13.3

Labeling their relationship as ‘friends’ while intimately embracing in such a bare state felt incredibly discordant.

They had only been friends for a short time, and she didn’t know how long they would be friends, it was uncertain how much longer they would continue to meet.

The word ‘friend’ was just a forced word to designate the relationship between the two of them.

“Would you have refused if it were a gift from Joo-eun?”

“Why does Joo-eun’s name come up here?”

“It just occurred to me. If it had been from Joo-eun, it seems like you would have accepted it.”

“Do you feel competitive with Joo-eun?”

“Just fly in first class. Occasionally send me videos of the sights you enjoy. You seem really happy when you’re in first class, it’s nice to watch. I think that’s what friendship is to me.”

Seonho looked like he had reached a profound realization.

“That’s what you call friendship?”

The logic from Seonho was so absurd it almost made her laugh.

“Since we’re friends, I can grant you this wish, right? Let’s do this: I’ll give you an upgrade to first class as a New Year’s gift, and you accept it as your gift to me.”

Seonho winked at her.

“Looking at you now, you’d be a total pushover in a relationship. You’re this generous even to a friend.”

Chaeyoon grabbed Seonho’s cheeks with both hands and squeezed them.

“If you want, I could even become your pushover lover.”

Seonho lightly kissed Chaeyoon’s lips.

“Don’t say things you don’t mean.”

“I do mean it. It’s just the circumstances that are difficult.”

“Fortunately, I dislike the idea of being your girlfriend.”

“Do you realize that kind of statement can be pretty hurtful, right?”

Seonho said, clutching his chest where his heart was.

“I know. It’s not that it doesn’t hurt.”

“No, it does hurt. Since you’ve hurt me, accept my gift. Think of it as an apology for me.”

“What are you even saying? You really do whatever you want.”

“Have I ever been any different?”

Seonho chuckled.

“So you do know?”

“Does that mean you’ll accept the gift?”

“You’re persistent. Fine, I’ll take it. I’ll gratefully accept it. I’ll fly first class and send you videos of my amazement in real time.”

Chaeyoon is the one who receives the gift, but Seonho, the giver, is more pleased and laughs wryly.

“I can’t help it. Your actions are too adorable, I have to give you a kiss.”

While he said it would be a peck, he actually bit her lip generously and gave her a deep kiss.

As their tongues intertwined and their breathing became heavier, her body heated up once again. A creeping desire to meld with him took over her senses.

Since when had my guard around Seonho loosened? 

All her defenses that had been sharp against him were gradually dulling, and she found herself accepting him more easily.

Perhaps it started when we openly expressed their desires this way.

It’s okay, I’ll soon be leaving Korea and will be away from him. So, until then, it’s fine to crave Seonho’s body, these sweet kisses, and his sexy gasps.

On her first day of turning twenty-six, nestled in Seonho’s arms, Chaeyoon told herself.

***

“Have she left?”   

Returning to the office after finishing a meeting, Seonho muttered to himself while checking his wristwatch. He wanted to go to the airport to see Chaeyoon off but couldn’t make it in time.

Just then, his phone rang with a video call request. Chaeyoon’s face filled the screen.

“What’s up?”

Seonho asked, pressing the call button with a surprised expression.

• Hello.

Chaeyoon waved her hand.

“Why the formal greeting all of a sudden.”

Seonho’s eyes crinkled with a smile.

“Haven’t you left yet?”

• Nope. I’m in the VIP lounge, a private room.

Chaeyoon whispered, turning her phone around to show him the lounge.

“Why are you whispering?”

• It feels like I shouldn’t be loud here.

Chaeyoon giggled.

• Ta-da, guess what this is? It’s a beef tenderloin steak.

Chaeyoon showed him the plate in front of her.

• Thanks to the premium care service you signed up for me, I got expedited check-in, and I can order food like this. The buffet is no joke either. It’s incomparable to Jeju Airport.”

“Did you call me to brag about that?”

• Didn’t I tell you I’d send videos of me being amazed in first class, in real-time? I thought I’d start with a video call.

“What? You’re actually doing that?”

Seonho chuckled.

• Of course. This gift cost a fortune. Hmm, wow, this tenderloin just melts in my mouth.

Chaeyoon started eating the tenderloin steak in front of him during the video call and watching her made Seonho feel hungry.

• I need to eat quickly. I’ll be boarding soon. Guess what, they’re taking me on a buggy. Do you know what that is? It’s like those toy cars that zoom around the airport. Have you ever ridden in one?

“It’s a long walk.”

• Still. It’s not something just anyone gets to do.

“Why are you acting like that? You don’t usually show off.”

• Hehe, that’s my theme for today- full-on country bumpkin. I’ll hang up now. I’ll call you again when I board.

Five minutes later, Chaeyoon called again.

• I’m on the plane now. Seonho, look at this. It’s nothing compared to Jeju Island. They even make beds here. It’s so spacious.

Chaeyoon rotated the camera 360 degrees to show the space she was in.

• Look, there’s even a closet to hang coats. Pretty spacious, right? With these partitions, it’s a completely private space.

Chaeyoon, excitedly explaining the airplane’s interior like a YouTuber reviewing a product, seemed slightly exhilarated. 

It’s her weakness, enjoying these kinds of luxuries. Despite her protests, she was clearly loving it.

Seeing Chaeyoon so happy warmed Seonho’s heart. He felt good about insisting she upgrade her ticket despite her objections.

• The in-flight meal is incredible too. A full-course meal in the sky. I’m going to take a picture of it and post it on social media to show off.

“I’m glad you like it. It makes the gift worthwhile.”

– Really. It was good that I just accepted it without protesting further. Thanks.

“You must really like it to actually thank me.”

• Yeah. I can’t help but feel grateful. I’d sell my soul to fly first class for the rest of my life. It’s that good.

Chaeyoon chuckled.

• Oh, I have to hang up. I’ll take a video of the rest and send it to you.

“Sure.”

He didn’t say there was no need for that. It wasn’t about showing off; he simply wanted to see Chaeyoon enjoying herself.

“Travel safely. And be careful there too.”

• Got it. Bye.

Chaeyoon waved and the call was soon disconnected. As Chaeyoon’s face disappeared from the screen, the smile on Seonho’s face ebbed away.

His heart felt hollow with an unexplainable emptiness.

“Would you sell your soul to me? I can give you a first-class ride for the rest of your life.”

The words slipped from Seonho’s lips almost unconsciously. It was he who was feeling precarious and dangerously close to the edge.