loveless

Kang Joon Gi

Kang Joon Gi wore a red coat over his black suit, perfectly matched with polished black loafers. The look gave off a calm, dependable aura—almost like a caring father figure. He was already late for the banquet.

Social events were no longer his thing. Not after he had turned his life around. But tonight was different. Tonight, he had a reason.

An exception.

He chuckled softly as he stared at his reflection in the mirror. It was a beautiful sight—to him, at least. He felt revived, as if he were ready to rekindle long-buried relationships into something meaningful again. With a deep breath, he stepped out of his white mansion and into his 2025 Chevrolet Suburban.

Kang Joon Gi had lived a life very different from most wealthy, spoiled children. An abusive father. An inattentive mother. Even as the second son of the Kang family, his life had been messy and unforgiving. After high school, he chose to carve out his own path. He wanted to help people trapped in miserable marriages—people like his mother—instead of numbing themselves with tears and alcohol. He wanted to give them hope. Joy. A reason to keep going.

And that, of course, included his first love—Choi Jiwon.

When Joon Gi arrived at Shilla Seoul, he stepped out of the Suburban to a frenzy of flashing cameras. The second son of the Kang Group had finally appeared at a social event after years of disappearance. The media went wild.

He pushed his way through the crowd, momentarily overwhelmed. He had forgotten how relentless they could be. The attention was more than he expected.

Then his eyes met Su-A as she walked toward Jiwon and SoHyun.

“What’s that b***h doing here?” he muttered under his breath.

He had always despised Su-A—her fake righteousness, her pretentious kindness. To him, she was nothing but a selfish motherf*cker.

Before he could reach Jiwon to spare her the stress, he was swarmed again—questions flooding in about his life, his absence, the years since graduation. Escaping them only made it worse.

Frustrated, Joon Gi scratched his head, roughing up his neatly styled hair as he searched for Jiwon. And then he saw her.

She stood with her friends, looking relaxed. Safe.

He let out a heavy sigh of relief, a soft smile tugging at his lips. She looked adorable in her red silk dress. Her skin glowed beautifully, matching her radiant smile. For a fleeting moment, he imagined a daughter who looked just like her. Someone she would carry.

An angel—that was how she looked. But he knew her better than that. Beneath the grace were layers of personality she rarely revealed.

Then she stood and walked away from her friends.

His chance.

Joon Gi followed her carefully—not too close to scare her, not too far to lose her. Just enough. He watched her stagger slightly as she headed toward the restroom.

She was drunk.

And for some reason, he always found that recklessness of hers endearing.

She was cute, yet fierce.

Her silk dress hugged her curves perfectly, showcasing her smooth hips and elegant figure. From behind, she was breathtaking. He wondered how any man could live six years with her without temptation.

Her pale skin glowed under the lights. She was slimmer than she had been in high school, but every curve she possessed was dangerously alluring. He feared that if he saw her face again, he wouldn’t be able to hold himself back.

Still, he couldn’t leave her alone—not like this.

She walked straight into the men’s restroom.

Joon Gi chuckled softly at the sight and waited outside. She took longer than expected, and concern crept in. Just as he was about to check, he saw her inside, washing her face and hands.

Relief washed over him.

“Kang Joon Gi!” she screamed, as if she had seen a ghost.

Despite her drunken state, she recognized him. The thought made his chest warm—so warm that he forgot to explain himself.

Before he could react, Jiwon swung her purse, smashing it against his face.

He winced, remembering too late that she had taken taekwondo.

“Why are you in the ladies’ room?!” she demanded, dragging him out.

Joon Gi pointed silently at the sign reading BOYS. Jiwon followed his finger, realization dawning on her face. She froze—then smiled sheepishly, trying to wave off the embarrassment.

He clenched his jaw.

She was unbearably adorable.

Jiwon stepped closer, gently caressing the spot where she had hit him. She blew soft breaths against his skin.

“You should ice this. It might swell,” she said worriedly, her fingers lingering on his face.

He peeked at her—really looked at her. Her lips were soft and red, slightly downturned. Her deep brown eyes framed her delicate nose perfectly. Her small, triangular face was flawless.

He wanted to kiss her. Badly.

“You’re burning up,” she murmured. “Your ears are turning red.”

Reluctantly, Joon Gi pulled away from her touch. Jiwon felt awkward.

“I think you have a fever,” she added.

He remained silent, his gaze locked on her lips. She grew uncomfortable under his intensity. She wore no makeup, yet she looked enchanting.

He was falling in love all over again.

What she didn’t know was that she was the reason his body burned, his ears flushed red. Her perfume only made it worse—fueling the desire he struggled to restrain.

Suddenly, her expression changed as her husband’s voice echoed through the microphone. Joon Gi was surprised by how much she seemed to hate him. Just the sound of his voice made her tense.

He needed to help her.

“Do you want to step out for a bit?” he asked softly.

Jiwon looked up at him with a wild grin.

“b***h, you just read my mind,” she said, already walking ahead.

Joon Gi followed beside her, smiling widely. Relieved—grateful—that he could help her, even in a small way.

They exited through the back of the hall. She was tall, slim, beautiful—and she walked with confidence.

Always strutting, he thought.

He wondered why she never pursued modeling.

Instead, she had become a mob wife.

They sat by a small, dry fountain. He still wore a sheepish smile. She looked at him gently, her expression warm.

“So,” she said, “what are you doing here, big boy? You haven’t attended anything since graduation. What changed?”

He noticed her goosebumps, the slight shiver in her body. Without hesitation, he stood, removed his suit jacket, and draped it over her shoulders.

She looked up at him, surprised—and touched.

“My husband would never do this,” she muttered with a weak smile. “What a gentleman.”

“I’m here for what I lost,” he said quietly.

She frowned, confused. “I hope you find it,” she said sincerely. He had always been good to her.

“I already have,” he replied with a wide grin.

“Jiwon, I—”

He was cut off by the sight of SoHyun approaching.

Jiwon stiffened immediately. She stood, handing back his jacket.

“Thanks for the company,” she said. “You’re a great friend.”

SoHyun bowed politely. “Thank you for taking care of my wife.”

Joon Gi returned the bow.

Jiwon rolled her eyes.

As SoHyun walked away, Jiwon followed. She paused briefly, waving at Joon Gi before disappearing beside her husband.

A sharp pain pierced Joon Gi’s heart.

Watching her leave, he realized how foolish his thoughts had been all night. She had a new life now. A wealthy husband.

She could never be his.

And as her scent faded into the night, reality finally settled in—breaking his heart.