Three days had passed since the dinner at the Choi Mansion.
On the surface...
Nothing had changed.
The university buzzed with its usual energy. Students hurried through the campus with coffee cups in hand, laughter echoed across the courtyards, and the pressure of mid-semester assignments had everyone buried beneath stacks of books.
To everyone else...
Life was moving forward.
For Yerin and Do-hyun...
It felt as though time had slowed.
Every passing day brought them one step closer to an engagement neither of them had chosen.
Yerin stepped out of her car and adjusted the strap of her bag before walking toward the Business Building.
The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of freshly cut grass from the university gardens.
She had barely reached the entrance when a familiar voice called out.
"There you are!"
Emily jogged over, slightly out of breath, a paper cup of iced coffee in one hand.
"I thought you were avoiding me again."
Yerin smiled apologetically.
"I wasn't."
Emily narrowed her eyes.
"You've said that every day this week."
"I've just been busy."
"Busy."
Emily repeated the word suspiciously.
"That mysterious family schedule again?"
Yerin laughed softly.
"You make it sound like a conspiracy."
"It feels like one."
Emily linked her arm through Yerin's.
"You disappear after classes."
"You barely answer messages."
"And whenever I ask what's going on..."
She imitated Yerin's calm voice.
"Family matters."
Yerin couldn't help laughing.
"Do I really sound like that?"
"Worse."
Emily nodded confidently.
"You sound like a company spokesperson avoiding the press."
Yerin gently nudged her shoulder.
"I'll make it up to you."
"You've also said that every day this week."
"I know."
"And?"
"I mean it."
Emily studied her face for a moment before sighing dramatically.
"...Fine."
"But one day..."
"I'm going to figure out what you're hiding."
Yerin's smile faltered for only a fraction of a second.
"I hope not."
"What?"
"Nothing."
Across campus...
Do-hyun closed the door of his car and headed toward the main building.
He had barely taken ten steps before someone threw an arm around his shoulders.
"Morning, Mr. Businessman."
Min-jae.
Do-hyun didn't even look surprised.
"Good morning."
"You sound thrilled to see me."
"I was until now."
Min-jae placed a hand over his chest dramatically.
"That hurts."
"I'll recover."
"You know..."
Min-jae glanced sideways at him.
"You've become boring."
"I was always boring."
"Not this boring."
He walked backwards in front of Do-hyun.
"You don't stay after class anymore."
"You stopped coming for coffee."
"You even ignored my invitation to basketball."
"I was busy."
"There it is again."
Min-jae pointed at him.
"Everyone suddenly has 'family matters.'"
Do-hyun remained silent.
Min-jae frowned.
"...Wait."
He looked genuinely confused.
"You and Yerin..."
"No."
The answer came so quickly that Min-jae blinked.
"I didn't even finish."
"You were going to ask something ridiculous."
"I was."
"So I answered."
Min-jae rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"...Interesting."
Do-hyun sighed.
"What now?"
"You denied it too fast."
"There was nothing to deny."
"Hmm."
Min-jae smiled mischievously.
"That's exactly what someone hiding something would say."
"I regret speaking."
"You usually do."
Despite himself...
The corner of Do-hyun's mouth twitched upward.
The morning lectures passed quietly.
Professor Lee filled the board with graphs and business models while students hurried to copy every word before he erased it.
Yerin sat beside Emily, taking notes with her usual focus.
A few rows away...
Do-hyun remained equally attentive.
Everything felt normal.
Almost.
Whenever Yerin happened to glance toward the front of the classroom...
She occasionally found herself looking in Do-hyun's direction.
Not intentionally.
Simply because he sat directly in her line of sight.
Each time...
She quickly looked away before anyone noticed.
She wasn't the only one.
Once or twice...
Do-hyun did exactly the same.
Neither acknowledged it.
Neither wanted unnecessary attention.
By the time Professor Lee dismissed the class...
Both of them were relieved to blend back into the crowd.
Students flooded into the corridor, talking excitedly about weekend plans.
Emily stretched her arms above her head.
"I'm starving."
"When are you not?" Min-jae teased as he joined them.
Emily gasped dramatically.
"I eat because I'm stressed."
"What are you stressed about?"
"You."
"Fair."
Yerin smiled, shaking her head.
Their constant bickering somehow made every day feel lighter.
As the four of them walked toward the main courtyard, Min-jae suddenly stopped.
"Oh."
"I forgot."
He turned to Do-hyun.
"Are you coming to football practice later?"
Before Do-hyun could answer, his phone vibrated.
He glanced at the screen.
Mother:
I'll arrive at the university at four. Don't leave without me.
His expression subtly changed.
"Sorry."
"I can't today."
Min-jae sighed.
"Again?"
"I have somewhere to be."
Emily immediately looked at Yerin.
"You too?"
Yerin's own phone vibrated almost at the same moment.
She frowned and checked the message.
Mother:
Mrs. Choi will pick you up after classes. I've explained everything to her. Don't keep her waiting.
Her fingers tightened slightly around the phone.
Emily noticed.
"Please don't tell me..."
Yerin slipped the phone back into her bag.
"...Family matters."
Emily threw her head back dramatically.
"I knew it!"
Min-jae looked between Yerin and Do-hyun.
"You two seriously need less responsible families."
Neither of them laughed.
Instead...
For the briefest moment...
Their eyes met.
No words were exchanged.
No expressions changed.
But they both understood exactly what the other had just read.
Neither of them had a choice.
And in just a few hours...
They would be standing together...
Choosing the rings that would symbolize a future neither of them wanted.
The two friends reached the entrance of the university.
Just then...
A sleek black luxury sedan slowly pulled into the circular driveway.
It came to a smooth stop directly in front of them.
Several students instinctively looked toward the car.
A uniformed driver stepped out and respectfully opened the rear door.
Mrs. Choi emerged gracefully, dressed in an elegant cream-colored suit.
She carried herself with the same quiet elegance Yerin had noticed the first time they met.
The conversations around the entrance softened.
Many students recognized her immediately.
"Isn't that Mrs. Choi?"
"She looks even more elegant in person."
"I heard she's on the board of three companies."
"She's Do-hyun's mother."
Min-jae looked toward Do-hyun.
"...Someone important?"
"My mother."
"Oh."
Min-jae immediately straightened his posture.
Mrs. Choi smiled warmly as she approached.
"Good afternoon."
"Mother."
Do-hyun bowed his head respectfully.
She gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear before looking toward the university entrance.
At that exact moment...
Yerin and Emily walked outside together.
Mrs. Choi's smile brightened.
"Yerin."
Emily blinked.
She looked at Yerin.
Then at Mrs. Choi.
Then back again.
"...You know each other?"
Before Yerin could answer...
Mrs. Choi stepped closer.
"I'm sorry for taking her away so often lately."
"I borrowed her again today."
Emily looked completely confused.
"Oh..."
"It's alright."
"I was just surprised."
Mrs. Choi smiled kindly.
"Your mother couldn't make today's appointment."
"So I offered to take her instead."
Emily nodded politely, though she clearly didn't understand what appointment she was talking about.
"I see."
Yerin could almost hear her own heartbeat.
Please...
Don't ask.
Emily opened her mouth.
"What appoin—"
Before she could finish...
Mrs. Choi's phone rang.
She glanced at the screen.
"Excuse me for just a moment."
She stepped aside to answer the call.
Emily immediately leaned toward Yerin.
"What appointment?"
Yerin searched for an answer.
"It's..."
Before she could think of something convincing...
Do-hyun calmly spoke.
"Our families have been discussing a joint charity project."
Both girls turned toward him.
He continued without hesitation.
"Our parents asked us to attend today's meeting."
Emily blinked.
"...That's all?"
Yerin immediately nodded.
"That's all."
Emily looked between the two of them.
For a second...
She seemed unconvinced.
Then she shrugged.
"I guess rich families do things differently."
Min-jae laughed.
"I was expecting something much more dramatic."
Do-hyun remained expressionless.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you."
Mrs. Choi returned, slipping her phone into her handbag.
"My apologies."
She smiled warmly.
"Shall we?"
Yerin gave Emily one last apologetic smile.
"I'll call you tonight."
Emily pointed a finger at her.
"You'd better."
Then she looked at Do-hyun.
"And don't let her work too hard."
Do-hyun gave a polite nod.
"I'll try."
Emily smiled in satisfaction.
"Good."
As the two of them walked toward the waiting car, dozens of curious eyes followed them.
Students whispered quietly among themselves.
Not because Yerin and Do-hyun were walking together...
But because seeing Mrs. Choi personally pick them up made one thing obvious.
Whatever "family matters" they kept talking about...
It was clearly important.
Neither Yerin nor Do-hyun looked back.
The driver opened the rear door.
Mrs. Choi gestured for them to get in first.
The door closed softly behind them.
And with that...
The black sedan pulled away from the university, disappearing into the afternoon traffic.
Inside the car...
Silence settled almost immediately.
Mrs. Choi happily flipped through a small catalog filled with ring designs.
"I've been looking forward to today."
She smiled to herself.
"The jeweler has prepared several beautiful collections."
Yerin quietly looked out the window.
Do-hyun did the same from the opposite side.
Neither of them spoke.
Between them...
The silence felt much heavier than words ever could.
Nearly forty minutes later...
The black sedan slowed to a stop in front of one of the city's most prestigious jewelry boutiques.
Its elegant glass exterior reflected the late afternoon sunlight, while a discreet gold sign above the entrance bore the name of a jeweler known for crafting custom pieces for influential families.
The driver stepped out first and opened the rear door.
Mrs. Choi smiled.
"We're here."
Yerin took a quiet breath before stepping onto the pavement.
Do-hyun followed a moment later.
The three of them entered together.
A soft chime echoed as the glass doors opened.
Inside...
The boutique was calm and luxurious.
Crystal lights hung from the ceiling, illuminating rows of beautifully displayed jewelry. Every showcase sparkled under the warm lighting, yet the atmosphere remained peaceful rather than overwhelming.
A well-dressed gentleman immediately approached them with a welcoming smile.
"Mrs. Choi."
"It's wonderful to see you again."
Mrs. Choi returned the greeting warmly.
"It's been a while, Mr. Han."
"It certainly has."
His gaze shifted toward Yerin and Do-hyun.
A knowing smile crossed his face.
"So these must be the young couple."
Neither of them corrected him.
Neither of them could.
Mrs. Choi smiled proudly.
"Yes."
"They're here to choose their engagement rings."
Mr. Han clasped his hands together.
"Congratulations."
"I've prepared several exclusive collections."
"This way, please."
They were led into a private consultation room.
Unlike the main showroom, this room was quieter, with only a single polished wooden table at its center.
A velvet tray rested neatly on top.
Within moments, an assistant carefully placed several elegant ring boxes across the table.
One by one...
They were opened.
White gold.
Yellow gold.
Rose gold.
Simple bands.
Classic designs.
Intricate handcrafted patterns.
Each one was beautiful.
Yet to Yerin...
They all looked exactly the same.
They all represented the same thing.
A future she hadn't chosen.
Mrs. Choi's eyes lit up.
"Oh..."
"These are gorgeous."
Mr. Han smiled.
"I selected pieces that complement both modern and traditional tastes."
He looked toward Yerin.
"Would you like to begin?"
She hesitated.
"...Of course."
An assistant carefully lifted a delicate platinum ring and held it out.
Yerin slowly extended her hand.
The cool metal slid effortlessly onto her finger.
"It fits perfectly," the assistant remarked with a smile.
Mrs. Choi's face brightened.
"It really does."
Yerin lowered her gaze to the ring.
It was elegant.
Simple.
Beautiful.
And somehow...
It felt heavier than anything she had ever worn.
She stared at it for a few silent seconds before quietly removing it.
"I think I'd like to see another design."
"Certainly."
Mr. Han nodded.
Several more boxes were opened.
Different styles.
Different finishes.
Different stones.
Yerin tried each one politely.
None of them felt right.
Not because they weren't beautiful...
But because none of them belonged on her hand.
Across the table...
Do-hyun wasn't having much more success.
Mr. Han placed three different bands before him.
"Mr. Choi."
"Would you mind trying these?"
Do-hyun gave a small nod.
He picked up the first ring.
Slid it onto his finger.
Looked at it.
Removed it.
Then the second.
Then the third.
His expression never changed.
Mr. Han smiled politely.
"Do any of them stand out to you?"
"They're all well made."
Mrs. Choi laughed softly.
"That's such a Do-hyun answer."
She looked at him affectionately.
"You don't have a favorite?"
He glanced down at the rings again.
"They're all suitable."
Mr. Han chuckled.
"I'll take that as professional approval."
Mrs. Choi shook her head with a smile.
"You'll have to be a little less formal today."
After nearly twenty minutes...
Only two ring boxes remained on the table.
One was a simple platinum band with a brushed finish.
The other featured a slightly warmer tone with delicate handcrafted details around the edges.
Mrs. Choi looked between them.
"I think these suit both of you."
Mr. Han nodded in agreement.
"They're designed as matching rings."
Before he could continue...
He gently slid both boxes toward them.
"Why don't you try them together?"
The room fell quiet.
Yerin looked at the ring.
Then at Do-hyun.
For a brief moment...
Neither of them moved.
Mrs. Choi noticed their hesitation.
Her voice softened.
"Go on."
"It's only to see how they look."
Yerin slowly reached for the ring.
Across from her...
Do-hyun did the same.
The cool metal settled onto their fingers almost simultaneously.
Mrs. Choi's eyes immediately softened.
She smiled warmly.
"...They look perfect."
Mr. Han nodded.
"I couldn't agree more."
He looked at the two of them with professional satisfaction.
"The designs complement one another beautifully."
Yerin instinctively looked at her hand.
Do-hyun did the same.
Neither admired the craftsmanship.
Neither noticed the shine of the polished metal.
All they could think about...
Was what those rings represented.
A promise neither of them had made.
For the first time since entering the boutique...
The silence between them wasn't awkward.
It was shared.
Because for once...
They were both carrying exactly the same weight.
For a few seconds...
No one moved.
Mrs. Choi remained seated at the consultation table, carefully reading through the documents Mr. Han had placed before her.
She looked up with an apologetic smile.
"I'm afraid this will take a little longer than I expected."
She closed the folder gently.
"Why don't the two of you go ahead and wait at the café across the street?"
She pointed toward the large glass window overlooking the boulevard.
"There's a lovely little place just opposite the boutique."
"I'll join you as soon as I'm finished."
Yerin immediately shook her head.
"We can wait here."
Mrs. Choi smiled warmly.
"You've both been sitting in this room for over an hour."
"A little fresh air will do you good."
She turned toward Do-hyun.
"Will you make sure she doesn't get lost?"
For the first time that afternoon...
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"I think she'll manage."
Mrs. Choi laughed.
"I know she will."
"But humor your future mother-in-law."
The sentence caught both of them off guard.
Yerin forced an awkward smile.
"...Of course."
Do-hyun simply nodded.
"We'll wait there."
"Good."
Mrs. Choi returned to the paperwork.
"I won't be long."
A few moments later...
The boutique's glass doors opened.
The cool evening breeze immediately greeted them as they stepped onto the sidewalk.
The city was beginning to glow beneath the golden light of sunset.
Cars rolled steadily along the boulevard.
Pedestrians filled the sidewalks.
For several seconds...
Neither of them spoke.
The silence between them wasn't uncomfortable.
It was simply... heavy.
Yerin slipped both hands into the pockets of her coat and looked straight ahead.
"I never thought a ring could weigh so much."
Do-hyun glanced at her.
"...Neither did I."
She let out a quiet breath.
"I kept thinking..."
"If I took it off..."
"...maybe everything would disappear with it."
"It doesn't work like that."
"I know."
They reached the edge of the sidewalk and waited for the pedestrian signal.
Neither looked at the other.
The traffic light changed.
They began crossing the street.
On the opposite side of the road...
A taxi had just pulled up.
The rear door opened.
A young woman stepped onto the pavement, adjusting the strap of her handbag before thanking the driver.
She turned casually toward the boulevard.
Then stopped.
Her eyes landed on two familiar figures crossing the street together.
"...Do-hyun?"
Seo Jina frowned.
Her gaze slowly shifted to the young woman walking beside him.
"...Yerin."
She instinctively stepped back behind a decorative stone pillar outside the neighboring boutique.
From there...
She watched them in silence.
They weren't laughing.
They weren't holding hands.
They weren't behaving like a couple.
But...
They were together.
Outside the university.
Away from campus.
And neither looked surprised to be in the other's company.
Jina's brows slowly knitted together.
"...What are they doing here together?"
She watched as they reached the opposite sidewalk.
Do-hyun politely opened the café door.
Yerin stepped inside first.
He followed a moment later.
The door closed behind them.
Jina remained where she was.
Something about the scene refused to leave her mind.
The rumors she'd dismissed as ridiculous...
Suddenly didn't seem so ridiculous anymore.
Her eyes drifted toward the jewelry boutique across the street.
She recognized the name immediately.
One of the city's most exclusive jewelers.
People didn't walk into that boutique unless they were celebrating something important.
A birthday.
An anniversary.
An engagement...
Her expression slowly changed.
"No..."
She whispered.
"...It can't be."
For the first time...
A feeling she couldn't ignore settled deep inside her chest.
Not confusion.
Not curiosity.
Jealousy.
She looked once more toward the café windows.
Then quietly started walking in that direction.
Not to confront them.
Not yet.
First...
She wanted answers.
...To Be Continued...