Chapter 59 

The thesis with Tae-oh listed as the primary author passed unanimously by the review panel. It was praised for its deep understanding of philosophy and the humanities, as well as its creative approach to the practical application of the field.  

Not only did Tae-oh proudly see his name published in a world-renowned international academic journal, but he also became the first Korean to achieve this feat—a remarkable accomplishment.  

Korea University was in a celebratory mood. As soon as Tae-oh’s paper was published, a banner celebrating his triumphant return was hung at the university’s main gate. Naturally, talks of merging the Philosophy Department disappeared within six months.  

Even Cha Yeon-woo’s positive remarks about Korea University’s Philosophy Department during his broadcast played a significant role. The school administration even discussed increasing the number of incoming Philosophy Department students next year. Everything seemed to be falling into place.  

“Professor!”  

Seol-rin’s eyes widened as she saw Tae-oh standing in front of her house after work. For a moment, she thought she was hallucinating out of longing, but it was indeed him.  

“Why are you so surprised? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”  

“Weren’t you supposed to arrive tomorrow?”  

“I missed you, so I took the early morning flight.”  

“Wow.”  

Seol-rin ran to him and wrapped herself in his arms. She couldn’t express how much she had missed being in his embrace over the past two weeks. Breathing in his familiar musk scent, she stayed in his arms for a long time.  

“Nothing happened, right?”  

“Mm-hmm. Nothing happened.”  

“Good. You’ve worked hard.”  

“Nothing happened, so what’s there to work hard on? You had it much harder than I did.”  

“I just felt like saying it.”  

Tae-oh tightened his arms around her, as if he never wanted to let her go again. The sight of the two lovers holding each other so tightly was as beautiful as a painting.  

“Seol-rin.”  

“Yes?”  

“Shall we go on a trip?”  

“A trip?”  

“Yes. Let’s go somewhere where it’s just the two of us and relax.”

“Anywhere is fine as long as I’m with you, Professor!”  

Seol-rin’s immediate response, without a moment of hesitation, made her all the more endearing to him. Unable to hold back any longer, Tae-oh cupped her cheeks with his large hands and kissed her suddenly.  

At first, Seol-rin flinched in surprise, but soon, she accepted Tae-oh’s deep kiss. Beneath the warm sunlight, the two lovers shared a long, lingering kiss.  

* * *  

Today was the day they were leaving for their summer vacation. As soon as Tae-oh returned from the U.S., the two began planning their trip, but finding time proved harder than expected. Between the flood of interviews directed at Tae-oh, make-up classes, and preparations for final exams, they quickly became busy.  

Their destination was Ganghwa Island. It wasn’t too far from the city and was a place where they could relax. Seol-rin had personally chosen it.  

She especially couldn’t forget the barbecue she had enjoyed at a pension with her friends during her undergraduate years. She was already excited about grilling barbecue with Tae-oh when they arrived at the pension today.  

However, despite her excitement, as soon as they entered the highway, they found themselves stuck for hours. The lively smile she had when they departed was gradually replaced by exhaustion. Tae-oh shook his head, worried she might tire out before they even arrived.  

“If you’re tired, I’ll drive. Let’s stop at the next rest area.”  

“No, it’s fine. I may not own a car, but I’m a top-notch driver.”  

He appreciated her willingness to act as his personal chauffeur for the day, but he couldn’t help but worry about her.  

Hoooonk—!  

At that moment, Seol-rin honked the horn urgently. A car had recklessly cut her off, nearly causing her to rear-end the vehicle in front. In her frustration, a string of curses escaped her lips.  

“D*mn it, is that lunatic trying to die or what?!”  

“….”  

Tae-oh’s eyes widened in surprise at the unfamiliar side of his girlfriend. Though they had been together for over six months, the more he got to know her, the more new sides of her he discovered.  

After calming down, Seol-rin hurriedly apologized.  

“Sorry, Professor. I didn’t mean to swear so much…”  

“No, it’s fine. It’s… feisty. I like it.”  

“Haha…”  

After a few more bursts of swearing, the two finally arrived at the pension on Ganghwa Island.  

* * *  

“Cheers!”  

The sound of beer glasses clinking filled the air. The two of them enjoyed delicious food, chatted warmly, and truly relaxed while admiring the vast natural scenery.  

“Let’s work well together again next semester, Assistant Jin Seol-rin.”  

“Of course! Leave it to me!”  

“What do you want to do after your contract with the school ends?”  

“Hmm…”  

Seol-rin shyly averted her gaze, fiddling with her beer glass. After downing the remaining beer in one gulp, she finally began to speak.  

“Actually, I’ve found something I want to do… So I’ve been preparing for it little by little.”  

“Really?”  

“In the past, I thought I had to work for a big corporation or a public institution, so I didn’t even know what I truly wanted or liked. But now, I think I finally know. I’ve figured out what makes me feel the most fulfilled and happy.”  

“I’m curious. What is it?”  

“I want to work for a children’s foundation. I want to help children who don’t have access to support.”  

After meeting Min-ji, Seol-rin had visited the center several times to meet with the child. At first, Min-ji had been too shy to even lift her head in front of Seol-rin, but over time, she opened up and became brighter.  

Watching this transformation filled Seol-rin with pride and made her want to help other children in similar situations. Recently, she had even begun studying for a childcare teacher certification. Though there was still a long way to go, she was determined to prepare steadily without rushing.  

“When my assistant contract ends, I plan to apply and prepare again.”  

“That’s a great idea. I’ll always support you.”  

“Ah, now I feel embarrassed.”  

“What’s there to be embarrassed about? Knowing what you want to do is rare. Many people go through life not even knowing what they want. In that sense, you’re doing great, Seol-rin.”  

“Thank you for saying that, Professor.”  

More than anything, wasn’t there someone by her side who supported her so much? If there was one thing she could confidently say she did right this year, it was becoming Professor Ma Tae-oh’s assistant.  

“I love you, Professor.”  

“I love you too.”  

“I love you more!”  

Like a squirrel, Seol-rin scurried over to his side and wrapped her arms around him. She whispered her love to him, as always.  

* * *  

“Hmm, what if this just ends up being disappointing?”  

Seol-rin stood in front of a large mirror, examining herself from different angles. She was wearing provocative lace l*ngerie, and her appearance was undeniably sensual. Of course, she felt mortified.  

She had ordered the l*ngerie as an excuse to show a different side of herself during the trip. But when it came time to wear it in front of Tae-oh, she couldn’t bring herself to do it and had kept it tucked away in her bag—until she got caught.  

‘If you prepared it for me, you should wear it, right?’  

She had already spent over 20 minutes agonizing in the bathroom. Finally, with a deep sigh, she cautiously stepped out.  

“Ah! You scared me!”  

Sure enough, Tae-oh was standing right outside the bathroom, unable to wait. His tall frame cast a small shadow over her face.  

“P-Professor…”  

Tae-oh’s heated gaze swept over her bathrobe. He immediately grabbed her by the waist. Embarrassment surged through her, making her toes curl involuntarily. When she lowered her gaze to the floor, Tae-oh gently cupped her face.  

“I’m so embarrassed… Please don’t be disappointed, okay?”  

“It’s fine. You look beautiful.”  

As his warm breath drew closer, the bathrobe slipped to the floor. Feeling even the tiny hairs on her body stand on end, Seol-rin’s cheeks flushed a peachy pink. Tae-oh’s passionate gaze lingered on the sheer l*ngerie that revealed her translucent skin.  

Tae-oh clenched his jaw. Heat was already pooling in his core, making him hard. He barely managed to restrain himself from laying her down and devouring her right then and there.  

“See? I told you… You’re beautiful.”  

“Ah!”  

Tae-oh scooped Seol-rin up in one swift motion. She flailed her legs helplessly in his arms, but he didn’t budge.  

“Stop tempting me, Seol-rin.”  

“W-When did I ever?!”

His lips touched Seol-rin’s forehead. It signaled the beginning of a long night as the two laid down on the bed.  

Tae-oh stared blankly at her ivory-like, pale n*ked body for a long time. She was clad in nothing but a provocative scrap of fabric, letting out soft moans, and her appearance was irresistibly alluring. Even while they were together, he missed her, and in this moment of desire, he yearned for her even more.  

“Professor… Ha, Tae-oh…”  

“You’re driving me crazy, Jin Seol-rin.”  

“Ah, ngh. Tae-oh… Tae-oh…”  

Her voice, whispering his name endlessly, sounded as pitiful as a kitten. His tongue, which had invaded her mouth, meticulously explored her even rows of teeth. The lewd sounds echoed throughout the spacious pension.  

The hard center pressing against her thigh was so hot that she couldn’t ignore it. Even though they had been intimate several times, it always felt as fresh as the first time.  

Of course, it was the same for Tae-oh. With trembling hands, he removed her bra. Her modest mounds, rippling like waves, were revealed. As he grasped her femininity, he took the stiff peak into his mouth.  

The continuous sensual stimulation made Seol-rin arch her hips and gasp. It seemed he intended to completely unravel her, as his actions grew even bolder.  

“Ah, s-stop.”  

“Shh. Stay still.”  

His hands roamed over every inch of her body, their touch filled with sensuality. Seol-rin writhed, her breathing ragged, scattering in short bursts. Her mind grew hazy.  

“Haah…”  

As their actions grew more intense, Seol-rin arched her back and wrapped her arms around Tae-oh’s broad shoulders. Watching her become increasingly aroused, Tae-oh couldn’t help but grow more excited as well.  

“Ahn!”  

Finally, his fingers slipped past the small piece of fabric barely clinging to her hips, tormenting her endlessly. On the bed, he was a sovereign who could do whatever he pleased. In Seol-rin’s wide eyes, there was only Ma Tae-oh.  

“Professor… Please, hurry. Make a mess of me.”  

“You won’t get any sleep tonight.”  

As soon as he finished speaking, Tae-oh thrust into her. Their most intimate parts joined together. The spacious bed, large enough for two adults to lie on with room to spare, creaked noisily. The harder Tae-oh pushed, the louder their moans grew.  

“Ah, I love you! Haah.”  

“I love you, Seol-rin. I love you so much.”  

Before long, the two reached their climax together. The air around them grew hot with their labored breathing.  

“Do you know, Professor? Everything I do with you…”  

“Yes.”  

She looked at him with an overwhelmed expression. She wanted to say this no matter what. Her first job, her first boss, her first love, her first kiss, her first intimacy—Ma Tae-oh had been there for every “first” in her life.  

“It’s my first time, Professor”