Upon hearing Gi Tae’s words, Ga Eul’s face stiffened, then gradually flushed a peach color.

She knew it wasn’t just a simple question about whether she was going home.

For a moment, she almost thought she had misheard, her mind hazy from the feel of his lips that had claimed hers at some point.

From the moment he confessed his feelings, his expressions had been direct. Her face heated up much more than when he subtly caressed her cheek or kissed her wrist.

So that was just child’s play?

She immediately realized his words were sincere.

His lowered gaze slowly traced over Ga Eul’s eyes, nose, lips, down to her neck.

Regardless of Ga Eul’s reaction, Gi Tae left small, casual kisses all over her face as if satisfied before pulling away.

Watching him freely express himself like that, Ga Eul felt her heart pounding wildly.

“Ah, I don’t want to let you go.”

“……”

“What should I do, Yoon Ga Eul.”

He was subtly asking Ga Eul to stay at the studio instead of leaving.

Ga Eul bit her lower lip. She had been happy to bare her heart to him for the first time, but now it seemed her heart wouldn’t survive much longer.

* * *

The next day, Ga Eul received the call she had been waiting for from Manager Park.

[Manager: Ga Eul. The next exhibition schedule has been set. I need to check, could you send me all the paintings you’ve done so far?]

[Yes, I understand.]

Entering her studio, Ga Eul set aside the paintings she would send to the gallery. Among them was the painting of him that she desperately wanted to include in the last exhibition but couldn’t finish due to her heartache.

Ga Eul smiled softly as she looked down at the painting of the garden where she had walked hand in hand with him.

It felt like a dream that they were now lovers. Actually, it still didn’t feel real.

Rrrr…… Rrrr……

While lost in thought, a call came in. Ga Eul swiftly picked up her phone.

‘It’s the CEO!’

Ga Eul cleared her throat and answered. It was the first call since the confession. Picking up, the voice she longed to hear flowed through the receiver.

−What are you doing?

“Ah, I was just organizing paintings to send to the gallery.”

−For the exhibition?

“Yes.”

−The schedule is a bit tight.

“Yes. But I think it will be okay since I painted a lot in advance.”

Ga Eul kept biting her lower lip but eventually smiled, unable to hold back the corners of her mouth from rising. The topic started off work-related, but she was elated by the call with him regardless of the subject.

Then, he delivered some unwelcome news.

−I think I’ll be busy for a few days too.

“Ah, yes……”

So we can’t see each other today? Ga Eul’s eyes dropped. She knew he was a busy person, but she had suddenly forgotten that.

“Then… I guess we can’t meet.”

Ga Eul suddenly deeply regretted going back home last night after struggling with his temptation.

A sigh was heard over the phone. He sounded a bit tired.

After sighing briefly, he continued speaking.

−Yeah. I think I’ll be busy for about two days.

“…..Yes.”

He must be more exhausted working late into the night. Ga Eul kept her mouth firmly shut, not wanting to needlessly whine.

Though disappointed to not see him for two days, Ga Eul thought the time would pass quickly if she painted more pieces to add to the exhibition while he was gone.

She consoled her disappointment by making plans she didn’t have before.

Wanting to talk a bit more, Ga Eul added a few more words.

“Get some sleep if you can.”

Was that too plain for lovers to say? As Ga Eul pondered what else to say, he urged her.

−Don’t you have any other encouragement?

“Other encouragement?”

Ga Eul asked back, not understanding what he meant. Then, stifling a laugh, he subtly made a request.

−Like what you said yesterday.

“What?”

−What? You did well yesterday.

“…..!”

Ga Eul mulled over what she said yesterday. Then she opened her mouth.

Could it be that he’s asking her to say she likes him right now?

Hesitating shyly, unsure if it was what he wanted to hear, Ga Eul spoke in a smaller voice than usual.

“I like you.”

−Good.

A breathy chuckle was heard faintly over the receiver.

Before hanging up, he left one last thing.

−Clear your schedule three days from now.

His voice sounded quite affectionate.

* * *

After sending all the paintings, Ga Eul visited the gallery.

She wanted to hear Manager Park’s evaluation of her work and know in advance which paintings would be displayed.

Taking the elevator up to the office, she immediately spotted Manager Park who looked busy.

Ga Eul approached him and greeted first.

“Manager Park, hello.”

“Ah, Ga Eul, you’re here?”

Always smiling kindly despite being busy, Manager Park welcomed Ga Eul warmly as usual. Ga Eul also reciprocated with a smile.

Pointing to Ga Eul’s paintings, Manager Park asked.

“You came to get the paintings checked?”

“Yes. I was curious which ones would be put up. And if the ones I brought aren’t good, I wanted to know if I should paint a few more to add.”

Manager Park shook his head at Ga Eul’s answer.

“I don’t think you need to submit more. I was having a hard time deciding what to display this time because they’re all so good.”

“Oh, really?”

“Especially this one.”

Manager Park pointed directly at the painting Ga Eul had cherished.

“I personally really like this one.”

The painting Manager Park pointed out was the one of Ga Eul and him together. Not knowing it depicted the two of them, Manager Park kept gazing at it delightedly.

“How should I put it… It has a warm feeling that keeps drawing my eyes. A painting like this might sell right away on the day of the exhibition.”

“Oh…..”

“When did you improve so much again?”

“Thank you.”

Indeed, it’s always a joy to hear praise for her work.

Ga Eul bashfully accepted Manager Park’s compliment.

Unable to keep the busy Manager Park any longer, Ga Eul confirmed which paintings would be displayed and left the gallery.

Just then, a text message arrived on Ga Eul’s phone. Checking the sender, it was Yeon Woo who had been frequently texting these days.

[Ga Eul. You remember we’re meeting this weekend, right?] [Yes, of course.]

Ga Eul replied with a smile. Yeon Woo then informed her of the meeting place.

[Come to the restaurant on the 23rd floor of Hotel L’air.]

‘Hotel L’air restaurant…?’

Ga Eul’s fingers stopped as she was about to type a reply.

‘Isn’t that place super expensive?’

It was a restaurant Ga Eul had heard about through Ju A, despite not having any reason to visit such a place herself. It was a reservation-only establishment where a shaved ice dessert cost 70,000 won.

After hesitating briefly, Ga Eul’s fingers typed a response.

[Okay, got it.]

Come to think of it, Yeon Woo had always insisted on expensive places for their meals from their very first meeting. He seemed unconcerned about the cost.

‘Next time, I must treat him.’

Ga Eul had resolved that many times, but Yeon Woo always stopped her when she tried to pay.

Having been treated so much already, Ga Eul was determined to be the one paying next time for sure.

* * *

Ga Eul called Ju A to the local cafe where they had met two days ago.

She wanted to quickly share the good news with her friend who had listened to her concerns and encouraged her.

Spotting Ga Eul already seated, Ju A approached the table. Ga Eul lifted her head upon seeing Ju A and smiled brightly.

“What’s this? Yoon Ga Eul, you look so happy compared to last time.”

Ga Eul smiled softly.

Ju A narrowed her eyes then widened them.

“Wait, don’t tell me… your confession succeeded?”

At Ju A’s sharp question, Ga Eul nodded.

Ju A let out a squeal of delight without even sitting down.

They hadn’t really been on a proper date yet. But she loved the occasional calls and short texts from him.

Ga Eul’s cheeks flushed peach as she thought of him. Seeing the shy Ga Eul, Ju A chuckled and sat across from her.

“I told you. No man could resist if you confessed.”

“It’s all thanks to you, Ju A.”

“See. Timing is key when it comes to confessing.”

“That’s true.”

“You worry too much about useless things.”

Ju A looked Ga Eul up and down as she spoke.

“Sometimes you just need to think about the present. Other people don’t live worrying about the distant future like you.”

“Yeah, you’re right. I think I worried too much about things I didn’t need to right now.”

“Yeah, yeah. …Do you like it?”

“Mhm.”

Ju A looked pleased as Ga Eul readily agreed. Then she grinned and asked.

“So, when will you introduce him to me?”

“Well… Not quite yet…”

Ga Eul hesitated at Ju A’s question.

If she was going to tell anyone first, it would be Ju A. However, she was still scared to let others know.

Since he was someone who attracted a lot of attention, Ga Eul had the bad feeling that Chairman Han would find out immediately if anyone knew.

‘A bit later.’

Ga Eul declined the introduction, saying sorry. Ju A looked dissatisfied but backed off, saying she understood.

Rrrr…… Rrrr……

While they were deep in conversation, Ga Eul’s phone on the table rang.

Ga Eul swiftly picked up the phone.

Wondering if it might be a call from him, Ga Eul’s hands moved much quicker than before when she used to check messages slowly.

Ju A secretly burst into laughter at the sight. Anyone could tell she was a woman who had just started dating.

Confirming it was a message from him, Ga Eul smiled softly.

[Come to the studio tomorrow.]

Tomorrow was finally the day.

“Yoon Ga Eul is crazy happy.”

Ju A remarked, seeing Ga Eul’s expression despite it just being a text message. Ga Eul quickly sent a reply with the prettiest smile.

* * *

Ga Eul arrived at the studio before Gi Tae and opened the door with the key card he had given her.

She looked down at the key she didn’t expect to use so soon.

It was a key he had handed her right after she confessed her feelings, calling her his girlfriend. So Ga Eul’s gaze lingered on the single card.

Putting the key card back in her handbag, Ga Eul went to the sofa and swung her legs back and forth. It was their first meeting since that day, so she was even more nervous and excited, unable to sit still.

Click-.

Soon, the sound of the door unlocking was heard and Ga Eul shot up.

As soon as he pushed open the door, Gi Tae’s gaze fixed on Ga Eul.

“What were you doing?”

“Just… sitting and waiting for you.”

After staring intently at Ga Eul from the entrance for a moment, he soon entered the studio with a chuckle.

“Wait a bit. I’ll wash up and come back.”

“Okay….”

After waiting briefly on the sofa, he soon returned with damp hair, holding a bottle of wine.

The fresh, cool scent wafting to her nose made Ga Eul roll her eyes and bite her lower lip.

“Want a drink?”

“Yes, I’d like one.”

It was the second time drinking wine at his place.

The dark red liquid was poured into crystal glasses. Gi Tae handed a glass to Ga Eul.

“It’s the same one we had last time.”

Taking the glass, Ga Eul took a sip. It was a wine she found delicious last time too, so it went down smoothly.

Savoring the wine, Ga Eul sneaked glances at Gi Tae’s side profile. Then she started rattling off the trivial things she had wanted to say.

“I want to go on a date to a place like the botanical garden we visited last time.”

“Let’s go.”

“I liked walking hand-in-hand then….”

As the alcohol entered her system, laughter flowed out again. The joy of being with the person she liked seemed to contribute as well.

“You did?”

Unlike last time when she had timidly leaned on him, Ga Eul gently rested her head on his shoulder and looked up at him.

When she widened her eyes and gazed up, Gi Tae chuckled as if finding her cute. He cupped her head with his hand, letting her rest more comfortably. His large hand felt warm as always, making her feel good.

As Ga Eul rambled on, he urged her to continue.

“What else do you want to do?”

“I want to go on a trip together too. Ah, I guess you can’t since you’re busy?”

“No, we can go.”

He refilled her glass as it emptied. Ga Eul drank the wine in succession.

Ga Eul smiled brightly, pleased by his affirmative responses despite her flushed cheeks warmed by the alcohol. As he kept agreeing, various plans kept forming on their own. The list seemed to grow endlessly as she named them.

Her flushed peach cheeks, rosy from the slight intoxication as she chuckled, were adorable.

Staring intently down at Ga Eul, Gi Tae lifted her chin with his hand. Ga Eul’s gaze shifted to Gi Tae as he suddenly raised her head.

His gaze slowly traced down from her eyes to her lips, then he lowered his head and briefly claimed her lips before pulling away.

Ga Eul’s eyes widened at the sudden touch and release of his lips. Looking up, Gi Tae raised the corners of his mouth and asked.

“Yoon Ga Eul. Did you tell anyone you can’t go home tonight?”

“…Yes.”

Pointing his chin towards the bedroom, he asked again.

“Shall we go?”