When he summoned her in his mind while in the library reading room, the scent of peaches would waft past his nose as if by magic.
Then he’d close his eyes and recall Seo Yeon’s soft touch and various expressions.
Lost in his increasingly deep thoughts, at the dead end of Kwon Yool’s mind, a happy-faced Seo Yeon softly whispered,
‘Yool-ee…’
Just hearing her call his name in his thoughts was like applying ointment to a burning wound, making him feel alright again.
Then, for a brief moment, he felt a sweet sense of rest, and was able to concentrate on his studies once more.
In a way, it was only natural for Kwon Yool to find comfort in Seo Yeon. She wasn’t burdening him like a grandfather, or pitying him like parents would.
She simply listened to him and always told him he was doing well.
Seo Yeon was like a cool shade in the middle of summer, or a sudden shower on a stifling day. She gave him strength like that.
Maybe that’s why.
For Kwon Yool, Seo Yeon was something like a huge catalyst. Even if people mocked him for wanting to do well just for a woman, he didn’t care.
He had always simply wanted to become someone he could be proud of in front of someone precious.
Moreover, he was satisfied just finding something rewarding and worth doing well in through Seo Yeon.
That feeling remained the same even during the long and challenging exam period.
When the oppressive feeling of wanting to pass the exam no matter what descended, he’d quietly mutter Seo Yeon’s name.
Then, his blurred vision would instantly clear up.
“Do you really like it, Yool-ee?”
Kwon Yool nodded, confirming his smile reflected in Seo Yeon’s eyes.
“When I’m with you, Seo Yeon, I feel perfect.”
As soon as Kwon Yool finished speaking, Seo Yeon’s face flushed pink.
He enjoyed that sight so much that a delighted laugh slipped out.
He hadn’t yet told Seo Yeon, but once all his exams were over, he planned to become independent. To take full responsibility for Seo Yeon, and advance their relationship.
Next time, he would buy her a bigger and more beautiful ring.
“I’ll get you something much bigger and prettier next time. Officially.”
He deliberately didn’t say that he wanted to spend his life with her. That should be saved for a truly important moment.
“I haven’t really given you anything. Is there anything you want?”
“I already have it. It’s you, Seo Yeon.”
With those words, he kissed each of her fingers wearing the same ring as his.
Whether it tickled or not, Seo Yeon’s shoulders shook a little, but that too looked incredibly lovely.
The slow sense of fulfillment he felt every time he was with Seo Yeon, Kwon Yool felt almost dreamily entranced.
“Ah? Are you tired, Yool-ee?”
“No, I’m fine.”
Kwon Yool emphatically responded.
“Let’s go home early today and rest. You must be tired from exams.”
“I don’t want to. I want to be with you, Seo Yeon, more.”
“Let’s go home early today. You must be tired from the exam.”
“I don’t want to. I want to stay longer with Seo Yeon.”
“Truthfully, I also want to stay longer with Yool.”
“Then shall we take a walk in the hotel garden?”
Excited by his suggestion, Seo Yeon quickly put the ring case into her bag.
The two of them left the restaurant with happy smiles trailing behind them like tails and walked slowly.
As they strolled down the walkway connected to the back of the hotel, subtle lighting filled the spaces between various sculptures.
“I didn’t know the hotel garden had such a place.”
Seo Yeon linked her pinky with Kwon Yool’s and meandered between the sculptures.
At that moment, a mountain breeze blew from the pine hill, scattering Seo Yeon’s long hair. Kwon Yool hugged her from behind to shield her from the wind.
Then he whispered, resting his chin on her shoulder.
“Seo Yeon.”
As Seo Yeon turned her head with a ‘Hmm?’, he seized the opportunity to kiss her.
After all, their kiss was concealed by his thick arms, invisible to others.
“I really like it. Everything.”
Kwon Yool softly murmured as if he was walking through a happy dream.
He buried his face in her soft hair, still smelling its fresh fragrance.
If only time could stop like this… if not, then just a little more time.
Kwon Yool was overcome with the urge to tuck Seo Yeon, who fit perfectly in his arms, into his jacket pocket.
‘…Greed.’
Suddenly, a thought crossed Kwon Yool’s mind, and he chuckled. Then, he recalled his proposal to go on a trip after the exams.
Since there was still time before the results of the second round were out, he wanted to focus solely on Seo Yeon.
“Seo Yeon, shall we go see the ocean?”
“The ocean?”
Seo Yeon turned her head fully to look up at Kwon Yool.
“Just get in my car. I’ll take care of everything else.”
Seo Yeon’s brown eyes widened and then narrowed, as if pondering or checking her schedule.
“Sure. We did plan to go after the exams, anyway.”
Seo Yeon spoke nonchalantly, but Kwon Yool felt her heartbeat against his touching back.
“…Is one night and two days okay? I want to go a bit far.”
Seo Yeon’s eyes widened again, but she soon nodded.
They then spent a long time discussing the best places by the ocean.
Both were unaware of how time flew as they wandered around the softly lit, deserted garden as if they had rented the whole place.
At that moment, Kwon Yool’s phone rang from his pocket.
“Seo Yeon, just a moment.”
Kwon Yool unwrapped his arm from Seo Yeon’s shoulder and took out his phone.
“Yes, Mom.”
[Did you eat dinner, Yool?]“Yes.”
[If you’ve already met up with your friend…]Kwon Yool had informed her in the morning that he would be home late due to an appointment.
Moreover, he had already told her on his way to meet Seo Yeon that he had done well in the exam, so she need not worry.
“Still with them. What’s up?”
Kwon Yool asked in a puzzled voice.
[Oh, I didn’t mean to interrupt you and your friend. But Yool…]His mother Yeon Hee’s voice was filled with awkwardness.
Just as he was about to ask her what was wrong, he heard Seok Gu’s angry voice from the other end of the line.
[Hey, enough. Just ask him when he’s coming home. Why is it taking so long?]Yeon Hee’s breath wavered.
[Ah, my lord, that’s what I’m saying. Hasty people might die of frustration because of this man.]Kwon Yool’s eyebrows furrowed in annoyance.
Male lead reborn without memories — but he still falls for her.
The person he finds displeasing in this life turns out to be his cherished wife-master in previous life…
Xie Zhi and Fang Xianxing who had known each other for less than three days through a blind date sat in the same car in front of the civil affairs bureau. They had a disagreement and failed to get married.
Xie Zhi immediately took out his phone, slid through his contacts, and randomly selected the next marriage candidate.
The woman snatched his phone and hung up. Looking at his phone wallpaper, she awkwardly changed the subject: “An ancient painting, eh? It looks pretty good, it’s just that the person in the painting looks a bit like me.”
When he heard this, he sarcastically mocked her for being so delusional, completely unaware that, the person in front of him was the reincarnation of Wen Ru, the famous prime minister of Yuan Shun whom he most admired…
The female CEO who doesn’t want to get married with a divorce agreement in hand × The male archaeological researcher who will only get married if he’s sure he can get divorced