These days, Yeoreum was at the center of attention due to various issues, receiving attention wherever she went. There were times when she walked into a cafe in Gangnam without thinking, only to be overwhelmed by the crowd and forced to leave. Although Hong Bu-jang tried to accompany her whenever possible, meeting Ji-hyeok was a different story.

She couldn’t comfortably meet male actors in public places. Home was the most comfortable and safe.

“Nuna, hello.”

“It’s been a while.”

Thanks to Taeseok’s consideration, the two chatted in the study. It was indeed a long-awaited reunion.

Despite seeming the same, Ji-hyeok looked different. He no longer stared at Yeoreum persistently, and he didn’t intentionally smile excessively. Nevertheless, Jeon Ji-hyeok was still Jeon Ji-hyeok—fresh, bright, and energetic.

“Yeah, it’s been a really long time.”

Winter still lingered in her heart.

Ji-hyeok had one-sided feelings and misunderstandings. There were situations that could lead to misunderstandings, but they could have been resolved through dialogue.

The boundaries regarding Taeseok were extreme, causing her to forget the need to show courtesy to Yeoreum.

She got another chance. What should she say?

After a moment of contemplation, Yeoreum’s question came first.

“Is Jjongi doing well?”

The atmosphere brightened a bit when the conversation started with a dog. Ji-hyeok responded with a slightly annoyed expression.

“Don’t say that. He’s acting like he’ll chew up the entire house. Even if we walk for two hours, it’s the same. He doesn’t have a separate battery.”

“I miss him. The furball. He was really cute.”

“Yeah, Jjongi probably misses you too. I don’t hug him as much as you do.”

Then, he absentmindedly toyed with the takeaway coffee cup with a red logo. Yeoreum had purposely bought her favorite brand.

Even though the taste of iced Americano was the same no matter where you drank it, Yeoreum insisted that the taste of the beans was different. This brand was her favorite coffee brand.

Her wandering fingers found strength in the lost direction. Without further delay, Ji-hyeok spoke.

“…I behaved terribly. I wanted to apologize continuously since that day.”

“…”

“I said I liked you, but I only did things that didn’t make sense. I acted badly toward both you and Nuna. I’m sorry for hurting you.”

Ji-hyeok, who had been looking at his toes while talking, finally lifted his head with courage. Yeoreum was looking straight at him. When their eyes met, she smiled slightly.

A part of her heart tightened. It was a type of smile she had never received before. If you had to define it, it was something like ‘understanding.’ Regardless of what Yeoreum thought, Ji-hyeok accepted it that way.

Although the end of her spine kept itching, the obsessive possessiveness did not overwhelm him as before. Yes, if you admitted it was never yours to begin with, there was no way for possessiveness to take hold.

“I’ll try to forget the bad memories. Thank you for apologizing.”

Yeoreum said calmly.

“Congratulations on your marriage. I mean it.”

“Yeah. Thank you.”
Ji-hyeok gathered the courage and smiled warmly as he used to. As if on cue, sunlight poured through the window, warming the space and brightening the atmosphere.

“Hong Manager mentioned that Taeseok is looking for a hotel where they can hold the wedding within a month or two. Will it be easy to find?”

“That’s true. Why is he in such a hurry?”

Yeoreum widened her eyes and shrugged, an expression that seemed uncontrollable, yet there was a deep trust in her lover when looked at more closely.

Incredibly, every glint in her eyes belonged to Seo Taeseok, which would have been awkward if noticed sooner.

“If you have time on the wedding day, come and have a meal.”

“Ah, I probably won’t be able to make it. I came early to say hello.”

Ji-hyeok handed over a small paper bag. Yeoreum looked at it curiously.

“I’ll go instead. I couldn’t find anything suitable for this wealthy couple, who seem to have money pouring out. So, I decided to give them hope. I think they’ll like it.”

“Thank you. But why aren’t you coming to the wedding? If it’s still uncomfortable for you…”

Ji-hyeok shook his head and said firmly, “It’s not like that, Nuna. I’m going on a trip.”

“A trip? When are you coming back?”

“Well…”

For the first time in his life, he planned to live a life without plans, thinking that by going wherever his feet took him and letting time pass, he might find the leisure to focus on himself.

“For now, I’m going to visit my younger brother in the United States. I’ll be there for maybe a few months… After that, I don’t know.”

“I see. Be careful and come back safely. Let’s see each other with a smile when you return.”

A year of unrequited love filled to the brim.

After seeing him for the first time in June of last year, four seasons had passed, and they were approaching June again. She was fortunate to love a beautiful person.

Despite acting messily, she considered herself lucky to be able to greet him with a smile.

Goodbye, Nuna. Be happy.