Chapter 20: From A Tale Vengeance To A Tale Blossoming Romance.

Present day. Just a few hours before the incident.

Eun-kyung groaned as she sat up and surveyed her surroundings, immediately recognizing that she was in Ji-woo's bathroom. "Oh my goodness, I find myself back in the novel," she pondered to herself.

She rose to her feet and approached the sink, intending to cleanse her face. As she glanced into the mirror, her attention was captivated by the delicate curls adorning the ends of Ji-woo's hair. Ji-woo appeared to be doing well she thought. But Eun-kyung couldn't comprehend why Ji-woo awakened after her departure, she didn't think much of it when she read about it because she wanted nothing to do with the novel anymore. But in the original storyline, Ji-woo never lived but was proclaimed dead after she was sent to the hospital when she committed suicide so she thought that when she left she thought Ji-woo's body will be lifeless but it seems that the opposite happened.

But now that she was back in the novel, Eun-kyung knew she needed to find out certain things. She needed to solve the mystery behind U-jin's vengeance and bring an end to the novel, so that maybe she could return to her own world permanently.

First and foremost, Eun-kyung determined that she must forge a profound connection with U-jin. Exiting the room, she made her way downstairs to the dining hall, where the sound of voices reached her ears. Glimpsing into the room with discreet curiosity, she beheld Ga-ram, Si-woo, and Eun-woo and Diego delighting in their snacks. Meanwhile, U-jin appeared disinterested, engrossed in his phone. A mischievous smile played upon Eun-kyung's lips as a cunning plan took shape in her mind. The dream she had confided in Diego about would undoubtedly come to fruition today. She smirked with anticipation as she entered the kitchen.

* * * *

U-jin hurried to the guest bathroom, meticulously cleaning his mouth until it numbed. He struggled to comprehend why Ji-woo would subject him to such treatment, until the realization struck him.

The only individual who had uttered similar sentiments within U-jin's earshot was Eun-kyung. Surely, she had returned. Determination welled within U-jin as he resolved to ensure she had no inclination of leaving him.

Present time.

U-jin set out to retrieve the car but was abruptly halted by the unexpected presence of Ha-rin and Hyun-ki. 'Why on earth are they together?' U-jin mused to himself.

"U-jin what a pleasant surprise" Hyun-ki said with a smile.

"A surprise indeed" U-jin said as he waited for them to explain.

"U-jin, it's not what you think. We merely bumped into each other while shopping."

U-jin nodded politely, his mind occupied with other matters. "Alright then, if you'll excuse me, I have some pressing matters to attend to," he replied, attempting to make his way past them. However, Ha-rin grasped his hand, preventing him from leaving.

Desperate for an answer, Ha-rin pleaded, "U-jin, do I stand a chance now that Ji-woo is dating your brother?" U-jin was taken aback by her revelation, as the relationship was intended to be kept private.

Attempting to ease his worries, Ha-rin immediately assured him, "Don't worry, I won't let anyone else find out." U-jin couldn't help but glance in Hyun-ki's direction, "But you already did" he said as he promptly entered his car and drove away, realizing that it was only a matter of time before this secret would be revealed to the entire school and, ultimately, his disapproving parents. A sigh escaped him as he navigated towards the supermarket entrance.

Yet, his attention was abruptly drawn to two mysterious figures clad in black as they exited the supermarket. One of them held Eun-kyung captive while the other carried a bag on his back. Without hesitation, U-jin accelerated and honked at the culprits, temporarily distracting them. It provided Eun-kyung with an opportunity to retaliate, as she swiftly kicked her captor in the leg, freeing herself before U-jin could make contact with them at a much lower speed. The pair stumbled and fell to the ground clutching their injured limbs.

Eun-kyung observed the incident unfold before her eyes and immediately rushed back towards the scene and attacked one of the robbers with a swift strike to his abdomen.

As the commotion escalated, supermarket customers and security personnel emerged from the building. Meanwhile, U-jin, who had parked his car nearby, sprinted towards Eun-kyung in an attempt to stop her from further engaging in the altercation. Reluctant to listen to his plea, Eun-kyung refused to heed his warnings. Consequently, U-jin carried her away from the chaotic scene. The security personnel promptly restrained the robbers and proceeded to handcuff them.

Within the confines of the car, Eun-kyung struggled to free herself from U-jin's grip. Frustrated, he unintentionally slammed her against one of the car doors, causing her to face him. To his shock, he noticed a hand-shaped mark on one side of her face, as if she had been slapped.

Infuriated, U-jin's voice trembled with anger as he demanded, "Who had the audacity to harm you?"

Eun-kyung delicately pointed towards the robbers and replied, her uncertainty palpable, "The one without a bag over there."

Seeking swift justice, U-jin swiftly seized the robber from the clutches of the security personnel and forcefully punched him in the face. Additionally, he delivered a painful kick to the perpetrator's groin. As the words "I'm going to make sure you won't end well" escaped U-jin's mouth, he prepared to strike the assailant once more. However, before he could proceed, the security personnel intervened, apprehending U-jin. Eun-kyung desperately attempted to calm him down and succeeded in pulling him away from the volatile situation.

Subsequently, they entered the supermarket to retrieve their belongings and safely made their way back to Ga-ram's house. Throughout the journey, U-jin continuously shot glances in Eun-kyung's direction, inadvertently making her uncomfortable.

"What is it?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued. Instead of answering, U-jin gently brought his hand to the side of her face. To his surprise, she didn't swat his hand away, but sighed and met his gaze. "It's remarkably easy to make you feel guilty," she remarked.

U-jin lowered his hand and focused his attention on the road ahead. "I suppose that's how my life have been," he admitted.

Eun-kyung glanced at him for a few fleeting seconds before turning her gaze away. Ever since she had entered this world, she had discovered that he was different from how he was portrayed in the novel.

When they arrived at Ga-ram's house, Eun-kyung informed U-jin that she couldn't enter due to the bruise on her face. Understanding her concerns, he took all the items inside and informed Ga-ram that Eun-kyung had fallen asleep from exhaustion. Ga-ram expressed gratitude for U-jin's help.

U-jin drove back to Ji-woo's mansion and followed Eun-kyung into her room. He retrieved a first aid kit from the bathroom cabinet and carefully applied cream to her bruise.

"Ouch, that hurts," she yelped, wincing in pain.

"Sorry," he apologized, his voice filled with empathy. Nevertheless, he persisted until he had finished applying the cream. After returning the first aid kit, he sat down on the bed where Eun-kyung was now lying.

"Eun-kyung," he called out softly.

"Hmmm," she responded, her voice sleepy.

"I want to know what you experienced when you left. Did you simply sleep and wake up, or did you have any memories of doing something? Like a dream or anything," he asked, genuine curiosity in his voice.

Eun-kyung looked at him and smiled. "Did that foolish doctor put you up to asking me this question?"

"No, not at all. I'm just genuinely curious," he reassured her.

"You know, patients with Dissociative Identity Disorder often say that it feels like being shut out or as if they were in a deep sleep," she stated, reflecting on what she has heard about it.

"Yes," he affirmed.

"Then why are you asking me?" Eun-kyung questioned, curiosity lacing her voice.

"I don't know. Perhaps my question was foolish. Just pretend you didn't hear it," he offered, feeling a touch of self-consciousness.

Eun-kyung sat up, moving closer to him and leaning over his shoulder, her face in close proximity to his. A smile played on her lips as she spoke, "I will tell you."

U-jin felt his heart quicken, thumping rapidly in his chest. "I'm listening," he uttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I returned home. I resigned from my job and... I broke up with my boyfriend," she confessed, eyeing him intently.

"Your imaginary boyfriend," he quipped.

"He is real," she exclaimed, her voice filled with frustration. "Though deep down, I wish he were merely a figment of my imagination," she added, wiping away a tear. "He was my first friend in high school, and he was so kind, caring, and always there for me and my family. At first, I intended to use him to alleviate my family's financial burdens. But when he selflessly helped us without asking for anything in return, I was burdened with guilt. I wanted to repay him, and when I approached him about it, the fool suggested we start dating. I agreed, even though I knew that what I felt for him couldn't be classified as love. But I did care for him. Yet, I can't fathom why he chose my boss's daughter over me and cheated on me. He begged me to date him, so did he never truly love me? Or was it all a facade to get into my pants?" Her words spilled out between sobs as she looked up at U-jin, only to find him biting his bottom lip.

"U-jin, aren't I the kind of girl guys would die for?" she asked, her voice tinged with sadness. But before she could say more, U-jin forcefully pinned down on the bed by U-jin, who loomed over her like a figure of dominance.

"Yes, indeed you are," he replied softly, causing a smile to grace Eun-kyung's lips. U-jin tenderly brushed away her tears with his thumb.

"If others fail to recognise your worth, then they are blind. But I can see it," he declared earnestly, placing a gentle kiss on her cheek, which left Eun-kyung wide-eyed in astonishment.

U-jin's face lit up with a smile as he admired her shocked expression, finding it incredibly endearing. "Good night, cutie," he affectionately bid her farewell before exiting the room.

Eun-kyung remained sprawled on the bed, completely taken aback by the events unfolding before her. "When did this boring novel unexpectedly shift from a tale of vengeance to one of blossoming romance?" she pondered, reflecting on the sudden turn of events.