Selfish Romance Chapter 17-24 is an emotional whirlwind of messy, complicated relationships and the brutal truth of love in a world where everyone operates by their own rules. It’s not romance—it’s betrayal, unspoken love, and the messy, unpredictable nature of human relationships. When old scars meet new feelings, hearts find themselves lost and confused about what they really desire. In this manhwa, love is not just sweet—it’s selfish, complicated, and horribly addictive. Ready to get in? Buckle up—because in Selfish Romance, no love story is without a price tag.
Selfish Romance Chapter 17: Not-So Failed effort
In Selfish Romance Chapter 17, Yumin’s heart raced as she looked at the man in front, wishing it was Iseon. However, as he turned, her disappointment sets in. Trying to shake off his thought, she followed Hyeondo to a restaurant. The air between them was naturally quiet, both lost in their own thoughts. Hyeondo finally broke the silence, asking why she showed up at his hotel that night. She hesitated before admitting the truth—she was worried.
Hyeondo looked almost shocked, asking how it even mattered if they were not dating. Yumin was angered at that. How could he be so oblivious? She told him that the two of them were both stuck in the past, repeating the same patterns. He continued going back every time his ex called. But Hyeondo wasn’t afraid to fire back. He reminded her of something even worse—her ex never called her.
The words sting like a slap, but Yumin wouldn’t let them show. Instead, she moved on to the next question—had she told anyone about their pretend relationship? She considered it. Would the fact that she admitted it make her look pitiful? By the time she made up her mind, Hyeondo reminded her that nobody would know if they didn’t speak out. It was a secret. Continuing their chat, neither saw the figure loitering near the restaurant. Eyes from beyond the glass stared at Yumin, following all her movements.
Chapter 18: A Glimpse, A Doubt, A Decision
In Selfish Romance Chapter 18, Yumin’s breath caught as she stared at a familiar face outside the restaurant. Was that. Iseon? She jumped up without thinking, attempting to get a better glimpse. However, before she could move closer, he disappeared—gone before she could tell if it was indeed him or her mind playing tricks on her. Hyeondo saw her jerk into action and asked what was wrong, but Yumin said nothing, her mind in turmoil.
At the same time, Hagyeong and Iseon were dining when she asked in passing if anyone had inquired about him recently. Iseon confessed that someone had, but he waved it off, not caring. Hagyeong mentioned Yumin was with a man at a restaurant. Hagyeong’s interest increased as she showered him with questions, but Iseon simply smiled and evaded direct response. But inside, he wondered—should he have greeted her? Would it have made a difference? Or would it have only agitated her?
Meanwhile, Sojeong sat in her room, looking at the packages she had purchased from Yumin’s shop. Frustration mounted within her, and before she knew it, she had tossed one on the ground. Her thoughts wandered back to when they had been in the car, when she had been telling Yumin all about how much she admired her and wanted to be friends.
Later, Iseon and Hyeondo crossed paths. Iseon just pulled out his card and gave it to Hyeondo. The action was straightforward, but the significance wasn’t. What was Iseon after? And more importantly, what did he intend to do next?
Selfish Romance Chapter 19: Unraveling Threads
In Selfish Romance Chapter 19, Hyeondo’s morning began with his routine jog, the cool air clearing his head. However, as he walked home, he was greeted by a surprise scene—Iseon standing in front of him, holding a sick cat in his arms, looking concerned. Iseon considered taking the day off to nurse the cat, but Hyeondo reassured him that he would take care of it, promising to bring it to the vet. Grudgingly, Iseon passed on the duty and headed to work.
Yumin’s shop saw an overwhelming influx of visitors. Why? Sojeong had shared a photo of the bags on her social media, unwittingly making them the new trend. Yumin couldn’t help but wonder if Sojeong did it for her. But as she was daydreaming about it, Sojeong called, matter-of-factly noting that she had a habit of purchasing items and sending them out without much consideration. She also asked if she wanted to get together to talk about bags.
At the vet center, Hyeondo feels relieved to see the cat receiving attention. He received a call from an excited Yumin. She informed him about Sojeong endorsing her bags, something that immediately alerted Hyeondo’s radar. Flustered, he began firing questions at her—had she ever met Sojeong? Did Sojeong ever say anything strange? But Yumin quickly put him at ease by telling him that she hadn’t actually met her face-to-face and was instructed not to say anything. Their conversation remains carefree, until Hyeondo mentions her name, and Iseon hears it.
Chapter 20: The Secrets We Keep
Iseon couldn’t help but ponder why Yumin’s name sounded so familiar. He swept it aside, concentrating instead on getting the cat settled.
Yumin visits Hyeondo at a cafe and the two sit together in the hope that Iseon might see them. Yumin, ever inquisitive, had questions about the couple who had stormed out just moments before. Hyeondo laughed, describing how they had split up due to fried rice.
Hyeondo remembered watching Yumin break up with Iseon, her face smiling while she uttered words that left him wondering how anyone could say them so calmly. “I’m sick of you,” she had said with a grin. It was a breakup he would never forget. Now, sitting across from her, he couldn’t help but ask about her breakup. Yumin, surprised, immediately ordered three shots of soju, and spilled the story of her dirty breakup. While she cried, Hyeondo stood up and sat next to her, wiping the tears from her face and washing the soup out of her hair.
Yumin wondered why he was being so nice. Hyeondo shrugged and attempted to brush it off with – Anyone would assist a crying individual with hair in the soup. Yumin, now embarrassed, asked him not to tell anyone about this humiliating incident. On the other hand, Hyeondo hesitated, reconsidering his whole life choice at that point in time. Why did he ask her in the first place if she broke up with someone?
Selfish Romance Chapter 21: The Beginning of the End
Selfish Romance Chapter 21 goes back in time, taking us back to when Hyeondo was 25 and Sojeong was 22. They first met in an odd way—Sojeong had sought out Hyeondo and asked him to teach her how to smoke for a performance. He had given up smoking years ago, but there was something about her asking that stayed his hand. He offered to show her, figuring it would be a waste not to. After that, their lives were forever connected. Over time, they became closer, their encounters more than mere coincidences. Soon, they moved in together. The initial year was pure bliss—never had Hyeondo felt happier. Sojeong’s acting debut was the turning point, and he was really proud of her. But little did he know that this was also the start of something much more sinister.
Initially, Sojeong’s unease with him was minor. She spoke of how his height and intense stare caused people to gawk when they were together. She felt as though she was always being judged as if the whole world was observing her. Hyeondo attempted to comfort her, to reassure her that she was safe, but she only distanced herself further. The space between them expanded, the warmth they had previously shared gradually cooling into something less
Sojeong did not answer his calls anymore, her presence being a rare occurrence in his life. She proposed that Hyeondo also move somewhere close by so they could still see each other. He resisted, not being able to grasp why she was rejecting him. Before he could sort things out, the first scandal broke—rumors that she was dating another actor.
Sojeong dismissed it as a media gimmick and said she had only met the man once. But he couldn’t shake the uncomfortable feeling building up inside him. His fears were verified in the winter of their fourth year. There was another scandal, one that seemed different. The proof was too compelling to be dismissed. When Hyeondo approached her, demanding if she had begun the rumors herself, his worst fears finally came true.
Chapter 22: A Past Unveiled
Soheong hugs him, begging for forgiveness, claiming she loves him. But Hyeondo had never desired anything but reassurance. But Yumin doesn’t know about all this, since Hyeondo keeps his history with Sojeong a secret.
On the way back home, Yumin wonders how he would return since it’s late and public transportation is not available. Hyeondo brushes aside her worry, stating that a walk would be good for him. But destiny has something else in mind—a car comes rushing by and splashes him with water, leaving him drenched. She insists that he go to her apartment to dry off, and he is taken to a messy but strangely comforting room. She gives him a dry shirt and hot water, and he can’t help but wonder how strange it is for him to take charity from a stranger.
Hyeondo walks home in Yumin’s coat, and for the first time in some time, sleeps soundly. The following morning, Taeguen teases him, pointing out the lightening dark circles under his eyes. Ignoring him, Hyeondo looks at his phone, realizing there’s still no message from Yumin. Just as he’s starting to think she’ll never call, a notification appears—but it’s not from her. It’s Iseon, asking him for drinks as appreciation for taking care of the cat. As Hyeondo enters the bar, a feeling of familiarity hits him. It’s the same bar Yumin used to take him to—but what are the odds she could be here tonight as well?
Selfish Romance Chapter 23: Unraveling Secrets
In Selfish Romance Chapter 23, Hyeondo and Iseon get together at a bar to talk about adopting the cat.
Everything is going well when two girls come over and ask to sit with them. Hyeondo rapidly deteriorates, saying they’re discussing something serious. He feels selfish but asks himself if the girls would enjoy Iseon’s company. Iseon, having gone through a recent breakup, comforts him that he would have done the same thing in Hyeondo’s position.
They bond instantly with each other as they share their ideas and experiences. As he chats, Hyeondo glances at his phone expecting a message from Yumin but is surprised when there is no response. Iseon realizes Hyeondo is nervous and inquires as to whether he is dating anyone. Hyeondo dismisses it, stating that Yumin is a colleague and they’re collaborating on a “small project.” Iseon, however, is taken aback by how keenly Hyeondo observes Yumin’s every little thing but professes not to have any romantic feelings for her.
Hyeondo gets a text from Sojeong and his interest surges. He opens the message and is startled to find himself staring at an image of Sojeong eating with none other than Yumin, ending Selfish Romance Chapter 23.
Chapter 24: A Game of Hearts
Selfish Romance Chapter 24 starts with Yumin thinking about the pretense of the dating arrangement. She asks herself if it’s even worth pursuing. Weeks have gone by, and still, she has not bumped into Iseon. While debating on her next course of action, she gets a call from Sojeong. Later, they meet at a restaurant over drinks.
Their conversation initially remains light but takes an interesting turn upon Sojeong’s mentioning that she could get Yumin onto a date. This prompts the other to confess her recent breakup, and Sojeong expresses about the mutual situation in her life.
While telling her story, Yumin finds herself believing that if Sojeong and her ex still care about one another, they should attempt to salvage things. Meanwhile, Hyeondo, sensing exactly what Sojeong is up to, calls Yumin. His voice carries an unusual concern, something Yumin isn’t used to. His worry lingers as he urges her to take care of herself. The next moment, Sojeong starts crying out of fear that her former boyfriend is about to move on with another person. Yumin encourages her to confront him.
Back at home, Hyeondo, resolute and unyielding, cautions her against involving Yumin in their history. But Sojeong refuses to give up. She asked him if he never wanted her, why did he share all those photos? Was he looking for a reaction? Does he want her to beg him? She admits it—she’s sorry, she loves him, and she’ll do whatever it takes to have him again. But will Hyeondo open that door a second time?
What are your thoughts on Selfish Romance Chapter 17-24? Did any scene stand out to you? Drop your opinion in the comments and let’s discuss! Stay tuned with AnimeMangaToon for more updates on Selfish Romance!