Chapter 49

“Yeah, thanks.”

Mentioning the broken engagement and stigmata in front of her aunt was uncomfortable.

After all, right after the engagement was called off, she had done something harmful—reckless—with her aunt’s son.

And that boy had harbored feelings for her for a very long time.

“I like you, Kang Jeongyeon.”
“It started in high school. It was summer.”
“Even after that… no, all along. It’s been over ten years.”

He had carefully delivered those feelings, only for her to coldly sever them.

“Let’s take some time, Lee Seonghun.”

When she remembered the confession you made by the sea, waves surged within her chest, ready to well up as tears.

And yet, she couldn’t cry. She had to be strong. Only by being cold could she shake you off.

The sewing room was barely two pyeong in size—designed for testing samples, not full production.

Since most clothing was outsourced to factories, only basic equipment was kept there.

So, with just three or four people, moving around was difficult.

Jeongyeon and Nahyeon sat side-by-side at the sewing machine, their arms almost touching as they reviewed design drafts. Suddenly, Nahyeon waved her hands.

“Director! I cannot do it, so you have to! No choice!”

This debate had been dragging on since morning. Lee Seonghun was scheduled to visit the costume studio today.

They were fiercely arguing over who should take the measurements.

“You do it. You’re a fan of Seonghun.”

Nahyeon shook her head violently in refusal.

“I’d faint from excitement. You’ve never fangirled, huh? Fans can’t even make eye contact with their stars. Remember college? I came to see Seonghun sunbae and ended up hiding! Now I’m supposed to touch him and take his measurements? I’ll die. Hyperventilate and collapse.”

“You saw him often back then. Still breathless?”

“Seeing that face? My inner maiden combusts. And it’s been a while.”

“…Fine.”

She didn’t want to face Lee Seonghun. And yet, part of her yearned to.

Which made it all the more important not to face him. Even after two months, she hadn’t forgotten. Her longing had only deepened.

So I didn’t want to see you.

Knock, knock.

A knock echoed as they chatted—like the sound of your arrival. Like a heartbeat striking her chest.

A female staff member burst in, face flushed, and announced,

“Actor Seonghun has arrived. I’ll bring him in now.”

“Yes, please do.”

As soon as Jeongyeon responded, Nahyeon jumped up in a frenzy.

“Aaah! Director, I’ll, um, I’ll go greet him later in that, uh, bigger room! I need to fix my makeup… oh god, what do I do? Okay, see you later!”

With her usual theatrics, Nahyeon fled the room.

That only made Jeongyeon more nervous. Her palms grew damp.

It had been over two months since she last saw him. How should she greet him?

Her heart hadn’t settled—when click, the door opened.

He stepped into the cramped sewing room.

She stood up as Seonghun turned to shut the door. Their eyes met.

His gaze was unreadable—calm, detached.

His face, seen after so long, seemed sharper. His jawline was more defined. Even had a faintly decadent aura.

God. What do I do. My heart’s pounding so hard.

What do I do? I think I really missed you. This fluttering joy is like a breeze shaking me.

With an awkward smile on her lips, she greeted him.

“Hey, you’re here?”

“Yeah.”

Seonghun replied flatly and plopped down in the chair in front of her.

Though the air conditioner was on, the room felt stifling—perhaps from the lingering summer heat.

Dressed simply in a white T-shirt and jeans, he still had that model-like elegance.

“Did you come alone? Where’s your manager?”

“In the car. Just came to get measured.”

“Ah… right.”

It felt strange. Disappointing. His voice held no emotion—no tremor, no warmth.

It felt like he was refusing to give her even a single second of personal time.

“Busy?”

“Yeah.”

So that’s how it is. You’re going to be cold like this.

You feel like a stranger. Like an old story I once knew.

You’re like the top star from yesterday’s magazine—so far away.

She picked up the tape measure and stood up, gesturing at him.

“Stand up.”

Seonghun slowly rose in front of her. His tall frame was a little overwhelming.

The room was tiny, and he was close—too close.

She stepped beside him and started measuring from shoulder to wrist.

Whew… her breath felt hot, cluttering the silence of the room.

Why am I nervous? I’ve known you so long. Just two months apart, and I’m like this?

When you came back from the army, we weren’t awkward at all.

Sighing softly, she moved behind him and raised her arms to place the tape across his shoulders.

He’s obnoxiously big… making her feel small.

She scribbled the numbers down and requested,

“Can you lift your arms?”

Just then, Seonghun turned—and because they were so close, she instinctively stepped back. Her gaze landed on his broad chest.

He raised his arms slightly, signaling her to hurry up. She slid the tape under his armpit.

Her hands brushed against his chest. For a moment, it felt like she was touching his bare skin.

Am I crazy? Some kind of pervert?

That night with you… when your chest was pressed against mine—

Those vivid images rush back: your rhythm merging into mine, your voice groaning as I trembled beneath you.

Her hands trembled, and the tape slipped.

“Ah…”

Seonghun bent down, picked it up, and handed it to her.

“Thanks.”

This is strange. I always joked with you easily. Why can’t I now?

“Keep going.”

She tried hard not to show her trembling fingers as she wrapped the tape around his waist.

So strange. Even breathing feels hard.

She keyed in the numbers and looked up at him.

“Can you sit down for a bit?”

She needed to measure his neck.

Since his next role involved a classic suit, precision was crucial.

Seonghun obediently sat. She stepped in front of him and brought the tape to his neck.

It felt like she was tying a leash around him.

As if this wild male was caged in her hands—like a deviant craving pleasure.

His gaze, peering up at her, sparkled like a beast’s eyes in the night.

Why are you staring at me like that? It’s like your eyes are forcing silence. I feel like I should say something—but I can’t.

Sigh… her hands trembled again. From the pressure—

She almost wanted to kiss him.

She pulled the tape snugly around his neck. His head dipped slightly from the pressure.

His brows furrowed uncomfortably.

In that moment, she realized her impulsive action had been a bit too much.