Passing by, Hwayeong gave them a light nod in place of greeting, then followed after Sinyeong.
Just then, she felt it again—that sting of someone’s gaze on her back.
Earlier, the stares had been like needles pricking at her.
Now, it was as if a blade were lodged in the back of her skull.
“Just as I thought... fierce.”
She muttered it under her breath, smiling faintly at the thought. The malice in those eyes was honed like steel.
Up ahead, Sinyeong glanced back.
“What did you say?”
“...Nothing. Please, let’s go in—there’s something important we have to do.”
At the entrance to Hahye Garden, she dipped her head, urging him to go in before her.
Flustered, Sinyeong cleared his throat and covered his burning face.
“You really have no sense of shame.”
Whatever it was he’d imagined, his face was aflame.
Hwayeong only smiled as if she hadn’t noticed.
Some things were better left for later—especially the things people least wished to face.
* * *
“What on earth are you doing?”
