Prey - Chapter 37
“ I don’t have any plans……”
Suhyeon hesitated and trailed off at the sudden call from Choi Woo-rim.
It was unexpected, and she was at a loss on how to respond to the sudden question.
-Thank goodness. If you’re okay with it, how about dinner tonight? I’ll go wherever you’re comfortable. Where would be good? I’m at Jamsil right now.
While Suhyeon was momentarily at a loss for words, Woo-rim quickly poured out his words so that she couldn’t refuse.
Suhyeon had no choice but to respond.
“Then it would be convenient near the office. I’ll leave the address.”
-Okay. I’ll head out right away.
After hanging up, Suhyeon let out a small sigh as she looked at her cellphone.
He hasn’t changed at all.
Woo-rim was originally that kind of person. Even in college, he always led people with his unique charm, making him suited for a leadership role.
Everyone liked him because he was bright, kind-hearted, and had leadership skills.
The problem was that because of his personality, there were times when she had to go along with things she didn’t want, like now when he suddenly contacted her to have dinner.
‘My mind is all jumbled, but I might as well think of it as a good thing’
With that thought, Suhyeon began to tidy up her things.
Woo-rim hadn’t changed much since she saw him about three years ago at a social gathering. He had a slender build, but his charming smile made him an attractive man.
As soon as he saw Suhyeon, he said with a worried expression,
“Seol Suhyeon, you’re still so thin. What on earth are you eating to get by?”
“Senior, have you been doing well?”
“I’ve been fine, but you……”
Woo-rim slightly frowned, trailing off his words.
Ah, he probably knows about the divorce.
Although his face didn’t appear in the media, Woo-rim, who had seen her at a social gathering, would have known, especially since she was with Dojeonghan that day.
“……Are you okay?”
Woo-rim asked, giving a somewhat awkward smile as he observed Suhyeon’s complexion.
“Yes. I’m okay.”
Woo-rim patted Suhyeon’s shoulder, seeming relieved at her smiling response.
“Good. Let’s go in. I’m hungry.”
Woo-rim led her to the bistro entrance.
During the meal, Woo-rim skillfully kept the conversation flowing naturally, making it comfortable for Suhyeon. He chose light topics, like stories from college and anecdotes about his parents, to create a relaxed atmosphere with subjects Suhyeon would know about.
His consideration to avoid bringing up Suhyeon’s discomfort was evident throughout their conversation.
“You’re still the same, senior.”
Suhyeon lightly laughed, and Woo-rim, who was drinking champagne, widened his eyes.
“Hmm? Me?”
At his question, Suhyeon looked at Woo-rim and replied,
“Senior, you were always popular with people in college. You were bright and considerate.”
Woo-rim chuckled lightly, saying “Ah, I see,” as he shrugged his shoulders. Then he let out a sigh mixed with laughter.
“Was I? But I didn’t have the popularity with the one I actually wanted.”
“Really? From what I remember, you seemed to have a lot of girlfriends.”
There were always people around him, both men and women. Suhyeon couldn’t recall a time when he was alone.
As Suhyeon mentioned this, Woo-rim made a displeased expression.
“Everyone thought that. That I was a playboy or something. It must be the consequence of being an overly nosy person.”
“What? Consequence…?”
Suhyeon chuckled softly. Woo-rim smiled back at her, his expression softening.
“It’s nice to see you smile, Seol Suhyeon. To be honest, I was quite worried before reaching out to you.”
There was genuine concern in Woo-rim’s tone.
“……”
Suhyeon looked at Woo-rim with her clear eyes.
Although they had known each other for a long time, their relationship wasn’t particularly close, so she felt a bit puzzled by his concern.
‘Because Jeonghan is your marriage partner?’
Given the magnitude of the marriage, Woo-rim, being in that world, must have heard the rumors circulating.
“Why are you worried? You know I received substantial alimony to the point where the media is jealous.”
Suhyeon purposely smiled lightly as she brought the champagne glass to her lips. Woo-rim quietly gazed at her for a moment before speaking.
“I didn’t think you were someone who cared about that kind of thing.”
Suhyeon paused, holding her glass, and looked at Woo-rim.
At her gaze, Woo-rim quickly changed his expression.
“Sorry for acting like I know you so well. I guess my nosiness kicked in since I’ve known you since childhood.”
“……”
As Suhyeon watched Woo-rim smile, she silently took a sip of her champagne and lowered her gaze.
Woo-rim also took a sip of champagne and changed the subject.
“Actually, I have to go on a business trip for a while, so I mustered up the courage to reach out today.”
“Oh, really?”
Suhyeon blinked slowly. Woo-rim, with an awkward expression, brushed his bangs and said,
“After your divorce news came out, I wanted to contact you, but I didn’t. Even though I knew your contact information, it wasn’t easy.”
“You could have just reached out easily.”
Suhyeon smiled softly.
“Right? It feels a bit strange.”
Woo-rim lightly rubbed the bridge of his nose with his finger and smiled again.
“Anyway, I was worried. It was such a noisy divorce. Everyone might not know who you are, but at least I do.”
“Thank you for caring.”
“Even if it’s just a formal expression, I appreciate it.”
Woo-rim playfully added,
“Anyway, it’s nice to meet you like this. I’ll pay more attention when I get back from my business trip, so let’s catch up then.”
“You don’t have to worry. I can handle things well on my own.”
At Suhyeon’s response, Woo-rim widened his eyes and then smiled.
“Well, you’ve always managed your own affairs well.”
“Have a good trip.”
Suhyeon said quietly with a smile.
“Yeah.”
Woo-rim replied, meeting her gaze with a gentle smile.
‘It was a sudden contact, but I’m glad I came out.’
After parting ways with Woo-rim, Suhyeon called for a driver and thought as she headed home.
If she had stayed at the company, she would have been completely consumed by thoughts of Do Jeonghan.
