BENEATH HIS COLD EMPIRE

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(Seo-rin's POV)

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Taeyang tossed another grape into his mouth as he leaned back on the velvet couch in the west wing's lounge, grinning like he knew something dangerous.

Seo-rin sat beside him, legs crossed, pretending she wasn't watching the glass door behind them — waiting.

"What if he doesn't get jealous?" she asked, voice low.

Taeyang raised a brow. "He already is. He just hasn't figured it out yet."

She bit her bottom lip. "This is so childish…"

He gave her a look. "You said you wanted to know if he likes you."

"Yeah, but—"

"Then let's play the game. He started it. We're just... finishing it."

Before she could answer, the door opened.

And there he was.

Jae-hyun.

Dark suit. Cold expression. Eyes like a thunderstorm.

He didn't say a word as he stepped in, but the room shifted. The air grew heavier. Even Taeyang straightened a little.

Seo-rin smiled sweetly, tilting her head at Taeyang. "You were saying something about how boring this place is without me?"

Taeyang caught on immediately. "Oh right, I was telling you that I wish you'd show up more often. Makes the empire a little warmer."

Her laugh rang out — a little too loud, a little too bright.

But it was for him.

She wanted Jae-hyun to hear it.

And he did.

He didn't look at her. Not once.

But his jaw clenched. His hands curled into fists by his side.

He walked past them without acknowledging either of them.

Taeyang smirked. "You sure he's not feeling anything?"

Seo-rin's heart pounded. "He's just proud."

"Proud men fall harder."

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Later that night, she passed by Jae-hyun's office.

The door was cracked open.

Inside, he sat in silence, staring at the floor, his back to her.

She almost walked away — but then he spoke.

> "If you're going to play games, at least know the rules."

Her breath caught.

Seo-rin stepped inside. "And what are the rules?"

Jae-hyun didn't look at her. "Don't pretend someone else can protect you."

"I never said he could."

"Then stop using him to test me."

His voice was low. Tired. And furious.

She took a breath. "Then tell me, Jae-hyun. Tell me why you care."

Silence.

He didn't answer.

And that silence said everything.

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