“Isn’t a spouse supporting my work proof that they trust and love their wife that much? I’m so envious, Seo Yeon.”

Seo Yeon’s mood became unsettled. Certainly, unlike in the past when they barely spoke a word despite living together, these days her relationship with her husband had become surprisingly close.

Still, to say it’s proof of love…

Is that really how it looks to other people?

Her heart felt strangely fluttery.

After practicing and chatting with the ensemble members a few more times, night had fallen before she knew it.

In that short time, she had already become much closer with Jin Hwa.

Was it because they had similar interests?

Despite their big age difference, conversation flowed easily with Jin Hwa no matter what topic came up.

Also, she accommodated and was considerate of Seo Yeon as if they had known each other from the start.

It was the first time she felt that someone who wasn’t family cared for her. Because of that, Seo Yeon resolved to practice harder to live up to Jin Hwa’s expectations. She felt like the passing time was precious.

“It’s already time to part.”

As if reading Seo Yeon’s thoughts, Jin Hwa checked the time and spoke with regret. After looking downcast for a moment, Jin Hwa said in a bright voice:

“You must be very tired today? Thank you so much for your hard work, and for accepting my offer. You did really well today.”

“No, I should be the one thanking you for giving me this opportunity.”

Jin Hwa grasped Seo Yeon’s hand. Despite her bright voice and expression, for some reason her eyes seemed to be moist.

There was a somehow lonely look in her eyes. That was why Seo Yeon felt the urge to comfort her, without any particular reason. Just as Seo Yeon was about to speak to Jin Hwa:

“Oh, I think your husband is here.”

Startled, Seo Yeon turned her head in the direction Jin Hwa was pointing and saw Seong Jun just getting out of a black sedan.

Seong Jun’s gaze fixed on Seo Yeon as he got out of the car. She was momentarily dazed by how handsome he looked, and in that time Seong Jun walked over to her. Seong Jun first bowed his head in greeting to Jin Hwa, and Jin Hwa returned his greeting.

“Are you finished?”

“Yes, just now.”

After hearing Seo Yeon’s answer, Seong Jun turned to Jin Hwa again.

“Thank you for your hard work today. I have somewhere to go, so I’ll be taking this person with me.”

“Alright. Take her quickly.”

Seo Yeon got in the car and fastened her seatbelt. In that time, Seong Jun started the engine and asked Seo Yeon:

“Did you have fun today?”

Seo Yeon answered excitedly:

“It was so much fun. I haven’t played in an ensemble in a long time, but I did well without making mistakes.”

“You must have natural talent.”

Embarrassed by Seong Jun’s praise, Seo Yeon shook her head.

“It’s not to that extent. But I think I did well considering how long it’s been since I played. I’m going to work harder from now on so I don’t cause any trouble.”

Seong Jun nodded earnestly as if he wasn’t bored at all. Before her parents’ suggestion to get married, she was reminded of how happy she had been to be able to do what she loved and how she had worked hard to be recognized.

Seo Yeon found herself enjoying sharing her daily life with Seong Jun, and explained today’s events in more detail with a bright, childlike face.

“I was introduced to the other members today, and maybe because they’re similar in age to me, we got along well. I made several friends.”

He replied with a smile that seemed genuinely pleased:

“That’s great. If you need a place to meet up with friends, let me know. I’ll book you a nice place.”

“No, you don’t have to go that far…”

As Seo Yeon waved her hands at his words, she suddenly remembered what Jin Hwa had told her earlier.

“I heard from the teacher earlier… Is it true?”

“What is?”

“That you agreed to support our orchestra.”

“It’s true.”

“Why did you do that? It’s enough that you don’t oppose and support what I want to do.”

Seo Yeon spoke with as much sincerity as she could. But for some reason, Seong Jun’s brow furrowed as if something displeased him about her words.

“I’m conflicted. Should I be boastful?”

Seo Yeon narrowed her eyes at him.

“What do you mean?”

When Seo Yeon asked, Seong Jun shrugged. Then he looked at her as if nothing was wrong.

“Supporting a small orchestra formed for volunteer purposes is pocket change for me.”

Seong Jun, who had been brazenly flaunting his wealth, suddenly glared at Seo Yeon as if he was wronged.

“And can’t a husband help out with his wife’s work? You drawing the line and telling me not to is you pulling rank on me.”

“P-pulling rank?”

“Yes, pulling rank. And it’s crossing a line. Even if it’s you, don’t try to infringe on my rights.”

How did I pull rank… And crossing a line… Completely caught up in Seong Jun’s absurd logic, Seo Yeon was left stammering. That’s when he continued, as if not intending to give her time:

“If you’re that uncomfortable, you can give me something in return.”

“In return? What kind of return? I don’t have money.”

“I’ll make an exception this time and accept something other than money.”

Seong Jun slowly looked over her face. His gaze stopped on Seo Yeon’s lips. His answer was so clear there was no need to ask what he wanted, and Seo Yeon’s cheeks grew slightly hot.

Come to think of it, it seemed Seong Jun had always initiated skinship first, never herself.

It couldn’t be helped.

To Seo Yeon, her husband had always been a difficult person, and she felt too guilty to have other feelings for him.

Moreover, she was a wife completely lacking in aegyo.

There was no way she could do such an embarrassing act that she had never even dreamed of doing normally.

As Seo Yeon hesitated, Seong Jun put his hand on the steering wheel as if he had expected this. It seemed he hadn’t had high expectations to begin with. Seo Yeon’s pupils shook back and forth.

‘Oh, whatever.’

Seo Yeon squeezed her eyes shut and kissed Seong Jun on the cheek.

Seong Jun froze as if turned to ice.

And when Seong Jun, who had been looking straight ahead, turned to look at her, Seo Yeon felt like she wanted to hide somewhere.

Her husband’s gaze on her was intense.

Flustered by Seong Jun’s gaze, hot like boiling lava, Seo Yeon was momentarily stunned as Seong Jun leaned towards her.

Like a predator, Seong Jun lowered his gaze and devoured her lips in an instant. He never hesitated when it came to kissing.

“Mmph.”

And he was very good at kissing.

“Ah…!”

He invaded naturally, gently caressing inside her mouth as if soothing her, then suddenly began to thoroughly explore her mouth as if it was his own.

Seo Yeon’s body trembled naturally. Her mind went blank and her whole body tingled.

“Wait…”

With an ominous feeling that she would lose her mind first at this rate, Seo Yeon pushed against Seong Jun’s chest.

“W-wait a moment.”

But Seong Jun was like a mountain. No matter how much strength she used, he didn’t budge, instead pressing his body even closer to hers.

Seong Jun, who seemed like he would never move, briefly separated his body from hers as if to let her breathe.

“What’s this all of a sudden?”

Seo Yeon spoke with as much force as she could muster, taking advantage of the moment Seong Jun pulled away.

“Stop it. What if someone sees?”

“They can’t see from outside.”

Then there was no particular reason or excuse to refuse. Seong Jun grabbed Seo Yeon’s slender waist and began to kiss her roughly again.

Before they knew it, the air in the car had become not just hot, but sultry. The wet sounds further heated the air inside the car.

*

A black van parked in an affluent area of Seoul lined with luxury villas. Byeong Woo, who had turned off the engine, looked back at the rear seat. Then he smiled broadly and gave two thumbs up.

“Ye Rin, your filming today was the best.”

Ye Rin was an up-and-coming actress rising as the next generation CF star. At Byeong Woo’s praise, a coy smile spread across Ye Rin’s face.

“Thanks, oppa.”

“You really worked hard today. Go home and get some good rest.”

“You worked hard today too, oppa. Drive home safely. Send me a message when you get home to let me know you arrived safely.”

“Alright, alright. Our top actress take care going in too.”

Ye Rin was in the best mood today. It was because she had received praise from a famous film director known as a master of CFs, who said her expressions were good.

For Ye Rin, who was usually criticized by industry insiders for her acting skills falling far short of her cute appearance, this was an extremely encouraging and remarkable achievement.

“I have to brag to mom and dad.”

Ye Rin wanted to quickly share this incredible accomplishment with her beloved parents. They would surely say she did really well, that they knew she had talent. Ye Rin went straight home and looked for Jin Hwa.

“Mom, where are you?”

She wasn’t visible in the living room. With a glimmer of hope, Ye Rin walked towards her parents’ room and heard the sound of water running from the shower in the bathroom attached to the master bedroom.

“Looks like she’s showering.”

Disappointed but deciding to brag when her mom finished showering, Ye Rin was about to turn around.

That’s when a notification sound rang from the phone on the bedside table, indicating a message had arrived. It was her mom’s phone. Thinking it might be an urgent message, Ye Rin checked it and her eyes shook as if an earthquake had struck.

“Han Seo Yeon?”

It was that woman’s name. Ye Rin’s hand holding the phone began to tremble violently. Soon the phone in her hand fell to the floor.

“No way, they’ve been in contact? Behind my back?”

A look of betrayal filled Ye Rin’s face.