Chereads / The Serpent's Game / Chapter 2 - Chapter-2: Between Deception and Trust

Chapter 2 - Chapter-2: Between Deception and Trust

As the woman realized Jae Hyuk's poor attempt at faking unconsciousness, she approached with a sigh. "How are you feeling now?" she asked, her tone a mix of concern and exasperation. Jae Hyuk, unable to make eye contact, nodded awkwardly in silence. The woman sighed again, this time expressing a hint of pity. Understanding that Jae Hyuk needed some assistance, she stepped closer, gently adjusting the pillow behind him to provide better support. With careful hands, she helped Jae Hyuk sit up properly, ensuring he was more comfortable and could collect himself in a clearer state.

 "Did it hurt a lot?" the woman asked, his voice soft yet insistent, cutting through the heavy atmosphere like a gentle breeze. Her brow was slightly furrowed, revealing genuine concern as she searched Jae Hyuk's eyes for a hint of truthJae Hyuk averted her gaze, remaining silent. What else could he do? The situation was bizarre, and The woman standing beside Jae Hyuk was a striking figure. Her strong build and confident posture immediately commanded respect. She had an air of intelligence and strength that was palpable, yet there was a softness in her eyes when she looked at Jae Hyuk—a maternal warmth that suggested she cared for him deeply, as if he were her own son.

Her face was both beautiful and intimidating, with high cheekbones, a sharp jawline, and piercing eyes that seemed to see right through any facade. Her hair, long and dark, was tied back in a no-nonsense ponytail, highlighting her graceful neck and the poised way she held herself. She moved with a fluidity that spoke of both physical power and control, every step measured and purposeful.

Despite her strength and intelligence, there was an untouchable aura around her, a sense that she was both present and beyond reach. She exuded a quiet charm, a charisma that drew people in yet kept them at a distance. It was clear that she was someone who knew how to command a room, to protect and care for those she held dear, and yet, not easily approached by just anyone.

Her outfit was practical but stylish, a testament to her no-nonsense attitude. She wore a tailored jacket over a simple blouse, with trousers that allowed for ease of movement. A pair of sleek, comfortable shoes completed the ensemble, reflecting her blend of practicality and sophistication.

As she spoke to Jae Hyuk, her voice was firm but gentle, filled with a concern that was hard to ignore. She may have seemed untouchable to many, but to Jae Hyuk, she was a pillar of strength and comfort, someone who genuinely cared for his well-being even in this confusing and absurd situation.

"Have you had a chance to eat anything yet?" she inquired softly, her gaze sweeping across the dimly lit room in search of any hint of food. When she saw nothing but empty plates and neglected utensils, a look of determination crossed her face. "Let me bring you something," she declared, her voice filled with resolve.

Jae Hyuk lifted his gaze to meet hers, a frown etched deeply across his forehead, as a whirlwind of confusion and irritation churned in his mind. "No, not needed," he mumbled, his voice barely rising above a whisper. Turning away from her, he felt the heavy, suffocating weight of her concerned gaze pressing down on him like an anchor, making it even harder to breathe.

"What do you mean 'no need'?" she exclaimed, her desperation creeping into her voice. "You haven't eaten anything for three whole days! Are you really telling me you still don't feel like eating? Please tell me that woman didn't give you something strange again!" She paused, her eyes wide with worry, searching his expression for any sign that he was okay.

"How many times do I have to tell you not to accept whatever she hands you? I've been pleading with you since that incident! You can't keep doing this!" Her voice cracked under the strain of her emotions, nearly breaking into a sob. Each word was steeped in a mixture of anger and genuine fear, as if she was imploring him not just to eat, but to take care of himself, to open up about the turmoil he was clearly experiencing.

She gently took hold of Jae Hyuk's hand, her grip fragile yet firm, as her worried eyes swept across his face, searching for signs of distress. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and Jae Hyuk couldn't shake the feeling that everything about this moment was utterly ridiculous and exasperating. He felt a wave of irritation rise within him, an urge to break free from her grasp. "Hey, you... you... can you move your hand?" he managed to say, his voice strained with frustration.

But her concern seemed to drown out his plea, and instead of releasing him, she maintained her hold, her expression reflecting confusion and determination. This only fueled the fire in him, and he pushed her hand away with a force that surprised them both. In a fit of anger, he shouted, "Who the hell are you, anyway? Can you for once listen? What are you, a kid? Yapping like that—what do you even know? This whole situation is nonsense, and the people are even worse!"

His words hung in the air, piercing through the tension, leaving her momentarily speechless. She blinked, her mouth opening slightly as she struggled to comprehend his outburst. The bafflement in her eyes revealed that she had not anticipated such a reaction. She was caught between wanting to defend herself and needing to understand the whirlwind of emotions swirling around them.

Seeing the stunned look on her face, Jae Hyuk's heart sank as a wave of regret surged through him, enveloping his mind like a dark fog. The realization hit him hard: in a moment of uncontrolled rage, he had not only crossed a line but had also steered himself down a path fraught with turmoil and conflict. His chest felt heavy, burdened under the weight of his impulsive actions. He closed his eyes momentarily, inhaling deeply in an attempt to calm the tempest he had unleashed. Every heartbeat echoed in his ears as he searched for a way to redirect the train wreck of the conversation he had started.

"I actually don't remember anything—my past, my present, even myself—except for my name, which you just called me by," he began, his voice steady but laced with tension. As he spoke, he felt the urgency to mask the truth behind his words. "I seriously don't know who you are, who they were, where I am, or even who I am." Each phrase was crafted with care, a web of deception meant to protect him from further entanglement in the situation.

The woman's eyes widened, revealing a mix of shock and genuine concern. A faint light flickered behind her, casting shadows that accentuated her delicate features and hinted at her hidden vulnerability. Despite her earnest demeanor, Jae Hyuk couldn't shake the suspicion that she might be concealing her true intentions beneath a façade of compassion.

The tension between them hung in the air like a heavy mist, stretching each moment into eternity as unspoken questions lingered. Her expression shifted with the weight of his confession, a flicker of concern mingling with an unexpected spark of joy. She felt worried about him, but she also found a sense of clarity in the chaos of her emotions. This clarity showed her that there might be a chance for a connection.