As Kanghyun left the bedroom and Seoyoon sat down on the bed, she touched her ticklish eyes and picked up the phone.

“Cough!”

Clearing her throat and regulating her breathing, Seoyoon pressed the call button with trembling fingers.

“…Dad.”

Tears welled up in her already moist eyes.

Even though Docheol wasn’t in front of her, Seoyoon forced a smile.

“Yes.”

—Did you ask Ha Jun about the number? I heard that Director Tae went to Jeju Island. How are you doing?

“Yes, I did. I’m doing well.”

Silent tears flowed down to the tip of Seoyoon’s chin.

Considering the usual time that parents and children spend together, four years might have been very short, but the bond built between those who believed in each other as family during that time was by no means lacking.
—Jian seems to be sleeping in a very nice place, occupying that spacious park alone. Since childhood, I sang about wanting to live in a wide house, and eventually, it came true, you know. We often visit the arboretum together with Mom.

“How’s Mom?”

—She’s much better than at first. I have to accept what has already happened. Oh, Seoyoon.

Docheol’s voice, cautiously calling my name, echoed in my ears.

“Yes.”

—When you come to Seoul, can you drop by at my house? We didn’t properly greet each other that day.

“I will. Thank you for contacting me first.”

—Feel free to speak comfortably at home. It’s too formal.

“I’ll contact you when I go to Seoul.”

—Sure.

After tightly squeezing my throat and finishing the last farewell, I ended the call and buried my face in my knees.

Despite the flood of tears pouring like a dam bursting, I could still smile faintly.

I can’t go back to before I knew all the facts, but there is now hope that I won’t completely lose my parents.

Seokwon, who came to the airport to greet them, grabbed both hands and waved at Kanghyun and Seoyoon leaving the departure gate.

“Director!”

Although I visited Jeju Island just a month ago, it felt strangely refreshing.

“How have you been? What about your luggage, is that all?”

Seokwon fidgeted around Seoyoon and Kanghyun.

Although I received a call saying they would stay for a little over a week, what Kanghyun held in his hands was just the carry-on luggage.

“He said he’d get everything instead of bringing clothes.”

“It’s nice to go shopping together after a long time. I’ll buy you lots of pretty things.”

Buying something for Seoyoon was Kanghyun’s habit and a small joy.

“Let’s go. I’ve already left a contact at the hotel.”

Kanghyun, who sat in the back seat of the car brought by Seokwon, lifted the console dividing the seats and hugged Seoyoon, tightly wrapping her shoulders without any gap.

Seoyoon, too, leaned her head against his chest familiarly.

Seeing the two chatting away before departure, Seokwon smiled happily.

Kanghyun, who had noticeably gained weight compared to before leaving for Jeju Island, looked particularly good, making Seokwon’s nose tingle.

“Seokwon, stop by the department store first. Yoon needs to eat.”

“Yes, Director. I heard you made a medical check-up reservation. Well done.”

Thanks to Seokwon bringing up the hospital talk, Seoyoon remembered the forgotten words and leaned her upper body towards the driver’s seat.

“Team Leader, where did Oppa get the prescription for sleeping pills? He can’t sleep properly. Anxiety symptoms are frequent. It seems extreme to stop the medication like this, but he keeps saying he’s fine.”

“I was introduced to a psychiatrist by Dr. Han. I’ll give you the contact information.”

Seokwon readily followed Seoyoon’s request.

“Do Seokwon.”
“Hypnotic medications require consultation with a primary physician for both taking and discontinuing. Please follow the manual.”

“So. Please, just listen to us!”

Ignoring the synchronized arguing of the two, Kanghyun turned his gaze out of the car window.

With Seoyoon, who was gently holding his hand, Kanghyun comfortably stretched his body, blinking slowly as the passing scenery swiftly entered his view.

Feeling quite fatigued, his consciousness seemed to sink into a distant feeling.

“Oppa.”

In response to Seoyoon’s voice, Kanghyun’s tightly closed eyes suddenly opened.

Kanghyun rolled his hazy eyes and looked at Seoyoon.

Seoyoon was still gently stroking his hand.

“It’s a relief even if you sleep a little.”

“Please wake me up when we arrive. Seokwon.”

A deep, muffled voice emerged and spread in various directions.

Kanghyun pressed on his temple.

His mind felt blurry, as if he were intoxicated by the medicine he hadn’t taken.

“Oppa, you slept so soundly that I suggested coming to the hotel. Director went to the office.”

Kanghyun, checking the time that passed 2 o’clock by turning the watch on his wrist, put on an expression.

“I’m hungry. Should we go to the lounge? Or order room service?”

“Let’s have a simple meal with room service. Later, buy me something delicious for dinner.”

“Just say it.”

Kanghyun, who got out of the car first, escorted Seoyoon, who was following.

Kanghyun took out only a tablet and comfortable underwear from the carrier, then pushed open the door and entered.

Without forgetting to hold Seoyoon’s hand, he walked through the long corridor connecting the parking lot to the hotel lobby.

“Oh? It’s connected to the wedding hall building.”

Seoyoon, who usually got off at the hotel main entrance, looked around, wandering about.

As expected for a hotel famous for weddings next to Flora Hotel, even though it was a weekday afternoon past 2 o’clock, there was a hall where the wedding was being held, making it quite noisy.

Seoyoon moved her feet while carefully looking at each wedding photo of the engaged couple in wedding dresses and tuxedos.

Beautiful.

Seeing the photos of an emotionless man and woman, Seoyoon blushed and looked up at Kanghyun, who showed no interest in this area.

Does the word ‘marriage’ exist in his mind?

“Oppa.”

When Seoyoon called him, Kanghyun turned his head.