Transit Love After Revenge Chapter 4

Eyes that folded in half when he smiled, the dimples that formed beneath them, and the mischievous curve of his lips.

 

Those were all the things Haeyoung used to love about him.

 

Even on bad days, even when she snapped at him or let her emotions get the best of her, just one of his gentle smiles would make everything else seem like no big deal.

 

‘But not anymore.’

 

Even though it was a face she had loved for six years. A smile that had kept her tied down for just as long. And yet, she felt nothing now. No, worse than nothing, she felt disgust.

 

“Anyway, should we order first? I’m thinking of a Greek salad. I started a diet.”

 

“A diet? Why?”

 

The moment Haeyoung asked, a notification sound chimed from Seongjun’s phone. He picked it up immediately, as if he’d been waiting for it.

 

A faint smile played on his lips. Tap tap tap, the cheerful sound of typing filled the air for a while. Whether Haeyoung was watching or not, he kept texting someone back and forth.

 

It was a familiar kind of loneliness. Even when she was with Seongjun, it never really felt like they were together.

 

“What were we talking about again?”

 

Seongjun finally put down his phone.

 

“We haven’t talked yet. We just said hello.”

 

“Did we? Oh yeah, I’m dieting. Do you know <Friendship Romance>?”

 

“The dating show?”

 

“Yeah, season one was a huge hit. They cast me for the next season. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

 

“You’re my boyfriend, and you’re going on a dating show?”

 

“Shh. Keep your voice down.”

 

Seongjun looked around. No one was interested, but he already acted like a top star.

 

“I know. I thought about you a lot, but the opportunity was just too good to pass up. You don’t want me to give up a life-changing chance because of you, right?”

 

“….”

 

“I knew you would understand. Anyway, that’s why this is the last time we’ll be meeting in public. Don’t tell anyone. Unless you want to ruin my life.”

 

The ridiculous statement made Haeyoung feel oddly relieved.

 

‘Good. I have something to ruin your life. I was wondering if you might back out this time, but now I don’t have to worry.’

 

“You could have just broken up with me.”

 

“How could you say that? I could never break up with you. You’re the only one for me.”

 

‘What’s your intention? He doesn’t even like me anymore, so why won’t he just let go? Why bother feeding me these sweet little lies?’

 

“You’re going with Minji?”

 

“How did you know?”

 

“It’s a show where best friends of the opposite sex team up, right? You’re closest to Minji.”

 

“And she’s pretty. Comes from a good family, too. If I go with her, it raises my value.”

 

Which, of course, implied that Haeyoung was neither pretty nor from a good family.

 

“I get it.”

 

“Wow, Haeyoung, you’re seriously the best. Honestly, I thought you would be okay with the show but not with Minji. You don’t even like her.”

 

“Why wouldn’t I like her? I do.”

 

“Since when? Anyway, it’s strange. Most girls get jealous of Minji and hate her.”

 

‘Jealousy? Ha.’ Haeyoung almost laughed but couldn’t even be bothered to react.

 

“Once I get some exposure, things will get easier. I’m finally going to be an actor.”

 

“Yeah, congratulations.”

 

“Why are you talking so heartlessly? You’re not happy with me being popular?”

 

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

 

“It’s a good thing, right? Then give me some money.”

 

There it is.

 

Now that he had no other financial options, Jo Seongjun was flat-out asking.

 

“Again?”

 

“Again? Why are you talking like that? Are you treating me like a beggar?”

 

“What else do you call it when you ask for money again? I gave you a million won last time, remember? You said you were short on living expenses.”

 

Seongjun scowled.

 

“Ha, that doesn’t make sense. Fine, whatever. So how much can you lend me? I need skincare, a haircut, and new clothes. You don’t want me to go on a show looking shabby, do you?”

 

“Did you leave something with me?”

 

“What?”

 

“You’re asking so confidently I thought maybe you left it in my care and I just forgot.”

 

Seongjun gaped in confusion.

 

“You told me to let you know anytime I needed anything. Think of it as investing in my future.”

 

Yeah, she did say that. Back when he got all touchy about his pride and snapped whenever she tried to help him, so she had to coddle him with empty words.

 

‘What was I thinking, giving him money and emotional support?’

 

“Right… okay, I get it. But don’t you have any savings?”

 

“Do you know how much preparation for an audition costs? And pocket change isn’t gonna cut it. I can’t go wearing discount clothes and embarrass myself.”

 

“I don’t have any money.”

 

“Isn’t your savings plan maturing soon?”

 

He said it like it was his account.

 

“Fine. Since you’re going on the show, you should stand out the most.”

 

“Really?”

 

Seongjun’s expression softened immediately.

 

“I’ll lend you all the money when the savings mature. It’s not for a little while, though.”

 

“I knew it. There’s no one like you, Haeyoung. You’re the best.”

 

Seongjun pouted his lips in a charming way as if he was touched.

 

‘Sure. Smile while you can.’ 

 

Haeyoung smiled back just as brightly.

 

“Of course. I mean, what girlfriend wouldn’t do at least that much for her amazing boyfriend?”

 

Maybe it was the promise of support, or maybe her seemingly easy approval, but Seongjun looked over the moon. He chatted nonstop, laughed more than usual. It almost felt like they had gone back to the early days of dating.

 

But it didn’t last long.

 

“Seongjun!”

 

Ding. The door opened, and an uninvited guest appeared.

 

“You’re here already? I’m still eating.”

 

“Food? What kind of food is that? Are you eating salad because you’re on a diet?”

 

Minji plopped down right next to him, snatched his fork, and popped a cherry tomato into her mouth. Her cheeks puffed out adorably, thanks to her tiny face.

 

“You didn’t eat?”

 

Minji shook her head back while chewing.

 

“Uh-uh, I did! But I’m hungry again. You know me, I eat a lot! Mmm, this is delicious!”

 

Minji even clapped her hands. Then, as if just noticing Haeyoung, her eyes widened.

 

“Oh, I’m sorry, eonni. I didn’t even say hello. How have you been?”

 

“I invited her. She said she was passing by.”

 

Seongjun finally offered an explanation. It wasn’t the first time Minji had tagged along on a date, and it wasn’t the first time Haeyoung had left early because of it.

 

“You’ve gotten prettier, eonni. You kind of remind me of that actress Yoo Injoo!”

 

“Yoo Injoo? I could get sued for spreading false rumors like that.”

 

“No way. You’re way prettier than her! Big eyes, a perfect nose, you totally look like a princess, right?”

 

Minji beamed at her.

 

There was a time when Haeyoung would have flustered at such over-the-top praise, insisting she wasn’t pretty at all. But that time had passed.

 

“Thank you.”

 

“Huh? Oh… sure!”

 

For a split second, confusion flickered across Minji’s face, but she quickly recovered. Apparently unsatisfied with how the conversation was going, Minji continued talking.

 

“You two are wearing your rings again today?”

 

“Of course! They’re our friendship rings. We never take them off. Jo Seongjun, if you take yours off, you’re dead!”

 

Back when Seongjun first showed up wearing those, they fought like crazy. Looking back, the fact that she still stayed with him after all that… She must’ve been the biggest fool of all.

 

“Oh, right! Did Seongjun tell you? About us going on <Friendship Romance>.”

 

“He told me everything.”

 

“You gave him permission?”

 

Minji suddenly reached over and grabbed Haeyoung’s hand. Her soft, dainty fingers rested against Haeyoung’s, and she stared in disbelief.

 

“As expected, you really have a big heart. How can you be so kind? If I were you, I’d never allow it.”

 

Being called ‘kind’ sounded a lot like being called a pushover.

 

“This is nothing for Seongjun.”

 

“Seriously, you’re amazing. The best. Um, speaking of which… would it be okay if I stole Seongjun away now? I have a ton of shopping to do, and I thought he could help carry my bags.”

 

Seongjun glanced at Haeyoung, clearly testing the waters. Probably because he still needed that big loan from her.

 

“Of course. You’ve probably got a lot to prepare too, Minji. Go ahead.

 

“Ahh, I’m so sorry! You two were on a date and now I’m taking him away!”

 

As Seongjun got up to follow her, Minji looked back at Haeyoung with a smile that couldn’t hide the smugness in her eyes.

 

It was all there in her expression, superiority, triumph, the delusion that she was somehow better than Haeyoung just because she had Seongjun.

 

‘If you think having Jo Seongjun makes you worth more, then I guess I should also pity you.’

 

Haeyoung feigned ignorance and raised the corners of her lips to form a smile.