After thinking for a moment, Jinwook shook his head.

“Both Father and I still need time. We need to acknowledge each other, but we’re far from that point.”

“Okay. I understand.”

“Are you disappointed?”

“No. I don’t want Yeoul to become a reconciliation switch between father and son either. Some might say seeing his biological grandson would soften him, but the Father I met is still quite strong-willed. I think we all need more time.”

Jinwook took her hand and smiled.

“Thanks for understanding. Is my mom trying to make you suffer as her daughter-in-law?”

“Actually, she asked me to take good care of you. She even thanked me.”

Jinwook flinched and asked with twisted lips, “You’re joking, right?”

“I’m serious.”

He shrugged his shoulders.

“That’s better than if she had been harsh to you. Lucky you. Getting thanked and all.”

“Are you jealous?”

Jinwook flared up.

“Jealous? What am I, a child?”

The corners of Soyu’s eyes curved happily.

“You seem jealous though.”

“I’m not, I tell you!”

When the buzzer rang, Jinwook quickly stood up and headed to the pickup counter with red ears.

The couple enjoyed their café date before getting into the car. Jinwook said, 

“We can pick up Yeoul ourselves.”

“Okay. I’ll call Mom.”

While Soyu called her mother, Jinwook quietly slipped out of the car, opened the trunk, and took out the bouquet and potted plant. He tiptoed toward the passenger side. When Soyu, still on the phone, noticed a shadow beside her and turned her head, she was startled. Seeing her eyes widen and mouth open, Jinwook grinned. Success, as expected.

Soyu finished telling her mother what she needed and ended the call. When she opened the door, a fragrant bouquet fell into her arms.

“When did you prepare this?”

“Before I contacted you. And I have this too.”

When he handed her the potted plant, Soyu’s eyes sparkled.

“A dianthus!”

“Huh? You know it?”

“Mom loves them.”

“Do you know the flower language?”

“No. What is it?”

“Love.”

When Soyu looked up, Jinwook was wearing a profound smile. Her eyelashes trembled. She hadn’t known she liked flowers. Or maybe she just liked flowers given by Jinwook. It seemed she was finally developing some sentimentality. Seeing Soyu delighted and flustered, Jinwook’s smile deepened. She’s so beautiful. Beautiful enough to kiss.

After getting into the driver’s seat, instead of starting the car, Jinwook took Soyu’s hand and tapped it gently. When she turned her head, he kissed her and pulled away. Soyu’s face turned slightly pink.

“You’re in danger right now.”

When Soyu made a puzzled expression, Jinwook gave a mischievous smile.

“When you smile so prettily like that, I want to pounce on you.”

As her cheeks darkened, Jinwook’s gaze deepened. Ah, this really is dangerous. No matter how much he looked for opportunities, they never had time alone. Whenever the mood seemed right, Yeoul would appear and interrupt. At this rate, he’d grow cobwebs. Looking at Soyu with strange, l*stful eyes, Jinwook gripped the steering wheel tightly with both hands and let out a long sigh. Soyu’s face reddened even more. She lowered her gaze and whispered, 

“Thank you.”

Looking at her, Jinwook said solemnly, 

“Yu-ya.”

“Yes?”

“Can’t we go on a trip, just the two of us, even for a day?”

She moistened her lips. In truth, she wasn’t any different from Jinwook. At first, she’d wondered why she was kissing him, but now she often wanted to be alone with him. Quite intensely, too.

“This weekend?”

Jinwook’s eyes widened at Soyu’s response.

“Really?”

She didn’t answer but gave a small nod. Jinwook moved immediately. He searched for accommodations on his phone app and asked, 

“Is nearby okay?”

“Where?”

“Seoul.”

“Yes…”

With her permission, Jinwook’s fingers moved quickly.

“I’ve made a reservation. Let’s go and relax.”

“Without telling Mom first?”

Jinwook gripped her hand tightly, his eyes burning.

“She’ll understand. We’re going, no matter what.”

“Yeoul will want to come along.”

“Leave that to me.”

“What are you going to do?”

Jinwook smiled slyly and said, “I’ll talk to him man-to-man.”

Soyu opened her eyes wide. Glancing at her from the corner of his eye, he said confidently, “Think I can’t do it? Don’t worry. Who am I? I’m Kim Jinwook. Hahaha!”

Jinwook started the car and laughed loudly. Finally, he’d get to be alone with Soyu. He felt ecstatic.

Jinwook parked the car and arrived at the kindergarten bus stop. The mothers who recognized him greeted him kindly.

“Hello, Director. It’s been a while since you came.”

“Hello, ma’am.”

“Are you feeling better now?”

All the mothers knew about Jinwook’s accident.

“Of course. I’m perfectly fine.”

The mothers gathered one by one. Dami’s mother asked, “When are you getting married to Yeoul’s mom?”

“September 20th.”

They had guessed about the marriage, but hearing the exact date surprised everyone.

“Oh my! Next month?”

“Yes. We’re getting married next month.”

Jinwook smiled brightly.

“Can we come too?”

“Ah, we’re having a small wedding with just friends. I’ll invite you all for a meal later. Thank you.”

The mothers’ eyes were filled with envy.

“Yeoul’s mom is so lucky, marrying such a sweet person.”

Jinwook laughed heartily.

“I’m the lucky one.”

“We were all touched when we saw Yeoul’s mom crying and rushing to the hospital on TV during your accident.”

Recalling the scene, he nodded.

“Thanks to that accident, I’m getting married. Haha.”

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

Just then, the bus arrived. A few children got off, and then Yeoul. The child beamed when he saw Jinwook.

“Dad came?”

“Yes, son.”

The mothers smiled warmly seeing Yeoul call him Dad. Yeoul said to Dami and his friends, 

“Guys, this is my dad.”

“Hello.”

“Mister, are you really going to America?”

“Yeoul says he’s going to America.”

Jinwook explained kindly.

“Yes, we’re going next month. See you again later.”

Jinwook lifted Yeoul up and nodded goodbye to the mothers as he headed to the car. He asked Yeoul, 

“Does it feel good to show off to your friends?”

“Yes. They used to tease me for not having a dad. Now they’re jealous.”

“That’s good. Yeoul, do you know what ‘man-to-man’ means?”

“What is that?”

“Let’s have a deep conversation today, you and me.”

“Deep? What’s that?”

“It’s a thing. Let’s talk when we get home. Dad has a favor to ask you.”

“What is it?”

“When we get home.”

Jinwook bounced around while holding the child, making Yeoul laugh loudly with delight.

“Do it again! It’s fun!”

“I’ll do it a hundred times! Heave-ho!”

Soyu smiled seeing them bouncing toward her. Then she suddenly realized something—she had been laughing a lot lately. And the reason was Kim Jinwook, who was approaching now. Her smile deepened.

When they arrived home, Yeoul announced loudly, 

“Grandma, I’m home!”

Jeongeun came out from the kitchen and took Yeoul’s bag, asking, 

“Is it nice having Dad pick you up after so long?”

“Yes! But I smell something delicious.”

“I made pancakes. Wash your hands, change your clothes, and come out.”

“Yay! Pancakes!”

As Yeoul went to the bathroom, Jinwook greeted Jeongeun affectionately.

“Mother, is there some for me too?”

“Of course. But I can’t guarantee the taste, you know?”

Jinwook laughed heartily.

“Anything you make is fine. Would you like to go out for dinner tonight?”

“Why bother? Let’s eat at home. I’ll make army stew.”

Jinwook’s laugh seemed somewhat unnatural, but he quickly spoke in a pleasing manner.

“There’s a new bean sprout hangover soup place at the intersection up ahead. They have so many menu items. They have pork cutlets and various kinds of rice soup too. Mother, do you like buckwheat pancakes? They have those too. Let’s go there, okay?”

“I do like buckwheat pancakes… But what about the ingredients I bought?”

“We can eat those tomorrow. Let’s go, please?”

He leaned in close to Jeongeun’s face, acting cute, and she fell for it completely. Jeongeun smiled and nodded.

“Alright. Let’s go.”

After only having her stoic daughter, seeing the affectionate and attentive Jinwook kept a constant smile on Jeongeun’s face. Seeing this made Soyu feel at ease. At some point, she and her mother had started smiling more often. The child had brightened up too. It really felt like a home where people lived. If this was happiness, then they were happy now. Very much so.

Jinwook called out to Jeongeun.

“Mother.”

“Yes?”

“Would it be okay if Soyu and I went on a short vacation this weekend?”

Jeongeun blinked and then made an expression as if she’d just realized something.

“I’ve been thoughtless. Go ahead. Whenever you two want to date in the future, feel free to go. I can’t believe I didn’t think of that.”

Jinwook grinned broadly and said, 

“As expected. I knew our mother would understand.”

“I’ll take care of Yeoul. But the child might want to go with you.”

“I’ll talk to Yeoul about it.”

“Okay. Are you going far?”

“No, just to Seoul.”

“Go and get some good rest.”

“Yes! Thank you!”

“What are you thanking me for? It’s only natural.”

Before going out for dinner, Jinwook went into the child’s room and had a long conversation. After about 20 minutes, the door opened, and Yeoul came out shouting loudly.

“Mom! Go ahead! I’m all grown up now! You can go!”

His attitude was so confident that both Jeongeun and Soyu burst into laughter. Soyu asked, “Is it really okay if we go?”

“Yes! Whenever you want to date in the future, go ahead. I understand everything.”