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[Money talks ] - [PAWSA]

The morning sunlight filtered through the grand windows of Sungchan's home, illuminating the sleek marble floors and pristine furniture. He stirred awake in his massive bed, the soft silk sheets pooling around him as he stretched lazily.

After a quick shower, he wandered downstairs, the smell of freshly brewed coffee greeting him.

At the table, he spotted his twin sister, Rena, hunched over her tablet, giggling softly. Curious, he leaned over her shoulder and saw the video playing—Sunghoon's younger self in an, awkward moment.

Sungchan smirked. "He looked ridiculous back then."

Rena's head snapped toward him, her expression indignant. "No, he's so cute."

Sungchan arched an eyebrow, his teasing tone cutting through the air. "Only to you. Do you like him or something?"

The color drained from Rena's face, her eyes widening in panic. She grabbed his arm, her grip surprisingly strong. "I swear to God, if you tell Sunghoon about this, I'll murder you."

"So, you do like him? Honestly, you'd make a great couple, sis. I guarantee it."

Rena rolled her eyes, her cheeks flushed. "What about you and Iseul, huh?"

After their playful exchange about love lives, Sungchan and Rena went their separate ways, each carefully slipping into their roles for the day.
Maintaining their hidden identities was paramount—no one at the company could know who they truly were.

At the company, Sungchan's face lit up the moment he saw Iseul walk into the office. She had an unbothered grace about her, flipping through a stack of papers with ease. Her sharp tongue and wit never failed to keep him on his toes, and if he were honest, it was the highlight of his otherwise monotonous days.

"Iseul," he called out, walking over with a bright smile.

They were assigned a task that seemed straightforward—connecting with small business owners in the area for an upcoming project. The team split into groups, and fate—or perhaps Sungchan's meddling—paired him with Iseul.

As they walked the bustling streets, Iseul found herself laughing at Sungchan's bad jokes and quick-witted remarks. He had an effortless charm that managed to make the tedious task almost enjoyable.

Sunghchan huffed, shoving his hands into his coat pockets as they left another store. "These people are living in the 19th century. They'll never join the app."

Iseul glanced at him, suppressing a smirk at his dramatic tone. "We can always try other stores."

"Iseul, I'm starving," he groaned, throwing his head back for emphasis. "Can we just take a break, please?"

She rolled her eyes but gave in. "Fine. Remember I told you about my mom's restaurant? Let's go there. It's not far."

They strolled through her neighborhood, the streets quieter than the bustling city areas Sunghchan was used to. The air smelled faintly of soy sauce and grilled fish, a comforting warmth in the crisp breeze.

"This place feels... peaceful," Sunghchan admitted, taking in the flower pots lining the doorways and the gentle hum of life around them. "It's so quiet you could hear a fly buzzing."

As they approached the familiar green awning of her family's small eatery, Iseul's footsteps faltered. Loud voices floated through the slightly ajar door.

"I told you not to invest in that pyramid scheme, but do you ever listen? No!" Her mom's voice carried, punctuated by the clatter of plates.

"It wasn't a pyramid scheme! It was a crowdfunding initiative," her dad argued, his voice defensive and a little too loud. "And if it worked, we'd be rich by now!"

"Yeah? Well, it didn't work! Now we're drowning in debt again. What's next? Selling the restaurant to fund your next genius idea?"

Sunghchan glanced at Iseul, his brows raised. She pinched the bridge of her nose, muttering, "I should've known."

Her dad stood by the stove, stirring a pot with more force than necessary, while her mom leaned against the counter with her arms crossed, glaring at him.

"I'm telling you, this one's going to bounce back," her dad insisted, pointing a ladle for emphasis. "It just needs time."

"Time? We don't even have the money to buy time!" Her mom scoffed. "And what do you plan to tell the bank? That you're cooking up a miracle?"

Iseul cleared her throat loudly, stepping inside. "Do you guys have to do this in front of customers?"

Her mom spun around, her scowl melting into a warm smile when she saw her daughter. "Oh, sweetie! You're here! And you brought a friend?"

Her dad chimed in, seemingly unfazed by the earlier tension. "Welcome! You two hungry? We've got spicy noodles on the house."

Iseul gave Sunghchan a look as if to say, I told you so. He chuckled, trying not to let his amusement show.

"This explains a lot," he murmured, settling into a seat.

The chaos didn't cease inside the restaurant. Iseul's eyes landed on her brother, Sohee, standing just outside with his hands pressed together in a display of pleading.

"Mom, please! I miss your food! That woman can't cook to save her life," he called out dramatically, his voice tinged with faux despair.

From the doorway, their mother shot him a sharp look. "You traitor!" she barked, brandishing a dish towel like a weapon.

But Sohee's attention quickly shifted to Iseul, standing beside Sunghchan. His protective instincts kicked in instantly as his brows furrowed. With a speed that almost startled Sunghchan, Sohee stepped forward and shoved him lightly on the shoulder.

"Why are you standing so close?" he demanded, his tone dripping with suspicion.

Iseul bit back a laugh, trying to mask her amusement. She still couldn't get used to her brother's new look.

As the squabbling inside the restaurant continued, their father's muffled grumbles about "visionary investments" clashed with their mother's exasperated retorts. Finally, after what sounded like another argument about unpaid debts, their mother's voice rang out loud and clear.

"Out! Both of you!" she yelled, shoving Sohee and her husband toward the door. Sohee tried to protest, but her mother's glare silenced him as she slammed it shut behind them.

Iseul shook her head with a fond sigh, turning back just in time to see her mother smoothing down her apron and adopting a much softer expression.

"Sorry about that, son," she said to Sunghchan, her voice warm and welcoming now. "I had morning cleaning to do. What would you like to eat?"

Sunghchan, momentarily taken aback by the whirlwind of family dynamics, blinked before smiling politely. "Anything you recommend, ma'am. I trust your cooking."

Sunghchan couldn't stop eating. From the perfectly seasoned kimchi stew to the golden, crispy pajeon, every bite seemed to pull him deeper into culinary heaven. He practically inhaled the japchae, savoring the balance of sweetness, and the tender meat melted in his mouth.

Her mother appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron with a proud smile. "My son, do you like the food?" she asked, her tone motherly and affectionate.

Sunghchan paused only briefly, his chopsticks hovering mid-air. "Words can't even describe it," he said with a heartfelt grin. "I love it. This is amazing."

Iseul raised an eyebrow, leaning forward on the table. "So, what was all that arguing earlier?" she asked, curiosity evident in her tone.

Her mother sighed, her smile dimming just slightly as she sat down beside them. "Your dad, again, wasting his money on useless inventions. He's always dreaming up these schemes, but they never work out. We're stuck in debt, Iseul. I don't know... We might have to close the restaurant."

Sunghchan's chewing slowed as he looked up, frowning in genuine concern. "Why would a good place like this ever get closed?" he asked.

Her mother shook her head, a tired laugh escaping her lips. "They opened a mall nearby. Everyone's going there. It's shiny, new, and convenient. We can't compete with that.

The door swung open with a dramatic flair, Heejin's voice cutting through the comfortable hum of the restaurant like a storm. "Iseul, girl, I found you a husband! And he's rich too!"

Sunghchan, mid-bite, stilled before he turned his face to the side, his shoulders shaking with barely contained laughter. Iseul, sitting stiffly beside him, shot him a glare sharp enough to cut steel, her cheeks coloring as embarrassment seeped into her usually composed demeanor.

"Heejin!" exclaimed Iseul's mother, Miseok, stepping out from the kitchen in her neatly tied apron. Her graying hair was tucked into a bun, her expression teetering between exasperation and mild amusement. "What on earth are you shouting about? Not here, for goodness' sake!"

Miseok grabbed Heejin by the arm and marched her outside, her sharp whispers blending with Heejin's louder protestations as they disappeared through the door. Iseul let out a heavy sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose.

But the walls were thin, and their conversation leaked through. Sunghchan paused, setting his chopsticks down when he heard Heejin 's words, clear as day.

"I just want her to remarry again after the divorce," her voice carried, soft but resolute. "She's still young, and she deserves happiness."

Iseul's heart clenched, the words hitting her like a cold gust of wind. She froze, her shoulders stiffening as she stared blankly at the steaming plate in front of her. A flush of heat crept up her neck—not the rosy embarrassment of earlier but the heavy weight of shame and vulnerability she hadn't prepared for.

Sunghchan noticed the change immediately. His earlier amusement faded, replaced by quiet concern.

Iseul's voice was soft, almost hesitant, as she mumbled, "I... like you heard, I was divorced. I was meaning to tell you but..." She trailed off, her fingers toying nervously with the strap of her bag.

"Iseul, do you like me?"

"What the—"

But before she could finish her incredulous response, Sunghchan chuckled, leaning back in his chair with an air of relaxed amusement. "Then why would you explain it to me like I'm your boyfriend?"

A laugh escaped her despite herself, light and genuine. She shook her head, unable to fight the small smile tugging at her lips. "You're impossible, Sunghchan."

"And you're easy to tease," he shot back, grinning.

With that, they stood, the atmosphere lightening as they began packing their things. Sunghchan stretched, grabbing his jacket, while Iseul carefully tucked her belongings into her bag.

"Let's get back to the company before anyone starts thinking we ran away," Sunghchan said, slinging his bag over his shoulder.

Iseul nodded, adjusting her jacket as they stepped out into the crisp afternoon air. The tension from earlier seemed to have dissolved, replaced by the familiar comfort of their easy banter. As they walked side by side, the awkward moment was left behind, but a lingering warmth hung in the air.

At the company, Sana greeted them with her usual composed smile. "Any progress?"

"No,"

"Yes," Sunghchan answered at the same time, causing Iseul to snap her head toward him, confusion etched across her face.

Sana raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Tell me more."

Sunghchan smiled smoothly, leaning against the table. "There's a restaurant we're considering. It's called Minji's Kitchen. Great food, good vibe, lots of potential."

"That sounds promising. Good work. Keep me updated on that." She walked away, clipboard in hand, looking satisfied.

The moment she was out of earshot, Iseul turned on Sunghchan, swatting his arm. "Why would you say that?!"

Sunghchan barely flinched, rubbing his arm dramatically as if she'd hurt him. "Ow, violence isn't the answer, Iseul."

"Sunghchan, why?"

He shrugged, an infuriatingly casual grin on his face. "It's a win-win situation. The app expands, and your family gets out of debt. Sounds like a solid plan to me."

"You can't just... make decisions like that!" she hissed, lowering her voice to avoid drawing attention.

"Relax," he said, giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Your mom's cooking is incredible, and that restaurant deserves recognition. Plus, I'm pretty persuasive. I'll make sure it works out."

She groaned, trailing after him. There was no stopping Sunghchan when he got an idea in his head, but part of her—deep down—couldn't help but feel grateful for his confidence in her family's restaurant.

As days went by, Minji's kitchen transformed into a hub of activity. The clinking of dishes, the hum of conversation, and the steady whirl of kitchen appliances filled the air. Customers came and went, leaving satisfied and spreading word of the hidden gem.

Cash flowed steadily into the till, a stark contrast to the quiet days that had plagued them before. Iseul watched her mother with pride, though a part of her worried about how long this rush could last.

One afternoon, as Iseul stepped outside for some air, her mother-in-law Yejin happened to pass by. Spotting the crowd, Yejin stopped abruptly, squinting in disbelief.

"Am I seeing this right?" Yejin asked, pointing toward the packed restaurant.

Her sister Haesook nodded, unable to hide her smile. "They're just working hard, earning a living."

"Do you not think? If they keep this up, they're going to get rich real fast. I need to do something."

"Sister, drop it,"

But Yejin was already pacing, muttering to herself. "Something's wrong. How'd they suddenly get this popular? There's no way they pulled this off on their own."

Before she could stop her, Yejin whirled around, glaring. "Spill it. What's going on?"

Haesook hesitated, debating whether or not to tell her the truth. Finally, she sighed, unable to hold it in any longer. "They joined Sunghoon's app."

Yejin froze, her face contorting in a mixture of shock and anger. "They what?"

The shout echoed down the street, making heads turn. Without another word, Yejin spun on her heels and stormed off.

"Where are you going?" Haesook called after her, but she already knew the answer.

Yejin didn't bother looking back. She stomped home, slamming the door behind her, and immediately grabbed her phone.

Yejin furiously dialed her son's number, her irritation boiling over as she paced her living room. The moment he picked up, his frustrated voice greeted her.

"Mom, what is it now?"

"What did I ever do to deserve this betrayal?" she snapped, her tone dramatic. "How could you do this to me? After all I've done for you—carrying you for nine months, giving birth to you, raising you!"

A pause. "Mom, what are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb with me, Sunghoon. How could you add them to your app? Minji is going to get rich, and they'll probably be thanking you for generations!"

"What? Who told you that?"

Yejin froze, narrowing her eyes in realization. "Wait... You didn't know?"

"No, I didn't!" Sunghoon's tone shifted from confusion to alarm. "Mom, I'm coming over."

Before Yejin could respond, the line went dead. She stared at her phone for a moment, a mixture of satisfaction and unease washing over her. Whatever was going on, Sunghoon was about to find out.

Sunghoon entered the house in a rush, his footsteps quick but hesitant as he stepped through the door. The air inside was thick with tension, and his eyes flicked to the living room. He stopped cold, his presence momentarily suspended as the sight before him registered.

His mother, Yejin, was sprawled across the couch, eyes half-lidded in irritation, while his younger sister, Sohee, fanned her lazily. There was a strange weirdness to the scene, a disconnect from what's happening.

Sunghoon's gaze narrowed, confusion flickering across his face. His eyes shifted from his mother to Sohee, who met his glance with an almost knowing smirk. She broke the silence first, her voice smooth but tinged with a touch of defiance.

"My mom kicked me out," Sohee said nonchalantly, the words falling from her lips like a well-worn story. "I've been crashing here for a week."

Sunghoon's brow furrowed, the last shred of patience he had left stretching thin. He sighed, waving a hand in the air as if to dismiss the absurdity of the situation. "You know what? I'm not even going to ask why and how." His tone was laced with resignation, but there was no stopping the incredulous laugh that escaped him.

He dropped down beside Yejin, his body sinking into the couch with a huff. His eyes met his mother's, expecting a lecture, and he wasn't disappointed.

"Please, get them off your app," Yejin muttered through clenched teeth, her frustration obvious in every word. "That woman and her daughter—they're going to drain you dry. I can't stand the thought of them getting rich off of your hard work."

Sohee, ever the troublemaker, couldn't help but grin. "I know you're keeping me here, but don't talk about my sister like that," he said with an angry tone, his gaze turning toward Sunghoon. "Do something, brother-in-law."

The words hit like a slap to the face. Sunghoon's eyes snapped toward Sohee, but before he could respond, Yejin's foot collided with Sohee's shin, a swift and silent reprimand.

"Don't ever repeat the word in-law in my presence," Yejin snapped, her voice harsh, before turning back to Sunghoon. Her eyes were desperate now, her tone pleading. "Son, fire her. Take a look at what's happening—those people are making your app their personal goldmine. You can't let them profit like this."

Sunghoon stood up abruptly, his hands trembling slightly as he walked to the window. His gaze wasn't driven by curiosity; it was almost as if his body moved on its own. The curtain fabric brushed against his fingertips as he gripped them tightly, his knuckles whitening.

Through the thin fabric, his eyes locked on a sight he could never quite escape—Iseul.

She sat on a bench, carefree and laughing, chatting animatedly with Sungchan. Her smile, so bright and easy, seemed to amplify the frustration swirling inside him. A tight knot formed in his stomach, and before he realized it, a scowl twisted his features. He glared at them, his eyes narrowing as though he could burn a hole through the window with nothing but sheer willpower. Every laugh from Iseul and every word exchanged between them felt like a dagger.

His teeth ground together as the familiar bitterness surged within him, his grip on the curtains tightening as if he could pull them away from the world he didn't want to see. His chest rose and fell with each labored breath, an inner storm brewing, fueled by something he couldn't quite define.

His mother's voice cut through the silence, a mixture of irritation and fear in her tone. "Don't tell me you're looking at that witch," she said, her voice trembling with the unspoken accusation.

Before she could say another word, Sunghoon snapped the curtains shut with an abrupt motion, the fabric sliding harshly against the rod. The sudden stillness in the room was almost deafening. He turned, pretending to focus on something else, anything else, to mask the storm inside him.

He reached for his phone and unlocked it, his fingers working quickly, but his mind was somewhere else—on Iseul, on his own clenched jaw, on the gnawing feeling that he couldn't shake. "I will, Mom. Don't worry," he lied, his voice cold and distant.

Sunghoon stepped outside, his boots clicking against the pavement with a sense of purpose. He waited, watching from the corner of his eye as Sungchan finally left the bustling family restaurant.

As soon as he saw the door close behind Sungchan, Sunghoon approached the entrance, slipping in unnoticed. The familiar sounds of clattering dishes and soft chatter greeted him, but his attention was fixed solely on Iseul. She was standing near the counter, smiling at something, a carefree expression on her face.

The words spilled from his mouth before he could stop them. "Are you not ashamed at all?"

Iseul jolted, letting out a small yelp of surprise. Her hand instinctively moved to her chest, heart racing, but the tension in her body eased once she saw who it was. Sunghoon.

"Sunghoon," she sighed, rolling her eyes but not quite hiding the exasperation in her voice. "What happened to 'hello' or 'how are you?'"

Sunghoon barely acknowledged her sarcasm, his voice sharp as he pressed on. "Does the company know you added your family's restaurant?" he asked, his eyes dark with an intensity that made her pause.

"It was Sungchan's idea. And honestly, I didn't really get a chance to say no." She looked away briefly, trying to collect her thoughts, but Sunghoon's stare was too much.

"Sungchan, huh?" Sunghoon's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "I see you two, enjoying your time together. Laughing, chatting. That's nice." His words were heavy, tinged with something she couldn't quite place—jealousy, maybe, or just frustration.

"Sungchan is a good person. A good friend."

A bitter laugh escaped Sunghoon's lips. "A 'good friend,' huh?" His eyes were cold, but there was something behind them, something darker that Iseul couldn't quite read.

"Am I going to have to ask for your permission every time I make a friend?" she shot back, her tone defensive, trying to stand her ground.

Sunghoon took a step back, his jaw tightening. He was quiet for a moment, his gaze flickering over her like he was weighing his next words carefully. Finally, he sighed, a deep, weary sound that seemed to carry a weight all its own. "If it's work-related, then yes," he said, his voice flat, almost resigned.

Iseul raised an eyebrow, challenging him. "Anything else?"

"No," Sunghoon muttered, his voice almost a whisper.

For a long moment, they stood there in silence, the unspoken tension between them thickening the air. Iseul opened her mouth to say something, but before she could, Sunghoon turned, his steps echoing against the wooden floor as he walked away.

She watched him go, her heart pounding in her chest, unsure of what had just happened. Sunghoon's presence left behind a strange mix of annoyance and something else.

With a deep breath, Iseul turned back to the restaurant, trying to shake the unease that lingered in the air.

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