Chapter 19: My Disguise is a Success
Soo-hoo sat still even after the girl had left for a while. His eyes lowered, but his thoughts weren't on the book anymore. They were back on the rooftop—the moment he had pulled Ju-kyoung away from the edge, the way her hands had trembled, the helplessness in her eyes.
Then the stairs—the long climb down with her on his back. He could still feel the weight of her silence.
He sighed. How did I run into her here of all places?
Another thought nagged at him. And why… why would she ignore me after everything?
The register guy broke his thoughts.
"Goodness," the man sang, looking at the empty plate. "Ju-bal didn't leave a single drop."
Soo-hoo blinked. Ju-bal?
"Her name is Ju-bal?"
The man gave him a look. "You don't know Pandora's daughter? You've been coming here forever."
Soo-hoo stayed silent, brows knitting.
"Why? Are you interested?" the man teased.
Soo-hoo looked away. "…No."
But his heart wasn't as calm as his voice.
---
The next morning, Ju-kyoung sat before her mirror like a soldier before battle. Barefaced, her acne and redness showed under the harsh light. Her reflection made her chest tighten, but she shook her head.
I was lucky yesterday. But luck doesn't last. Today, my disguise has to be flawless.
She brushed on foundation carefully, added light lipstick, sharper contour. Every step was precise, almost ritual-like.
"A perfect disguise… is my only way to survive," she whispered.
When she finally let her hair cascade down her shoulders, her lips curved. In the glass, her reflection smiled back—a confident, pretty girl. Not the real me. But the only me I can show the world.
Grabbing her school bag, she dashed out.
"Hee-Kyung!" she called happily, spotting her sister.
Hee-Kyung raised a brow. "Still here? Late again, huh—makeup?"
Ju-kyoung forced a small laugh. "That's not it. Please, let's hurry." She tugged her toward the car.
---
Meanwhile, at Pandora Shop, their father watered the plants as their mother sat with a friend.
The friend's eyes lingered too long on him. Ju-kyoung's mother snapped, "Why are you staring at my husband like that? You can have him if you want."
Her friend giggled. "Don't be silly. But honestly… he's so handsome."
Her mother scoffed. "Handsome doesn't pay the bills. His looks are useless."
Just then, their father winced as he sat down heavily by the window. She sighed. "See? Now I have to pay for that too."
---
Outside, Ju-kyoung and Hee-Kyung were heading to the car. Their father waved, smiling faintly. "See you later, girls."
Their mother called after them, "Drive safe!" to Hee-Kyung. Then her sharp gaze landed on Ju-kyoung. "And you—study hard. Don't sleep in class."
"Okay," Ju-kyoung said, slipping into the car.
Her mother's friend blinked. "Wait… I didn't know you had another daughter as pretty as Hee-Kyung."
Ju-kyoung froze. Her heart skipped. That wasn't her real face they were admiring—it was the mask she had painted. But still, it felt like victory.
Her lips curled into a glowing smile as she whispered, "My disguise is a success."
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