Peeking through the slightly open passenger window to greet him, Eunsoo opened the backseat door and tossed in the bag of clothes she’d change into later. Then, sliding into the passenger seat, she stole a glance at Juhan.
In truth, she’d been mulling over an absurd curiosity that had surged up while reminiscing earlier. What would Juhan’s reaction be if she appeared much different from her usual self, just like back then?
But to her surprise, Juhan also looked similar to that time long ago. The shirt and slacks, even the hairstyle revealing half his forehead, were reminiscent of the past.
However, the vibe was entirely different. The white shirt of a twenty-two-year-old Juhan had a fresh and neat aura, but now, stretched tightly across broader shoulders and chest, it looked somewhat dangerous on twenty-nine-year-old Juhan.
His hair was styled the same, yet it looked different. The eyes and jawline seemed much sharper, no longer retaining any boyish lines, but rather a fully matured man’s face.
Eunsoo felt as though she had been struck hard in the heart, intending to strike first. Juhan then spoke.
“You look nice.”
“Uh?”
“The outfit. It suits you well.”
Flustered by his straightforward reaction, Eunsoo responded with mixed suspicion and confusion.
“Thanks. You too, today you look a bit…”
“A bit?”
“A bit like a CEO.”
“Isn’t that what I am, a manager?”
In those five words, ‘you look like a CEO,’ Juhan, who didn’t know the implied sentiments and adjectives, responded casually and started the navigation.
“Where to first?”
“Let’s start at Rotiland. We’ll get there, go in, and stay till 12. Then move to a café, spend about two hours there, then move to Han River for a picnic concept, and end at ‘Bida’ for dinner and photos. Keeping in line with the program’s intention of office romance, while adding a bit of promotion…”
Listening to the flowing briefing of their fake date, Juhan’s mouth dropped open.
“Is this schedule doable in a day?”
“It has to be. But I’m worried if it seems unnatural that all the places are near Seoul…”
“Just say we were too busy to travel far.”
Knowing Eunsoo’s nature of going all out, Juhan quickly interjected, fearing she might suggest heading to the airport right away.
“Got it. Let’s move quickly.”
As they drove down unfamiliar roads, Juhan stared straight ahead, seemingly focused on driving. In reality, his attention was entirely on the passenger seat beside him.
Whether it was cosmetics, perfume, or shampoo, an excessively sweet and dizzying scent wafted from Eunsoo’s direction. It wasn’t overly strong, but to Juhan, it felt like a fatal sweetness. His breath kept catching, and his heart felt uncomfortable.
Juhan realized something.
It wasn’t just the scent. Ever since he had seen Eunsoo step out of her house, he had been in this state.
He had expected her to look pretty since she was always neat and tidy even when heading to work, but he hadn’t anticipated she would be this beautiful, and it had taken him aback.
He remembered feeling the same way on their first date years ago. Back then, he couldn’t even look Eunsoo in the eye for the entire day.
Initially, Eunsoo, unaware of the reason, had felt slighted by his avoidance. Later, when she realized the real reason, she playfully got close to his face, causing him to break out in cold sweat.
“Calm down. I was in my early twenties back then.”
Yet, he felt a sense of pride for managing not to show his agitation and even complimenting her by saying, “Your dress looks nice,” despite feeling overwhelmed at the thought of having to keep up with it all day.
“It’s not a real date anyway.”
He decided to skip the fact that it took quite a long time to get ready that morning.
Juhan relaxed his grip on the steering wheel and shoulders, then spoke up.
“But, the café you mentioned after the amusement park, where is it located…”
Juhan glanced over to change lanes and paused abruptly. Eunsoo was casually looking at her phone, her legs crossed, causing her skirt to slightly lift and reveal a glimpse of her pale thighs. It wasn’t that short, but Juhan’s heart sank helplessly.
Eunsoo, completely unaware of the distraction she had just caused to the driver, responded without even lifting her head.
“Oh, that place. It’s in Paju, about 40 minutes away. Jaerim once suggested I visit. It’s not too crowded yet, but it seems like it’ll get really busy soon.”
“Okay.”
After a while of silence, Juhan casually added.
“But now that I think about it, can you ride the amusement park rides in that skirt?”
Eunsoo looked at him incredulously.
“Did you plan on riding the rides? I was only thinking of taking evidence photos.”
As far as Eunsoo remembered, Juhan didn’t like amusement park rides. He didn’t see the point in paying to experience fear and risk.
That’s why they never went to amusement parks, a rather common date spot.
Eunsoo’s skeptical gaze seemed to prick Juhan’s cheek. He tried to respond nonchalantly.
“I was just asking in case you suddenly discovered the joy of rides.”
“What’s that… is that about you?”
“No. I haven’t either. We’re here.”
After parking the car, they headed towards the entrance of Rotiland. Walking side by side through the busy streets connected to a large shopping mall, Eunsoo murmured.
“But why are there so many kids in school uniforms?”
Male lead reborn without memories — but he still falls for her.
The person he finds displeasing in this life turns out to be his cherished wife-master in previous life…
Xie Zhi and Fang Xianxing who had known each other for less than three days through a blind date sat in the same car in front of the civil affairs bureau. They had a disagreement and failed to get married.
Xie Zhi immediately took out his phone, slid through his contacts, and randomly selected the next marriage candidate.
The woman snatched his phone and hung up. Looking at his phone wallpaper, she awkwardly changed the subject: “An ancient painting, eh? It looks pretty good, it’s just that the person in the painting looks a bit like me.”
When he heard this, he sarcastically mocked her for being so delusional, completely unaware that, the person in front of him was the reincarnation of Wen Ru, the famous prime minister of Yuan Shun whom he most admired…
The female CEO who doesn’t want to get married with a divorce agreement in hand × The male archaeological researcher who will only get married if he’s sure he can get divorced
