The two continued their trivial conversation. What I heard about HJ’s current situation through him was obvious.

‘Since the succession structure became clear, the number of people approaching me has increased, but I am keeping a reasonable distance from them. I don’t plan on becoming friends, but it’s hard to push him away outright.’

I felt fortunate, even though the voice spoke of others’ malice in a calm tone, as if I was now used to this kind of life, a little unfamiliar. I was worried that he was being treated like a fool because he was such a nice person, but that didn’t seem to be the case.

“More than that, I think Jaeyoung likes Seunghyeon a lot.”

“Cough.”