The next morning, Soyu called Jinwook first.

[Yes, Yu-ya. Did you sleep well?]

“Are you busy today?”

[Depends on the situation. Why? Want to go on a date with me?]

While he quickly started to joke around, Soyu calmly said, 

“Let’s go look at dresses.”

[Huh?]

“We can’t have a ceremony without wearing a dress. I found a place where we can make reservations right away.”

[Doesn’t that sort of thing happen immediately?]

“What are you talking about? People usually get fitted months in advance, but we’re late. We don’t have time now. We’ll need to move quickly over the next month. Come to my house for breakfast.”

[Huh? Oh. I’ll do that.]

After hanging up, Soyu left her room and went to the kitchen.

After ending the call, Jinwook let out a strange “hehehe” laugh. Had the invitation to come over for breakfast always been such a ticklish and sweet thing to hear? He flopped down on the bed, giggling and flailing his arms and legs. They were really getting married now. Him and Soyu. And they had a son too. Honestly, yesterday he’d been in a bad mood because of his father, but today felt like a whole new world had opened up. He sat up, clenched his fist, and shouted, “Ahhh! This is awesome!”

It felt like the whole world was congratulating him.

When the time came, Jinwook entered Soyu’s apartment. Now, instead of ringing the doorbell, he punched in the passcode and walked in. While taking off his shoes, he called out, “Mother, Yeoul. I’m here.”

Jeongeun, who had been preparing breakfast with her daughter in the kitchen, came out to welcome him.

“Come on in. I hear you’re going to look at dresses today?”

Jinwook gave an awkward smile.

“Yes.”

“Wedding preparations are always hectic. Let’s eat quickly. You need to head to Seoul afterward, right?”

Following Jeongeun into the kitchen, he saw Yeoul sitting in a chair, waving his hand.

“Dad, hello.”

“Did you sleep well, Yeoul?”

“Yes. But Mom says I need to buy clothes too.”

“That’s right. Our Yeoul needs clothes too.”

“Mom, what did you say I’ll be doing?”

Soyu placed a stone pot on the table and said, “Flower boy.”

Jinwook’s eyes widened.

“You’re making Yeoul the flower boy?”

“Yeah, that’s the plan. Let’s look at some clothes for Yeoul while we’re out today.”

Jinwook’s lips twitched before spreading wide into his characteristically frivolous laugh.

“Hahaha! We’re really getting married, aren’t we!”

“Is there such a thing as a fake wedding?”

“No. I just still can’t believe it.”

Soyu sat down and removed the lid from the stone pot, releasing steam and a delicious aroma. Jinwook was delighted.

“Soybean paste stew.”

“Let’s eat.”

The four-person table was perfectly filled with family members. Everyone enjoyed the meal happily. As Jinwook gazed deeply at the scene, his heart swelled with emotion. Even while growing up, he had never experienced such a warm family meal with everyone gathered together. When he held rice in his mouth and remained still, Soyu asked, “What’s wrong? Is the seasoning off? Too salty?”

Jinwook shook his head with moist eyes.

“It’s ’cause I’m happy… It’s… ’cause I’m happy… I’m moved…”

Soyu frowned.

“What? Speak clearly. I can’t hear you.”

Jinwook opened his mouth and shouted loudly, “I said it’s because I’m too happy! I’m moved!”

The moment he opened his mouth, rice grains flew all over the table. Everyone froze for a moment, staring at the horrific scene. Yeoul shouted, “Ahh! Gross!”

“Hey, swallow your food before speaking…”

“Kim Jinwook! Are you crazy?!”

Despite the three of them jumping up from their chairs, Jinwook shed tears of joy. He was so happy.

At the wedding shop in Cheongdam-dong, the staff recognized Jinwook, and though surprised that the ceremony was next month, they didn’t gossip about it. Jinwook and Yeoul each chose their outfits. They fortunately had a tailcoat that fit Yeoul’s size, and although Jinwook needed alterations due to his height, he was able to find something he liked. Yeoul and Jinwook sat on the sofa eating snacks, waiting for Soyu to come out in her dress. Yeoul asked, 

“Dad, are we really going to America?”

“Yes. Your grandmother will come with us too.”

When Yeoul giggled “hehe,” Jinwook frowned.

“You shouldn’t laugh like that.”

“Why not? You laugh like that too.”

He flinched.

“Do I laugh like that?”

“Yes. Sometimes you go ‘hehehe’ and other times you go ‘hahaha.'”

Jinwook looked troubled. Hmm. So he laughs like that? Is it undignified for a child’s father to laugh that way? Things he hadn’t worried about before now seemed like habits he should fix, now that he was becoming a real father. He grew serious.

“Yeoul, do you prefer me being playful, or would you rather I be authoritative like other dads?”

“What’s ‘authoritative’?”

“Hmm. Being more dad-like.”

“What does ‘dad-like’ mean?”

“Huh?”

“Dad is just Dad. I don’t know what ‘dad-like’ means. I just like Dad the way he is now. You play with me well and listen to what I say. And you teach me drawing too. I like you just the way you are now, Dad.”

Waves of emotion rippled through Jinwook’s eyes at the child’s words. He suddenly hugged Yeoul tightly and rocked him back and forth.

“That’s right! You are my son!”

“Ugh! Dad! I can’t breathe! Ugh!”

Just then, a voice came from behind the curtain.

“The bride is coming out.”

As Yeoul and Jinwook turned their heads while still embracing, the curtain was pulled back. Soyu appeared wearing an off-the-shoulder dress that revealed her shoulders, with a shy smile, and both Jinwook and Yeoul froze. Yeoul blinked and murmured, “Beautiful…”

“Wow… beautiful…”

Seeing her son and Jinwook staring blankly, Soyu asked shyly, “Is it okay? I like it.”

The design, with the skirt part flowing down calmly like water, was what Soyu wanted. For a small wedding, she preferred a simple and calm design rather than something flashy. Jinwook looked dazed. So did her son. Soyu laughed.

“What’s with those expressions?”

Rising awkwardly from the sofa, Jinwook stammered, “N-no. It’s just… you’re… you’re so beautiful…”

That was exactly the reaction she wanted. She asked her son, “Yeoul, is it pretty?”

Yeoul nodded with the same expression as Jinwook.

“Yes. It’s pretty. Mom, can’t you wear clothes like this every day? It’s super pretty!”

The child quickly recovered and made a fuss as usual. Satisfied with their reactions, she smiled. The staff member standing beside her said, 

“It suits you well, ma’am. Would you like to try on a few more?”

“I’ll try just one or two more.”

Soyu looked at the two. Although both Yeoul and Jinwook were enjoying it now, they wouldn’t be able to endure if it took too long. Her assessment was correct. Putting on one dress took longer than expected, and by the time she came out in the third dress, both of them were sprawled lifelessly on the sofa. Even Soyu herself felt too tired to continue fitting.

After deciding on the first design, the three left the shop.

“Since we’re out, should we grab something to eat before heading back?”

Yeoul was excited at Jinwook’s suggestion.

“I want steak!”

“You want steak?”

“Yes!”

“Then let’s go get some. After eating, let’s visit Dad’s company. I’ll show you around.”

Yeoul’s eyes widened.

“Dad, are you the boss?”

Jinwook puffed up his shoulders.

“Of course. Dad is the commander.”

“Can I brag about it to my friends?”

“Sure. Brag all you want.”

The three entered a nearby restaurant under Jinwook’s guidance. The restaurant was elegant, and the owner greeted Jinwook warmly, saying it had been a while since his last visit. Soyu asked, “Do you come here often?”

“Before. I came a few times with employees.”

“You’re a good boss. Treating them to steak and all.”

“It’s part of eating together. Without them, I couldn’t do anything.”

“Kim Jinwook, you’re pretty cool.”

Jinwook showed off at Soyu’s compliment.

“Just try to be like me.”

“Team Leader Ahn seemed quite concerned last time in Hapcheon.”

“Team Leader Ahn is indispensable to the company. His title is just PR Team Leader, but he also manages the company’s affairs and contributes greatly to production.”

“Are you paying him well?”

“Of course! I’m not that kind of exploitative boss.”

“Then how about giving him a promotion this time?”

Jinwook’s eyes rounded, then he made an expression like he’d just realized something.

“I hadn’t thought of that.”

“Money is good, but having an official title helps externally. Office workers are sensitive about those titles.”

“Got it. I’ll promote him right away.”

Meanwhile, the T-bone steaks they ordered arrived, and the child’s mouth opened wide in awe.

“It’s huge…”

“Eat a lot, Yeoul. The steaks here are delicious.”

Jinwook cut the meat with a knife and fork and placed it on Yeoul’s plate. Yeoul chewed with round eyes. The child gave a thumbs up, clearly enjoying the meat.

“It’s delicious. So tender.”

“Chew thoroughly and eat a lot.”

“Dad, can I try cutting it myself?”

“You want to try?”

“Yes.”

“Okay. Hold the knife in your right hand and the fork in your left.”

Soyu watched with soft eyes as he sat next to Yeoul and took care of him. He handles the child better than she does. He seems immature at times, but he’s a person with substance. At first, he was so loud it was overwhelming, but that’s Jinwook’s charm in its own way. Perhaps it’s better than being uptight like herself? A gentle smile formed at the corners of Soyu’s mouth.

After finishing the meal, Jinwook took the two to his production company. Though the building was small, Soyu admired its unique exterior design.

“It’s pretty. Did you build it?”

“Yeah. It’s not that big.”

“How many floors does it have?”

“Five. I used to live on the top floor, but after moving out, I’m planning to turn it into a break room for employees. Let’s go in.”

Jinwook unlocked the security system and led them inside.