“Ga Eul-ssi, over here!”

As soon as Ga Eul entered the cafe, she could easily spot Shin Yeon Woo.

He was sitting in the best seat and waving his hand with a beaming face as Ga Eul entered. His style already stood out quite a bit, but his actions were also big, so he couldn’t help but catch the eye.

Ga Eul felt a little burdened by the women around her who were stealing glances at him. However, since she had important business to attend to, Ga Eul approached the table where he was sitting without hesitation and sat across from him.

While she was drawing in the studio as usual, he contacted her saying he had something to tell her about , so she hurriedly left. If she could retrieve her father’s painting, this was nothing, so Ga Eul left the studio without a second thought.

“I’m sorry for calling you out so suddenly. My schedule is irregular, so I can’t make an appointment in advance…”

At Yeon Woo’s apology, Ga Eul hurriedly shook her head.

“No. You’re busy, so it’s understandable. It’s okay.”

Shin Yeon Woo, who was listening to Ga Eul’s words with a smile on his face and his arms crossed, suddenly tilted his head to one side.

“What is it? Last time, it seemed like you were constantly being wary of me.”

“Me?”

She thought he didn’t know, but did he know everything all along?

Ga Eul, who became embarrassed, tried to pretend it wasn’t the case for now, but Shin Yeon Woo only smiled with his eyes.

‘That’s because someone who came looking for me for a reason I didn’t know suddenly approached me so closely…’

Fortunately, he didn’t seem to be hurt as he spoke lightly as if it were a joke.

Ga Eul felt sorry for her behavior last time, so she smiled even more brightly for no reason.

Then, Shin Yeon Woo, who was looking at her, widened his eyes for a moment before closing them gently and giving a beaming smile.

“That’s good. You’re not being wary of me anymore.”

“I’m sorry. At that time, I was a bit surprised…”

“No. It’s true that I surprised you, but I suddenly went to see you without saying anything.”

Ga Eul, who laughed shyly at his words, hesitated for a moment before carefully bringing up what she wanted to ask.

“Shin Yeon Woo-ssi. I… you said you had something to say about the painting…”

“Yes. That’s right, but shall we have a meal first?”

“What?”

Suddenly, what meal?

Ga Eul just widened her eyes at the conversation that seemed to flow without context. Then, Shin Yeon Woo lowered the corners of his eyes and made a pitiful expression.

“I’m a little hungry since I came without having a meal because I was busy.”

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.

.

The place where Yeon Woo led Ga Eul, saying he was hungry, was a Japanese restaurant with impressive black tiles on the roof. She thought she would just listen to the story about the painting and leave, but somehow she ended up having a meal with him.

She couldn’t see the menu, so she couldn’t tell how much it was, but it looked quite expensive, so Ga Eul glanced at him. When their eyes met, he smiled and asked.

“Does it suit your taste, Ga Eul-ssi?”

“Yes. It’s delicious.”

“That’s a relief. Eat a lot.”

“Yes…”

“I’m sorry. I wonder if I’m just wasting your time.”

“No! You should enjoy your meal too, Shin Yeon Woo-ssi.”

Since she could hear important stories, it was fine for a little while. Ga Eul poked the innocent tomato on her plate. Then, she brought it to her mouth.

Indeed, all the food was delicious. The tomato marinade served as an appetizer was sour and whetted the appetite.

The meal, which she thought would be simple, was somehow full-fledged. Since it was a course meal, something kept being added. Ga Eul silently looked down at the freshly grilled mero that had just come out.

He, who had been quietly continuing the meal, brought up the story of the painting.

“Ga Eul-ssi, I heard you draw well, right?”

However, it wasn’t about her father’s painting.

Ga Eul answered his question with an embarrassed smile.

Yeon Woo, who said he skipped the meal, continued to eat in between while conversing with Ga Eul.

Even while eating, his straight posture, chopstick skills, and all his movements were neat without any disturbance. He seemed like a person whose etiquette had become a perfect habit.

Recalling how he approached her closely without any hesitation even though they had just met, she thought he must be that kind of person. Sociable and showing basic courtesy and kindness to anyone.

Ga Eul, who had been watching his continuous movements while eating, turned her gaze back to his face, and Yeon Woo made eye contact with her and spoke again.

“I heard from Grandfather. That you draw well like your father.”

“Ah, yes…”

“To be honest, I don’t know much about painting. I don’t like it either. I just see it when I come and go because Grandfather likes to collect them.”

Ga Eul nodded. She liked painting, but not everyone had to. It was a common story that could be easily dismissed.

Yeon Woo, who was watching Ga Eul nod, suddenly put down his chopsticks, made eye contact with Ga Eul, and opened his mouth again.

“But I’m curious about your painting, Ga Eul-ssi. What it’s like.”

Ga Eul widened her eyes and looked at Shin Yeon Woo. Shin Yeon Woo, who smiled with his dimples fully exposed, said softly.

“If you have an exhibition of your paintings, Ga Eul-ssi, I’ll come and see it too.”

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.

.

He suddenly bought her a drink, saying it was hot in the weather that had already become hot, and put it in her hand. So Ga Eul was just biting the innocent straw and rolling her eyes.

Walking side by side, there was no particular destination.

She definitely met him when the sun was up.

She thought she would return before the sun went down and continue working on the landscape painting, but before she knew it, the sunset began to appear.

‘…I just came to hear about the painting, but why am I doing this here?’

It felt like she was under some kind of spell.

She thought it was not right to coldly leave a person who said he hadn’t eaten, so she had a meal with him, but.

Before she knew it, she was walking the busy streets until late.

Ga Eul blew air into the straw. The bubbles that came up irregularly made an uneven sound.

It was like this last time in front of the gallery, and every time she met Shin Yeon Woo, it was like this.

He was a person who naturally led people.

When she came to her senses and thought it was strange, the situation was already over.

“Oh, Ga Eul-ssi. I think this would suit you. Do you want to try one on?”

He suddenly pointed to a bracelet displayed in front of a jewelry shop and asked Ga Eul.

Ga Eul shook her head.

‘Now I really have to ask and go home.’

It was only after a long time since meeting Yeon Woo that Ga Eul finally brought up the topic she wanted.

“Shin Yeon Woo-ssi. I… how can I receive my father’s painting?”

Then, Yeon Woo led her to another place.

“Well, there are a lot of people here, so shall we sit on that bench and talk?”

“Yes.”

Yeon Woo, who pointed to the bench, walked a little ahead of Ga Eul. Ga Eul also headed towards the secluded bench following him.

The bench was shaded by a large tree covering it from above. Thanks to that, the setting sun was avoided, and although it was a little muggy, the flowing breeze could be felt, making it feel a little cooler than when walking on the street.

“Your legs must hurt. Sit down, Ga Eul-ssi.”

Yeon Woo, who sat Ga Eul on the bench, finally spoke about the topic Ga Eul wanted to hear.

“Unlike me, Grandfather has a strong attachment to the paintings he owns and takes pride in them, so he absolutely won’t sell them even if someone offers more money. Even if they have a close relationship. Especially that painting , it’s the painting he cherishes the most.”

“Ah, yes…”

Ga Eul’s voice trailed off. She wondered if he called her to tell her directly that he couldn’t find a way to return the painting even though he tried in various ways, and she felt down for no reason.

Perhaps, he even bought her an expensive meal.

Maybe he wasn’t really hungry, and it was just an excuse…?

Because he felt sorry for her.

‘It’s not something Shin Yeon Woo-ssi should feel sorry about. I just had expectations for no reason.’

If he said he was sorry, she was going to say it was okay. Even though her strength was drained.

Shin Yeon Woo, who had been standing far away looking down at Ga Eul while she sat on the bench alone, erased his usual smile and opened his mouth again with a slightly serious face.

“But if it’s my request, he thinks a little differently.”

Ga Eul, who had been hanging her head low for a while, looked up at Yeon Woo again. The expectation in her eyes was barely visible.

“It will take time, but if I keep appealing to him, maybe his mind will change someday. I can’t guarantee when, but I can definitely promise that I can return it.”

“Really? Then, would it be okay if I asked you a favor? I’ll make sure to pay for the painting somehow. I’ll prepare as much money as needed until then…”

As Ga Eul, who had been answering all day, even spoke quickly, Yeon Woo casually asked.

“You said you would give up before. Why do you want it so badly now?”

Ga Eul, who met his curious eyes, closed her mouth tightly for a moment and answered honestly.

“When I thought I couldn’t have that painting, I had no choice but to give up. But when there was hope that I could have it, I became greedy…”

It was ridiculous how she firmly said no back then, but changed her words not long after.

Ga Eul, who felt awkward for no reason, let out an embarrassed laugh.

Then, Yeon Woo, who smiled brightly with his dimples showing, spoke in an even softer voice.

“I told you, right? That you would want to see it again and have it.”

“Yes, that’s right. Then, can I ask you a favor even if it’s shameless, Shin Yeon Woo-ssi? So that I can receive my father’s painting from President Shin.”

Yeon Woo, who shrugged his shoulders as if it wasn’t a difficult task, suddenly bent his upper body to match eye level with Ga Eul.

“Of course. That’s why I came to find you, Ga Eul-ssi.”

I’m so glad!

I thought he was taking his time because he was going to say that he couldn’t return it after all.

Ga Eul’s face lit up.

At that moment, Yeon Woo spoke again.

“But.”

“…?”

“What can you do for me, Ga Eul-ssi?”

“What…?”

A strange sound flowed from Ga Eul’s mouth at the sudden question.

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.

He said he would take her home, so she got in the car with him, but there were no words exchanged.

‘What can I do for you…?’

When she was surprised and asked what he wanted, he said he wouldn’t call her often, but when he did, could they have a meal together like today.

When she asked why she had to do that, he said the meal today was very enjoyable. He just kept smiling brightly, saying it wasn’t a difficult request.

As if he noticed her puzzled feelings, he added a reason, saying he would also keep her updated on the news about the painting from time to time.

“…Take care on your way.”

“Yes. Go in, Ga Eul-ssi.”

Ga Eul got off in front of the gallery, just like last time.

Unlike last time, when he said he was busy, he didn’t get out of the car and drove away, and Ga Eul bit her lip as she watched his sedan disappear.

When he was out of sight, Ga Eul let out a deep sigh without realizing it.

Although it took time to walk from the gallery, Ga Eul chose to walk a little more because of her somehow complicated mind.

While walking and looking only at the tips of her own feet, Ga Eul suddenly bumped into a man who popped out of an alley.

It was partly the fault of the man who suddenly popped out, but it was also Ga Eul’s fault for not looking ahead while walking.

Ga Eul apologized first without even thinking about picking up the cell phone she dropped.

“I’m sorry. Are you okay?”

“Oh my… It does hurt a little, but I’m fine.”

The man in the baseball cap dusted off his clothes and picked up the cell phone Ga Eul had dropped before standing up.

“You dropped this. Here.”

“Ah, thank you. And I’m sorry.”

“No. It’s my fault too.”

Ga Eul bowed her head again and apologized. The man waved his hand, saying it was okay with a smile.

Ga Eul bowed her head one more time in apology and finally took a step.

The man, who was watching Ga Eul walk away, stopped in place and chanted in a husky voice with a smirk.

“That’s right. It’s the Yoon Ga Eul I know.”

The man smiled with satisfaction and disappeared back into the alley.