Kang Jin-woo found himself standing on the bustling college campus, watching the students pass by with a casual air. His attention, however, was focused on one person in particular — Yoon-jin, the quiet yet vibrant girl he'd met at Do-hyun's apartment. She was part of Do-hyun's entourage, one of the many girls his "friend" had charmed into believing he was something special. Jin-woo couldn't deny she was striking, with her soft gaze and shy mannerisms. But he knew better; Yoon-jin was looking for someone who genuinely understood her — and that was precisely the role he intended to play.
As he spotted her walking out of a lecture hall, her gaze distracted as she fumbled through her bag, Jin-woo smoothly made his way over.
"Yoon-jin!" he called, giving her a warm smile as he approached.
She looked up, surprised, before a smile of recognition spread across her face. "Jin-woo! What are you doing here?"
"I was in the area and thought I'd drop by to see how you're doing," he replied, maintaining an easy, approachable demeanor. "Mind if I join you for a coffee?"
Her cheeks flushed, and she nodded quickly. "Of course! There's a nice café just off campus."
They walked side by side, exchanging small talk as they made their way to the café. Yoon-jin seemed at ease with him, her laughter coming naturally, and Jin-woo made sure to listen attentively to every detail she shared. He didn't need to flatter her excessively; just being present and attentive was enough to set him apart from Do-hyun's usual methods.
At the café, they found a quiet corner booth, and as they settled in, Jin-woo leaned forward, giving her his full attention. He asked her about her studies, her dreams, and her hobbies, noting how her face lit up when she spoke about her passion for literature and art. She was vibrant and full of life, but he could sense the loneliness lingering beneath the surface — a loneliness Do-hyun had likely exploited.
After an hour of talking, Jin-woo decided to push the conversation a bit deeper.
"Yoon-jin," he said softly, his gaze steady, "I have to say, it's rare to meet someone who has such a unique outlook on life. I feel like you see things in a way most people miss."
She looked down, flustered, a shy smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you, Jin-woo. That's… that's really sweet of you to say. I don't usually hear things like that."
He reached across the table, gently covering her hand with his. "You deserve to hear it more often."
Her gaze met his, and for a moment, there was an undeniable connection between them. The shy, unsure look in her eyes faded, replaced by a glimmer of trust and admiration. Jin-woo leaned in slightly, closing the distance between them just enough to make her heart skip.
"Yoon-jin," he murmured, his voice low and sincere, "if there's ever anything you need — someone to talk to, or just someone to be there for you — you can count on me."
She hesitated, her cheeks flushing, but she nodded, her eyes softening. "Thank you, Jin-woo. That means a lot to me. I… I always felt like I was a bit of a side character in my own story. But with you… I feel seen."
Jin-woo smiled, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "You're far from a side character, Yoon-jin. You're extraordinary."
Their time together flew by, and by the end of the afternoon, Yoon-jin's admiration for him had only deepened. He knew he had made an impact, planting himself firmly in her mind and heart. As they said their goodbyes, she lingered for a moment, her gaze lingering on him with a newfound intensity.
He watched her walk away, a slight smile playing on his lips. Do-hyun had unwittingly provided him the perfect opening, and Jin-woo fully intended to use it to his advantage. With each encounter, he was rewriting his story, taking back control one subtle, calculated move at a time.
Kang Jin-woo's plan was well underway. After spending that afternoon with Yoon-jin, he'd left just enough clues and crafted a few subtle, suggestive remarks that he knew would reach Do-hyun's ears. Sure enough, it wasn't long before his "friend" began to feel an itch of suspicion, his confidence shaken by the thought that Yoon-jin might be seeing someone else.
While Do-hyun took it upon himself to investigate at Yoon-jin's college, Jin-woo seized the opportunity to visit Do-hyun's apartment. This time, however, his target wasn't Yoon-jin; it was Soo-ah, Do-hyun's current girlfriend.
When Jin-woo arrived, he found Soo-ah sitting on the couch, scrolling through her phone. Her expression was tense, and he could tell she was deep in thought. She looked up as he entered, her face brightening slightly.
"Jin-woo! Didn't expect to see you here," she said, though her smile didn't fully reach her eyes. "Do-hyun just left a little while ago."
Jin-woo nodded, feigning a look of mild surprise. "Yeah, I was hoping to catch him, but I suppose I'll see him later. Are you doing okay, Soo-ah?"
She gave a half-hearted shrug, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her phone. "I'm alright… just feeling a bit off lately. Do-hyun's been so distant. I feel like he's hiding something."
Jin-woo sat down beside her, close enough to offer comfort but far enough not to raise suspicion. He gave her a sympathetic look, letting the concern show in his eyes. "I know what you mean. I've noticed he's been preoccupied. I mean, I don't want to cause any misunderstandings, but he's been talking about someone at the college recently. A girl, I think."
Soo-ah's eyes widened, her grip on her phone tightening. "A girl? You think… he's interested in someone else?"
Jin-woo sighed, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Look, I could be wrong. But he's been spending a lot of time away from home. I'd hate to see you get hurt, Soo-ah. You deserve someone who's as committed to you as you are to them."
Her expression shifted, a mix of sadness and anger flickering across her face. "I thought we had something real. But lately… it feels like he's slipping away. Like he's already somewhere else."
Jin-woo leaned in, lowering his voice as he continued. "You're an incredible person, Soo-ah. If he doesn't see that, it's his loss. You shouldn't have to wait around, hoping he'll finally make you a priority."
She met his gaze, her expression softening as she processed his words. There was a hint of vulnerability in her eyes, and Jin-woo could sense her guard lowering. Gently, he placed his hand over hers, his fingers warm and steady.
"You deserve someone who sees your worth and won't take you for granted," he murmured. "Don't let anyone make you feel like you're second best."
Soo-ah's face flushed, her gaze lingering on him. She took a shaky breath, a small smile breaking through the sadness. "Thank you, Jin-woo. I don't know why, but… talking to you, I feel understood. Like you really care."
Jin-woo nodded, his gaze sincere. "Of course, I care. You're worth so much more than what he's giving you."
She exhaled, her tension melting slightly under his comforting presence. "Maybe I've been too forgiving… too willing to overlook things."
He gently squeezed her hand. "It's natural to care, Soo-ah. But sometimes, it's just as important to take a step back and consider what *you* need."
As the afternoon stretched on, Jin-woo continued to offer Soo-ah the reassurance she craved, carefully nurturing the seeds of doubt that were already sprouting in her heart. He didn't need to push too hard; Do-hyun's behavior was already doing most of the work. And by the time he left, Soo-ah was left questioning everything she thought she knew about her relationship.
As he walked away from Do-hyun's apartment, Jin-woo felt a surge of satisfaction. With every calculated move, he was drawing them all closer into his orbit, unraveling Do-hyun's carefully curated web of control. Soon, he would hold the upper hand completely, and Do-hyun wouldn't even realize what he'd lost until it was far too late.
Late that evening, Jin-woo found himself meeting Yoon-jin in a quiet, secluded café on the outskirts of town. She had reached out to him earlier, her voice a soft whisper of excitement and nervousness over the phone, and he'd agreed to meet her. Their previous encounters had left her intrigued, drawn to him in ways she couldn't fully explain. Tonight, she seemed almost ethereal, her shy smile and soft gaze inviting him to discover more of the person she hid beneath her reserved exterior.
After a few hours of sharing lingering glances and quiet laughter, they left the café together, hand in hand, making their way to a cozy hotel nearby. Jin-woo knew the consequences of what he was about to do — but he also knew that every move brought him closer to dismantling Do-hyun's hold on his life and his loved ones.
In that private room, Yoon-jin and Jin-woo shared an intimacy that was both passionate and gentle. He treated her with the respect and care she had longed for, ensuring that their time together felt as real and genuine as possible. With every touch and whispered promise, he strengthened her trust, drawing her further away from Do-hyun's influence.
But fate had other plans.
The morning light barely touched the horizon when Jin-woo and Yoon-jin slipped out of the hotel, holding hands as they made their way toward the bus station. Unbeknownst to them, a familiar figure was lurking in the shadows nearby — Do-hyun, who had caught a glimpse of Yoon-jin's figure as she stepped into the street, recognizing her instantly.
In a flash, Do-hyun stormed over, his face contorted in fury. His gaze locked onto Yoon-jin, and he spat, "What are you doing here with someone else? Are you out of your mind?"
Yoon-jin flinched, taking a step back, but Jin-woo immediately moved in front of her, subtly lowering his head to keep his face out of view. He positioned himself as a shield, his shoulders squared and voice calm but firm. "She's with me, Do-hyun. Back off."
Do-hyun's eyes blazed, his fists clenched at his sides. "Who the hell do you think you are? She's mine — she belongs to me!"
Jin-woo's jaw tightened. "She belongs to no one but herself," he replied quietly, his voice carrying a chilling edge.
In a fit of rage, Do-hyun took a threatening step forward, his fist raised. But before he could make contact, Jin-woo grabbed his wrist with a practiced, unyielding grip, keeping his face hidden under the shadow of his cap. "I'd think twice about hitting someone who doesn't deserve it," he warned, his voice steady and unshaken.
Yoon-jin, watching the tension unfold, took Jin-woo's hand, her grip trembling but determined. "Let's go," she whispered, her voice laced with a mixture of gratitude and fear. Jin-woo gave Do-hyun one last, unreadable look before guiding Yoon-jin away, leaving Do-hyun fuming in their wake.
As they walked away, Jin-woo squeezed her hand reassuringly, offering her a soft smile. "You don't need to be afraid. You're safe with me."
Yoon-jin's eyes glistened with tears, her lips curving into a smile of relief. "Thank you, Jin-woo. I don't know what I would have done without you."
Jin-woo nodded, his expression soft but resolved. He knew this wouldn't be the last confrontation with Do-hyun — but he was prepared for whatever came next. Protecting those close to him, even if it meant facing down the fury of his former friend, was a price he was more than willing to pay.
The following evening, Jin-woo found himself in Do-hyun's apartment once more. Soo-ah had invited him over after their previous conversation, the seeds of doubt he had planted beginning to bear fruit. Her suspicions had only deepened with each passing day as Do-hyun continued his strange behavior, leaving her feeling neglected and uncertain.
As they talked that night, Jin-woo carefully guided the conversation, stoking her frustration while offering his support. Soo-ah was a smart woman, but under the weight of her confusion and betrayal, she became vulnerable, craving comfort and understanding. And as the night wore on, she found both in Jin-woo's embrace. With every gentle touch and whispered reassurance, Jin-woo made sure she felt seen, valued, and safe — something Do-hyun had long since failed to give her.
The following morning, Jin-woo slipped away, but his resolve only hardened. He had pulled Soo-ah further into his orbit, and now it was time to face Do-hyun. But not as himself.
Under the guise of his carefully crafted disguise — a hooded jacket, lowered cap, and a deepened voice — Jin-woo waited for Do-hyun near the college, where his rival had taken to frequenting in his search for answers about Yoon-jin's mystery partner. As expected, Do-hyun arrived, his gaze tense, dark circles under his eyes revealing his sleepless nights of suspicion and jealousy.
As Do-hyun walked past, Jin-woo stepped out from the shadows, blocking his path.
"Looking for someone?" Jin-woo asked, his voice low and unrecognizable.
Do-hyun's face twisted in surprise and then fury as he recognized the man he believed had stolen Yoon-jin from him. Without hesitation, Do-hyun launched himself forward, but Jin-woo anticipated the move, sidestepping him with ease. In one swift motion, he grabbed Do-hyun's arm, twisting it behind his back and forcing him to his knees.
"Think you can take what's mine?" Do-hyun spat, his voice filled with venom.
Jin-woo leaned close, his voice a low, mocking whisper. "You think you can own people, Do-hyun? Yoon-jin, Soo-ah... You don't deserve either of them."
Do-hyun froze, his rage giving way to shock as he realized the full extent of Jin-woo's words. "S-Soo-ah…?"
Jin-woo chuckled darkly. "Yes. You're losing everything, piece by piece. And I'm going to make sure you watch it all fall apart."
He released Do-hyun, only to land a harsh, calculated blow, knocking him to the ground. Before Do-hyun could rise, Jin-woo stepped over him, his voice deadly calm. "You're running out of people, Do-hyun. Even your last line of defense won't be safe soon."
The threat struck deeper than any physical blow, and Jin-woo could see the fear flickering in Do-hyun's eyes. Desperate and shaken, Do-hyun staggered to his feet and stumbled away, his pride shattered, his mind racing to the only place where he felt secure — his mother.
Jin-woo watched him retreat, a cold satisfaction settling over him. He followed at a distance, his mind focused on the next step in his plan. He would let Do-hyun seek his mother's comfort, let him believe he was safe, just long enough to understand that Jin-woo's reach extended even there.
As Do-hyun reached his mother's house and threw himself into her embrace, Jin-woo lingered in the shadows, watching. The sight of Do-hyun clinging to his last source of solace only fueled his resolve. Jin-woo was prepared to finish what he started, to dismantle every last remnant of Do-hyun's world. And soon, he would ensure Do-hyun knew exactly who had orchestrated his downfall.