Emotions that had been suppressed when she hadn’t met him began to tumultuously stir again, confusing her. She realized she had foolish thoughts only after encountering him. It couldn’t be described as suppression.

Her heart, which had found some relief by enjoying the beautiful scenery, started to beat irregularly again. Gaeul, unable to make eye contact, acting flustered, and speaking hastily, was caught off guard. Yet, the moment she saw Kita standing at the entrance, she became aware of the foolish thoughts she had entertained.

Looking at the trees and river, which she had admired earlier, and finding some relaxation, her heart began to beat irregularly once more. Unable to face him, she panicked, and when Kita, who was standing at the entrance, approached Gaeul first.

“What’s with the trees and river?”

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

“Namyangju? With whom?”

Surprised and babbling, Gaeul closed her mouth.

Come to think of it, when Jua asked who he was, and when she introduced Yeonwoo, she couldn’t come up with an appropriate label.

Friend? … Meal friend?

What should I call him…?

Gaeul remembered Yeonwoo’s words just before parting as the sun set.

Gaeul, I have something to say. Can we meet again this weekend?

Something to say? You can say it now.

So, Yeonwoo nodded.

It had been amusing to watch him laugh and chatter happily and be puzzled when parting.
What was he trying to say? While Gaeul furrowed her brow in contemplation, he suddenly stood closely beside her and began to gently play with Gaeul’s hair. In an instant, Gaeul’s thoughts were interrupted.

Gaeul’s body stiffened. However, the touching hand didn’t stop. Uncertain of how to react to the constant stroking of her hair, Gaeul moved a little away, unsure of what to do.

Even though she looked at him with a slightly furrowed brow as if not pleased, Gaeul intentionally turned her gaze to the canvas. Since they had agreed on giving each other space at intervals, it was undoubtedly related to official matters that he visited.

“Did you come to check the painting?”

With a calm effort in posing the question, Gaeul’s hand, which had just lifted the brush again, froze at Kita’s response.

“No. I came to see you.”

“What? Why?”

Wasn’t it agreed upon to give space at intervals?

Without answering Gaeul’s question, he simply chuckled.

“I need to finish this painting….”

Struggling to find the words, Gaeul spoke, shifting her gaze from the canvas to his face.

The uneasy gaze she reluctantly met was scrutinizing every part of Gaeul’s face. Since Gaeul couldn’t proceed with her work, he personally handed her the brush. The warmth of the hand that briefly touched as he passed the brush remained as warm as yesterday.

Although only Gaeul could draw the picture, the large hand that handed her the brush didn’t let go. The gaze, touching only Gaeul, gradually deepened.

“Don’t mind me.”

“….”

“I won’t disturb you.”

Being so close, the refreshing scent permeated the air, making Gaeul’s head dizzy. He had been getting close like this for a while now.

“I won’t disturb you.”

Gaeul’s wrist was held, and with lips pressed against it, he added one more comment. Gaeul widened her eyes at his sudden action.

“If it’s today, it’s even better.”

With a soft touch, the shoulders trembled at the falling, soft sensation.

Adding that the sooner, the better, he, unlike usual, didn’t give any attention to the canvas. His deep gaze, only touching Gaeul, caused her to bow her head, blushing with embarrassment.