7MoH 1.17

He seemed to have finished his explanation, but Jeong-in spotted one person in the photo who hadn’t been introduced yet. It was a young woman with brown hair standing next to Chase, wearing a confident smile. Her striking presence and haughty aura were evident even in the photo.

“Who is this person?”

“Sophia Prescott. My sister. We always fight. She’s gone east for college now. I feel sorry for the people on the East Coast.”

Chase answered with a languid expression. It was hard to imagine the mature-seeming Chase Prescott fighting with his sister.

“You fight with your sister too?”

Chase stared at the photo for a moment, then shrugged and answered.

“We’re worse than strangers. My family elders are old-fashioned and believe businesses should be inherited by men. My sister thinks I’ve taken everything that should have been hers.”

His words were casual, but there was a hint of loneliness in them.

“Still… you look like a harmonious family.”

“Harmonious?”

Chase let out a snicker. It was a cold, mocking laugh.

“The word ‘harmonious’ doesn’t suit this family,” Chase declared.

“What you see in this photo isn’t everything.”

Jeong-in wanted to ask more, but the darkness that had settled on his face was too deep for him to speak up easily.

Chase turned his head to look at Jeong-in. As if switching off and on again, the gloom on his face was replaced with a smile.

“Let’s go, your student is waiting.”

Before Jeong-in could nod, Chase was already moving. He led Jeong-in to the back of the house, an area he hadn’t seen during the previous charity event.

Behind the house was an enormous swimming pool that you’d expect to see at a resort or hotel. The floor was covered with Moroccan-style tiles, and lion-shaped fountains scattered around continuously poured clear water.

Some kids he’d seen around school were lounging on tube boats, drinking beverages. There were also girls lying on sun beds beside the pool, tanning.

Were they having a pool party? Jeong-in was startled and took a step back.

“D-didn’t you call me here to study?”

“Yes. Why?”

“…Nothing. I didn’t know there was a pool party going on.”

“Pool party? This isn’t a party. I just don’t like it too quiet, so I told people they could come if they wanted.”

“I see.”

This seemed to be everyday life for him. Jeong-in was taken aback but kept quiet since he had nothing particular to say. It was his choice whether to invite friends over or not.

On either side of the swimming pool stood twin guesthouses facing each other. Even as guesthouses, they looked like they could fit two of Jeong-in’s homes combined. Chase pointed to one of them.

“That’s where I stay. The one opposite is for guests.”

Jeong-in let out a hollow laugh as if he was dumbfounded and asked, “…Don’t you have a personal helicopter?”

“That’s in the backyard. Want me to show you?”

Jeong-in stood there with his mouth open, looking stupid, and Chase burst into laughter.

“I’m joking. There’s no such thing.”

As they walked past the pool, they saw Darius coming out of the guesthouse where Chase said he stayed. In shorts and a colorful Hawaiian shirt, he looked like a tourist enjoying a vacation. When Darius spotted Jeong-in, he smiled broadly and waved.

After exchanging greetings, the two headed straight to the island table that doubled as a dining table in the guesthouse kitchen.

“Did you finish your homework?”

“Yes, teacher. I marked the problems I didn’t know with stars, just like you told me to.”

“Wow… it’s like looking at the night sky.”

A snicker was heard from a distance. It was Chase.

Chase was sitting on the couch in the living room with a clear view of the kitchen, quietly turning pages of a book.

Jeong-in subtly rolled his eyes to check the cover of the book he was reading. It was “Pride and Prejudice,” which they had chosen as the topic for their English composition essay.

It must be noisy, so there’s no need to read it there. Jeong-in briefly smiled at the thought that he was acting like parents who tell their child to play with the door open when their opposite-sex friend comes over, telling them to be careful and monitoring them from where they can hear.

In the evening, a barbecue party was held on the green lawn beside the swimming pool.

The chef who worked at the mansion personally grilled steaks and sausages to make burgers and hot dogs. The salad bar was as abundant as one you’d find in a restaurant—it was the first time seeing such a sight in a private home.

Before going to eat, Jeong-in headed to the bathroom to wash his hands.

When he absent-mindedly opened the bathroom door, Jeong-in nearly had a heart attack from surprise. It was because of a woman crouched in the corner, sobbing. Jeong-in was so startled he jumped in place and shouted “Oh my god!” in Korean, confirming his roots.

“Hic… hic… sob…”

Though her mascara was smeared with tears and her face was a mess, it wasn’t hard to recognize who she was. Madison Wilkes. The cheerleader who was always by Vivian Sinclair’s side.

If Vivian Sinclair was Han Solo from Star Wars, Madison Wilkes would be Chewbacca. If Vivian Sinclair was Captain Kirk from Star Trek, Madison Wilkes would be Spock. Although there might be some difference in intellectual aspects with Spock.

“Sorry. I didn’t know someone was in here. I’ll leave.”

Jeong-in was about to walk out but stopped. Somehow it felt wrong to just leave someone crying.

“…Are you okay?”

Madison replied between sobs.

“Hic… Do I, sob, look okay to you?”

“…”

Jeong-in closed his mouth and looked down at Madison. There was already a mountain of used tissues next to her. She took out a new tissue, blew her nose hard, and started sobbing again.

“How could she, hic, do this to me…? After everything I’ve done!”

She seemed to want to express her sense of betrayal to someone. Jeong-in sighed lightly and carefully spoke.

“Statistically speaking, they say the worst gamble in life is people. The riskiest bet humans can make is betting on people.”

As if that statement had pulled a trigger, Madison burst into even more sorrowful crying. Jeong-in didn’t know what to do, but eventually plopped down next to her.

Madison’s skirt had ridden up, revealing her thighs. Jeong-in was about to take off his checkered shirt to cover her when he noticed a small surgical scar next to Madison’s knee.

“Were you injured?”

“I tore the cartilage in my knee while preparing for the cheerleading competition and had surgery.”

“Shouldn’t you stop then?”

“I’m the flyer. I can’t drop out.”

The flyer is the most visible role on the team, performing stunts and standing at the top of the pyramid.

“Besides, we absolutely have to win the CIF Championship this year!”

“Why?”

“Nerd, are you stupid? Obviously because of college.”

Jeong-in found himself reflecting on his assumptions due to Madison’s serious attitude. He felt ashamed of his past misconception that cheerleaders only did it to somehow get involved with the football team.

“If you’re okay with it, I’ll listen. What happened?”

Madison wiped away her tears, took a breath, and said in a trembling voice.

“Vivian…”

“Yeah?”

“She’s taking Lila Harrington instead of me to the Teen Vogue Gala party.”

“…Is that all?”

Madison burst into tears again at Jeong-in’s response. Whatever this party was, it seemed quite important to her. Jeong-in quickly searched his mind for words of comfort.

“Um… everyone wants to shine, right? Especially at a party like that, wouldn’t they?”

“What are you trying to say, four-eyes?”

“Maybe Vivian chose someone who would make her stand out more.”

Madison’s bloodshot eyes looked at Jeong-in. Jeong-in mustered every compliment he could think of for her.

“You’re pretty. Your hairstyle suits you well, and your face is really symmetrical. Not many people have truly symmetrical faces, you know.”

“…It’s the first time anyone has complimented me on my face being symmetrical.”

It was awkward but seemed effective. Her sadness appeared to subside, only to shift toward anger. Madison huffed and said:,

“How could she do this to me…? Does she think keeping secrets was easy? I know everything about Chase and Vivian, but I haven’t told anyone!”

Jeong-in’s eyebrow twitched slightly at the sudden mention of Chase’s name. Madison, not noticing Jeong-in’s reaction, continued speaking through gritted teeth in an agitated voice.

“If it got out, they could be socially ruined. And I’ve kept that secret!”

As she ground her teeth, she suddenly came to her senses and looked at Jeong-in with an embarrassed face.

“Don’t tell anyone!”

Jeong-in forced a smile and nodded.

Madison stared at Jeong-in suspiciously for a moment before turning her head forward again. Her emotions shifted back to sadness.

“Sob… I want to go to the Teen Vogue Gala party too…”

Only one thought occupied Jeong-in’s mind.

What could be the secret between Chase Prescott and Vivian Sinclair? Somehow he was afraid to even imagine it. Whatever he thought, it would probably be worse.

Wanting to leave quickly, Jeong-in carefully spoke up.

“You know what? They’re having a barbecue party outside. There’s steak and hot dogs.”

“I’m a flyer! I have to control my weight! I haven’t eaten things like that in months. Waaaah…”

Madison’s crying became even more pitiful. Looking at her sobbing, Jeong-in sighed softly and reluctantly opened his mouth.

“…Do you know why 6 is afraid of 7?”

Madison jerked her head up.

“What?”

“6 is afraid of 7. Why is it afraid?”

“Hic, why is it afraid…?”

“Because 7 ate 9.”

“What are you talking about, you bookworm?”

“Seven, eight, nine.”

Jeong-in emphasized each number as he spoke. It was a play on words where reading 7, 8, 9 in English sounds like “seven ate nine.”

“Ha…”

Madison burst out laughing as if it was ridiculous and absurd. Jeong-in continued talking to her.

“Where I grew up, they say if you laugh while crying, hair will grow on your butt.”

“What? Don’t say such horrible things! I wasn’t laughing because it was funny!”

“Whatever.”

Jeong-in finally got up and dusted himself off. Then he extended his hand toward Madison.

“Let’s go. If you keep crying, your face will swell. Your symmetry might get thrown off.”

“…Fine.”

After delaying for quite some time, Madison took Jeong-in’s hand and stood up. Then, as if embarrassment was finally catching up to her, she mumbled,

“You go ahead. I need to fix my makeup.”

Jeong-in nodded, remembering why he’d come to the bathroom in the first place, and went to the sink to wash his hands. Just as he was about to open the door to leave, Madison’s voice stopped him.

“Hey.”

“Yes?”

“Four-eyes, what’s your name?”

“Jay.”

“No last name?”

“Lim. Jay Lim.”

“…Thanks, Jay Lim.”

It sounded much better than nerd, four-eyes, or bookworm. Jeong-in gave a small nod and left the bathroom.

Outside, the distinctive smoky aroma of sausages and the rich smell of steak seasoning sizzling on the grill hit his nose. It was a festival-like fragrance, but Jeong-in’s appetite had long since disappeared.

Jeong-in was the type whose appetite vanished when he felt troubled or upset. His mother always said it was a bad habit, like harming himself.

He wasn’t sure what face to show Chase now.

What could that secret be? He had just thought they might have a hidden child together, but since Vivian flaunted her slender waist year-round, that should be crossed off the list.

Jeong-in suddenly let out an “Ah” and stopped walking.

This was why he disliked Chase in the first place. Because he felt like he make him into a lowly person who indulges in unworthy thoughts.

Jeong-in changed his mind about going to the barbecue area, picked up his bag and slung it over his shoulder.

As he was passing the pool heading toward the main house, Chase, who was standing by the barbecue grill, spotted him. He gestured for him to come over with a bright smile.

But when he saw that Jeong-in had his bag on, Chase’s expression hardened. He approached him with a suspicious look.

“Jay?”

“I think I’ll head out now.”

Chase’s face spread with surprise and bewilderment.

“We were going to have dinner together, remember? You said you were just going to wash your hands.”

“I’m not really hungry.”

“…”

Chase stared intently at Jeong-in as if trying to discern his true intentions. Jeong-in quickly averted his gaze. He felt that if he looked at Chase now, he would start thinking unnecessary thoughts again. He might want to uncover what the secret was. And he couldn’t stand being that kind of person anymore.

Finally, reading only firm rejection on Jeong-in’s face, Chase spoke with a dejected expression.

“Wait a moment. I’ll take you home.”

Just then, Brian Cole appeared behind Jeong-in. Seeing him with his bag, he casually spoke up.

“You’re leaving? If you don’t have a car, I can give you a ride. I was just about to go pick someone up.”

Someone nearby asked, “Who? Ava?” but Brian just grinned without answering. It must be some other girl.

Normally, he wouldn’t have considered riding in his car. Brian Cole’s Mustang passenger seat was famous for the many “historical events” that took place there. However, his obviously unhygienic passenger seat now represented Jeong-in’s quickest escape route.

“Could you really?”

Jeong-in quickly moved toward Brian Cole. Then he turned around to say goodbye to Chase.

“Since he’s going that way anyway, I’ll ride with Brian. Thanks so much for today. Please tell Darius to make sure he does his homework.”

“…”

Chase didn’t say anything. He just silently stared at Jeong-in. However, his gaze seemed somewhat sharp, almost glaring. Jeong-in’s lips trembled as he forced a smile toward him.