Soyu approached and gently shook her husband’s shoulder.

“Kim Jinwook. Wake up. Let’s go to the bed so you can sleep comfortably.”

Jinwook opened his eyes, which were bloodshot and red. He shook his head as he got up and asked in a hoarse voice:

“Did I fall asleep?”

“Just for a moment. Get up.”

“But I haven’t showered yet……”

“Get up and then shower. What time should I wake you?”

Jinwook lifted his head and stared blankly at his wife before leaning into her like a child seeking affection, nuzzling his head against her.

“I think I really made the right choice marrying you.”

Soyu stroked his hair with a generous smile. He lifted his head and whispered:

“I love you, Jang Soyu.”

“I love you too. Come out quickly.”

After Soyu left, Jinwook got up from the bathtub with a broad grin. His wife had been so cold at first, but as time passed, she became as soft as cotton candy. She overlooked and understood most things. Indeed, Jang Soyu was the wisest and most beautiful woman in the world. Looking in the mirror, he muttered:

“She’s really too good for me.”

Without Soyu, he would still be living immaturely. It seemed that men truly became adults through marriage.

When he came out of the bathroom, Soyu called him to the table.

“Eat this before sleeping.”

“What is it?”

“I ordered soup. Eat it while it’s warm, then get some sleep.”

Jinwook embraced Soyu with a moved expression and buried his face in her shoulder.

“Ah, what would I have done if I’d come alone?”

Soyu slapped her husband’s bottom as he tried to act cute and said with a laugh:

“Just hurry up and eat.”

Jinwook grinned and finished a bowl of soup, then Soyu took out his pajamas.

“Dress me.”

Soyu laughed incredulously at Jinwook’s request.

“Are you a child?”

“I want to be a child. Jang Soyu’s eldest son. Come on, dress me.”

Though exasperated, she dressed him in his pajamas without complaint. Then she took her husband’s hand, led him to the bed, and laid him down.

“Can’t you stay and sleep with me? The kids are with your mothers.”

Seeing that she couldn’t indulge him any further, Soyu said sternly:

“Go to sleep now. Close your eyes. We’re going to have breakfast and then take a walk.”

“Hmph.”

She pulled the sheet over her husband’s head as he looked up at her with glistening, pitiful eyes, then said with a smile:

“Sleep well.”

After she left the room, Jinwook immediately lay down, folded his hands on his chest, and grinned widely. He loved Jang Soyu so, so much. He must be the luckiest man in the world.

“What should I do? I like her more and more as time goes by.”

As he muttered, his eyelids began to close, and soon he fell into a deep sleep.

※※※

In front of a military unit in Wonju.

Taeseop’s eyes softened as he gazed at the mountains full of fresh greenery and the blue sky. His heart always raced when he came here. He turned his head to look at the guard post. Soon, the woman who held his heart would arrive. A woman who made his heart beat faster with each passing day — Kang Hyein. A woman who filled the journey from Seoul to Wonju with excitement rather than burden.

Just then, he spotted a familiar figure in the distance, and his lips curved into a bright smile. Hyein, dressed in military uniform with a beret, always caught his eye no matter how many soldiers surrounded her. Her features, as she approached with quick steps, filled his heart to the point of bursting. She was a proper lieutenant who received salutes from the surrounding soldiers. And soon, she would be transferred to Seoul.

After passing the guard post, Hyein spotted Taeseop and gave him a shy smile. As he walked toward her, a deep smile hung on his lips, and his heart beat a little faster. When they were close enough to see each other’s eyes, he asked with a smile:

“Have you been well?”

She nodded with an excited smile.

“Yes. And you?”

“I was so impatient I thought about putting wings on my car.”

Hyein’s eyes widened.

“You’ll have an accident. Drive leisurely. I’m always here.”

Honey dripped from Taeseop’s eyes as he gazed at her.

“Shall we go?”

“Yes.”

He wanted to embrace her, but if he did, rumors would spread throughout the base that very day. He couldn’t embarrass Hyein under any circumstances. Only after getting her into the car and driving off did Taeseop gently take her hand. The feel of her skin and warmth filling his palm made his heart race even more.

“Should we go to your quarters first?”

“Yes.”

Hyein seemed somewhat tense. Taeseop glanced at her and said softly:

“Don’t be nervous. They’re good people.”

“Yes.”

Noting her unusually brief responses, Taeseop took a short breath.

“Lieutenant Kang Hyein.”

When she looked at him in surprise, he smiled and said:

“At ease.”

Only then did the corners of Hyein’s lips turn upward.

“I’m trying not to be, but I keep getting nervous.”

“My parents don’t have cannibalistic hobbies.”

Hyein burst into laughter at Taeseop’s sudden humor. Seeing her face relax a bit, Taeseop held her hand firmly and said:

“Should I do it alone?”

“Were you nervous when you visited my home?”

“Of course. It was the most terrified I’ve ever been in my life. Your father’s aura… whew.”

Taeseop shook his head as he recalled visiting Hyein’s home two weeks ago.

“But once I met him, he turned out to be a good person. It’ll be the same with my family.”

“Yes.”

After answering, Hyein seemed to remember something and asked:

“The Director must be in Berlin now, right?”

“Yes. He’ll do well, that guy.”

“Every time I see him on TV, I think he’s amazing. They say he might win the Best Picture award this time.”

“We’ll have to see when they open the envelope.”

“Noeul must have grown a lot too.”

“Yes, she’s grown a lot. It’s been quite a while since I’ve seen her.”

“How is Attorney Do?”

“Always busy, you know. These days he’s even busier, so even though we live in the same house, it’s hard to see his face.”

Since Taeseop’s marriage was confirmed, Hyunwook had been working without weekends to give his friend the portion of the house he owned. That was what he said, but Taeseop knew it was just an excuse. As if Do Hyunwook didn’t have money. When they bought the house, his contribution was merely a pretext to live together.

Taeseop and Hyein arrived at her quarters and got out of the car. Taeseop smiled as they climbed the stairs, which didn’t even have an elevator, to Hyein’s home. Her place was always tidy whenever he visited. And it had a subtle fragrance.

“I’ll change and come out.”

“Okay. Take your time, we’re not in a hurry.”

“Would you like some coffee?”

“No, I’ll help myself.”

After Hyein went to her room, Taeseop naturally opened the refrigerator door. Her fridge was neat and well-organized. Vegetables and ingredients were stored in containers, and there was nothing unnecessary — like leftover delivery food, for instance.

He ground coffee beans and boiled water to make drip coffee as if familiar with the process. When the black coffee had finished dripping, he poured it into a tumbler, added ice, and completed the iced coffee. Just as he finished washing up, he heard the bedroom door open. Taeseop froze at the sight of her emerging awkwardly. Dressed in a white one-piece dress with light makeup, she was beautiful, even with her short hair.

“Does it look strange?”

Taeseop’s ears reddened as he came to his senses at her question.

“I was surprised. You’re so beautiful.”

“It’s been a while since I’ve worn makeup……”

Taeseop strode over and stood in front of Hyein. Looking down at her with heated eyes, his lips parted, and his voice flowed out, slightly trembling and tense:

“You’re beautiful. My heart feels like it’s going to burst.”

Taeseop lifted the chin of the shy Hyein and gazed down at her with deep eyes before lowering his head. As their lips met, her eyes closed, and her heels rose slightly. The blazing sun shone through the thin curtains of the veranda, reaching them.

Standing in front of Taeseop’s family home, Hyein cleared her throat nervously. Even her nervous appearance was pretty, keeping a smile on his face.

“Ready?”

“Yes.”

Seeing her still tense, he grabbed her shoulders and made her face him. Meeting her eyes, Taeseop said in a gentle voice:

“Thank you for choosing me. I’ll try to make you feel that this choice was the right one. For life.”

His sincere voice, serious gaze, and smile directed at her gradually eased Hyein’s tension. She smiled and nodded.

“Yes. I’ll try too.”

“Let’s go in.”

“Yes.”

The couple entered the gate, holding hands tightly.

Song Jinhan welcomed his future daughter-in-law warmly.

“Welcome. I heard you came all the way from Wonju. You must be tired.”

Taeseop’s mother, Han Heejin, also took Hyein’s hand and said kindly:

“Welcome. You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for you, Hyein. Welcome.”

Hyein bowed her head shyly at their warm reception.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Kang Hyein.”

“Aren’t you tired?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“Would you like some tea? I have a very good one.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Hyein entered the reception room and sat on the sofa with perfect posture. Heejin prepared tea and said:

“I was surprised when Taeseop said he had someone he wanted to marry. He never showed any signs before.”

“Um… Mother. Please speak informally to me.”

Jinhan and Heejin smiled warmly. Jinhan said:

“Honestly, when I heard she was a soldier, I thought she might be tough, but I can see why our Taeseop fell for you.”

Heejin added:

“Shall I speak informally then?”

“Yes. I would appreciate it.”

Heejin’s eyes were pleased with the military speech pattern, the formal posture with hands on knees, and the still-rigid military appearance. But instead of pointing it out, Heejin placed a steaming cup of tea in front of Hyein.

“Young people these days prefer coffee, but I like tea. Do you know how to perform a tea ceremony?”

“I’m sorry. I don’t know anything about tea ceremonies.”

Heejin smiled at her straightforward opinion.

“Taeseop can be indecisive at times, but it seems Hyein will complement that well.”

“Thank you.”

This time, Jinhan asked:

“I heard you’ll be transferred to Seoul.”

“Yes. I applied for a transfer, and it was approved.”

“Is there a military base in Seoul?”

“I’m being transferred to the Capital Defense Command.”