By Zephyria I’m hungry. I want greasy, high-calorie food. Right now.
That was the first thought that came to mind. Seo-woon woke up from sleep, overcome by extreme hunger that defeated even his desire for sleep. When he opened his eyes, what he saw was an elegant hotel bedroom that looked like something from a catalog – not his own room where he could see the kitchen sink from his bed while lying down. Where am I? He was confused for a moment, but then realized: Oh right, I got married.
He had slept so soundly last night that he’d forgotten he was on his honeymoon. Was Hawaii really this close? No jet lag, no time zone adjustment issues. He didn’t even dream once and slept wonderfully. It speaks volumes that he woke up from sheer hunger. This is why people need to exercise. Seo-woon smiled foolishly without even opening his eyes properly. Even though his lower body felt heavy, he just kept laughing for no reason.
As of today, Seo-woon was on his second day of marriage. He still felt dazed, but judging by the pain he felt below his waist, last night’s events weren’t a dream. It was amazing how good he could feel even when his pelvis felt like it might break – it showed just how cunning the human brain could be.
His cunning brain didn’t stop its persuasion: Where in the world is there a perfect person? Everyone lives by adapting to each other. That’s right, that’s right! Seo-woon enthusiastically beat the drum. He also played the janggu. Anyone watching would think he was a saint, not an omega. Whatever, Seo-woon clutched his empty stomach and shyly came out of the bedroom. As expected, there was no one in the reception room. The living room was also empty.
Why did he think of the cold, empty space beside him in bed at this moment? Since there was no sound of water from the bathroom, there was only one place left: the study.
He wondered if Yi-jin would still be doing that on the second day, and Seo-woon’s prediction was correct. On the second day of their honeymoon, Yi-jin was working from morning. This was no different from the day before. If anything had changed from the previous day, it was just one thing: the fact that Seo-woon had manifested. Seo-woon had manifested as the neighborhood saint last night.
People can be a bit crazy about work! Looking closely, even though it seems like he only works, he actually does everything he needs to do. He’s especially good at doing what he’s told. He might sound strange when he speaks, but he actually listens well. That’s fine, that’s enough. Seo-woon quietly left the study. First, he needed to wash up. After washing, he’d suggest eating.
Even after Seo-woon finished his shower, Yi-jin was still working in the same position as before. He looked like he was going to get buried under piles of documents. Knock knock, only then did Seo-woon give a not-quite-knock.
“Are you busy?”
At Seo-woon’s voice, Yi-jin quickly raised his head. His reaction speed was good, and it reminded him of Yi-jin’s other self that stood up so well on its own, just like its owner, which automatically warmed his heart. In just one day, Seo-woon’s internal intimacy toward Yi-jin had reached its peak.
“No, I’m not busy. Was your sleep comfortable?”
“Very much so. I slept so well I probably snored.”
“That’s correct. You snored a little.”
“…Oh.”
“It wasn’t very loud, so it was bearable. It’s fine.”
He answered so solemnly about something like that. It was fortunate that it wasn’t loud, but since he was already embarrassed, he might as well have snored loudly.
“If you’re not too busy, want to go have breakfast together? If you’ve already eaten, I’ll go alone.”
Seo-woon brought up the main topic while pretending to be casual. He added unnecessary words to try to look as cool as possible.
“I haven’t eaten either, so let’s go together. What time would be good for the meal?”
“Right now. Come on. Let’s go eat.”
At Seo-woon’s firm answer, Yi-jin hurriedly stood up. Escaped from the pile of documents, Yi-jin was dressed in a shirt and slacks from morning. He was fucking grateful.
“Ah, I’m so hungry. If we go now, I think we can really enjoy breakfast.”
“The hotel breakfast?”
“Yeah!”
Seo-woon answered excitedly. Even he thought he was being overly excited, but he couldn’t control it well even though he was aware of it. For Seo-woon, hotel breakfast was a privilege that could only be enjoyed when staying at overseas hotels, especially those with multiple stars. Yi-jin probably wouldn’t understand.
That made sense. He probably wouldn’t know even if he lived his whole life. Seo-woon tried hard to regain his composure that had loosened with the morning.
“Hotel breakfast service has already ended.”
“Huh?”
“It’s already 11 AM. Let’s go somewhere else. There’s a brunch restaurant I got recommended.”
He needed to regain his composure…
“Seo-woon? Aren’t you coming?”
“Yi-jin.”
This won’t do. This really won’t do. Seo-woon couldn’t stand it anymore and immediately called out to stop Yi-jin. Seo-woon’s face was completely rigid as he stopped in the middle of the room. Yi-jin, who was watching, also looked tense. Seo-woon spoke:
“I should handle things well on my own, but just in case, let me ask you a favor.”
“Yes, Seo-woon. Just tell me.”
“From now on, if I miss meal times and I’m sleeping, please wake me up.”
“Excuse me?”
“Especially on airplanes or in hotels, definitely wake me up. Unless I absolutely tell you not to wake me, definitely do it.”
He didn’t want to have to say all this, but he couldn’t take it anymore. Seo-woon decided to put aside his social dignity in front of airplane meals and hotel breakfast. He didn’t really have any to begin with anyway.
“I see. Understood. From now on, no matter what happens, I’ll definitely wake you up.”
He was worried Yi-jin might laugh at him, but fortunately that didn’t happen. Rather, perhaps realizing that Seo-woon wasn’t joking, Yi-jin responded seriously. Not only that, he went even further.
“You like airplane meals and hotel breakfast. I didn’t know that.”
“Well, yeah.”
“If you had told me earlier, I would have woken you up.”
“It’s okay. Let’s just go eat first…”
“From tomorrow, no matter what happens, I’ll wake you up before breakfast service ends.”
“Okay, I got it…”
“By the way, regarding airplane meals, as long as you don’t sleep through the entire flight like this time, you can eat whenever it’s convenient for you.”
“I said I got it, okay? Aren’t we going to eat?”
Since they were extremely hungry, their voices inevitably rose. The brunch restaurant that Yi-jin had recommended required driving there, so the two decided to order room service for the time being. Perhaps because they were so hungry, just looking at the food names made everything seem delicious. After deliberating, Seo-woon asked Yi-jin, who was a regular guest at this hotel, to recommend something from the menu.
“What’s good at this hotel?”
I’ll admit it. Since we had spent our first night together, I might have unconsciously acted overly familiar. But even so, isn’t this going a bit too far? Yi-jin stared up at Seo-woon intently. He stared, embarrassingly so, at Seo-woon who was perched on the sofa’s armrest. Anyone watching would think we had done something inappropriate. Was it really so wrong to sit next to him and ask for a menu recommendation? Now too embarrassed to get up again, Seo-woon awkwardly rolled her eyes around.
“Ah.”
“Huh?”
“I see.”
“What, again.”
“I understand. You wanted to sit in this spot.”
Along with that nonsense, Yi-jin abruptly stood up from his seat. It wasn’t that Seo-woon had been particularly leaning on Yi-jin, but since they had been sitting so close together, innocent Seo-woon nearly fell over. What caught Seo-woon was a large hand that Seo-woon recognized.
The large hand that had touched Seo-woon’s body all night gently wrapped around Seo-woon’s waist. Just as Seo-woon felt his body being lifted, he found himself placed in the sofa seat where Yi-jin had been sitting. Yi-jin was already seated on a different sofa. It had all happened in an instant.
“The armrest is uncomfortable, so please sit comfortably. I’ll move out of the way for you.”
“…Oh, yes.”
“How is it? Are you comfortable?”
“Yes, well… thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Yi-jin answered with a somewhat proud expression. Well, fine. Thank you. Thanks, but… never mind. Let’s just choose from the menu. Seo-woon stopped thinking further and focused on the menu. Since he said he’d been coming here since his undergraduate days, wouldn’t he have tried the entire menu? Despite her inner expectations, once again Seo-woon’s prediction missed the mark spectacularly.
“You only ate toast?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“…Do you happen to have any allergies? Chicken, pork, beef allergies or something like that?”
“I don’t.”
To ask if he might be vegetarian would be too contradictory given the previous night’s dinner menu, which was full of seafood and meat. Moreover, he had clearly said with his own mouth that he wasn’t picky and ate everything well. As Seo-woon became confused, Yi-jin instead raised a question.
“Is that not allowed?”
“No. Of course it’s not that it’s not allowed, but I’m just, surprised. I’m sorry if that offended you. It’s just that I wouldn’t have done that. I like airplane food and hotel breakfast too…”
I tried to speak as carefully as possible, but I’m not sure if it came across well. Of course, being surprised was true, but when you think about it, there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s not an impossible story. He came often enough to keep his belongings in the hotel suite room, but had never dined out once, and though he ordered room service for every meal, toast was the only menu item he had ever ordered. Well, sure. It’s entirely possible. It’s just that I can’t understand it at all. What’s more, there’s only one type of toast.
“I see. That’s fine. I understand completely.”
“Oh, thanks. If it’s okay, may I ask why you did that?”
“Well. There’s no particular reason.”
For such a readily given answer, it wasn’t very satisfying. Instead, it only made me more curious. No particular reason – that’s even stranger.
“Should I call someone if you need a recommendation?”
“It’s okay. I’ll choose myself.”
“Understood. Please let me know if there are any menu items you’re unsure about.”
“Oh, you’ll choose for me?”
“No. You should make the choice yourself so you won’t have regrets.”
What a fucking Solomon. Yes, yes. Seo-woon sarcastically flipped through the menu. What kind of menu is this long – there are so many items. Well, what can I expect from someone who kept ordering only toast despite all these delicious menu options? That thought naturally occurred to her. Of course, Seo-woon was mistaken.
“However, I can expand your range of choices.”
Saying this, Yi-jin ordered every single menu item that Seo-woon had been contemplating. When surprised Seo-woon tried to stop Yi-jin, he neatly summarized the situation.
“Eat as much as you want and leave the rest.”
What should I do? It seems like I really made an excellent marriage. They say you can know ten fathoms of water but not one fathom of a person’s heart, and while it’s still too early to judge someone hastily, money doesn’t lie. Indeed, Seo-woon had been experiencing the pinnacle of capitalism for the past few days. Her first taste of money was sweet, and her first-ever room service was thrilling itself.
Just like in movies, several trolleys appeared in a line, loaded with food on silver trays. Seo-woon’s mouth fell open at the luxurious spectacle that made her eyes spin. Unlike Yi-jin, who looked down at the food without particular emotion, Seo-woon was genuinely excited. Under Seo-woon’s more proactive leadership than ever, the two began eating in earnest.
“Does the food suit your taste?”
“It’s completely delicious?”
Seo-woon exclaimed while focusing intently on dismantling her hamburger. Screech – in her haste, the knife slipped and made an unpleasant noise. Ugh, that gives me chills. At the unpleasant sensation, Seo-woon reflexively put down her knife, and Yi-jin took her plate.
“I think this is why.”
“Why what?”
I expected this, but indeed his knife skills are skilled. The hamburger that Seo-woon had butchered began to be cut into easy-to-eat pieces. Before long, Yi-jin returned the plate to Seo-woon and said:
“Because toast is the easiest and quickest food to eat.”
“Ah… I suppose so.”
Seo-woon answered a beat slower. It wasn’t wrong, but somehow the nuance felt strange.
“It doesn’t require much handling, so it’s convenient – it’s the most efficient in every way.”
To consider efficiency even when eating – this is why corporate types are no good. He could have just laughed it off, but Seo-woon couldn’t do that. Just the day before, he had heard a similar story from Yi-jin. It was a story about efficiency, wouldn’t it be more efficient for an outstanding person to educate someone lacking?
Everything is relative. Yi-jin’s way of thinking, which was somewhat unfamiliar to Seo-woon, wasn’t incomprehensible when considering his family background. I understand, but I really don’t understand why someone who calculates efficiency like this would marry Seo-woon. Once again, Seo-woon became curious about Yi-jin’s intentions.
“Yi-jin-ssi.”
“Yes, Seo-woon-ssi. Please go ahead.”
Should I ask or not? Seo-woon hesitated for a moment. Now that he was about to ask, he remembered the legendary nonsense from the airplane and couldn’t easily open his mouth. “Why did you marry me?” What were the chances that Yi-jin wouldn’t spout nonsense or gibberish in response to Seo-woon’s question? He didn’t know for sure, but based on how things had been going, it was close to zero percent.
He wasn’t hoping for an answer like “I fell in love with you at first sight” or “I was already in love with you.” That would be ridiculous. It wasn’t a marriage born from love in the first place. While Seo-woon did feel attracted to Yi-jin, it was still closer to sexual attraction than love – not quite love yet. Yi-jin probably felt the same way.
It was strange. Really strange. They’d had sex and gotten married, but it wasn’t love. During five seasons of loving someone and having sex with that person out of love, he couldn’t even make it to marriage, yet he’d married a man he’d only met four times.
When his thoughts reached this point, he naturally thought: If I’m like this, wouldn’t Yi-jin be the same? Seo-woon resigned himself positively.
It would be a lie to say he wasn’t curious about Yi-jin’s intentions, but he decided not to ask. Wanting to know someone’s feelings and becoming curious about that person were also forms of expressing affection. That affection – right now he could feel it sufficiently from the hamburger Yi-jin had cut for him. It was certain that Yi-jin also had feelings for Seo-woon. That was enough. Seo-woon ended his contemplation and naturally changed the subject.
“What should we do now?”
“Do you have any schedule you’d like?”
“After eating, don’t you want to go to the beach? We came all the way to Hawaii, so we should at least dip our feet in the ocean!”
“Yes, please do so.”
Up until this point, Seo-woon hadn’t given it much thought. He wasn’t disappointed with his situation, nor was he depressed. Although a properly cut hamburger was currently the extent of affectionate expression, the exotic scenery outside the window and the comfortable hotel room were enough to excite Seo-woon. Seo-woon quite liked Hawaii, which he was visiting for the first time. He thought there was a reason Hawaii was considered a top honeymoon destination.
“Did you bring sunscreen?”
“No, I didn’t bring any.”
“You came to Hawaii without sunscreen? I’ll lend you mine, so let’s use it together.”
“It’s fine. Please use it, Seo-woon.”
“The sunlight was really strong though, will you be okay?”
“Yes, it’s fine. I’ll be staying at the hotel anyway.”
The fork that had been busily moving around Seo-woon’s plate suddenly stopped. Seo-woon’s lips, which had been raised high with thoughts of strolling along the Hawaiian beach, instantly fell. No way, surely not. Seo-woon tried hard to shake off the ominous thought.
“Why? Why are you… staying at the hotel?”
“I still have afternoon work remaining.”
Based on local time, Yi-jin added as explanation. Additional explanation my ass – Yi-jin, who had just put a piece of toast in his mouth, didn’t look like someone eating at all. This was also the complete opposite of Seo-woon. After wiping his mouth once with a napkin, he looked like he’d head straight into the study. Seo-woon asked calmly.
“Are you that busy? Earlier you said you weren’t very busy.”
“I’ve finished all the morning work.”
“…So now you’re going to handle the remaining afternoon work?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
No wonder it seemed strange. With that face, that body, and that wealth, he’d wondered why he was still single until now, but the answer was right here. That bastard workaholic with only a fine shell.
Since becoming an adult, no – since becoming a working adult, this was definitely the second time Seo-woon had gotten this angry. Whether fortunately or unfortunately, Yi-jin was a bit weak to be called the first. Compared to Seo-woon’s ex-boyfriend who had ghosted him after five years of dating and even meeting his parents, Yi-jin was a gentleman. But not just any gentleman – he’d be a fake nobleman with forged genealogy, a born commoner.
Let’s calm down first. Seo-woon took a deep breath for a moment. Otherwise, he might grab that pompous gentleman by the collar right away.
“Where shall we meet at 4 PM?”
Despite Seo-woon’s efforts, Yi-jin immediately spoke to him.
“Why 4 PM? Do you have break time too?”
“I don’t set aside separate break time. I only asked because there’s a divorce briefing scheduled with Seo-woon at 4 PM.”
Ah, fuck. Right, divorce. Thanks to that, Seo-woon remembered what he’d forgotten from the airplane.
“You said so yesterday.”
Right, he did. In the beginning, there was a long business trip. Hahaha! Seo-woon laughed. This situation was so absurd that laughter just kept coming out. “The hamburger seems to suit your taste well,” Yi-jin spouted nonsense in front of him. Hahahaha! Seo-woon laughed loudly once more. Laughter just kept coming. After laughing his head off, Seo-woon instantly hardened his face and said resolutely:
“Fine. Let’s do it, the divorce briefing.”
“Where would be a good location?”
“No need to go far, let’s just do it at the hotel.”
“Yes, understood.”
Uncle, aunt. I’m sorry. I’m getting divorced. Seo-woon roughly finished his meal and immediately rushed out of the hotel room. About 4 hours until divorce – he had to enjoy his last freedom.
Something was in Seo-woon’s hand as he left the hotel room. It was Yi-jin’s credit card.
Although divorce was imminent, Seo-woon was extremely rational. If anything, he was too realistic for his own good. Money, he had to spend money. Seo-woon’s rationality shouted. Since the alimony he could receive from just two days of marriage would be limited, he had to spend other money. If he spent too much, he might get billed later, so moderately luxurious would be good.
Therefore, shopping was out. Seo-woon quickly used his brain. After much deliberation, his choice was the hotel itself. When would I ever stay at a hotel like this again? If he divorced in the afternoon, he’d have to move hotels immediately, so he could see the beach later. Since Seo-woon was good at calculations, he decided to use all the hotel’s amenities this time. For reference, he had brought Yi-jin’s credit card with mutual consent. He absolutely did not steal it.
Seo-woon first went to the hotel lounge. His aspirations were grand, but his stomach’s circumstances were not. He had no appetite, and having just eaten brunch, food no longer appealed to him. Seo-woon sipped some wine halfheartedly and soon left the lounge. To use all the amenities within limited time, he had to move quickly.
Next was massage. Seo-woon got another massage following yesterday’s. He’d gotten one yesterday too, but knowing it was good made it even better. While getting a massage on his lower back that still held yesterday’s afterglow, Seo-woon thought about the alpha bastard who had made his back this way. Strictly speaking, Seo-woon was an accomplice too, but anyway, Seo-woon thought about Yi-jin.
Seo-woon had feelings for Yi-jin. That’s why he married him, right? He had affection too. Having lived as strangers their whole lives, he was also willing to adjust together as a couple. But he didn’t want to headbutt against bare ground. He didn’t want to waste precious effort on someone with no possibility at all.
Perhaps Yi-jin might be like that too. When I think about it, it’s not an entirely impossible story. Seo-woon carefully reflected on the brief time he had spent with Yi-jin.
At their first meeting, Yi-jin had asked first about plans for children. He also asked what Seo-woon did to spend her time alone. There were no polite greetings exchanged out of courtesy, no unnecessary pleasantries. Clean conversation without any excess, and then marriage. Until now, their meetings had been the most efficient days racing toward the destination called marriage.
Oh, that’s right. Efficiency – Seo-woon also had the efficiency that Yi-jin liked. Thinking this way, he felt like he might understand why Yi-jin married him. An omega in his thirties with no immediate plans for children but full intention to marry, who plays well by himself, and even has a simple family structure.
If that were true, if that really was the reason for marriage, it would be somewhat hurtful. His body, intoxicated by the massage, kept relaxing while his heart grew colder and colder. Seo-woon lay there for a long time even after the massage ended. He should get up quickly if he wanted to spend money, but he only thought about it in his head.
Reluctantly getting up, Seo-woon headed to none other than the hotel room. Not for any other reason, but to change into a swimsuit for appropriate attire for the occasion. It wouldn’t make sense to stay at a hotel like this without visiting the pool at least once. Right now, Seo-woon was more rational than anyone.
He had even planned a course of action for what to do if he encountered Yi-jin, but the hotel room was completely empty. Yi-jin, whom he thought would be working in the study, was nowhere to be seen. It seemed that Yi-jin had also left the room right after Seo-woon went out.
Right, so this is how it’s going to be. Seo-woon left the study and headed straight to the bedroom. With each step Seo-woon took, something rustled under his feet, but he didn’t care. He didn’t want to stay in the empty hotel room for even a moment. Seo-woon left the hotel room without looking back. Something was stuck to the bottom of Seo-woon’s feet as he walked briskly looking only ahead, but there was no way for Seo-woon to know.
And now it was time. Seo-woon had finally arrived at the swimming pool. No matter how gorgeous the suite room was, it couldn’t compare to the vitality created by the midday swimming pool. Being outside definitely seemed to improve his mood.
In the pool, there were people showing off their professional swimming skills and others leisurely enjoying the sunlight. People of different races and characteristics, but somehow all looking relaxed. Seo-woon took out his sunglasses and put them on to hide his unnecessarily intimidated feelings.
After finding an empty sun bed and awkwardly lying down, this was truly heaven, an earthly paradise. The rash guard and flip-flops that Seo-woon had ambitiously brought finally shone. Since Yi-jin hadn’t even brought sunscreen, he probably hadn’t brought a swimsuit either. How could someone come to Hawaii without bringing sunscreen and a swimsuit? The thought briefly occurred to her, but Seo-woon shook off thoughts of Yi-jin. Whatever the case, it was no longer Seo-woon’s concern.
Seo-woon lay on the sun bed, tossing and turning. As he diligently flipped his body around looking for a comfortable position, Seo-woon was wearing a long-sleeved rash guard on top and swim shorts on the bottom. So he had no memory of packing something like this.
…What is this? Some pink piece of paper was fluttering at his feet. Looking closely, it was a Post-it note. There was a Post-it note stuck to the sole of Seo-woon’s flip-flops. A Post-it note could just be peeled off and thrown away, but it happened to be in Korean. What were the odds of stepping on a Post-it note written in Korean at a Hawaiian hotel? Seo-woon took off his sunglasses and looked closely at the Post-it note.
“I will see you,” it said. He had found a Post-it note written in Korean at a Hawaiian hotel swimming pool that said “I will see you.” It was incredibly bothering him. It was bothering her like crazy. For just a Post-it note, its presence was too strong. And the handwriting, it had the neat precision of something printed by a machine. It was obvious who had written it without even looking.
What was it? What the hell was this? Seo-woon pondered. No matter how much he pondered, there was only one answer. This mysterious Post-it note most likely came out of the room along with Seo-woon. So what was he supposed to do about it? At first, Seo-woon tried to ignore it. He tried to forget about the Post-it note that resembled someone and lie on the sun bed to enjoy Hawaii’s sunshine.
But it bothered him. Having left his phone behind with the intention of going into the water, he had no immediate way to contact anyone. Seo-woon tossed and turned uncomfortably while lying on the comfortable sun bed, and finally got up.
Looking for a Post-it note with Korean writing – that was the beginning of the great journey.
“You’re late.”
Behind Yi-jin stretched an endless blue sky without a single cloud. The background was completely different, but that tone of voice and that gaze automatically reminded him of his first meeting with Yi-jin. In fact, Yi-jin was sitting and looking at Seo-woon just like on the day they first met. He was wearing the same shirt and slacks he had seen in the morning. It was a world of difference from Seo-woon, who was wearing flip-flops under his rash guard.
“Exactly 8 minutes late.”
That bastard, really. Seo-woon had just finished playing an escape room game that was completely out of character for him. True to form for Post-it notes, they peeled off so well that he had struggled for a long time with Post-it notes scattered in all directions following Seo-woon’s route.
Fucking Post-it notes, it was all because of the Post-it notes. If only the Post-it notes hadn’t peeled off so well, no, if only they hadn’t been pink, Seo-woon wouldn’t have needed to play an escape room game even during his honeymoon.
“Yes. I’m a bit late.”
Be grateful I came at all. Seo-woon confidently admitted to being late and sat down across from Yi-jin. Whether it was his natural disposition or due to his family environment, Seo-woon was basically quick to read situations. He also had unusual patience in strange areas. One of his hobbies was playing games without spending real money, which said it all. It was fortunate that Seo-woon was this kind of person, if it had been someone else, Yi-jin would have been stood up.
It’s only because it’s me that I came looking on my own, would anyone else have bothered?
Despite getting a massage, his neck was all stiff. Until he came up to the rooftop, Seo-woon had been looking at the ground the entire time. The pink Post-it notes, presumably placed by Yi-jin, were scattered all over the floor along Seo-woon’s route.
Of course, even those weren’t in proper condition. They had been trampled on and were miserably crumpled up. Picking them up one by one and unfolding each one, searching the hotel like fitting puzzle pieces to find missing fragments, all of that was Seo-woon’s burden. There was no greater hardship than this hardship.
“I saw the Post-it note late.”
“Is that so?”
“…When did you prepare it? It wasn’t there in the morning.”
The other name for struggling was “event.” Yi-jin’s first surprise event that he had ambitiously prepared in secret from Seo-woon was a complete failure. The post-it notes with Seo-woon’s name on them were found on the elevator floor, and some were never found at all. They might have flown away following other guests’ footsteps.
Still, Yi-jin was lucky. It was pure coincidence that Seo-woon discovered the post-it note with Yi-jin’s whereabouts written on it. If Seo-woon hadn’t found the post-it note in the end, Yi-jin would have been guarding the rooftop alone.
Maybe he should have just left it at that, he thought that briefly, but as a result, the two of them were now on the rooftop located on the hotel’s top floor. To be precise, Yi-jin had arrived first, and Seo-woon had just arrived. Whether it was arranged in advance or not, as soon as Seo-woon arrived, iced latte and ice water were prepared.
Ah, right. He remembered. On the day he first met Yi-jin, he had also drunk iced latte and ice water.
The coffee Seo-woon hadn’t ordered was in a transparent glass. The water droplets on the cup’s surface reflected the clear sky without a single cloud, and all the blue colors of the world passed over the transparent glass. Seo-woon’s favorite coffee and Hawaii’s beautiful sky were all contained in one cup.
His heart was racing. From just one insignificant cup of coffee, his emotions stirred. Suddenly, all of this felt like a dream to Seo-woon. Searching around the hotel for post-it notes, having to spend time alone even on his honeymoon, and his marriage itself – all of it. Among all that, the most surreal thing was the very existence of Yi-jin sitting across from him.
“I waited until you went out, Seo-woon.”
“……”
“Atmosphere is important even between married couples. They said you shouldn’t neglect these things just because you’re married.”
Who said that? He felt like he knew without asking now. You saw it on a mom cafe. Even thinking that, he couldn’t easily speak up. How much had he cursed Yi-jin while running around picking up post-it notes that had fallen on the floor by himself? He had sneered inwardly, saying this wasn’t even child’s play – how could this be prepared as an event? He had even thought this was just purely messing with him.
“Did you not like it?”
“…Well…”
“I see. I’m sorry.”
“……”
“Next time I’ll definitely prepare an event you’ll like.”
Still, the reason he had silently searched for post-it notes instead of calling Yi-jin. The reason he had ultimately climbed up to the rooftop.
“If you could tell me what was lacking, I’ll make sure to improve it next time no matter what.”
“Why?”
Maybe we could.
“For a successful event.”
“So why did you do the event in the first place?”
Maybe we could too.
“They said atmosphere is important even between married couples…”
“……”
“…Isn’t it important?”
Because it seemed like we might be able to love each other – that’s why Seo-woon had willingly jumped into the mess Yi-jin had created.
“It’s important. It is, but…”
When it came to actually saying it with his own mouth, he couldn’t speak easily. Seo-woon hesitated for a moment, then honestly poured out his true feelings.
“It’s not efficient though.”
“……”
“I meant, you didn’t have to do this kind of thing, so why did you bother?”
Seo-woon no longer believed in destined love. He didn’t believe in eternal love either. The more love was repeated, what remained were the silent scars created by love – there was no love without wounds.
“That’s certainly true.”
“……”
“That’s a reasonable point.”
Then it would be better not to start at all. Since there’s no eternal love anyway. Even if not love exactly, it would be fine to form a family with someone humanly likeable and trustworthy. Let’s meet someone who could become family rather than someone to love. That’s what he had thought, but,
“I think I need to think about this part a bit more.”
“No, just say it now.”
“It’s something I haven’t thought about…”
“You can just say whatever comes to mind. I want to hear it.”
But still, he wanted to start again. Seo-woon didn’t want to miss this flutter of excitement that had come after so long. His acceptance of marriage with Yi-jin was for similar reasons. If this flutter wasn’t just his own, if Yi-jin felt the same way, he didn’t want to cut off his connection with Yi-jin like this.
He wanted to try a little harder. Seo-woon tried to hide his nervousness and waited for Yi-jin’s answer.
“…Then as you said, I’ll start with whatever comes to mind.”
Yi-jin, who had been silent for a moment, slowly began to speak. In the end, he had accepted Seo-woon’s request.
“After analyzing reviews related to events, I concluded that this type of event helps married relationships. It seemed like a good opportunity to confirm each other’s affection.”
Of course it would. Seo-woon felt a bit deflated by the formal answer that was close to a model response.
“Now that we’ve officially become a married couple, I thought events would help us too.”
“Yes.”
“So…”
“……”
“……”
“……”
Yi-jin paused for a moment. Considering that Yi-jin usually spoke with machine-like, seamless perfection even when spouting nonsense, this was quite an unusual sight. Yi-jin talking about his own thoughts rather than specific facts or confirmed opinions looked quite awkward even to Seo-woon.
“Yi-jin-ssi?”
“…I’ll correct myself. I thought it would be helpful to me, not to us.”
“To you?”
“That’s right. Since our marriage came about through your consent, Seo-woon-ssi, our married life can only be maintained if you’re satisfied. In other words, your satisfaction is my top priority, and this event is one means for me to make a good impression on you.”
Seo-woon looked at Yi-jin silently. As always, Yi-jin was looking at Seo-woon with his characteristically expressionless face. He had prepared something like this for such a reason – Seo-woon briefly doubted her own ears. If Seo-woon hadn’t misheard, then those pathetic pink Post-it notes rolling around on the hotel floor were indeed Yi-jin’s masterpiece event.
When was it that he spouted nonsense about wasting the entire morning because of the wedding ceremony, but now he says he did such foolish things to make a good impression on me. Coming all the way on a honeymoon only to hole up in the study all day, having no intention of going out together from the start, yet claiming my satisfaction is the top priority.
He expected her to believe that? Seo-woon’s first instinct was to be suspicious. That’s right – the current Yi-jin didn’t make sense. Yet the reason Seo-woon didn’t storm off was because the other person was Yi-jin.
“Someone who wants to make a good impression on me came all the way on a honeymoon and did nothing but work like that?”
“The work I have to do, I should naturally complete…”
“……”
“…is right…”
Yi-jin, who had been spouting his usual nonsense, tactfully stopped speaking. Then, after glancing at Seo-woon, he carefully asked:
“…Did you perhaps dislike it?”
“Calling that…”
“Yes, please go ahead.”
“……”
“……”
“……”
“Seo-woon-ssi?”
Even when Yi-jin called him, Seo-woon said nothing. He needed time to think by himself, never mind answering. What kind of situation is this? Seo-woon found this situation bewildering yet also found himself laughing at the absurdity. It was beyond ridiculous to the point where the alpha in front of him seemed cute.
Where on earth did someone like this come from? Seo-woon seriously thought this. He had dated enough and worked in society enough, but to Seo-woon, Yi-jin was someone he had no idea where to start or what to do with. Truly unpredictable.
Ah, right. I remember now. This is why I wanted to marry this person. Perhaps Yi-jin might be the biggest gamble of Seo-woon’s life.
“Oh, it’s already 4 o’clock.”
A short alarm went off across from him. Whether he had set it in advance, Yi-jin skillfully turned off the alarm. “Please wait a moment.” Then he politely asked for Seo-woon’s understanding while fumbling around to take out something. No way… Seo-woon’s gaze urgently turned to the table.
“I will now begin the divorce briefing.”
Just as he feared, Yi-jin had indeed taken out a laptop with the XX Electronics logo. Looking at the XX Electronics new product that opened 180 degrees without any awareness, Seo-woon said:
“You don’t have to do it. It’s not necessary.”
Divorce could happen anytime anyway. At Seo-woon’s firm attitude, Yi-jin stopped turning on the laptop and looked at Seo-woon.
“It’s not necessary?”
“No.”
“…I see.”
Then he put it back down.
“Understood.”
That was all. It was surprising that he had actually prepared for it, but when told not to do it, he obediently backed down. Seo-woon was quietly looking at such Yi-jin when his gaze was drawn to the picturesque scenery spread out behind Yi-jin’s back.
Hawaii, viewed from a high place with the sun behind it, was much more beautiful. The blue spectacular view where the boundary between sky and sea had disappeared rippled here and there on the wind. Exotic languages could be heard around them, and even the air brushing past his nose felt somehow foreign.
On the rooftop, they did quite well. The location said it all. Seo-woon turned his gaze back to Yi-jin. Yi-jin was looking at Seo-woon in the same posture as at first.
Right, those eyes. Those are the eyes. Looking at those two eyes that remained unwavering even when meeting Seo-woon’s gaze directly, his resolve hardened. The resolve to start another worn-out romance, the courage to want to hold someone in his heart again.
“Instead, tell me about yourself.”
Perhaps Seo-woon would come to regret this day’s decision. It might be tomorrow, or it might be in a few hours. But that was okay. Right now Seo-woon had become very curious about the alpha in front of him. Seo-woon wanted to know Yi-jin’s heart. He had also become curious about what kind of person he was.
“About me?”
“Yes. About you, Yi-jin-ssi.”
“The divorce briefing…”
“I’m not curious about it anymore.”
“…Is that so?”
“Yeah.”
“I see. Understood. Then I would be grateful if you could tell me exactly what you’re curious about regarding me.”
“Why did you marry me?”
At the unexpected question, Yi-jin’s eyebrows twitched. Having seen him this much, he didn’t feel as threatening as when he first saw him. Seo-woon leisurely waited for Yi-jin’s answer. Our fairy-like gentleman who resembles artificial intelligence tends to be slow in answering when receiving unexpected questions. Being his husband in name, he had come to know quite a lot.
After a slight pause, Yi-jin answered:
“That’s…”
I want to know you. It was the beginning of romance.
“Because you have similar values to mine.”
It was an unexpected answer. Though he hadn’t particularly expected anything, he really hadn’t expected this. Surprised, Seo-woon asked:
“Who? Me?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Who on earth said such nonsense…!”
He was so surprised that his true feelings popped out. Fortunately, Seo-woon was someone with quick reflexes.
“How far did I speak?”
“You said ‘Who on earth said such nonsense’ up to that point.”
Ah, I didn’t say much. Seo-woon felt relieved and drank his iced latte. It was delicious. Having regained his composure, Seo-woon tried to resume the conversation.
“You were just joking, right?”
“I don’t joke.”
“No, what about me is like that?!”
And he failed. For the first time since meeting Yi-jin, Seo-woon got angry. Yi-jin asked back with a somewhat bewildered face:
“Are you angry?”
“I’m not getting angry.”
“You seem angry.”
“…I’m not angry, so tell me in detail. Do I resemble you? You and me?”
“Yes. Not in appearance, but in values. You look different from me, Seo-woon.”
Is he trying to insult me now just because I raised my voice a little? I can’t shake this suspicious feeling.
“I know we’re different. You’re handsome, Yi-jin.”
Seo-woon said this while taking a sip of ice water. The ice water was cool, but Yi-jin’s following statement prevented him from feeling refreshed.
“Am I handsome?”
“What? Are you trying to provoke me now?”
“I never have.”
Yi-jin, who was sensitive about provocation, visibly bristled then quickly regained his composure.
“Of course, it’s something I hear quite often.”
“Oh, so you knew and still asked? Isn’t that exactly provocation?”
“No!”
Without any sense of reward, Yi-jin immediately countered.
“You’ve never said such things to me, Seo-woon, so I asked.”
Of course not. How could I say something like that to your face? Not knowing Seo-woon’s thoughts, Yi-jin asked the same question again.
“Am I handsome?”
Is this really something to be so serious about? Surprisingly, Yi-jin was more serious than ever. You could feel his determination to hear Seo-woon’s answer no matter what.
It was something he’d thought about countless times internally, so there was no reason he couldn’t say it aloud, but somehow it felt embarrassing. To think such words would be embarrassing after they’d even had sex. Seo-woon felt a bit unfamiliar as he answered honestly.
“Yes. You’re handsome.”
“Is that so? That’s a relief.”
“…What’s there to be relieved about?”
“The more advantages, the better. I’m glad you like my face.”
Then I’ll ask the next question, Yi-jin had already loaded another question. “Ah, yes.” For some reason, Seo-woon found himself preparing to answer the next question.
“Do you regret marrying me, Seo-woon?”
“…Didn’t we just get married yesterday?”
“Yes. That’s correct.”
“Well, you need to have done something to regret it. All we’ve done since coming to Hawaii is…”
Just had sex. Of course, it wouldn’t make sense to just let the wedding night pass by either… Only Seo-woon became confused by Yi-jin’s question. Yi-jin didn’t stop and threw the next question.
“Then why did you say that?”
“Say what now?”
“You said we wouldn’t need a separate briefing since you weren’t going to divorce. That implies you requested the briefing with divorce in mind from the beginning.”
Not bad. I let my guard down and got hit right in the mark. Seo-woon pretended to be calm while drinking ice water and frantically thinking. Yi-jin watched him quietly then went for the finishing blow.
“You said that on the airplane to Hawaii too.”
“Ah, did I?”
“Yes, you did.”
“Ha, haha. I guess I did… But how did the conversation turn this way? I’m pretty sure I asked first. Why you married me.”
I know, it’s childish. I know, but I don’t want to talk about anything disadvantageous to me. Unless the responsibility for divorce lies entirely with the other party, there’s nothing good about bringing up divorce first. So that means I was thinking that way yesterday. What was that about?
I’m sorry, while Seo-woon was searching his memory, Yi-jin apologized. “I got the order wrong.” He really listens well.
“As I mentioned, you have similar values to me, Seo-woon, so I thought there would be no problem marrying you.”
“Right, that. Let me hear exactly what I did to make you think that way.”
“You didn’t do anything that could be called ‘doing something.’ You are wise, Seo-woon.”
“…Well that’s a relief.”
“You know yourself well, and you can clearly distinguish between what you can do and what you want to do, acting rationally.”
“Me?”
“Yes. Just from points like how you can have children anytime but the reason for wanting children should come first, how you have various hobbies like gaming without spending money and lying around without plans, but prioritize work when there’s work to be done.”
He remembered. That was definitely something Seo-woon had said. It was correct, but he didn’t know Yi-jin remembered such casual remarks in such detail. He especially didn’t know they would be used as a measure to judge Seo-woon.
I see. It’s obvious, but Yi-jin is also human. An adult who judges others by combining what’s visible on the surface with what can’t be seen with the eyes, weighing whether to continue a relationship with this person or not. He would be equal to or better than Seo-woon, not worse, but I thought about it too carelessly. Why do I keep forgetting that while I naturally measure others, I too can be in the opposite position?
That’s exactly it, regardless, Yi-jin cheerfully continued.
“The biggest difference between humans and animals is whether they have reason to control instincts. For alphas and omegas like us who are affected by pheromones, it’s an even more important virtue. In this aspect, I felt strong conviction about you, Seo-woon, who is similar to me.”
“What conviction?”
“This is the person. I should marry this person.”
It felt like he’d heard something incredible. He’d met many people so far, but this was the first time in his life hearing such words. He knew it wasn’t meant that way, but wait, it really wasn’t, right?
At the ticklish sensation rising instinctively, Seo-woon slowly blinked. Yi-jin was still looking straight at him. Does he even know what he just said? Yi-jin had a talent for saying incredible things nonchalantly.
…He’ll burn a hole in my face with that stare. Apart from that thought, he couldn’t sense even a hint of falsehood from Yi-jin. Seo-woon absent-mindedly fiddled with the glass. The water droplets on the cup’s surface thoroughly soaked Seo-woon’s palm.
“This is my first marriage.”
Somehow knowing, Yi-jin immediately handed him a napkin. Seo-woon took the napkin and answered indifferently.
“I know. That it’s your first marriage.”
“As I mentioned before, it takes me longer than others when doing something for the first time. If you wait just a little, I’ll do my best not to disappoint you.”
I really don’t know what he wants me to do. Seo-woon held the napkin and quietly stared at Yi-jin. When Seo-woon didn’t wipe his hands, Yi-jin asked curiously.
“Is there a problem with the napkin?”
“No. Not at all.”
Then he stares blankly at Seo-woon. An alpha who wonders at Seo-woon’s inconsistency between words and actions, yet doesn’t offer to wipe it for her – is he really an alpha?
“…I need evidence.”
Seo-woon finally spoke after a long while.
“Evidence?”
“Yes, evidence. I need evidence.”
How wonderful it would be if we could take out and examine a person’s heart. Since we can’t, it would make things more valuable, but right now it’s of no help whatsoever. Instead, Seo-woon decided to preserve the emotions he felt right now and this heart intact. He wanted to record this moment with the silent resolve that “this is what I chose.”
“Come here.”
Above all, he needed solid evidence of married life so he could get proper alimony later. At Seo-woon’s call, Yi-jin promptly got up from his seat.
“No, next to me.”
“Yes.”
When told to come over, he comes right over without a single complaint. He really does listen well. He listens well, but he really only listens well. Seo-woon gestured to Yi-jin, who was standing next to him looking down at him blankly.
“Come closer. A bit closer. That’s right. Come closer still.”
Little by little their distance decreased until finally both of their figures were captured in Seo-woon’s phone camera.
“Are you filming a video?”
“Yes. Do you dislike it?”
“No. It’s an excellent choice. Video can capture both voice and actual appearance, making it perfect as evidence.”
He hadn’t considered all that, but any road leads to Rome. Seo-woon nodded roughly.
“Yes, well… it suits us well.”
“Not at all. It suits you much better, Seo-woon-ssi.”
“I know.”
The two were wearing cute rabbit ears in the camera. It was the effect of a beauty app that Min-young had taught her about before. Perhaps unfamiliar with his appearance wearing large rabbit ears, Yi-jin acted stiffly like a robot despite Seo-woon’s praise. The app automatically enlarges your eyes, so don’t stare so wide-eyed like that. Having tried it once, Seo-woon led Yi-jin. Yi-jin, who was good at following instructions, immediately relaxed his eyes. The video became much more natural.
“Let’s do a practice run first.”
“Understood.”
“I’ll start.”
The two rabbits diligently shook their large ears. They didn’t shake them on purpose, even staying still, the ears moved cutely on their own. After practice made Yi-jin’s expression much more natural, Seo-woon began writing the script in earnest.
“Let’s start by explaining the duties both people must observe together, then talk about what each expects from the other.”
“Good.”
The script was completed quickly. It sounded grand, but spousal duties were actually obvious. No adultery, no gambling, no violence, no private lending, the two earnestly put their heads together and discussed what illegal activities could interfere with marriage.
The finale was decorated by the much-anticipated individual battles. Time to discuss what they expected from each other for a smooth married life, Seo-woon stared solemnly at the camera. Considering Yi-jin’s unfamiliarity with beauty apps, Seo-woon decided to demonstrate first.
“I’ll go first then.”
“Yes.”
Ahem, Seo-woon cleared his throat briefly. It wasn’t a conscious action. He had so much to say. The moment he pressed the record button, Seo-woon opened his mouth. He seemed like someone who had been waiting only for this moment.
“First, try to stay by my side the morning after sleeping together if possible. Oh, going to work is an exception. I’ll take all questions at once after I’m finished. Second, it’s fine to work at home, but in this case, ask for the other person’s understanding in advance. To avoid misunderstanding, I’ll say in advance – this doesn’t mean you need the other person’s permission, but that you should ask for understanding. You know what I mean? If you don’t know, I’ll take questions all at once after I’m finished. Third, if you work late, contact me in advance to say you’re working late. Fourth, refrain from events that require the other person’s physical labor. You can’t surprise them too much either. For example, that, father-in-law’s congratulatory song… Please definitely tell me about things like this in the future. Oh, this can be the fifth item. Fifth, let me know in advance about family events that couples attend together. Sixth…”
Seventh… Tenth… Twelfth… Items were added endlessly. While filming, the video playback time wasn’t enough, so they filmed several more times.
Finally Seo-woon’s turn ended and it was Yi-jin’s turn. Fighting! Having satisfyingly finished what he had to say, Seo-woon sent Yi-jin a message of support. Yi-jin just quietly looked at such Seo-woon without showing any particular reaction. Perhaps because his appearance covered in beauty filters felt awkward, his face was strangely stiff.
“This is Ahn Yi-jin. What I expect from Seo-woon-ssi is…”
So Seo-woon thought Yi-jin was uncomfortable with the beauty app. As it turned out, Yi-jin wasn’t awkward about his appearance wearing rabbit ears.
“…nothing. That’s all.”
He must have been hurt. Hey, if you do that, what does that make me? Seo-woon quickly turned his head away, avoiding Yi-jin who was looking at him steadily. The sun was already setting in the distance. He felt like he had forgotten something important, but it wasn’t a bad second day of marriage.