Hyunwook’s face turned red. Exploding at the words ‘creepy stalker,’ he shouted angrily.

“You! How dare you talk to your brother like that! Use proper terms of address! And I don’t have time to meet people! Do you know what my nickname used to be? The 3-star of Cheongdam-dong!”

“Look at you bringing up ancient history. You sound exactly like an aging old-fashioned man right now. Just stop it.”

As Hyunwook’s face, ears, and neck all turned red after losing to his sister’s sharp tongue, Taeseop intervened.

“Come on, let’s stop and just enjoy the meat today. We agreed to meet Jinwook when he returns, right?”

“He’ll be back next week, so we can see him on the weekend.”

Though Hyunwook answered, he didn’t stop glaring at his sister. Then he rubbed his eyes and muttered.

“Ah. My eyes hurt.”

Taeseop placed several pieces of meat on Hyunwook’s plate and said:

“Stop glaring and eat.”

“I’m letting this go because of you, Taeseop. Definitely not because of the meat.”

Hyuna nodded her head.

“Yes, yes. Thank you, Hyein. When are you planning to hold the wedding?”

After her halfhearted response to Hyunwook, Hyuna immediately started asking Hyein what she was curious about.

“I think next spring would be good.”

Suddenly there was a clang, and everyone looked in the same direction. Taeseop’s face was contorted as he dropped his tongs.

“Next year?”

Hyein looked flustered.

“Ah… it seems difficult to book a venue for this fall…”

“No way. I’ll book the venue.”

At Taeseop’s firm words, Hyunwook and Hyuna whistled and made loud “wooo” sounds. Hyunwook laughed and said:

“Taeseop is dying, Hyein. Please grant his last wish before he dies.”

“But… if I request leave right after getting my assignment…”

Before Hyein could finish, Taeseop knelt right there. He took both her hands firmly and gazed into her eyes with a desperate look.

“Fall. Or if that’s difficult, winter is fine too.”

Hyein’s ears gradually turned red under Taeseop’s intense gaze.

“Is it hard? If I have to wait until next year, I’ll die. I’m burning up.”

Just as Hyunwook was about to speak, his sister elbowed him hard in the ribs. Hyuna scowled fiercely and covered her brother’s mouth. Taeseop acted as if no one else was around. He looked at his beloved with tender eyes.

“Hyein.”

At his voice dripping with honey, Hyein, her face now red, nodded slightly.

“Yes…”

Only then did Taeseop smile brightly, stand up, and bend down to hug her.

“Thank you. You don’t need to worry about anything. I’ll take care of all the preparations.”

Under his gentle pats on her back, Hyein’s face and neck turned the deep red of autumn leaves.

※※※

2 AM. Soyu was calm as she waited for her husband to return from the after-party. Since arriving in Berlin, she hadn’t properly seen her husband’s face. He had been that busy. She watched Jinwook’s film for the first time here. It was shocking. The film made by this usually cheerful and seemingly aimless man contained a gritty insight into life.

His first film after returning to Korea had been an exhilarating commercial movie that fortunately reached ten million viewers. So she expected this one would be similar. But it wasn’t. Watching it made her heart swell. It felt like seeing her own life. There was desperate living within the cheerfulness, and humor within the laughter.

Kim Jinwook was a person she couldn’t quite figure out. While always showing a bumbling side, he had a solid punch. She muttered:

“How could I not love him…”

She looked at the empty bed. The children were sleeping in their grandmothers’ room. They had thoughtfully arranged this, knowing he would be tired after the celebration. She checked the clock again. Would he be even later? She thought about just going to sleep, but the emotion from the film and award ceremony still filled her heart, making it unlikely she’d fall asleep easily.

Just then, there was a sound at the door before it carefully opened. Soyu looked up and met Jinwook’s eyes as he tiptoed in. His eyes widened when he saw his wife was awake.

“You’re not asleep?”

Soyu got up from the sofa and approached him with a smile.

“You weren’t here.”

“You should have just gone to sleep. You didn’t know when I’d be back.”

“But you’re here now. Is it okay for you to come back this early?”

Jinwook grinned and opened his arms wide. Soyu nestled into her husband’s embrace and spoke with a moist voice:

“Congratulations.”

He handed her the trophy he was holding.

“This is yours.”

“You’re giving it to me?”

“Yes. It’s rightfully yours. Thank you for being patient and supportive even though I haven’t been a good husband or father.”

Soyu’s expression grew serious as she took the trophy.

“I watched the film. It was heart-stirring.”

His eyes grew round.

“Really?”

Soyu nodded.

“Yes. I cried.”

Jinwook cupped her cheeks with his hands and gave her a fresh smile.

“Was I cool?”

“Yes. You were cool.”

“Enough to fall for me?”

“Yes. I fell for you.”

The corners of Jinwook’s eyes curved sensually.

“I love you, Jang Soyu.”

His eyes shone warmly, and Soyu’s eyes were also filled with deep love. She wrapped her arms around her husband’s neck, stood on tiptoe, and whispered:

“I think I made a good choice marrying you.”

Jinwook’s eyes narrowed.

“Because I won an award?”

“No. Because you’re a person so full inside.”

His eyes darkened.

“Where are the kids?”

“In your mother’s room.”

Soyu’s eyes also filled with intense desire, and her voice became slightly rough. His lips descended. She held tightly to Jinwook’s neck, holding her breath and accepting his. A moment later, Soyu released her held breath. Then she stared at her husband with heated eyes. She had known this man for a very long time, and they had been through a lot together. The more time passed, the more passionately she loved him. Soyu’s lips parted.

“I love you, Kim Jinwook.”

His eyes curved roundly.

“I love you more. You are my everything, Jang Soyu.”

His lips met hers. Soyu embraced Jinwook and expressed her emotions. Though usually extremely rational, she became wild when making love. Especially when her feelings for him were this intense. Jinwook flinched at her aggressive response, his lips curving upward and the corners of his eyes crinkling.

“This is a pleasant surprise? Wild Jang Soyu?”

“You are mine. Kim Jinwook.”

“As much as you want. I’ve been yours from the beginning.”

The more their lips intertwined, the hotter their hearts became. She wanted to show him the depths of her heart but had no way to do so. Soyu broke the kiss, gave him a seductive smile, took his hand, and led him to the bed.

“I haven’t showered.”

“I don’t care about that.”

The movements of the two on the bed were extremely urgent and passionate. With every touch of his hands, Soyu moaned ecstatically and fell into rapture. Jinwook’s eyes also darkened at his wife’s unusual heat. He embraced her with all his heart. His lips and hands confessed without pause. That he loved her. That he loved Jang Soyu. And when he exploded brilliantly, Soyu hugged her husband tightly and cried out:

“I love you, Kim Jinwook. Wook-ah. I love you.”

※※※

Jinwook appeared at the Incheon Airport gate carrying Noeul. As the doors opened, reporters quickly recognized him, flashed their cameras, and cheered. That wasn’t all. Fans had also gathered, holding handmade placards and calling out “Kim Jinwook.” Surprised by the unexpected welcome, Jinwook hesitated. Noeul, in her father’s arms, buried her face and trembled at the noise and flashing lights.

“Director Kim Jinwook! Congratulations on your award!”

“Director Kim Jinwook! Could you look this way, please?”

As Jinwook gave an awkward smile, Yeoul approached and said maturely:

“Dad. I’ll hold Noeul.”

“Will you? She seems startled.”

When Yeoul came over holding his sister, Soyu exchanged glances with her husband. She pointed to the side with her finger, indicating she would wait there. Jinwook stood before the press corps. He smiled and struck the poses the reporters requested.

“Director, could you share a few words about winning the award?”

After thinking for a moment, Jinwook spoke:

“I’m just grateful for this undeserved award. Korean culture is now recognized worldwide and celebrated globally. I won’t become complacent in this atmosphere and will strive to make better films. I also thank our Korean film fans. Without them, I would never have won this award. Additionally, I want to share this joy with the staff who worked hard together, and my beloved family, the source of my inspiration.”

His remarks were brief but comprehensive.

“Unlike the actors, you returned late. Could you tell us why?”

“Haha. I’ve been using work as an excuse and haven’t been able to take family vacations. I took this opportunity to travel with my family, killing two birds with one stone.”

After finishing the short interview, Jinwook returned to his family. Soyu smiled and said:

“How does it feel to be famous?”

Jinwook put his hands on his hips, started to laugh loudly, then paused and looked at the children. He was about to show off as usual but caught the children’s gazes. He gave an embarrassed smile.

“It’s just, you know, whatever. Let’s go.”

Soyu tilted her head curiously as her husband, who would normally have made a huge fuss, quietly took Noeul in his arms. Why is he acting like this? This isn’t like him. Has he matured? She chuckled. A mature Kim Jinwook. Somehow, that would be disappointing in its own way.