Prey (Lee Seohan) - Chapter 144
However, hearing that after returning to Korea, Jeonghan would immediately leave for another trip made it hard to hide the disappointment on her face.
She couldn’t forget reality or stay trapped in this bubble with Do Jeonghan forever, no matter how much she wished otherwise.
Looking intently at Suhyeon, Jeonghan spoke seriously.
“It’ll take about a week, so once I return…”
He paused briefly before continuing.
“I’ll tell you what you’ve been curious about. Everything.”
…What?
Suhyeon’s eyes wavered slightly.
What I’ve been curious about.
The things he hadn’t answered.
The matters surrounding Seol Hee-nam, her mother’s hospital, and even the incomprehensible trial—he’s saying he’ll explain it all?
“When you hear it, Seol Suhyeon.”
Jeonghan’s expression hardened for a moment.
…Why that face?
Suhyeon was flustered. Seeing his face harden, she felt a wave of fear.
“You’ll walk through hell with me.”
“!”
Hell…
As Suhyeon’s eyes trembled, Jeonghan continued, meeting her gaze directly.
“Even so… you have to know.”
Jeonghan spoke with utmost seriousness, his unwavering expression making Suhyeon’s heart race with anxiety.
Her heart pounded, torn between wanting to know immediately and wishing to remain ignorant forever.
She knew that understanding everything was the only way to start a proper relationship with Do Jeonghan, but once she found out…
‘I might not be able to stay by your side.’
A fear like that crept into her mind. The painful smile on Do Jeonghan’s face only deepened her unease, as did the anxiety brimming in his eyes.
Jeonghan pulled Suhyeon tightly into his arms once more. Holding her firmly, he exhaled a low breath against the crown of her head.
“When the time comes,”
He said in a voice lowered to a near whisper,
“You’ll need to give me an answer to my confession.”
Jeonghan’s expression was subdued.
The choice is yours, Seol Suhyeon.
No matter what answer you give, I won’t let you go.
Swallowing those unspoken words, Jeonghan tightened his arms around her, suppressing the anxiety welling up to his chest.
* * * * *
Back in Korea, Suhyeon was heading home with Jeonghan in a car driven by Chief Joo.
Screech—
After parking in the garage, Chief Joo got out first and retrieved Suhyeon’s suitcase from the trunk.
“Thank you, Chief Joo.”
Jeonghan’s hand was faster than Suhyeon’s outstretched one.
As Jeonghan took hold of the suitcase and walked ahead, Suhyeon followed behind, speaking up.
“Oh, I can take it.”
Without responding, Jeonghan continued past the entrance and stopped in front of the elevator. Standing beside him, Suhyeon let out a small sigh.
“It’s really okay…”
When the elevator doors opened, Jeonghan stepped in first with the suitcase. Suhyeon followed him inside.
Lowering her gaze to the tips of her shoes, Suhyeon spoke while in the elevator.
“Are you heading straight to the office?”
Chief Joo waiting downstairs suggested as much, prompting Suhyeon to ask.
“Yeah.”
Jeonghan answered briefly.
“…..”
Suhyeon kept her gaze fixed on the floor, unable to look at Jeonghan’s face.
He said he’d be leaving for a business trip tomorrow.
And a week after he returns… I’ll hear everything.
Suhyeon took a deep breath.
It was something she had longed for so much, and she had been so angry at him for not saying anything, yet now that he was willing to tell her, she couldn’t understand why it made her so uneasy.
It was because of the look on Do Jeonghan’s face when he said those words.
The moment she saw his hardened expression, Suhyeon felt many things.
That the reason he hadn’t spoken until now might not be what she had thought.
Ding—25th floor.
The elevator doors opened.
Suhyeon stepped out first, with Jeonghan following her. In front of the door, Suhyeon turned to face him.
“Now, give that to me. Thank you.”
Jeonghan handed over the suitcase handle without resistance.
As Suhyeon raised her head again, she looked at him.
“Where are you going for the trip tomorrow?”
“The U.S.”
Suhyeon gave a small smile.
“You’re going back to where we just came from.”
Jeonghan quietly returned the smile. For a moment, Suhyeon looked up at his elegant smile.
“…..”
Without a word, Jeonghan reached out and brushed his hand over her face before speaking.
“Go inside.”
