He slowly but persistently conquered her lips. He teased her by repeatedly separating and reconnecting their lips, until at some point, he delved in so deeply that it made her mind go blank.

Would she melt away formlessly in his mouth? Yuri felt as if she had become chocolate.

Sweet chocolate slowly melting in one’s mouth.

Though she had agreed to share the bed, as bedtime approached, Yuri grew anxious. During the day, she had fallen asleep on his bed out of exhaustion, but now at night, her mind was wide awake. Yuri, who had been sitting on the sofa watching for cues, could no longer hold back and suddenly stood up.

“I’ll wash up first.”

After saying this, she headed to the bathroom without looking back. Her plan was to quickly finish showering, change clothes, and get into the bed covers. The bed was so wide that if she slept on the edge, she wouldn’t bump into him.

They had already kissed several times and she had been prepared to go all the way, but sleeping in the same bed was a different story.

The reason she had been prepared to go all the way was because she thought it would be the very last time, but now the situation had changed. There was a need to take things a bit slower.

After showering, Yuri dried her hair at the speed of light and changed into pajamas. Until then, Jeho had not come to the bedroom. Thinking it fortunate, Yuri got under the bed covers. She positioned herself at the very edge, curled up her body, and closed her eyes.

How much time had passed? Click, the sound of the bedroom door opening was heard.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Her heart felt like it would jump out of her mouth, but Yuri kept her eyes tightly shut and didn’t move a muscle. The sound of him entering the bathroom was heard, followed by the sound of water pouring.

If only she could fall asleep before he finished showering. But her mind was even clearer than before.

The sound of the water being turned off was heard, followed by rustling sounds as he came out of the bathroom. The opposite side of the bed gently sank as he got in, pulling the covers to the side.

“Just in case you’re surprised, I’ll let you know.”

Had he noticed that she wasn’t asleep yet? Jeho spoke.

“I don’t wear anything when I sleep.”

What?

Yuri, startled, opened her eyes wide and reflexively turned around. His bare, toned upper body filled her vision. Although she couldn’t confirm the situation below due to the covers, the top was certainly in a state of wearing nothing.

“Ah, nothing at all?”

“Nothing except underwear. It’s stuffy to sleep with clothes on.”

“…Ah.”

Yuri couldn’t say anything. In his own house, in his own bed, if he says he sleeps naked, what could someone who’s staying over say?

When there was no response from her, Jeho seemed to interpret it as agreement and picked up the lighting remote.

“Can I turn off the lights?”

“Yes.”

Yuri answered briefly and turned her back to him again.

When the lights went out, pitch-black darkness engulfed the bedroom. With nothing visible, all her senses focused elsewhere.

The faint sound of breathing, the crisp sound of the bed sheets rustling whenever they moved, and the subtle scent of buttercream flowing in. It felt different from the usual citrus scent she always smelled.

Come to think of it, she now had the same scent as him. It was a natural result of using the same shampoo and body cleanser, but it still felt strange somehow. It was a different kind of excitement from when they were embracing and passionately kissing.

As she tried hard to fall asleep, she heard rustling sounds from beside her. It sounded like he was turning to face her. Surely he wasn’t coming closer? Yuri tensed up and bit her lip. If he did approach, she didn’t know how she herself would react.

Fortunately, instead of coming closer, he asked a question.

“Have you thought about what it would have been like if the wedding had gone as planned?”

“No.”

It was too horrifying to imagine, so she deliberately didn’t think about it. She was just grateful that Minwoo hadn’t shown up at the venue.

“At this time, we’d probably be on the plane.”

“The honeymoon was to Europe, right?”

“Yes. We were also going to stop by Santorini Island on the way back.”

It was really strange. It was her own story, but she spoke as calmly as if talking about someone else. The wedding that was supposed to happen this afternoon felt like it had been a year ago.

“Haven’t you been to Santorini yet?”

“No, not yet.”

“Let’s go together later.”

“Okay.”

Yuri answered lightly and closed her eyes again. It was probably just empty words, but it was a warm comfort. Just imagining it made her feel better. Snow-white walls and blue roofs, unknown pink flowers, endless stairs, and cats sunbathing on them.

Before she knew it, sleep started to come.

Judging by her even breathing and regularly rising and falling shoulders, Yuri seemed to have fallen asleep.

“Fearless. How can you trust me like this.”

Jeho muttered to himself with a faint smile.

To believe a man’s words that he wouldn’t touch a single finger. Just like how she had firmly believed Minwoo’s words that they would live like roommates and decided to get married.

He wanted to reach out and hold her. But if he did, she might wake up and leave the bedroom with her pillow, saying she’d sleep on the sofa. Or would she burst into tears in surprise like before?

Today must have been a very difficult day for her. He should let her sleep soundly tonight without disturbing her. Even if she was so lovable that he wanted to shower her with kisses from head to toe.

Just for tonight…

Jeho quietly gazed at Yuri, who was sleeping with her back turned to him.

“Mmm.”

It seemed some anxiety remained somewhere in her mind. She couldn’t remember, but it felt like she had had a nightmare.

Each time, a warm hand would stroke her head and caress her shoulders. It seemed like someone had whispered something sweet too, but the moment she opened her eyes, it vanished from her memory like smoke.

Yuri slowly blinked her eyes. The blue hue of dawn was faintly seeping in through the gaps in the curtains.

What time could it be? She guessed it was just before sunrise.

Then someone’s hand pulled her tightly backwards. Only then did Yuri realize she was lying in bed with her back against a firm chest.

One of Jeho’s arms was under her neck, and the other was wrapped around her waist. Warm body heat transmitted through her back. It felt so good, like she would melt into it.

When she had woken up alone in bed earlier, she had felt somehow empty and sad, but now she felt so cozy and happy.

“Mmm.”

A long breath naturally escaped her lips. So this is how good it feels not to be alone.

At that moment, the hand around her waist tightened, pulling her firmly backwards.

“You slept quite well.”

Along with the low whisper, hot breath flowed into her ear.

“I guess the bed suited me.”

Yuri tried to turn around, but she couldn’t move an inch due to being held tightly. Jeho rested his chin on her shoulder and murmured softly.

“It’s still early, so sleep a bit more.”

This was different from the promise… He had said he wouldn’t touch a single finger.

But instead of complaining, Yuri closed her eyes again and tried to go back to sleep as Jeho said. She liked his broad, warm embrace so much that she couldn’t think of anything else.

Jeho must have fallen asleep again, as he soon made even breathing sounds. Yuri slowly caressed Jeho’s hand on her waist. The ticklish breath on her nape involuntarily made her sigh.

She was a little afraid. What if this became a habit? What if it became difficult to fall asleep and wake up alone?

She shouldn’t get used to being with him already… She had to return to her daily life soon.

Yet Jeho’s embrace was so cozy that she couldn’t move an inch.

When she opened her eyes, Jeho had already left for work. On the dining table was a simple breakfast for her with crispy almond croissants, bacon, and scrambled eggs. Next to it was a note telling her to use his car, along with the car keys.

Yuri called Assemblyman Chae’s assistant. After some difficulty, she found out about a free time in Assemblyman Chae’s schedule and headed straight to the party building. There was a need to discuss her living arrangements after Minwoo’s return, and the sooner the better.

Even after arriving, it took over an hour before she could meet Assemblyman Chae. Returning to his private office, Assemblyman Chae checked the time on his wristwatch and sat on the sofa.

“I have about 10 minutes until the next meeting. So, what’s this important thing you had to say? I thought we had pretty much said everything during our phone call yesterday.”

“When Minwoo returns and the wedding is completely cancelled, I’ll live independently.”

Assemblyman Chae frowned as if he hadn’t expected this at all. Yuri quickly continued before he could say anything.

“You don’t need to monitor me anymore, Father. I… I can’t tell anyone now.”

Because Assemblyman Chae’s affair and her late mother’s past were intricately intertwined. Just as Assemblyman Chae worried about his own misdeeds being exposed, now Yuri also had to worry about her late mother’s misdeeds being exposed.

“Father, it’s hard for you to see my face every day, isn’t it? Because it reminds you of Mom.”

“Hmm.”

Assemblyman Chae merely cleared his throat, keeping his mouth shut with a gloomy expression. He even looked somewhat sad for some reason. Of course, that couldn’t be the case.

“You should send me away and live happily with your new wife and Yuri. Go on family trips comfortably without worrying about me. I heard you only went on one family trip this year.”

For a moment, Assemblyman Chae’s eyes wavered. He seemed a bit surprised that Yuri knew about the family trips. But he soon regained his composure and nodded.

“Alright. I’ll get you a decent officetel.”

“No. I’ll look for a monthly rental near the company. I can find that much on my own.”

“No. I’ll do it for you, so keep quiet. We don’t want any strange rumors.”

As expected, what mattered most to Assemblyman Chae was the image shown to voters. Yuri realized she had no choice in the matter.

“Okay. I’ll do that then.”

“Are you sure you won’t marry Secretary Kwon?”

Instead of answering, Yuri just nodded.

“Secretary Kwon will probably return in a week. You still have time to think until then.”

“I decided not to marry Minwoo a long time ago.”

Just then, an assistant knocked and informed that the meeting time was almost up. Assemblyman Chae said he understood and stood up. As he was about to leave the room, he stopped and turned towards Yuri.

“Don’t think that just because things ended like this with Secretary Kwon, you can have something with Kwon Jeho. You two already tried to get married once and it fell apart. Plus, you almost married his cousin, Secretary Kwon.”

“…So you’re saying it would look bad in others’ eyes.”

More accurately, in the voters’ eyes. Here we go again. That tiresome talk of voters, vote banks, approval ratings, public opinion.

But there was no need to upset Assemblyman Chae unnecessarily. Yuri clenched her hands and took a deep breath.

“Don’t worry. I know Jeho will return to America someday.”

“Good that you know.”

“Can’t I be with him just while he’s in Korea? He won’t stay long.”

I thought he would flatly refuse, saying it was nonsense, but Assemblyman Chae fell into deep thought. And after a moment, he said in a dry voice.

“Fine. I won’t stop you from playing with fire. Go ahead and try if you can. But keep it under control.”

With those words, Assemblyman Chae left the room. Left alone, Yuri sat quietly and pondered over what Assemblyman Chae had said.

In the end, should it just be a fling that ends?

Assemblyman Chae’s words weren’t wrong. Jeho was her former fiancé, and she had broken up with his cousin Minwoo on their wedding day. It would be awkward for both families to form a relationship.

Jeho must know this fact too. Yet he approaches without hesitation, does that mean he also considers it just a fling?

Yuri got up slowly from her seat with a bitter smile.

If it’s going to be a fling, it should be a big one.

So there are no regrets left.

Enough to burn everything.