PBWY - Epilogue

Jeong-Hoon gazed silently at the name engraved on the tombstone. 

“…Min Kyung-Yun.” 

He rolled his mother’s name around in his mouth, the tip of his tongue stinging faintly. 

A gentle breeze blew through the poplar trees surrounding the grave. The scent of wildflowers wafted along the narrow path, tickling his nose with the earthy aroma of grass. 

Jeong-Hoon brushed back his tousled hair and reached out to grasp something—Yoon-Hee’s hand. 

Occasionally, when memories of his mother surfaced, nothing but burning regret and an intangible longing slipped through his fingers. No matter how tightly he tried to hold on, he couldn’t grasp them, leaving him flailing alone. 

But now, it was different. There was warmth in his hand. Yoon-Hee’s warmth. 

Holding the hand of the one he loved eased his tension. It felt as though their touching skin was melting softly together. 

Yoon-Hee squeezed Jeong-Hoon’s hand firmly. 

“Jeong-Hoon, are you going to leave without saying anything to your mom again today?” 

On his mother’s birthday or death anniversary, the two of them would visit this place together. Though Yoon-Hee occasionally spoke to the mother-in-law she had never met, Jeong-Hoon had never even said a simple “I’m here.” He had only swallowed his sadness in silence. 

Somewhere in the distance, the faint chirping of birds could be heard. 

Jeong-Hoon tightened his grip on Yoon-Hee’s hand. 

“Let’s go.” 

“Okay.” 

Yoon-Hee nodded and followed him, taking slow steps forward. 

It was the season when yellow flowers began to bloom, their buds bursting open after lying dormant through the winter. Vibrant colors spread everywhere, filling the air with life. 

Walking along the flower-lined path, Jeong-Hoon rubbed Yoon-Hee’s ring with his thumb. On his own ring finger, a matching band rested snugly—a symbol of their promise to spend their lives together, to live happily ever after. 

Jeong-Hoon lifted his eyes to the sky. Suddenly, he was struck anew by the realization that Yoon-Hee was by his side, pulling him toward a world filled with joy. 

Raising their intertwined hands, he pressed a kiss to her ring. 

“Yoon-Hee, my mom always told me to die.” 

“…” 

Yoon-Hee’s steps slowed slightly. 

Jeong-Hoon playfully nibbled lightly on her finger. Startled, Yoon-Hee flinched and pulled her hand away, her shoulders jerking. 

Jeong-Hoon burst into laughter before firmly grabbing her hand again. 

“But I’m not going to listen to her. To be honest, I haven’t really listened to her since I grew up. I’ve always been a terrible son.” 

“…Jeong-Hoon.” 

“I’m going to keep living with you, Yoon-Hee. I’m not going to die. I’m going to live happily with you.” 

“…” 

“In my world, you’re the only one who exists. Without you, I don’t exist either. I mean it. If you weren’t here, I’d just… die. Maybe that’s my way of being filial to my mom.” 

“Are you crazy?”

“Which means… you absolutely can’t let go of my hand.” 

At his earnest, almost threatening words, Yoon-Hee laughed as if finding it absurd. Judging by how unfazed she was by Jeong-Hoon’s irrational remarks, it seemed she had grown accustomed to his presence by her side. 

“So, is this a threat or a confession?” 

“It’s both. If you want to save me, stay glued to my side.” 

Yoon-Hee smiled softly and nodded. 

“Got it. I won’t go anywhere.” 

Jeong-Hoon beamed with an overwhelming brightness. 

The wind gently lifted their hair before fading away. 

Jeong-Hoon suddenly stopped walking and pulled Yoon-Hee into a tight embrace. She was slightly startled but soon relaxed, leaning fully into him. 

Feeling the rapid beat of his own heart, Jeong-Hoon held her small frame close with desperate affection. The warmth emanating from her was soothing. 

Yoon-Hee’s breath, her soft laughter, the fullness of her body heat—it was all perfect. Jeong Yoon-Hee was like a gift filled with everything that made Jeong-Hoon happy. 

Burying his face in the nape of her neck, Jeong-Hoon basked in deep satisfaction. The faint, sweet scent of her skin made his fingertips tingle. 

Jeong Yoon-Hee. Because of her, Jeong-Hoon always felt like he was swimming in warm water. 

It was pure happiness.

###

A thin streak of morning light filtered through the gap in the blackout curtains. Had a bird flown into the terrace garden? In the darkness, the sound of birdsong drifted faintly. 

Yoon-Hee pushed against the arm wrapped tightly around her, struggling to free herself. 

“Hmm…” 

But the arm holding her didn’t budge an inch. After tossing and turning a few times, she gave up and stretched out her body again. The birdsong echoed peacefully. As she lay there, listening absently to the chirping, Yoon-Hee tried to get up once more. 

“Jeong-Hoon, wake up. It’s morning…” 

She tapped his nose lightly, and his eyebrows twitched slightly. In truth, she had known for a while that he was already awake. Though he pretended to be asleep, his hand stealthily wandered over her lower abdomen, stroking it with mischievous intent. 

Finding his feigned stillness adorable, Yoon-Hee chuckled softly. How could this man, whose closed eyes made him look like a flawless sculpture, feel so endearing? 

“I know you’re awake. Open your eyes already. We have to go to work.” 

“…What’s the harm in being a little late?” 

Finally, his low, drowsy voice wrapped around her ear. Jeong-Hoon kissed her earlobe and rubbed his cheek against hers like a spoiled child. 

“What do you mean, ‘a little late’? You’re the team leader—you should set an example.” 

“If I’m the team leader, shouldn’t I be allowed to do what I want sometimes…?” 

Jeong-Hoon clung to her neck and began to grope her chest. Fearing where his hands might wander next, Yoon-Hee pushed him away and sat up. If she stayed lying down any longer, they’d definitely be late. 

His arm fell limply to the bed, defeated. Yoon-Hee brushed the hem of her pajamas off her calves and walked toward the window. Pulling back the blackout curtains, a bright blue sky unfolded before her. It was another beautiful day without fail. 

Six months ago, Yoon-Hee had been promoted to manager, while Jeong-Hoon remained a team leader. A few months earlier, Jeong-Hoon’s uncle—the group chairman—had been so impressed by Jeong-Hoon’s diligent attitude that he offered him the position of executive director. However, 

“Hmm… No thanks. I don’t want to. If I get too busy, I won’t be able to spend time with Yoon-Hee.” 

With his nonchalant rejection, the offer fell through. He already had more money than he could ever need, and the modest title of team leader suited him just fine. The idea of taking on more responsibility and getting busier was something he utterly despised. 

“This brat! Everything I try to do for him, he turns down. What a pain! Who does he take after, huh?” 

“Well, since he’s your nephew, maybe he takes after you about 20%. Congratulations.”

“Ugh…! Get out, you brat!” 

“Yes, Uncle. I’ll come back another time.” 

“You… you infuriating…” 

The chairman, exasperated by Jeong-Hoon’s humble wish to remain a team leader for life, eventually chased him out of the chairman’s office in frustration. For Jeong-Hoon, it was a rather satisfying outcome. 

Yoon-Hee stretched lazily and opened the window. 

“The weather’s nice today.” 

A cool breeze drifted in. Having woken up before the alarm, she had some time to spare and closed her eyes to savor the morning air for a moment. As she massaged her drowsy neck and tilted her head, warm arms wrapped around her from behind. 

“I checked the time—it’s still early.” 

“But it’s too late to go back to sleep now.” 

Yoon-Hee patted his arm wrapped around her waist as she replied. Nibbling on her earlobe, Jeong-Hoon whispered: 

“How about some exercise, then?” 

“Huh?” 

At the same moment, Yoon-Hee’s leg was suddenly lifted into the air. Jeong-Hoon had scooped her up like a child. Without waiting for an answer, he strode forward with her in his arms, leaving her flailing her legs helplessly. She knew exactly what was poking her insistently through his movements. 

Her cheeks flushed bright red. 

So this kind of “exercise” is what he meant? 

Despite carrying her in so forcefully, once they reached the bed, Jeong-Hoon gently laid her down with great care. Before she could squirm away, he climbed on top of her and buried his face in the nape of her neck. 

“Jeong-Hoon…” 

Yoon-Hee tried to push him away but soon gave up. His lips brushing against her skin were soft. 

It had already been two years since she married Jeong-Hoon. Living together day in and day out, she had come to know him better than anyone else. Jeong-Hoon was always a man of action rather than words, and when faced with her protests, he would gently push through until he inevitably got his way. 

Whether during their dating days or after marriage, he had always been the same relentless bulldozer. 

“Really… starting this in the morning…” 

Yoon-Hee’s small laugh melted into Jeong-Hoon’s kiss. 

A cool breeze blew in. Yoon-Hee caressed his firm back, holding him close. 

Whether he pretended to sleep with his eyes closed or pressed his heavy body against hers with heated passion, he was always equally lovable. He was her adorable husband. 

That such a large, imposing man could be so cute and endearing—it seemed her eyes were thoroughly clouded with love. 

And Yoon-Hee couldn’t have been happier about it.