And at the same time, Hye-yoon was also deeply moved by Jiho’s award on TV.

“And I want to express my gratitude and love to Jang Hye-yoon as well. In the future… I hope we can always take 101 steps together.”

The speed at which amazement turned into emotion was remarkably fast. Her roundly opened mouth stayed frozen for a while. Belatedly, she bit her lips tightly, but again, it slipped. The corners of her mouth unavoidably lifted.

As she reached for her phone to send a congratulatory message, there was already a message from Minju.

[101 steps? Taking a walk together? (9:10 PM)]

And now, with the newly arrived message.

[Wow, check the internet. It’s chaos. Everyone is trying to figure out the meaning of 101 steps. (9:15 PM)]

Her thumb, which was about to reply, hesitated. Instead, she decided to call Jiho first. It wasn’t something extraordinary, but she wanted to convey her overwhelming feelings quickly.

[Wow! Jiho, congratulations! (9:15 PM)]

Although there were so many things she wanted to say, she let it all out. After sending the message with the one thing she wanted to say the most, she waited for his response. Unfortunately, it didn’t come right away.

The pause in Minju’s conversation happened when a new message arrived 20 minutes later. It was from Woojun, and it seemed like he was commenting on the news headlines rather than a broadcast. The live broadcast had already ended.

[Exercising by walking that much is not effective. Jiho’s stamina seems weaker than expected. (9:40 PM)]

“Hmm… that sounds like Kim Woojun.”

After roughly responding, she opened the message she sent to Jiho once again. It seemed it wasn’t her turn for a reply yet. Congratulations must be pouring in endlessly.

Just as she was about to leave with a nodding head, the number in front of the disappearing message caught her attention.

“Oh!”

Rrrr[dash] Rrrr[dash]

And soon, Jiho’s name sparkled. The vibration in her hand made her heart flutter. As if her fingertips were petals, she gently pressed the call button.

“Wow… a call came in.”

Even her voice mimicked the delicate trembling of flowers.

[Dash] I left my phone in the car and just saw it now.

“Oh, I see.”

And even though he merely imitated it, he was a man who infused fragrance. He said it wasn’t that her turn was delayed, but rather he was always the first. Happiness filled Hye-yoon’s voice with her nasal tone. Then, she remembered the words she wanted to say.

“Jiho, congratulations! You were really, really amazing today! Wow… too, um.”

[Dash] Hehe, thank you. It was worth all the effort.

Her body contorted with warmth at the affectionate voice beyond the phone. Thinking about Jiho’s appearance on the TV screen just a while ago made it even more intense. He was truly unbelievably cool. Especially when considering the words he publicly spoke today.

A radiant flush bloomed on her cheek.

“I also heard your acceptance speech. I can’t go outside now… I’m embarrassed.”

[Dash] Isn’t that better? I have to contribute to it.

“Ugh, stop teasing me. Anyway… thank you, really.”
Hye-yoon’s lip corners trembled slightly. Suddenly, she felt a bit worried. Expressing gratitude seemed too common, too brief, and she worried it wouldn’t fully convey her sincerity.

Of course, the other party seemed to read not only sincerity but also slight concerns.

[Dash] No, not that.

“……Huh?”

A subtle playfulness was transmitted in response to her worries. She wondered what he meant; it seemed like a phrase she had heard many times before. Upon contemplation, it reminded her of what she told Jiho on Christmas morning.

Eyes expressing apology for the abundant spread of food. It was a message sent to those eyes. Wishing for happiness beyond apologies. The memory of her cheeky gestures saying, ‘Hurry up, like me!’ came to mind.

Hye-yoon smiled faintly. She recalled Jiho’s response back then. She felt she should return it the same way. At the thought of his response, a refreshing voice burst out.

“Hehe, I was genuinely touched.”

And it seemed like she already knew what Jiho would say next. Since it was her question.

[Dash] So? Are you happy?

“Wow, I can’t stand it, really! You have an amazing memory, Jiho.”

[Dash] Hehe, I have to answer. So… are you happy?

“……Say what you want. I’m extremely happy.”

A memory known only to the two, like 101 steps. As the same conversation was replayed, happiness was dyed even more vividly.

When the small laughter stopped, it was quiet for a moment. Hye-yoon at home alone and Jiho in the car. In each other’s ears, only silence was heard. Jiho, who wanted to break the silence first, was trying to think about what to say, but Hye-yoon was a bit quicker.

“I can’t do it in front of many people, but I can do it for one person.”

[Dash] Huh?

And occasionally, Jiho had vowed not to disturb her silence.

“I really… love you.”

[Dash] …….

“Always remember that. I can’t say it often because I’m still nervous.”