CHAPTER 32 – Questions You May Have (Part 2)

Seoyeon stood in front of Dojun’s apartment door after stepping out of the elevator. She pressed the doorbell and waited, but there was no response. She pressed it again, and when there was still no answer, she thought about calling him but decided he might have just stepped out for a moment. She entered the passcode and walked in.

Contrary to her expectations, the apartment was dark. Having just finished tidying up the store and coming over, it was already close to 9 PM. She assumed Dojun would have been home by now, but he wasn’t back yet.

She tried to think of his car in the parking lot, but she couldn’t remember. Assuming Dojun had arrived first, she just parked her car on an empty spot and came straight up.

Should I go inside or wait outside?

Since she had already entered the passcode and come in, she decided against waiting outside and took off her shoes. She turned on the living room light to indicate she was there and headed to the master bedroom, turning on the lights there as well.

She placed her handbag on the low dresser in the dressing room and pulled the mobile garment rack forward. She pushed the empty hanger to one side and pulled out her cell phone. She opened Dojun’s schedule from his secretary and checked off each item.

A three-day trip to Singapore. Executive meeting. Training center completion ceremony.

Looking at the schedule made it clear how busy Dojun was. And how distant he felt.

Come to think of it, setting up his outfits was something she would only do once more. Next week will be the last time she’ll prepare his clothes.

Seoyeon neatly hung up the shirts and suits, gathered the sneakers and loafers, and was just about to label them when she heard a noise outside. Thinking Dojun had arrived, she stepped out of the master bedroom and met his gaze as he entered.

“You came quickly.” 

Dojun said. Every once in a while, he says something to which she doesn’t know how to respond, so Seoyeon just nodded.

“Finish up and come out.”

Dojun said as he tossed his jacket onto the hanger. Opening a drawer, he grabbed underwear and a thin cotton t-shirt and headed toward the bathroom. Suddenly, as if remembering something, he turned and asked Seoyeon,

“Aren’t you curious?”

About what? 

Seoyeon looked at him silently, and Dojun asked again.

“Do you have any questions?”

Seoyeon turned her head. She had no curiosity, nor did she have the need to ask. Knowing about someone you’re about to break up with wouldn’t help.

“No.”

Seoyeon responded calmly as she continued to place the loafers one after the other and closed the box. She picked up the slips of paper she had placed at the bottom of the hanger, wrote down the days of the week, and stuck them one by one, feeling Dojun’s gaze on her the whole time. He finally spoke as she placed the last tag.

“Do you want to know what it’s about?”

“No.”

She regretted answering too quickly, and Dojun let out a small sigh. He looked around the dressing room and ran a hand through his hair.

“Next week is the last time for this too.”

“Yes.”

“Thank you for all your hard work.”

“No problem. It’s my job, after all.”

Seoyeon averted her gaze, answering while methodically checking that everything was in order. Dojun watched her quietly for a moment before speaking.

“If you’re done, come out and have something to eat.”

When Seoyeon finished setting up and stepped out, she saw two lunch boxes placed on the island. The lacquered wooden boxes were embossed with the logo of “Dameum” a Korean restaurant at the Hanseong Hotel. Dojun poured warm water into a cup, glancing at Seoyeon.

“Sit down.”

“No, I just came by to set up the clothes today.”

Dojun’s hand paused momentarily as he poured the water. He placed the electric kettle back on the island and looked at Seoyeon. Feeling a bit awkward, she added,

“I’m tired and would like to rest.”

“Who said anything about s*x?”

Dojun said nonchalantly. Embarrassed by his bluntness and realizing she had jumped to conclusions, Seoyeon bit the inside of her lip. Her face felt hot from both the explicit remark and her own presumptuousness.

“Just eat before you go. You probably haven’t eaten all day, dealing with customers.”

“No, really, I—”

“We’re done in two weeks, so why are you being so difficult?” With that, Dojun opened one of the lunch boxes. Inside, there were rice wraps made with aged kimchi and mugwort leaves, neatly arranged bulgogi, ginseng salad, pickled plums, and kimchi.

“This is something I ordered separately because you looked unwell.”

Dojun said, pulling something out of a shopping bag on the floor. He placed a round disposable container on the island. It was beef and mushroom porridge.

“It’s still warm, so eat it.”

What is this man thinking?

Seoyeon wondered as she looked at him. Everything seemed so simple for him, while she struggled to ignore and overlook things. She felt a tinge of resentment.

“Sit down.”

Dojun’s words were inviting, but his gaze was commanding. With a sigh, Seoyeon took a seat.

Fine, I’ll eat and leave. He promised there wouldn’t be any physical intimacy, so he should keep his word.

Seoyeon picked up the spoon.

* * *

After finishing their meal, Seoyeon helped Dojun close the lunch boxes and clean up the disposable containers. As Dojun placed the used cup in the sink and turned around, he looked at Seoyeon quietly.

“Why?”

Seoyeon asked, feeling his intense gaze. Dojun walked towards her, and she instinctively stepped back. He gently cupped her chin, his large hand warm against her cheek.

Why again…….

The warmth of his touch made Seoyeon’s chest tighten. Dojun observed her carefully, then flipped his hand to place the back of it on her cheek, followed by her forehead.

“You have a fever.”

“I took medicine earlier.”

Seoyeon turned her head as she answered.

“I was a little rough on Friday.”

How can he say that? 

Seoyeon looked at Dojun incredulously. His eyes fell on the scarf around her neck. She instinctively covered her neck and turned away.

“Let me see.”

Dojun reached out abruptly. 

No, don’t. 

Seoyeon protested, but the silky scarf slipped smoothly through his fingers.

Dojun’s eyes studied the remaining red marks with great interest, as if counting them. He then moved his fingers to the neckline of her knit top, pulling it slightly. The unexpected action made Seoyeon’s face flush.

“Quite the impressive marks.”

Dojun said after checking her shoulder. Stunned, Seoyeon glared at him. 

Who do you think made these? 

She pushed his hand away and pulled her knit top back up to cover her shoulder.

“Don’t worry about it.”

Seoyeon said, clutching the scarf in her hand. There was no time to argue about such things anymore. She could only hope the marks would fade soon.

“I’m going on a business trip on Tuesday.”

I know. A three-day trip to Singapore. 

Seoyeon wrapped the scarf around her neck, tying it neatly. Dojun spoke again as she did.

“Want me to bring you something?”

Seoyeon looked at him in mild shock. 

Why are you like this?

“Do you like tea? Secretary Kang always buys tea when he goes there.”

It’s not about the tea. You’re the problem. Why do you keep crossing the line?

“No, it’s okay.”

“As an apology. There are only two weeks left, so let’s not make a big deal out of little things. You accepted the necklace, so some tea shouldn’t be an issue.”

Mentioning the necklace left Seoyeon at a loss for words. She couldn’t even remember which bag it was in, but it was still holding her back.

“Just the necklace is enough. You don’t need to do anything more. Please don’t worry about it.”

“I’m giving it to you for my own peace of mind, so don’t worry and just accept it.”

Seoyeon wanted to punch Dojun in the face for being so nonchalant. On Friday night, he had pushed her to the point of exhaustion, then didn’t send a single message on Saturday, and today, he was driving her crazy.

“Should I really accept a gift just for your peace of mind?”

“That’s why I’m asking. I’ll get you whatever you want.”

“I don’t need anything.”

“Are you still upset about Friday? Or is it because of Director Chung earlier?”

“No, it’s just, I’m fine.”

Seoyeon’s voice was raised, nearly shouting. Dojun laughed at that. Infuriated, Seoyeon grabbed her handbag. 

Why am I having this ridiculous conversation here? I should just go home.

“I’ll leave now. Thanks for the meal.”

Her tone was sarcastic as she walked toward the entrance. Suddenly, she was spun around, letting out a short “Ah,” as it escaped her lips. Before she could think of anything to say, she felt Dojun’s body heat.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

Dojun’s voice resonated through her, and suddenly, Seoyeon’s eyes welled up with tears. The warm body and the firm grip made her feel like everything she had been holding back was about to burst.

Why are you like this, Yoon Seoyeon? Get a grip.

As she tried to steady her emotions, Dojun cupped her cheek. Seoyeon resisted, trying not to lift her head and she heard Dojun laugh softly.

“I’m leaving. Let me go.”

“No.”

“Why…?”

Seoyeon looked up. 

Why are you doing this to me?

She barely swallowed the words of resentment that almost escaped her lips. 

This is too cruel.

“You get fevers out of nowhere. You’re a picky eater. You’re stubborn as a mule. You’re not curious about anything.”

Dojun spoke while looking into her eyes. She wanted to refute every point, but his gaze was so close that she felt like she was choking, unable to speak.

Their lips met softly. Dojun’s lips pressed against hers repeatedly as he held her head, deepening the kiss.

“Drives me crazy how beautiful you are.”

He whispered, very close, his dark eyes scanning Seoyeon’s face up and down.

“You’re the best at driving people crazy. Did you know that?”

You’re one to talk. 

Seoyeon glared at Dojun. He laughed at her, then kissed her again. When she tried to push him away, he held her tighter, making it impossible to move as he deepened the kiss with his tongue.

“You said… we’d only eat…”

Seoyeon spoke in between the brief moments their lips parted. Dojun kissed her again as he responded.

“Who said that?”

“You clearly said earlier…”

Seoyeon’s back met the wall as she was pushed further. He was still exploring her mouth deeply, then pulled away and looked down at her.

“I’ll drive you home. Just stay a little longer.”

Seoyeon shook her head. Dojun lowered his head and said.

“Just an hour.”

When she shook her head again, Dojun said 30 minutes, then kissed her again. Then it was 10 minutes, and then 5 minutes.

Despite her repeated refusals, when Dojun finally said just 1 minute and stole another kiss, Seoyeon reluctantly nodded. However, it was well past 1 minute before she was finally released from his embrace.