Chapter 55.1

A residential and commercial complex located in Gangnam was recognizable from a distance. It was a skyscraper that stood tall with the essence of reaching the top of the sky.

The central elevator was designed for viewing in a semi-circular shape, allowing views of the skyscraper while going up.

Haewon stood in front of a transparent window.

As the sky became dim, the artificial light that colored the city became stronger. It was as if the stars embroidered in the sky were scattered over the ground.

Ding.

The elevator door opened with the sound of arrival.

The public hallway with the finest marble was dead silent. So she felt like her footsteps were ringing exceptionally loudly.

Click.

The front door opened as soon as she turned the handle.

Haewon slowly raised her head. As she moved her eyes along the end of the hallway that extended toward the living room, she saw a closed door.

Doesn’t he know she was here? Haewon took out her cell phone. The house was so big that she thought the phone would be faster than calling out for him.

Then the closed door opened. Adam spoke to Haewon with one arm on the folding door.

“You’re here?”

“…….”

Hae-won missed the timing to answer as usual. Meanwhile, Adam strode closer and naturally took the jacket Hae-won was wearing on her arm. She may be used to it now, but she felt strange today.

Surely something was wrong with this house.

She couldn’t smell any pheromones at all.

It was because of the ventilation system from all rooms to the ceiling of the hallway. Hae-won did not know that this state-of-the-art ventilation system removes alpha pheromones and reverberations.

‘Is it because it’s not my house?’

Anyway, considering Adam who invited her, she should not show any signs of discomfort as much as possible.

Step, step.

Haewon walked alongside Adam. The entrance and exit leading to the living room felt exceptionally far. It was only after looking at the wall that she realized the reason.

“Ah.”

Haewon stopped, sighing softly.

Frames with the same picture were lined up on the walls of the hallway. This is why it was natural to feel like she was constantly hovering in place. Like some sort of optical illusion.

‘Butterfly…?’

By the way, it wasn’t a picture that was framed. Haewon turned around and scanned the frames that had passed by one.

It was a stuffed butterfly specimen.

Of all the same species.

“What’s wrong, Haewon?”

“Oh, no. I’m just amazed. They’re all the same butterflies.”

“Ah.”

Adam added as if he understood.

The appearance of butterfly specimens of the same species lined up on both sides of the corridor gave a strange feeling beyond the beauty of symmetry.

“A butterfly that is too small easily loses its antennae or legs during transport. I just liked this thing to be stuffed.”

“Did you do it yourself?”

“Yes.”

Adam grinned at Haewon.

Soon his eyes turned to the frame.

“The basics of stuffed animals are to save the antennae. In perfect symmetry.”

Adam gently lifted the edge of the frame with his index finger. Until the frame, which had been slightly tilted to one side, remained in equilibrium.

When it finally reached the perfect level, Adam straightened his hand.

“Actually, it’s enough to glue the antennae and legs together. But if the wings are torn, there is no way out.”

“It’s a hobby that requires concentration.”

“Detailed and…”

Adam added, gently wrapping Hae-won’s shoulder.

Hae-won smiled awkwardly while looking at the back of Adam’s hand, whose veins stood out. She felt like a butterfly in Adam’s hand.

Pour.

Haewon looked far away at the red stream falling. Adam poured wine and said, “It’s a celebratory drink, to celebrate things going well.”

Haewon glanced around while sitting on the sofa. On the table, there was a plate of cheese, fruit, and ham.

So, why?

The reason why even food looks like a decoration.

Haewon’s house had no sense of life, but Adam’s house was worse. Because it was like an exhibition room, not a house where people live.

“I need to invite the others over too, right? Sorry for being a narrow-minded guy, Haewon?

Adam smiled and looked down at Haewon. Haewon shook his head quickly.

“No, I didn’t even think of congratulating others too. And since this is Adam’s house, it’s Adam’s choice to invite.”

Haewon added.

“Why don’t we get together and have a light meal next time? I’ll find out the location.”

Adam asked in a quiet voice, with a slight pause.

“Like a family meal?”

“Well… yes. Like a family meal.”

Hae-won nodded her head thinking hard. Her grinning face seemed clueless. Adam grinned as he stared at Haewon.

“If Haewon wants it.”