CHAPTER 52……………….
On the display shelf, perfumes from various brands were lined up in neat rows. The liquids inside the glass bottles sparkled under the lights, and the air carried a subtle blend of mixed fragrances.
Hana tilted her head as she tested each scent strip one by one.
Sweet floral notes, deep musky tones, refreshing citrus scents.
Among them, Geon-woo picked one up and held it out.
“What do you think about this one?”
The sleek design of the bottle caught the eye. When the staff sprayed it onto a test strip, a soft yet clean fragrance spread through the air.
Hana slowly savored the lingering scent as it brushed past her nose.
“It’s nice. Not too strong, and I think the scent will last a long time.”
“I like this one the best too. Guess we have the same taste.”
Just then—
“Huh? Seo Hana, what are you doing here?”
Startled by the familiar voice, Hana turned around. Nayun, wearing a flashy muffler, stood at the entrance of the store. She held a small paper bag in her hand.
Hana felt both happy and flustered.
“Uh… what are you doing here?”
“I ran out of perfume, so I came to buy some. But…”
Nayun raised an eyebrow as she looked between the two of them.
“What are you two doing here? Together, no less?”
There was a hint of curiosity in her slightly drawn-out tone. Hana smiled awkwardly.
“Oh, um… it’s someone’s birthday, so we came to buy a gift. We usually get off work together anyway.”
“Hm.”
Nayun’s gaze moved back and forth between them. The corners of her lips were lifted, but her eyes held a trace of suspicion.
“Really? But you two seemed pretty close just now. I saw you picking out a scent together.”
Her smile turned meaningful. Hana blinked, unsure how to respond.
“…I was having trouble deciding, so Mr. Geon-woo helped me choose.”
“Is that so?”
Nayun grinned playfully.
“But you two… something about your vibe has changed.”
Hana was momentarily speechless. It was true that things with Geon-woo had softened lately. No—more than that, they had become almost embarrassingly good.
Before, even a small word could hurt her, and even meeting his gaze felt uncomfortable.
“…What do you mean?”
“You two look like a couple right now.”
At that, Geon-woo suddenly cut in.
“We’re married, so being a couple makes sense.”
His tone was completely casual. Hana’s eyes widened, while Nayun raised her brows and let out a small laugh.
“What? What? Is my intuition that good?”
Geon-woo scoffed.
“That good? Who here doesn’t know your intuition is terrible?”
Nayun clicked her tongue playfully.
“Hmph, this time I’m actually right!”
Ignoring her suspicious gaze, Geon-woo calmly turned to the staff.
“We’ll take this one.”
The staff carefully wrapped the item. Geon-woo took the ribboned box and casually handed it to Hana.
“Hold this for a second.”
Hana hesitated briefly before taking it. As their fingertips brushed, a subtle emotion passed between them.
The three of them left the store and walked side by side. In front of the elevator, Nayun spoke up.
“I’m hungry. Hey, have you eaten?”
Hana glanced at Geon-woo.
“Not yet. We were planning to eat nearby.”
“Can I join? I don’t want to eat alone.”
Hana hesitated for a moment, then looked at Geon-woo. There was a quiet question in her eyes.
As if asking if it was okay.
Geon-woo gave a short nod.
The restaurant had a quiet, warm atmosphere. Once seated by the window, warm soup and salad were placed on the table.
Soft jazz music played, and evening lights spread beyond the glass window.
Nayun set down her glass and gave them a meaningful smile.
“So… what’s really going on with you two?”
Geon-woo smirked as he picked up his chopsticks.
“What do you mean? We’re married.”
“You think I’m asking because I don’t know that?”
Nayun shot him a look.
“You two are totally different these days. You used to be so cold. But today… picking out perfume together, eating side by side. Something’s definitely going on.”
Hana was briefly at a loss for words.
“It’s just… we’ve gotten more comfortable with each other lately.”
“Suddenly?”
At that moment, Geon-woo quietly added,
“I was the problem all along, anyway.”
Both Nayun and Hana looked up at the same time. His gaze remained forward, but his voice was firm.
“Hana must’ve had a hard time. I think I was too focused on myself before, so I’m trying to change now.”
Hana looked at him in surprise. He wasn’t smiling, nor was he avoiding her gaze.
She could instinctively tell he wasn’t lying.
Nayun stared at them silently, then slowly exhaled.
“So you’ve finally come to your senses?”
Geon-woo paused.
“What do you mean?”
“With Hana.”
Nayun’s playful tone turned serious.
“You were really awful before. Do you know she even cried in front of me?”
Hana looked at Nayun in shock.
“Hey, why are you bringing that up…?”
“I’m going to.”
Nayun said firmly.
“I was really mad at you back then. I even wondered if you were just playing with her feelings.”
Geon-woo lowered his head.
“I know. Back then… I really was terrible.”
“Well, at least you know now.”
Nayun let out a sigh-like laugh and raised her wine glass.
“So please, treat Hana well from now on. Seriously.”
For a moment, silence settled over the table. Hana lowered her gaze. A strange warmth filled her chest, yet her heart also beat with a hint of unease.
“…Okay.”
Geon-woo replied briefly. Sensing the sincerity in his voice, Nayun nodded in satisfaction.
“Good. Then I’ll pay today since I’m in a good mood.”
“What? All of a sudden?”
Hana laughed, and Nayun shrugged.
“It’s a special day, obviously. The day Jung Geon-woo finally became a decent human being.”
Geon-woo chuckled and lightly tapped the table with his chopsticks.
“That’s a bit much.”
“Why? It’s true.”
Nayun winked playfully. At that, all three of them laughed. Their soft laughter spread through the quiet restaurant.
A high-end restaurant in Gangnam.
It was a place Aera had reserved. Four people sat around a spacious window-side table. Ki-hoon sat at the head, with Aera beside him, while Chaeyeon and Hana sat across from them.
The table was neatly set with dishes and wine glasses. Soft lighting filled the space, but the atmosphere was oddly tense.
“Happy birthday, my daughter.”
Aera spoke first, raising her wine glass. Chaeyeon forced a smile and lifted hers.
“Thank you.”
“Stay healthy and do everything you want, okay?”
“Okay.”
Ki-hoon also raised his glass.
“That’s right, congratulations. If there’s anything you want, just say it.”
“Thank you.”
Chaeyeon replied briefly. Hana quietly lifted her glass as well. The four clinked glasses lightly. The clear sound rang out, but the awkwardness remained.
A server approached and handed them menus. Aera, as if familiar, ordered a few dishes, and soon appetizers were served.
“Hana.”
Aera spoke first.
“How’s work these days? Busy?”
“Ah, yes. A little.”
“I heard you’re really good at your job. You even secured that Southeast Asia distribution deal.”
“…I was just lucky.”
“Oh come on, luck is part of skill too.”
Aera smiled warmly. Hana returned an awkward smile. Aera’s tone carried no hostility—it sounded sincere.
“Chaeyeon, are you adjusting well at the company?”
Ki-hoon asked.
“Yes, I’m working hard.”
“Have you set the schedule for the Vietnam inspection?”
“Not yet. We’re still coordinating. It should be finalized by next week.”
“Good, go as soon as possible. You need to properly understand the local situation.”
“Yes.”
As silence fell, only the sound of forks and knives touching plates could be heard. Everyone held back their words, focusing on the food and the atmosphere.
Aera spoke again, breaking the heavy silence.
