Chapter 10.6

“Earlier, what were you talking about with Dad?”

After breakfast, while walking through the apartment complex with Seung-jo, Su-eon asked.

“Oh, just this and that.”

Seung-jo casually answered, slipping Su-eon’s hand into his pocket as he held it.

“Dad seemed a bit off this morning.”

“What about him?”

“I don’t know how to explain it, but he looked at me with what felt like disappointment.”

Although there hadn’t been much time to talk with Seung-jo around, Su-eon couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that had lingered since waking up.

“It’s probably just your imagination.”

Seung-jo tightened his grip on Su-eon’s hand slightly as he spoke.

“But Dad was even talking to you earlier, wasn’t he?”

In truth, more than the uneasy looks, what shocked Su-eon the most was that. Ever since his speech had become slurred, her father hadn’t spoken in front of others.

“Yeah, he seems to feel a bit more at ease.”

Seung-jo answered nonchalantly as he adjusted the loosely wrapped scarf around Su-eon more securely. She stood there, feeling like a child, allowing him to tend to her. The crisp air brushed against her nose, sharp and refreshing.

“Let’s stop by the shop for a moment before going to the café. I have something to pick up.”

At Su-eon’s words, Seung-jo nodded, gently cupped her cheek, and leaned down. His lips lightly touched hers before pulling away, leaving a faint blush on her cheeks.

“Let’s go.”

Taking her hand again, he began walking toward the shopping complex. Once they deactivated the security system and entered the flower shop, Su-eon quickly tidied up the cluttered interior. With three employees now and the recent launch of a flower subscription service, the shop had become a chaotic mix of various items.

“We need to hire more staff.”

Though Su-eon agreed with Seung-jo’s comment, she also felt that having too many employees in such a small space would be inefficient.

“Then we should move to a bigger place.”

“But… wouldn’t the shop become too large?”

Seeing her hesitation, Seung-jo chuckled.

“Didn’t you work tirelessly day and night to grow it?”

“Me?”

“Yeah. You didn’t even spend time with me and were always working.”

As he pushed some scattered delivery boxes into a corner, Seung-jo spoke.

“We planned to get married in November, and now it’s already December.”

“Well…”

“Are you giving it proper thought? Or are you still waiting?”

“You can’t just spring that on me…”

“Even when I spring things on you, you seem to be breathing just fine.”

Lifting Su-eon effortlessly, Seung-jo set her down on the counter. Placing his arms wide on either side of her, he leaned in closer.

“Shall we make it official now?”

“…”

“Or should we just get married first?”

Tilting his head slightly, he gently brushed his nose against her cheek, whispering softly.

“We can think about everything else later.”

As his breath grazed her skin, lightly brushing her lips, Su-eon’s heart raced. Throughout the passing season, he had stayed by her side, patiently waiting with unwavering determination. He had never pressured her, even during her most stressful and chaotic moments.

Instead, he had developed a knack for this. Armed with charm and subtle seduction, he ensured she wouldn’t forget his presence. Each time, Su-eon found herself swept away, wanting to do whatever he asked. At this point, she had essentially surrendered.

Fidgeting with the hem of his sleeve, she finally spoke.

“…I’m practically unemployed right now.”

A silent smile spread across Seung-jo’s lips.

“Is that a yes?”

“Well, actually…”

Just as Su-eon began to continue, the shop’s wind chime jingled softly. Startled, she pushed Seung-jo away and turned toward the door.

“Oh, we’re not open for business… today.”

Her face froze completely. The person who walked in was Jung Cho-ah.

“This flower shop is beautiful. I can tell how much care you and Uncle put into it.”

Breaking the silence, Cho-ah spoke first, looking at Su-eon, who sat quietly across from her. Seung-jo had stepped out to give them space to talk.

“I know you’re not ready to see me yet. But I wanted to apologize before the year ends.”

It was a typically bold statement, characteristic of Jung Cho-ah, who always said exactly what she wanted to say, no matter the situation.

“I’m sorry, Unnie.”

Feeling her throat tighten, Su-eon lifted her head. She had vowed never to see her again, yet seeing Cho-ah’s face, shadowed with dark circles under her eyes, left her feeling uneasy.

“No-ah has been discharged from the military.”

In a cheerful voice, Cho-ah relayed the news that had occurred after Su-eon and Seon-tae had completely left Hannam-dong.

“He was really shocked when he found out you left, that funny guy. He didn’t even call once while he was in the military.”

“…”

“Well, he chased after you just as much as I did.”

To be honest, Unnie, you raised both of us. 

Cho-ah muttered quietly, a bitter smile forming on her lips.

“Mom and Grandma are still fighting every day, like they’re filming a series of soap operas.”

Listening to Cho-ah’s stories, Su-eon felt uncomfortable. Hearing that they were living happily would have made her angry, but hearing about their unhappiness didn’t bring her any joy either.

“Can I come again?”

Unable to bear Su-eon’s prolonged silence, Cho-ah reluctantly stood up and asked.

“Don’t come. This is a business, and dropping by unannounced like this is a nuisance.”

At Su-eon’s response, Cho-ah’s large eyes wavered. A pang of guilt struck Su-eon for the words she had just uttered.

“Still… I’ll come again.”

Cho-ah responded stubbornly before turning to leave. Su-eon sighed. If she sent Cho-ah away like this, she knew she’d be tormented by it for days.

“At least call first before coming.”

The curt words fell from her lips, surprising Cho-ah, who turned back abruptly. Tears welled up and streamed down her face. Seeing this, Su-eon sighed again but soon let out a small laugh, thinking there was no helping it.

After barely consoling the crying Cho-ah and sending her off, Su-eon stepped out of the shop after some time. Holding a small box in her hand, she headed toward the café. As she approached, she spotted Seung-jo standing on the sidewalk in front of the café. Feeling excited to share what had happened with Cho-ah and to give him the box, she quickened her pace. But then, she noticed a woman standing in front of Seung-jo.

The woman had her back to Su-eon and was facing Seung-jo. Even from behind, it was clear she was tall and had an impeccable sense of style. 

Did Seung-jo know someone in this neighborhood? Who could she be?

Ignoring her pounding heart, Su-eon continued walking. Suddenly, Seung-jo chuckled as he looked at the woman.

Su-eon’s heart dropped with a thud.

Stay calm, Ji Su-eon.

This wasn’t catching him in the act of cheating. It was probably just someone he knew that he happened to run into. Besides, the two of them weren’t even officially dating yet. But then again, he had proposed, so they weren’t exactly tsrangers either, were they?

Su-eon decided to approach them calmly, greet them, and, with the composure of someone secure in their position, ask what kind of relationship they had. Like a mature adult.

At that moment, the woman reached out and brushed off Seung-jo’s chest with her hand. Su-eon’s eyes widened.

“He has a girlfriend!”

Her voice rang out clearly over the intersection. Both Seung-jo and the woman turned to look at her simultaneously. She could also feel the stares of passersby.

Realizing what she had just done, Su-eon froze like a statue. The woman, now fully facing her, looked at her with curious, sparkling eyes.

Ah…

With an instinctive realization, Su-eon held her breath. The woman with the sophisticated demeanor and elegant face was Seung-jo’s mother.  

“Don’t come here. Didn’t I tell you not to come?”  

Su-eon shouted as she ran away.  

“I get it, so stop running.”  

“If you understand, then why are you still following me?”  

“Because you’re running.”  

Seeing Seung-jo striding after her, Su-eon turned around completely and began to sprint. After an embarrassing first encounter with Seung-jo’s mother on the street, Su-eon was too mortified and was now fleeing the scene.  

“I get it, I get it. Stop, Ji Su-eon.”  

“Stop first, then I’ll stop!”  

Without looking back, Su-eon shouted as her phone vibrated in her hand. It was Seung-jo. Glancing behind her, she brought the phone to her ear.  

– I stopped  

Seung-jo’s voice resonated in her ears. When Su-eon turned around, she saw Seung-jo standing still in the distance, looking at her. Su-eon, panting heavily, took deep breaths to calm herself.  

– Why are you running away?

“I’m not running away; I’m going home. My dad is probably waiting for me…”  

– That’s not the way to your house, though.  

“….”  

She had no response. As if he could see right through her even from afar, Seung-jo asked,  

– Are you alive  

“No, I don’t think I am.”

Seung-jo chuckled. Hearing his laughter, Su-eon felt her heart gradually settle.  

– I think she stopped by, pretending it was just a coincidence, because she wanted to see you.  

“She seemed like a good person.”  

Although it was brief, Su-eon could tell during their exchange. Seung-jo’s mother exuded elegance and dignity, much like a beautifully crafted ceramic vase.  

– What did you give my mom earlier?  

“Preserved flowers.”  

Originally, it was something Su-eon had made for Seung-jo, but in her flustered state, she had handed the box to his mother instead.  

– …Wasn’t that for me?  

Like a mind-reader, Seung-jo immediately caught on and questioned her.  

“I’ll make another one for you.”  

– Why did you suddenly make that in the first place?  

“Just… for no particular reason.”  

– Ji Su-eon. 

In a voice that hinted at frustration, Seung-jo called her name.  

“I was going to tell you anyway. Let’s stop pretending we’re not dating.”

– Say that to my face.  

That was the original plan. Like an adult. She had even prepared herself thoroughly.  

– Do I have a girlfriend?  

Seung-jo teased her. Su-eon pretended not to hear.  

“Just so you know, I’m still unemployed, and I haven’t decided what I’m going to do yet.”  

Turning toward where Seung-jo stood, Su-eon spoke. Her steps began to move toward him little by little.  

“I was planning to get a job once my dad’s shop was stable, but the flower shop is growing more and more.”  

– I see.  

“So, I can’t promise anything like marriage right now. Honestly, I’m not confident either.”  

– I get it, so just come here.  

“Did you really listen to what I just said?”  

– I’m listening.  

“We live in completely different worlds, and I can’t be sure of anything about the future… but still, right now, I really like you, Senior.”  

Lifting her gaze, Su-eon looked into Seung-jo’s eyes as she spoke.  

“I like you, Seung-jo.”

– ….

“I really like you.”  

Seung-jo’s sigh, almost like a lament, echoed in her ears as if it were brushing against her cheek.  

– If you take just one more step, I’ll never let you go.  

Su-eon’s feet froze. Seeing her suddenly stop, Seung-jo frowned.  

– Are you coming or not?

“…I was about to, but you keep…”  

– Come here while you talk.

Grumbling, he strode toward her. Flustered, she quickly started walking too.

“In the end, I came first.”  

Stopping right in front of Su-eon, Seung-jo let out a small, hollow laugh.  

“I came too, you know.”  

Seung-jo pulled Su-eon into a tight embrace.  

“If you try running away again, I’ll chase you to the ends of the earth.”  

At his childlike words, Su-eon laughed and wrapped her arms around his back in return. Bending his body down, Seung-jo brushed his cheek against hers and rubbed his nose against her hair, letting out a languid sigh that sounded almost like a whisper.  

“You say we live in different worlds, but to me, that doesn’t matter at all.”  

Above the cold winter sky, Seung-jo’s breath spread out in a white cloud.  

“Living or dying, in the end, it’s just a fine line. So while I’m alive, I’m not going to let you go, not even for a moment.”  

Seung-jo cupped Su-eon’s cheeks in his hands. Her flushed cheeks, her sparkling eyes under the winter sunlight. His face was reflected in the faint patterns of her irises, and one by one, he took in the images of her bright, radiant smile as she looked at him.  

“In the end, what we’ll remember are things like this. The fact that you confessed to me today, the fact that I’m holding you here right now.”  

“…….”  

“That’s enough for me.”  

His warm breath tickled Su-eon’s cheeks.  

“If it’s like this, I think I’ll be happy.”  

Ah, so this is it. This is enough. 

Nodding, Su-eon burrowed deeper into Seung-jo’s arms. Just as he said, she felt happy.  

The winter sunlight spread warmly over the lovers, who stood holding each other tightly.