Distractions were good to keep Solji's preoccupied. But no matter what she did, she was always reminded of him.

Right now, she was mixing oils and flower extracts to create a perfume sample. Before she realized it, she was mixing the key ingredients of Jeno's perfume.

"Fuck it," Solji cursed under her breath and slammed the table which made Mark jump.

Mark was stuck with Solji the past few days. He would watch her create perfume samples and conduct lots of experiments. He was in awe of how meticulous Solji was in a every little detail. She always made sure everything was perfect.

Mark could watch her doing those stuff forever except when she would suddenly act violent like now. He was innocently munching watermelons and he would be surprised whenever Solji would scream or slam the table or curse.

"I didn't do anything!" Mark tried to defend himself.

Solji sighed. "Sorry. It's not you."

"Everything okay?"

Solji gripped the edge of the table and glared at the mixture she just made. Jeno plagued her mind and the last thing she needed was to be distracted from her task.

"Yes. Everything is fine."

"Are you sure? Because I don't want to be a victim of your murderous thoughts."

Solji rolled her eyes before turning to Mark. "Why are you even here?"

"I like watching you get stressed," Mark answered jokingly. "Plus I like the scents you're making even though I might lose my olfactory senses soon enough. How can you work for hours without getting nauseous?"

"Proving my worth is the best reward I can ever get. Opportunity presented itself to me and I will do everything I can to make it happen," Solji explained then sat across Mark, stealing a slice of watermelon and popping it in her mouth.

"You know, not to sound creepy but your determination is really attractive."

Mark didn't know where it came from or what pushed him to compliment her. He held his breath, waiting for Solji to knock some sense in him but instead, she smiled.

"Thank you," Solji said.

Mark looked away. A blush spread across his cheeks and he looked down to hide it but his red ears gave him away.

"Mark? Are you alright? Are you sick?" Solji asked worriedly and pressed a hand on Mark's forehead which made his heart beat faster. He was as red as a tomato now and he couldn't meet her eyes.

"I'm okay. I'm just... um... yeah."

"That doesn't even make any sense!"

Solji giggled at Mark's silliness. All he could do was stare at her. Mark lost count of how many times he found Solji beautiful. It felt surreal to him that he made her laugh. One minute ago, he was embarrassed of himself and then the next, he joined her laughing.

Times like this made him forgot that Solji was engaged to his cousin.

It also made him forgot that Solji obviously had feelings for Jeno. Solji only probably saw him as a close friend or an older brother. But he knew, they both knew that she wished she was with Jeno right now.

Their laughter died down and all that was left was a smile.

"Do you think I can make it?" Solji asked Mark. No matter how determined she was, there was still a possibility that she might fail.

"Kim Solji? Doubting herself? That's new!"

Solji groaned. "I'm scared, okay? I feel like I can never a have a chance like this again. What if I fail? What if they won't like it? Just thinking about it makes me miserable." Solji rested her chin on her arms and closed her eyes, a frown etched on her face.

"But what if you won't fail? What if they like it?" Mark asked. "Or let's say you do, you can always try again. Solji, you are smart and talented and an opportunity will present itself in the right time. I believe in you.

"Jeno believes in you, too."

That made Solji look up and meet Mark's eyes. He knew that bring Jeno in the conversation would help her cheer up. That's how he found out that Solji had feelings for his cousin. Her face would lit up at the mention of his name, even now that she was giving him a silent treatment.

"You think so?" Solji asked, her voice hopeful.

"Yes. Jeno thinks so, too."

"Why are you always bringing up Jeno?"

"Because I know you miss him. And if he were here, I'm sure he would say the same thing. We believe in you, Solji. You can do everything you want if you put your mind to it."

"Thank you," Solji replied and absentmindedly played with her engagement ring.

"You can avoid him all you want but nothing will change the fact that you miss him. There's nothing wrong with being honest with yourself sometimes."

"Mark Lee? Is that really you? How did you become a sensible person overnight?"

"How can you insult me like that when I'm always here for you?"

"Sorry, not sorry. Besides, even if I admit that I miss him, nothing will change. He's not here and he will never choose me once the time comes that he had to choose."

"Do you think he will choose Heejin over you?"

Solji let out a bitter laugh. "That has been the case since she arrived. Don't get me wrong, I'm not blaming her. I just wished Jeno was fairer."

"I will choose you over anyone," Mark said all of a sudden. Solji looked at him as if he had lost his mind.

That was stupid, Mark Lee.

"Except when watermelon is involved, of course. I'll drop you for a watermelon."

Solji's confusion was replaced by a laugh.

"I need to get back to work. I still have a lot of things to finish."

Solji stood up from the chair and left the table. Before she could wear her goggles again, Mark said something that made her stop.

"I don't know if this will help you but... Jeno doesn't like Heejin. Not romantically at least. Don't ask me how I know. I just do."

"Uh... okay?"

It was confusing that Mark brought it up. He couldn't bear to see her so down and doubting herself. She was puzzled, too.

But after hearing that, Solji was unconsciously bouncing on her feet, a lot more cheerful and motivated compared to earlier.

***

Solji was summoned to her parent's office one night after dinner. Doyoung called him from her room and told her they needed to talk to her. He didn't say anything after that so she didn't ask.

Standing in front of her parents, she felt a bit of tension and anxiety but she pushed it back. They both looked serious and were communicating using their eyes. She stood there not moving, her eyes switching from Irene to Suho and back and forth.

Finally, Suho sighed and met her eyes. It slightly made her jump.

"Princess---" Suho said but Irene cleared her throat. "---I mean, Solji. We called you here because we have something important to tell you. Do you still remember about the problem that we told you about?"

"About the leakage of information regarding the collection?" Suho nodded. "Yes, I still remember."

Suho clasped his hands and propped his elbows on the table. "Your mother and I talked about all the possible damage controls that we can do to lessen the impact of the loss. We called you here ask for your help."

Solji was confused at first, unsure of what she had heard. She glanced at Irene and she nodded at her, confirming that what her father said was true.

"Ask for my help?" she asked incredulously.

"Yes, Solji. I still remembered you wanted to help the company so bad. Now is your time to show us what you can do. Tomorrow, we will make a schedule for you to meet our perfumers and make a plan to them regarding to the new collection you will make.

Once the plan is solidified, you will meet the creative design team to plan for then overall look of the perfume. The release of the new collection will be pushed back and I expect you to complete all your tasks in less than two weeks."

It was all too good to be true. Solji was speechless.

"We're so sorry for pressuring you too much, Princess. You can back out if you want."

"What? No! Why would I even do that? I'm so happy right now. Thank you for trusting me!"

Solji ran to her parents and gave them a tight hug. This was the first good news she had heard the past few days. "This means so much to me."

"Show us what you got," Irene whispered and caressed her hair. "We know you'll do great."

Solji pulled away from them and nodded. She was overwhelmed with emotions that she didn't notice she was already crying.

"I will not disappoint you."

***

The past few days passed by like a blur. All that Solji could remember was the overflowing excitement she felt when her parents finally let her participate in their family business followed by myriad of tasks to do. It was exhausting, but the payback would be worth it.

She would meet the perfumers soon so she was doing everything she could to finish her plans before due.

A deafening silence cloaked her room while she was organizing her papers when her ringtone blared, startling her.

"Who the hell is this?" she asked herself as she stared at the unknown number. Skeptical but curious, she answered the phone.

"Hello?"

"Hello, is this Kim Solji?" a female voice asked.

"Yes. Who is this?"

"This is Jeon Heejin! Do you still remember me?"

Of course, how could she forget?

"Oh, yes. Of course!"

"Sorry for not giving you a heads up. I got your number from Jeno. I hope you don't mind."

Solji's heart at the mere mention of Jeno's name. He still had the effect on her despite them not being on speaking terms.

"It's alright. Uh... do you need anything?"

"I actually wanted to ask you something. Are you busy right now?"

She glanced at the papers scattered on her bed. All she needed to do was sort them out per category and her job was done.

"I'm almost finished with my task."

"Oh, okay! Let me know if you're done, alright? If it's okay with you, I really wanna hang out with you if you're free. I'll be going back to Germany in a few days and I wanted to spend time with the first girl I met in South Korea."

Solji's heart warmed. Heejin was always sweet and welcoming to her, not to mention she was very cheerful. Her conscience was nagging her again for being jealous of her. But then again, who wouldn't love such a lovely person? Everything about her was so likeable.

"Okay. I will text you once I'm done."

"Thank you, Solji!"

"Don't mention it."

When the call ended, Solji stared at the screen. She contemplated for a while before deciding that it was probably time to voice out what's bothering her. She was about to do something that could make or break her. But she felt that talking to Heejin was the proper thing to do.

She didn't know where she got the courage. All she knew was that she didn't want to remain miserable her whole life. So with a sigh, she finished organizing her papers then texted Heejin.

It's now or never.

***

"Not to sound creepy but I stalked you on Instagram and I swear you are even prettier in person," Heejin confessed. They were eating ice cream while sitting on a bench just outside the cinema.

Their first activity for today was to watch a sci-fi movie about an astronaut who was trapped in a strange planet similar to Earth and met its inhabitants. They were shocked the whole time and was engrossed until the end.

"Thank you," Solji said, slightly embarrassed. Heejin had no problems complimenting people and Solji didn't know what to do when receiving compliments. "You're very beautiful, too."

Earlier, they met in front of the mall entrance and Solji had a hard time finding a parking space since most of it were occupied.

She found Heejin standing patiently on the side wearing a bright yellow dress. When Heejin noticed her, she waved at her and walked towards her with a smile on her face.

"I'm sorry I'm late," Solji apologized. Heejin glanced at her wrist watch.

"Don't worry, it's only five past ten. By the way, you look really gorgeous!" Heejin complimented her sincerely. They both wore a dress, but Solji's was a plaid purple dress over a plain white shirt. Solji blushed at the compliment.

"Thank you."

"I bought a movie ticket for us. I hope you like sci-fi."

Solji's eyes widened. "I love sci-fi!"

"OMG! You do?"

They both squealed in excitement and intertwined their hands together, jumping up and down. As the day progressed, they realized they had a lot of things in common.

Solji momentarily forgot who was Heejin in Jeno's life. She wasn't Jeno's childhood friend, she was Solji's new-found soulmate. They went shopping together, bought clothes, went to a samgyupsal restaurant, bought cosmetics, and now they were relaxing in a spa.

Solji and Heejin sat on a comfortable chair while the masseuses were giving them foot massage.

"Jeno told me that you are his fiancé," Heejin said. Solji turned to face her but her eyes were closed so she leaned back on the chair and copied her. "I'm sorry for saying that you and Mark looked good together. I just know that Jeno was seething in jealousy that day."

"I doubt it," Solji answered. Now that they went back to reality, Solji thought that she couldn't compete with Heejin.

"Seriously, though. Jeno easily gets jealous. But, it's easy to console him."

Solji then remembered the night when Jeno confessed that he was jealous of Mark. That was the night before everything went downhill between then. How she wished she could turn back time and stayed there in Jeno's bed with their legs tangled together.

"You're right..." Solji whispered.

"So, how are you and Jeno? I haven't heard from him since last week," Heejin asked. "I just hope he's planning to confess to you soon."

"What is it?"

Panic crossed Heejin's face. "Oh! Nothing!"

"I mean, you said you haven't seen him since last week?" Solji asked puzzled. Heejin nodded.

"Yeah, since I arrived here, I only met him for like, two or three times? I don't want to see his face every day, besides, he's busy with his classes so I don't really require his time."

Solji thought long and hard. The past few days when Jeno kept ditching her, he was using Heejin as an excuse to all of it. But according to Heejin, she only saw Jeno a couple of times. It didn't add up. One of them was lying and Solji was convinced it wasn't Heejin.

"You know, I asked Jeno about you because I really wanted to get to know you," Heejin admitted. "If only you could see he how he talked about you."

"What did he say?"

"Well, as cliché as it sounded, he talked about all the good things about you. He showered you with praises. But, that's not the catch. He also mentioned about your downsides, but he didn't mention those to spite you. You know what he did instead?"

"What?"

"He talked about it with a smile on his face. He listed them all then told me that your good sides and bad sides are what made you authentic and beautiful. And he wouldn't change anything about you even if he were given the chance."

Solji's heart was beating as he imagined Jeno talking about her with a smile on his face. To be accepted for who she was by the person she treasured made her heart swell in joy.

"I like you for Jeno, Solji. I can see how happy he is with you. But the question is... do you like him? Are you happy with him?"

Solji turned to face Heejin and she was staring back at her. She wanted to say no but she couldn't lie to Heejin's face.

"Yes. I like him. And I'm happy with him."

Heejin's lips cracked into a bright smile and she clasped Solji's hand. "Tell me when and where the wedding will take place, okay?"

Solji smiled and nodded.

She remembered what Mark told her at the laboratory. Jeno only saw Heejin as a friend and nothing more. She was sure that Heejin didn't like Jeno and was even rooting for her.

At last, she couldn't find any more reason to avoid Jeno. They needed to make up.

As soon as possible.

***

Today was the day when Heejin would throw a mini party at Jeno's house.

They might have not spoken about it but Solji already treated Heejin as her friend so she baked chocolate cupcakes for her.

Today was also the day that Solji would confess to Jeno. She was contemplating whether to do it or not, but prolonging it would only waste their time.

"Who says a woman can't confess first?" Solji asked herself last night. She missed Jeno so bad and smelling the scented candle he gave made her miss him more.

Would it be appropriate to confess to somebody after ignoring them?

"Liking somebody sucks!" Solji groaned as she let her back hit the soft mattress. She stared at the ceiling while thinking about Jeno's face the last time they talked. He looked crestfallen and she wanted to hug him. But that would mean setting her pride aside.

"Damn, Jeno," Solji whispered hopelessly. "The things I'm willing to do for you."

And now there she was, standing in front of Jeno's doorstep dressed to kill. She wore a spaghetti strap wine red dress that hugged her body in all the right places and her hair was curled to its tips. She might be overdressed for the occasion but she wanted Jeno's eyes on her during the party.

So with a sigh, she pressed the doorbell.

Few seconds after, the door opened and Heejin greeted her. She was wearing the emerald dress they bought when they went shopping together. Solji was relieved that she wasn't the only who dressed up for the occasion.

Heejin eyed her from head to toe. "Girl, you look stunning!" she squealed.

"Thank you. You're gorgeous," Solji replied.

"Come in!" Heejin ushered her inside excitedly and closed the door behind her. "I'm sure Jeno will fall in love with you the moment he sees you in that dress."

Solji could only laugh nervously as Heejin dragged her inside.

She found Jeno filling the dining table with dishes and Mark adding last minute decorations at the living room. Heejin cleared her throat to get the two men's attention.

"Everyone, Solji is here!" Heejin aannounced.

Their heads whipped sharply to Heejin and Solji's direction.

It seemed like time had stopped. The two didn't even move an inch as they stared at Solji. Both their mouths were agape, staring in awe. Heejin lightly elbowed Solji and whispered to her, "Look at Jeno."

Solji's eyes focused on Jeno and he stopped putting the plate on the table midair and shamelessly stared at her. She wanted to run to him and hug him but she didn't want to ruin the sophisticated image she created tonight.

Meanwhile, Jeno wasn't sure if he was seeing an angel or a goddess.

He was whipped, that's for sure.

His heart started racing as he took in Solji's whole appearance. She had always been beautiful but to Jeno's eyes, she was everything that made his world beautiful. Tonight, she was the star. Though this party was for Heejin, he couldn't help but marvel at her.

Little did he know that Solji was doing the same thing.

Damn, it should be considered a crime looking this good, Solji thought to herself as she looked at Jeno.

He was wearing a black button down polo tucked in a black pants and secured with a shint leather belt. His hair was pushed back, revealing his smooth forehead. The sleeves of his top were rolled up to his elbow, revealing his veiny arms.

They stared at each other for a long time.

Solji didn't even acknowledge that Mark was also staring at her since her eyes were fixated only on Jeno.

Why am I even here? Mark asked himself and he let out a chuckle. He never thought that he would feel pain because of a little crush. But was it really just a crush?

"Good evening! You're late!" Mark said and the two broke their eye contact.

"What are you talking about? I'm on time!" Solji replied with a frown. Mark walked towards Solji and pinched her cheek as if he wasn't hurt that she didn't notice him. "Stop that!"

Jeno clenched his fist as he looked at the two.

"You look beautiful tonight," Mark complimented sincerely but Solji rolled her eyes, thinking that he was only teasing her.

"Out of my way," Solji said and lightly pushed Mark away and went to the kitchen. Jeno was quietly setting down wine glasses on the table when Solji cleared her throat.

Seeing that they were about to talk, Heejin pulled Mark to the living room to give them some time alone.

"Good evening," Solji greeted first.

To her surprise, Jeno smiled. "Good evening. The night is beautiful. And so are you."

Receiving compliment from him was like winning the Olympics. A blush crept to her cheeks and she was thankful for the drunk blush makeup she did.

"You, too. You look amazing."

Silence fell once again and Solji didn't know what to say. Jeno left the dining table and walked towards her. Solji's eyes didn't leave him, following his every moment. Soon enough, he was standing beside her, his scent filling her nostrils.

When was the last time they were this close just freely moving around? She couldn't remember.

Jeno gently pulled the bag she was carrying, they fingers lightly brushed. It sent jolts of electricity to her body and her knees buckled. She didn't know why she was acting strangely.

She missed having him close.

She missed the physical contact.

But most importantly, she missed his comfortable presence looming over her.

"You brought food," Jeno said. "You didn't have to. Heejin and I cooked, though Heejin mostly did all the dishes. Mark decorated the living room."

Jeno was at ease and Solji couldn't understand why he was so calm when she was practically weak and shaking. But she was thankful that they were conversing again as if they were back to normal.

"That's why I brought food. So at least I can contribute something to this party."

Jeno smiled then met her eyes. "I heard from Heejin that you went shopping and watched movies together. She said she had a really great time."

An easy smile spread across Solji's face. "She's a really good friend. I understand now why you've never forgotten her." And Solji meant it. Heejin was heaven sent. She couldn't name anyone who had so much kindness.

There was a moment of comfortable silence and all they could hear was Heejin and Mark bickering at the living room.

Moments like this was what Solji wished she could freeze time. Time was ticking too fast when you're having fun. With Jeno, their was never enough. She would find herself wanting to keep him longer. Sometimes, never letting him go.

Jeno was the first one to break the silence.

"Solji, I miss---"

"Solji!" Mark called and ran towards her. He gently grabbed her wrist and sent Jeno a meaningful look before dragging her to the living room.

"What is it?" Solji asked.

"Nothing! Let's dance," Mark replied.

Heejin played an upbeat music and Mark started dancing like a drunk man. Solji found herself kneeling on the floor laughing as Mark made a fool of himself. They played all kinds of music and Mark was giving them free entertainment.

He danced sexily when a rock song was played, Heejin throwing play money at him. He danced hip-hop when a jazz song was played. Jeno was only watching them.

Jeno watched as Solji swayed her hips to the beat. Her hands sweeped her body, feeling herself. Her sensual movements intensified as the song progressed, stroking her hair that fell softly behind her back. Jeno suddenly felt hot and he looked away.

Thankfully, the music stopped and they decided to eat now. Jeno heaved a sigh of relief, proud of his self-control.

Mark was about to sit beside Solji when Heejin pulled his arm and made her sit beside her. Heejin winked at Solji playfully.

"Are you scheming something?" Jeno asked, catching her red-handed.

Heejin played innocent. "What are you talking about?

Solji giggled at the sight which surprised Mark. She didn't feel jealous anymore. Instead, she felt as if she was planning something naughty with her best friend even though there was no plan to begin with.

What was supposed to be a peaceful dinner party became a battle between two men.

Jeno and Mark competed on who would take care of Solji, both of them showing off. They glared at each other through gritted teeth and Heejin was only amused at the sight.

Jeno put a slice of pizza on Solji's plate first then Mark added buttered shrimp. The food kept piling in on her plate that Solji had to stop them.

"This is enough," Solji spoke and the two instantly stopped. Heejin whistled then smiled to herself.

"I'm so glad I visited South Korea and met you two again. I will miss you a lot when I'm back in Germany. But I will miss Solji the most." Heejin sent a wink to Solji. She didn't realize she was already feeling sad at the thought of Heejin leaving. If only they hang out sooner, they would've had so much fun time.

"Why don't you just stay here?" Jeno asked.

"I can't really be away from my family for too long. They'll worry about me. That's why you two should be on your best behaviour and do not give Solji a hard time, do you understand?"

"Tell that to Jeno. I'm a good kid. Right, Solji?" Mark said. Solji simply rolled her eyes and Jeno laughed at his face.

Heejin was laughing at the two as she picked a piece of cupcake that Solji brought. She peeled the paper and took a bite.

Minutes later, Heejin fell on her seat. She started gasping for air and there were red bumps that appeared on her skin. Her eyes were watery and was clasping her neck as if she was choking.

Jeno was fast and he was with on Heejin's side.

"Heejin! Where's your medicine?" Jeno asked in a frantic voice. He looked around to find what was the last thing she ate and he saw the cupcake with nuts inside.

"I'll go find her bag!" Mark said and went to the living room.

"Who the fuck brought these cupcakes?" Jeno yelled. His face was red and full of rage and for a moment, Solji felt scared. She was stoned on her seat as she stared at the cupcake.

"I-I did..." Solji answered, her voice trembling.

Jeno was livid and Solji wanted to run away when he casted her furious glance. "Are you out of your mind? Heejin is allergic to nuts!"

"Stop it, Jeno! She didn't know! Let's focus on Heejin first," Mark said.

Jeno brought Heejin to his room, Mark following behind them while still rummaging Heejin's bag for her medicine. Solji was left alone on the table, looking at the aftermath of an innocent mistake.

She knew she was wrong. She deserved it.

But she couldn't accept the fact that Jeno yelled at her face.

She didn't even know Heejin was allergic to nuts.

Then she remembered when they first met, when Jeno removed the nuts from the food Heejin was eating.

Solji buried her face on her hands.

She messed up big time.

Meanwhile in Jeno's room, Heejin was sprawled on the floor of Jeno's bathroom, holding on to the toilet bowl for dear life as she puke her guts out. When she finished vomited, she rinsed her mouth with water.

Jeno's arm was circled around her waist to help her stand on her fee. Mark, then handed Jeno a glass of water and a pill for her allergies. After she drank it, she leaned on Jeno's shoulder. All her strength left her body.

"That was refreshing," Heejin said with her eyes closed. Jeno carried her weak body and laid her on his bed. Mark was silently watching them.

"You almost died," Jeno replied softly as he caressed Heejin's forehead.

"But I didn't," Heejin whispered weakly. "You should apologize to Solji."

Jeno was confused. "What?"

This time, Mark spoke.

"What? You have no idea what you did?" Mark let out sarcastic laugh. "I guess playing hero can cause short-term memory loss."

"What the hell are you even saying?"

"Okay, I'll be generous enough to give you a recap of what you just did." Mark towards Jeno and they were now facing each other. Mark's fist was clenched. "You just screamed at Solji for something she didn't even know. Did you tell her Heejin was allergic to nuts?"

"I---"

"No, you didn't. Because if you did, she wouldn't even bring that cupcake with a goddamn nut that made you act hysterical. She didn't mean it, Jeno. And now she's probably blaming herself."

Jeno stood up to defend himself. "It was a spur of the moment! I panicked, okay? Heejin was dying in my arms---"

"And instead of looking for her medicine, the first thing you did was scream. Tell me, does playing hero make you feel good? Does it soothe your ego? Do you like the feeling of saving someone with your savior complex---"

"Fuck you---"

"Shut up!" Heejin yelled and the two stopped from hacking each other's neck. "For God's sake, shut your mouths. Now isn't the time to fight. Jeno, go to Solji. Mark was right. She didn't know. Now go and apologize to her. Mark will stay with me."

Nobody spoke. They just silently followed what Heejin wanted. Mark and Jeno glared each other one last time before Jeno exited the room.

He found Solji sitting on the couch staring blankly at the city view outside. The mess they left earlier was already cleaned by Solji. That was the least she could do for the trouble she caused. When she felt a presence behind her, she turned around.

"Jeno..." she whispered. She was expecting Mark instead. She was sure Jeno would stay beside Heejin. "I'm sorry. For everything."

Jeno didn't reply and it made Solji feel ten times worse. She wanted to turn back time and fix all the mess she made. This was supposed to be a fun night and thanks to her, Heejin was passed out in Jeno's bed and Jeno was furious at her. She braved a glance and Jeno didn't seem angry anymore.

"How is she?" Solji asked.

"A little better. She puked and drank medicine and now she's resting in my bed."

Solji nodded and bowed her head low. She didn't have the confidence to raise her chin and face Jeno. She was ashamed of herself.

But deep inside, she was furious. Jeno screaming at her was etched in her mind. No one in her family raised their voice at her.

"I'm sorry," Jeno said which made Solji surprised. "I'm sorry for yelling at you earlier. I panicked too much. Everything was happening too fast. Heejin was gasping for her breath and I... I didn't know what to do. I thought I'd lose her again. I'm so sorry."

Solji smiled bitterly. Instead of feeling relieved, she felt offended.

He was only sorry for yelling at her but he didn't acknowledge that she was innocent.

Solji raised her head and met Jeno's eyes. She was sure her eyes were glassy with unshed tears. She searched Jeno's face. He was remorseful but it wasn't enough for her. Remorse won't change her mind.

Slowly, she lifted her left hand. Her eyes didn't leave his as she slowly removed the emerald ring from her ring finger.

"What are you doing?" Jeno asked, confused.

She didn't answer. When she finally removed the ring, she took Jeno's left hand and placed the ring on his palm.

"I don't want to do this anymore. I had enough. I don't need to explain myself anymore. I will talk to my parents first thing in the morning about our setup. I will let you know once they agreed to call off the engagement. They let me participate in our company by the way, so I won't need you anymore."

With her head held high, she walked away. She didn't look back to see Jeno's reaction.

Tonight was supposed to be the night when she was going to confess her feelings for her. But she guessed, the universe must have conspired against her and let the worse happen.

It was too late when Jeno finally understood everything. He sprinted out of his house and rode the elevator. He impatiently tapped the buttons going to the underground parking lot.

Solji's ring was clasped tightly on Jeno's hand, the sharp edges of the stone digging into his skin but he paid no attention.

When he got into the parking lot, Solji's car was gone. He fell on his knees as he watched the open road hopelessly.

It's too late.

He was too late.

She was gone.