CHAPTER 45……………………………………….
He quickly organized the documents, put them in his bag, and slipped on his jacket.
As the elevator doors closed, Gunwoo’s mind wandered to Uil’s face.
There was no way he couldn’t tell what lay behind that calm expression. The fatigue that could be felt without words weighed heavily on his shoulders.
Ten minutes later, the lobby.
Uil, who had been looking at his phone, slowly lifted his head as Gunwoo approached.
“Let’s go.”
The two of them left the company lobby together.
Passing through the revolving door into the open air, the cool evening breeze brushed against their faces. People were hurrying home from work, and cars moved slowly along the road.
Uil’s personal car was already waiting in front of the building. As they stepped outside, the driver quickly opened the rear door.
When Uil got in, Gunwoo took the seat on the opposite side. The driver carefully closed the door and sat in the driver’s seat.
“Where to, sir?”
“@@ Korean fine dining.”
“Yes, understood.”
The car glided smoothly. The vehicle waiting in front of the lobby slowly merged into the road.
The interior of the car was quiet.
The sound of the engine mixed with soft classical music, and the subtle scent of leather filled the air.
Outside the window, the city during rush hour unfolded. The red sunset tinted the buildings, leaving golden reflections on every glass window.
Gunwoo silently watched the scene, a contemplative expression on his face.
Uil sat with his arms crossed, eyes closed. A faint tension and fatigue showed beneath his eyelids. As his thoughts deepened, his lips tightened slightly.
About ten minutes passed.
Turning into a quiet alley, a traditional hanok building appeared.
The sign of @@ Korean Fine Dining glowed softly.
The car came to a stop. The driver quickly got out and opened the door.
“Good work. Come back in an hour.”
“Yes, Vice Chairman.”
Uil stepped out, followed by Gunwoo. The car quietly drove away.
The two of them walked toward the entrance of the restaurant.
As the automatic door opened, the gentle scent of wood spread. The tranquil atmosphere of the hanok was palpable. Traditional paper sliding doors lined both sides of the corridor, and soft lighting warmed the space.
“Let me guide you to a private room.”
The staff bowed politely and led them. Walking down the corridor, faint voices and laughter could be heard from other rooms.
The staff guided them to the innermost room.
It was spacious and quiet. A landscape painting hung on one wall, and a neatly set low table was in the center. Outside the window, a small garden could be seen.
Uil entered first and took a seat, with Gunwoo sitting across from him. The staff politely poured water into clear glasses.
“Would you like to order?”
“Two bulgogi set meals.”
Uil spoke without even looking at the menu.
“Yes, understood. We’ll prepare it right away.”
The staff bowed and left. The door closed with a soft sound, leaving just the two of them in the room.
A brief silence filled the space.
It felt as if the words they had left unsaid lingered in the air.
Gunwoo picked up his glass but didn’t bring it to his lips. He simply sat there, holding it in his hand.
Uil, arms crossed, watched Gunwoo. His eyes moved slowly, as if trying to read his expression.
Only the ticking of the clock filled the room.
Tick… tick…
After a long while, Uil finally spoke.
“You said to your mother that you’d never see her again, right?”
Gunwoo’s hand tightened slightly around the glass.
“…Yes.”
A short answer. Uil took the glass and drank slowly, deliberately.
Then, placing it back down, he continued.
“Your mother cried and made such a fuss.”
Gunwoo looked up at Uil, expression calm. He didn’t seem angry or disappointed.
It was as if he were simply stating a fact.
“She even came to my office and cried for a while.”
“……”
A weight settled in Gunwoo’s chest, but it wasn’t due to immaturity.
Compared to what Hana had endured, this was nothing.
“Because of you.”
Uil looked at Gunwoo. Gunwoo met his gaze. Their eyes collided in the empty space between them.
“Yes.”
Gunwoo spoke first. A simple, clear acknowledgment of responsibility.
Uil nodded calmly.
“But I think you were a bit harsh.”
Uil picked up his glass again and continued.
“Didn’t expect your mother to get that hurt, huh?”
Gunwoo didn’t change his expression.
“I just said it so she’d at least seem to listen.”
“I understand.”
Uil’s voice was short, but it carried understanding more than reproach.
“You really like Hana, don’t you?”
Gunwoo took a moment to breathe before answering.
“…Yes.”
“How much?”
He lifted his eyes, unwavering.
“A lot.”
Uil smiled faintly.
“Specifically?”
“…I can’t do without her.”
“That much?”
“Yes.”
“Since when?”
“From the first time I saw her.”
Gunwoo’s answer was without hesitation. Uil nodded slowly.
“That’s why you didn’t oppose the marriage.”
“…Yes.”
“Then I guess divorce isn’t even an option.”
“Yes.”
Gunwoo nodded firmly. Uil studied him for a moment before asking,
“What if your mother keeps opposing it?”
“…I still won’t.”
“And Serin?”
“I’m not interested.”
Uil chuckled at the short, firm reply.
“Certain, huh.”
“Yes.”
“Good. That’s enough.”
There was no scolding or disappointment in his expression.
An awkward silence fell. Uil broke it.
“I’ll convince your mother.”
Gunwoo’s fingertips froze ever so slightly. His eyes still carried caution, but the unexpected words caused a brief tremor.
“Just take good care of Hana.”
Gunwoo’s eyes widened slightly. Short words, but with clear meaning.
It meant Uil was finally acknowledging Hana.
Realizing that, Gunwoo felt a slow easing deep in his chest. Yet he didn’t show it.
He simply nodded quietly.
“…Yes.”
At that moment, a knock sounded.
The door opened, and the staff entered carrying food. Trays of bulgogi and assorted side dishes were neatly placed on the table.
“Enjoy your meal.”
The staff left with a polite smile. Steam rose from the dishes: glistening bulgogi, nutty sesame-scented vegetables, and the rich aroma of doenjang stew filled the room.
“Let’s eat.”
Uil picked up his spoon first. Gunwoo followed.
The two ate in silence for a while.
Only the sound of spoons clinking and the stew simmering filled the room.
Meanwhile, Hana was finishing her day by organizing documents on her desk. She turned off her monitor and placed her pen back.
The sky gradually shifted from red to a bluish hue.
Today, as usual, Gunwoo was supposed to pick her up.
Hana packed her bag and tidied her hair in the mirror. She reapplied lip gloss and grabbed her coat.
At that moment, her phone vibrated.
Gunwoo’s name appeared on the screen.
“Hello?”
— Hana.
Gunwoo’s low, gentle voice came through.
“Yes?”
— Sorry, my father suddenly asked me to have dinner, so I won’t be able to pick you up today.
Hana paused for a moment.
“Is that so?”
— Yes, sorry. It was a last-minute arrangement.
His voice carried an apologetic tone. Hana smiled softly.
“It’s okay. I’ll head in first, then.”
— Alright. Be careful going in.
After the call ended, a short silence remained.
