“Even after the symptoms completely improved, even after people around me found out which household I was from and started paying attention, it felt like people were watching my every move.”

Indeed, was that being a coward?

Seol-hee couldn’t imagine what experiences he had gone through in his life. Seol-hee was born into an ordinary household, grew up under harmonious parents, had an ordinary face, and lived with ordinary grades.

She rarely received someone’s gaze, and her parents and those around her did not harbor excessive expectations.

But if, from the moment of birth, she kept hearing that she had to lead such a large company, that every action she took was being watched.

In that case, she might feel suffocated and might not survive.
“So animals were comforting. That’s why I entered the veterinary school. Initially, I worked at Wonderland for a few years because of my parents’ request, but I found dealing with small animals more comfortable. So, I left the amusement park. The rest is as Seol-hee knows.”

I see.

“The reason I didn’t say was because I thought Seol-hee might feel burdened by knowing all this, but more than anything else.”

Seemingly anxious, he tapped the table with his fingertips.

“When I tell you all this, how will Seol-hee think of me? I had such thoughts.”

“…….”

“Are you disappointed?”

Eun-woo’s Seol-hee looked up at him. The man who laid bare all the stories had an immensely calm face. His eyes looked at her warmly, but there was no other emotion.

Looking at his long eyelashes that cast a shadow, Seol-hee nodded her head slightly.

“No, there’s no reason to be disappointed.”

The Eun-woo she knew was stronger than anyone.

And.

“If the stories I’ve heard so far are true, rather. I was impressed.”

He said he left because he was a coward, but if he were truly cowardly, he would have just avoided it and settled in a safe place. He came to a completely new place and achieved it on his own.

Seol-hee knew better than anyone how meticulous and hardworking Eun-woo was about his work. There was no reason to be disappointed with him.

“It doesn’t matter what kind of family you’re from or what path you’ve walked. I just… Why didn’t you tell me? I sometimes wondered if you really have an engagement partner, had such concerns, but it was never about disappointment or anything like that.”

Eun-woo tilted his head slightly to see her face hidden by shadows. Soft lips whispering sincerity entered his sight.

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Is the misunderstanding all cleared up?”

“…Probably.”

At her slightly smiling words, wrinkles appeared on Eun-woo’s forehead. Then, Seol-hee quietly exhaled.

“It’s a big deal. To know everything in a day. Please give me time until I fully accept it.”

“Okay.”

And Eun-woo nodded.

“I’ll give you time until you’re convinced.”

Eun-woo stood up and approached Seol-hee. Standing behind her, he tightly hugged her small body and held her in his arms. His firm arms tightly embraced her. Startled, Seol-hee opened her eyes wide.

“I said I would give you time.”

“Seol-hee, while I’m holding you like this, think about it.”
As if not wanting to let go, he didn’t release her. The places where Eun-woo touched Seol-hee gradually blazed red. Despite wanting to focus on today’s events, his mind became increasingly blurred, and he couldn’t concentrate on his thoughts.

Fantastically, Eun-woo’s fingers slowly stroked Seol-hee’s hair. Although hair has no nerves, it tingles each time his long and delicate fingers brush against it. Eventually, Seol-hee’s eyes half-closed, exhaling a deep breath.

“Ah.”

In the end, today as well, Seol-hee yielded to him.

Late at night.

“Kkiing.”

Woken up by the sound of a bear crying because of a lack of water, Seol-hee opened her eyes. Halfway, she saw Eun-woo lying next to her.

What happened?

Staring at Eun-woo’s exposed strong shoulders, Seol-hee slowly opened her eyes. Before fully regaining her senses, Eun-woo got up from the bed.

“Ggom-ggom, thirsty?”

“Kkiing.”

He lowered his hand and brushed Ggom-ggom’s black fur. Unlike Seol-hee, Eun-woo’s large and firm hands seemed to please Ggom-ggom, who leaned his face against them and wagged his tail.

“Good?”

“Kkiing.”

It seemed like an affirmative answer.

Ggom-ggom had spent a long time at the hospital, and maybe because Eun-woo frequented Seol-hee’s house, Ggom-ggom seemed to follow him as much as, or sometimes more than, Seol-hee. So, there were times when she felt a bit jealous.

Eun-woo got up from the bed and went out. In the dim darkness, his silhouette could be seen. It seemed inappropriate to watch, so she turned her eyes away.

What happened?

Her heart thumped.

So, yesterday. Yesterday, going to Professor Ok’s house and asking if he really had an engagement partner, and then Ok-sensei saying he would think about it.

“Seol-hee, while I’m holding you like this.”

And he mentioned overlapping lips. Hot lips stole hers, making her lose consciousness. Worried that things might go too far, she pushed him away.

“Go…”

Staring at the determined gaze that seemed to say he wouldn’t leave if she just asked him to, Seol-hee whispered.

“I have to go feed Ggom-ggom.”

“Okay, then.”

After saying that in a mild tone, the man smiled brightly.

“I’ll go with you.”

“…What?”

“I’ll go with you to Seol-hee’s house. I’ll take you.”