Chapter 8: The Price of Being First
Junghan's Penthouse – 10:00 PM.
The minimalist kitchen is quiet, save for the sound of JUNGHAN eating a simple dinner he prepared himself. Usually, he eats like a machine, but tonight is different. He stops mid-bite, his hand going to his face to cover a sudden, uncontrollable blush.
He remembers the way she sat in his car—so cold, yet making the entire space feel electric.
He picks up his phone and looks at the bank notification again. "Taxi Fare: 50,000 KRW." He lets out a short, airy laugh. "She really is something," he whispers to the empty room. "Exactly my type... a woman who doesn't need anyone's charity." He isn't even annoyed anymore; he's completely charmed.
Haeyoung's Penthouse.
Across town, HAEYOUNG is in her own luxury space. It's dim, lit only by the flickering blue light of a massive TV screen. She's eating a takeout salad, her face completely stone-cold as she watches a horror documentary about a haunting. Ghosts are screaming on screen, but she doesn't flinch. She just chews her lettuce, her mind clearly stuck on the image of a blue friendship band on another girl's wrist.
"The Grill" Restaurant.
The vibe here is much warmer. JAE-WON and HYUNA are surrounded by the smell of sizzling meat and the chatter of other diners.
Jae-won: "I've been wondering... do you always go home with your boss? Most Directors don't personally drop their juniors off at their doorstep."
Hyuna: (Laughing, a bit embarrassed) "Actually, yeah, Junghan Sunbaenim usually drops me if I miss the bus. But it's mostly because our parents are best friends. He's an only son, so our families are really close. He's like a family friend... who I also happen to work for."
Jae-won: "Ah, a family connection. That explains the tolerance." He smiles and pulls out a small, velvet box. Inside is a stunning, high-end bracelet. "See? I bought this for Haeyoung. It's the most expensive and beautiful one I've ever picked out... but I was an idiot and forgot to give it to her first."
Hyuna: "It's beautiful! You two have been friends a long time, right?"
Jae-won: "Since high school. Our first meeting was a disaster. She was sitting alone at the very back desk—the only person without a partner. I sat down and asked, 'Are you always this serious?' and she just looked at me and said, 'Always.' End of conversation! I thought she was arrogant because she was beautiful, and she thought I was a nerd."
Hyuna: "She is incredibly beautiful. I bet she gets so many proposals."
Jae-won: (Laughing) "Actually, no. No one has the courage. Most guys just talk to her friends about it. If a man she doesn't know messages her directly? Blocked. Instantly."
Hyuna: (Jaw dropping) "She's a total savage. A baddie. I wish I knew how to be like her."
Jae-won: (Looking at her, his voice firm) "Don't try. Not possible. Only Haeyoung can be Haeyoung. You should just be you."
Hyuna: (Quietly) "But maybe he'd like me more if I were like her. I've loved Junghan since we were kids. I thought because his parents got divorced and he became so lonely, I could be the one to heal him. That's why I run after him."
Jae-won: (Staring at his food) "Hurt by divorce, huh? It's funny... some people in this world actually want their parents to get a divorce. Junghan is lucky. My parents stay together just to make each other miserable. They should have ended it years ago."
Hyuna looks at him, seeing the deep shadow behind his sunny smile for the first time.
Haeyoung's Apartment – Midnight.
Her phone buzzes. Once. Twice. Three times. Finally, she picks it up.
Haeyoung: "What is it? Is there a flight change?"
Jae-won: (On the other end, sounding tired) "Please, Haeyoung. I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry I didn't give yours first. I have your bracelet here."
Haeyoung: "I understand. But I told you, I'm not taking it this year. Either I'm the first priority, or I'm nothing."
Jae-won: "But this one is so much more expensive! It's special!"
Haeyoung: "Jae-won, it was never about the price. You could have given that girl a diamond and given me a piece of wood, and I wouldn't have cared—as long as you gave it to me first. It's about the place I hold in your life."
Jae-won: "I know. I'm sorry."
Haeyoung: "Our friendship is the same, Jae-won. Nothing changes there. But no bracelet this year. I'm going to sleep. Bye."
She hangs up and stares at the dark TV screen, the horror documentary long forgotten.
[FADE OUT]