Chapter 31
“Don’t go.”
Startled by the sudden strong grip on her wrist, Iseo turned to look at Taeseok’s face.
The expression in his half-lidded eyes was different from usual—something unfamiliar lingered in his gaze.
Was it the alcohol? His eyes looked deeper, darker than ever before.
After a brief hesitation, Iseo supported his other arm.
“Alright. Then I’ll at least make sure you get home.”
With those words, she got into the car with Taeseok, and the vehicle carrying the two of them slowly departed.
Outside the window, the colorful city lights blurred past.
Leaning against the seat with his eyes closed, Taeseok’s profile caught Iseo’s gaze.
That unattainable perfection. Perhaps she had grown used to the cold, sharp version of him, because seeing him drunk felt strangely unfamiliar.
Just being in the same space as him, Han Taeseok was gradually becoming someone who made her heart beat faster.
After a long drive, the car stopped in front of Taeseok’s house. The driver quickly got out.
“Sir, we’ve arrived.”
“……”
“Then I’ll see you again later.”
“Excuse me, driver, you’re not just going to leave me—!”
The driver bowed politely and disappeared like he’d been pushed out by someone. Left behind, Iseo stood there visibly flustered.
And not far off—
Someone was diligently taking photos of them with a camera.
“Mr. Han Taeseok, open your eyes.”
They had barely made it inside.
Dragging a man nearly 190cm tall by herself, Iseo was gasping for air.
“We’re here.”
Taeseok collapsed onto the long sofa. Only then did Iseo finally exhale a deep breath.
The day she’d collapsed, chased by loan sharks—he had brought her here, she recalled.
Back then, she never imagined they would be engaged to be married.
The space, too large and too empty, felt even lonelier tonight.
As she removed his jacket, her fingers brushed against the firm, athletic lines of his body.
He said he couldn’t hold his liquor, so why on earth did he drink so much?
After a brief hesitation, her hand reached toward his tie.
She carefully loosened it, unbuttoning a couple of buttons—
Snap.
Taeseok suddenly grabbed her wrist.
“W-Why’d you drink so much if you can’t even hold it?”
Iseo’s voice trembled slightly, and Taeseok let out a quiet laugh from where he lay.
“See? That laugh proves it. You’re not drunk, are you? You sobered up already, didn’t you?”
Before she could even finish, Taeseok slowly sat up.
The moment their eyes met, her heart pounded as if it might burst.
“Why are you looking at me like that? You’re making me shy.”
“What’s wrong with looking at my own woman?”
“So you are sober.”
“Still, I’m touched. My future wife brought me home.”
“Wait, were you testing me? To see if I’d just leave you behind?”
“Of course not.”
But then, as if his head hurt, he pressed his temples with one hand.
“Well, I’ll get going now.”
“It’s late. Where are you going?”
“Precisely because it’s late.”
“Just stay over.”
At Taeseok’s casual suggestion, Iseo’s eyes began to dart around, lost and flustered.
“Why do you say things like that so casually? It’s confusing. And no matter what, I sleep in my own bed.”
“What are you imagining? I just said you should sleep over because it’s late.”
Her cheeks flushed as if he had seen straight into her thoughts.
It was nearing 2 a.m.
“You seem to have sobered up a bit, so go to bed. I’ll sleep out here.”
“You think I could sleep, knowing you’re on the couch?”
“The couch is wide and totally fine. You don’t need to worry.”
Taeseok pulled her closer to him.
“What are you doing?”
“What do you think? I’m just looking at the woman who’ll be my wife.”
“You’re still talking nonsense. Guess you’re not fully sober after all. I’ll get you some honey water. Or maybe you have some hangover remedy?”
“There’s something more effective than that for sobering up.”
“What is it…?”
Suddenly, Taeseok’s lips brushed lightly against hers.
His striking features, deep clear eyes, and the contrast between his fair skin and red lips—
He wanted this woman to be his.
The desire to be with her, as soon as possible, was growing deep inside him.
“If you’re doing this thinking I’ll excuse it because you’re drunk…”
“Then I’ll sober up completely.”
Before she could react, Taeseok’s warm lips fully covered hers.
One hand tangled in her hair, he tilted her head back and deepened the kiss.
His breath and scent explored every inch, sending tingling sensations across her body.
“E-enough.”
Iseo suddenly stood up.
She rushed into the bathroom, her body trembling as she leaned against the door.
Her heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might explode.
A trembling she had never experienced before.
Her body reacted instinctively to Han Taeseok, and it scared her—even though she couldn’t bring herself to resist.
The more she tried to push him away, the deeper her emotions got.
Moments later—
When she emerged, Taeseok stood up.
“It’s too late to go home. Sleep in my room.”
“No, I’ll just stay here…”
He gently took her hand.
“I’ll restrain myself—for the sake of our official wedding night. So don’t worry.”
It was going to be a long night. One that would be hard to sleep through.
She didn’t know how much time had passed.
Iseo, who had stayed awake all night, quietly opened her eyes.
Every time she closed them, she felt the lingering sensation of Taeseok’s lips and touch.
Her heart had been racing nonstop all night.
That warm, soft sensation slipping between her lips—
Shaking her head, she quickly got up.
Even in the spacious bed, she could still feel his warmth and scent.
She stepped out quietly, and saw Taeseok asleep on the sofa.
His arm draped over his forehead, lashes casting long shadows.
It was hard to believe this was the same man who had kissed her so fiercely last night. As he slept, he looked gentle, like a lamb.
Adjusting the air conditioning, she tiptoed into the kitchen and opened the fridge.
Not much inside—just water and a few fruits. Was he even human?
Grabbing her coat and wallet, she quietly stepped out.
Some time later—
Taeseok woke up.
Through his barely opened eyes, he saw Iseo’s back—her long hair tied up neatly.
Watching her, his chest swelled with unknown emotions.
“What are you doing?”
“You’re awake?”
He chuckled when he saw the ladle and pot lid in her hands.
“Wine is still alcohol, so I thought you might have a hangover. But seriously, are you human? I thought you were a fish. There’s nothing in your fridge but water. So I bought groceries and made bean sprout soup. Go wash up.”
Her gentle tone sounded just like that of a newlywed wife, and Taeseok’s brow twitched slightly.
Even just after waking up, he looked perfect. Iseo’s cheeks turned red.
She was trying to act normal, but the moment she saw his face, the kiss from last night came flooding back.
She couldn’t even look him in the eye properly.
Moments later—
The sound of running water came from the bathroom, and soon Taeseok emerged, freshly showered.
Wearing a comfortable shirt, he exuded a completely different charm.
Just looking at him was enough to make her heart race. And in just a few days, they’d be living under the same roof. The thought sent her mind into chaos.
“The soup’s getting cold. Sit down.”
She had prepared clear bean sprout soup, rolled omelets, and pan-fried tofu with the groceries she bought.
“If there’s one dish I can confidently say I’m good at, it’s this one. Kimchi stew, doenjang stew, dried pollack soup, yukgaejang… I even added a spicy chili. Try it.”
After his mother passed away, all he had were simple meals from housekeepers. Seeing this heartfelt meal Iseo had made filled Taeseok’s chest with emotion.
His eyes stayed fixed on Iseo’s smiling face.
“It’s getting cold. Eat.”
The bean sprout soup slowly warmed his whole body.
“How is it? Good?”
“This should be illegal.”
“Huh?”
“A person should have at least one thing they’re not good at.”
“…Was that a compliment?”
Taeseok, unable to look away from her bright smile, spoke in a low voice.
“Don’t smile like that. It makes me want to kiss you again.
