"You're Late."

Chapter 8: Hard Truth

Chapter 8.3: Uninvited Visitor

I pride myself on my punctuality, a trait ingrained in every aspect of my life. My phone serves as a repository of schedules and alarms, ensuring that I never miss a deadline or appointment. For me, the mantra "better to be 15 minutes early than 15 minutes late" is not just a saying, but a way of life.

the workday came to a close, I reminded myself that it was time to prioritize my own well-being. With a deep breath, I left the office behind and began my journey home, the weight of the day's events heavy on my mind.
As I sat in the car, the familiar buzz of my phone interrupted my thoughts. It was Jung-woo, informing me that he would be working late due to a company meeting. A pang of relief washed over me at the prospect of having some time alone to unwind.

However, amidst this fleeting sense of respite, a shadow loomed in the back of my mind. The thought of facing Haerin, knowing that she would inevitably seek me out, filled me with unease. Despite my attempts to push her away, I couldn't shake the feeling that she would find a way to intrude upon my sanctuary.

Arriving home, I closed the door behind me with a heavy sigh, the weight of the day settling upon my shoulders. With a sense of resignation, I kicked off my shoes and turned to face the empty silence of my home.

But then, as I turned around, a scream tore from my throat, shattering the stillness of the air. Something unexpected, something terrifying, awaited me within the confines of my own sanctuary.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I yelled, my voice trembling with a mixture of anger and disbelief. Haerin stood before me, her presence like a dark shadow cast against the tranquility of my home.

"Just playing dress up," she replied casually, her tone dripping with mischief as she surveyed me with a sly grin.

Haerin was dressed in a seductive ensemble that left little to the imagination. She wore a figure-hugging black dress that accentuated every curve of her body, the plunging neckline teasingly revealing a hint of cleavage. Her long, dark hair cascaded in loose waves around her shoulders, framing her face with an air of sultry allure. Completing the look were sky-high stiletto heels that added an extra dose of confidence to her stride.

Despite my attempts to maintain my composure, I couldn't help but feel a surge of discomfort at the sight of her provocative attire. It was as if she had deliberately chosen to invade my space, to assert her dominance over me in the most blatant manner possible.

Anger simmered beneath the surface as I struggled to find the words to convey the depth of my frustration. Haerin's presence felt like a violation, a reminder of the tangled web of lies and deceit that had ensnared us both.

But as she stood there, unapologetic and defiant, I knew that confronting her would only fuel the flames of our forbidden attraction. And so, with a clenched jaw and a heavy heart, I resigned myself to the inevitable confrontation that lay ahead, knowing that the path forward would be fraught with danger and uncertainty.

With a mixture of indignation and resignation, I stepped closer to Haerin, my gaze locked with hers in a silent battle of wills. Despite the anger bubbling within me, there was also a sense of vulnerability, a recognition of the forbidden desire that simmered beneath the surface of our interactions.

"I didn't invite you here," I stated firmly, my voice laced with a hint of defiance.

Haerin's smile widened, her eyes gleaming with mischief as she took a step forward, closing the distance between us. "But you didn't ask me to leave either," she countered, her voice low and seductive.

I bristled at her audacity, resisting the urge to lash out in frustration. It was clear that Haerin had no intention of backing down, her presence a constant reminder of the tangled web of emotions that bound us together.