What The Hell!!!
Eun-kyung didn't have a clue about the thoughts swirling in U-jin's mind as he stared at her with an impassive expression. All she knew was that she wanted to vanish from that place as quickly as possible.
"I thought you guys would be back by noon," Granny Wang said, her brow furrowing, prompting the boys to approach the gazebo.
Eun-woo's eyes widened when he caught sight of the delectable treats laid out on the table. Without hesitation, he darted toward them and began stuffing one after another into his mouth. While Eun-woo reveled in his sweet indulgence, an unsettling hostility emanated from someone else. U-jin glared at his grandmother, his fury evident in his voice as he gritted his teeth.
"Madam...Wang," he seethed.
"Shit," Eun-kyung whispered, recalling from the pages of the novel that when U-jin addressed his grandmother in that manner, it meant he was exceptionally angry.
"I ordered these for Ji-woo," Granny Wang beamed, her smile stretching wide. Eun-kyung's heart trembled—had she just thrown her under the bus?
"Eun-kyung, is that true?" U-jin turned towards her, his gaze intense. With only one thought racing through her mind, Eun-kyung knew she had to stick to the lie, hoping it would endear her further to Granny Wang.
"Yes, she did," she answered. Granny Wang inquired why U-jin called her Eun-kyung, and Eun-kyung replied that it was her real name. U-jin then summoned some maids to clear away the snacks, much to Eun-woo's disappointment. U-jin did this as a precaution, uncertain if his grandmother had sampled any of the treats and wanting to err on the side of caution.
While the maids efficiently tidied the table, Granny Wang clutched the container containing the food Eun-kyung had brought, holding it close to her chest. U-jin's suspicion grew, and he attempted to wrest it from her grasp, but Eun-kyung intervened, declaring that she was the on toe who had given it to Granny Wang and revealing its contents.
Upon discovering the contents, Eun-woo couldn't help but inquire how Eun-kyung had acquired the culinary skills. "My mother taught me, of course," Eun-kyung replied.
"Ae-ra used to prepare this dish for my grandmother before she passed away," U-jin murmured, his spirits deflating. Granny Wang regarded him with sympathy in her eyes. Sensing the shift in atmosphere, U-jin commanded everyone to retreat into the house.
Granny Wang entrusted Eun-kyung's container to one of the kitchen staff, instructing them to warm it up and serve it to her during lunch. She then retired to her room for some rest. The rest of the group proceeded to the living room.
Eun-woo, bursting with curiosity, wasted no time bombarding Eun-kyung with questions. "One at a time, Eun-woo," Eun-kyung gently requested, taking a seat, while U-jin positioned himself next to the fireplace.
"Why didn't you tell us that you're a transmigrator" Eun-woo asked as he went towards the window.
Eun-kyung felt as though she were a suspect being grilled by two detectives. "Don't you read novels?" she asked without thinking. The two characters, instead of settling themselves to read, seemed to consider it a waste of time, rendering her question unwarranted.
"We have," U-jin responded, astonishing Eun-kyung in the process. "We've read numerous ones," he continued. Eun-kyung couldn't determine if it truly was U-jin standing before her or an intruder in disguise.
"We read them because we wanted to understand you better, but individuals like you are rare to come across. Not all transmigrators possess the ability to traverse between worlds, and you fall into that exceptional category. I presumed that you refrained from revealing your true identity because you fear that one day you won't be able to return, am I correct?" he explained.
"Totally correct," she replied, her voice filled with confidence. "Since you have all the answers, there is no need for me to stay here," Eun-kyung said graciously. She stood up, feeling somewhat uneasy in their presence as they bombarded her with questions.
"Oh, look! Isn't that Diego and his parents?" Eun-woo exclaimed, pushing aside the curtain to peer out the window. Both Eun-kyung and U-jin joined Eun-woo by the window, curious to see what was going on.
They observed an intense argument between Diego and his mother unfolding outside. Eun-kyung couldn't help but wonder about the cause of the disagreement. "What could they be arguing about?" she inquired, her voice tinged with concern.
"Most likely because of the list of potential dates she provided for him," Eun-woo speculated.
"So he's rejecting them," Eun-kyung stated, connecting the dots.
"Obviously," Eun-woo confirmed. Just then, Eun-kyung noticed U-jin let out a weary sigh. She turned to face him, her eyes full of curiosity. "Why can't we just tell the truth about him and Ji-woo?" she questioned, genuinely perplexed.
"You don't understand, we can't," U-jin explained before walking away from them.
"Why not? Your grandmother seems understanding, and your father appears kind enough to agree," Eun-kyung persisted, following him.
"It's not them who are the problem," he replied, taking a seat. Eun-kyung couldn't help but press further. "Then who is?" she inquired.
"His great grandfather," Eun-woo chimed in as he joined them, providing Eun-kyung with the missing piece of the puzzle.
"Wait, U-jin has a great grandfather? How did I not know? It was never mentioned in the...." Eun-kyung accidentally blurted out, realising her slip of the tongue too late. She quickly backtracked, as she looked at them "Just pretend you didn't hear that."
"No, we can't. We're, no I am genuinely curious, Eun-kyung," Eun-woo declared, causing Eun-kyung to feel a wave of tension wash over her. Why did she have to say that out loud? "Did you transmigrate to another world, or did you transmigrate into a novel?" he asked, his voice filled with intrigue.
"I'm telling you, you won't want to know," she stated emphatically.
"But it's crucial that I myself know," Eun-woo retorted with determination. Eun-kyung, understanding the tension in the air, turned her gaze towards U-jin, silently urging him to speak up.
"Please, Eun-woo, let it be," U-jin replied, attempting to brush off the topic. However, Eun-woo persisted, his head shaking in refusal. U-jin let out a resigned sigh, rolling his eyes before getting back to Eun-kyung's question. "My great grandfather and Ji-woo's father both agreed to our reunion. Nonetheless, persuading my great grandfather to change his mind will not be an easy task. He has always upheld rigid standards, and he has a strong dislike for rebellious young people. If I try to reason with him, it might only make matters worse. He might even insist on us getting married before college," U-jin elaborated.
Eun-kyung couldn't help but shiver at the thought. "Entering into marriage at such a tender age is a truly formidable proposition. Who in the world could endure such a burden?" she voiced out. However, both U-jin and Eun-woo exchanged glances, leaving Eun-kyung with a sinking feeling that she had unknowingly spoken aloud again. She realised that ever since her true identity was discovered, she had become more comfortable in their presence and had a tendency to vocalise her thoughts.
"And how do you intend to resolve this situation, U-jin?" she questioned, eager to find a solution.
"I will surely figure out a way. If not, then..." U-jin's voice trailed off, uncertainty lacing his words.
"Then what?" Eun-kyung asked, her eyes widening with fear. She knew all too well that the only other alternative to solving this problem was death. Before U-jin could form a response, their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the sound of the entrance door opening. Reacting swiftly, Eun-kyung hurriedly made her way out of the living room only to discover Diego, his face flushed with anger, ascending the staircase.
"Diego!" she called out, eagerly waving her hand to catch his attention. He turned back, a radiant smile spreading across his face as he laid eyes on her. "Ji-woo?" he questioned, his voice filled with hope. Eun-kyung swiftly realized his mistaken identity. "No, it's Eun-kyung," she gently corrected him. A flicker of disappointment swept across Diego's features, and he bid her goodbye before continuing his ascent up the stairs.
"He doesn't appear to be in high spirits," Eun-woo commented, approaching Eun-kyung with concern etched on his face.
"Yes, sometimes I ponder the notion of having the ability to return at will," she reflected, although Eun-woo seemed perplexed by her statement. "He needs Ji-woo's presence now more than ever," Eun-kyung added, just as she uttered those words, an inexplicable force tugged at her, as if attempting to wrench her away. She stumbled, but managed to steady herself, finding solace in U-jin's protective grasp.
"Are you alright?" he inquired, his voice laced with genuine worry.
"Yes, I'm perfectly fine," she assured, brushing away any lingering unease. Eun-woo interjected, noting, "But you nearly fell without anyone propelling you."
"No reason to worry, really," she laughed, though in her mind, she couldn't help but wonder if Ji-woo was trying to resurface. She had no way of knowing for sure, but she wished they had some control over their strange predicament.
Eun-kyung joined them for lunch, unable to contain her laughter as Granny Wang proudly presented Eun-kyung's culinary masterpiece to the group. U-jin wrestled with envy, and in response, she promised to prepare an even more exquisite feast exclusively for him.
Throughout the meal, Eun-kyung discovered that Eun-woo shared her passion for delectable cuisine. She playfully proposed they partake in an eating competition, to which he agreed, boasting of his ability to triumph over her. She even suggested they hang out sometime for an eating competition, to which he agreed, boasting that he would defeat her. She laughed and teased him, though unintentionally causing a slight offense.
Concerned for Diego, who hadn't joined them for lunch, Eun-kyung felt a sense of worry occupying her thoughts. In addition, she couldn't shake off the feeling of her soul being torn apart from within. She didn't know what Ji-woo was up to, but if Ji-woo intended to harm her, she vowed not to face it alone.
As the sky dimmed and transformed into a sea of darkness, Eun-kyung called Si-woo, kindly urging him to pick her up promptly. Assured by his prompt response, Eun-kyung bid farewell to everyone in the mansion. Sprinting tirelessly towards her.
"Forgetting something?" she inquired, a hint of amusement lacing her voice.
"Ah, yes. Perhaps a farewell kiss?" U-jin playfully responded, tenderly cupping her face within the palm of his hand. Eun-kyung gently pushed him aside, releasing a vibrant ripple of laughter from his lips. "I simply joking. I just want to accompany you to the gate," he proclaimed, with an air of chivalry.
"Genuine acts of gallantry are typically reserved for the noblest of gentlemen," Eun-kyung playfully retorted as she curtsied like a lady of royal background, a teasing glimmer shining bright in her expressive eyes.
"And am I not a gentleman?" U-jin retorted as he laughed at her action. Eun-kyung, with a soft shake of her head, revealed a tender smile, evoking another joyous burst of laughter from U-jin. Together, they continued their amiable stroll, cherishing the cherished bond they shared as the encroaching darkness enveloped them.
Suddenly, Eun-kyung phone emitted a sharp beep, instantly capturing her attention. Retrieving it from the depths of her pocket, she delicately unlocked the device, unveiling a video that had been sent to her. A wave of curiosity washed over her as she pressed play, eagerly immersing herself in the content that unfolded before her eyes. Yet, as she absorbed the scenes, her expression shifted gradually, her initial intrigue giving way to a profound realization. "What the hell!!!" she exclaimed.