As the unexpected words came out, Yul Li was left speechless, flustered and confused. Was it just a playful joke, or was he serious? She couldn’t just ask…

Feeling awkward and unable to hide her expression, Yul Li quickly changed the subject.

“Alright then. Let’s plan to leave early tomorrow.”

However, checking the hotel reservation sites, almost all were fully booked due to various festivals over the weekend. Only a few luxury resort suites were available.

Yul Li tried to make a reservation on her phone, but kept encountering errors, and eventually, her phone’s battery died.

“I’ll pay for the hotel when we get to Seoul. I don’t have my wallet with me right now…”

Heading to the resort, Yul Li said with a dejected face.

“It’s okay.”

He repeated the same words as before.

Upon arriving at the resort, Yul Li couldn’t bring herself to step out of the car. Understanding the inevitable situation, yet her body wouldn’t move. Je Ho patiently waited outside the resort lobby for the frozen Yul Li. How much longer could his patience last?

Eventually, Yul Li followed through with their earlier decision. As she stepped forward, Je Ho naturally wrapped his arm around her waist, a gesture she didn’t resist.

At the resort’s front desk, the staff greeted them warmly.

“How may I assist you?”

“Do you have any rooms available?”

“Staying just for tonight?”

“Yes.”

“We only have family-type or suite rooms left. The suite has a living room, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms, about 30 pyeong in size.”

“Let’s go with that.”

“Please wait a moment.”

The staff efficiently processed the booking and handed two key cards and a resort guide to Je Ho with both hands.

“We’ve upgraded you to a room with an ocean view.”

The upgrade, unsolicited, must have been because of Je Ho. All staff members couldn’t take their eyes off him. Yul Li realized that everywhere they went, people wanted to offer him something extra – not just because of the generous rural hospitality, but due to his striking looks.

Why wouldn’t they? She too had been transfixed at their first meeting. But seeing other women’s attention on him made her feel oddly uncomfortable.

Lost in her thoughts, Yul Li didn’t notice something was off until they reached the suite floor. Although they had two key cards, there was only one suite to enter!

The suite had two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. The resort staff had naturally assumed they would share one suite. And Je Ho didn’t seem to have thought about booking separate rooms.
Hesitating at the door, Yul Li caught Je Ho’s attention, making him turn around questioningly.

“Um, it’s just that…”

Yul Li faltered, unable to articulate her concerns. Would it be too presumptuous to ask for a separate suite, given she was already in his debt?

Feeling awkward, Yul Li eventually followed Je Ho inside. Since the suite had separate rooms and bathrooms, she felt it would be overly fussy to insist on something different.

“You must be tired. Let’s call it a night.”

Je Ho generously offered her the larger room and chose the smaller one for himself. As he was about to enter his room, he paused and turned to Yul Li.

“Oh, but why do we need to leave early tomorrow morning? Do you have an appointment?”

“No, not really…”

“Then let’s take it easy. We have until 11 AM checkout, so we can have lunch and leave leisurely.”

Yul Li agreed, thinking his plan made sense. There was no rush to return to her less-than-welcoming home. She was physically and mentally exhausted from the day’s hectic schedule, and sleeping in seemed like a good idea.

“Sounds good.”

As she was about to turn away, she noticed the small room Je Ho was entering. Unlike her room, it was a traditional Korean ondol room without a bed. Concerned that he might be uncomfortable sleeping on the hard floor, especially with his injured shoulder, Yul Li quickly followed him into the room.

“I’ll take this room. You use the bigger one.”

Je Ho looked puzzled, but Yul Li had already moved towards the closet. Opening it, she found bedding.

“When was the last time you slept on the floor like this? Have you ever?”

“Of course.”

“No, it’ll be uncomfortable for you. I’m fine, so please take the room with the bed.”

Yul Li pushed Je Ho aside and began pulling out the bedding, refusing his offer to help.

“Don’t. It’ll strain your shoulder.”

She busied herself laying out the bedding, while Je Ho watched her with an amused smile. The injury was almost healed and wouldn’t be aggravated by carrying bedding, but Yul Li treated him as if he was still very fragile.

A few hours ago, this woman was standing in the rain like a lost puppy, and now she was assertively taking care of him. He found her suddenly assertive nature both endearing and amusing.

That’s why I can’t take my eyes off you.

He felt a strange flutter in his heart watching her busily set up the bedding.

Oblivious to his gaze, Yul Li efficiently spread out the bedding. With a final pat on the pillow, she stood up, having prepared the makeshift bed neatly.