“That… Why are you curious?”

Seeing Gaeul’s guarded expression after a long time, Yeonwoo realized he had made a mistake. As if he had no other intention, he quickly spoke.

“Isn’t it a question you can ask between close friends?”

“…Yes?”

“I thought we were quite close…”

“…”

“I guess I was mistaken. I’m sorry.”

Yeonwoo uttered those words and forced a bitter smile. Although Gaeul’s face, usually fair, turned even whiter after looking at Yeonwoo’s face.

‘What did he say after getting such a curious reaction?’

It was a question that could be asked out of curiosity.

‘Such questions are commonly asked.’

The man in front of her was smiling as usual, but there was a slightly bitter smile, as if he had been hurt.

Having seen Yeonwoo’s smile often, she could discern the difference. He was making an effort to smile, but it was a slightly different smile.

Gaeul, who was familiar with the situation, hesitated due to embarrassment, then spoke first.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to draw a line.”

“It’s okay. I must have asked a sensitive question. Then, let’s not talk about it…”

It would be fine as long as she didn’t reveal who it was. Overwhelmed by remorse, Gaeul finally opened her mouth.

“No! Mr. Shin Yeonwoo is right. I do have a boyfriend. We’ve been dating for a short while.”

“Oh, really?”

Yeonwoo’s voice lowered. However, he quickly controlled his expression and tone.

He seemed to think that if he advanced too much, he might see Gaeul, who had gone ahead a bit like a thorn.

Seeing her, he further turned his kind mask. However, she quickly turned it over as if she might see Gaeul, who had raised thorns earlier. Then she returned to the recent friendly Gaeul without any guard.

Gaeul, without removing the shy expression she had already shown, said.

“I was careful because it hasn’t been long since we started dating. It’s only been a few days.”

“I see. Looks like you really like the guy. It’s the first time I’ve seen Gaeul shy.”

“Yes, that’s right. …I really like him.”

“So, who is it? Do I know the person?”

While Gaeul was playing with the hem of her dress, she suddenly raised her hand in surprise.

“It’s not someone Mr. Shin Yeonwoo would know. We wouldn’t have met if it wasn’t for President Shin’s dinner invitation. We don’t have any connection.”

“…I see. That’s true.”

Yeonwoo pondered Gaeul’s words, then nodded and smiled.

Then, in his usual affectionate tone, he said.

“Introduce him to me later.”

“Yes, later.”

“Okay. Shall we start eating now? Ms. Gaeul must be hungry.”

Suddenly, approaching staff began to place various dishes on the table.

As an appetizer, a salad with roasted beets and burrata cheese was served, followed by a pasta dish, a main course of grilled blackfish, and sirloin steak.

“Wow… It’s so delicious.”

“I’m glad it suits your taste. Don’t force yourself to eat; eat only what you want.”

“No, it’s too delicious. I’m eating it all because it’s so tasty.”

Before they knew it, it was time for dessert, and a Hallabong sherbet was served.
Gaeul, scooping ice cream with a spoon, looked up and asked, “Oh, but didn’t you say you have something to say?”

“Oh, yes.”

“What is it that you want to say?”

Gaeul looked at Yeonwoo with a curious expression.

Behind Gaeul, a staff member appeared with a bouquet of flowers and a large cake.

“Oh, that?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, that…”

Yeonwoo, vaguely answering Gaeul, gestured to the staff.

After standing in place for a moment, looking bewildered, the staff understood with another gesture and politely retraced their steps.

While Gaeul turned around slowly, the staff had already disappeared. Yeonwoo then caught Gaeul’s attention again.

“It’s nothing much. Despite getting to know each other through drawings, I thought it would be nice if we could be friends.”

“…Friends?”

For a moment, Gaeul widened her eyes at Yeonwoo’s words, then soon smiled. Yeonwoo, secretly suppressing a laugh, thought, ‘Is this something to be so happy about? Just suggesting to be friends.’

“Do friends have to be the same age? In society, people don’t care much about a few years’ age difference. We have a 4-year age gap. If it’s too awkward, we can go with a relationship like a close older brother and younger sister.”

Gaeul nodded her head as if enchanted by Yeonwoo’s words.

Yeonwoo chuckled quietly to himself, thinking, ‘She’s reacting like this to such a suggestion. Let’s just be friends.’

“We communicate well like this and enjoy each other’s company… What do you think, Gaeul?”

Gaeul, with a blissful smile, nodded her head. It was a quick agreement, as if she had been waiting for those words.

“Yes, that’s fine. I’ve actually been thinking the same way. Mr. Shin Yeonwoo is a good person, and it felt a bit regrettable to just exchange drawings and drift apart.”

The blush on Gaeul’s face that appeared while talking looked very cute. However, it didn’t feel sweet today.

The words were bitter. Yeonwoo could only give one possible answer.

Yeonwoo nodded his head. Then, as if to confirm that she felt the same way, he smiled gently, closing his eyes.