaution, but I won’t go down alone. I know who the client is.”

[Dash] What? How do you know the client…

“Tell the client that if anything happens to me, we all go down together. Find a way for us all to survive.”

[Star Icon]

Meanwhile, Ha Joon and Seo Ah were having a conversation.

“Brother, are you tired?”

Seo Ah’s serious voice made Ha Joon’s gaze flicker lightly.

“Why?”

“…Can we talk for a moment?”

“…About Choi Youngju?”

“How did you know…?”

Surprised, Seo Ah widened her eyes as Ha Joon gently held one of her hands and spoke.

“I just met her. I wanted to verify the source of the doctored photos and heard what she told you.”

“Ah…”

“Don’t worry, I’ll assign a bodyguard to keep Choi Youngju safe.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I’ve also instructed them to be discreet, and I’ll find the person who threatened her. You don’t have to worry about anything.”

Ha Joon didn’t mention that Youngju was the enemy, but everything else was true. To ensure the person manipulating Youngju was properly punished, he had to protect her.

“Phew… That’s a relief.”

Seo Ah sighed in relief and smiled brightly.

Talking with Ha Joon had always seemed to resolve things well. She was sure Youngju would have been reassured seeing Ha Joon’s dependable demeanor.

“But, Seo Ah. I have a request.”

“What is it?”

“Choi Youngju is in a very fragile state right now. So, I think it’s best if you don’t contact her for a while, especially not meeting her alone.”

“…….”

As Seo Ah’s smile faded and her lips drooped, Ha Joon immediately continued, sensing her unease.
“To protect both you and Choi Youngju. Can you trust me and do this? It won’t take long. As soon as possible…….”

“I will.”

Ha Joon was somewhat taken aback by her prompt and affirmative response. He had prepared a lot to say in case she asked why she had to do it or if she insisted on handling the situation with Youngju herself, being close to her.

“Aren’t you scared? That someone is trying to harm you…….”

“If Brother is protecting me, why should I be scared? That’s why you had a bodyguard in place, right?”

How did she know that? Ha Joon had secretly arranged it, concerned she might be alarmed, but his eyes widened in surprise.

“My friend saw it. Before I collapsed, a robust janitor suspiciously followed me and quickly caught me when I fell. They thought about calling the police instead of an ambulance.”

“Ah… I can see how they might have thought that. Your friend must have been quite worried.”

“Yes. I had so many messages and calls.”

“You’re okay with this? If it’s uncomfortable…”

Ha Joon trailed off, concerned there might be no other solution.

“Could have hurt my head when I fell, right? Thanks to your care, I’m safe. Thank you.”

“……It might be a lifelong situation, considering our group’s position.”

“If I can be with you, Brother, anything is okay. More than that…… It might sound childish, but…… knowing you’re protecting me is kind of…… exciting…”

Seo Ah spoke with blushing cheeks, and Ha Joon’s eyes brimmed with tenderness. How she always chose such beautiful words.

Ha Joon moved closer, brushed her hair behind her ear, and gently kissed her forehead.

Tickled by his touch and kiss, Seo Ah smiled and leaned her head on his shoulder, continuing,

“I’ll have to really work out during the vacation! Maybe learn self-defense? I should also carry a personal safety spray.”

Ha Joon looked at her fondly, wrapped his arms around her waist, and spoke lovingly.

“Thank you, Seo Ah, for trusting me.”