Sick Games, Rich Payback

I didn't go to the bank, nor did I ask anyone for help.

Instead, I took those documents straight to the illegal lenders tucked away in the city's shadowy corners—places that charged terrifyingly high interest rates.

Minutes later, an enormous sum of money with astronomical interest landed in the brand-new account Mom, Dad, and Mable had just opened.

The sunlight was blinding as I stepped out of the lending office. I took out my phone and dialed the familiar number.

"Hello, Mable?"

My voice was so gentle it could melt butter.

"Tell Mom and Dad the good news. I've raised the money. It's enough for the three of you to go abroad for treatment."

Hearing their joy, the corners of my mouth curved into a cruel smirk.

Hopefully, when they were finally "cured" and came back to discover the massive debt under their names, they'd be just as joyous.

…

As I left the area, I caught sight of a familiar figure sitting at an outdoor cafe, leisurely sipping coffee—Kyle.

I sneered inwardly, but I instantly plastered a look of concern on my face and rushed straight over.

"Kyle?" I called out, my voice filled with anxiety. "Where's your wheelchair? It's dangerous for you to come out by yourself!"

Kyle visibly froze for a second. A flash of surprise crossed his eyes before he quickly composed himself.

"This idiot still hasn't realized I was just faking it?" he thought.

I pretended not to notice and continued to fret over him.

He set his cup down.

"The wheelchair's being serviced," he said, his voice hoarse. "I got bored, so I came out for some fresh air."

His sharp gaze, however, swept over the folder in my hands.

"What are you doing here?" he asked casually.

I pretended as if I didn't want to answer.

Seeing this, Kyle reached for the folder, so I could only blurt out in a panic, "I… I just came to borrow some money!"

I looked up at him, eyes red-rimmed. "But I saw you before I borrowed anything… Please don't tell Mable. She'll worry!"

Kyle looked at me like I was an idiot, while his inner voice mocked me relentlessly. "She wants to borrow from loan sharks for those three con artists? Does she have a saint complex, or is she just plain stupid?"

We stared at each other in silence for a long moment before I stood up and held out my hand.

"It's about to rain. I'll take you home."

This time, Kyle was genuinely stunned.

I added helpfully, "I forgot about your legs. In that case, I'll get a taxi. I'll carry you on my back to the curb to wait, okay?"

"Carry me on her back? How many brain cells does she have?" he thought to himself.

However, he didn't mock me out loud. Seeing that I was insistent, he stayed silent for a few seconds before finally leaning forward and getting onto my back.

He was heavy. I gritted my teeth and held steady, staggering as I flagged down a taxi.

By the time we reached his rental apartment, the storm had begun.

I struggled to help him out of the taxi, then held an umbrella as I guided him toward the covered entrance.

The moment I opened the door, my strength gave out, and I tumbled to the ground, bringing Kyle—whom I was holding on to—down with me.

"I'm sorry! Are you okay?"

Ignoring my own pain, I scrambled over and kneeled beside him, cupping his face with both hands to check on him. Rainwater mixed with tears streamed down my face.

Kyle closed his eyes and frowned. He was soaked through and looked utterly dejected.

"I'm fine… You're the one who went through all the trouble…"

I held his face, my gaze sincere as I said, "Don't you dare say that. You're not useless or broken. I just know you'll get better!"

His eyes snapped open.

Rain streaked his face. The mockery that usually filled his gaze was gone, replaced by a mix of unreadable emotions.

"She…" he thought.

Seeing his lips so close and his gaze so confused, I leaned down and—in the midst of the pouring rain—kissed him.

…

When I woke up again, the space beside me was empty.

That was when I heard Kyle's low voice coming from the balcony, seemingly on a call.

"Got it. I'll be back within a week."

I pretended to still be asleep, listening as he hung up and walked closer.

His footsteps stopped by the bedside. A burning gaze fell on me, and his inner thoughts came through crystal clear.

"The family's urging me to go back and take over the business. It's time to wrap up this little game. Mable's gotten boring, but this fool… Maybe I'll pretend to be ill and have my fun with her. Let's see how stupid she really can be."

My eyelashes fluttered slightly, but I kept my eyes closed. Inside, I was scoffing coldly.

Once he turned and left, I opened my eyes slowly, my gaze sharp with calculation.

…

The next day, I showed up at Kyle's door with a thermos in hand and a gentle smile on my face.

"Mom, Dad, and Mable have all gone abroad for treatment. Maybe they'll get cured. For the time being, I'll help Mable take care of you."

A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. He quickly plastered on a grateful expression, but inside, he was sneering at my foolishness.