The night air outside the villa was cool, carrying the faint scent of pine and salt. Hye-rin found Joon-hyuk standing near the garden path, sleeves rolled up, phone in hand — though the screen was black. He wasn't working. He was waiting.
She crossed her arms as she approached. "You didn't have to drag me out like that earlier," she said carefully.
His gaze flicked toward her, calm but sharp. "You were busy," he said, voice even. "With my business rival."
Her brows lifted. "You mean Mr. Choi?"
He looked away, jaw tightening slightly. "I don't make a habit of repeating names that irritate me."
Her lips parted in disbelief. "You're unbelievable."
"Thank you," he said dryly.
They stood in silence for a moment, the only sound the rustle of leaves above them. Finally, she sighed. "You know, you could've just said you don't like it when I talk to other men."
His eyes snapped to hers. "That's not what this is."
"Then what is it, Mr. Lee?" she asked softly.
He opened his mouth, then closed it again, frustration flickering in his expression. "It's… nothing you need to worry about. Just stay cautious around him."
Her tone softened. "Why? What's wrong between you two?"
He hesitated, his face unreadable in the dim light. "Let's just say we don't mix. And leave it at that."
She nodded slowly, unsatisfied but unwilling to press further. "You know, you're terrible at explaining yourself," she murmured, half teasing, half weary.
His lips twitched — not quite a smile, but close. "And you're terrible at staying out of trouble."
She smiled faintly, brushing past him. "Guess that makes us even."
As she disappeared inside, he stood alone, the faint glow from the villa lights brushing against his face.
He told himself it wasn't jealousy. It was control. Responsibility.
But his hand still tightened around his phone — and for the first time, he wasn't sure which one of them he was trying to convince.