SELA - 68

“Have I ever disappointed you, Father?”

The living room fell silent at Ji-hyuk’s words. It was because all his family members had nothing to say against him and kept their mouths shut. Even his father, Tae-won, who had been furious, saying he had tarnished the family name, only frowned and didn’t raise his voice any further.

“I’ve always done well, Father, Mother.”

It was true. From birth until now, Ji-hyuk had never lost the top position and had never failed to meet his parents’ expectations. However, he hadn’t been dragged around like a puppet with lifeless eyes either. He had the intelligence to reward the expectations of those around him while not losing sight of his own desires, which was why Tae-won especially trusted and relied on him.

“That’s what I’m saying. Why did a kid who’s always done so well act like that yesterday? It was such rudeness at a gathering of important people!”

“I apologize. But I have no regrets about my choice.”

“Oh my, oh my. This boy, really!”

At Ji-hyuk’s firm reaction, his mother, Young-shin, held her head in dismay. Her child, who had never caused her any trouble growing up, was now rebelling at the most crucial time, making her head spin.

“Is it simply because you don’t like that girl, Ji-young?”

“No, it’s not.”

“Then?”

“There’s someone I like.”

“Hyung, you had someone else you were seeing?”

The second son, Soo-hyuk, asked loudly, stopping mid-chew of his fruit. It was a reaction of utter surprise. After all, it would be news if the cold and unapproachable Ji-hyuk had a woman he would break off an engagement to protect.

Ignoring Soo-hyuk’s reaction, Ji-hyuk looked back and forth between Tae-won and Young-shin and spoke. This was the reason he had come to the main house and gathered the whole family today.

“I’m getting married.”

What? The same sound popped out from here and there. Tae-won straightened up from leaning against the sofa, Young-shin pulled her body closer to the table and sat up, and Soo-hyuk froze with his fork in hand, his mouth open. It was exactly the reaction they had expected.

“Wh-who is it? So suddenly, what family is she from?”

“Yeah, Hyung. Who is it? Is it someone we know?”

To the predictably asked questions, Ji-hyuk met his family’s eyes and said,

“I’ll bring her to greet you all soon.”

“Huh, well now...”

“Ji-hyuk-ah, Mom is worried. You’re not just looking at the person and not considering any conditions again, are you? Conditions are also part of that person’s life. So what Mom is saying is...”

“Hyung probably found someone good. Don’t be like that. Hyung, congratulations in advance.”

“Thanks.”

Soo-hyuk mumbled through his fruit and offered his congratulations to Ji-hyuk. Unlike him, his parents exchanged glances, looking somehow uneasy.

It was because Ji-hyuk had never shown such bright eyes for something he had chosen first, something that wasn’t within the conditions or framework they had set for him. Just who was this person who had stolen his heart? Worry and curiosity arose at the same time.

“Bring her to greet us as soon as possible.”

“Yes, Father.”

“Why talk about getting engaged if you have a woman? You’ve just done something unnecessary.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Are you really sure about this one?”

“Father.”

“Yes?”

“It’s me, Shin Ji-hyuk. I will never disappoint you again, Father.”

At Ji-hyuk’s firmly shining eyes, Tae-won nodded. A feeling of wanting to trust his son once more welled up. Tae-won patted his son’s broad shoulder, trying to imagine the person Ji-hyuk would introduce. She would surely be a good person he would like.

________________________________________

Ten days had passed.

“So you’re getting back together again? Is cohabitation a joke to you?”

“That’s how it worked out. Take good care of the house for me for the time being.”

“It doesn’t really matter to me. Unless I get lonely without you.”

“Don’t say things you don’t mean.”

“It’s true! How much I relied on you.”

Joo-ri stretched her sleeve and pretended to wipe away tears. Sa-hee, watching her, couldn’t help but laugh in disbelief.

“It’s all because my mom trusts you that she’s leaving her runaway daughter alone in the secular world.”

“Your aunt does like me a bit.”

“So, we’re living together for the time being? Or else I’ll be dragged away immediately.”

“Was that your real intention, you?”

Sa-hee, squinting her eyes and glaring at Joo-ri, reluctantly nodded. Joo-ri couldn’t hide her laughter and ran to hug Sa-hee.

“Ugh, you pretty thing! Tell Mom nicely if she calls! Got it?”

“Got it!”

“Alright, then, shall we have a toast to commemorate our last night?”

Joo-ri playfully held out a can of beer, and Sa-hee clinked hers against it. A light and refreshing clinking sound rang out. The two tilted their heads back and drank heartily for a while.

The next day, Joo-ri, who happened to be off work, set out to drive Sa-hee herself. Her car, which had been in the shop for repairs, was ready, and Sa-hee agreed that this would be better than taking a taxi.

“Wow, look at this building. Amazing.”

“You can make a right turn over there.”

“Heh. Is that it? It looks like the most expensive place around here?”

“I’m seeing it for the first time today too...”

“Well, the executive director isn’t just any family’s son, he’s from the Taesung family. This kind of house is probably nothing to him. It must be nice not having to worry about the lease. Ah, I’m jealous.”

Sa-hee smiled awkwardly, listening to Joo-ri’s lament. After all, everything she said was true. Ji-hyuk was the eldest son of the famous Taesung Group and incredibly wealthy. When she was with him, she often forgot that. The feeling of love kept blinding her from seeing other things.

“He’s out there waiting. I’ll pull over in front.”

“Oh, thanks.”

Ji-hyuk, who had come out to the first floor in advance to wait for Sa-hee, recognized Joo-ri’s car and approached. When asked how he knew, he said he knew because it stopped in front of him. It was a bland reason.

“Oh my, hello! Long time no see!”

“Hello.”

“You look as wonderful as ever today. Shall we shake hands?”

Joo-ri, who had gotten out of the car, ran up to Ji-hyuk and held out her hand. Ji-hyuk shook her hand without hesitation and raised the corners of his lips. It wasn’t a polite smile; he genuinely looked happy today. It seemed to be because it was the day Sa-hee was moving into his house.

The three, having taken out the luggage from the back seat and trunk, exchanged silly jokes before standing there looking at each other for a moment.

“But what’s this, what’s going on between you two?”

“Huh?”

At Joo-ri’s suddenly out-of-the-blue words, Ji-hyuk and Sa-hee looked at her with puzzled eyes.

“There’s a different vibe about you?”

“It’s the same as always, why?”

“No. Something feels a bit... refreshed? Like something that was hidden is now visible, like the fog has lifted?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m saying you look good.”

Sa-hee laughed, saying, “Yeah, yeah.”

“Go on ahead. I’ll go in after I see you leave.”

“Okay, then. I’ll go first. I’ll call you later.”

“Okay. Drive safe!”

Joo-ri, making a playful crying face and blowing a hand kiss, drove off without looking back as soon as she started the engine. Ji-hyuk and Sa-hee, who had made eye contact, burst into laughter.

“Shall we go in?”

“Yes.”

Ji-hyuk, carrying the suitcase and luggage bag, led the way. Sa-hee followed him. The two took a penthouse-exclusive elevator, moving separately from other residents and building users.

“Come in.”

The penthouse that followed Ji-hyuk into was literally a spacious, enormous, quiet, and well-groomed space. It was as if they had entered another world, different from the outside.

It hadn’t been long since he had moved in, so there were some empty spaces, but overall it was a place that felt stable. Those empty spaces even felt like they enhanced the beauty of the blank canvas.

Sa-hee, having put down her luggage, took Ji-hyuk’s hand and slowly toured the house, looking around here and there. Every nook and cranny had the touch of an interior designer, making it impeccably beautiful and excellent. Except for one thing.

“We need to fill this place with things.”

“That’s your job now.”

“I’ll do my best.”

There were many empty pieces of furniture, so it seemed like there was more than just one or two things to fill. The only things there were the books in the study and his clothes.

“Did you buy a new bed?”

“Since we’ll be using it together from now on. I bought a bigger one.”

“The old one seemed big too, though.”

“Well. There are many things I want to try on this from now on.”

“Pardon?”

At Sa-hee’s question of what he meant, Ji-hyuk laughed without giving a specific answer. Then he took her hand as it was and led her to the living room.

“The highlight of this house is here. Do you like it?”

“Yes. I love it so much. I feel like I’ll just look at this all day.”

Sa-hee stood in front of the huge picture window and looked down at the cityscape. The view from Ji-hyuk’s previous house was also good, but it couldn’t compare to this. Looking down at the buildings, roads, and people spread out like toys below her feet, Sa-hee felt her heart pounding. It felt just like being a child.

“It’s truly beautiful.”

“I paid special attention to the view. It seemed like you liked looking at the scenery.”

Ji-hyuk remembered the sight of Sa-hee looking out the window one dawn when he had woken up. It had been since then. He had decided to give her an even bigger and more wonderful view.