Chapter 16. Just This Once, Let Nothing Go Wrong (2)

Translator: Lili

As far as Sera could tell, Lee Seonkyung, in and of herself, wasn’t a dangerous presence. As long as she didn’t torment her and provoke the male leads’ anger, there was no reason for things to spiral into disaster just because she spent time with her.

And at the end of the day, she couldn’t avoid Lee Seonkyung forever. If she kept ignoring her, she might end up resenting her instead…

— Sera keeps ignoring me… Did I do something wrong?

— What an arrogant bitch. I’ll make sure she never pulls that crap again.

— Really? How are you going to teach her a lesson?

— Well, first… we could stage a little accident…

— …

Shivering at her own ominous imagination, Sera cautiously suggested,

“Then… should we meet up sometime when you’re free?”

— How about this Sunday? The weather’s nice, so let’s have lunch outside.

“Sounds good. But my memory is still spotty… Are you okay with that?”

— Quit worrying and just meet me, Vice President Shin. At least I remember everything. That’s all that matters.

Sera found herself smiling slightly. It had been so long since she had engaged in casual conversation with a friend. The warmth in Lee Seonkyung’s voice made her say something unnecessary—something that slipped out simply because it felt nice to have someone care.

“Thanks, Seonkyung. You’re the only one I have.”

— For real? Wow, I’ve never heard you say that before. You really do seem like a different person after losing your memory.

“…Hah.”

For a moment, Sera was caught off guard. But then, belatedly, she let out an awkward laugh.

She had known that Shin Sera in the original story was a terrible person, but to think she had never even said a simple thank you? Her lack of basic decency was astonishing.

— I’ll make the reservation and let you know. Get some rest!

As soon as she hung up, Sera exhaled the breath she had been holding and rubbed her forehead.

‘Please, just this once, let nothing go wrong.’

That was all she could hope for right now.

***

For some reason, the weather was exceptionally clear today. A good start to the day.

Arriving at the cafe a little earlier than the agreed time, Sera was led to a terrace with a great view. She had just started sipping on a refreshing lemonade when, right on time, Lee Seonkyung appeared.

“Sera!”

Seonkyung ran up to her in one breath, grasping her hands with a bright smile.

Sera had only remembered that the story described her as beautiful, but she hadn’t been able to picture her face. Now, seeing her in person, she realized Seonkyung was even more stunning than she had imagined. She had that fresh, radiant energy—the perfect embodiment of a first love.

“I’m so happy to see you! I missed you, Sera.”

The emotion in Seonkyung’s eyes was closer to awe than just delight. If she had a tail, she would probably be wagging it furiously.

Sera had always wondered why everyone seemed to be utterly captivated by Lee Seonkyung. But now, seeing her in person, she could understand.

‘Who wouldn’t love someone who looked as bright and refreshing as a ray of sunlight?’

“Let’s order first. What do you want to eat?”

Sera handed her the menu, her expression unconsciously softening. Seonkyung blinked at her in surprise, her voice tinged with awe.

“I can choose?”

“Of course. I’m treating today, so order whatever you want.”

“But you never let me pick before.”

“…I didn’t?”

“I didn’t mind since I eat anything, but… I guess I’ll choose today?”

“…Yeah. Go ahead. No need to hesitate.”

‘Why do I feel ashamed for something I didn’t even do?’

Sera tried to calm the heat creeping up her face as she silently cursed Shin Sera’s pettiness.

Oblivious to her inner turmoil, Seonkyung hummed a little tune as she flipped through the menu.

But something felt… off.

A strange sense of discomfort pricked at Sera’s nerves. As she tried to pinpoint the reason, Seonkyung finished ordering a few dishes. Soon, their food arrived, and they began chatting over their meal.

“Are you feeling better now?”

“My memory isn’t fully back yet, but it’s not too bad.”

Sera lied effortlessly. She planned to keep up the partial amnesia act for now—it was the best excuse to explain any discrepancies with the original Shin Sera.

Without a hint of doubt, Seonkyung nodded, then suddenly put on a strict expression. But far from being intimidating, it just made her look endearing.

“Well, that’s a relief. But you always got hurt in weird ways before, remember? I nagged you about it so much. Try to be more careful from now on, okay?”

“…Yeah, okay.”

Contrary to her initial worries, spending time with Seonkyung wasn’t bad at all. In fact… she was even enjoying herself a little.

After all the hostility she had endured since waking up in this world, this moment of ordinary, everyday interaction felt almost moving. Without realizing it, she smiled.

“Why are you smiling to yourself?”

“…No reason.”

‘Because I like this.’

She swallowed the words before they could escape.

For the first time, she truly understood why people adored Seonkyung.

And then—

“Sera, I heard you met Jungwon.”

“…What?”

“He mentioned it himself.”

Seo Jungwon’s name popped up so suddenly that Sera’s face froze mid-smile.

Seonkyung studied her with a curious gaze. Her silence felt expectant, like she was waiting for an answer.

Sera swallowed dryly before hesitantly opening her mouth.

“…You mean Seo Jungwon?”

“Yeah. I met up with him last week, and he said he knows you. I haven’t even introduced you two yet, so I was wondering how you met.”

“…”

“How do you two know each other?”

Her tone wasn’t accusatory, but Sera felt strangely guilty anyway.