Jin-woo arrived at the pool early that morning, ostensibly to pay his respects to the place where Do-hyun had met his end. But in truth, he was there to ensure there were no loose ends — no hints or hidden traces that might betray his role in the "suicide." The pool was still and quiet, the water untouched, its serene appearance hiding the darkness it had witnessed only a day before.
As he scanned the area, Jin-woo's eyes caught movement near the entrance. A tall, athletic man was walking toward him, his casual confidence apparent in every step. He had blond hair, tanned skin, and a smug grin that made Jin-woo's fists clench instinctively. This must be the swimming instructor, the one Do-hyun had suggested his wife take lessons with. Jin-woo knew the type: charming on the surface, but hollow and predatory beneath.
The man approached Jin-woo with a curious look. "Hey, you must be Jin-woo. I'm Jae-sun," he introduced himself smoothly, his gaze lingering a bit too long. "I think I remember your wife from when Do-hyun recommended those swimming lessons."
Jin-woo's gaze turned steely as he nodded, giving away nothing. Jae-sun's smug demeanor hadn't shifted, and he seemed to be studying Jin-woo, likely assessing him with the same predatory interest he'd directed at countless others.
"Just wanted to make sure she was okay after what happened," Jae-sun continued, his tone dripping with a false sincerity. "You know, sometimes people need a little extra comfort during times like these."
Jin-woo forced a polite smile, masking the distaste simmering within. "She's doing well, thanks. She didn't know Do-hyun very well, so… not much to be concerned about."
Jae-sun's gaze flickered with mild surprise at Jin-woo's calm, but he quickly masked it. He shifted the conversation, his tone growing a bit too casual. "So, where do you work, Jin-woo? Live nearby? If you ever need to talk… or if your wife does… feel free to drop by."
Jin-woo didn't miss the subtle glint in Jae-sun's eye. He knew that this man was already plotting, considering Jin-woo's wife as yet another target. Keeping his expression neutral, Jin-woo offered false details about his work and residence, knowing that any real information could be used by Jae-sun to his advantage. In return, he managed to extract details about Jae-sun's whereabouts and schedule, noting that he liked to frequent a certain bar on the weekends.
"Actually, let's catch up over drinks sometime," Jin-woo suggested smoothly. "I could use the company."
Jae-sun's face lit up, his smug smile widening. "Sounds good. Always up for a drink and some new friends."
As they parted ways, Jin-woo's mind was already spinning with plans. He knew this encounter had only been the beginning; Jae-sun was a snake, using his good looks and charm to slither into people's lives, much like Do-hyun had. But Jin-woo had learned from his last encounter. This time, he would be even more meticulous.
He would meet Jae-sun at the bar — and this time, Jin-woo would make sure his methods were undetectable. He couldn't risk any loose ends. Jae-sun's downfall would be silent, thorough, and as absolute as Do-hyun's had been.
That evening, Jin-woo entered the dimly lit bar where he'd arranged to meet Jae-sun. He slipped into a booth toward the back, where he could observe the room unnoticed. After a few minutes, he spotted Jae-sun at the bar, leaning in close to the bartender, a young woman with a tense expression as she tried to avoid his advances. Her eyes darted around, and Jin-woo could see a forced, uncomfortable smile plastered on her face.
Jae-sun's demeanor was different from their earlier meeting. The charming, easy-going façade was gone, replaced by an unmistakable arrogance and entitlement. He spoke low, but Jin-woo caught enough words to get the sense that this wasn't a friendly conversation.
"So… it would be a shame if someone found out about those tips you've been pocketing," Jae-sun was saying, a sly smirk on his face. "Could cause some… problems for you. But… you know, I could make all that go away if we got to know each other better."
The bartender's face turned pale, her lips pressed into a thin line as she tried to step back. "I… I told you, I'm not interested," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
Jae-sun's smile twisted into a cruel sneer. "Think about it. One night with me, and all your 'mistakes' disappear. Doesn't that sound fair?"
Jin-woo's fists clenched under the table, fury simmering beneath his calm exterior. This wasn't just a charming man with wandering eyes; Jae-sun was a predator, using manipulation and intimidation to force others into submission. Jin-woo realized that if he didn't intervene, Jae-sun would continue to prey on others, leaving a trail of broken lives behind him.
Just then, Jae-sun spotted Jin-woo and plastered a grin on his face, excusing himself from the bartender with a parting whisper. He strode over to Jin-woo's booth and sat down with an air of casual arrogance, clearly unaware of the rage brewing behind Jin-woo's composed facade.
"Hey, man! Didn't know you'd get here so soon," Jae-sun said, raising a hand to signal the bartender for two drinks, ignoring the discomfort on her face. As she walked away, he leaned in, a smug look on his face. "Sometimes, you just have to be… persuasive to get what you want. You know what I mean?"
Jin-woo forced a polite chuckle, masking his disgust. "Guess some people need a little push, right?"
Jae-sun laughed, clearly misreading the intent behind Jin-woo's words. "Exactly! You know, people act so high and mighty, but they all have weak spots. It's easy to find the cracks. You'd be surprised how many of them will do anything to keep their secrets hidden." He leaned back, a self-satisfied smirk on his face.
Jin-woo nodded slowly, his mind already calculating. He'd seen enough; this man was a parasite, feeding off people's fears and vulnerabilities. It was time to turn Jae-sun's own tactics against him.
"Actually, I've been looking to learn a thing or two about how you… handle things," Jin-woo said, leaning forward with a hint of interest. "Think you could show me some of your tricks? Maybe… give me a real look at how you work?"
Jae-sun's eyes lit up, clearly pleased with the idea of having an admirer. "Oh, I've got plenty of stories. You stick with me, and I'll show you exactly how to get what you want. People just need to learn who's in control."
Jin-woo's smile was dark, a barely concealed expression of satisfaction. Little did Jae-sun know, he was about to be the one taught a lesson — one he'd never forget.
Later that night, after Jae-sun had left the bar, Jin-woo approached the bartender. Her eyes widened with a mix of apprehension and relief as he offered her a calm, reassuring look.
"Hey," Jin-woo said gently, pulling out a chair beside the bar. "I saw what happened earlier with Jae-sun. He's done this to others before, hasn't he?"
The bartender hesitated, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. She looked torn, reluctant to trust anyone but clearly desperate for a way out. After a long pause, she nodded. "He's been… persistent. I tried telling him no, but he just keeps coming back, always making these veiled threats about my job, my reputation. And he knows things. Things I don't even remember telling him."
Jin-woo leaned in, his expression serious. "I'm here to help. I don't want anything from you. I've been on the receiving end of someone like him before, and I know how hard it can be to escape." He paused, letting his words sink in. "I have a plan to take Jae-sun down for good. You just have to trust me."
The bartender looked at him, searching his face for any signs of deception. But all she found was determination, a kind of protective resolve that seemed almost foreign to her.
"What's your plan?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Jin-woo leaned forward, outlining his plan in detail. It was simple but effective, designed to expose Jae-sun without putting the bartender in harm's way. He would gather evidence of Jae-sun's threats and manipulations, using Jae-sun's own arrogance to make him slip up. All she had to do was go along with Jae-sun's advances just enough to catch him in the act — but without risking herself.
At first, she looked uncertain. "But… what if he catches on? He could make my life a nightmare."
Jin-woo's expression softened. "I promise, I'll be there every step of the way. And if anything goes wrong, I'll take the blame. This isn't about getting anything in return; it's just about stopping someone who's hurting people."
After a long silence, the bartender took a deep breath and nodded, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Okay… I'll do it. Let's take him down."
Jin-woo smiled, his mind already strategizing their next move. This time, Jae-sun's charm and arrogance would be his undoing. And Jin-woo would make sure the predator knew exactly what it felt like to be on the other side of manipulation.
Jin-woo's plan with the bartender was already in motion, and he'd made sure every detail was carefully calculated. But in his research into Jae-sun's background, he'd uncovered a new opportunity — one that could ensure Jae-sun's complete downfall. Through the bartender, Jin-woo learned that Jae-sun had been raised by his mother, a beautiful woman who had lived alone since her divorce years ago.
With her address in hand, Jin-woo decided to pay her a visit, both to better understand the man who had made manipulation his way of life and to introduce his own influence into Jae-sun's most personal circle. After a quick inquiry and under the guise of an old acquaintance, Jin-woo arranged a casual meeting.
As he arrived at her modest yet elegantly kept home, Jae-sun's mother greeted him warmly. She was refined, beautiful, with an air of resilience from years of raising her son alone. Her smile was both welcoming and a bit weary, the kind of look that told a story of someone who had seen her share of hardship and had endured nonetheless.
"Thank you for coming by. It's nice to have a visitor; it gets a bit quiet around here," she admitted with a soft smile as she poured them tea. They talked about simple things at first — her past, her interests, and the life she'd built.
Jin-woo was patient, listening attentively, drawing her out with genuine warmth and a respectful charm that seemed to put her at ease. Soon, their conversation grew more personal, and she confided in him about her challenges raising Jae-sun alone and the loneliness that had followed her divorce. Her gaze softened, lingering on him as he offered quiet reassurance and gentle encouragement.
As the evening progressed, Jin-woo leaned in, his words growing softer, more intimate. His presence was magnetic, and she found herself captivated, feeling a connection that she hadn't experienced in years. In that quiet moment, Jin-woo extended his hand, and she took it, her eyes filled with a hesitant yet unmistakable desire.
They moved to the privacy of her room, where Jin-woo's touch was gentle and attentive, every gesture meant to bring her comfort and closeness. Their connection was slow and deliberate, creating a bond that was more than just physical. By the end of the night, he had her trust, and with it, another thread in his web.
Jin-woo knew that this closeness would be another devastating blow to Jae-sun if it ever came to light, adding a layer of complexity to his plans. As he left in the early hours, he felt the weight of his manipulation — but also the satisfaction of knowing he had the upper hand.
Now, all the pieces were in place. Jae-sun's days of using others without consequence were numbered.