It’s already been three weeks since Chae-yeon became friends with Ye-rin.

Contrary to what was worrisome, Chae-yeon followed the rules set by Ye-rin quite well.

Five messages, the call was cut off precisely after 15 minutes, and there were no displays of affection at all.

In other words, she was keeping within the boundaries of a friendly relationship.

'It seems like she's sorted out her feelings well, and she's gradually getting a brighter complexion, so maybe things are working out.'

It was heartbreaking to watch her slowly break down, but seeing her recover brought relief to a part of my heart.

If she could meet another nice guy in this manner, Chae-yeon might also lead a happy life.

'Yes. Let’s keep it this way.'

Feeling satisfied with the current situation, I took out my smartphone.

'Maybe it's time to give Ye-rin a call.'

By now, she should have finished talking with my mother. After visiting the main family house on my birthday, she calls her five times every day...

It seems my mother found it overwhelming and would ask me to dissuade Ye-rin a bit.

'It's all self-inflicted.'

Thinking of my mother being flustered each time they talked brought a smile to my lips. And as I input the first digits of Ye-rin's number on the keypad, her name immediately appeared.

Just as I was about to tap it.

KakaoTalk!

[Aloe Flavored Tea Bag: Chae-ba! It's been a while! Haven't heard from you recently, are you getting along well with your childhood friend?]

A message came from someone I've forgotten for a while.

"Oh!"

I've been so busy dating that I hadn't contacted Aloe since the university trip.

I felt a wave of guilt, as if I only reached out when I needed help and had neglected the connection.

[Me: Sorry, Aloe! I should have updated you on what's going on...]

[Aloe Flavored Tea Bag: No need to apologize! It just means you haven't had any problems big enough to consult me about. I actually think that's a good thing.]

What a kind-hearted person. With a warm feeling in my chest, I continued typing.

[Me: Thank you for understanding... As you said, I've been getting along well with my childhood friend without any issues. We started dating a few months ago.]

[Aloe Flavored Tea Bag: Wow. Congratulations! I'm glad to hear such good news after so long!]

While I was busy expressing my gratitude, another message came from Aloe.

[Aloe Flavored Tea Bag: So, have you completely cut ties with your ex-girlfriend?]

[Me: Well, about that...]

I poured out the whole story to Aloe. I explained how after I started dating my girlfriend, Chae-yeon had persistently reached out multiple times.

It turned out that Chae-yeon had a troubled family background, which was the root of many conflicts during our relationship. I also shared that we're currently maintaining a friendship. Shortly after I revealed the recent updates, I received a reply.

[Aloe Flavored Tea Bag: Oh my... That sounds like something straight out of a soap opera. And staying friends with your ex? That's a bit...]

[Me: It's odd, isn't it? It's like my misplaced compassion allowed this kind of relationship to form.]

[Aloe Flavored Tea Bag: It's hard to call it normal. Honestly, your girlfriend must be an angel for allowing it. If it were me, I would've said no the moment I heard about it.]

[Me: I think so too. But since she agreed, it means she trusts me that much, so I should be even better to her.]

[Aloe Flavored Tea Bag: Of course, but no matter how much better you are, you should never sway towards your ex. You might be friendly now, but feelings can change unexpectedly.]

While I was typing my reply, another message came through.

[Aloe Flavored Tea Bag: Feelings of love for someone aren't something you can easily give up on. Always keep that in mind and be careful.]

I nodded at Aloe's sincere advice.

[Me: Yes, I'll make sure to be careful. No matter what happens, I won't betray my girlfriend.]

[Aloe Flavored Tea Bag: Make sure you don't!]

I smiled at her strong encouragement. There's something comforting about exchanging messages with her. I decided to ask her about something I'd been curious about for a while.

[Me: By the way, Aloe, are you currently dating anyone? Although I haven't met you in person, you seem like you would be very popular.]

[Aloe Flavored Tea Bag: You guessed right! I am quite popular. I actually started dating recently.]

[Me: It looks like I'm not the only one receiving congratulations. I hope you have a wonderful relationship with your boyfriend. If you ever need support, don't hesitate to reach out.]

[Aloe Flavored Tea Bag: Of course! I'll definitely contact you if anything tough comes up!]

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, we wrapped up the conversation. She had been a support when I was dating Chae-yeon, so I wanted to find a way to repay her, but nothing comes to mind.

'All I can really offer is to listen and help with problems, but honestly, I wonder if that'll be of any use...'

I chuckled to myself as I input a number into the keypad.

The person I was calling was Ye-rin, whom I had wanted to call earlier. The ringtone sounded, and shortly after, the call connected.

[Si-hyun, what should I do! Your mom told me that I should only call once a day from now on. Did I do something wrong!?]

It seems that my tired Mother expressed her feelings directly to Ye-rin. I thought, ‘here it comes,’ and smiled at her flustered reaction.

'How should I comfort her?'

I should focus on consoling her, but I can't help but chuckle. Really... conversations with Ye-rin are always delightfully enjoyable.

The next day.

Si-hyun's group, attending a lecture, was assigned a group project by their professor.

Each group would consist of four members, and unlike before, they were allowed to choose their own group members.

As a result, Si-hyun, Ye-rin, and Chae-yeon ended up together. The remaining spot was filled by Sohui at Chae-yeon's request.

"I'll work hard so I won't be a burden. Nice to meet everyone!"

With Sohui’s cheerful greeting, the discussion for the project began. Unlike last time they formed a group, the conversation flowed smoothly.

While listening silently, Ye-rin propped her chin on her hand and asked, "Are we planning to meet at the café for this project too?"

Sohui nodded in agreement.

"Right. That's what I was thinking... Is there a problem?"

"No, it's just that while I like finishing quickly, sitting in a café for hours can be uncomfortable for me..."

Aside from the back pain, constantly smelling the coffee beans is a bit tough.

As Ye-rin listed her discomforts, Chae-yeon quickly raised her hand.

"Then how about we do it at my place? It's spacious enough for all of us to gather."

Chae-yeon's suggestion was quite tempting. It was preferable to work at home where they could take breaks rather than enduring at the café.

Swoosh—

Ye-rin glanced over at Si-hyun, as if seeking his agreement. He nodded, signaling that it would be fine.

"Then, in two days, we'll come over to your place."

With Ye-rin's words, Chae-yeon responded with a warm smile.

"Okay, I'll send you the address and time via Tok."

"You don't have to send the address. I'll just go with Si-hyun."

Ye-rin, seeking confirmation, wrapped her arm around Si-hyun's, causing Chae-yeon's lips to twitch slightly.

Keeping her mouth shut, Chae-yeon took a deep breath through her nose to calm her heart. Then, with a fake smile, she said, "It's been a while since I've had guests over. I should clean up a bit in advance."

"Chae-yeon, I'll help you."

"Thanks, Sohui."

After discussing with the team members, it was decided that Sohui would assist with the major cleaning tomorrow, and the project work would commence in two days.

Once the lecture ended, the four of them dispersed. Chae-yeon, among them, headed straight home without any detours.

'It should still be there, right?'

With quickened steps, Chae-yeon eventually reached her room. She opened a drawer on her vanity, revealing a white envelope of medication. She pulled out the sleeping pills she had been taking.

"This should be enough..."

Holding the pills, Chae-yeon went to the kitchen. After looking around the place with various utensils, she found what she was searching for.

It was a pestle used for grinding garlic. Chae-yeon poured the sleeping pills into it.

Rattle—

The white pills fell to the edge of the pestle. Watching them quietly, Chae-yeon swallowed the spit that had collected in her mouth. Then, gripping the pestle, she began to pound the contents with all her strength.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

A thunderous sound echoed throughout the kitchen.

The round pills began to lose their form with a crunching sound. As time passed, the sleeping pills turned into powder, resembling human bone ash.

"This should be enough."

Chae-yeon fetched the salt shaker from the sink area. Tilting the pestle, she poured the contents inside.

Rustle— Tok. Tok.

The salt and sleeping pills mixed seamlessly. The salt's coarseness made for a size difference, but since they were the same color, it wasn't noticeable.

"I'm looking forward to two days from now..."

Chae-yeon hummed a tune, lifting the corners of her mouth to the limit. Then she returned the salt shaker to its original place.

For three weeks, she'd endured Ye-rin's mockery in trying to gauge her true feelings. Despite this, Chae-yeon held her patience and persevered.

She comforted herself, thinking that one day an opportunity would come, that she could win Si-hyun over.

Then came the day of the group project by chance.

Chae-yeon decided to seize the opportunity for a counterattack on her home ground.