Kang-woo finished showering and put on a new gown. Before going to the dressing room, he turned towards the bedroom.

It still seemed like she was upset. It was awkward to go out without resolving the anger. While passing through the living room, there was a rattling sound from the kitchen.

“Are you going to eat? Good thinking.”

“Yes.”

The voice seemed normal, unlike a while ago. Uncertain, Kang-woo approached Se-ah, who was stirring a pot with a wooden spoon.

“Are you making something?”

“It’s chicken porridge. Since I tore the chicken as thinly as possible, it shouldn’t be difficult to swallow. Don’t leave it because it’s bland.”

Afterwards, Se-ah continued to nag in a small voice. If you have to eat only a fistful of porridge, eat a little because an empty stomach can be tiring. Be careful with outside food, as it can be irritating to the stomach, and so on.

“Now, are you forgiving me?”

Se-ah looked up, somewhat hesitantly. It seemed like she wanted to say something, looking into his eyes, but remained silent.
“……Mr. Kang-woo did nothing wrong, so what’s forgiveness? Earlier, I didn’t have enough time to calm my emotions.”

“Should I just not go? I feel less inclined to go now.”

“Nonsense.”

Even as she spoke, Se-ah’s lips relaxed. After stirring the porridge with a spoon and offering it to Kang-woo, Se-ah’s eyes widened when he took a bite.

“Love is so wonderful like this. If I had known, I would have done it with you sooner.”

“…You can stop the lip service now.”

“Sincere as ever.”

“Tsk. Anyway, you shouldn’t drink alcohol, it’s bad for your stomach. Got it?”

“Today and tomorrow, there’s no drinking with this manager.”

Kang-woo lifted the pendant necklace around Se-ah’s neck near her throat with his index finger. He teasingly sucked on the discreetly hidden mark. Se-ah persisted in being stubborn, even nibbling on his body while squirming, but eventually let go of his lips.

Se-ah’s cheek was reddened. Afraid there might be a scratch, he gently stroked her soft cheek.

“You’re the only woman I drink with.”

Forever like this. Because you are my belief.

After Kang-woo left, Se-ah also decided to go out.

Jina suddenly called her, saying, “What are you doing on a Sunday?” She hesitated before agreeing to go if there was time.

Staying at home on a day like this only made her head feel complicated. While waiting for him to return, she wondered if he felt too cramped or blamed himself.

Or perhaps she pondered Min-young’s ambiguous attitude that seemed to cross a line. It was clear that she was going to brood over it obsessively. In any case, going out and venting was better than staying at home.

She drove again today. As she hadn’t driven for a while, it seemed like her skills were rusting, so she occasionally took the wheel these days. While stopping at a red light for a moment, the recent events came to mind.

Before Kang-woo left, she followed him into the dressing room and chose a shirt and tie for him. Since it was an important occasion, she wanted him to look confident.

Afterwards, she picked up the sapphire-studded tie pin she had kept, thinking it would suit him. He sometimes glanced at it, so she didn’t know when he might notice it. She hoped it would remind him when it fell off.

Since it was a busy neighborhood, she parked the car in a public parking lot and entered an alley.

She stopped in the middle of walking, looking at her reflection in the shop window. It was new. Trying to shake off the heavy feeling, she had dressed up lively.

Hair pulled up, a short jacket that reached her waist, and jeans. She also wore trendy long boots. The bright red lipstick she applied for the first time didn’t look bad either.

The attire of people passing by also seemed lighter. Winter was gradually receding.

She entered a meat restaurant and looked around.

“Author Se-ah! Over here!”

Jina author quickly stood up from the central table and warmly shook hands when Se-ah approached. Going over there, Jina and Doyoung, and another author, the three of them were there.
“Hello?”

Politely greeting here and there while covering her unfamiliarity, she settled comfortably next to author Jina, who felt the most at ease.

“Oh, Se-ah author, a different charm today? Always resembling Marie Antoinette, but dressing like this really suits the MZ generation.”

Even Doyoung, who handed over a water cup from across, thanked her. Se-ah, who was exchanging greetings, also burst into laughter.

“What’s Marie Antoinette-like?”

Doyoung asked, barely holding back her laughter.

“It means you exude elegance in a word. Anyway, welcome. Honestly, I thought you wouldn’t come. Still, I kept it small today, thinking Se-ah author might feel awkward.”

“…Thank you for caring. By the way, the baby didn’t cry when the author left?”

“My daughter likes her dad more. And my husband went to a meeting last week, so today it’s my turn to go out.”

Without any awkwardness, Jina author captured the atmosphere. Now that Se-ah had finally taken off her jumper and mini bag comfortably.

After picking at some meat for a while, they all raised their beer glasses.

“Doyoung author, shall we have a toast? As a representative of Cheongiljeom.”

“I find that a bit too…”

“Don’t say I’m old-fashioned. That really hurts my feelings.”

Doyoung picked up her laughter at Jina’s jest.

“Then I’ll try once. Well, thank you to our hospital team under my command. Se-ah author, nice to meet you for the first time with this project.”

Doyoung’s gaze lingered gently on Se-ah.

“Also, to our comic authors. It might have been tough because I’m so picky. I’m sorry. Thank you. After the project ends, we usually drift apart, but occasionally we have times like this. Well, let’s go, My Hospital team, for a big hit!”

With a spirited gesture, Doyoung’s raised glass met with a clink.

Suddenly, as if something came to mind, Jina looked at Se-ah.

“Oh, Se-ah author, did you get a call from the HR team?”

“Yes.”

“Did you sign?”

“No, not yet.”

“Why?”

Doyoung, who was listening to Jina and Se-ah’s conversation, interjected.

“I have something to think about.”

Doyoung noticed the change in Se-ah’s expression. Perhaps there was some issue with Kang-woo. Suddenly changing her style, coupled with the contract being on hold, suggested that.

Jina placed a few pieces of meat on Se-ah’s plate.

“There’s a lot to think about when you’re about to sign. But if you’re going to continue working in the gaming industry, there’s nowhere better than CI Soft. There are bigger companies, but they’re notorious for working overtime and night shifts like it’s nothing. And since you’ve been through the first regular contract, it’s all the same. It was tough for me too, so don’t feel burdened and feel free to ask if there’s anything you don’t understand about the contract.”

Se-ah looked at Jina silently. For whatever reason, if she left the company, she would be missed. Always taking care of her like an older sister, she was a good person who never showed any signs of being tired.

“Thank you for the advice. Meeting Jina author was lucky for me. You’re my noblewoman.”

“Oh, come on. I’m blushing.”
The atmosphere became even more cheerful. Someone suggested going for a second round on a day like this, and Se-ah, caught up in the flow, joined.

While the others walked ahead, Se-ah checked her phone in a secluded spot.

The message she sent to Kang-woo two hours ago remained unread. It could happen when you’re busy working, but is it over now? The last time they met with Min-young, he came back early. Should she try contacting him, or would it be too bothersome?

Lost in thought, suddenly he read the message. His pupils immediately dilated at the photo that followed.

Cha Kang-woo was at a hotel right now.