CHAPTER 15…………………………………………..
“I’ll step out briefly in the afternoon because I have a dress fitting for the dinner next Friday.”
She said it casually. Gunwoo, who had been pouring wine, paused and lifted his head.
“Where to?”
“Atelier Rosé. I’m getting a dress made there.”
“What time?”
“Three.”
Gunwoo seemed to think for a moment. Then he said shortly,
“I’ll go with you.”
Hana’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Pardon?”
“I need to get a tuxedo fitted too. Since we’re attending the same event anyway, it makes sense to do it together.”
And so, on a weekend afternoon, the two of them headed to the shop together by car.
The atmosphere in the car was still awkward.
Hana stared out the window, absently biting her lip, while Gunwoo focused on driving without saying a word.
Before long, the car stopped in front of a building.
[Atelier Rosé]
Beyond the glass exterior, a chandelier sparkled. It was one of the most prestigious custom ateliers in Cheongdam, frequented mainly by chaebol wives and celebrities.
As the doorman swiftly opened the door, a staff member approached to greet them.
“Welcome. You are the president and madam of Ilju Group, correct?”
“Yes.”
Gunwoo replied briefly.
“Please follow me this way.”
Guided by the staff, the two walked down a quiet corridor and into a VIP room.
The space was wide and serene.
White-toned walls, refined wooden accents, a subtle fragrance, and soft piano music blended together. In the center of the room, several dresses and custom tuxedos were neatly displayed. To one side sat a comfortable sofa and a marble table, set with crystal glasses of water and a tea service.
“Would you like some tea first?”
The staff asked politely.
“No, thank you.”
Gunwoo answered curtly.
“Let’s begin right away.”
Though his manner was blunt, the staff bowed as if accustomed to it.
“Then, sir, I’ll guide you this way, and madam, please follow me to the fitting room.”
Hana followed the female staff member into the fitting room.
Inside were a full-length mirror and standing lights, with the new season’s dresses neatly arranged beside them.
Ivory, blue, burgundy, and even lavender.
Delicate bead embroidery and lace details shimmered under the lights.
“These are this season’s new designs,” the staff explained with a smile.
“They’re elegant and refined without being overly flashy.”
Hana nodded, looking over each dress— the texture of the fabric, the flow of the lines, the depth of the colors. None of them felt carelessly made.
The staff took out the first dress: a midnight-blue long gown with a simple yet elegant design.
“Let’s start with this one.”
“Yes.”
Hana took the dress and stepped into the fitting room. The moment she slipped it over her shoulders, the smooth silk brushed against her skin.
Standing in front of the mirror, she noticed how naturally the lines fell along her shoulders and waist.
The dress fit her perfectly, as if it had been made just for her from the start.
“Wow, it suits you so well,” the staff said, eyes shining.
“The waistline is beautiful. You could attend the event just like this.”
Hana only smiled. It looked good, undeniably—but somehow, it didn’t move her heart.
“I’d like to try something else.”
The second was a champagne-gold dress, softly reflecting light and warming her complexion.
The third was a deep wine color. Rich and mature, yet the reflection in the mirror felt strangely stifling.
Hana tilted her head slightly and murmured,
“Hmm… I’m not sure.”
Just then, there was a gentle knock on the fitting room door.
“Madam, the president is asking for you to come out.”
The staff’s voice followed.
“Now?”
“Yes. He said he’d like to see together.”
Hana froze for a moment. He wanted to see the fitting? He was usually indifferent to things like this.
She instinctively wanted to refuse, but refusing now would only make things more awkward.
“…Alright. I’ll be out shortly.”
Hana stepped out of the fitting room wearing the deep wine-colored dress. Carefully opening the door and entering the VIP room, she saw Gunwoo waiting.
It looked like he had already finished his tuxedo fitting.
A black tuxedo paired with a crisp white shirt and a silver-toned tie—perfectly put together.
Gunwoo lifted his head and looked at Hana. His brows furrowed slightly.
“That one?”
“…Yes.”
Hana answered cautiously.
“The color’s too dark.”
His gaze shifted to the staff.
“Don’t you have anything else?”
The staff bowed hurriedly, flustered.
“Yes, we do. One moment, please.”
She quickly brought several more dresses. Gunwoo scanned them one by one, briefly assessing the fabric and colors.
Finally, he picked one.
An ivory silk dress.
“Try this.”
“This is…”
Hana hesitated. Ivory felt too bright. And the design was far more elaborate than what she’d tried so far.
“Why? Don’t like it?”
“No. I’ll try it.”
Hana returned to the fitting room and changed. When she looked at herself in the mirror, she momentarily held her breath.
The ivory dress was off-the-shoulder, elegantly revealing her shoulders and collarbones. The waist was tightly fitted, while the skirt flowed softly all the way to the floor.
Delicate lace details along the back added to its luxurious feel.
“Madam, you look absolutely… stunning.”
The staff exclaimed.
Hana stepped back into the VIP room. The moment Gunwoo looked up at her, his gaze stopped.
“……”
He stared at her in silence. Feeling uneasy under his gaze, Hana lowered her head slightly.
“Well?”
She asked softly.
“Turn around.”
“Pardon?”
“Turn around. Let me see.”
Hana slowly turned in place. The skirt of the dress spread gently, creating an elegant silhouette.
Gunwoo watched her for a long moment before speaking to the staff.
“We’ll take this one.”
“Yes, sir.”
As Hana headed back into the fitting room, she glanced at her reflection.
Truthfully, this had been her favorite from the beginning. But she’d worried it might stand out too much, that it would draw unnecessary attention.
She felt quietly relieved that he had chosen it.
Hana smiled faintly as she took the dress off.
After finishing the fittings, the two thanked the staff and left the atelier.
Outside, the sun had already begun to set. Streetlights flickered on one by one, coloring the street.
Gunwoo pulled out his car keys and said,
“Since we’re out, let’s get dinner before heading back.”
Hana looked at him, slightly surprised. It had been a long time since he’d made a suggestion like that.
“…Okay.”
Not long after, the car stopped in front of a restaurant. They were shown to a table by the window. It was quiet and cozy.
“May I take your order?”
The server handed them menus.
“The course, please.”
Gunwoo said without even looking at the menu.
“Yes, sir.”
The server left, and an awkward silence settled between them.
“About the dress earlier…”
Hana spoke first.
“Thank you. I think it suits me well.”
“Yeah.”
Gunwoo replied shortly.
“It did. You looked pretty.”
The words were simple, but strangely, they lingered.
Hana felt as if her breath caught for a moment.
Just a few words—yet her heart reacted as though it had heard something far more significant, beating lightly in response.
