Side Story 2.3

The road stretched in a straight line, running parallel to the sea as if it were following the car. The horizon, where the sky met the ocean, formed a blue boundary, blending seamlessly into each other.

Yoon-jae’s expression softened. Her world now felt so abundant and serene. Beside her was the man who generously provided and shared all of this.

A wave of affection swept over her. It was a faint but genuine emotion that had always lived within her. Yoon-jae turned her gaze to Baek-geon with newfound appreciation.

“Is there something on my face?”

His indifferent question made her want to tease him. Smiling, she nodded.

“You have something on your face.”

“What? What’s on my face? I didn’t even eat.”

“Good looks.”

Baek-geon finally chuckled. His willingness to laugh at even her silly jokes made her adore him even more. Yoon-jae continued to gaze at his profile for a long time.

“I know I’m good-looking, but why do you keep staring?”

“Wow, I just said it as a joke, but you really believe it.”

Pretending to pout, Yoon-jae pursed her lips. Baek-geon shrugged nonchalantly.

“I’ve never been told I’m ugly. Plenty of women have followed me around, and I’ve never been left alone.”

Speaking with confidence, Baek-geon skillfully turned the wheel. The car glided smoothly along the curved road before returning to a straight path.

Watching his demeanor and expression, Yoon-jae felt a sharp pang in her chest, as if pricked by a thorn.

With his looks and physique, who wouldn’t be captivated? Suddenly, she became curious about the women who had been in his life.

Frowning slightly, Yoon-jae felt a dull ache in her heart from the thought. She turned her head away as if to brush it off, prompting Baek-geon to glance at her and ask.

“Are you feeling unwell? What’s with your face?”

Yoon-jae hurriedly relaxed her furrowed brows and raised the corners of her lips as if nothing was wrong.

“What? Nothing’s wrong.”

Despite her response, Baek-geon sent a sharp glance through the rearview mirror, his lips curling into a faint smile.

“What? Are you worried your handsome husband might get snatched away by someone?”

“What are you talking about? Who would take you away?”

Yoon-jae immediately retorted, clamping her lips shut afterward. The rare display of jealousy made Baek-geon’s lips twitch into a smirk.

“Your expression changed the moment I mentioned other women.”

At his words, Yoon-jae pressed her lips tightly together, staring out the window. Her flushed earlobes, visible as she turned her head away, made Baek-geon bite his lip to suppress a laugh.

“Hm, so you do get jealous.”

“…I don’t.”

Yoon-jae snapped back, then fell silent again.

To Baek-geon, however, she only appeared endlessly adorable. Her flustered demeanor, pretending to sulk while her cheeks turned red, was utterly endearing.

He chuckled softly as he continued driving. In the distance, the resort where they would be staying came into view.

*

Yoon-jae’s eyes widened. The suite was astonishingly spacious and comfortable.

What surprised her most was the large open-air bath with a cypress wood tub. Occupying the entire terrace space beyond the living room, the bath was elegant and secluded.

The wooden louvers and dense trees made it difficult for anyone outside to peek in. Sunlight filtering through the windows cast soft, lazy shadows across the space.

An employee had greeted them earlier, explaining that the bath had been filled just before their arrival. Now, the scent of warm water and wood filled the air, causing Yoon-jae to sniff the air repeatedly. The natural, soothing fragrance calmed her mind.

While she explored the room, Baek-geon opened a bottle of champagne from the welcome amenities and poured it into two glasses, handing one to her. Yoon-jae’s eyes sparkled as she accepted the glass.

“Do you like it? Director Kim insisted this was the best place and even went ahead to make the reservation.”

“I love it. Really, it’s perfect.”

Seeing her delighted expression, Baek-geon took a sip of champagne with a relieved sigh. He had initially wanted to go abroad but had to give up due to work commitments, worrying whether she’d like this alternative.

He picked up a strawberry and popped it into Yoon-jae’s mouth. She silently savored the fruit, basking in the blissful atmosphere.

“If you like it so much, shall we start with a bath?”

His low voice made Yoon-jae glance at him. His previously relaxed expression had shifted into something more suggestive.

In an instant, she realized the meaning behind his words, her cheeks flushing red. The tranquil atmosphere grew charged with tension.

“Come here, So Yoon-jae.”

Baek-geon reached out and pulled her close. Before she knew it, she was in his arms.

His tongue invaded her mouth. As her weak resistance faded, everything unfolded naturally. Without realizing it, Yoon-jae began sucking on his tongue fervently. It was clumsy but passionate and intense.

“Heh.”

Baek-geon broke the kiss with a soft chuckle.

“Now you’re starting to get the hang of it, aren’t you?”

Yoon-jae hunched her shoulders. She couldn’t deny it. Her body had already responded, ripened to its core. The moment he touched her, she was startled by how quickly her body reacted.

His hands undressed her with surprising tenderness. Though his gaze was as fierce as a predator’s, his actions were gentle and considerate.

Yoon-jae willingly entrusted herself to him, surrendering completely. Such trust was only possible because she was certain she wouldn’t be abandoned again.

Their kiss resumed. Baek-geon kissed her deeply, stealing her breath away as his tongue explored hers. Yoon-jae responded passionately, removing his jacket and shirt in return.

Baek-geon lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bath. In the warm water, he caressed her body, taking her with unrelenting intensity.

“Haah.”

Yoon-jae let out a soft gasp. Baek-geon’s desire consumed her, spreading its heat through her entire being. The flames that had transferred from him burned her body completely.

After a long, fiery session, Yoon-jae lay exhausted in his arms, her breath coming in short gasps. She was utterly drained by his boundless passion.

Baek-geon, still holding her, raised her hand and gazed at the ring on her finger. As he lovingly stroked the ring, Yoon-jae opened her mouth to speak.

“I have something to tell you.”

“Go ahead.”

Baek-geon replied nonchalantly. She had often started conversations this way, revealing things he didn’t know.

Usually, it was about Yoo-na—little secrets like how her teeth had begun to show, but only she had noticed.

He assumed this time would be no different, casually tightening his embrace around her waist.

Yoon-jae turned her head slightly, looking back at him. Her half-turned face stared directly at him with unusually bright eyes. Just as he noticed how radiant her gaze was, her lips parted.

“I think I love you, Han Baek-geon.”

For a moment, Baek-geon froze in place. The entire world seemed to lose its color, leaving only her brown eyes filling his vision.

“…Can you say that again?”

His reaction made Yoon-jae smile without realizing it. The man who never faltered at anything was now stammering, stunned by a simple confession.

“I’ll say it again, but it’s the same. I love you. I really like you.”

His face slowly lit up with joy. Yoon-jae let out a short gasp as he enveloped her in a tight embrace, his strength catching her off guard.

“Ah, it hurts.”

Baek-geon quickly loosened his hold, adjusting his grip on her. His expression returned to its usual calm, indifferent look.

But his eyes betrayed his elation and excitement. Pressing his lips to her ear, he whispered softly.

“Thank you.”

Yoon-jae closed her eyes briefly, smiling. When she opened them again, she was met with the face of a man overwhelmed with emotion and joy.

“Thank you.”

Repeating those words, Baek-geon made Yoon-jae laugh as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He showered her with kisses, murmuring “I love you” repeatedly.

For the first time, Yoon-jae felt truly happy. The person she needed most in the world, the one who desired her, was right by her side.

They would grow kinder, more understanding, and more affectionate toward each other. That was the path to making their love more mature and beautiful.