“Hello, Director Min Young. I am Chang Seok Lee, the executive of CI Soft. Nice to meet you for the first time.”

So, this man is Chang Seok Lee, the chief planner of CI Soft. Curious, Min Young’s eyes sparkled. She extended her hand first.

“Thank you for coming. But are you the only representative from CI Soft? What about Chairman Cha?”

“I came to represent CI Soft. Chairman Cha couldn’t attend due to other commitments and asked me to convey his apologies.”

An unexpected turn of events. The audacity to casually decline such an occasion.

Min Young bit her lower lip, then gracefully smoothed the wrinkles at the corners of her mouth.

That’s right, no more settling for easy men like Kang Hyun Tae. The more unattainable, the more intriguing.

Meanwhile, at Hanbit Orphanage.

Kang Woo had contacted Secretary Choi in the morning. He asked for skilled chefs and workers to be urgently dispatched to the orphanage, promising to pay them handsomely.

As a result, the children at the cafeteria were amazed. They were served bulgogi, pork cutlets, tteokbokki, pasta, and more.

Considering the season, he also ordered enough fruits, chicken, and pizza for the kids to enjoy plentifully. It was a feast beyond the children’s wildest dreams.

After the meal, there was a gift-giving ceremony. Kang Woo intended to sit dignifiedly on the stage chair, but the director insisted he come forward. He handed out gifts to over a hundred children with Se Ah.

Even the children, who were lukewarm when reading fairy tales, thanked Kang Woo with affectionate eyes.

One little girl hugged his neck and kissed his cheek while he was sitting down. Except for when he looked at Se Ah, his usually stern eyes softened.

And at 8 pm, the Christmas Eve party finally concluded.

The children waved their hands several times, looking reluctant as they returned to their dormitories. Se Ah watched them leave with heavy eyes.

“Let’s go.”

Kang Woo gently took Se Ah’s hand. He couldn’t fully understand her feelings.

What was Ji Se Ah thinking now?

Was she recalling her past self or worrying about the children’s future?

Though silent, the tears welling up in her large eyes also unsettled him.

“We can come back soon. It’s not that far from Seoul.”

“…Yes.”

Se Ah smiled bitterly, thinking it was just a formality. She nodded but her expression didn’t lighten.

“It’s not just lip service.”

“…Did it show on my face? Why can’t I hide my emotions from Kang Woo? I thought I managed my expressions well.”

“I prefer honesty.”

Se Ah’s eyes widened in disbelief, as if she found something to tease him about. Her occasional sharpness was endearing. Kang Woo looked at her intently, his chin lowered.

“People say opposites attract.”
Kang Woo naturally took Se Ah’s hand as she was playing. When he interlaced his fingers with hers, Se Ah quickly glanced around.

“Should I let go?”

“Will you do as I ask?”

“No.”

“Then why ask? What confidence…”

“I wanted confirmation. I hoped you’d tell me not to let go.”

“Do you lack affection?”

“Right.”

As the lights started to dim in the hallway, only Se Ah’s face, illuminated by the outside light, was faintly visible.

Kang Woo brushed a strand of chestnut hair from her peach-like cheek, making her face flush even redder than before.

“……Let’s hurry, or we’ll arrive in Seoul in the middle of the night.”

Se Ah started walking, still holding his hand.

Kang Woo suppressed a laugh at her obviously awkward behavior. He followed her small figure.

“Why are you walking so fast?”

“I don’t want to be late.”

“I’m good at night driving.”

“What? What are you good at?”

Se Ah turned back, looking puzzled and lost.

“Night driving.”

“…Ah…….”

“Why that disappointed face? What did you hear?”

“……I just missed the middle word…… and got startled.”

Se Ah continued walking forward, focusing ahead. Kang Woo, like loosening the reins, pulled the hand he was holding. Se Ah, who was a few steps ahead, stopped.

“Why are you in such a hurry? You might fall.”

“Why are you walking slower than usual, Kang Woo? Like a turtle.”

“I want to walk slowly with you.”

“……We have a lot to do. You’ll start by checking your email as soon as we get home.”

“If you don’t like that, I’ll take a break from tonight.”

His tender voice brushed past her ear. Se Ah chuckled as if admitting defeat, then looked straight into his softened eyes.

“I don’t mind. I admire how hard you work, Kang Woo. It’s not that I was upset because you were busy…… You always put me last without any words of waiting or apologies.”

“I won’t do that from now on.”

“Tch.”

Se Ah playfully swung her shoulders while rolling her lips. Judging from her reaction, she must be extremely happy.

As Se Ah looked away, her eyes suddenly widened.

“Hey? Kang Woo, do you remember this place?”

Suddenly, she let go of his hand and took about five hopping steps forward.

“It all looks the same inside. I don’t remember.”

His view was distant, so Se Ah’s figure wasn’t clear, but she was probably biting her lower lip, looking sulky. Smiling, Kang Woo approached and stood beside her.

“Kang Woo, this is the study room where you taught me. Don’t you remember?”

“Ah.”

As he vaguely recalled, Kang Woo furrowed his brow. Seizing the moment, Se Ah opened the door.

Inside, it resembled an elementary school classroom with uniformly sized desks and chairs, and a window on the left. Snowflakes gently settled on the dry branches outside.

Se Ah, excited like a child, sat at a desk in the back. Kang Woo, come here, she beckoned with a bright smile.

After turning on the light, Kang Woo sat in front of her, leaning his arms on her desk.

“The snow is falling; shouldn’t we go? I get you’re excited about old memories, but…”

“Just 10 minutes.”

Kang Woo rolled up his knit sleeves and checked the time. They needed to leave before midnight. Otherwise, he might not confess what he planned to today.

“Do as you wish. What can I do?”

Se Ah grinned slyly, as if she had caught him. She took his hand on the desk.

“Kang Woo, your hands are so big. Your fingers are long and slender, exceptionally pretty.”

Intertwining their fingers, he gently played with her left hand.

“You’re prettier. In every way.”

“I want to hear more. Which parts are pretty?”

“Your large eyes, undecided between a puppy and a cat, and your small but distinct nose.”

His gaze slid down.

“Your full lips, especially, I like.”

Mid-sentence, he couldn’t resist touching her cheek.

Feeling the warmth spread across her cheek and their intense eye contact, Se Ah’s eyes trembled slightly.

“Your honesty, your thoughtfulness for others, your generosity to forgive even when you hate…”

His slow, calm confession continued.
“A woman who always looks at me with the same kind eyes.”

“…….”

“I’m grateful for you, and because it’s you.”

Kang Woo brought Se Ah’s hand to his chest.

“Right here, bursting with it, I love you.”

His beating heart proved the sincerity. Se Ah’s pupils froze as if she was spellbound.

She had been waiting for this moment all along.

Imagining how thrilling and how happy it would be. Countless times, she had fantasized about Kang Woo’s gaze and voice.

But when the day finally came, she ended up crying.