Soeun and Taejun stood facing each other for a long time.

“Where are you going?”

Taejun hesitated and asked, using an unusual cautious tone that was out of character for him.

“…I was going to buy something, but it’s not necessary anymore. What’s going on with Director?”

Unable to confess that she wanted to buy non-alcoholic beer since she couldn’t drink alcohol, Soeun quickly answered, hiding her embarrassment. She then asked about his business. Taejun unfolded something he held in his hand.

“I found this at home.”

It was the candy Soeun had secretly placed in the jar. Looking at the repaired jar that had lost its original purpose, it somehow felt heartwarming. It was the candy she had put in to soothe her heart, thinking that he might find traces of her like a treasure hunt when he happened to peek inside the jar.

“Because this was here. I missed it.”

Feeling a bit awkward that he had discovered it too early, Soeun was touched that he had come looking for her using this small trace. Soeun’s feet moved involuntarily. Stepping forward, she reached out and embraced Taejun.

It was the first time she hugged him first. Taejun, too, lowered his shoulders and pulled her even more strongly.

All the worries and discomfort that had plagued her throughout the day melted away like snow in his arms.

Soeun led Taejun into her home. It was surprising that he had stood in front of her entrance for a long time, not being like Kim Taejun. Even though she had visited his place several times, she couldn’t push away someone who had lingered in front of her house for a long time.

Fortunately, she had cleaned the house yesterday. But it wasn’t as if the small one-room apartment looked spacious.

“I’m sorry; my place is small.”

When they both sat on the floor, the house felt full. Soeun became somewhat apologetic, thinking that Taejun might feel uncomfortable in a space even smaller than Taejun’s dressing room.

Taejun smiled as if he had found a gap in Soeun’s apology.

“Perfect. Come here.”

Ah, I decided not to apologize. I said it was perfect.

Recalling the recent memory, Soeun approached Taejun with narrowed eyes, wondering how much it would hurt. However, no matter how long she waited, there was no stinging pain. Soeun surreptitiously opened one eye. Instead of the expected sting, there was a handsome man looking at her face as if admiring it. Naturally, their eyes would meet if they stayed still, but as she opened her eyes, he quickly averted his gaze as if caught revealing his hidden feelings.

Why did that expression look so pitiful?

For some reason, Soeun felt that he hadn’t just come because he happened to find candy.

Was there a problem that was difficult to solve? Was it related to what he was doing right now?

If so, she hoped that, even for a moment, she could be his comfort.
Prepared to endure the pain, Soeun closed her eyes obediently, looking very adorable. Taejun, unable to strike her even once due to the overwhelming beauty, eventually turned his head away.

What should I say?

For the first time, he found himself unable to speak, unable to find the right words. Taejun pretended to be casual, looking around the house that was visible at a glance.

“It’s just right.”

It was a house resembling a small Han Soeun.

The scent of Han Soeun lingered everywhere. Damn, even staying still, it must be exciting.

Even in this awkward situation, Taejun thought that he felt warm inside.

“Are you feeling a bit better?”

Soeun, innocent and unaware of his suspicions, sat beside him and asked in a concerned voice.

“Yeah.”

“Have you had dinner?”

“I’m fine.”

“If not, should I cook some ramen?”

“If I eat ramen, I’ll end up sleeping here.”

Soeun, blushing hastily at his provocation, hesitated before courageously answering, “That’s fine.”

Her expression showed determination.

“As long as Director is okay, I’m okay.”

Again, trusting people. You are…

His trembling eyes, like a candle flame in the wind, looked precarious but still lovely. He had underestimated the candle, thinking it was inferior. He had considered it a laughable source of light, believing it could illuminate the world with just a small wick burning passionately, thinking it was light in the face of a gust of wind, thinking it would disappear with the wind.

But that small light could push away any darkness.

“There’s no such thing.”

Unintentionally, he got lost in that small light, responding with a hidden expression as if fearing he might reveal himself.

He didn’t want to torment her, but he wanted to be with her.

“Dinner is fine, but let me sleep a bit.”

“…….”

“I couldn’t sleep.”

With a half-hearted excuse, Taejun lay down, resting his head on Soeun’s lap.

Soeun was momentarily surprised. The man who suddenly lay down with his head on her lap quickly closed his eyes as if he could sleep comfortably. Suddenly, she found him cute. On the other hand, his unfamiliar stubbornness seemed somewhat bitter. Adjusting her posture, Soeun made him more comfortable to lean on.

“In this way, Han Soeun won’t be able to sleep.”

“I’m okay.”

“What’s okay?”