Chapter 47. Just Take My Hand (1)

Maybe it was because she felt guilty, but Sera’s response came out sharper than necessary.

“Lee Rowoon is a year younger than us. What’s so intimidating about him? And is it really that surprising that he doesn’t have a girlfriend? Maybe he’s just not popular with women because of his awful personality.”

“Haha, Sera, you’re hilarious. He does seem like the cold type. But apparently, that makes him even more desirable.”

“He seems super reserved in public. Is he like that at home too?”

Contrary to Sera’s intention to belittle him, the others mistook her casual familiarity as a sign of closeness. Excited, they bombarded her with questions about Lee Rowoon. Sera responded carefully, making sure not to reveal anything that would invade his privacy.

“Guys, let’s stop. Sera might feel uncomfortable.”

It was Lee Seonkyung who poured cold water on the heated discussion. The lively chatter abruptly halted, and one of the women, feeling unfairly scolded, shot back at her.

“Sera doesn’t seem uncomfortable at all, so why?”

Seonkyung smiled awkwardly, glancing at Sera for reassurance.

“Sera and Rowoon don’t get along very well. I’m not sure why, but Rowoon is especially cold toward her. If he found out people were talking about him behind his back, it could make things difficult for Sera.”

“Oh… Really? I’m sorry, Sera. I didn’t know.”

Sera pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh at how transparent Seonkyung’s act was. She had been unusually quiet today, but it seemed like she was finally getting annoyed by how the attention was revolving around Sera. The way she made a point to bring up Lee Rowoon’s name and flaunt her supposed connection to him was proof enough.

“It’s fine. I don’t mind.”

Sera smiled innocently, tilting her head as if she didn’t understand.

“But our relationship is fine. I don’t know where these weird rumors keep coming from. Well, not that it matters—people will believe what they want. If you don’t trust me, we can always meet up with Rowoon together sometime.”

“Really? I’d be up for that anytime.”

“Yeah, let’s set a date!”

As expected, Sera’s blatant lie sparked excitement among the group. If Lee Rowoon heard this, he’d probably glare daggers at her.

“You seem to be getting along with Jaeheon these days, and now Rowoon too? That’s great, Sera.”

Seonkyung, who had been silent for a moment, suddenly spoke up in admiration.

“Not long ago, you were crying about how hard it was because everyone hated you. It broke my heart to see you like that. That’s why I even talked to Rowoon about it, even though I knew it wasn’t my place. I asked him to be at least half as kind to you as he is to me… I guess it worked.”

“…”

“I just didn’t want unnecessary conflicts to arise, but I guess I was being thoughtless. Congratulations, Sera!”

How could someone be so infuriating while looking so sincerely concerned? It was honestly impressive.

Sera almost admired her for it.

“Yeah… Sera did have a tough time back then.”

“But things are better now, right?”

At Seonkyung’s words, the group’s mood subtly shifted. What had been pure admiration toward Sera was now tinged with faint condescension, as they recalled how she had been treated in the past. Sera curled her lips into a smile and nodded.

“Thanks for your concern. There were some rough times, but I’m really fine now. I just need to keep working on myself.”

“That’s good to hear…”

“Oh, that reminds me—Director Seo Jungwon seems like a great person.”

As Sera casually dropped that remark, Lee Seonkyung’s expression instantly changed. Acting oblivious, Sera kept her smile bright.

“At first, I pushed him away because I didn’t want to get in your way. But now, I wonder—why not just be friends? A sweet girl like you wouldn’t misunderstand something like that, right?”

“Why would Seonkyung—? Oh, do you mean that guy she’s close with?”

“How did you meet him?”

Sera was certain that Seonkyung’s feelings for Seo Jungwon were still one-sided. If they weren’t, there was no way Jungwon would have been so openly flirtatious with her.

“You and Jungwon oppa… got close?”

Seeing Seonkyung’s nervous reaction, Sera became even more convinced.

“I wouldn’t say we’re that close yet, but I figured—why not get along? He’s been actively reaching out, so there’s no reason for me to refuse.”

“…”

“Seonkyung, you’ve always wished for my happiness, right? I know you’ll support my new friendship, too.”

Sera had no intention of making an enemy of Seonkyung, but if Seonkyung wanted to start something, Sera wouldn’t just sit back and take it.

If you don’t want to lose what you want, don’t mess with me.

Sera smiled brightly at Seonkyung, who was glaring at her.

***