If we bring up past stories, Dad was a loser who couldn’t even break even. But he made quite a racket and captured Mom’s heart with the enthusiasm that could withstand Jun-hwi.

“At least I endured it well, right? I didn’t get beaten with a broom like a son-in-law.”

“You still want to see people, and you have a good impression of them, so isn’t that why you invited them for dinner? Let’s make it a pleasant occasion since you’re allowing it.”

“Well, if someone listens, they’ll think I’m the only one opposing and extending myself.”

Dad looked unjustly indignant.

“But still, the Jung Sung Group is a bit burdensome.”

“True, but seeing how it went with Yeon-woo, it seems okay. Men are like that.”

“Honey… It’s a bit shocking for me. Did I do something lacking? Is that young man better than me?”

“Starting again.”

Oh dear, Mom seemed fed up as she lightly slapped Dad’s thigh.

“Are you jealous of your son-in-law now?”

“What son-in-law! I still don’t know!”

“…Stop it and let’s have dinner.”

After saying that, Mom left the sofa under the pretext of preparing dinner. Dad eagerly called after her.

“No, honey! I asked a question, and you should answer right away.”

“Call Yeon-woo and ask if he’s made a good impression.”

“What! You’re starting again.”

Ugh. Mom, as if tired of it, gave Dad’s thigh a slap that seemed to say she’d had enough.

“Now, let’s stop and have dinner.”

The highway from Gapyeong to Seoul was quiet. Jun-hwi’s car drove through winding rural roads nestled between low, layered mountains. The occasional yellow fields, thatched-roof houses, and signboards boasting traditional Korean meals presented a picturesque scene that felt refreshingly new.

Yeon-woo gazed at the houses with slate roofs scattered across the fields and suddenly opened his lips.

“What do you think? Do you think our mom and dad have warmed up a bit?”

“Well, honestly, I can’t sense it, but it’s okay. Just keep knocking until it works.”

Yeon-woo’s smooth lips drew a subtle smile.

Today, Jun-hwi’s persistence towards Yeon-woo felt good. He never overlooked even minor injuries, and his unwavering devotion towards him was admirable.

“…”

I guess I’m becoming more like him.

Yeon-woo carefully examined the bandaged right thumb.

The commotion that made him want to bury himself in the ground out of embarrassment came to mind. In the end, it was only after Jun-hwi went to the hospital and heard, “There’s no need to worry about such a shallow wound,” that the stubborn thorn was smoothed out.

Who else would show such genuine concern for Yeon-woo? Has there ever been a man who literally clung to and jumped around in front of his parents? Back then, it was so embarrassing and hateful, but now, thinking about it, it seemed like evidence that he only had eyes for Yeon-woo without any reservations.

Above all, he endured the trauma he suffered for Yeon-woo for a long time.

How could I not love this man?

A warm wave of emotions surged from somewhere in Yeon-woo’s spine. He gently closed his eyes.

It was an indescribable, radiant, soft, and warm feeling that spread throughout his body.

“Mr. Kwon Jun-hwi.”

He opened his eyes slightly and, impulsively or not, called him.

He felt Jun-hwi’s gaze on him, even as he looked at a dump truck passing by in the adjacent lane. Yeon-woo pushed the next words as if indifferent.

“Should we get married?”

Thunk!

Suddenly, due to the abrupt stop of the car, Yeon-woo’s body leaned forward. The car came to a halt on the roadside with a sharp friction sound.

“Get out.”

“What?”

“Get out.”

In a flash, Jun-hwi opened the passenger door, and Yeon-woo, who had gotten off, faced him.

“Yeon-woo.”

Then, looking directly at Yeon-woo with intensified eyes, Jun-hwi knelt down on one knee.

This pose… No way.

“I-is this happening right now?”

Vroom! A dump truck passing by honked, narrowly avoiding the stopped car.

Still, Jun-hwi, with disheveled jacket, pulled out a black velvet box from inside without any signs of disturbance.

“Marry me.”

Inside the box was a ring with a single diamond, enhanced only by Yeon-woo’s pupils.

“Do I have to receive it like this here…?”

Playfully emphasizing ‘here,’ Yeon-woo looked around.
It was literally in the middle of the road. The only things in the surrounding scenery were the large and small signs that read ‘Jat’ in red and blue letters.

‘Jat,’ ‘Jat,’ ‘Jat,’ and ‘Jat for sale’ signs were plastered everywhere between trucks and tents, creating a feeling of being trapped amidst profanities.

The uncle from the makguksu restaurant across the road seemed to be curious about something, as he stretched his neck out, staring at them.

“…Well, jat is famous in Gapyeong.”

“Don’t you agree?”

The chosen location seemed like a setup to receive a bowl of curses if the proposal were not accepted.

The splendid ring sparkled gracefully, catching the fading sunset. Perhaps the design supported by small diamonds around it made it look like a flower ring.

“I will accept it, but how can you carry something so flashy around like this?”

“Let’s go choose a more simple couple ring together.”

Jun-hwi stood up and carefully pulled Yeon-woo’s left hand. The ring fit perfectly on Yeon-woo’s ring finger.

“My hand feels incredibly heavy.”

“I wanted to get something better, but they said I’d have to wait six months if I ordered it.”

Is there something better than this? Truly a scale unique to Kwon Jun-hwi. Yeon-woo tilted his head.

“No, Mr. Lawyer. This is too much.”

“Why suddenly call me ‘lawyer’ again? You were using my name earlier.”

His indifferent face fluctuated.

Joy, excitement, delight—various dynamic emotions emerged solely because of Yeon-woo, and it was satisfying.

Shall we tease a bit more? Yeon-woo’s mischievousness kicked in.

“It’s awkward, um. How about using a different title? Darling? Honey? Oppa?”

“…”

“Oppa! Oppa seems good. Oppa. Jun-hwi Oppa.”

After listing various titles, he deliberately teased by choosing the title that made Jun-hwi’s pupils shake the most.

“Oh. Oppa’s face turned red! I’ve never seen that before!”

“…It’s better to stick with what we’ve been doing.”

“Why, Oppa? Is Oppa embarrassed?”

Ah. If I tease a bit more, he might retaliate in some way. Yeon-woo laughed playfully and threw himself into Jun-hwi’s arms.

“Let’s just take it slow, one step at a time.”

Jun-hwi’s kiss descended onto Yeon-woo’s head.

“Thank you.”

“…”

“I’ll do my best.”

“You’re overflowing with fighting spirit even in moments like this.”

“Of course.”

Yeon-woo’s body pressed even closer to him with Jun-hwi’s strong pull.

“To me, Kim Yeon-woo is the biggest challenge.”

“That’s a good thing, right?”

“Every step we take together is a task. Every moment is a challenge.”

So I can’t let you go.

Jun-hwi’s lips gently touched Yeon-woo’s left hand. On this day, his nose bridge, touching the back of Yeon-woo’s hand, looked even better than usual.