As Ina trembled in Juwon’s embrace, he finally relaxed his arms a bit and let her go.

Looking down at Ina, he saw her eyes clouded as if intoxicated.

“Are you okay?”

Juwon looked down at her and asked.

Would I be okay around you? Ina wanted to ask, but instead, she bit her lip softly and nodded.

“……Yes. I’m okay.”

Juwon smiled and caressed her cheek.

“It may sound cliché, but… I’ll treat you well.”

Ina looked into Juwon’s eyes and responded,

“I will treat you well too.”

Then Juwon lifted the corners of his mouth and asked,

“Really? How will you treat me well?”

Caught off guard by the unexpected question, Ina’s pupils dilated.

“Uh? Uh… I mean, um.”

Swallowing hard, pondering what answer would satisfy Juwon, she saw Juwon burst out laughing.

As Ina looked at him quizzically, Juwon smiled and stroked her cheek.

“Just kidding. You don’t have to do anything. I’ll take care of everything for you.”

Ina’s mouth opened slightly in surprise.

How could every word he says pierce my heart like this?

As Ina looked at Juwon with flushed cheeks, he smiled and said,

“Now, you should go in. Sleep well, and have a good day at work tomorrow.”

“Okay. You too, take care and see you on Wednesday.”

“Sure. If I finish early tomorrow, I’ll call you.”

“Okay, I got it.”

Juwon, appearing reluctant, caressed Ina’s cheek once more and then urged her to go.

As much as Ina felt the same reluctance, she couldn’t keep the tired Juwon any longer.

As Ina got out of the passenger seat and waved her hand, Juwon smiled and told her to go inside.
Turning around, Ina’s steps felt heavy, but she quickly entered through the main gate.

Juwon left only after confirming that the lights were on in Ina’s 3rd-floor apartment.

Entering her home, Ina sat on the sofa with a dazed expression.

Even though she had just been with Juwon, the events of the day seemed unbelievable.

Ina looked at her hand.

It seemed to still hold the warmth of Juwon’s hand.

When she touched her cheek with her hand, Juwon’s scent lingered there.

Ah, Juwon’s scent.

With her heart still fluttering, Ina flopped down on the sofa.

Staring at the ceiling in a daze, Juwon’s face suddenly floated into her mind.

His face, like a sculpture, was looking down at her, smiling.

Seeing that face, Ina’s mouth gaped open.

This handsome man… he’s now my boyfriend?

Thump, thump.

Ina’s heart started beating again.

Looking up at Juwon’s face with a happy expression, Ina remembered what he said at the coffee shop.

“Let’s do it. Date. Not with this guy, but with me.”

Suddenly sitting upright, Ina repeated his words.

“Let’s do it! Date! Not with this guy, but with me!”

Mimicking a tough male actor, Ina then flopped back down and kicked the air.

“Aaack! This sounds like some drama dialogue!”

After kicking around for a while, Ina calmed down and became thoughtful.

If Juwon and I date… what happens between me and Juhee?

Become… family?

At the thought of the word ‘family’, Ina’s eyes snapped open.

Then she kicked the air again.

“Aaack! What am I saying? Juwon asked to date, not to marry. Why am I discussing ethics here? Seo Ina, have you gone mad?”

As Ina floundered in embarrassment, her phone rang.

Thinking it might be Juwon, she quickly checked her phone, but it was Siwoo.

“Ah….”

Seeing Siwoo’s name, Ina’s soaring heart suddenly sank.

Siwoo had confessed his feelings just yesterday…

Feeling terribly guilty for reaching such a conclusion within a day, Ina sighed deeply before answering the call.

“Hello?”

[Dash] Hey, Ina. Were you sleeping?

“Oh? No, I just got home and was resting.”

[Dash] Ah, I see. I called you earlier.

“Ah, sorry. My phone was on silent. I didn’t hear it.”

Lying made Ina feel even more guilty.

[Dash] I see. Well, I was calling to ask about Thursday.

“Thursday?”

[Dash] Yeah. I was thinking the three of us, you, me, and Hyunju, could have a meal.

“Ah….”

[Dash] If you’re busy, we can do it another time.

Feeling it was best to tell Siwoo quickly, given her decision, Ina replied,

“No, I think I can make it. Let’s have a meal together.”

[Dash] Really? Then let’s meet on Thursday.

“Okay. See you Thursday.”

After hanging up, Ina let out another long sigh.

Due to Juwon working late into the night, Monday passed without them meeting, and it was now Tuesday.

[Dash] Did you sleep well? Don’t drink too much tonight. If I finish early, I’ll come pick you up.

Waking up in the morning, Ina smiled broadly at Juwon’s message.

Having agreed to date just two days ago, she was already delighted by the morning messages from Juwon yesterday and today.

[Dash] Okay. I’ll try to drink less. Have a good day at work too.
While writing a message, Ina hesitated for a moment but eventually added a heart emoticon at the end.

Then, closing her eyes tightly, she sent the message.

Shortly after, a ‘ding’ sound signaled an immediate reply.

[Dash] Okay. You too♡

It was just an emoticon, but Ina’s heart began to flutter again at the sight of the heart shape from Juwon.

Touching her flushed cheeks, Ina headed to the bathroom.