Jinhan seemed a bit surprised, as if he hadn’t heard this part of the story.

“Isn’t that place difficult to get into?”

“It’s somewhat difficult.”

“Ho ho. We’ve gained an impressive daughter-in-law.”

“Not at all. I was just lucky.”

“I heard your father is also in the military.”

“My father is also at the Capital Defense Command. But my transfer is unrelated to him. I passed solely on my own merit.”

Hyein spoke a bit faster, concerned they might think she got into the Capital Defense Command through her father’s influence. Jinhan nodded.

“Then your family is in Seoul.”

“Yes. Seoul is our family home.”

“Your parents must have been worried, sending their precious daughter so far away.”

“Not at all. Both my brother and I are following military paths, which makes them very satisfied.”

“I see. You mentioned having an older brother?”

“My brother is in the Air Force.”

“Ho ho. We’re becoming in-laws with a military family. Does your father approve of our Taeseop?”

Honestly, there had been obstacles at first. Her father, who wanted a son-in-law from the military, had adamantly refused to meet Taeseop. But when his daughter took a firm stance that she would remain single for life if not for this man, he agreed to meet Taeseop once and ended up liking him. He figured there must be a reason his daughter, who had never been stubborn before, was being so insistent. Hyein answered:

“Yes. He approves of him.”

They had agreed that only Taeseop and Hyein would keep the fact that her family had wanted a military son-in-law between themselves. Jinhan asked his son:

“Have you started preparing a home?”

“Yes. We’re planning to start looking next week.”

“Find somewhere convenient for Hyein’s commute.”

“I’m thinking somewhere not far from where I live now.”

“Still determined to live near your friends? Have you discussed this with Hyein? It might be far for her commute.”

Taeseop gave an embarrassed smile.

“Hyein suggested it first. She said she wants to live close to Jinwook and Hyunwook.”

“I see. You three are like blood brothers after all. Still, your wife’s opinion matters most. If Hyein ever feels uncomfortable, moving a bit farther away wouldn’t be bad.”

“Yes.”

Just then, they were told dinner was ready, and the four moved to the dining area.

After leaving the family home, Taeseop and Hyein headed toward Gwacheon. Taeseop asked:

“Are you really okay with finding a house in Gwacheon?”

“I already said it’s fine, didn’t I?”

“No, I just had second thoughts after what my father said. It might be difficult for you to commute.”

“I’ll take the subway.”

“The subway?”

“Yes. Driving from Seoul during morning rush hour is exhausting. No matter where we move, it’s the same unless I can walk to work. I prefer the area where your friends live. Living all together has been a dream of mine.”

Taeseop squeezed her hand tightly at her heartfelt words.

“Thank you. But if you ever change your mind, please tell me. I’m quite dense and won’t know unless you say something.”

Hyein laughed.

“Do I seem like someone who keeps things to herself without speaking up?”

Taeseop laughed. She wasn’t that type of person. But her way of communicating wasn’t harsh. More like she smiled while delivering hard truths.

“No, you’re not.”

“I can’t do that. I’ll tell you everything without bottling anything up.”

“Yes. Please do exactly that.”

Upon arriving home, Taeseop opened the garage door, parked the car, and went up to the house. Just then, the door burst open, and Hyuna rushed out, calling to Hyein:

“Kang Hyein!”

Hyein’s eyes widened as she ran toward Hyuna.

“Major Do!”

The two women hugged each other and jumped up and down. It made sense, as they hadn’t seen each other for over a year since Hyuna had changed posts. Hyuna grabbed Hyein’s shoulders and looked at her proudly.

“Wow. That little kid has grown into a fine soldier now?”

Hyein straightened her posture and saluted.

“Lieutenant Kang Hyein! Reporting, ma’am!”

Hyuna returned the salute and said:

“At ease.”

Hyunwook, who had been watching the two women’s greeting, muttered:

“When those two are together, they’re completely military. Is she like that with you too?”

“No. Not at all.”

“Did the meeting with your parents go well?”

“Hyein is flawless. They liked her.”

Hyunwook suddenly sighed.

“Right. Of course they would. Of course.”

“What’s with that expression?”

“I’m lonely! I’ll be living alone in this big house now!”

Then he suddenly shouted at his sister:

“Do Hyuna! You should move to Seoul too. Let’s live together!”

Hyuna flinched, looked back at her brother, and pouted.

“What are you saying? Don’t you know we’re close yet distant?”

“Don’t you have someone nice? You should be thinking about marriage too by now.”

“Wow. That’s rich coming from you. What about respecting your elders?”

When his sister brought up his own marriage, Hyunwook’s face contorted.

“Look at that. She never gives an inch.”

Taeseop laughed and pushed Hyunwook’s shoulder.

“Let’s go in. Hyuna and Hyein, you too.”

“Yes!”

Hyuna linked arms with Hyein, falling behind the others, and asked quietly:

“How are your future in-laws? Has your worry disappeared a bit?”

“Yes. They’re good people.”

“I told you so. They’re different from our parents. Different from our family.”

“Are they that strict?”

“Hmm… it’s not about strictness, but different values. We understood that early on and gave up on marriage. Why bring someone else’s precious child into our family to suffer? Anyway, among the three families, Taeseop’s parents are the most admirable.”

“Director Kim’s mother is also nice.”

“Yes, but his father is unyielding.”

“Have they still not reconciled?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t heard that far. Oh! Brother! Turn on the TV quickly! We need to see Jinwook!”

Hyuna took Hyein and went into the house.

A public broadcast was airing the Berlin Film Festival live because Kim Jinwook’s film had been nominated for the Golden Bear award. Beer and snacks were placed on the table, and the TV was turned on. As soon as they switched it on, Jinwook appeared in a tuxedo, and Hyunwook excitedly shouted:

“It’s Jinwook!”

Taeseop also sat on the edge of the sofa, leaning forward.

“He looks good dressed up like that on camera.”

“Jinwook has a decent face. Not as good as mine, but still.”

Hyuna reacted irritably to Hyunwook’s comment:

“That’s why women don’t approach you. Lose that narcissism.”

“Hey, I’m a very objective person. What are you talking about?”

As the two bickered, making it hard to hear, Taeseop turned up the volume.

“Hey! Be quiet! It’s happening!”

Hyunwook and Hyuna simultaneously looked at the TV. The screen showed the nominees for Best Picture, and Jinwook’s face appeared. The presenter opened the envelope. Everyone watched the screen intently, filled with tension.

[Golden Bear! Sumbisori]

The presenter stumbled a bit over the unfamiliar Korean, but it was clearly Jinwook’s work. As his name was called, Jinwook’s face filled the screen, and his friends all rose and cheered in unison.

“Aaah! He got it! He got it!”

“Our Kim Jinwook did it! Hahaha!”

Jinwook rose from his chair very calmly and embraced the lead actor sitting beside him. Then he strode up to the stage. After looking down at the golden bear trophy for a moment, Jinwook stood before the microphone. He spoke in Korean:

[Among the many professions in Korea, there is one called haenyeo. They dive into deep water without oxygen, relying solely on their own breath to harvest seafood. Sumbisori refers to the sound haenyeo make when they exhale their held breath as they surface after working in extreme conditions. Everyone has their own sumbisori. Everyone has it. We live our lives enduring and persevering, making our own sumbisori. I hope this film becomes a comfort and inspiration to someone. I hope everyone endures those difficult moments and achieves their own glory.]

Jinwook was very calm and sincere. And he shone brilliantly.

※※※

After the awards broadcast ended, Taeseop and Hyunwook prepared dinner. They had decided to have a barbecue in the yard today. The charcoal was lit, and Jinwook brought out the meat. Hyuna admired the meat:

“Wow. That’s good meat.”

“We have to eat it while Jinwook is away.”

Hyuna paused and said, “Wow.”

“That’s such a close friendship. You only eat it when Jinwook is gone?”

“Hey, you don’t know because you haven’t seen it. That guy has developed a bad habit. Ever since he touched it once before marrying Soyu, somehow he knows whenever I buy meat and finds it like a ghost to take it away.”

“Is it so precious when he’s feeding his kids?”

“Are you calling me petty? What’s wrong with him asking before taking it? He always steals it. Would I stop him if he said it was for the kids? And I even buy some for him when I buy mine, but he still does it. He’s developed such a bad habit. Can’t he earn his own money? Who would say anything if he asked before taking it? I come home without eating dinner, thinking about eating meat, and every time the meat is gone. Do you know how hurt I feel?”

Taeseop then said with a voice tinged with laughter:

“It’s your fault.”

Hyunwook’s eyes turned fierce as he whipped his head around.

“What!”

“I said it’s your fault. You keep getting it stolen but keep buying it. It’s your fault for knowing Wook’s personality.”

Hyunwook pounded his chest with his fist, making a loud sound, then groaned and coughed repeatedly.

“Ah. I hit too hard. Song Taeseop. Will you steal meat too after you get married?”

“I’ll think about it.”

Hyunwook’s eyes narrowed as he glared at Taeseop.

“You. Don’t find a house here. Go far away.”

“Weren’t you telling me to move next door before?”

“Canceled. I think my lifespan will be shortened.”

Meanwhile, Taeseop blew on some grilled meat to cool it, placed it on Hyein’s plate, and mouthed:

‘Eat quickly.’

When Hyein smiled, Hyunwook’s eyes narrowed even more. Ugh, can’t stand the sight. Who knew this guy would betray me like this? What a waste for Hyein. As her brother glared at Taeseop with narrowed eyes, Hyuna shook her head and sighed.

“Instead of being so jealous, brother, you should date too. Don’t become a creepy stalker.”