TMYRA Chapter 25

As Far as I Know, I Am an Absolute Trash

 

“The CEO instructed us to escort you.”  

 

All of them were dressed in black suits, and their large physiques made Soo-ah feel intimidated just by standing in front of them.  

 

“Where is CEO Seo?”  

“He’s in an urgent meeting right now.”  

 

Soo-ah felt somewhat relieved. At least she wouldn’t have to go with that man. As her racing heartbeat began to settle, she felt a little more at ease.  

 

“Let’s depart.”  

 

Following Jang Ji-cheol’s lead, she descended to the first floor. When she got into the large black car waiting for her, a sudden curiosity arose. He was someone who always kept his promises. What reason did he have for not showing up today?  

 

But she quickly shook her head. There was no need for unnecessary curiosity about Seo Mun-hwon. She blocked out the thought, simply feeling relieved that she wouldn’t have to see him at school.  

 

***

 

The school grounds, where the summer heat had begun to wane, were preparing for the new semester.  

 

The sunlight was still scorching, but the oppressive heat had subsided.  

 

The vibrant green leaves, which had reached their peak, were now slowly beginning to fade—marking the end of summer.  

 

Just one more semester, and she would graduate. Feeling a slight sense of melancholy, Soo-ah gazed at the campus. At that moment, Jang Ji-cheol, who had stepped out first, opened the car door for her.  

 

“We’ve arrived.”  

 

As soon as she got out of the car, he suddenly bid her farewell.  

 

“Then, we’ll take our leave.”  

 

The three or four men who had followed in a separate car also stood behind Jang Ji-cheol. They, too, bowed deeply to Soo-ah. Not knowing what was going on, she hesitated—until she spotted Seo Mun-hwon standing not too far away.  

 

Unlike ordinary people, his tall height and well-proportioned build made him stand out.  

 

Dressed in black pants and a white shirt, the sleeves rolled up a couple of times, his forearms appeared long and strong. As he moved, veins popped on his arms, accentuating the definition of his lean muscles.  

 

The two or three undone buttons revealed a sculpted neck and chest, exuding a raw sex appeal. With his hair falling over his forehead—a look different from usual—and his casual attire, he almost appeared to be around Soo-ah’s age.  

 

When their eyes met, his signature arrogance seeped into his expression, and his lips curled up suggestively. With his hands tucked into his pockets, he approached her, his drowsy gaze exuding an air of decadent allure.  

 

A man with looks like his was rare at this school—it was obvious he would attract attention. Soo-ah, who had no desire to be in the spotlight, found the situation far from welcoming.  

 

“You look surprised.”  

 

Before she realized it, he had closed the distance and was standing before her.  

 

“I didn’t think you’d come.”  

“Looks like I interrupted your date with Jang Ji-cheol. You were grinning on your way here, but the moment you see me, your expression turns ice cold. Why? Are you interested in Jang Ji-cheol?”  

 

His teasing tone made her angry, but Soo-ah clenched her lips shut. She had no intention of giving him anything to use against her.  

 

“Leave.”  

 

With a glance, he dismissed his men. Jang Ji-cheol and the others bowed politely again before disappearing.  

 

“If you run away again today, can I take it as a sign that you’re just dying to suck my dick?”  

 

She couldn’t hold back anymore. This man had followed her to school just to start off with crude remarks. Soo-ah finally snapped.  

 

“Do you enjoy tormenting people? Do you take pleasure in imprisoning and surveilling innocent people? Do you really think making money that way is something to be proud of?”  

“Yes, I do.”  

 

Mun-hwon’s response was brief as he silently looked down at her.  

 

Though his words were light, the weight of his gaze made Soo-ah shrink back slightly—but she refused to back down.  

 

“Bullying good people to make money isn’t something to be proud of. It’s shameful.”  

 

Mun-hwon frowned slightly, but a smirk still lingered on his lips.  

 

“You’re not wrong. But as far as I know, I’m absolute trash. I need a lot of money—the more, the better. CEO Min Ihan is Kangju’s top VIP customer. What choice do I have? I have to do what I’m told. You see, for money, I’d willingly carve out my liver and gallbladder and hand them over.”  

 

Soo-ah turned her head away from him and muttered loudly, making sure he heard her.  

 

“You’re such a bastard.”  

 

Mun-hwon didn’t seem the least bit affected. Instead, standing next to her, he continued to mock her.  

 

“Think about it. Living an easy life, showered with the affection of a wealthy man—it’s not such a bad deal. You wouldn’t have to spend sleepless nights working on your art. You could have anything you wanted. What a beautiful world that would be.”  

 

Unable to ignore his taunts any longer, Soo-ah whirled around and shouted at him.  

 

“That would be hell! Being trapped by Min Ihan, spending my whole life doing whatever he wants—I’d rather die! Even if it’s just for a single day, I want to live freely. I’d rather run away and sleep with you than be locked up by him for the rest of my life!”  

 

Mun-hwon’s eyes gleamed with amusement.  

 

“Well, well. Is this your roundabout way of saying you want to fuck me? Or is this some kind of declaration? Like, ‘I’m going to escape today, so make sure you catch me’?”  

 

Soo-ah refused to engage any further. She ignored him and started walking ahead. At that moment, someone called out to her.  

 

“Moon Soo-ah!”  

 

The familiar voice made Soo-ah turn toward its source.  

 

“Soo-ah!”  

 

Jieun was running toward Soo-ah as soon as she spotted her.  

 

“What happened? Have you been doing well? Soo-ah, I was really worried about you. I’m so relieved to see you like this.”  

 

She grabbed Soo-ah’s hands, her eyes welling up with tears.  

 

After being caught by Seo Mun-hwon while trying to escape that day, she had her phone taken away, preventing her from making proper contact.  

 

Although she had received a new phone, she was anxious that her calls might be overheard, so she couldn’t reach out carelessly.  

 

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t contact you because of some circumstances.”  

 

When Soo-ah whispered softly, Jieun seemed to sense something and glanced around. Seo Mun-hwon had disappeared in the meantime and was nowhere to be seen.  

 

“There’s something going on with you, isn’t there? The fact that you’re back at school means you failed to escape. Is someone watching you again, like last time?”  

 

Soo-ah carefully nodded. However, she couldn’t say anything more. She wanted to tell Jieun everything, but she didn’t want to burden her any further. It was obvious that Seo Mun-hwon was watching from somewhere not far away.  

 

Even though Jieun had helped her a lot, she had failed to escape. If Jieun tried to help her again and ended up being harmed by Seo Mun-hwon… Seo Mun-hwon was a merciless man who would twist the neck of anyone who got in his way.  

 

Jieun could end up in trouble for no reason. Wanting to protect Jieun, Soo-ah deliberately hid her situation.  

 

“It’s the same as before. Nothing has changed.”  

 

Jieun let out a sigh and held Soo-ah’s hands tightly.  

 

“Your hands are so cold. Your cheeks are red—are you feeling sick?”  

 

Jieun placed her hand on Soo-ah’s forehead. Her touch felt cool, making Soo-ah realize she had a fever.  

 

“You’re burning up. Are you okay?”  

 

“I haven’t been sleeping well because of some work. I took some fever medicine before coming out, so I’ll be fine.”  

 

“You started a new project?”  

 

“Yeah, there’s something I want to make.”  

 

“That’s great. But… did your mother or your brother say anything about what happened before?”  

 

Whenever Soo-ah stayed late at school to work, Bo-kyung would come looking for her.  

 

There were times when Ihan dragged her away, claiming he was looking for her, and he even prevented her from talking to male classmates.  

 

If she was even a little late, he would call and harass her. Jieun had seen all of it up close and knew Soo-ah’s situation better than anyone, which was why she was worried.  

 

“My mom…”  

 

Soo-ah trailed off. It had been weeks since she last saw Bo-kyung. Ever since Seo Mun-hwon made her sign that contract, Bo-kyung hadn’t visited or contacted her. It was a small relief amid her misfortune.  

 

“The person monitoring me has kept her from coming. And my brother, Ihan, hasn’t returned from his business trip yet.”  

 

Jieun sighed and held Soo-ah’s hands tightly.  

 

“Hah… I really want to help you somehow.”  

 

“I’ll watch the situation for now and plan another escape. If I succeed, you’ll be the first person I contact.”  

 

“Okay. Make sure to call me.”  

 

“Oh, and I’m sorry I couldn’t return your clothes. I’ll give them back next time we meet.”  

 

“No, it’s okay. You can return them whenever, or not at all. The clothes don’t matter.”  

 

“Thank you.”  

 

As Soo-ah smiled and looked at Jieun, she spotted Seo Mun-hwon across the way.  

 

He was watching her from a short distance.