Chapter 15

The hotel was a business hotel near Aewol. The Museum Café construction site was nearby, so it was an obvious choice. After a quick check-in, they went to their rooms, unpacked, and regrouped to handle urgent tasks.

The person who requested this project was a guesthouse owner Wooseok had met years ago in Jeju Island. Back then, Eunjae was abroad. To be exact, it was more of an escape trip. Anyway, even during the time Eunjae didn’t know, Wooseok had made his presence felt. He drew people’s attention and gained their trust, turning it into business. He was truly gifted.

Just the work he brought from Jeju Island had gotten them through a whole quarter without worry. Back then, the architecture office [Seum] hadn’t been established like it is now, so business was crucial. It was before they recruited Manager Park Sungho, so Wooseok’s contributions were even greater.

At the time, President Kiwon was busy meeting investors and didn’t have time to be involved in operations. Wooseok filled all those gaps. That’s why his role and actions were often pivotal for the company.

This Jeju Island trip was supposed to be handled by Kiwon, but since the café owner trusted Wooseok more, President Han intentionally sent him. As she followed Wooseok around the site, Eunjae was once again reminded of his presence.

Everywhere they went, he knew people. From Seoul to Jeju Island—there were people who didn’t need to use his office but trusted him with their work anyway. Even if it cost a little more, they trusted his responsibility and sense.

Wooseok inspected the site with sharp eyes, and in those moments, he was more sensitive and precise than anyone. Eunjae didn’t argue and simply followed. She also believed that the line between friend and boss should be clear.

“We should rethink this part.”

Wooseok stood in the space meant to highlight the ocean view, looking serious. The place was slightly different from the photos and videos sent before. Unexpected problems often arose in spots like this. That’s why, no matter how busy, they always had to check the site.

“I’ll have them recheck the drawings.”

Eunjae immediately understood what he meant, took photos, and wrote notes. She’d have to pass it on to the person in charge when they got back. Even though she’d been called in as a substitute, she carefully inspected the site. Her thoroughness was often helpful.

“We’re done here. What time was the appointment at Hyeopjae?”

“Four o’clock.”

At Eunjae’s answer, Wooseok glanced at his watch. They’d skipped lunch and worked, so they’d need to squeeze in a late meal. If Shin Eunjae didn’t eat, her expression wouldn’t be good. He left the site and headed to the car, opening the passenger door as if it were natural.

As Eunjae walked to the car with her umbrella, she hesitated again. Why did he keep doing things he hadn’t done before? When she glared, Wooseok couldn’t hide his smile. It was a different face from when he worked. He never let people feel comfortable. She walked over and got in the car.

“Anything you want to eat?”

Wooseok asked as he turned on the navigation.

“We’re busy, so let’s just eat something simple.”

“We came all the way to Jeju Island—how could we?”

Wooseok entered the address for his usual braised cutlassfish restaurant.

“Shin Eunjae, you can’t resist braised fish.”

“Who says I can’t resist?”

Annoyed at his silly words, Eunjae fastened her seatbelt. Then she realized her stomach was growling. Braised cutlassfish… just thinking about it made her mouth water. Jung Wooseok, who knew Shin Eunjae so well, was like a skilled trainer.

“You’re scary sometimes.”

As the car started, Eunjae blurted out, and Wooseok smiled as if he understood.

“So hurry up and say you’ll date me.”

Eunjae snapped her head toward him. His smirk was so irritating. She couldn’t tell if he was joking or serious anymore. Whatever. For now, she just thought about the braised cutlassfish. When things were complicated, eating was the easiest solution.

“Stop picking at it and eat.”

“Fine. Got it.”

Still, Wooseok kept picking out the fish and putting it on top of Eunjae’s rice. Even if she told him not to, she knew he wouldn’t stop. Stubborn as always, so Eunjae pretended not to notice and ate.

No one would feel guilty about this. If he missed out on the fish, that was his loss.

Thinking that way, Eunjae thoroughly enjoyed the taste. She barely chewed before it melted in her mouth. This is what people meant by ‘honey taste.’ Eunjae’s chopsticks moved faster and faster. She’d wondered if she could eat properly with him around, but familiarity was hard to ignore.

As always, he placed the water glass, set the utensils, ordered two servings of rice, and they both looked at their phones. Well, that was just Eunjae. Wooseok simply watched her.

She thought he was doing it on purpose, so Eunjae didn’t react and just did what she always did. Wooseok didn’t say much more.

Asking her to look at him.  

Asking her to date him.  

Asking to talk about their relationship.

He just smiled every time Eunjae looked happy when the braised cutlassfish arrived. Then, like he was her mother, he picked out the fish for her. Despite his cold looks, Jung Wooseok had a gentle side that others didn’t know about. He only showed it when they were alone. Maybe that’s why Eunjae was confused and drawn to him.

“Should we walk by the beach after eating?”

Wooseok piled more cutlassfish onto Eunjae’s plate and asked.

“Will we have time?”

They had to get to Hyeopjae by four. It might be tight. Usually, they’d have time for a meal and coffee, but walking on the beach felt more like a vacation. Kiwon had said to treat it like a holiday, but it still felt wrong.

“If we dawdle, we’ll be late, Team Leader Jung. Let’s just eat and go.”

“What about tonight?”

Wooseok’s expression turned serious again. Eunjae quietly put down her spoon.

“At night… sleep, I guess?”

Her ambiguous answer made Wooseok laugh silently.

“I have something to say.”

She could almost guess what it was just by his eyes. Eunjae wondered why he kept acting this way. Until now, if he thought she was uncomfortable, Jung Wooseok would always back off.

Was there some urgent reason he couldn’t do that now? That thought reminded her of what Kiwon had said on the phone. Maybe it was something that kept bothering him.

“You’re going to ask me to date you again, right?”

Eunjae finally spoke up.

“So, do you not want to?”

Wooseok’s eyes looked strangely pitiful. Jung Wooseok, pitiful? No one would believe that. Eunjae met his gaze and asked seriously.

“Is it because of the blind date your parents want you to go to?”

“…What?”

Wooseok looked genuinely confused.

“President said so. You came on this trip to avoid going, right?”

“…”

Even when Eunjae asked, Wooseok just stared at her in silence. The warmth in his eyes vanished instantly. It was as if he was declaring, ‘I don’t like it, but I won’t say it.’

“How much pressure do your parents put on you? I already told you I’d play the role of your girlfriend for you. That day… well, yes, most of it was my fault, so I said I’d do anything. There’s no need for us to actually date….”

“Are you done eating?”

Wooseok cut her off and suddenly asked.

“Huh? …Yeah.”

“If you’re done, let’s go.”

Wooseok grabbed the bill and headed to the counter. Eunjae couldn’t help but look uncomfortable. What was she supposed to do in this situation? If she just said okay to dating, would everything be solved? And what about the aftermath? And what about their ending?

Eunjae’s mind was tangled. Maybe it was easier to keep hiding her feelings, like she had until now. She didn’t want to lose even the chance to stay friends. What if they started lightly and then broke it off? Would they just become strangers then? That was a far more dreadful thought.

What she’d always wanted was to sort out her feelings and keep a reasonable distance. Not too close, not too far. To stay friends and keep their connection for life—she couldn’t throw that away because of a moment’s weakness.

“I’m going out for a cigarette.”

Wooseok said as he left the restaurant and disappeared toward the beach. He didn’t care about the rain, walking off without hesitation. Eunjae picked up the umbrella she’d brought, but just stood there silently.