Chapter 5
—“Next Friday, there will be a publishing event hosted by the Mayor of Hangang Special City at the ‘On’ Hotel in Seoul. It’s an important event attended by major companies like Hwabaek, Geumrang, and other big names from politics and business. Hanoh Gallery was also invited, and I thought you could attend with a few of our artists. Would you be available that day? It could be a great opportunity for you, Seoyeon.”
“Next Friday?”
Seoyeon’s gaze dropped to the calendar on her desk.
Next Friday—November 28th—was marked with a red circle and a few stars. It was the day her aunt was coming from Spain for her father’s birthday. It had been nearly ten years since she’d last seen her. Her father’s words about going to pick her up at Incheon Airport echoed in her ears.
“Could I think about it and get back to you?”
—“Of course! But if possible, I’d really like you to come. It would be a big chance for you.”
“Thank you for the offer, Director Inho.”
—“It’s only natural that good opportunities come to artists who create good work. Just think about it and let me know within this week, alright?”
“Yes, I’ll call you soon.”
—“Ah, and you haven’t forgotten, right? Tomorrow’s meeting with that fan.”
“The meeting? Yes, I know.”
At her response, Inho hesitated before continuing carefully.
—“Please don’t feel too pressured. Just think of it as having a simple meal together…”
Inho’s voice was gentle but slightly anxious, like he couldn’t help but worry. Ever since he’d first mentioned the chairman of Hwabaek Group to Seoyeon, he had always been cautious, almost overly deferential. At first, his hesitant attitude made Seoyeon want to refuse, but she couldn’t deny that it really was a good opportunity—so she had carefully agreed.
Inho had always been considerate, always worrying over her like this.
She’d come to accept it as genuine human kindness by now.
As his words dragged on, Seoyeon gently cut him off.
“Director Inho, that’s the fifth time you’ve said that. Please don’t worry.”
Inho went silent at her soft reply. A brief silence flowed through the phone line before his quiet sigh came through.
—“Alright. Then I’ll see you in front of your house tomorrow.”
“At my house?”
Seoyeon’s eyes widened at the unexpected suggestion.
—“Of course. It would be hard for you to get from the villa to Seoul on your own. And if you’re late, I’ll be in trouble too.”
Hearing how he might end up in a difficult spot, Seoyeon gave a small nod even though he couldn’t see her.
“Alright then. I’ll gratefully accept your help.”
—“Good. See you tomorrow, Seoyeon. I’ll be in front of your house by 7 a.m.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow. Have a good rest, Director.”
The call ended.
Seoyeon set her phone down on her desk and let out a long sigh. She stood and opened her wardrobe, where a few simple outfits were neatly hung.
Her eyes landed on the beige coat she had ordered online not long ago—her first new coat in years.
Hwabaek Group. Chairman Cha Junseong. And inevitably, that man’s face came to mind again.
Her chest felt tight with thoughts that tangled endlessly, one after another.
Outside the window, the faint dusk was settling in.
The days had gotten so much shorter with early winter’s arrival.
“Seoyeon! Over here!”
Inho waved his arms wide, a cloud of white breath escaping into the cold morning air.
A black SUV stood on the unpaved forest path—its sleek logo on the hood was recognizable even to Seoyeon, who knew little about cars.
She quickly walked over to Inho’s side.
His eyes curved gently as he looked down at her. The tiny mole beneath his right eye made him look almost mischievous. Seoyeon lowered her head slightly and spoke.
“Thank you for coming all the way out here.”
“I came because I wanted to.”
Inho’s easy reply made Seoyeon let out an awkward little laugh.
He lightly placed a hand on her back and guided her to the passenger side.
“It’s cold—hurry and get in. I’ve already warmed up the car for you.”
As Inho opened the door, warm air from the running heater spilled out into the crisp winter breeze. Seoyeon glanced at him for a moment. His gentle smile, the bleached hair that fluttered lightly in the wind—he looked so casual, almost out of place against the chilly morning. Just as she opened her mouth to thank him—
“If you’re going to say thank you, shh.”
Inho cut her off, giving her a playful look as if to say just get in already.
With her mouth pressed shut, Seoyeon nodded and slipped into the passenger seat. The door clicked shut, and through the windshield, she watched Inho circle to the driver’s side.
She was fastening her seatbelt just as Inho opened his door and climbed in.
“It’s pretty chilly for early winter.”
“It really is.”
“Do you like winter, Seoyeon?”
The car slowly started forward, her body gently bobbing with the bumps of the unpaved road.
Outside the window, the bare trees passed by slowly, their branches stripped of leaves.
“Not really.”
“Because it’s cold?”
Seoyeon paused, then answered quietly.
“Because the trees lose all their leaves.”
At her answer, Inho let out a small laugh.
“Even your answers sound poetic, you know.”
“Do they?”
“Yeah. I like that about you.”
Seoyeon’s gaze turned to him.
His piercings, the bleached hair, the tiny mole under his eye—he looked more like a celebrity than a gallery director. Moments like this still felt strangely out of place to her sometimes.
Before long, they reached the main road and the ride smoothed out. More cars appeared one by one, the scenery changing quickly from scattered farmhouses to rows of apartment buildings.
Just as a rest stop sign flickered past her view, Inho spoke up.
“Want to stop at the rest area for a bit?”
It was a welcome suggestion. She’d been quietly worried about him driving so long without a break.
“That sounds good.”
“Great. I’ll get some roasted baby potatoes for us.”
There was a playful note in his voice. Surprised for a moment, Seoyeon couldn’t help but laugh softly.
“You like baby potatoes?”
“Love them. Want some chicken skewers too?”
“I’ll buy them.”
Baby potatoes, chicken skewers—without a second thought, Seoyeon reached into her bag for her wallet. Inho turned the car smoothly onto the rest area exit, chuckling under his breath.
“Is it okay if I’m excited?”
“Probably.”
“That’s good. I’m really excited today.”
The rest area came into view in the distance. Seoyeon glanced at him briefly, then looked away. Inho still looked playfully carefree.
When she came out of the restroom, she spotted Inho by the outdoor food stall, looking over the menu board. His tall frame, striking features, and stylish clothes made him stand out awkwardly against the casual crowd—other people’s curious glances were obvious.
Seoyeon hesitated for a moment, then slowly approached him. Inho brightened the moment he spotted her.
“There you are!”
“Yes. Besides the chicken skewers and baby potatoes, do you want anything else? Should I get you something to drink?”
She pulled her card from her wallet as she asked. Inho locked eyes with her and grinned.
“Already ordered everything.”
Baby potatoes and chicken skewers. The way he smiled, he looked almost like an innocent kid. Seoyeon’s eyes widened, and she lightly scolded him.
“You’re driving too, Director. You should’ve let me get something for you…”
“Not today. Today I’m treating you to the full course. But next time, you can buy me a meal, Seoyeon.”
“Anytime you’d like, Director.”
Seoyeon spoke as she accepted the two skewers from the vendor. She thanked the staff, then handed one skewer to Inho. Their eyes met—and his gaze was unexpectedly warm.
“Guess I pulled off my date request, huh?”
Inho’s soft laugh disappeared into the noisy hum of the rest area.
Seoyeon blinked, caught off guard.
“Sorry, I didn’t catch that. What did you say?”
“Seoyeon, you don’t like spicy food, right?”
“Oh… yes. How did you know?”
“There are ways to know. Here—this one’s mild.”
“Thank you. I’ll enjoy it.”
The freshly grilled chicken skewer was hot. Seoyeon blew on it gently, white breaths puffing out in the cold air as she took her first bite. The crispy coating and sweet-salty meat made her mouth water instantly.
“Here, napkin.”
“Oh, thank you.”
“You really eat well, Seoyeon.”
“I love rest stop chicken skewers. You can’t find fried ones like this much anymore.”
“Really? We’ll have to get more on the way back then.”
When Inho suggested they could eat in the car if she got cold, Seoyeon shook her head and finished her skewer right there. She threw the empty stick into the nearby bin and turned to him with a bright smile.
“Thank you. That was really good.”
“Now I understand what it means when people say they feel full just watching someone eat.”
“Sorry?”
“That’s how I felt just now—watching you.”
Inho, now holding the bag of baby potatoes, headed toward the car. Seoyeon paused in place, quietly watching his back. When he noticed she wasn’t beside him, he turned around and gave her a playful grin.
“Come on, Seoyeon. Your cheeks are all pink.”
The early winter air was crisp.
His kindness was one-sided, the meeting felt burdensome, and her chest felt tight—
But the hot pack in her pocket was warm enough that, just for now, she didn’t mind it at all.
