The car leaving Seoul’s city center took the beltway and passed through several toll gates.

It had been a while since Ga Eul left Seoul. She sat quietly in the passenger seat, enjoying the passing scenery outside. Then, she glanced at Yeon Woo sitting in the driver’s seat.

‘We’re going all the way to Namyangju just to eat dessert?’

She was happy to be out after a long time. She especially liked the feeling of the city atmosphere gradually disappearing from the scenery. It was just a bit unexpected to travel such a long journey just to eat dessert. It would make sense if it were Ju A…… but Shin Yeon Woo didn’t usually give off that impression.

Ga Eul couldn’t hold back and let out a small laugh. Yeon Woo, who was driving, glanced at her and asked persistently.

“What is it, lady Ga Eul?”

“No, it’s just……”

Ga Eul hesitated for a moment before voicing her honest thoughts.

“It’s my first time going all the way to Namyangju to eat dessert, and it’s a bit surprising that you suggested it, sir Yeon Woo.”

“Ah, is that so?”

At Ga Eul’s answer, Yeon Woo fiddled with his neck. Then he started leading the conversation as usual.

“Someone I know recommended it to me. They said the dessert is delicious, but the scenery is nice too.”

“Oh, really?”

“You can see the Bukhan River, and there are lots of flowers and trees that you would like, lady Ga Eul.”

“Huh? How do you know I like flowers and trees?”

“Because almost all the paintings you draw are of flowers and trees. ……Or am I wrong?”

How perceptive.

“You’re right.”

Ga Eul nodded her head up and down.

No matter how much she thought about it, she was sure she had never mentioned it, so she wondered how he knew, but it seemed he deduced it from her paintings.

Most of what Yeon Woo said was correct. While she painted them a lot because she was good at it, they were mostly things her hand was drawn to because she liked them.

‘…….It’s comfortable.’

The wind seeping through the slightly open window felt like it was ventilating the suffocating feeling in her heart. Her heart that had been overheated gradually found its rhythm and beat comfortably.

What were the chances of unexpectedly meeting such a good person…….?

Their connection was only because of Chairman Shin. But when she faced him properly without any wariness, he was a good person she wanted to befriend.

No matter how she thought about it, he must be popular with the people around him. He was considerate, bright, and perceptive enough to quickly see through the other person’s preferences.

But why did he ask to eat with me? It seemed like he would have plenty of friends to eat with.

As Ga Eul was having those puzzling thoughts, Yeon Woo’s question interrupted her musings.

“Lady Ga Eul. You had an exhibition recently, right?”

“Ah, yes…….”

“I wanted to see it. But it was already over. I was busy so I didn’t know, and only found out recently when Grandfather told me.”

The expression on Ga Eul’s face, who had been excitedly enjoying the breeze, instantly stiffened.

−When you have an art exhibition, lady Ga Eul, I’ll come see it.

Yeon Woo had clearly said that.

Flustered, Ga Eul sat up straight from the seatback and apologized with an embarrassed smile.

“I’m sorry. It was my first exhibition and there was so much to take care of, I was so distracted…… I’ll make sure to let you know for the next exhibition.”

Those were days when she was too busy arguing with the CEO to invite anyone. It was the day that passed without her being able to properly enjoy it herself.

‘I argued with the CEO and got sick, so I just went home.’

Thoughts of him seep in through the cracks again. As Ga Eul shook her head to stop the thoughts from entering, Yeon Woo continued.

“It would be great if you do that. Even if you forget to tell me next time, I’ll have to find out and go first.”

Fortunately, he didn’t seem too upset as he showed his usual eye smile. Relieved by Yeon Woo’s reaction, Ga Eul leaned back comfortably again.

“Shall I put on some music? We still have a ways to go until we arrive.”

Although it took quite a while to get to Namyangju, it wasn’t awkward. Shin Yeon Woo was someone who could make even uncomfortable situations comfortable, and Ga Eul, who had become comfortable with him, could now bring up trivial things first without being asked.

The gentle music made it feel like they were on a trip, making them lose track of time. Ga Eul showed a bright smile, feeling comfortable and happy.

.

.

.

“Wow…… it’s really pretty.”

They had arrived at the cafe after a whole 1 hour and 30 minutes. Ga Eul opened her mouth as soon as she got out.

Chairman Han’s garden was extremely beautiful for the amount of money invested in it. So Ga Eul wasn’t easily amazed by any old scenery. But even to her, it was an impressive garden.

Ga Eul left Yeon Woo, who was still parking in the driver’s seat, and excitedly looked around with sparkling eyes.

From the entrance of the cafe, there were trees she had never seen before and grass that she couldn’t tell if it was cultivated or naturally grown, harmoniously intertwined.

It was a sight that made one naturally remark that even the most expensive artifice pales in comparison to true nature. The green hues were soothing to the eyes and refreshed the mind.

In particular, the gently flowing river right in front was impressive.

The air was so fresh due to the dense trees that each breath felt invigorating.

Before long, Yeon Woo, who had finished parking, approached Ga Eul and burst into laughter.

“Do you like it that much?”

“Yes. I had no idea there was a place like this in Namyangju. It’s so beautiful. If I had known, I would have come much sooner.”

To think that scenery that looked like it belonged far away was hidden not too far from here. Ga Eul was truly delighted.

“I’m glad. Seems like I made the right choice coming here with you, lady Ga Eul.”

Yeon Woo also grinned with satisfaction at Ga Eul’s varied reactions. The two, who had expressed their admiration for the place, first entered the cafe. It seemed like the heat was getting to them if they stood outside for too long since it was summer.

The interior of the cafe had a strong vintage feel. The walls with the rough cement texture exposed and the tables and chairs made only of wood with numerous rings went well together.

Still, the most eye-catching was undoubtedly the outside scenery.

The windows with a view were entirely wrapped with vines, decorating them like vivid picture frames. The scenery outside felt so unreal that it really seemed like a picture frame. Beyond the windows, the still calm and clear Bukhan River was flowing, creating a rather leisurely and poetic atmosphere.

“Lady Ga Eul. Shall we go upstairs? I heard the view is even better up there.”

“Sure.”

Going up to the second floor, it was completely open to the outside without any windows blocking it. There were only wooden frames for safety. Thanks to the roof covering it, it was a good place to avoid the sun and enjoy the breeze.

Among them, Yeon Woo and Ga Eul chose the outermost seats.

Ga Eul leaned her arms on the wooden frame and looked down at the outside. Looking down at the river from above made her feel like she was on a summer vacation.

The blowing wind made her long hair completely flutter. Despite her hair being all disheveled, Ga Eul let out a joyful laugh first.

Yeon Woo, who had been watching Ga Eul with a pleased expression, kindly asked after a long time.

“Lady Ga Eul, what would you like to drink?”

“An Americano would be good for me.”

“What about dessert? They have a lot of cake options here, is there anything you particularly want to eat?”

“Hmm…… then!”

Hearing Yeon Woo’s explanation, Ga Eul abruptly stood up from her seat. Yeon Woo, who was watching her, made a puzzled face and asked.

“What are you doing, lady Ga Eul?”

“Aren’t you going to pick out the cakes? I’m coming down with you.”

“I was going to bring them up.”

Ga Eul seemed unusually excited today.

Was it because of the dessert? Or the outdoor scenery? Yeon Woo wasn’t sure what made her so happy, but he was just grateful to the acquaintance who recommended this place to him.

Yeon Woo, who had planned to have Ga Eul sit on the second floor while he went down and came back up, stood up with a chuckle. His gaze kept going to her, who looked especially cute today.

Yeon Woo narrowed his eyes prettily and said.

“Then let’s go pick together, lady Ga Eul.”

Yeon Woo took Ga Eul back down to the first floor. Then he whispered sweetly.

“You can pick out everything you want to eat.”

“……Really?”

Ga Eul, who had widened her eyes for a moment in surprise, soon shook her head.

“I’ll buy it for you this time.”

Come to think of it, it seemed like she had just been receiving treats. As Ga Eul muttered, Yeon Woo placed a piece of appetizing strawberry cake on the tray Ga Eul was holding with a grin.

“I brought you here because I wanted to eat, what are you talking about.”

Yeon Woo wouldn’t back down. As Ga Eul kept refusing, it seemed rude, so she soon nodded. Then she focused on picking out the desserts she wanted to eat again.

She didn’t eat much, so she couldn’t finish it all. But there were so many delicious and pretty desserts.

With her cheeks flushed peach, Ga Eul carefully considered what to eat. Her furrowed brows were slightly wrinkled.

Yeon Woo, who had been secretly stealing glances at her cute appearance, approached Ga Eul, who was diligently picking out a piece of cake, and whispered.

“Lady Ga Eul, I know a lot of places like this. Let’s come together again next time.”

* * *

It was late at night when Ga Eul headed to the studio.

It was because she couldn’t work all day as she had gone somewhere a bit far. With no intention of resting, she moved her steps to the studio despite the late hour.

The scenery she had seen during the day was so satisfying that the corners of Ga Eul’s mouth wouldn’t come down, drawing an arc.

Ga Eul entered the studio as usual, pulled out an easel, and efficiently finished preparing to draw. Today, she had a clear subject to draw, so her hands swiftly brought out the paints and palette without hesitation.

Ga Eul, who had been laying out only green and lush colors on the palette, soon played with the brush.

Immersed in painting, not noticing someone approaching, Ga Eul finally lifted her head upon hearing the creaking sound of the opening door.

“What. You weren’t sleeping.”

“Ah…… yes, sir.”

Turning her head, there he was, the one she didn’t expect to come, leaning against the doorframe and languidly looking down at Ga Eul.

The corners of Ga Eul’s mouth, which had been lifted all this time, plummeted the moment she discovered him.

Ga Eul was flustered and at a loss. She thought she wouldn’t run into him for a while since she had asked for time. But to think he would come looking for her directly, not even a day later.

The emotions that had been settled when she wasn’t facing him began to waver in turmoil again. Only after encountering him did she realize she had been having foolish thoughts. That it wasn’t something she could settle.

The heart that had found some peace after seeing the beautiful scenery began to beat irregularly again. As Ga Eul averted her eyes and fumbled, Gi Tae, who had been standing at the entrance, approached her first.

“What’s with the trees and river?”

“I went to Namyangju today to see the river and trees.”

“To Namyangju? With whom?”

Ga Eul, who had been rambling in panic, shut her mouth.

Come to think of it, it was the same when Ju A asked who Yeon Woo was. A suitable title to introduce Yeon Woo didn’t come to mind.

A friend? ……A meal friend?

What should I call him…….?

Ga Eul recalled Yeon Woo’s words before they parted ways before sunset.

−Lady Ga Eul. There’s something I want to say, can I see you again this weekend?

−Something to say? You can say it now.

But Yeon Woo shook his head.

She had been quietly wondering what he wanted to say, as he had a serious face when parting after laughing and chatting excitedly all day.

As Ga Eul furrowed her brows and was about to become lost in thought about what he was trying to say, he suddenly came close to her side and started fiddling with her hair. With that, Ga Eul’s musings were instantly shattered.

Ga Eul’s body stiffened. Nevertheless, the hand that touched her didn’t stop. As the hand kept fiddling with her hair, Ga Eul, not knowing what to do, sat a little further away.

Even after seeing him slightly furrowing his brows as if displeased, Ga Eul forcibly turned her gaze back to the canvas. Since they had agreed to give each other time, he must have surely come for work-related matters.

“Did you…… come to check on the painting?”

After asking the question with difficulty in a calm manner, Ga Eul’s hand that was about to pick up the brush again stopped at Gi Tae’s answer.

“No. I came to see you though.”

“What? W-why?”

Didn’t we agree to give each other time?

Instead of answering Ga Eul’s question, he only let out a chuckle.

“I need to draw the painting……”

As Ga Eul managed to speak, she shifted her gaze from the canvas to his face.

The gaze that she had difficulty meeting was sticky, scanning up and down her face. Even though she couldn’t proceed with her work, he personally handed her the brush. The temperature of his large hand that brushed against hers as he passed the brush was still hot like yesterday.

Although Ga Eul was the only one drawing, the large hand that didn’t let go even after handing over the brush wouldn’t leave. The gaze that landed only on Ga Eul grew deeper and deeper.

“I won’t disturb you.”

“…….”

“I won’t disturb, so.”

The cool scent that clung close and seeped in made Ga Eul’s head dizzy. He always stuck close to her ever since some point.

“Hurry up and finish the thought you said you would.”

“…….”

He, who had pressed his lips against the wrist he was holding, added another line. Ga Eul widened her eyes at the sudden action.

“It’d be even better if that’s today.”

Her shoulders trembled at the soft sensation that touched and fell off.

Without giving any attention to the canvas unlike usual, he, who added that the sooner the better, had a deep gaze that touched only Ga Eul, causing her to lower her head with a flushed face.