Having been a swimmer in middle school, he was immediately responsive to sports topics.

From then on, Yun Jae became more talkative, especially upon learning that he and Do Han graduated from the same elementary school.

Moreover, Yun Jae had wanted to join the soccer team, but couldn’t due to its prestige, so hearing about Do Han’s achievements was almost divine to him.

“You quit swimming because of an injury?”

“Yeah. Hurt my shoulder during training.”

“It must have been tough. Swimming was everything to you.”

“Back then, yes. But looking back, it seems like a blessing. I started swimming for fun, but it became too demanding. I was training like a machine.”

To an onlooker, they seemed like close seniors and juniors.

They made many plans – to play soccer together, visit the swimming pool…

United by sports, they clinked their glasses, making numerous promises.

Ha-ha-ha, he-he-he.

Watching the two laugh endlessly, Sa Rang and Ji Woo were busy letting out sighs of disbelief.

“They might become sworn brothers at this rate.”

“Who would have thought? Never imagined this turn of events.”

They shook their heads.

While it was good that there was no awkwardness, the two seemed overly friendly, causing a bit of annoyance.
The original Korean paragraph contains 43 lines. Here is the verbatim English translation, maintaining the same number of lines:

Maybe the two men will meet separately after all.

“Hyung, did you by any chance go to the military…?”

“Let’s get up. It’s getting late.”

As the conversation steered towards military service, Sa Rang quickly interrupted Yun Jae.

At a company dinner, Dong Sik, who was also from the special forces, had kept Do Han talking for ages. Once started, they could easily chat for an hour.

Coincidentally, Jung Yun Jae was also from the special forces.

“Already?”

“Look at the bottles here. You two drank this much and still want to stay longer?”

Ji Woo’s glare made Yun Jae reluctantly get up.

But even as they left the restaurant, Yun Jae’s sense of loss lingered.

He’d found someone he could really talk to, so parting with Do Han was regrettable.

“Hyung, let’s go to my place for another drink.”

“Hey, Jung Yun Jae.”

Ji Woo’s eyes widened in disbelief at the absurd suggestion.

Sa Rang was equally surprised, her mouth agape.

“It’s 10 PM. Why are you inviting guests at this hour?”

“It’s Sunday tomorrow. Hyung can just sleep over at our place.”

“What?”

Ji Woo was at a loss for words.

Why was he acting out of character today, especially when he usually doesn’t drink late due to early morning workouts?

“Aren’t you exercising tomorrow?”

“One day off won’t hurt. Hyung, come with me.”

Resigned, Ji Woo could only look on. But Do Han quickly resolved the situation.

“Next time. I’m spending today with Sa Rang.”

He placed his hand on Sa Rang’s shoulder and pulled her towards him.

Surprised in front of her friends, Sa Rang momentarily held her breath.

“We live next door to Sa Rang. So we can all go to our place…”

“No, just us two.”

“Excuse me?”

“I mean Sa Rang and I will spend time alone today.”

Realizing the situation, Yun Jae glanced at Ji Woo, who wore a look of disbelief.

“Ah. I see.”

Yun Jae hesitated, unsure of what to say, but then Do Han’s called taxi arrived.

“We’ll meet again later.”

“Wait, I…”

Confused, Sa Rang tried to protest but was led into the car by Do Han.

Ji Woo and Yun Jae watched the car drive away, stunned.

“Jeez. Feels like I’ve lost a daughter.”

“Same here.”

Both felt a sudden emptiness.

It was like sending a beloved daughter off to marriage.

Sa Rang followed Do Han into his apartment.

Once inside, she hesitated, unfamiliar with the place.

Where to stand, or sit?

As she wandered, he took off his jacket and started unbuttoning his shirt.

The situation mirrored their last encounter, causing Sa Rang to tense up.

The difference now was his drunken state.

His presence made her heart race even more.

That evening, Do Han had said he’d wait until she loved him.

But would this inebriated man remember that promise?

His gaze was so intense, as if he could devour her right then.

As Sa Rang avoided his heated stare, he approached her.

“Change into this.”

He handed her a pair of pants and a T-shirt that seemed too small to be his.

Sa Rang examined the clothes, questioning, “Isn’t this women’s clothing?”
The original Korean paragraph contains 44 lines. Here is the verbatim English translation, maintaining the same number of lines:

“I’ve bought separate clothes for you. There are also cosmetics in the bathroom, so feel free to use them.”

“Why would I come here often enough to need those…”

Sa Rang turned away, feeling embarrassed.

Wondering why he had prepared all these things, as if he planned to bring her over frequently.

She doubted if he really intended to wait for her.

As her face turned red, Do Han chuckled softly.

Suppressing the urge to nibble on Sa Rang’s cheek, he gently stroked it with his hand instead.

“I’ll take a shower and be right out.”

After Do Han entered the bathroom, Sa Rang finally exhaled the breath she had been holding.

Her cheek, where his hand had touched, was still burning.

Just one touch from him had set her entire body aflame.

It wasn’t him she should worry about.

At this rate, she might be the one clinging to him, begging to be held.

All while still unable to say ‘I love you’.

“Phew.”

Sa Rang sighed deeply.

She changed clothes and stood by the window, looking at the night view. Suddenly, Do Han emerged from the bathroom.

Startled, she flinched without realizing it, only to find him already close by.

His scent, reminiscent of a dewy forest at dawn, tickled her heart.

Drops of water falling from his wet hair seemed to tap directly on her heart.

His face, still flushed from alcohol, was focused only on her.

She thought, as always, Do Han was dangerously charming when drunk.

So alluring that she didn’t want to share him with anyone.

For the first time, Sa Rang experienced a sense of possessiveness.

A desire to be the only one to have this man in the world.

“I’ll just wash my face and come out.”

She decided it would be better to step away for a while, but Do Han pulled her into his embrace.

“Aren’t you going to dry your hair?”

“In a bit.”

Sa Rang leaned against his warm chest for a moment.

His heart was beating so hard it made her worry.

“Today was the first time I envied Kim Tae Hoon.”

His sleepy voice resonated above her.

She listened quietly to Do Han’s story.

“I used to think marriage only brought unhappiness.”

His voice was tinged with sadness.

His mother, who had passed away just watching his father love another woman.

Parents who brought nothing but misery to each other.

If that was marriage, he didn’t want it.

But today, watching Tae Hoon, he changed his mind.

Seeing his friend and his bride, the happiest people in the world, he realized that even a moment’s happiness in such a ceremony was meaningful.

Do Han imagined his own wedding while watching the ceremony.

Without a second thought, he pictured Sa Rang standing next to him.

He was momentarily overwhelmed with an indescribable feeling of joy.

It felt like it would be the happiest moment of his life.

“Tae Hoon looked really happy today. That’s why I envied him.”

He released his arms from around her and faced her.

A smile appeared on his face as he looked up at her clear expression.

“Sa Rang.”

Do Han called her name and lightly pressed his lips to hers.

“Sa Rang.”

“Why, why do you keep calling me…”

Sa Rang’s heart fluttered, and she averted her gaze slightly.

She was at a loss for how to respond if he said he loved her.

But her guess was wrong.

“Let’s get married.”