Chapter 52: Let’s go together, Taerin.

Did she forget how to act because it’s been so long?

“It’s been a while, Yeon-ah, Ran-ah. You’ve both grown so much.”

Baek Tae-rin, entering with Baek Yeon’s permission, spoke with a bright smile.

Her smile radiated genuine joy.

“I’m glad you look healthy. Ran, you must’ve taken good care of Yeon all this time.”

Beaming, Baek Tae-rin rummaged through her belongings.

“Oh, wait a moment. I brought something for you both from Wuhan…”

“Oppa.”

But—

Baek Yeon cut her off abruptly, propping her chin with a sullen expression.

Without hesitation, she went straight to the point.

“You’re going to fight Father, aren’t you?”

“…”

As expected, Baek Tae-rin froze, unable to respond.

…Wow, what a direct hit.

At this point, I felt more admiration than shock.

Baek Yeon, staring at the stunned Baek Tae-rin with a bored look, continued.

“I’ll gratefully accept the gift since you thought of me from so far away.”

“…”

“But if you’re planning to fight Father, I don’t want to talk anymore.”

Driving the point home without mincing words, she added,

“I don’t want to keep talking with someone who might kill Father and me.”

…Damn.

I couldn’t help but inhale sharply.

I knew she didn’t quite understand even after I explained, but to say it so bluntly…

Her complete disregard for the other person’s feelings was so very Baek Yeon.

I quietly kept my mouth shut, glancing between them.

There was no room for me to intervene in this situation.

“…”

Baek Tae-rin remained silent for a long time.

Her lips opened and closed repeatedly, wordless.

“…Alright.”

Finally, she spoke in a trembling voice.

“I understand how you feel.”

“…”

“I swear, I’ll never let anything happen to Uncle or you. I’ll make sure of it, no matter what.”

Baek Tae-rin stood slowly as she spoke.

“But… I’ll probably end up hurting your feelings.”

A bitter smile crept onto her face.

“I’m sorry for being such a pathetic brother. I’ll leave the gifts here.”

True to her word, she placed the gifts on the table and left.

She’d been kicked out in less than five minutes.

‘…She’s really got it rough.’

I watched her retreating figure, clicking my tongue.

I understood Baek Yeon’s feelings, but as a human, I couldn’t help feeling sympathy.

But if I followed Baek Tae-rin now, Baek Yeon would definitely get mad…

“Want to go after her?”

“…What?”

“Then go.”

…?

What did I just hear?

I stared at Baek Yeon, eyes wide.

She looked back at me with an indifferent expression, as if it were no big deal…

‘Is this… a test?’

A chill ran down my spine.

If I said “thank you” and left, she’d probably snap, “You’re actually leaving?”

Or maybe she was already upset that I looked at Baek Tae-rin with pity…

I could almost see a future where she punished me. I hurriedly shook my head.

But—

“…Pfft.”

Baek Yeon burst out laughing, reaching out to gently stroke my cheek.

“I didn’t mean it like that. I really meant you can go.”

“…”

I didn’t respond.

Even though she said that, I wasn’t entirely sure it was okay.

As I gauged her reaction, she continued.

“I don’t know what Tae-hyuk oppa is thinking… but you understand him, don’t you?”

“…”

“So go talk to him. You’re good at that.”

…Is she serious?

If she was, that was shocking in its own way.

Still wary, I asked cautiously,

“You… won’t get mad?”

“…Mad?”

She rolled her eyes, then shrugged.

“Your body and heart are already mine. Why would I get mad or jealous?”

“…Oh.”

Her words finally sank in.

She had absolute confidence and trust that I was hers.

‘…That’s the kind of certainty she has.’

Realizing this, my heart began to swell.

What incredible growth.

It felt like just yesterday she was doing weird things to make me love her, and now she’d matured so much…

‘…’

Overwhelmed, I chewed my lip.

This wasn’t an exaggeration or a joke—I was genuinely happy.

Not just because she’d grown, but because she trusted me so deeply.

To be trusted so steadfastly by the person I love… who wouldn’t be happy?

Before I knew it, my lips curled into a grin.

“You’re mine, aren’t you?”

Baek Yeon smiled back, teasing playfully.

“Of course, I’m… yours.”

Her words, filled with love and trust, drew out my enchanted reply.

“All of you?”

“Yes, all… everything.”

Smack.

I bent down, kissing the back of her hand briefly, then stood.

“I’ll be back.”

“Okay. But don’t take too long?”

I couldn’t help but laugh at her playful parting words.

“Of course.”

Your side is my place—where else would I go?

—

“Young Master!”

I was a bit delayed talking to Baek Yeon, but I ran and managed to catch up to Baek Tae-rin.

“…Ran?”

Turning at my voice, her eyes widened in shock.

“Why’d you follow me? Got something to say?”

She seemed genuinely surprised, as if she hadn’t expected me to come after her.

Well… I wouldn’t have if Baek Yeon hadn’t given me permission, but no need to mention that.

I smiled awkwardly.

“…It’s been so long, and we didn’t even get to talk properly.”

“…”

“So I wanted to catch up. Gotta clear up years of distance, right?”

She stared into my eyes silently for a while.

Back then, I had to crane my neck to look up at her…

But now, our gazes were almost level.

That small difference spoke of the time that had passed.

She was probably thinking the same.

After a brief silence—

“…Thank you.”

Her tone had changed.

From the dignified voice of Baek Tae-hyuk to the soft, feminine tone of Baek Tae-rin.

“It’s been a long time, and I thought you’d grown so much.”

“…”

“But… your warm heart hasn’t changed.”

She spoke with a faint smile.

Her words were a bit embarrassing, but they didn’t feel bad.

But—

‘…Is it okay to talk like that here?’

That wasn’t the issue.

We were in the middle of the Baek Clan estate.

“…Oh.”

Realizing it herself, she let out a short gasp and hurriedly scanned our surroundings.

Thankfully, no one was around, but you never know who might overhear.

Lowering her voice to a whisper, she said,

“…If it’s okay, want to come to my room? I mean, if you really have time.”

“Hmm…”

I’d come to talk and comfort her, so going to her room should be fine with Baek Yeon.

…Right?

—

“Sorry if it feels messy. I just unpacked.”

“…No? It’s really tidy.”

I wasn’t just being polite—her room was genuinely neat.

“Wait a sec. I’ll get some tea.”

“Okay.”

But as I looked around while waiting, something felt off.

A person’s living space usually reflects their personality.

Baek Yeon’s room was filled with things that showed her tastes…

‘But this place feels empty.’

It was just neatly organized, with no hint of its occupant’s character.

Like a stage set for a play.

The only thing that felt remotely personal was an elegantly drawn calligraphy piece on the wall.

“Do you enjoy calligraphy?”

I asked casually as she returned with the tea set.

But—

“…Father said it’s a skill a man must have, so I learned it.”

“…”

“Truthfully, I don’t like it. I’m not fond of things that require sitting still and calming the mind.”

A bitter smile crept onto her face.

“Come to think of it, everything in this room is like that. ‘A man should do this, have that…’”

…Damn.

“I don’t even know what I like anymore.”

I’d clearly stepped on a landmine.

The atmosphere turned heavy, and I glanced at her cautiously.

She smiled awkwardly, but it didn’t feel genuine.

‘She’s been really down…’

And why wouldn’t she be?

Years of traveling the martial world, hiding her identity to avoid trouble, pushing herself constantly.

A life where being herself would ruin everything…

It was truly a pitiful existence.

But there was nothing I could do.

The path she faced… was one she had to choose herself.

“…Young Master.”

But—

“Want to break free like we did back then?”

“…!”

I could at least give her a moment to breathe.

I flashed a playful smile at her shocked expression.

“…Let’s go out tonight, Tae-rin unnie.”

You’ve lived as Baek Tae-hyuk for years—don’t you need some time to live as Baek Tae-rin?