I kept walking, ignoring Jia's presence nearby. My gaze stayed fixed straight ahead, determined to suppress every feeling I had ever harbored for her. I had resolved to forget this unrequited love, knowing it was impossible for us to grow closer.
Then Minjae's smug face appeared ahead, and my steps faltered. The smile on his lips wasn't warm or sincere, it was the triumphant grin of someone who took pride in keeping me away from Jia.
"Impressive," he sneered. "You really obey my words. Keep this up, and your life will be much easier."
I clenched my fists, holding back the boiling anger. His insult stung, yet I knew that fighting back would only complicate matters further. So I continued walking, refusing to look back.
Soon after, Remy appeared from the staircase, mentioning that Jia was currently with Minjae. I no longer cared. From now on, Jia was no longer my concern.
"I'm moving to Grandma's house," I said firmly.
"Moving? Are you serious?" Remy froze for a moment, then continued, "I suppose there's no reason to stop you. When are you planning to move?"
"Today."
"So soon?!"
"I made this decision the moment Grandma passed away. I feel my presence is truly needed there, though this plan was delayed because of Minjae."
"In that case, let me help you with the move."
"No need. I'm grateful for all you've done to take care of me while I healed. One day, I'll repay your kindness."
"Don't talk like that. We're friends, aren't we? We've been helping each other since our first day on campus. Don't act like we'll never meet again. Let me help you."
I finally relented. Though I didn't have many belongings to carry, I allowed Remy to accompany me—at least so he would know where to find me if ever he needed me.
Upon arriving at Grandma's house, the atmosphere no longer felt gloomy. Something had changed, making me wonder who had tidied up the place. Could it be the woman who nearly broke my cheekbone? If so, where was she now?
"You can go upstairs. That's my room. Help me carry these things up," I said, setting my bags down on the floor.
"Oh… alright…" Remy replied, picking up the bags and heading up the stairs.
Meanwhile, I walked toward the door leading to the backyard. Earlier, I had heard a sound, so perhaps I could find the woman there.
The sight that greeted me froze me in place. The woman who once claimed to be a black belt was busy cleaning the yard. Her form-fitting clothes accentuated the curves of a professional physique, and her ponytail matched her poised demeanor. Sweat glistened on her skin, making me slightly uneasy.
"Oh, aren't you the guy who came here before?" she greeted as she noticed me.
I stammered slightly before answering, "Y-yes. You're cleaning the backyard?"
She nodded, scanning her surroundings. "That's right. I just finally had the chance to tidy it up."
She stretched, raising her arms high above her head. "Exhausting. But I managed to finish everything in one day. It's so satisfying!"
Without waiting for a response, she walked into the house. "We'll talk later. I need to wash up and change into something more comfortable."
"Wait!" I called, making her stop and turn toward me with a confused expression.
"We're going to be living under the same roof in Grandma's house, but we haven't even introduced ourselves. I don't know what to call you."
"Mina Nakamura. You can call me Mina."
I nodded slowly, trying to piece things together. "From the first time I saw you, I suspected you weren't entirely of Korean descent."
"My mother is Japanese, while my father is Korean. My father's family name is Park. What about you?"
I listened intently, realizing I hadn't introduced myself yet. "My name is Caspian. My friends call me Ian."
"Your family name?" she asked.
"Kang," I answered, forcing a small smile.
In truth, I had no surname. My origins had never been clear to me. Kang was Grandma's name, borrowed as a shield for my identity.
Mina was silent for a moment, studying me before nodding slowly. "Alright, Ian. I hope we can get along as Grandma's grandchildren."
I could only stare as Mina walked away. Her casual composure made my own nerves stand on edge. Sharing a roof with a stranger was something I had never imagined.
My thoughts were interrupted when I noticed Remy hiding on the stairs, his eyes fixed on where Mina had disappeared. I walked over to him.
"Hey, are you saying this is why you're avoiding Jia? Because you've found someone else?" he teased.
I shook my head. "Mina and I just happen to cross paths because of Grandma. There's nothing special between us."
Remy still smiled mischievously. "You sure there's nothing special? But what about Jia—"
I sighed heavily, staring at him sharply.
"Stop mentioning her. I want to forget her."
"But isn't she your first love? I know you feel inferior to Minjae. That's the problem with people like us, we always underestimate ourselves."
"Minjae has everything. I have nothing. There's no way I can compete. That's reality."
"But Minjae doesn't have everything."
I stopped halfway up the stairs, turning to look at Remy silently. What did he mean? What did Minjae lack?
"He still doesn't have Jia. And it seems he never will. Until now, Jia hasn't given him an answer. If she liked him, she would've accepted him without hesitation. I'm certain she's only yielding because she can't resist."
"So Jia will stay with Minjae because he forces her? Stop forcing me to endure it. After all, I'm nobody."
"You're not the same Ian I know. Before, you were so enthusiastic about Jia, proudly telling me when you shook hands with her. I liked that, and I hoped you two could be together."
"You forget how I was beaten? If I step forward, it'll only end my life. Minjae has the power to torment me forever."
Remy exhaled. "I hate this the most."
Suddenly, footsteps drew our attention. Mina appeared, a towel slung over her shoulder, her face scowling.
"Were you eavesdropping on us?" I asked, suspicious.
Mina shrugged casually. "I wasn't eavesdropping. I just couldn't avoid overhearing while heading to the bathroom. If you don't want to be heard, talk somewhere more private, not on the stairs. Now I know your problem."
She placed both hands on her hips, her temper flaring. "Who dares to bully you like this, huh? Tell me, and I'll rip out every one of their teeth!"