Chapter 41. Never Again
“I gave the good pieces to the kids first, so that’s all that was left.”
“…You sure it wasn’t on purpose?”
“Why would I do that.”
At Gijun’s fox-like smile, Taeseong’s temper flared, and he reached his chopsticks over to Haeyoung’s plate.
“Hey, wait!”
Taeseong grabbed three perfectly grilled pieces of meat and stuffed them into his mouth. Barely chewing, he swallowed and smirked childishly at Gijun.
“Oops. Hers is mine, and mine is hers.”
For the first time, a crack appeared in Gijun’s usually calm expression. Sensing it, Taeseong went for another jab.
“Married couples are supposed to share everything, even a single bean.”
“You crazy bastard! That was my meat!”
SMACK! SMACK! SMACK!
“You meat thief!”
But despite his triumphant start, Taeseong met his doom, earning a fierce back slap from Haeyoung.
After the Barbecue
Dinner ended, and the caretaker handled cleanup. Everyone moved back inside.
Haeyoung, Cha Kyung, and Hyuk were immersed in a board game in the living room, while Gijun prepared fruit in the kitchen.
Feeling thirsty, Taeseong went to the fridge, grabbed a chilled soda, and poured himself a glass. After draining it, he rinsed the sticky cup next to Gijun.
The sound of running water filled the kitchen as Gijun sliced watermelon.
Taeseong didn’t leave even after placing the cup on the rack. Gijun paused his knife.
“Got something to say?”
“Yeah.”
“Go on.”
Pulling the blade out of the bright red watermelon flesh, Gijun turned to face him.
“Stop playing around, hyung.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“Quit playing games with Cha Haeyoung.”
His voice was sharp, like a predator growling at an intruder in its territory.
“…It might look like child’s play to you, but we’re married. Officially.”
Taeseong’s eyes were dark and loaded, like a gun ready to fire.
“So take your little womanizing games elsewhere. Cha Haeyoung’s off limits.”
Gijun’s eyes swept slowly across Taeseong’s face before he chuckled.
“What if it’s not a game?”
“What?”
Taeseong’s face tensed at Gijun’s words.
“I’m joking.”
Sliding the knife back into the watermelon, Gijun spoke calmly.
“But Taeseong… isn’t Minjoo the one you really like?”
“…What?”
“You’ve been chasing her since you were kids. You only married Haeyoung for your grandfather, and you’re just friends, right?”
Driving the knife into the watermelon again, Gijun continued.
“Playing husband with Haeyoung, chasing your first love elsewhere…”
His words pierced Taeseong like the knife cutting fruit.
“Isn’t that a bit selfish?”
Taeseong clenched his fists so hard his knuckles turned white. Gijun didn’t let up.
“Ever think that the one hurting Haeyoung isn’t me, but you?”
Finishing the watermelon, Gijun placed the pieces onto a plate and looked at Taeseong again.
“Figure out your path. Your kindness under the title of husband might just confuse her.”
Taeseong could only bite his lips, unable to refute a single word.
“Don’t worry about me. I have no hobby of stealing other people’s women.”
“……”
“I just look out for her like a real older brother would.”
For the first time, Gijun showed a soft smile.
When he stepped back, Taeseong released his bitten lips.
“I’ll trust those words.”
Finally, Taeseong spoke with a heavy but refined tone.
“And don’t worry about me either. I’ll never let Cha Haeyoung get hurt again. No matter what.”
With that firm declaration, he turned and left the kitchen. Gijun watched him go as he arranged the fruit.
‘I hope that naive nineteen-year-old realizes his own feelings soon…’
‘So her beautiful eyes don’t darken with despair. Otherwise… I might really end up stealing her away one day.’
The Firefly Night
Later, Haeyoung, Taeseong, and Gijun went out to see fireflies. Since fireflies prefer pitch darkness, they sat in a shadowed clearing.
Haeyoung whispered softly into the night.
“I wonder when they’ll come out.”
Gijun and Taeseong checked their watches. It was 9:30 PM.
Online reviews said fireflies came out between nine and eleven, if you were lucky.
Then Gijun stood from his camping chair.
“I’ll grab some drinks from the villa. We might be waiting a while.”
“Should I come with you, oppa?”
As Haeyoung tried to stand, Taeseong gently pushed her shoulder down.
“I’ll go.”
“No, you two stay. It’s dark and dangerous, but I know the way.”
“Still…”
“I’m fine. Besides, the fireflies might come out while I’m gone. You exam students should make a wish for your college entrance test.”
“I don’t need to wish. I’ll ace it anyway.”
Taeseong pouted, and Haeyoung poked his side.
“Hey, what kind of attitude is that…”
“What.”
Gijun chuckled softly at Taeseong’s sulky tone.
“Your husband needs a bit more training, huh?”
Before Taeseong could retort, Gijun left.
“Training? Seriously—.”
Taeseong glared after him. Unable to watch anymore, Haeyoung scolded him.
“Grow up a little.”
“Why are you always picking on me?”
A hint of hurt flashed across Taeseong’s face in the darkness. It was faint, but enough to make Haeyoung giggle.
“Pfft—.”
“What’s so funny.”
“Nothing… it’s just, you’re kind of cu—”
Realizing what she almost said, Haeyoung quickly shut her mouth, feeling her cheeks burn.
She changed the subject fast.
“Anyway, be nicer to Gijun oppa. He drove us here and grilled all that meat.”
“You’re always taking his side…”
Silence fell after that. Haeyoung fidgeted with her hands on her lap to ease the awkwardness.
Then suddenly, Taeseong shook her shoulder.
“Haeyoung, look.”
His voice was soft and gentle, making her eyes widen.
“The fireflies.”
Before her heart could flutter at his tone, she gasped.
“They’re really here…”
A few fireflies floated in the black sky, blinking faintly as they danced. Their light was small, but just their existence was enough to stir her heart.
Haeyoung watched them with shimmering eyes.
Seeing her frozen in wonder, Taeseong gently tapped her shoulder with his finger.
“Make a wish.”
“Oh, right! I almost forgot.”
She quickly folded her hands together and buried her head in them. Taeseong imagined her face hidden in the dark—so honest and pure.
His lips curved like the crescent moon above as he closed his eyes and wished too.
The two of them, side by side, let their wishes scatter into the night amidst the rustling leaves and chirping insects.
Finally, Taeseong spoke first.
“What did you wish for?”
“It’s a secret.”
“That’s unfair.”
“What about you, then? Did you wish to ace your exam?”
“No.”
His calm voice drifted softly.
“I already know I’ll do well without wishing.”
Annoyed by his arrogance, Haeyoung turned towards him sharply.
“Then what did you really wish for?”
“I wished… for your wish to come true.”
Taeseong smiled brightly as he revealed his wish without hesitation.
