It was undoubtedly a familiar expression. Lajin understood well what he meant. However, Lajin just stared at Jiho without saying a word. She simply wanted to hear more of his thoughts.

“I’m not sure if today is the right timing.”

“…….”

“Suggesting that we start dating after turning thirty feels a bit awkward.”

Nevertheless, he added that it was something he had to say.

“I originally planned to confess after the special investigation was over. But I can’t wait any longer because it’s making me uneasy.”

Even in the midst of his busy schedule, he was contemplating their relationship. Lajin’s heart wavered at his always thoughtful attitude.

“It’s not something to discuss while eating ramen, but…”

Jiho chuckled and gently covered Lajin’s hand with his.

“As a celebration of wrapping up our work, how about reconsidering our relationship?”

Lajin was trying to act nonchalant, but Jiho’s proposal of ‘us’ sounded pleasant to her. It felt like receiving an invitation to enter a large and sturdy fence.

“Especially today, when you might have a headache. I’ve bothered you too much.”

“No, it’s not that.”

Concerned that he might interpret her brief silence as refusal, Lajin corrected herself with an answer.

“In the future, I’ll try to be as straightforward as possible with you.”

“Straightforward?”

Excited by the word that seemed to lump together not only affection but also reason, Lajin pressed down on her toes in disbelief.

“If it’s good, I’ll say it’s good. If I miss you, I’ll say I miss you.”

“You’re being honest.”

“Yes. So, Lajin, feel free to express your feelings, whether it’s quick or burdensome.”

Since Lajin had learned about love only from drama scripts, she had no sense of reality when it came to actual relationships. Is this how confessions are usually done? Or is Jiho special? Should she answer immediately? In the ambiguous situation, Lajin couldn’t find a clue.

While Lajin was grappling with her thoughts, he poured out his sincerity.

“Maybe because I was surprised today, I don’t want to be away from you, Lajin.”

Even if it’s selfish, emotions toward others ultimately tend to be selfish, he said. Moved by his honest courage, Lajin nodded unconsciously.

Should she say it’s okay right away? Should she take some time to seriously consider it? Caught in conflicting emotions, Lajin was unable to decide.

“Take enough time to think. The deadline is unlimited for Lajin only.”

“What if my indefinite answer is delayed?”

“Let’s see what happens within the scope allowed by Lajin. Like a puppy.”

“What?”

“I’ll push you away, but don’t go. Despite looking strong, I’m a guy with a tender heart inside.”

The man’s cold gaze softened gently. Was he really sincere? Lajin’s heart began to melt like a chocolate in a pocket as he smiled fatally.

“Jiho, look at the sky.”
Covered in a large blanket like a cape, Lajin exclaimed as she looked towards the dark sky on the rooftop.

“You can see the stars better here than in Seoul.”

“Not just better, it feels like they might pour down any moment.”

Without even putting down the bag containing rustling potato chips and clinking canned beer, Lajin jumped around the spacious rooftop.

“They look good from here too.”

“Should I tie the blanket again? It looks like you might trip over it if you step on it.”

As he fiddled with the beam projector, he said, “I’ll walk around holding the end like this. Is that okay?”

Lajin, holding the blanket like the hem of a dress, smiled brightly.

A sense of liberation she hadn’t felt in a long time. In a place where there were no fleeting glances or threats from cellphone cameras, Lajin enjoyed her freedom.

“Ah, it’s nice.”

The night breeze from the nearby mountains, the scent of pine trees, and her long hair swaying like a dance tickled Lajin’s neck. With her cheeks against the fluffy blanket, she wished time could stop right there.

Even the air on this sweet night, the space with just the man whose white shirt suited him well—it all felt too perfect.

She breathed in the sweet air so deeply that it seemed she couldn’t contain it any longer. Then, like exhaling from a big balloon, she let it out.

At that moment when everything was swaying in front of her eyes, a blue shadow appeared on the floor.

“Lajin, it’s ready.”

As he adjusted the projector screen, a plausible movie theater appeared with a snap.

“Jiho, isn’t this place amazing?”

Lajin praised and clapped her hands like a regular panelist on entertainment shows. She fell for this countryside house so much that she would have been disappointed if he hadn’t brought her here.

“Come here and sit.”

Jiho pulled over rattan furniture placed at the rooftop entrance. Following his gesture, Lajin sat down, stretching her legs.

“How’s this angle?”

Without needing to uncomfortably look up or sit rigidly, he adjusted the reclining button of the chair up and down. He supported Lajin’s waist with a chubby cushion and covered her body with a warm blanket.

“Yes, it’s just right.”