10.2

She used to think all s*x was the same, but the first and second times were different, and the third was even more so. Yesterday, perhaps because of their pretend-love play, it felt softer and sweeter.

Seonho meticulously explored every part of her body, awakening desires she didn’t even know she had. He filled her persistently, over and over.

Then, she couldn’t help but chuckle. It was because of her newly discovered s*xual preferences. She knew she was always proactive in everything. But she never thought she’d be like that during s*x.

When she and Seonho make out erotically, she becomes not just bold but mischievous. That was the case yesterday. She tormented him by biting and sucking all over his body. At the peak of his excitement, Seonho gasped and seemed to sob, and then he actually cried.

Seeing that beautiful man trembling and crying out of sheer ar*usal was just so cute and adorable. Chaeyoon had an urge to make him cry even more.

“Do I have a perverted streak?”

Enjoying seeing the ar*used man cry. Of course, since it’s Seonho, who has a flower-like beauty, it’s pleasing to look at.

“I’m scared that others might find out.”

Chaeyoon shook her head vigorously. She hadn’t expected to confront her unknown preferences in this way.

“But this is serious. Now I’ll think about Seonho even more.”

This wasn’t part of the plan.

Even after coming to New York, she often dreamt about having s*x with Seonho, and now she had a bad feeling it would get worse.

Maybe this is why they say physical attraction is dangerous. I’m not sure if it’s fortunate that I’ve discovered such delightful sensations, or if I’ve just stirred up a hornet’s nest. 

The emergence of her latent s*xual desires was frightening.

“Ugh, I don’t want to be h*rny when I’m supposed to be studying abroad and working hard.”

The thought of being tormented by unsatisfied desires was truly dreadful.

Grumble.

Chaeyoon’s stomach, healthy in body and mind, signaled that it was time to eat. She was very hungry after expending so much energy.

“This clueless stomach of mine.”

Chaeyoon slapped her stomach a few times with her palm.

“What should I wear?”

She rummaged through her suitcase. She had only brought a few outfits, thinking she would return home after the wedding.

Yesterday, she had to go out immediately, so she quickly chose warm outerwear. But now, she was incredibly particular about choosing her clothes.

“Why am I like this? Just do as usual, Chaeyoon.”

Chaeyoon opted for a grey knit hoodie dress, which she had brought to wear comfortably indoors.

As she left the bedroom, the aroma of French toast and coffee wafted through the air, making her stomach churn even more

“Come here, sit down. Coffee? Citrus juice?”

Seonho smiled at Chaeyoon when he saw her. His smile was as refreshing as a fruit bursting with juice.

Strange. Was he always this effervescent?

Instead of a robe, Seonho wore a white t-shirt and briefs, his muscular thighs were visible under the briefs.

What am I supposed to do with those solid thighs? No. Stop thinking about it. Especially not about him crying.

“Both. I need both caffeine and vitamins.”

Chaeyoon forced her gaze away from his alluring thighs and quickly moved to the table, taking a seat. 

The table was appealingly set with a ricotta cheese salad, thick slices of French toast with eggs and syrup, b*ttered bagels, and fresh fruit.

Seonho placed a mug of freshly brewed coffee and a glass of orange-tinted juice in front of Chaeyoon and sat down opposite her.

“Ah, coffee. That’s life-saving.”

Chaeyoon savored the aroma of the coffee and took a sip, then dipped her ricotta cheese into the salad and put it in her mouth.

“Huh? These are peonies, aren’t they?”

In a glass vase on the table, there were several fresh white and pink peonies.

The peonies, brimming with water, looked as lush and ripe as fruit about to burst, tempting enough to be plucked and eaten straightaway.

“The scent is mild. Grown in a greenhouse perhaps?”

Suddenly, a memory of a hot June night wafted through her mind, the rich scent of peonies carried by the breeze, and of course, the memory of that day as well.

Chaeyoon glanced at Seonho.

Who would have thought that Seonho, supposed to remain just a one-time memory, would be sitting across from her now? She had tried so hard not to get involved with him during their school days.

“Do you dislike it because the scent is mild?”

“No, it’s still lush and beautiful. It’s nice. Peonies in this winter, what a luxury.”

Chaeyoon ran her fingers through the petals and smiled.

“What do you want to do today?”

“There’s too much snow. Can the plane still take off tonight?”

Chaeyoon spoke worriedly while still looking out the blizzard-stricken window.

“That’s typical for Jeju. But it clears up suddenly.”

“Really? By the way, is Joo Eun-in still on the sea? Is she okay?”

“Why? Worried she might be drifting at sea?”

Seonho’s voice was filled with dissatisfaction.

“I should call her.”

As Chaeyoon got up to fetch her phone, Seonho stopped her.

“Don’t bother the newlyweds. They arrived in Busan last night.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I’m the owner. I checked yesterday.”

“I see.”

Chaeyoon sat back down. She was curious, but now that she thought about it, if she called now, she’d have to tell Joo-eun she was with Seonho, and that was awkward for her.

Maybe it would be better to send a message later.

“Since you pushed yourself yesterday, how about spending today inside the resort? Go to the spa, and get a massage. There are many places to go at the all-inclusive resort.”

Seonho handed her a resort guide.

“Resort exploration. Not bad. Oh, there’s an exhibition of emerging artists here.”

Chaeyoon’s eyes lit up as she flipped through the guide.

“Burning with ambition again.”

“Ah, exactly. Why can’t I just relax at a resort?”

Chaeyoon slowly unclenched the fist she had unwittingly made.

“Ha ha, you would probably make a plan for an effective relaxation, right?”

“I’m not that extreme.”

She was about to ask if they’re gonna move together again but Seonho spoke first.

“Want to eat lobster for dinner? It’s a recommended dish here.”

Seonho acted like it was a given that we would be traveling together. She doesn’t need to ask him if he’s still going with her today.

“Lobster?”

Her appetite kicked in again, and her mouth watered at the thought.

Going to a restaurant alone to eat lobster seemed a bit off, right? We went together yesterday and didn’t feel uncomfortable.

And anyway, I won’t see him after I leave Jeju tomorrow, right? It’s just one more day together.

By now, her habitual reluctance had significantly diminished.

“It’s better to make a reservation in advance if we’re going to eat it.”

“Sure, let’s go for the lobster. So, what’s our plan for today? There’s a swimming pool, and a gym too. We’ve decided to go to the artist exhibition. Looks like we have a tight schedule.”

Looking at Chaeyoon diving into planning mode as she browsed the resort guide, Seonho chuckled.

“Look, there’s also a DJ party at the rooftop clubhouse. Do you dislike noisy events like that?”

“I’ll adjust. Let’s do whatever you want to do.”

“Oh, you totally just went into perfect boyfriend mode there.”

Chaeyoon, clearly pleased, gave two thumbs up.

“I’m just like that. Everything I do is cool.”

“Okay, let’s say so.”

Is this what being brainwashed feels like?

The more she heard his self-indulgent phrases, the more accustomed she was becoming.