“Can I put her to bed first?”

After getting permission from the parents, he carried Yeoreum and went to her room. After laying her down in her small and quaint room from her childhood, he tidied up the blanket.

Looking back for a moment, the room was entirely Yeoreum’s. Sticker photos taken with friends were stuck on the desk, and various photos of Choi Yeoreum were filled in a small frame. Suppressing the urge to steal at least one, he kissed her forehead and left the room.

‘Sleep well. Thank you.’

Taeseok’s story began in earnest. He wanted to get approval for marriage, and to do that, he had to be honest about everything.

How they met, why they broke up, and the recent story of resolving conflicts deepened by Jihyeonjeong. As he continued to talk, it was already past midnight.

“I’ve seen it on the news because it was making a fuss. That bad woman harassed our Yeoreum like that, and I didn’t know anything about it. I’m furious inside. Honey.”

Jeongsuk pounded her chest in anger.

“Mom. I’ve already paid back in full for the anger. If it’s for Yeoreum, I’ll do more. Please don’t worry about me anymore.”
“Even though it seems like I talk about trivial things, I never say the important things. I have a bad habit of tightly wrapping things up and suffering alone. What should I do with this lingering attachment?”

Jeongsuk eventually showed tears.

“No, I shouldn’t cry. I’m sorry. Mr. Taeseok. And thank you so much. Thank you…”

Wonsu alternately looked at the two, then nodded briefly.

‘A young man with a firm gaze. There’s nothing to criticize.’

Due to continuously receiving and drinking the given alcohol, a considerable amount had disappeared into Taeseok’s stomach. However, he remained composed, from his sitting posture to his expression, exactly as Wonsu had seen him at first.

“Time has already passed like this. Let’s talk again tomorrow.”

Taeseok helped Jeongsuk clean up the table. Not just roughly clearing it but precisely separating and collecting food waste and general waste, arranging the dishes by size, and placing them neatly in the sink. Jeongsuk’s eyes widened.

A blanket prepared in the study room was laid out. Although it was a cramped space, Taeseok felt like he had everything in the world. In his mind, he greeted Yeoreum and wished her a good night.

“It seems like it’s time to let go of my daughter’s hand.”

Wonsu, lying in bed, said, sighing like a breath.

“Did you see him organizing the table earlier? It’s not a habit he tried once or twice. Those habits usually come from home education. Honey.”

Jeongsuk also seemed talkative today.

“We should check a bit. From the engagement table and wedding ceremony to the gifts.”

The black night grew deeper.

“So, this is…”

Certainly, it looked neat, but it was by no means Taeseok’s taste—training pants and a cotton T-shirt. Yeoreum, tearing open a delivery bag, handed him green clothes.

“I ordered it urgently yesterday. Early morning delivery. Oppa didn’t have any clothes.”

Yeoreum pointed to the bathroom with her eyes.

“What are you doing? Go in, wash up, and change.”

Taeseok hesitated continuously. Knowing that he was hesitating because of the old-fashioned design and color, Yeoreum replied firmly.

“I ordered it late, so all the other colors were sold out. It’s just for a short time. How about it?”

“…I think I don’t need to change.”

“What are you talking about? You can’t wear the same clothes for more than a day. Just put it on. Is it because it’s not your taste? I couldn’t help it. There are limitations to the design for early morning deliveries.”

Pushing Taeseok into the bathroom, Yeoreum smiled.

In fact, she deliberately chose the most old-fashioned color and design. It was a small revenge for declaring marriage without her consent.

Even Seotaeseok needs to be old-fashioned at least once. Thinking about capturing this scene in a photo and teasing him for the rest of his life, Yeoreum already felt good.

After a while, Taeseok came out of the bathroom.

Yeoreum, lying on the sofa, noticed him and got up. Then, as if she had become a marionette controlled by someone, her hands automatically went up to block her mouth.

“Oh my god…”
The absurd green training suit looked perfectly good. It seemed hip and trendy as if it were a limited edition luxury set for just 29,900 won. It fit Taeseok’s body like it was tailored for him.

The living room instantly turned into a runway.

‘What is this… This is a complete disaster.’

Yeoreum crumpled her expression.

“Oh my. Our future son-in-law. Bright colors suit him well too. It’s pretty. Let’s eat.”

Even the sight of her roughly patting her hair with a towel matched well with the clothes.

Moreover, the damp appearance was strangely charming. When she realized that far, Yeoreum’s heart suddenly pounded. Feeling heat rising on her face, she brought her hands to her cheeks.

“Why? Does something hurt?”

Taeseok quickly approached and touched her forehead. When his broad chest came into view, this time, she felt breathless.

‘Look here, Creator. Isn’t this too much? The clothes are soaking up Seotaeseok’s aura.’

Feeling unjust, she quickly stood up and rushed to the dining table. She didn’t want to be caught falling for him again like this.

Even at the dinner table, Yeoreum couldn’t erase her chubby expression, just pretending to eat and chew. The fragrant dried pollack soup stimulated her appetite, but she had no taste. Only Taeseok’s perfect upper body was in her sight.

“Yeoreum. Yesterday, Dad talked a lot with Mr. Taeseok.”

Yeoreum roughly nodded at Wonsu’s words.

“But now that I think about it, I haven’t heard your story yet. Dad really wants to ask seriously.”

“Yeah.”

“What do you think? Do you want to get married too?”

Tap.

Yeoreum, who had been randomly moving chopsticks, put them down and raised her head. All eyes on the table were focused on Yeoreum.

Mom. Dad.

Even the boyfriend, who was supposed to be a green monster but ended up boasting only a luxury body.

Since yesterday, the silent phone filled with unbearable contacts, the photos of the two hanging on the portal site’s main page, and rumors and comments from unknown sources… Eventually, everyone in the world knew about them.

The ongoing movies and ads must have received various impacts, but Taeseok firmly scheduled the first event at Yeoreum’s hometown without any hesitation. As if it were natural.

He was more polite and well-mannered than anyone, got along well with the parents, did his best even if it was uncomfortable, and showed a reliable appearance several times.

Moreover, even though it was a time when department stores were not open, he had prepared a premium beef set and high-quality alcohol.

The proposal with the twinkling sunset came to mind. Every moment they spent together, without any neglect, flashed by like a will-o’-the-wisp.

You were always spring to me.

“…Yeah. Dad.”

Again and again, every time he mentioned marriage, it was sincere. So, now was the time to take his hand.

“I want to. Get married. With this person.”