Part 7

Words slipped out before she realized it.

But it’s true. Why make people uncomfortable by doing things you’ve never done?

Seowoo looked alternately at the shoes and him, her face full of confusion. The shoes were awkward enough, let alone him sitting there like that.

The well-tailored suit, usually without a single wrinkle, now creased just from his posture.

He had always disliked even the slightest crease. So this was clearly an awkward situation for him as well.

“No. Do you even know my shoe size?”

“Why wouldn’t I know your shoe size?”

“What size is it?”

“235.”

“Ah, that’s not it.”

Seowoo quickly denied it. Seeing her furrow her brow and insist, Jiwook let out a slight smile.

“Your acting has really improved since you came back. So it’s not?”

“…No, it’s not.”

“What if it is? What will you do then?”

He smiled leisurely, as if to say she was right in the palm of his hand. 

I should not give in. 

She composed her expression and spoke.

“What do you want me to do?”

“If the shoe size is right, I’ll stay the night here.”

At that moment, Seowoo’s pupils trembled slightly. Watching her reaction, Jiwook got up from his kneeling position and stuffed his hand into one pocket.

“So, where is your sleeping quarter?”

After showing up here, he was now talking about staying the night. It was not just a visit anymore.

Seowoo stammered, overwhelmed, unlike Jiwook who was just smiling.

“I can sleep in your room, in your bed. Since the shoe size will be right.”

His voice was filled with confidence.

***

Eventually, she got into his car.

Dressed in the outfit Jiwook had bought her, wearing the shoes, carrying the bag.

The shoe size was indeed a perfect fit.

It was so precise it could be believed that a master craftsman had measured and made them custom.

“Ha.”

Seowoo sighed softly as she looked out the window. After work, he had arrived without a single word, directly storming into her house.

‘I came up directly because you probably wouldn’t have come out if I just asked. I came to pick you up.’

Jiwook was right.

She had no intention of hurrying out the door at the mere mention of a date.

Glancing down, she noticed the outfit draped over her body from head to toe; he had brought everything for her to wear and put on. Yet, everything matched her taste so well that it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to think she had gone out and bought them herself.

“What are you thinking about?”

“…Nothing.”

Seowoo answered with a cold voice.

She worried for a moment whether it was okay to be out and about so openly, considering the journalists that might follow her after her comeback. Looking in the side mirror, Seowoo scanned the surroundings.

“Don’t worry. We’ll go somewhere away from the crowds.”

He spoke first, noticing her movements. 

Still, if journalists caught photos of me getting into his car…

Was I being too careless? 

All sorts of thoughts crowded her mind.

Then, his large hand covered hers.

“Don’t think about anything, just focus on me today.”

The place they arrived at was a restaurant on the outskirts of Seoul.

It wasn’t large or grandiose but a quaint and atmospheric spot.

The parking lot had space for only about ten cars.

“Welcome, General Manager.”

“Long time no see.”

Jiwook greeted with a friendly smile. The person who came out to meet them seemed to be the chef, judging by his attire.

“I’ve been wanting to come here for a while, but now I finally got the chance.”

“Thank you for coming all the way here.”

“I’m the one who should be thankful. Thank you for making the time.”

The conversation was somewhat formal. Seowoo stood a bit awkwardly behind him.

“I’ll show you to your table.”

A staff member, standing beside the chef, smiled and led the way.

The dining hall was empty.

Was it a day off today?

Seowoo followed him with a puzzled look. Along the hallway, there was a table for two set in front of a large window.

“I’ll have it ready for you.”

The two sat side by side, and the staff member left. Seowoo carefully set her bag down, and Jiwook picked up a table napkin and handed it to her.

The restaurant was dim enough to be considered slightly dark.

The interior had a shiny, new look to it, as if it had just been renovated, every small accessory meticulously arranged.

“The chef here used to work at a place I frequented. I wanted to bring you along, but then we divorced…”

Jiwook trailed off. He took a moment to collect himself as he looked out the window.

“It’s been about two months since this place opened. I had to ask for a favor on short notice today.”

“You mean, it’s empty because…”

“Yes. It’s usually closed today, but I asked for a special favor.”

Seowoo looked at him as he spoke earnestly.

“I told him I wanted to come with my wife. I needed to score some points, and I really wanted you to try the chef’s cooking.”

Seowoo turned her head away with an uneasy expression. 

Every time she saw that sincere look in his eyes, her emotions fluttered, and she felt a tingle around her eyes. Biting the inside of her cheek, she lowered her gaze.

“The food isn’t anything special, but I think it’ll suit your taste. I hope so.”

***

“Would you like another glass of wine?”

The main course had already been served. True to his words, the food was neatly prepared and quite delicious. 

Each bite seemed to melt smoothly in her mouth. 

The flavor was unstimulating yet savory, exactly the kind Seowoo had always enjoyed.

“Yes, I’d like to.”

As Seowoo answered, Jiwook filled her glass with wine. 

It was already her third glass. 

She hadn’t intended to drink much, but the food tasted so good that even the wine was getting to her.

Lifting her filled glass, he raised his own in a toast. 

Clink—

The clear sound of the glasses clinking rang in her ears. Seowoo carefully brought the glass to her lips and took a sip. The sharp wine slid down her throat.

“Try this.”

He sliced his portion of the steak and placed it in front of her.

“Have this. You can eat mine.”

Seeing that she was eating well, a look of relief spread across Jiwook’s face.

All the things he used to ignore without a second thought were now weighing on him one by one.

“It feels like a dream.”

Jiwook murmured. Seowoo felt the same way. 

A dream.

Not long ago, she had returned to the acting job she longed to do, and now she was having dinner in a strange place, with her ex-husband sitting beside her. 

The situation had changed so drastically in just a few months that it felt unreal, as if it weren’t actually happening.

So it wasn’t too far-fetched to think she was dreaming.

“I have something I’m curious about.”

Breaking the calm silence, Seowoo spoke first.

“What is it?”

It was a welcome question, considering she had been mostly silent while eating. 

Maybe the wine had gone to her head a little. Her makeup-free cheeks were flushed red.

“…”

She was speechless for a moment.

She hesitated, quietly looking at her wine glass. After taking a sip, she licked her lips.

“Go ahead. It’s okay.”

Jiwook encouraged her to speak soothingly.

He wondered what she was so hesitant about.

As she fidgeted with the rim of her wine glass with the tip of her finger, she sighed softly.

“I thought you didn’t know a single thing about me…….”