By Zephyria 
“What is it?”
A smile played on Min Ra-hyeon’s lips. He added,
“There’s an art exhibition opening; let’s go for a change of pace. I’ll tell you the date later. I’ve already told Seung-jae as well.”
Seo Yi-kyung pushed himself up, clutching the ultrasound photo.
“Why? Yi-kyung, can’t you eat any more? This tastes so good. Try a bit more.”
After leaving the restaurant, Seo Yi-kyung returned to the painting studio and opened a drawer. He placed the crumpled ultrasound photo back on top of the suppressants.
Seo Yi-kyung put on his apron, took down a ruined painting, and set up a new canvas.
In winter, the sun set early. The Christmas lights in the garden were turned off. And only after a heavy snowfall did the New Year arrive.
* * *
The Director’s Office of the Myeongjun Financial Group.
With a knock, the door opened and Secretary Park entered. He placed the approval documents on the desk and spoke to Han Seung-jae.
“Director Han. Head of Department Jin Seok-young from Chaeon Foods asked to confirm whether you will be attending this year’s New Year’s gathering. How would you like to handle this?”
Sitting at his desk, Han Seung-jae was preoccupied with flipping through documents and signing them. Since the turn of the year, he had been spending most of his time working in the office. The time he returned home was inconsistent, but it was often close to midnight.
“I’ll pass on the drinks. I already have someone to drink with now.”
Of course, that didn’t apply to the current situation. However, since Han Seung-jae used to drink while Seo Yi-kyung had dinner, he felt no need to go out of his way to attend a gathering and drink during this busy period.
“Understood. I will convey that.”
“And, is it today?”
Han Seung-jae paused his hand for a moment and leaned back in his chair. Secretary Park looked down at his wristwatch as if checking the time. Han Seung-jae was asking about the art exhibition. There was only one reason why a man who had no interest in art would check the exhibition schedule despite his busy schedule.
“They have likely departed by now.”
Han Seung-jae flicked the pen in his hand. It would have been nice to go and see it together, but he was currently in a situation where he didn’t have the luxury. Thus, he spoke as if acting on Yi-kyung’s behalf.
“If there are any decent paintings, tell them to send a few to the house.”
The criteria for selecting those ‘decent’ paintings would likely be how long Seo Yi-kyung’s gaze lingered on them. Secretary Park responded skillfully to Han Seung-jae’s words.
“I have already informed Director Im Jeong-yun, so that is how it will be handled.”
He had purchased paintings from there before. Furthermore, Director Im Jeong-yun was a resourceful person skilled in social maneuvering, so she would never miss an opportunity to sell high-priced paintings this time either.
* * *
As the slow-moving sedan came to a stop, the driver got out and quickly walked around to open the rear door. Seo Yi-kyung stepped out of the car and looked around. From the other side, Min Ra-hyeon opened the door and stepped out alone.
Puddles had formed on the ground, like traces of snow that had fallen and then melted. The navy blue coat Seo Yi-kyung was wearing fluttered in the wind.
Just then, the driver’s side door of a car parked a short distance away opened, and Jin Seon-yu stepped out and walked over. Only then did Seo Yi-kyung feel his unsettled stomach begin to ease. He had felt a bit suffocated being in the same car as Min Ra-hyeon on the way out. However, feeling the outdoor breeze and seeing the face of a welcome friend seemed to lighten his heavy mind considerably.
“Yi-kyung!”
Seeing Jin Seon-yu approaching while waving his hand, Min Ra-hyeon wore an incredulous expression.
“Did you invite that person too?”
Looking at Jin Seon-yu, who was practically running toward him, Seo Yi-kyung willingly answered.
“We’re not at home, so what does it matter?”
Although Han Seung-jae did not appreciate the scent of Omegas, he was well aware of Jin Seon-yu’s existence. And the fact that he visited the house. Yet, Han Seung-jae hadn’t said a word to Seo Yi-kyung about it. Instead, Min Ra-hyeon was speaking as if Seo Yi-kyung had been oblivious all this time. Because of that, Seo Yi-kyung was a bit bothered by his words, but since they were outside, there was absolutely nothing to be problematic about.
“Have you been well?”
Looking at Jin Seon-yu, Seo Yi-kyung exchanged greetings with a smiling face. Then, Jin Seon-yu pointed to various spots on the ground.
“The snow melted and there are a lot of puddles here, so walk slowly.”
Seo Yi-kyung walked side-by-side with Jin Seon-yu as if Min Ra-hyeon weren’t there. Jin Seon-yu’s gaze flickered toward Min Ra-hyeon.
Min Ra-hyeon seemed to be scanning Jin Seon-yu meticulously from head to toe. While Jin Seon-yu appeared to be overdressed, he was originally someone who enjoyed shopping and loved grooming himself. Moreover, because he always brought things for Seo Yi-kyung and the baby every time they met, Seo Yi-kyung’s painting studio was already no different from a private warehouse.
“I have wagashi in my car. Take some when we leave later.”
For a moment, Seo Yi-kyung’s cheeks flushed. There was no malice at all on Jin Seon-yu’s face. Furthermore, it was only natural that he didn’t know how Seo Yi-kyung and Han Seung-jae had shared the wagashi.
Seo Yi-kyung scratched his forehead and subtly avoided Jin Seon-yu’s gaze.
“You don’t have to give me wagashi anymore.”
“Why? Did it not suit your taste?”
The taste was perfectly fine. However, Seo Yi-kyung could no longer eat wagashi that had been crushed against his chest and buttocks. He didn’t know what he was apologizing for, but Seo Yi-kyung murmured softly.
“Sorry.”
“No. You don’t need to worry about it at all.”
Instead, Jin Seon-yu patted Seo Yi-kyung’s back as if comforting him.
“I heard that food preferences often change when you have a baby. Don’t let it weigh on you.”
It was just as the two of them reached the stairs of the Art Atelier museum. Im Jeong-yun approached with the clicking sound of heels.
“Hello. It’s nice to see you again.”
Im Jeong-yun wore a bright smile as she looked at Seo Yi-kyung. As she entered the building, she had introduced herself to Seo Yi-kyung, Jin Seon-yu, and Min Ra-hyeon as the Director of Art Atelier. Since Seo Yi-kyung had already met her several times, he felt more at ease.
When Director Im Jeong-yun received word from Secretary Park that Seo Yi-kyung would be visiting, she took measures to ensure no other visitors entered. Thus, they were the only ones viewing the paintings right now.
Seo Yi-kyung walked slowly, looking at the paintings on the wall. Originally, the exhibition Jin Seon-yu had suggested going to was a different one, but Seo Yi-kyung had intentionally requested him to come here.
Part of it was that he wasn’t fond of appreciating art alone with Min Ra-hyeon, but there was another reason. Seo Yi-kyung had a favor to ask of Jin Seon-yu.
Seo Yi-kyung watched Jin Seon-yu, who was looking at a painting, timing the moment to speak. Im Jeong-yun guided Seo Yi-kyung’s gaze toward a mural. Seo Yi-kyung was briefly led by her touch but then moved his steps again.
Im Jeong-yun pointed to a painting and murmured,
“This painting, drawn in a unique style, is by the French artist Bisset Flanders, expressing various colors with deep intensity. Currently, it has established itself as a trend…”
“Excuse me.”
At Seo Yi-kyung’s words, Im Jeong-yun stopped mid-sentence and gave him a smiling look.
“Do you like this painting?”
“I’d like you to step away for a moment, please.”
Im Jeong-yun seemed even more pleased at Seo Yi-kyung’s request and raised her hand.
“I’ll be over there, so please enjoy the viewing comfortably.”
Im Jeong-yun pointed to a painting on the opposite side. It was the piece Seo Yi-kyung would see next. And it was where Min Ra-hyeon had been standing with his arms crossed for a while.
Click, clack. Director Im Jeong-yun stepped beside Min Ra-hyeon. The two of them looked toward the same spot.
Seo Yi-kyung spoke with Jin Seon-yu while looking at the painting filled with deep colors. After listening for a while, Jin Seon-yu nodded.
And Director Im Jeong-yun also nodded with satisfaction. Perhaps it was because he was a painter, but his eye for art was exceptional. This painting was among the most expensive in the museum. She made a checkmark on the document she was holding. She could tell Director Han about this painting. She would add that he had been looking at it for a very long time, as if he liked it very much.
* * *
As Seo Yi-kyung stepped out of Art Atelier, Director Im Jeong-yun greeted him kindly and with full courtesy.
“Thank you very much for visiting.”
Seo Yi-kyung headed toward the sedan, escorted by Im Jeong-yun. During that time, Seo Yi-kyung didn’t exchange a single word with Min Ra-hyeon.
He didn’t feel the need to speak. Didn’t Director Im Jeong-yun know the paintings better than Min Ra-hyeon? Her explanations were so kind that no shortcomings could be found, and he had received a fair amount of consideration.
“Yi-kyung, get home safely.”
Jin Seon-yu said as he personally closed the door for Seo Yi-kyung as he got into the car.
“Don’t worry about a thing, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
No trace of worry could be found on Jin Seon-yu’s face. He laughed a lot, was affectionate, and above all…
Just then, Min Ra-hyeon sat on the opposite side.
“Yi-kyung, it’s nice to be out, isn’t it?”
Despite the fact that they hadn’t spoken a word until now, Min Ra-hyeon asked. And Seo Yi-kyung replied with a smile.
“Yes, I’m glad I came out.”
With that, the conversation between the two ended. The car departed smoothly.
Looking out the car window, Seo Yi-kyung soon fell into thought. He recalled the conversation he had with Jin Seon-yu at the museum a moment ago.
—I’d like you to step away for a moment, please.
—I’ll be over there, so please enjoy the viewing comfortably.
Once Im Jeong-yun had stepped away, Seo Yi-kyung looked up, following Jin Seon-yu who was viewing the painting. Then he spoke.
—I want you to paint something for me.
—As a gift?
Jin Seon-yu, who had been looking at the painting, looked at Seo Yi-kyung. He didn’t need to see the meaning in his eyes to know. He was likely thinking that if it were for a gift, wouldn’t it be better if Yi-kyung painted it himself?
However, Seo Yi-kyung’s skill was insufficient to create a painting with a high level of completion. And above all, he lacked the time.
So, without looking at Jin Seon-yu, he looked at the painting filled with deep colors and added,
—There’s something I absolutely must get out of someone. That’s why I need your painting.