Chapter Text
Jaeyi didn’t grow up with “I love you.”
No “Thank you” when she helped.
No “I’m sorry” when someone hurt her.
No “I’m proud of you”, “you did well”.
No warm hugs after school or gentle words before bed.
In her house, love wasn’t spoken. It wasn’t in the words they shared.
It wasn’t that her family didn’t care – she knows they do in their own way. Their love is expressed through designer clothes in her closet, latest gadgets on her birthday, private tutors for every subject, and vacations to luxurious destinations.
But affection had no language. Vulnerability wasn’t modeled. Apologies weren’t offered. And praise? That just didn’t exist.
Jaeyi didn’t carry resentment. But still, sometimes she wonders, what would it have felt like to grow up in a family where affection flowed freely?
Where “I love you” wasn’t rare or heavy, but normal.
As a kid, she didn’t realize anything was missing. You can’t crave what you’ve never been given. But over time, she started to notice the cracks.
She watched her friends melt into their parents’ arms after hard days. She saw how easily they expressed what they felt. They said “I’m sorry” when they were wrong and “Thank you” even for little things. And most of all – they said “I love you” without hesitation.
She didn’t know how to do any of that.
She was jealous – not just of their parents’ voices, but of the comfort those voices brought, the kind of comfort she longed for but never found.
Sometimes, she’d catch herself wishing her family could say those things too, the words that feel so small but carry so much weight. “I’m proud of you”, “It's okay, we're here” or even just “How was your day?”
It was a survival.
And she got good at it.
When no one carries you, you can learn to carry yourself.
That sounds strong, maybe even admirable. But there’s sadness to it, too.
Because being self-sufficient isn’t the same as being okay.
Jaeyi walked across the bustling college campus, her long black hair swinging with each stride. Students glanced up from their phones or conversations to admire her – the daughter of J Medical Centre's CEO was somewhat of a celebrity here.
She navigated through the crowd with ease, her expression polite yet distant – a mask she'd perfected over the years. Jaeyi's destination was the campus café, where she was meeting her best friend and only confidant, Choi Kyung.
They had been inseparable since kindergarten – Kyung was one of the few people who saw beyond Jaeyi's perfect facade.
Upon entering the café, Jaeyi spotted Kyung already seated, sipping on a latte and scrolling through her phone. Kyung looked up, caught Jaeyi's eye, and flashed a warm smile.
"Finally, Princess Yoo arrives," Kyung teased, using Jaeyi's childhood nickname.
Jaeyi rolled her eyes good-naturedly and slid into the seat across from Kyung.
"Coffee better be worth dragging me out of bed," Jaeyi said dryly, signaling the barista for her usual order. The barista nodded knowingly and headed to prepare Jaeyi's favorite caramel macchiato.
Kyung leaned in, voice lowering to gossip mode, "So, how was your weekend? Any exciting events at the Yoo estate?"
Jaeyi shrugged elegantly, "The usual. Mother's charity gala. Father's business dinner. I wore designer dresses and pretended to care."
Kyung chuckled knowingly, "Sounds boring."
Jaeyi's expression turned wry, but a hint of sadness flickered in her eyes before she looked away. Kyung noticed the fleeting emotion and reached out to gently touch Jaeyi's hand. "Hey, you okay? You've seemed distant – even more than usual."
Jaeyi withdrew her hand casually, accepting her caramel macchiato from the barista with a polite smile.
"I'm fine, Kyung. Just tired of... everything felt so empty." Jaeyi said softly, surprising herself with the honest admission.
Kyung was concerned about her, “Want to tell me what's going on?"
Just then, a loud crash and laughter erupted from the café entrance. A group of students cheered as a girl with a messy, wolf haircut and bright smile walked in, balancing a tray overloaded with coffee cups and books.
Jaeyi's gaze drifted toward the commotion, her polished expression faltered slightly, surprised by the spark of curiosity that ignited within her at the stranger's bright smile and warm eyes. Her eyes lingered on the stranger retreating back before returning to Kyung, who noticed her distraction.
"Earth to Jaeyi... what's caught your attention?" Kyung asked teasingly.
Jaeyi raised an eyebrow, curious, "Do you know that girl? The one with the messy wolf haircut?"
Kyung's expression changed subtly – a hint of surprise and amusement, "Actually, yes. Her name is Woo Seulgi – she's a Business major. We've... crossed paths before," Kyung added vaguely, stirring her latte slowly.
Jaeyi's curiosity piqued, she leaned in closer, "Crossed paths? What do you mean? Do you know her well?"
Kyung hesitated for a moment before responding in a low tone, "Seulgi's best friend, Yeri, and I... had a thing last semester. Briefly."
Jaeyi's eyes widened slightly, "A 'thing' – Kyung, what the heck? You never told me about this before. Was it serious or just casual?"
Kyung smiled wryly, "Casual. But Seulgi was pretty protective of Yeri afterwards... I got the impression she doesn't suffer fools gladly."
Jaeyi's gaze drifted back to where Seulgi had disappeared into the crowd, intrigued. Kyung raised an eyebrow, curiosity getting the better of her, "Wait, why are you even asking about Seulgi? You never show interest in anyone – what's behind this sudden curiosity?"
Jaeyi shrugged elegantly, trying to appear nonchalant, "No reason. Just making conversation."
Kyung burst out laughing, "Save it, Jaeyi. I've known you since kindergarten, you only ask questions when you're actually interested!"
Jaeyi playfully rolled her eyes and teased, "Oh, distract yourself from your own scandalous past, this Yeri girl must have been really something for you to keep in the dark from me."
Kyung giggled and swatted Jaeyi's arm, "Hey, that 'something' was a really good kisser, unlike your non-existent dating history!"
Jaeyi grinned, feeling carefree for once, "My dating history is nonexistent because I have standards! Unlike some law students who hook up with business majors..."
Kyung laughed loudly, drawing smiles from nearby café patrons, "Burn! Okay, okay! You win this round, Yoo!"
Jaeyi grinned triumphantly at Kyung before glancing at her watch, "Speak of rounds, our first class starts soon. We should head out."
Kyung nodded, gathering her belongings, "Law and Medicine, saving the world from criminals and bad health, one lecture at a time."
Jaeyi chuckled and stood up, tossing her cup away, "Let's go save the world... or at least pass our exams."
As they walked out of the café together, Jaeyi casually glanced back – her eyes landing on Woo Seulgi, who was now sitting alone at a small table outside the café, typing away on her laptop. Jaeyi felt a slight pang of curiosity again before Kyung nudged her forward, "Let’s go."
Jaeyi stepped out of the Anatomy building, feeling relieved her morning class was over – she had the rest of the day free. She pulled out her phone and dialed Kyung's number,
"Hey, want to grab lunch together before I head home?" Jaeyi asked.
Kyung's voice came through the line, slightly distracted, "Love to, but our team project is due soon. I'm stuck in the library all day. You head home, I'll catch up later!"
“Okay! Good luck with your project!” Jaeyi said before she hung up.
Jaeyi began walking towards the campus exit when suddenly her path collided with someone rushing around the corner. Coffee splashed everywhere – all over Jaeyi's white blouse and beige skirt. Jaeyi looked down at the mess before meeting the eyes of Woo Seulgi, who looked panicked and apologetic.
"Oh no, I’m sorry! I'm so so sorry!" Seulgi exclaimed, the coffee cup still clutched in her hand, her voice laced with distress.
Jaeyi smiled kindly and said, "It looks like I needed a caffeine boost – literally. Are you okay?"
Seulgi's panicked expression softened slightly at Jaeyi's calm demeanor, "Please, let me pay for the laundry or even replace the blouse – it's the least I can do!"
Jaeyi laughed gently and waved her hand dismissively, "No need, really – I was heading home anyway, so this was just a perfect excuse to change clothes."
"But I'll feel terrible if I don't do anything to make up for it..." Seulgi still looked distressed, biting her lip.
Jaeyi smiled warmly at Seulgi's sincerity, "Oh. How about you tell me what’s your name? And perhaps – as a peace offering – we could grab a decent cup of coffee together sometime?"
Seulgi's face lit up with surprise and delight, "My name is Woo Seulgi... and I'd love to buy you that coffee… to redeem my clumsy coffee-spilling skills!"
Jaeyi's pulse fluttered momentarily at Seulgi's sparkling smile – she felt drawn to this charming, clumsy stranger who had somehow made her day more interesting.
"I'm Yoo Jaeyi," she replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper, as she extended her coffee-stained hand for a handshake or – surprisingly to herself – maybe something more. Seulgi's eyes crinkled at the corners as she gently took Jaeyi's hand, her touch warm and unexpected, sending a subtle shiver down Jaeyi's spine.
"I know. Nice to officially meet you, Jaeyi," Seulgi said, her voice low and friendly, still holding Jaeyi's hand for a fraction of a second longer than necessary. Jaeyi felt her cheeks warm slightly as Seulgi finally released her hand.
Jaeyi's eyes met Seulgi's again, and then she glanced down at Seulgi's shirt – noticing that Seulgi had also gotten coffee splattered on her light blue blouse, though barely compared to hers.
Jaeyi smiled kindly and opened her bag, "Actually, I think you got splattered too... Would you like my cardigan to cover that stain?"
Seulgi laughed and pointed to Jaeyi's coffee-soaked blouse, "Your shirt looks like it needs it more than mine! You're practically swimming in coffee!"
Jaeyi insisted gently, "But you probably have more classes today and I'm heading home. So please, take it."
Seulgi's expression softened at Jaeyi's thoughtful gesture, and she accepted the cardigan, "Thank you so much, Jaeyi... I'll wash and return it to you! Promise!"
Jaeyi smiled warmly, "You’re so welcome, Seulgi. Nice collision-running-into-you..."
They both laughed gently and then Seulgi added, "I should get to class! Thanks again for being so kind about the coffee disaster!"
Jaeyi waved her hand, "Anytime! Have a great day, Seulgi."
Seulgi smiled and turned to walk towards the academic buildings, while Jaeyi headed in the opposite direction, towards the campus exit and home.
As they parted ways, Jaeyi couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement – she was already looking forward to that cup of coffee with Seulgi.
Jaeyi drove through the gated entrance of her family's luxurious mansion, the soft click of the car door echoing through the silent afternoon air. She stepped into the grand foyer, greeted only by stillness – no warm smiles, no gentle hellos – just emptiness.
The dining table was set with her favorite meals: grilled salmon and steamed vegetables, carefully prepared by their helper, Mrs. Kim. But the food lay cold, congealed, and uninviting – like the house itself.
She walked past the table without pause, her heels clicking on marble floors as she headed towards her bedroom to wash away the lingering scent of coffee and awkwardness from her encounter with Seulgi.
As she changed into comfortable clothes, Jaeyi's mind wandered back to Seulgi's bright smile and warm eyes – a stark contrast to her own life. She felt like a ghost drifting through this mansion – invisible, unheard, and utterly alone. Her gaze fell upon a photo on her nightstand – a perfect family portrait:
Her father, Chairman Yoo Tae-joon of J Medical Centre, beamed with pride behind them.
Her mother, Chairman Yoo's wife, smiled elegantly beside her.
Jaeyi herself, a poised teenager at the time, stood between them – smiling correctly.
But her eyes, even in the photo, seemed... empty.
She made her way back to the kitchen, opened the microwave with a sigh, and warmed up her lunch – a solitary routine she knew all too well. The beep of the microwave broke the silence; Jaeyi sat down at the grand dining table – alone – and began to eat, her eyes drifting to the empty chair across from hers...