The Traps of the Black Swan (Book 2)

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In the guest house, Chaeyoung wrapped her forceful study time. She was closing the curtains when she saw Lisa twirl Ruby Jane while coming towards the guest house which was on the way to the mansion. Opening the window, she heard Ruby Jane giggling. She could make out the faint curves on Lisa's face.

Ruby Jane suddenly stopped and pointed at the swimming pool of the mansion. Chaeyoung couldn't make out what she said but noticed Lisa speechless and denied it. Chaeyoung thought Ruby Jane might get angry or sad but she started running around Lisa saying something dramatically to convince Lisa.

She stepped out onto the balcony. As the couple neared, Chaeyoung heard Ruby Jane's voice due to the silence of the night, "... You have never tried it so you don't know, Lili. Ice cream in the rain, Bike riding in the sprinkle of rain, diving in the cold is always fun..."

Chaeyoung chuckled, deciphering that Ruby Jane suggested jumping into the pool. Ruby Jane and Lisa were stark opposite. When Chaeyoung had seen Ruby Jane for the first time, she had thought Ruby Jane might have a serious personality like Lisa but she was wrong.

Ruby Jane and Lisa looked up and saw Chaeyoung when they heard her. Chaeyoung looked dull despite her laughter. When she had left the dining hall, Chaeyoung was normal, enjoying teasing her. Ruby Jane pointed out straight, "Chaeyoung, is everything alright?" Her voice was back to calm and composed.

"Huh?" Chaeyoung was confused about the question out of blue.

Ruby Jane cued Chaeyoung to come downstairs and turned to Lisa, "Go, my dear husband, warm my bed." She ordered her husband, pecking on his cheek. Then she threatened near his ear in a whisper, "If not, be ready to jump into the pool."

Lisa: "..."

He unwillingly left her hand when Chaeyoung came out of the guesthouse. He rubbed Chaeyoung's head when she flashed a mischief smile pretending to be fine.

Ruby Jane pointed at the chairs in the garden next to the guest house. Chaeyoung started thinking if Jisoo said something to Ruby Jane so she silently followed and both sat down.

Ruby Jane repeated the question, "Is everything alright? You look... troubled, Chaeyoung." Ruby Jane oddly felt it wasn't because of work. There must be pressure from her family or somebody or something disturbing her.

The elders had taken responsibility for Chaeyoung's stay in the Mocon. Being a Manoban, Ruby Jane felt the responsibility to give a hand to her.

"No, no..."

Ruby Jane cut off, "A lie!? If you don't want to share, it's alright, Chaeyoung. I understand. I am sorry if I poked my nose too much." She could understand they weren't close. She could take the truth on her face instead of brushing her off with a lie.

Chaeyoung didn't lie, that's what she thought. She has decided her path to be strong, careful, and independent, so there is nothing to bother. "I have no such difficulty... Hmmm, I might look dull without makeup." She chuckled, making fun of herself.

Chaeyoung's smile turned even more awkward when Ruby Jane didn't react to the joke. The latter stood up. When Ruby Jane worked her ass off to master her acting skills, she learned human expression very deeply. So could make out what's the truth and fake especially when Chaeyoung didn't know to hide.

Chaeyoung stood up with her, "Ruby Jane, I- I know you are concerned about me. It's just small mood swings." She hastened to clear if there was any misunderstanding.

Ruby Jane sighed, hearing another excuse. She nodded in response accepting her excuse. They took small steps towards the entrance of the guest house, "Eyes don't lie." Ruby Jane glanced at Chaeyoung, especially her eyes. Even though she had met Chaeyoung only countable times, she had seen her sad, happy, scared, confused, and most of the main feelings in the short time. It was the first time Chaeyoung appeared lost and she wasn't even realizing it.