Episode 8

 

“What do you want to say?” 

 

In response to Seo Da-rae’s sharp question, Tae-seo raised his hand to signal her to wait for a moment. Then, he slightly turned his body towards Seo Da-rae, pondering which words to start with.

 

“How are things between Seo Da-rae and Kang In-hyuk?”

 

Tae-seo tried to gauge their relationship specifically.

 

Their relationship was good, but they couldn’t date each other because he was in the middle. Seo Da-rae felt burdened by Kang In-hyuk’s deep involvement. It wasn’t that she was ashamed of her family background, but she worried that Kang In-hyuk might feel awkward because of her.

 

The incident that completely changed their relationship happened on the day of the party, but since nothing happened, their relationship remained lukewarm. They could understand each other’s feelings through eye contact, but there hadn’t been any significant progress. And then, there were Kang In-hyuk’s parents to consider. Seo Da-rae’s path ahead was still quite dark.

 

“Seo Da-rae.”

 

As Tae-seo organized his thoughts to some extent, a sense of relaxation appeared on his face. Gone was the nervous tic he had earlier, so Seo Da-rae scrutinized his face with an expression.

 

“Did you accept the champagne back then?”

 

“Are you intentionally asking that?”

 

Seo Da-rae glared at Tae-seo, biting her lip. While Kang In-hyuk was always a lovely man to her, he wasn’t in front of Tae-seo. Having endured his torment for so long, she naturally raised her defenses even with a single word now.

 

“Don’t misunderstand. It’s not about disrespecting your poor household. It just meant to have a good time with Kang In-hyuk using that champagne.”

 

“Changing your words now won’t…”

 

“I’m serious. I’m not interested in Kang In-hyuk anymore. I don’t like him.”

 

Tae-seo wanted to clearly express his feelings to Seo Da-rae first.

 

“I really regret tormenting you before. I won’t do it anymore. And while it might sound like an excuse, I did it because I liked Kang In-hyuk. You understand, right?”

 

“That doesn’t justify tormenting anyone.”

 

“Right. I’m sorry for everything I’ve done to you. I’ll apologize. I’ll make it up to you step by step.”

 

“Should I believe that?”

 

“Just believe me once. I’ll really change.”

 

Seo Da-rae couldn’t retort to Tae-seo’s words and pursed her lips. Indeed, Yoon Tae-seo seemed quieter these days. He didn’t mock her poverty and often ignored her presence. Especially the indifferent look he had just given Kang In-hyuk and her relationship…

 

“I still can’t trust you. Your claim of not liking In-hyuk and apologizing to me.”

 

Tae-seo suppressed the sigh that was about to escape him. He hadn’t thought that he could turn around this whole situation with just a few words. That’s why he felt even more awkward about slipping into the role of a villain.

 

“Yoon Tae-seo!”

 

It was then. Kang In-hyuk was approaching with a cold, stern face.

 

“In-hyuk, just wait a moment.”

 

Seo Da-rae turned her body to approach Kang In-hyuk. She judged that it wouldn’t be good to stir up trouble here for no reason. Moreover, Tae-seo had just conveyed an apology instead of tormenting her, so she didn’t want to escalate the situation further. However, Kang In-hyuk was looking at Tae-seo, not Seo Da-rae.

 

“Stop it now.”

 

“In-hyuk, you’re misunderstanding something. I didn’t do anything.”

 

Tae-seo shrugged casually, saying he hadn’t done anything, but Kang In-hyuk still didn’t loosen his stiff expression. Instead, his gaze on Tae-seo seemed to intensify.

 

“In-hyuk, your pheromones…”

 

While Tae-seo remained oblivious, it was only Seo Da-rae who, clutching her chest, let out a groan. Somehow, the aggressive pheromones emitted because of Tae-seo ended up affecting Seo Da-rae.

 

Her legs weakened, and Seo Da-rae leaned against the wall, bowing her head deeply as she struggled to catch her breath. Kang In-hyuk swiftly approached her and enveloped her in his arms.

 

“Are you okay, Da-rae? I’m sorry.”

 

Unintentionally, the pheromones affected Seo Da-rae. She nodded slightly in Kang In-hyuk’s embrace, indicating that she was fine, and regulated her breathing. Meanwhile, Tae-seo, who was standing awkwardly at a distance, wore a puzzled expression, wondering what was happening.

 

From his perspective, Kang In-hyuk had approached with a menacing look, and Seo Da-rae seemed startled, clutching her heart as if she had seen a ghost. That was all. Seo Da-rae mentioned pheromones, and he vaguely understood, but he didn’t feel anything. Thanks to that, all he could do was stand awkwardly, feeling like he was witnessing a melodramatic scene between the two.

 

“What did you do to Da-rae?” 

 

“In-hyuk, you’re the one who did something. I was just having a friendly conversation.”

 

Kang In-hyuk glanced at Seo Da-rae as if asking if that was true. Seo Da-rae still looked unwell as she glanced at Tae-seo. Tae-seo shrugged as if to say, “Tell him,” and Seo Da-rae nodded slightly.

 

“It was nothing. Let’s go, In-hyuk.”

 

Kang In-hyuk, pulling Seo Da-rae’s shoulder, warned Tae-seo in a low voice.

 

“Don’t harass others out of your inferiority complex. I won’t tolerate it anymore.”

 

‘Inferiority complex…’

 

Kang In-hyuk’s words were correct. He hated Seo Da-rae more because of his own feelings of inadequacy for not becoming an omega. Especially when he added the anger of losing Kang In-hyuk, whom he considered his possession. That’s why he even did things he shouldn’t have. So, in this novel, he was the villain and the scapegoat.

 

But still, now that he had become Yoon Tae-seo, he felt a little bitter.

 

“In-hyuk.”

 

At Tae-seo’s call, Kang In-hyuk turned his head slightly.

 

“How did you feel about my inferiority complex?”

 

“…What?”

 

“You know why I wanted to become an omega because of whom. Have you ever thought about comforting me?”

 

Even though this character might be the villain in everyone’s eyes, he wondered if Kang In-hyuk, as the protagonist of the novel, had ever sympathized with him even once. He was the protagonist of the novel, so it was natural for him to live well and have a happy ending. He just wondered if Kang In-hyuk had ever sympathized with him even once.

 

“Yoon Tae-seo… You’ve changed, but you’re still shameless.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

Tae-seo furrowed his brows as if asking what he meant.

 

“You, born into a good family, whining as if you’re the most unhappy person in the world just because you’re a beta. Thinking it’s natural for me to pay attention to you even in our meaningless relationship. But what’s changed about you?”

 

“Well… I see.”

 

He was a character who didn’t even receive sympathy from the one he had a crush on. Tae-seo accepted it calmly, as if he had never expected disappointment or hope from Kang In-hyuk.

 

Tae-seo took the first step and passed by them. Then, he glanced at Park Han-soo, who was standing at a distance, rolling his eyes. Park Han-soo awkwardly smiled when he saw Kang In-hyuk and Seo Da-rae. It seemed like an apology for how much trouble he had caused.

 

“Wanna grab coffee?”

 

Ignoring Park Han-soo’s pitiful voice, Tae-seo walked on.

 

“Come with me.”

 

***

 

“What coffee do you want?”

 

“Just get whatever.”

 

“Got it.”

 

“And order by barking.”

 

“Woof.”

 

Park Han-soo, who was often teased, immediately stood up with a bark. Even when he was being annoying, it was amusing to see him bow down like that.

 

Park Han-soo brought various types of cakes and macarons to accompany the Americano and pushed them all towards Tae-seo.

 

“I don’t eat sweet stuff.”

 

“Should I sprinkle some salt on them?”

 

“Before you sprinkle salt on them, say it.”

 

Tae-seo didn’t touch what Park Han-soo had brought. Instead, he leaned back against the backrest and crossed his arms.

 

“Why are you like this?”

 

“Well, I just thought since you’ve been so indifferent lately, it would be nice for you to show that chic attitude even during this group meeting.”

 

“Why do you get to decide that?”

 

“Sorry. But seriously, I thought about you. You can’t even make real friends because you’re so obsessed with Kang In-hyuk…”

 

“I’m not obsessed.”

 

Tae-seo cut Park Han-soo off.

 

“Fine, you might not like this approach. But it was my own alternative.”

 

While Tae-seo meant he didn’t like Kang In-hyuk, Park Han-soo interpreted it as not liking the way the group was formed. Tae-seo thought about addressing each of Park Han-soo’s points but found it too bothersome and let it go.

 

“Why do you get to decide all this?”

 

Tae-seo nudged Park Han-soo’s leg under the table. If he had known Park Han-soo would push it this far, he wouldn’t have gone along with it. He could have prevented them from being in the same group from the beginning, or at least Park Han-soo wouldn’t have been so flustered.

 

“I really messed up.”

 

“Say it while barking.”

 

“I messed up. Woof. I really wanted our Tae-seo to enjoy a happy life. I wanted him to show a different side to Kang In-hyuk and make lots of friends. Creak.”

 

“Ridiculous.”

 

It was just a string of nonsense. When Tae-seo chuckled, Park Han-soo bowed his head in embarrassment.

 

“Should I consider changing the group members now? Since it’s my fault…”

 

“Just a moment.”

 

Suddenly, a thought struck Tae-seo, and he leaned forward as if his torso had sprung up. He scratched his forehead and glanced around before fixing his gaze on Park Han-soo.