It was a name Yoo-jin had heard countless times during her study abroad days. One of the people Jae-hee, an American, had casually spent time with while attending university in Korea was Soo-jin. However, Soo-jin hadn't studied abroad, so she was also someone Yoo-jin hadn't seen. Yoo-jin glanced briefly at Jae-hee's sleeping face, held the phone, and cautiously closed the door as she left. She took a deep breath. What should I say? 'I'm Seon Jae-hee's acquaintance. This is Seon Jae-hee's wife'…That should be enough. Yoo-jin pressed the call button and held the phone to her ear.

"This is Seon Jae…"

"Unnie! Are you okay? You said you'd contact me when you get home, but why haven't you contacted me?! What happened? You're not in trouble, are you? You're not answering calls or texts! It's not like you collapsed again, is it?!"

"..."

"Did you eat? I'm right in front of your house now. I have some porridge and medicine, so can you come out for a moment? Is Yoo-jin unnie there?!"

"..."

"Unnie??? Could it be that you lost your voice?"

"...this is Seon Jae-hee's wife, may I know who's on the line?"

"Ack."

With an exclamation that conveyed surprise, Yoo-jin leaned against the kitchen sink, thinking that the person was quite unique. On the other end of the phone, there was a moment of bewilderment, and then the person hurriedly continued speaking.

"Ah!- I'm Kang Soo-jin, a junior of Dr. Seon. Um... Unnie's hasn't been feeling well, and she said she can't come home until she finishes grading... So, um... I brought some porridge and medicine... Well... yeah...."

"Jae-hee just fell asleep. Are you in front of our house?"

"Ah... yes."

"Just wait a moment, I'll come out."

After ending the call, Yoo-jin turned off the stove under the boiling porridge. She put on a thin cardigan and went outside. Amidst the chilly wind, her heart grew cold. Someone close enough to know the address of their house. She didn't know much about Jae-hee's college life. Jae-hee mentioned that after finishing high school in the United States, she suddenly came to Korea, lived on her own, and graduated from S University.

Being a U.S. citizen and having top-notch grades that could get her into any Ivy League university, she excelled academically. The documents about Jae-hee's past academic records that Yoo-jin found in a pile in her room were all astonishing. Not only SAT* scores, but also essays, reports, and recommendation letters—nothing was missing. It had truly baffled Yoo-jin why she had chosen to graduate from an undergraduate program in Korea, despite having such an impressive background. She had even asked about her parents, but no matter how much she inquired, she never received an answer.

*Scholastic Aptitude Test - a standardized test widely used for college admissions

The only thing that could make the affectionate Jae-hee turn cold was her family. During her college years, she worked part-time jobs to support herself, and she mentioned receiving scholarships to pursue her master's and doctorate degrees in the United States. Yoo-jin had met Jae-hee when she was freshly admitted to an Ivy League graduate school, so she wasn't well-acquainted with her past.

Of course, those who came to study abroad together were well aware of Jae-hee's college days and shared those stories with Yoo-jin more than anyone else. However, there were limits to what they could reveal, and the whole picture remained unknown. During their university years, Jae-hee was an enigma to Yoo-jin. Among the few anecdotes that Jae-hee shared, often labeled as her "dark past" from her undergraduate days, there was a recurring figure named 'Soo-jin.' Yoo-jin walked with a sense of tension in her steps.

Yoo-jin looked at the person lingering outside the entrance, unable to pass the security. As the building's interior lights brightened due to Yoo-jin's presence, Soo-jin bowed* her head and greeted her. Facing Soo-jin, Yoo-jin offered a slight nod of acknowledgment and observed her carefully.

*basic greetings in Korean culture are done with a bow.

Soo-jin was a rare beauty. Her distinct and refreshing facial features didn't require makeup to enhance her attractiveness; they made her beauty shine brilliantly. While Soo-jin was as tall as Jae-hee, she appeared slender in contrast to Jae-hee's strong presence. Her delicate appearance, which could easily stimulate the so-called "protective instincts," made Yoo-jin feel somewhat uneasy. Yoo-jin tried to appear composed as she observed Soo-jin with a casual demeanor.

"Ah, hello!"

"Nice to meet you, Ms. Soo-jin. I'm Swen Jae-hee's wife, Ha Yoo-jin."

Soo-jin appeared slightly taken aback by Yoo-jin's extended hand. She quickly shook hands with Yoo-jin, offering a light handshake. Yoo-jin's expression briefly tensed when she caught a scent similar to Jae-hee's emanating from Soo-jin as they stood close, but then she relaxed.

An overwhelming surge of anger momentarily surged within Yoo-jin, but she quickly swallowed her emotions and suppressed them. You can't let it show. Don't give yourself away, Ha Yoo-jin. Yoo-jin looked at Soo-jin while constantly reminding herself not to reveal anything. As Yoo-jin observed Soo-jin, she noticed the unexpected warmth in her demeanor, which prompted Soo-jin to nervously continue speaking.

"Yes, yes. I'm sorry for coming like this... Ah. This is the porridge... and this is the medicine."

"Thank you... Huh?"

Yoo-jin looked inside the quite substantial paper bag and saw its contents. There were two bowls of porridge. She raised her head to gaze at Soo-jin, who tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled faintly.

"Jae-hee unnie said she likes white porridge the most. I don't really know why... And as for Madam's taste, I wasn't sure, so I bought the most expensive one. It's a special abalone porridge."

Her appearance seemed so innocent. No, it went beyond innocence and appeared truly pure, which only heightened Yoo-jin's sense of tension. Someone so beautiful standing next to Seon Jae-hee? And that too, being her closest friend? Moreover, showing such kindness towards her? All of these thoughts made Yoo-jin even more cautious. Carrying the tension from her past dealings with influential figures from renowned brands, Yoo-jin responded to Soo-jin.

"...what Madam? Just call me 'unnie' comfortably."

Due to the wealth and reputation she possessed, which were far greater than her peers of the same age, Yoo-jin often found herself being addressed with titles that others her age wouldn't easily attain. However, "Madam" was an unfamiliar term among the many titles. When she heard her secretary refer to Jae-hee as "Madam," Yoo-jin didn't feel awkward. Yet, now that the title was used for her, Yoo-jin felt a strange sensation.

"Ah... Still, Professor Seon is one of my superiors as well..."

"Oh, you must be the teaching assistant."

"Yeah, yes..."

"Thank you for taking care of my* Jae-hee."

*Term used was 우리 (uri/oo-ri) which means 'our' but in some context can be 'my' like 'uri eomma' if you're telling it to someone unrelated it means 'my mother'. It's a common way of affectionately referring to someone you care about in Korean but sometimes it is said to indicate your position as the 'owner'.

"That..."

"Hmm?"

As Soo-jin looked up, Yoo-jin quietly asked. Soo-jin wrapped one arm around herself and shifted her body awkwardly. Why would she hesitate to speak after looking up like that? Once again, the scent that emanated from Jae-hee, carried by Soo-jin, enveloped Yoo-jin, causing her to be engulfed in an inexplicable discomfort. Each shy gesture from Soo-jin stirred Yoo-jin's emotions.

"Jae-hee unnie... She's really a wonderful person, but it was a bit difficult to get closer because she doesn't really let people in."

"Jae-hee does tend to be reserved with strangers."

Yoo-jin raised an eyebrow. Talking behind someone's back while that someone's wife is present? Yoo-jin gave Soo-jin a skeptical look. So what, you're boasting that you're close now? Unlike Soo-jin's coy demeanor, Yoo-jin's inner turmoil was apparent, and she slightly furrowed her brow. From that point on, Yoo-jin found everything about Soo-jin bothersome—not just the similarity in scents between Jae-hee and Soo-jin. Why did she have to have long hair, tall stature, and such a refreshing appearance... and why did she have to be Jae-hee's close sister? Unable to see Yoo-jin's gaze filled with discomfort and jealousy, Soo-jin continued speaking slowly.

"She doesn't easily show her likes and dislikes... I just understood and accepted it over time, watching and observing her preferences."

Yoo-jin bit back the words 'What about it?' that nearly slipped out and instead nodded her head. It wasn't a wrong statement. However, the fact that this pretty girl knew about it only left a bitter taste. Yoo-jin was annoyed by the thought of what unpleasant things might come out of this girl's mouth. But contrary to Yoo-jin's expectations, something entirely unexpected came out of Soo-jin's mouth.

"But seeing Unnie expressing such affection for you for the first time, is so fascinating… Originally, when Jae-hee unnie used to leave work, she would simply say 'I'm leaving' or 'I'll go first' to the department office and leave. But after getting married, she says it with a lot of energy, 'I'll go home first, someone's waiting,' or 'I'll go first because someone is waiting.' At that time, her expressions were so... Actually, it's kind of silly to say this, but she's like a boss of awesomeness. A part-time student is working at the department office who's a graduate student in history education. Well, when he saw Jae-hee unnie smiling, he compared it to the smile of the Baekje era, like the smile of the Seosan Maitreya Triad Buddha statue."

*Baekje smile refers to a specific type of smile often associated with sculptures and artwork from the Baekje Kingdom, an ancient Korean kingdom. This smile is characterized by its gentle and serene expression, often seen in Buddha statues and other figures. It's considered a symbol of inner peace and enlightenment.

"Even during the last educational field trip, she usually doesn't talk about herself... But she lavishly praised you unnie, saying you dress well, look pretty, and are a wonderful person! Stingy Professor Seon-, ah Jae-hee unnie who's stingy with compliments, even shared your first meeting story... Wow, seriously. For four years, she was like CC is shi...she said it was a ten-won couple* but then suddenly started dating right after entering graduate school while being single. And she even claims she gave her number first?! The guys who lined up to get my unnie's number could fill up our entire college building. If you add girls, maybe even two college buildings? She scolded them sharply, earning her the nickname Model Pumpkin** of the Education Department' at the time."

*she said CC neun shib…(shibal/fuck) (fuck CC) then continued to …ship won jari couple (ten won couple- useless/not important)

**단호박-Danhobak means pumpkin, slang word for strict or firm because 단호하다 (danhohada) means strict or firm

"Even last time, at the study abroad gathering she left the second round drinking first. That crazy alcohol fighter, no, the person who loves alcohol. She said she had to go because someone was waiting for her at home."

"...Jae-hee said that?"

"Yes, actually, please keep what I said a secret from Jae-hee unnie. If she finds out, I'm dead. In fact, Jae-hee unnie might be so embarrassed that she'll bite her tongue and die first. She really hates showing her feelings and wants to keep it a secret."

"Sure, I won't say anything."

"Oh, well, then... you don't have to worry."

"...I'm not worried."

"Oh... I see."

"Why?"

"...well... Jaehee unnie mentioned that you're a very caring wife and worry a lot..."

You really talked a lot of nonsense. Yoo-jin felt a strange mixture of discomfort, not knowing how close Jae-hee was to Soo-jin and a sense of joy that she still cared about her. Through Jae-hee's cheap words, she thought that within S University, at least within the College of Education, she had gained a reputation as a devoted lover.

"Oh, is that so?"

"I knew about your heartfelt romance, but... it was the first time I saw someone worry about another person so much! It was really fascinating."

"She is a very kind person to me…"

"What's even more surprising is that Jae-hee unnie, who doesn't know the first thing about fashion! That person who wouldn't flirt with anyone! Borrowed perfume from me!"

"…?"

Borrowed…perfume? Yoo-jin looked at Soo-jin in surprise at the unexpected statement. Soo-jin, covered her mouth as if she had misspoken, and gently glanced at Yoo-jin to gauge her reaction.

“Oops, that was a secret.”

“No, keep talking.”

"...well, since she's asleep anyway, it doesn't matter! You know, I have some sample perfumes? Unnie suddenly asked me to borrow one. Do you know why she would do that?"

"...why?"

With an amused expression, Yoo-jin looked at Soo-jin. The words coming from Soo-jin's mouth weren't the type of concerns Yoo-jin had expected; instead, they were the kind of stories that excited her. Eager for more, Yoo-jin encouraged her to continue. Soo-jin wore an expression that one might expect to see at a rural oil market, and with a voice full of enthusiasm - Yoo-jin had long erased the innocent image of Soo-jin's face from her mind - she spoke.

"It's to look good to her wife!"

"…huh?"

"She was acting all shy, so I even demonstrated how to use it! The sample is really expensive, and I only spray it once a day! I thought maybe her sense had improved after marrying the CEO of Howon Department Store. To recognize the sensual 'sex appeal' perfume from J Company – a brand known for its fashion sense – was quite something."

"Even without that, lately people have been going crazy about fashion, haven't they?! Among the undergraduate students, it's like a frenzy these days. Actually, when you look at Jae-hee unnie's course plan, nobody feels like taking her class, you know? I've taken her graduate courses and she's like a damn drill sergeant, telling you to get lost while holding a sword. She meticulously controls every little detail, and there's absolutely no mercy, to the point where you wouldn't want to take her class ever again. Seriously. But now, after she dressed up so stylishly, the students are going nuts, saying they want to take the S University Goddess class, and they're calling once a day to ask if Professor Seon's seasonal class isn't going to be offered!"

This time, even praise posts have popped up on our school's online community... Honestly, I know her true self! Wow, it was so frustrating I almost died!"

"It's up on the online community?"

"Yes! Go to Facebook and you'll see it right away!"

Yoo-jin looked at Soo-jin again. The slightly upturned corners of her eyes seemed quite cute. Her demeanor seemed somewhat light, yet she didn't appear to be someone who would blabber on everyone in the neighborhood. It seemed like she was handling Jae-hee's important matters well. If that weren't the case, Jae-hee wouldn't have kept her around. Yoo-jin looked at Soo-jin, who seemed entirely different from herself. She felt like she might understand why Jae-hee had taken a liking to Soo-jin.

"...Jae-hee unnie has a really strong sense of responsibility. Other professors sometimes delegate grading to their teaching assistants, but unnie grades everything herself till the end... As a TA, it's great since we get to slack off, but it's a bit of a pity to see her working alone and struggling so much. She could ask us for help."

Anyway, unnie doesn't speak much, so she can be a cause for concern, but don't worry! It's the first time I've seen Jae-hee unnie, who normally doesn't care about others, worry about someone! Indeed, marriage changes things! Couples are different!"

In the end, at Soo-jin's last words, Yoo-jin burst into laughter. Seeing her genuine and carefree laughter, Yoo-jin realized that he had been unnecessarily worried.

"Pfft-hahaha!"

"… Eh?"

"Pfft-hehe, oh. Miss Soo-jin, you're an interesting person."

Soo-jin scratched the back of her head with a proud expression at Yoo-jin’s words. Seeing this, Yoo-jin couldn't stop laughing even more. Borrowing Soo-jin's expressions, it seemed Soo-jin really didn't have any interest in Jae-hee. Truly, the informal expressions that only come out around close siblings put Yoo-jin at ease.

"Hehe, just a little."

Even her innocent actions. Yoo-jin had thought she was a fox, but she turned out to be a complete bear. Seeing Soo-jin stylishly scratch the back of her head, Yoo-jin smiled warmly. How could he not like Soo-jin, who poked at her vulnerability like this, waiting for the typically casual Jae-hee to open up? Looking at the transformed Soo-jin, who went from a top-priority target to a playmate within Yoo-jin's heart, she extended her hand.

"Could you lend me your phone?"

"Huh?"

Seeing Soo-jin's flustered reaction, Yoo-jin took her phone, dialed her number, and made a call. When the number appeared, Yoo-jin handed the phone back to Soo-jin.

"As Miss Soo-jin said, my wife is someone who conserves her words. She usually talks to me, but when there are things she's concerned about, she doesn't even open her mouth. By the time I realized, she'd already been dealing with it on her own or carrying the burden. So, Miss Soo-jin. Watch over from the side and quietly... just give me a hint."

"Ah... yes!"

"This is fate too. Next time... Oh, right. We'll be having a housewarming, so come over to visit."

"Heh, really? Jae-hee unnie said she would never show her house."

"It's okay. I'll invite you. I have to repay you for this."

Yoo-jin smiled warmly, causing Soo-jin to blush. Yoo-jin held up the paper bag, offering her gratitude, and Soo-jin responded in kind by bowing her head and taking a step forward. After confirming Soo-jin's departure, Yoo-jin turned and headed back home.

Once back home, Yoo-jin put the medicine that Soo-jin had prepared into the cabinet. She then combined the special abalone porridge and white porridge that Soo-jin had given her in a pot and gently stirred it. Regardless of her feelings towards Soo-jin, Yoo-jin didn't like the idea of someone else's food going into her wife's mouth.

"…I should eat this."

The abalone porridge, which was dark green, turned light green when mixed with the white porridge. Although there was a large amount, enough to feel overwhelmed eating alone, Yoo-jin heated the porridge without minding. Humming a tune, Yoo-jin seemed quite happy.

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