CHAPTER 25…………………………………………
“Phew.”
Another sigh escaped him.
It was too late to cancel the appointment they had already made.
“Then we have no choice but to meet quickly and get it over with.”
At Hyukjin’s words, Minwoo immediately accelerated. The sudden surge of speed, loaded with emotion, made Hyukjin glare.
“Are you resisting?”
“Resisting? I don’t think someone who insisted on following someone on their honeymoon has the right to say that.”
“Then why are you still using honorifics when it’s just the two of us?”
“Because we’re working, aren’t we?”
“Since when did you start filtering that?”
Hyukjin muttered under his breath, and Minwoo immediately turned his head.
“Who’s being petty! You should be thinking about giving me a special bonus, you shameless guy.”
Minwoo pouted, his face full of exaggerated indignation.
“Is it because of your girlfriend? If you’re so inseparable, why didn’t you bring her along? You could’ve even enjoyed this place together.”
“That’s enough. She’s just an ordinary office worker. Not someone who can take a vacation whenever she wants, unlike you.”
“Ah, alright, alright. My bad. Let’s just get this over with quickly.”
“That’s what you should have said earlier.”
Minwoo raised the corners of his mouth in satisfaction and pressed the accelerator a little more. They weren’t late, but considering the round-trip time, they had to push a bit.
“Mm…”
Seoyoung felt something tickling her face and tilted her head slightly.
She was still too tired and wanted to sleep longer.
But when the gentle touch on her cheek turned into small, persistent pokes, she could no longer ignore it.
She lifted her heavy eyelids and saw an unfamiliar world before her eyes.
The pool villa was bathed in soft lighting, and the streetlamps reflected on the blue-tinged water of the swimming pool.
“Why are you sleeping outside?”
The voice was familiar.
“Have you eaten?”
Still half-asleep, Seoyoung blinked several times before realizing where she was.
“Hyukjin?”
“Have you eaten?”
At his repeated question, the corners of Seoyoung’s mouth slowly lifted. She smiled faintly, still drowsy, looking innocent and radiant.
Hyukjin’s pupils widened slightly.
Feeling strangely happy at the sight of him looking down at her, Seoyoung threw her arms around his neck.
Even at her sudden action, Hyukjin gently wrapped his arms around her waist.
“I had a dream. I was on a ship alone in the middle of the ocean. It was so lonely and frightening to be by myself.”
Seoyoung whispered about her dream, her voice filled with loneliness.
“You’re not alone anymore. I’m here. Your husband, Cha Hyukjin.”
Patting her back gently, Hyukjin comforted her. Seoyoung slowly released her arms and lifted her head.
“That’s right. Now I have a family too.”
She chuckled softly and hugged him again.
“Did you drink?”
Hyukjin squinted at the unusual Seoyoung.
“Yes. I had one celebratory drink for my wedding.”
Only then did Hyukjin notice the table next to the sunbed. Though she said it was just one drink, the welcome champagne bottle was already half empty.
“Sorry. I tried to come quickly, but things were delayed.”
“Mm, it’s fine. But… I’m so sleepy. Sorry, but can you help me to the bed?”
Every time her lips moved, a faint scent of champagne wafted.
“Hold tight.”
Instead of lifting her by her hands, Hyukjin slipped his arm under her knees and scooped her up.
It was already the second time—this princess carry.
Even in a contractual marriage, he felt guilty for leaving her alone.
Entering the bedroom, Hyukjin couldn’t help but chuckle at the rose petals arranged in a heart for the newlyweds.
Thinking about how Seoyoung would feel seeing this made him feel even more apologetic.
He swept the blanket aside and laid her on the bed. While it would have been better to remove her makeup, he didn’t want to wake her.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, he quietly watched her, tucking stray hair behind her ear before standing up.
“Mm… I should take off my makeup before sleeping…”
Seoyoung mumbled, touching her forehead.
‘Did he read my mind?’
Hyukjin let out a small amused chuckle.
After making sure she was truly asleep, he left the room, soon returning with cleansing wipes in hand and sitting at the edge of the bed.
“She’s unexpectedly high-maintenance.”
Recalling Seoyoung’s work, reports, and her composed appearance when first appearing before him, he would never have expected this relaxed, unguarded side.
Carefully wiping her face with the cleansing wipes, he took in her features: the crescent-shaped eyebrows, long eyelashes, high nose bridge, and moist lips.
Without pretending to be cold, she could be quite popular.
Her usually sharp, battle-ready expression was now relaxed and defenseless.
Her disheveled appearance was surprisingly cute.
And the fact that he was the only one seeing this rare side pleased him.
Having cleaned her face thoroughly, Hyukjin slowly stood up, slightly regretful.
Seeing her kick off the blanket from the heat, he chuckled softly, briefly considering removing her clothes as well, but shook his head.
‘Even as a couple, that’s too much.’
The sight of her lips, now free of lipstick, reminded him of the few kisses they had shared.
Though she teased him for being clumsy, he had enjoyed every kiss. Sometimes he even wished to just hold her like this.
“I guess I’ll finish some work before sleeping.”
Hyukjin, having expected their first night together, reluctantly turned away, sending a regretful glance toward his wife, who was weak to alcohol. A cold shower seemed necessary first.
Turning halfway, Seoyoung felt something snag her leg and opened her eyes wide.
“Did you sleep well?”
Her eyes widened.
“…Hyukjin?”
“Yes. Your husband, Cha Hyukjin.”
“Why are you here…!”
“Is it so strange for a married couple to share a bed?”
Only then did Seoyoung recall that they had gotten married the day before, and a headache began to throb.
‘Damn it.’
Waking briefly on the sunbed, she had toasted herself to the still-setting sun. Normally unable to drink well, she indulged today, wanting to toast to her parents in heaven.
Sipping the unexpectedly sweet champagne, she gradually became tipsy and dozed off.
‘Wait… I remember being held by someone.’
Could it be?
Seoyoung, unsure if she had experienced their first night, quickly peeked under the blanket.
Though only in her underwear, she was wearing something.
Still, nothing was certain.
With no memory as if the film had been cut, she needed to confirm with Hyukjin.
“Did we… last night…?”
At her cautious question, Hyukjin’s eyes sparkled, and he smirked.
“Ha… well, this is embarrassing. But since you asked, I guess I should answer.”
Hearing him continue, Seoyoung’s eyes widened instantly.
“You said you liked me, and you kept kissing me, I really…”
Unable to hear more, Seoyoung quickly reached out to cover his mouth.
“No way. That can’t be true. You’re joking, right? Right?”
Thinking of Hyukjin’s occasional mischievous side, her eyes shone desperately.
It was hard to discern the truth from their locked gaze.
For some reason, her heart raced at the sight of his exaggeratedly curved eyes.
‘It must be a joke, right?’
Her eyes narrowed.
But the scene in front of her was far too real to be a joke.
