" The Girl They Called Devil "

Episode 24: Truth and Pretense

The grand celebration finally came to an end. Guests said their goodbyes and departed one by one, leaving the mansion quiet and peaceful once more. Mr. and Mrs. Choi walked straight toward Yujin the moment the last guest had stepped out. They had seen everything that happened earlier—the argument, the tears, and the fear in her eyes. Mrs. Choi gently pulled Yujin into a warm, comforting hug, while Mr. Choi looked at her with soft, caring eyes.

“Are you truly alright, my sweetheart?” Mrs. Choi asked, stroking her hair gently. “That whole incident frightened us all, but we worried most about you.”

Yujin took a deep breath and nodded slowly, forcing a small but genuine smile onto her face. She didn’t want them to lose sleep over her or think she was still weak. “Yes, I am okay now. Please don’t worry about me. It was just something unexpected, but it’s over now. I am safe here with you.”

Mr. Choi patted her shoulder reassuringly. “Remember, nothing and no one can disturb your peace in this house. We are your real family, and we stand completely by your side.”

Yujin nodded again, feeling her heart settle. She believed with all her heart that the matter was finished, unaware that hidden in the shadows, someone had overheard every frightened word she spoke.

The next morning, bright sunlight covered the campus of St. Claire Academy. Woo-jin, Ji-hoon, Dea, and Yujin walked side by side through the main gates just like always. But today, the atmosphere felt a little different. As they moved through the hallways, students stopped what they were doing and whispered to each other, their eyes following Yujin wherever she went. News travels fast in school, and the strange event from the party had become the hottest topic overnight.

“Did you hear?” one student whispered loudly enough for others to hear. “Choi Yujin actually has an aunt! Everyone saw her at the party making such a big drama. What exactly happened between them?”

“I heard the woman was very poor and rude, nothing like the family Yujin lives with now,” another replied. “I wonder if she hid her real family from us all this time.”

The whispers buzzed around them like busy bees. Woo-jin and Ji-hoon walked a little closer to her, shielding her from curious stares, while Dea walked on her other side, looking calm and unbothered. Yujin kept her head held high. She wasn’t ashamed, but hearing people guess and talk about her life did make her feel uneasy. She thought these were just rumours based on what everyone saw out in the hall—she had no idea anyone knew the deep, fearful details she shared inside the bedroom.

Suddenly, a sweet, clear voice cut through the whispers. Kim Seo-ah stepped out from the crowd and walked straight toward them with a wide, friendly smile on her face. She looked nothing like the jealous girl she used to be; today, she looked kind, helpful, and very polite. She stopped right in front of the group and turned to the students who were still talking.

“Hey! What is wrong with you guys?” Seo-ah said firmly, shaking her head as if she truly cared. “Why are you talking about things you don’t understand? That woman yesterday was a total stranger trying to take advantage of Yujin’s kindness. She was lying about being family just to get attention and money. You shouldn’t spread rumours or judge Yujin without knowing the truth. She is the kindest person in this school, and she deserves your respect, not your gossip.”

Every student listening fell silent, looking surprised. They knew about the rivalry between Seo-ah and Yujin before. Seeing Seo-ah defend Yujin so strongly confused everyone completely. They exchanged looks, wondering what had changed Seo-ah’s mind so much. Slowly, the whispers died down, and students walked away feeling they had been wrong to talk badly about her.

Seo-ah turned back to face Yujin, her expression soft and full of pretended warmth. Deep inside, she was smiling triumphantly—I know everything now. I know you were called Yuju. I know how badly they treated you. I know you are terrified she will come back and take you away. You think you are safe, but I hold your whole past in my hands.

“I just wanted to clear things up for you, Yujin,” Seo-ah said sweetly. “I know people can be harsh sometimes. I hope you know I am completely on your side now. We used to have misunderstandings before, but I want to fix that. We should be good friends, don’t you think? We could spend more time together from now on, and I can help protect you from people who talk bad.”

She reached out as if to hold Yujin’s arm, trying to get closer and gain her trust.

Yujin stood perfectly still. Even though Seo-ah spoke nicely and stood up for her just now, Yujin was smart enough to remain careful. She remembered clearly the jealousy, the tricks, and the hatred Seo-ah had shown her for months. She thought this sudden change was only because Seo-ah wanted to be liked and forget their old fights—she never suspected that Seo-ah had listened to her crying and learned her biggest secrets.

Yujin stepped back slightly, keeping a safe distance. She looked calmly into Seo-ah’s eyes, not cold or angry, but firm and guarded. She gave a polite, short smile, believing Seo-ah only knew what everyone else knew.

“Thank you very much for speaking up for me and taking my side just now,” Yujin said clearly. “I really appreciate you clearing things up in front of everyone. It helped me a lot.”

Before Seo-ah could say more or try to pull her into conversation, Yujin turned around gracefully and walked away, joining her friends who were waiting nearby. She linked arms with Woo-jin on one side and Dea on the other, while Ji-hoon walked beside them, and together they headed toward their classroom, leaving Seo-ah standing alone in the hallway.

Seo-ah watched them go, her sweet smile fading from her face for a split second, replaced by a look of cunning confidence. She didn’t mind that Yujin kept her distance for now. You are careful for now, Yujin, she thought to herself. But you have no idea how much I know. You think your secrets are safe inside that room, but I was there. One day soon, I will use everything I heard to bring you down right from that high place you stand on.

Inside the classroom, Hana, Mei, and Soo-yeon rushed over immediately to check on her. They hugged her tight, promising that no matter what anyone said, they knew the real Yujin and they loved her just the same.

Woo-jin leaned against the desk and looked at Yujin. “Seo-ah really surprised everyone today. But you were right to keep your space. It is better to be careful than sorry.”

Yujin nodded, feeling peaceful. “I think she truly wants to change her behaviour. Whatever the reason, I am glad she stopped the rumours. But I won’t let my guard down too much. I still have you guys, and that is all I need.”

Ji-hoon smiled warmly. “Exactly. Nothing from the past, no rumours, and no fake kindness can shake you. You are Choi Yujin, and that is the only name and story that matters here.”

Dea agreed, resting a hand on her shoulder. “And remember, what happened last night stays between us four. No one else knows the truth, and we will keep it that way forever.”

Yujin felt lighter than she had since the party. She believed her secrets were safe with Dea, Woo-jin, and Ji-hoon alone. She had no clue that Kim Seo-ah walked the same halls, carrying the full truth of her old life like a hidden weapon, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.