Late Morning – Aurora Hills Estate, South Garden
Gentle sunlight filtered through the hanging vines of the garden trellis. A light breeze rustled the grass, where Park Nayun sat sketching the koi pond. Mirae played soft chords beside her, humming something new. On a nearby bench, Noeun leaned back with a blanket across her knees, dozing peacefully with a book half-open on her chest.
Further away, Jihye was on a call with a regional charity director, organizing another scholarship drive. Sena was inside the main study, reprogramming the smart lighting system to optimize circadian rhythm for the estate.
And Jiwoo?
He was planting lavender with Yoori, soil on his gloves, sleeves rolled up.
"This scent," Yoori said as she dug gently beside him, "reminds me of a life I never thought I'd have."
Jiwoo glanced over. "It still feels unreal?"
She smiled, brushing her hair from her face. "No. It feels earned."
> [System Update: Harmony Level II Achieved]
[Inner Circle Bond Strength Increased by +15%]
[Daily Emotional Recovery Doubled for All Members]
---
Meanwhile – Near the Estate Gate
A black luxury sedan parked by the edge of the private road. Soyeon stepped out in heels too tall for the gravel path. Her coat was perfect. Her makeup—flawless. But her fingers trembled slightly as she clutched the small bouquet of white daisies.
She had been here before.
Years ago.
When she looked down on this road from a cafe, laughing at how far Jiwoo lived from the "real world."
Now, she couldn't even see him without passing a security AI.
She walked slowly until a single message flashed across the small stone gate terminal.
> "If you're here to pity or judge, turn back.
If you're here with sincerity, come forward."
She swallowed hard.
Then pressed the buzzer.
---
Inside – Security Feed Room
Jiwoo watched the monitor. The camera showed Soyeon at the gate, holding daisies.
No words. No arrogance. No entourage.
Just… her.
"Do you want to let her in?" Yoori asked, appearing beside him.
Jiwoo said nothing for a moment. Then he exhaled.
"Let her in. But only as a guest."
Yoori nodded and tapped the panel.
---
Reception Hall – Ten Minutes Later
The doors opened, and Soyeon stepped into the grand but minimal hall—natural wood, flowing water features, soft music playing from nowhere.
Then she saw him.
Jiwoo.
Standing there in a plain white sweater, hair slightly tousled, eyes calm as still water.
She froze.
He stepped forward a few steps and stopped.
"You've come far," he said softly.
"I didn't come to beg," she said quickly. "I just… I just wanted to know if it was really you."
He didn't smile. "And now that you know?"
Soyeon held out the daisies with a shaking hand.
"I brought these. I know it's stupid. I just… I wanted to say sorry. For everything."
Jiwoo took the flowers.
He looked at them for a long time.
Then he set them gently on the table behind him.
"I'm not angry at you," he said. "But you're not part of this world anymore."
Her eyes watered. "I know. But just tell me one thing."
He waited.
"…Why didn't you fight to prove yourself to me?"
He met her gaze.
"Because your rejection was the proof I needed."
Soyeon staggered slightly at the words.
"I never hated you," she whispered. "Not even when I left. I was just… scared of being poor forever."
"I understand," Jiwoo said. "But fear doesn't excuse cruelty."
She wiped her eyes. "Is there any way I can… fix what I broke?"
He shook his head.
"Not everything needs fixing. Some things need remembering."
> [System Notification: Final Emotional Closure Achieved]
[Soyeon's Regret Level Maxed: 100%]
[Effect: Final Circle Eligibility Unlocked – Candidate Status: Potential Redemptive Ally]
Jiwoo stepped closer, gently but firmly.
"You're not my enemy, Soyeon. But you're also not the missing piece."
She nodded slowly.
And for once, she didn't beg.
She just… stepped back, bowed, and left.
> [System: Optional Redemption Path Available for Soyeon – Unlocked Separately]
---
Later That Evening – Rooftop Garden
Jiwoo stood with his golden notebook.
Six names shimmered beneath the moonlight.
And one final circle… still blank.
Yoori arrived with a quiet smile. "She really left?"
He nodded. "She wanted closure. I gave her peace."
"You didn't waver."
"I don't build my future on people who only wanted my past."
Then he turned the page.
For the first time… he drew a new circle. Not blank. Not searching.
A name appeared there by the System's will.
> [Final Circle Activated: Unknown Soul Incoming – Chapter Will Begin Soon]
Jiwoo exhaled deeply, as if releasing every chain from the past.
His harem wasn't a prize.
It was a circle of hearts that healed, rose, and found their place again.
He wasn't chasing revenge.
He was building a life no pain could touch.
And now… all that remained was to welcome the final light.
-