100. Event Surprise. March 17, 2022.

Kang-joon knew. He didn’t really need to get out of the car and go into the restaurant. Sehee said she’d be out in 40 minutes, and he only had to wait about 7 minutes in the car. He was perfectly willing to do so until he turned off the ignition. That was, until he saw Joo Sehee through the restaurant window, which faced the parking lot. Even from a distance, her long eyelashes and elegant profile were striking. Her luscious hair swished at her waist with every slight movement. Even the way she sat, hands neatly placed on her lap, back perfectly straight. Whether she was Yoo Taeryeong or Joo Sehee, pregnant or not, she was unyieldingly consistent. She was a woman who captivated eyes and stirred hearts.

“This is why I’m going crazy,” Kang-joon muttered softly, getting out of the car and striding into the restaurant. But that was as far as he went. The moment his eyes met Sehee’s, Kang-joon stopped. Entering the restaurant was his choice, but the table where the company dinner was taking place was an extension of work, specifically Joo Sehee’s domain. Crossing that line would be an intrusion, and Joo Sehee would dislike it. She was unbending when it came to work matters. In fact, Kang-joon had no intention of pushing Sehee either, so he was going to sit in a chair and wait. But a soft, clear voice caught Kang-joon’s attention.

“This is the man I’m going to marry.”

He turned his head, wondering if he’d misheard, and saw Sehee smiling softly at him. Sehee had changed a lot, but outside, she was still the same. She cared about appearances, maintaining an appropriate distance from him. Yet, this very Joo Sehee confidently introduced him in front of her employees. It was no longer an intrusion, but an invitation. Kang-joon walked unhesitatingly into Joo Sehee’s domain and stopped in front of the table. Ten pairs of bright, curious eyes immediately focused on Kang-joon. But no one dared to speak easily, intimidated by Kang-joon’s intense aura. Kang-joon, who was very accustomed to such an atmosphere, naturally spoke first.

“Sehee told me she takes special care of the overseas business department, and I see now there’s a good reason why.”

The employees, still tight-lipped, exchanged intense glances among themselves. Uncaring, Kang-joon casually swept his gaze over them and fixed his attention on Team Leader Kim.

“Team Leader Kim Yeon-woo of the Overseas Business Department?”

Team Leader Kim, startled at hearing her name, looked at Kang-joon as if asking how he knew her.

“Sehee has told me a lot about scouting a capable talent like you. That you’re beautiful and exceptionally skilled.”

“Ah, thank you.”

As Team Leader Kim bowed her head in a daze, Kang-joon took out a wad of 100,000 won checks from his wallet and held them out. “The dinner will be paid with the corporate card, but I’d like to cover the designated driver fees for the employees.”

“Oh, it’s alright! You don’t think we can’t afford designated drivers, do you?”

“I’m giving this to you because I want the talented individuals my fiancée cherishes to return home safely, so please don’t feel burdened.”

“Ah...”

“And while it might be fine for the team leader, it doesn’t seem to be for the employees.”

As if to prove Kang-joon’s words, the employees were all sending eye signals to Team Leader Kim. Roughly 200,000 won per person, we want the driver fees! Only then did Team Leader Kim look at Sehee with a troubled expression. Sehee gave a short nod, as if to say it was okay to accept, and only then did Team Leader Kim take the checks. Despite being married, Team Leader Kim’s face flushed at Kang-joon’s up-close appearance.

________________________________________

After welcoming him, smiling when their eyes met, and even introducing him as the man she was going to marry, Sehee only belatedly reproached him after getting into the car.

“Why did you come in? You could have waited in the car.”

“I intended to wait quietly in the car, too.” At least until I saw you, Joo Sehee.

“You were sitting so prettily, I couldn’t help myself.” Kang-joon leaned over and kissed Sehee’s cheek unexpectedly, then met her eyes deeply. “I just wanted us to be alone quickly.”

As you can see, I’ve achieved my goal. Sehee, blinking her long eyelashes rapidly as if dumbfounded by Kang-joon’s cunningness, eventually burst into laughter.

“Get some sleep, we have a few hours to go.”

Sehee’s eyes widened at Kang-joon’s words, as he even fastened her seatbelt himself. “Where are we going?”

“Yes, where are we going?”

Kang-joon chuckled as Sehee repeated his words and then continued, “It’s an event surprise.”

That meant he wouldn’t tell her until they arrived.

________________________________________

Sehee thought. The car was nice, but this man truly drove well. His smooth and delicate driving skills had indeed put her to sleep. When she opened her eyes again, the night scenery outside the car window, draped in darkness, was unfamiliar. Instead of tall buildings whizzing by, she saw secluded mountains and fields. She turned her head and saw Kang-joon still holding the steering wheel.

“Did you sleep well?”

Not just well, she slept deeply. For three hours, no less.

“Did we leave Seoul?”

Kang-joon shrugged, as if still wanting to keep it a secret.

“You can tell me now, can’t you?”

“It’s Jeongseon, Gangwon Province.”

At Kang-joon’s words, memories flashed through her mind like a kaleidoscope. The swaying green wheat fields, the pure white wedding dress, the fragrant wildflowers, the sweet confession of love, the second night that was so hot and poignant it brought tears to her eyes, and even the greatest gift of her life that found her that night. The moment they created their most beautiful, precious, and unforgettable memories came to mind.

“No way. Surely... no?”

“A ‘surely not’ will catch you.”

As if to prove his words, Kang-joon’s car drove down a well-maintained road. Sehee tilted her head at the familiar yet unfamiliar scenery. She was sure it used to be a bumpy dirt road. And the fenced house at the end of the well-maintained road was three stories, not two.

“Isn’t this the villa we came to? The road seems different, and the house is different too.”

“I paved the road and remodeled the house a bit.”

“Whose idea was that?”

“Hmm, the owner’s idea?”

Surely not. Sehee gulped, staring intently, and Kang-joon chuckled, continuing, “I bought it. This house and all the surrounding land.”

The moment Sehee was speechless, the car stopped outside the house’s fence. Kang-joon calmly got out of the car, opened the passenger door, and extended his hand. Sehee took Kang-joon’s hand, feeling she should get out of the car first. As her feet firmly touched the ground, the house, subtly lit by lights, came fully into view. The original structure was maintained, and the house had been partially renovated, but the external environment had been significantly refined. As Sehee stood admiring it, Kang-joon wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.

“My first wedding gift to you. All you have to do is sign the documents.”

Kang-joon quickly kissed Sehee’s lips as she turned her head in utter surprise. “I wanted to give it to you sooner, but...”

“...”

“Someone ran off without a word, so it took some time to find you and get permission to marry. It’s a bit late.”

She felt like she should say something, but nothing came to mind. Just a profound, warm, overwhelming feeling. Why did this man always give her such unbelievable emotions? Kang-joon carefully asked Sehee, who slowly turned around, “You said you liked it here, didn’t you? Or was it not?”

Instead of answering, Sehee slowly reached out and wrapped her arms around Kang-joon’s neck. Perhaps it was because she looked at him with such a profound, almost tearful gaze. Kang-joon narrowed his eyes, looking deeply into hers. Sehee deliberately didn’t avoid his gaze, pulling him closer, hoping that her heart would reach him just as his heart had reached hers.

“I like it. The well-maintained road, this house, the surrounding scenery.”

How could I not like everything you’ve done for me? But, Seo Kang-joon. Sehee slowly rose on her tiptoes, whispered close to his lips, “But I like you, Seo Kang-joon, the most.”

The moment their gazes intertwined, a signal of love passed between them that needed no words. Will you kiss me? In response to Sehee’s shy gaze, Kang-joon kissed her instead of answering. Willingly. The moment their breaths deeply mingled, a clearing of throats was heard from behind.

“Ahem, ahem.”

“Hey there, couple! Let’s be a little more discreet on this bright, sunny night, shall we?”

Sehee, startled, turned around to see Jae-woo and Kyung-jin. And Jin-kyung, smiling, standing a little behind the two men.

________________________________________

All of this was an event and surprise Kang-joon had prepared for Sehee. This house, Jae-woo and Kyung-jin, and Jin-kyung. A wedding gift he hadn’t been able to give his bride, a formal introduction to the groom’s best friends, and even a bridal shower for the bride and her friends.

“‘That’s so cheap. How can you finish those three things at once? You’re not doing it because you’re lazy, are you?’”

He had meticulously prepared it, but Sehee had given him a cute scolding. Nevertheless, Kang-joon was perfectly satisfied. Sehee, now in his arms, was laughing out loud as if she were truly happy. A table had been set up under the outdoor garden gazebo. Kyung-jin, clinging closely to Jin-kyung, was actively making his moves. However, the playful banter between the two, who clearly weren’t strangers, was quite amusing.

“Look at this oppa. Why is he being so pushy when this isn’t even a club?”

“Wow, that’s disappointing. To call a handsome man’s confident approach ‘pushy’!”

“Because you’re making your move with your body, not your mouth! Can’t you remove your foot from under the table? Where are you rubbing your wolf’s paw?”

“I learned all this from you, you know? When we first met, I completely fell for your sexy footwork, and I’m still not over it. And meeting again like this, it’s fate, isn’t it, us?”

Kyung-jin was skillfully deflecting Jin-kyung’s sharp remarks, delivered with cat-like eyes.

“Fate, my foot, we’re complete strangers.”

Jin-kyung snorted dismissively, but Sehee, as her long-time best friend, could see it. Jin-kyung was deliberately playing hard to get and teasing Kyung-jin. She vaguely remembered Jin-kyung mentioning something about meeting a guy she liked but he was too much of a playboy, so she was playing push-and-pull. That playboy was probably Kyung-jin.

“Honestly, why are we complete strangers? If you keep pretending you don’t remember, oppa will be sad, okay? We had a very passionate time in a hotel suite... Ugh!”

“Can’t you shut your scandalous mouth?!”

Jin-kyung, startled, smacked Kyung-jin’s mouth with the wet towel in her hand. Pfft. Sehee quickly covered her mouth with her hand, but her laughter had already escaped.

“A good occasion like this is missing alcohol! Since you can’t drink, I’ll get some wine!”

Perhaps embarrassed, Jin-kyung stood up with a flushed face and went into the house. Kyung-jin quickly followed her.

“I’m sorry, Sehee. Kyung-jin is completely smitten with your friend. Although I didn’t expect them to meet here.”

Jae-woo smiled awkwardly and presented a luxurious case on the table. “And this is a wedding gift that Kyung-jin and I prepared together. To be honest, it’s closer to a bribe than a wedding gift. We hope you’ll completely forget the unpleasant things from the past, Sehee.”

“I also deceived both of you, so I have nothing to say. So, I’ll accept this as a wedding gift, not a bribe.”

Sehee willingly accepted their sincerity. In the past, it would have been unthinkable. She believed there was no selfless goodwill, and she always felt obligated to return whatever she received. Just then, Kang-joon’s phone rang.

“I’ll just take this call.” Kang-joon excused himself to Sehee and stood up.

Once they were alone, Sehee finally asked Jae-woo what she had been curious about. “Jae-woo, you said you went to middle and high school with Kang-joon, right? Can you tell me what Kang-joon was like back then?”

At Sehee’s question, Jae-woo eagerly unburdened himself with stories. How impossibly perfect young Seo Kang-joon was. While she was listening with great interest, Kang-joon approached, having finished his call.

“Jae-woo, could you step away for a bit?”

“Oh, sure.”

Once they were alone, Kang-joon turned Sehee’s chair to face him. “Sehee, do you remember what you told me?”

“...”

“That after you hospitalized that woman, you’d let me handle everything. That you’d trust me completely and settle within the fence I’d built for you.”

Kang-joon’s dark, serious eyes told her that something had happened. And Kang-joon was trying to resolve it alone and was asking for Sehee’s permission.

“Is it something I can’t resolve?”

“There’s nothing the capable Joo Sehee can’t resolve.”

A lie. You’re doing this because it’s something I can’t resolve, aren’t you? Kang-joon chuckled at Sehee’s unwavering gaze, which offered no answer. But his eyes weren’t smiling at all.

“I just want to do it for you.”

If this man was serious to this extent, it must be quite grave. Nevertheless, Sehee wasn’t afraid or anxious. Because you, Seo Kang-joon, are on my side. Because there’s nothing you can’t resolve. Sehee first burrowed into Kang-joon’s embrace and calmly said, “I trust you, Kang-joon, no matter what you do. So do as you wish.”

“You might find it a bit difficult, Sehee.”

A faint worry flickered in Kang-joon’s eyes as he looked down at her. But because she loved and trusted Kang-joon, she didn’t worry.

“It would be much harder if I did it alone, wouldn’t it?”

As if strengthened by Sehee’s trust, Kang-joon met her gaze and began to speak seriously. “Listen carefully to what I’m about to say. Tomorrow, there will be an article about you, Sehee.”