The Price Of Redemption

20.

2018:

"Dani... in this beautiful weather, you brought me to an art museum?" Haerin exclaims, her voice laced with a mixture of disbelief and delight. It was spring—the world outside was alive with vibrant blossoms, birds serenading the day, and a gentle interplay of warm and cool breezes. Yet, here they stood in the hushed stillness of a gallery, where a solitary, grand frame commanded attention on the wall.

"I got free tickets! It would be a shame not to use them," Dani replied, her eyes wandering over the large, ancient painting before them. The artwork depicted a magnificent butterfly wing, bursting with a kaleidoscope of colors that seemed to dance in the light. As beautiful as the painting was, what captivated Haerin more was the sight of Dani, lost in contemplation. The slight furrow of her brow revealed a depth of thought, making her even more enchanting.

Haerin watched Dani with an intensity that mirrored Dani's focus on the art. The moment felt electric, charged with unspoken words and shared breaths. Sensing Haerin's gaze upon her, Dani turned away from the painting and met her friend's eyes. A warm chuckle escaped her lips, and a blush crept across her cheeks as she realized how Haerin regarded her—as if she were the only thing that mattered in that serene space.

With a playful smirk, Dani shifted her attention back to the artwork. "You should really appreciate the art in front of us," she said softly, her voice filled with a gentle teasing.

Haerin smiled to herself, her heart fluttering at the connection they shared, yet her gaze remained steadfast. "I am appreciating the ART," she replied, her eyes twinkling with mischief and affection.

2024:

The other guests had long since departed, leaving only a select few gathered around the grand dining table in the opulent hall. The room shimmered under the glow of bright chandeliers and flickering candlelight, their soft warmth blending with the sweet, lingering aroma of the evening's meal. It was an intimate setting, but one charged with an unspoken tension.

At the head of the table sat Kang Taehyung, the powerful figure presiding over the gathering like a king. His wife was seated to his left, their son beside him, while Dani sat to his right. Further down, Hanni sat near Jisoo, engaged in pleasant conversation. And at the farthest end of the table, Haerin, the uninvited soul in her own home, sat in quiet isolation. She had intended to leave hours ago—Minji was waiting for her outside—but her father's request had anchored her to this suffocating room.

"So, how's business going?" Taehyung asked Hanni, slicing his steak with precise, graceful movements.

"Wonderful," Hanni replied politely, her tone crisp, professional. Taehyung gave an approving nod.

From across the table, Soobin's eyes lingered on Hanni, his admiration barely concealed. Jisoo, noticing, smiled slyly before passing a bowl of salad to Hanni. "As expected of a woman like you," she remarked.

Hanni chuckled, her modesty sharp and practiced. "It's not me—it's all Dad. He's the brilliant one."

Jisoo's smile grew, but her words cut deeper than her tone revealed. "Still, it's better than aimlessly riding around the city on a bike with no job to speak of." She laughed softly, a dagger hidden in her mirth.

The air thickened with the weight of Jisoo's thinly veiled insult, and everyone knew exactly who it was aimed at—Haerin. The room seemed to hold its breath.