“I am Hansoeun’s friend. Should I tell her to call you back?”

[No, it’s fine. I’d rather you pass a message to her.]

“Go ahead.”

[Well… I need to apologize. I hastily arranged a blind date after breaking up with my girlfriend, but I ended up meeting my ex again yesterday.]

Taejun had expected a call to confirm the blind date, but it was the opposite.

“Oh, is that so.”

Taejun’s voice softened considerably.

[So, please tell Hansoeun I can’t make it to the blind date. I’m really sorry.]

“Understood. I’ll pass on the message.”

[Thank you. I’ll hang up now.]

The blind date guy quickly conveyed his message and hung up.

It was a relief he answered the call. If he hadn’t, he would have been anxious.

Taejun placed the phone near Soeun and returned to his original position.

Unaware of this complicated situation, the unconscious woman seemed like a princess from a fairy tale.

Frustrated at her way of living, I tormented her.

But the more I saw her striving so hard, the more I wanted to keep watching her.

No, from the beginning, she was the woman I wanted to have. That’s why I contributed to her breakup and made her life difficult.
I want to have a normal relationship.

But who would look favorably on a woman who donated her liver to her ex-boyfriend’s mother without even being married? They’d think she’s overly attached, a burden.

It’s sad that doing such a commendable act could now lead to gossip.

Will I end up living alone like this?

Is there someone in the world who would accept my past nonchalantly? Someone who would easily overlook my scars?

I want to experience a love without calculations.

A simple love that doesn’t measure family background, school, wealth, or occupation. Just loving someone for the sake of loving them. A simple relationship where being together is enough to make me happy.

‘Preferably with a handsome man.’

Soeun giggled to herself, looking at Taejun’s face.

It would be nice to have a handsome man who wants just ‘Hansoeun’, without any background.

‘Oh Hansoeun, such ambitious dreams.’

After tidying up her whimsical thoughts, Soeun expressed her gratitude to Taejun.

“Thank you, Director. I’m sorry. I’m fine now. I think I can just go home.”

“I’ll take you.”

“No, that’s okay.”

“Not wearing lenses, where do you think you’re going?”

“Well, I can still see…”

Taejun, seemingly ignoring Soeun’s response, stood up and extended his hand. Soeun stared at his large hand for a moment before cautiously placing hers on top of it. Even though she felt like she was wrapped in a warm blanket, her hand was cold, but his was warm, even though he had just been sitting there.

He tightened his grip on her hand. As he closed his fingers, Soeun’s fingers curled up inside his grasp. It seemed he was worried she might collapse again, so Soeun didn’t let go of his hand. She ended up holding it all the way from the hospital to the car. Only after she sat in the passenger seat did their hands part.

Taejun, after circling to the driver’s side, checked the air conditioning as soon as he started the car. Extending his long arm, he adjusted the air vents on the passenger side before leaving the driver’s seat. Shortly after, the sound of the car trunk opening and closing was heard.

Returning to the driver’s seat, Taejun handed Soeun a plastic bag. She blinked as she took the bag, and Taejun, seemingly annoyed, sighed quietly and opened it for her. A blanket came out of the bag, a soft material that felt cozy to the touch. Taejun spread the blanket over Soeun and then took hold of the steering wheel as if nothing had happened.

As the car moved, the passenger seat reclined slightly. It didn’t go down much, but the position was more comfortable than before. Soon, warmth emanated from the backrest and seat.

For Soeun, this sudden luxury treatment felt somewhat scary.

“Director, this is too much for me…”

“Just be comfortable. Don’t complain about it later.”

Soeun’s voice was drowned out by Taejun’s.

Whether it was because she was afraid of his stern lips, her inherently diligent nature, or the comfortable warmth behind her and the cool breeze on her face, the awkward situation gradually felt more tolerable. Soeun leaned back in the comfortable seat and quietly closed her eyes.

The quietly driven car soon reached the vicinity of Soeun’s home. Thinking he should wake her up, Taejun cautiously spoke out.
“At least take the day off tomorrow and rest.”

“…….”

“If you feel any discomfort, go back to the emergency room.”

Taejun continued speaking, recognizing that Soeun had weakly stirred and woken up. He was also concerned that she hadn’t eaten dinner.

“Want something to eat? You haven’t had dinner.”

However, after a brief stir, Soeun didn’t move anymore.

Eventually arriving in front of Soeun’s house, Taejun parked the car and called her again.

“Chief Hansoeun.”

“…….”

“Wake up now. We’re at your home.”

“…….”

“Aren’t you going inside?”

There was no response from Soeun. Taejun, wondering what to do, straightened the passenger seat. As the back of the chair rose, Soeun’s head fell to the side.

Taejun regretted making her seat too comfortable too late.

How should he wake her up?

He couldn’t suddenly turn up the audio, as it would startle someone who had fainted, nor could he shake her. Honestly, it was a perfect opportunity to flick her on the forehead like he did 20 years ago.

Taejun, mulling over his options, leaned close to Soeun’s ear and whispered in a gentle voice.

“Do you want to be scolded? Wake up now.”