" The Girl They Called Devil "

Episode 36: Secrets and Sudden Calls

Dea spent the next few hours guiding Yujin through the basics—how to stand properly, how to make a fist without hurting her hand, how to move her feet quickly, and simple defensive blocks. Yujin listened carefully and tried her best, picking up the movements faster than Dea had expected, though she was still far from being skilled. Her body was tired, and her muscles felt sore, but she kept going with determination.

When Dea checked the time, it showed 8:35 PM. He stopped the training and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

“You learn surprisingly fast,” he said with a nod, “but there is still so much more you need to master. However, we can’t continue today—it’s getting quite late. Woo-jin called me a little while ago. He asked if you were with me, and told me to send you home because it’s too late to be out.”

Yujin stretched her arms, feeling the ache in her shoulders. “Alright then, boss. Drop me off at my house, please.”

Dea shook his head, smiling faintly. “Let’s go. And please, stop calling me ‘boss.’ It feels a bit strange when you say that—we are friends, remember?”

They left the center and drove to Yujin’s house. When they reached the gate, Dea turned to her seriously. “And one more thing—don’t tell anyone about this place or what we do here. It must stay between us.”

Yujin grinned and saluted playfully. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone… boss.” She laughed as she opened the car door. “Bye bye!”

Dea chuckled, shaking his head. “Bye. Take care of yourself, and rest well.”

As soon as Yujin stepped inside, she found Woo-jin waiting near the entrance, looking a little concerned. “You’re late again. Where were you until this time of night?”

Yujin quickly made up an excuse. “I was busy looking for work and meeting some people about job opportunities. That’s why it took so long.”

Woo-jin didn’t press further. “Alright, come quickly. Dinner is ready, and Mom and Dad are waiting for you.”

“Okay, I’m coming—just give me a minute to wash up,” she replied.

During dinner, Mr. Choi asked her gently, “How was your day, Yujin? Did anything interesting happen?”

She smiled politely. “It was good, just busy with a few things.”

The rest of the meal passed peacefully, and soon everyone went to rest.

The next morning, Yujin woke up very early, long before the sun had fully risen. As she sat up in bed, her mind drifted back to the past. Who really killed my parents? she wondered, her expression turning serious. And why did they do it? I need to find out the truth, no matter how difficult or dangerous it might be. I won’t let their memory be forgotten.

She got dressed quickly and came downstairs. To her surprise, she saw Woo-jin already sitting in the living room, dressed in a sharp formal suit—ready for his very first day at his father’s office. He looked up when he heard her footsteps.

“Wow, you’re up so early,” he said, standing up. “Where are you heading?”

Yujin walked toward the door. “Just going out for a while. Today is your first day at work, right? Good luck, brother—do your best!”

Woo-jin smiled. “Thanks. Are you free later today?”

“Not really,” she replied, “but why do you ask?”

“Nothing special,” he said. “But Ji-hoon invited us both to dinner this evening to celebrate my first day at the office. Would you like to come?”

Yujin hesitated for a moment, then agreed. “Oh, that’s nice! Sure, I’ll come. Just send me the location and time, and I’ll be there. I won’t go to the center today.”

A few hours later, Woo-jin called Yujin. “We’re here outside. Come on, let’s go to dinner.”

Yujin came out and got into the car. Ji-hoon was sitting in the back seat, and as soon as she sat down, he couldn’t help but glance at her—she looked lovely in her simple yet elegant outfit, and there was a new confidence in her eyes.

When they arrived at the restaurant, it was a nice, quiet place with soft lighting. They ordered their food and began chatting happily, talking about Woo-jin’s expectations for his new job, Ji-hoon’s experience at his design firm, and plans for the future.

Suddenly, Yujin’s phone rang. She saw Dea’s name on the screen and answered. “Hi Dea, what’s up?”

Dea’s voice was firm and urgent. “Why haven’t you come to the center? Where are you right now? I went to your house, but your mother said you weren’t there. I’m giving you ten minutes—hurry up and come here immediately.”

Before Yujin could even reply or explain, the line went dead. She stared at her phone, feeling confused and worried. How am I supposed to leave now? I can’t just walk away from my brother and Ji-hoon like this…

Woo-jin noticed her expression and asked, “Who was that?”

Yujin looked at both of them with a guilty expression. “Brother… I’m really sorry, but I have to go right now. There’s something urgent I need to take care of.”

Ji-hoon frowned slightly. “What’s wrong? Is everything okay?”

“It’s my friend Dea—he called and said it’s important. I really need to go,” she said quickly.

Without waiting for them to reply, she stood up and hurried out of the restaurant, leaving Woo-jin and Ji-hoon looking at each other with surprise and curiosity, wondering what was so important that she had to leave so suddenly.