"Uncle… what's wrong?" I asked carefully.
For a second, something flickered across his face.
But just as quickly, it disappeared.
"Nothing's wrong," he said, his expression returning to normal.
I didn't believe him.
"…Do you need anything?" he added.
"No, I'm fine," I replied, still watching him closely.
He smiled, calm as ever. "Your mom asked me to check on you. She's worried. Says you don't call her anymore."
"What?" I frowned immediately. "I do call her! It was just yesterday—I fell asleep before I could."
I crossed my arms dramatically.
"Ahh… Mom is framing me. I'm innocent! Uncle, you have to believe me."
"Alright, I believe you," he said with a soft chuckle. "But she's your mother. Of course she worries."
"I know, I know," I muttered. "I'll call her later."
Then I quickly stepped aside and gestured toward the door.
"Come inside, Uncle. Let's talk properly."
But he shook his head.
"No. Not today. Maybe tomorrow."
I paused.
Something felt… off.
"…Are you sure you're okay?" I asked again.
"Yeah," he replied easily. "Don't worry about me. Worry about yourself."
I blinked. "About me? What does that mean?"
He smiled.
Not warmly this time.
"You're talented," he said slowly. "Good at many things…"
He paused.
"But not lying."
My heart skipped.
"Huh?" I let out, forcing a laugh. "What are you talking about?"
"I work with Yuna's family," he continued calmly. "I know everything about them. Their relatives… their connections…"
My stomach tightened.
"I was the one who introduced you to Yuna in the first place."
My lips parted, but no words came out.
"And just so you know," he added,
"Yuna doesn't have an elder cousin."
Silence.
Heavy.
Crushing.
My heart dropped straight to my feet.
"So next time you bring a man home," he continued casually, "you might want to rehearse your story first."
My face burned.
He smiled again—like he hadn't just exposed everything.
"Don't worry," he said. "I won't tell your mother."
Then he turned…
…and started walking away.
For a moment, I just stood there, frozen.
Then panic hit.
"N-No, Uncle! It's not like that!" I shouted after him.
He didn't stop.
Didn't even turn back.
He just kept walking.
Like he already knew the truth.
I clenched my fists.
My mind racing.
My heart pounding.
"…Crap."
I dragged a hand down my face.
"Fuck… I'm screwed."