They were a "show window couple," but it was their first date after marriage. All her thoughts focused on it. Yoo-jin kept thinking about Jae-hee. Where did she make the reservation? The last decent meal they had in Korea was a formal meeting with her family. Considering Jae-hee's nature, a traditional Korean meal in a serene hanok* came to mind. No, if she thought about a quiet meal, it might be omakase**. Since Jae-hee liked seafood, Japanese food was also a high possibility. Or could it be a very classic date course at a Western restaurant? Lost in thought, Yoo-jin didn't answer, so Soo-yeong called her again.
*a traditional Korean house
**a Japanese phrase which means ‘I’ll leave it up to you’, in dining context particularly in sushi restaurants, it refers to a meal where the chef selects and prepares a series of dishes for the customer
“CEO?"
"Oh, I’m sorry. "What did you say?"
"Oh, about the duty-free business this time..."
Seeing Yoo-jin, who had never considered other thoughts in meetings, Soo-yeong was somewhat surprised. Yoo-jin, meticulously checking all key points without missing a beat, was so thorough that she was called "the Grim Reaper" by the executives. It's natural to overlook something once in a while, but Yoo-jin, who always listens attentively without missing the flow of conversation, seemed absent-minded without any remarks. It couldn't be a common sight. After the meeting, Secretary Choi, who was talking about Yoo-jin's personal schedule, added something at the end of her words.
"The Howon Logistics Managing Director suggested dinner… How should I answer this?"
"Decline, I have plans for tonight."
Was it bravery or obliviousness? An executive who directly proposes dinner to the board of directors. She recalled the face of the manager, who had appeared full of enthusiasm. While such initiative might be highly valued by some, Yoo-jin did not appreciate this approach. A brief feeling of discomfort arose, but right after, she remembered Jae-hee, who had wrapped her shoulders. Remembering that day when she might have collapsed if not for Jae-hee left her feeling content.
"Yes, understood."
"Go on ahead."
After Secretary Choi left, Yoo-jin opened a drawer and took out a small mirror. Worried that showing any nerves would make her look like someone who had been waiting just for today, she had prepared as usual... Yoo-jin had dressed up very stylishly today. Despite going to a shop she wouldn't normally visit and getting a full makeup, she still considered herself to be "as usual."
And after pondering for a while, after much contemplation, Yoo-jin decided to wear the necklace Jae-hee had given her during their dating days. Though it might have been cheaper than her usual jewelry, its value was incomparable.
Studying abroad was a series of financial struggles. It was a study abroad where she fled from her father's help, living in university-provided dormitories and working multiple part-time jobs. When listing the toughest times in Ha Yoo-jin's life, those memories were undoubtedly among the most painful periods of her life.
Although Jae-joon secretly helped out occasionally, Yoo-jin repaid all the borrowed money and managed to survive with determination akin to an obsession. However, more desperate than Yoo-jin's survival was Jae-hee's. She had endured a week on groceries sold at the largest supermarket, saving up to gift Yoo-jin this necklace. It was a gift prepared with great effort by someone who turned the toughest times into the happiest, making it all the more meaningful. Tearfully accepting the necklace with the wish not to suffer again, it now shone around Yoo-jin's neck.
"It was strange."
Seeing Jae-hee eating discounted bananas until they turned black and making tomato spaghetti, tomato risotto, and tomato stew all week with a large jar of pasta sauce, Yoo-jin thought she was just someone who ate the same food for a long time when she liked it. In fact, Jae-hee was saving money to prepare a gift.
"…Idiot. Really."
That's why it was so precious. Yoo-jin didn't think that expensive items had value. She believed that the most valuable things were those filled with the purest love and dedication. Sacrificing something needed for oneself without regret for someone else, that was pure love. She thought no one loved like that, but that person was right next to her.
“CEO, a guest has arrived."
"Didn't I have any other appointments?"
"Yes, but..."
Before Secretary Choi could finish speaking on the office phone, the door suddenly swung open. Jae-hee walked in with a very leisurely stride. Dressed exactly as Yoo-jin had carefully coordinated, Jae-hee draped a cashmere coat lightly over her shoulders and walked in confidently, showing off her well-fitted figure.
"Honey, I'm here early."
"…How?"
"Madame arrived… I'm sorry."
"No, it's okay."
Secretary Choi's voice cut off as the door closed. Jae-hee sat comfortably on the guest sofa as if it were her own home and crossed her legs. Her relaxed gaze turned to Yoo-jin. Yoo-jin looked at Jae-hee, pretending to be unaffected.
"Being called 'Madame' makes me feel like I should be throwing money envelopes."
"Why did you come without saying anything?"
"My lecture ended early."
"…How did you get here?"
"With some talent?"
The answer of "with some talent" wasn't convincing. How did she get up here without the security team or the secretaries saying anything? Ignoring Yoo-jin's curiosity, Jae-hee spoke casually.
"When do you finish?"
"…Five o'clock."
"An hour left…"
Muttering softly, Jae-hee took out a laptop from her laptop bag and spread out some white papers. The lecture had indeed ended early. She had been so nervous about their date that she spoke faster than usual and finished about twenty minutes early. Remembering the exhausted faces of the undergraduates who struggled due to her frenzied pace made her feel a bit guilty.
Meanwhile, despite trying to remain unaffected by Jae-hee's shamelessly affectionate demeanor, the corners of Yoo-jin's mouth began to curl up. Keeping her eyes fixed on the monitor, she spoke to Jae-hee.
"Where are we going?"
"Where do you think?"
She didn't seem to have any intention of telling. As soon as her lecture ended, Jae-hee had rushed to her car, meticulously reviewing and confirming reservations, planning the itinerary, and even running simulations for their date. But she kept it a complete secret from Yoo-jin. Yoo-jin took her eyes off the monitor and looked at Jae-hee. Feeling Yoo-jin's gaze, Jae-hee turned to look at her as well.
"…"
"Have I ever taken you to a strange place?"
Jae-hee always took Yoo-jin to places she would like, which Yoo-jin knew very well. She had been the one who felt excited and enjoyed those unique places the most. But that was… that was different from now. Would she still do that now? As Yoo-jin's expression slightly hardened, Jae-hee quickly changed the subject.
"Aunt's recital is this weekend, right?"
"Ah… yes."
"I have some work at the graduate school in the morning, so I'll handle that and come over. Let's go together with your father."
"…Okay, let's do that."
"Your reaction is lukewarm. Well, I was the only one who liked the recitals anyway."
"It's not like that. I like Aunt's performances too."
"Oh, really?"
Despite the slightly softened atmosphere since their last meal together, Jae-hee teased playfully, making Yoo-jin sarcastic as she replied.
"What now?"
"Who was it that was snoring during the recital?"
During their studying abroad, Yoo-jin had struggled to contact her aunt for tickets to the performance, only to fall asleep heavily midway through with Jae-hee. It was a disaster, exacerbated by Yoo-jin's personal dislike for classical music after staying up late for exams. When everyone stood up for a standing ovation at the end of the performance, Yoo-jin startled awake and quietly joined in, which made Jae-hee burst into laughter.
“That... I was just tired, it was just a brief nap, you know?"
"Yes, I suppose so. Even my students say the same thing, 'Professor, I dozed off a bit because I was tired.'"
Remembering the big undergraduate who nonchalantly said this during field trips, Jae-hee teased Yoo-jin. Seeing Jae-hee teasing her, Yoo-jin bit her lip. She felt annoyed. She stood up from her seat and walked confidently towards Jae-hee.
Jae-hee looked at Yoo-jin, recalling leaving herself in the parking lot while sulking at the last party. What is she planning to do approaching her with such a resolute face? In the meantime, as Jae-hee saw Yoo-jin's full figure, she blushed momentarily. Why did she dress up so beautifully like this? A lock of hair swayed behind her ear, and her earring dangled from the revealed ear.
As Yoo-jin ambitiously approached Jae-hee, she stumbled and fell over the sofa, precisely over Jae-hee. Instinctively, Jae-hee threw aside the paper she was holding and reached out her hand to catch Yoo-jin.
Yoo-jin's stocking snagged on Jae-hee's wristwatch and with a tearing sound, her stocking ripped. Jae-hee was startled and exclaimed. Yoo-jin closed her eyes tightly and fell into Jae-hee's arms. One of Yoo-jin's high heels, which she was wearing, came off and popped up.
"Uh, ugh?!"
“Ah!"
“CEO, I've brought you tea…"
Holding a tray with a teacup, Soo-yeong entered and froze in her steps. Silence fell. Papers fluttered in all directions like in slow motion, Yoo-jin's disheveled shirt hem, Jae-hee visible only from her forehead, and Yoo-jin's torn stocking and her heel wobbling.
Soo-yeong realized this was the biggest crisis in her career as as secretary. How should she handle this? What should she do? After three seconds of the longest contemplation in her life, Soo-yeong decided to pretend she hadn't seen anything, gathered herself, and quietly closed the door.
"Ah no, wait! Secretary Choi!"
But it was too late; the door had already closed. Tap-tap, the hurried footsteps quickly faded away. Silence fell. In this perfect situation for misunderstanding, reminiscent of a third-rate drama's affair scene, Jae-hee burst into laughter. Chuckling at first, then trying to suppress it, she couldn't hold back and burst into hearty laughter.
"Pffft-haha, hahaha!"
"Are you crazy? You still dare to laugh?"
"Oh well, it's not me who has to fix this mess, it's wife who's doing it. Hoo hoo.
Jae-hee chuckled innocently. The closeness of their breaths was almost touching, and Secretary Choi's misunderstanding and sudden exit—all of it made for an awkward moment. Yoo-jin was flustered and tried to get up to resolve the situation, but unexpectedly felt a sharp pain in her ear. It turned out Yoo-jin's earring had caught on Jae-hee's hair. Yoo-jin grimaced and let out a groan.
"Ah!"
“Why? Where is it caught?”
“My ear…earring...Ah.”
“Wait, hold on.”
Surprised, Jae-hee gently tilted her head to ensure Yoo-jin didn't feel pain, then slowly started removing the earring. Yoo-jin, in an awkward position, held onto Jae-hee's shoulder as she struggled. Due to their positioning, Jae-hee's breath brushed against Yoo-jin's ear. It was a minor sensation, but Yoo-jin's ear reacted unusually sensitively. Watching Yoo-jin's ear gradually turn red, Jae-hee gently lifted the corners of her mouth.
“...Hu-hurry.”
Knowing Yoo-jin's sensitivity, Jae-hee deliberately and leisurely removed the earring, pretending it took longer than it actually did. After a convincing performance, Jae-hee slowly released Yoo-jin's ear from her hand.
Jae-hee slowly lifted her head to look at Yoo-jin. Yoo-jin's gaze also descended slowly. Their breaths caught. This posture... This posture. Just like Jae-hee, who blushed upon seeing Yoo-jin's elegant figure, Yoo-jin's face also flushed. Her ears tingled as if they might burst. Jae-hee noticed the familiar necklace hanging around Yoo-jin's neck and smiled softly. Meeting Yoo-jin's eyes, Jae-hee spoke in a calm yet gentle voice.
"...Beautiful."
Whether she meant Yoo-jin was beautiful, the necklace she had given her was beautiful, or if she found their past memories beautiful, Yoo-jin concluded it was likely the first. Continuously, incessantly, the tower she had so carefully built in front of Jae-hee collapsed. Her reputation as the CEO of Howon Department Stores, the facade as Mayor Ha Cheon-woo ‘’s esteemed daughter, and even the falsehoods that thoroughly deceived people... In the face of Jae-hee's affectionate expression that disarmingly unlocked even her tightly closed heart, Yoo-jin's heart fluttered wildly. She struggled to hide her excited heart and averted her gaze.
***