With their arms linked together, Jung-hoo and Jae-hee stood side by side as they approached the door.
“It’s strange,” Jaehee said quietly.
“What is?”
Before they had even opened the door, they could hear music and laughter. It was as if the door to another world was about to open.
“Only a few days ago, we had no connection at all, but now we’re here together like this.”
“I don’t think it’s strange at all,” he replied in a serious tone. Junghoo released Jaeheei’s arm and faced her, hearing his quiet and calm voice as if he was speaking to himself. At the end of Jaehee’s bangs, there was a snowflake. He reached out and shook it off.
“Yoon Junghoo! What are you waiting for? Come in!”
The restaurant door burst open, and someone shouted out. Jaehee hastily shook off Junghoo’s arm.
“Hey, you! How long has it been since you showed your face at the alumni gathering?”
Warm air enveloped them as they stepped inside. Dozens of people were gathered inside, dressed in suits and dresses. They were taking photos, chatting, and laughing with each other. When they spotted Jung-hoo, they rushed over to him.
“It’s been a while,” he replied casually. Junghoo helped Jaehee remove her coat, handing it to a waiting waiter. Junghoo affectionately draped his arm around her shoulder.
“Let me know if you get cold.”
“Hello! I’m Min Hyomyeong, Junghoo’s best friend from college.”
A hand suddenly reached out to Jaehee but Junghoo quickly grabbed the business card offered between two fingers. Jaehee greeted the person politely, but Junghoo intercepted the card before she could take it.
“Where did you pick up this gig?”
“What? Do you think I would try to work with your girlfriend? No way.”
“I’m Min Jaehee,” she said, trying to accept the handshake, but Jung-hoo struck Hyomyeong’s hand fiercely. Before the atmosphere became tense, Hyomyeong stepped back with a friendly smile. In contrast to his pitiful appearance, Junghoo behaved sensitively, seeming to be unhappy about something.
“Hey, what about you guys? Everyone came to see Junghoo, but hey you came with your girlfriend?”
“Hey, we didn’t come to see Junghoo specifically.”
The women listened to Hyomyeong’s words and responded one by one, looking at him with suspicion. Although it was a partner gathering, there weren’t many people with their partners. Most of them seemed to be either married or already in a committed relationship.
****
“Let’s focus on eating softer foods.”
They rented out an entire three-story restaurant. Simple finger foods and various dishes were placed on tables throughout the restaurant. Jaehee was unfamiliar with the stares directed at Junghoo as his friends greeted him and he took a plate to fill up with her preferred foods.
“Who is that girl? She is so flustered.”
A whisper was heard nearby.
“Yoojung, did Jung-hoo act like that when you were dating?”
At someone’s words, Jaehee reflexively turned towards them. A beautiful woman with long hair and a scholarly appearance stood there holding a champagne glass.
“Why are you bringing up the past?”
The woman called Yoojung lightly rebuked her friend for bringing up the past. Junghoo also heard the sound and turned his gaze toward them. Taking advantage of the moment, Yoojung approached with a smile.
“You are Junghoo’s girlfriend, right? Don’t worry about it. We dated a long time ago.”
“Shut up.”
Before Jaehee could speak, Junghoo coldly cut in.
“Hey, why are you acting like that toward Yoojung?”
Hyomyeong felt a strange atmosphere and intervened between them.
“I just mentioned it was a long time ago so that there wouldn’t be any misunderstandings, but why are you being so sensitive, Yoon Junghoo?”
As people’s attention gathered on them, Yoojung’s face turned red and she raised her voice a little.
“I’m not Junghoo’s girlfriend.”
Translator’s note: Follow the link to discover more enthralling stories today.
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The next chapter will be updated on March 11, 2023, Saturday.
More about my translations can be found here.
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