A completely unexpected figure was standing before me.
It was Im Gayun, a childhood friend I played with because of our parents’ connection, who is now a politician affiliated with Our National Party.
She was looking at me.
“How are you in this house?”
“Shh, lower your voice. Yuseong is sleeping right now.”
I glanced down at the white bag Gayun was holding.
Did she make porridge?
What’s her relationship with Yuseong?
I didn’t rent out this apartment to see this kind of situation unfold—it’s really bothering me.
“Did you hear me? How are you in this house?”
“Do I have to report everything to you? You’re smart enough—figure it out yourself.”
“What?”
Gayun bit her lower lip tightly.
She must be really upset.
I wasn’t lying—I just didn’t answer.
If she’s going to misunderstand, that’s on her.
“Is Yuseong okay? I saw the post saying he’s sick, so I made some porridge.”
Who are you to worry about Yuseong?
I’ve been too complacent.
I didn’t expect someone like her to come on so strong.
If I hadn’t come to Yuseong’s house today, what would have happened?
The thought alone is horrifying.
“Well, you’ve gone through all this trouble making porridge despite your busy schedule. Give it to me. I’ll pass it along later.”
“Move aside. I want to at least see his face before I go.”
“Why don’t you stop causing a nuisance by waking him up and just leave?”
Gayun glared at me with fiery eyes.
She hesitated for a moment, pacing on the spot, before finally handing over the bag.
“Make sure you give it to him, okay?”
“Sure.”
I took the porridge and immediately slammed the door shut.
Ugh, how irritating.
Of all people, why did it have to be her, that hypocritical woman?
She pretends to be all righteous on the surface, but inside, she’s a venomous snake.
“Fine, take it. Take it! Why do you keep pestering me over a pen?”
“Thanks, hehe. I really wanted it.”
A piece of an old memory surfaced.
That obsessive possessiveness rooted in her intense greed—it still makes me shiver.
How do I get rid of her?
She’s such a headache.
“What should I do with this?”
I looked at the bag in my hand and thought about it.
My eyes instinctively drifted toward the trash can.
No, that’s not right.
Gayun might later confirm with Yuseong.
I decided not to do anything that might land me in an awkward position.
Instead, I placed the bag carelessly on the kitchen counter.
“Yuseong, are you awake?”
I opened the door and went into Yuseong’s room again.
He was fast asleep, oblivious to the world.
I had been worried he might wake up when Gayun left, but fortunately, he hadn’t.
I grabbed a towel, went to the bathroom, wet it, and wrung it out.
Then, I placed it on his forehead.
Lifting his head slightly, I tucked a pillow beneath it.
No more lap pillows for you.
Bringing women into the house—you’re really testing my patience, you know?
I playfully pinched his nose bridge with my fingers before stepping back.
+++
“Was Hyejeong acquainted with Yuseong?”
I even made porridge out of concern, but I couldn’t see him.
What a waste—it was all for nothing.
Na Hyejeong, you’re really no help at all.
We chose different paths a long time ago.
I thought we’d never cross paths again.
But here you are, still clinging to me.
It feels like we’ve met on a single-log bridge.
“Gayun, what’s wrong? Mommy can buy you a new pen. Didn’t Hyejeong say she really wanted it?”
“No! This is something I treasure.”
Selfish girl. I won’t let you take anything from me ever again.
You were born as the heir to the nation’s leading corporation and lived your life getting everything you wanted.
That’s why you don’t care about anyone else’s circumstances.
But I’ll be the one to deliver your first trial. Just wait.
“Oh my, Gayun! You’re home early today.”
“Yes, I had some errands to run.”
A passing neighbor greeted me warmly, acting familiar.
I immediately adjusted my expression and smiled back, clasping their hand in return.
“Why didn’t you run in the recent election? With the age limit removed, someone as talented as you should be in the National Assembly to keep the country running smoothly.”
“I’m still far from ready. I have so much to learn.”
“Oh, come now, you’re just being humble.”
“Not at all.”
After exchanging pleasantries with the neighbor, I got into the elevator.
It’s not just empty words—I truly still have a long way to go.
I’m only at the level of a fledgling, still stuck under my mother’s shadow.
Even if I were to earn a Hibiscus badge through a nomination in the ruling party’s stronghold, nothing would change.
Who would truly acknowledge that as the result of my own effort?
That’s why this election is crucial.
I must lead it to a landslide victory and carve my name into the minds of the public.
The label of being a four-term assembly member’s daughter—I have to tear it off once and for all.
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