Chapter 302: (2)

“Yeon-Woo, Ha Jae-Gun hyung just sent a message saying that he’s reaching the office soon. He’ll also be staying for dinner before going home.”

“Really? I"m feeling hungry, so I wanted to have some ramyun first. I should endure it, then. That’s great; I"ll treat us to dinner tonight.”

“You’re showing off how well you’re doing, huh? I heard you’re earning hundreds of thousands for each lecture? The world has changed so much. Yeon-Woo’s now a star lecturer on cable broadcast.”

Kang Min-Ho, who was rushing a deadline, stopped typing away on his computer and nodded in agreement. “Yeah. He used to be depressed when his novels wouldn’t work out smoothly and had even turned to drinking alone at convenience stores.

"I remember him kicking up a fuss back then. How time flies.”

“Yeah, there was even once when we had to go down to the police station just to bring him back home,” Jang Eun-Young chimed in.

Lee Yeon-Woo immediately turned red, frowning. “Ah, seriously. Why are both of you always bringing up my dark history? That was the period when I felt lost the most. It was just a transition period that everyone has to go through at least once.”

“Yeon-Woo hyung, isn’t that supposed to be p.u.b.erty?”

“Wow, that’s right. Thanks for pointing out the unimportant part so accurately, Jae-Hee. You just have to pay for your own portion at dinner later.”

“I’m just joking, hyung. How can the maknae have any money? Please forgive me this time.” Han Jae-Hee made a long face, clinging onto Lee Yeon-Woo.

Jang Eun-Young burst into laughter, watching them. Then, she suddenly recalled someone and clapped her hand. “Ah, Ms. So-Mi is here too, right?”

“Oh, right. Let’s invite her for dinner, too. Will she be available?”

“I’ll go in and ask her.” Jang Eun-Young left for Ha Jae-Gun’s room, which Jung So-Mi was using as her workplace. She had gained permission to use his room whenever she needed to work on editing work at the office.

“Ms. So-Mi, may I come in?”

“Sure, please come in.”

Jang Eun-Young opened the door and entered the room.

Jung So-Mi had just finished editing and was saving the ma.n.u.script.

“Let’s have dinner together before you leave.”

“Ah, I’m sorry. I don’t think I can make it tonight.”

“But Writer Ha said he’s coming by.”

Jung So-Mi’s eyes turned into crescent moons as she smiled and replied, “I really can’t—I have to go down to Donghae tonight.”

“Your hometown? Why so sudden?”

“I miss my mom, so I thought of visiting them back home.”

“That’s a pity. Safe travels, then. Are you leaving now?”

“Yes, I’m about to pack up.”

The writers turned their attention to both Jang Eun-Young and Jung So-Mi as they came out of the room together. Jung So-Mi explained her situation to everyone and then said her goodbyes.

Immediately after Jung So-Mi"s departure…

“Are you not going to talk it out with her?” Yang Hyun-Kyung asked, pulling Lee Yeon-Woo to a corner. He was the only person who knew that Lee Yeon-Woo liked Jung So-Mi. Lee Yeon-Woo had confessed during one of their drinking sessions when he was drunk.

“It’s over.” Lee Yeon-Woo smiled bitterly.

In fact, Lee Yeon-Woo had confessed to her again a few months ago. It was a confession he had made with manly confidence, as he was now on better grounds than in the past.

However, his second confession also ended as a failure. Jung So-Mi rejected him firmly with a soft smile, adding that she had no intention of ever being in a relationship with a man in her life.

As he recalled the scene, a sigh escaped from Lee Yeon-Woo. “How much does she dislike me to say something like that…”

“Why are you muttering? Say it again.”

“It’s nothing. Let’s go have some coffee, hyung.”

“Don’t change the subject.”

Just as Lee Yeon-Woo and Yang Hyun-Kyung were heading to the kitchen, Jung So-Mi had just alighted from the elevator on the ground floor, staring at her own feet blankly.

‘I couldn’t say it in the end.’

There was something in her heart that she couldn’t bring herself to say it before the writers. She didn’t want to destroy the excitement in the office upon hearing that Ha Jae-Gun was dropping by.

‘I’ll just have to say it the next time when I come…’ Jung So-Mi walked away slowly as she looked down at her feet. There were many pa.s.sers-by on the street. She would soon miss this noisy but cheerful and bustling city life. Having already accustomed to city life, the daughter of the sea showed a faint smile filled with regret.

Just then, a cat"s cry echoed in her ears. “Meow.”

Jung So-Mi stopped walking and looked up. The cry was unmistakably familiar, making her ears twitch in antic.i.p.ation.

‘Did I hear wrongly?’ Jung So-Mi looked around, but all she saw were humans walking on the streets. She continued walking, but before she could even land her first step, she felt something clawing at her calf from behind.

“Ow!”

“Meow.”

Jung So-Mi turned around, and her eyes grew wide. A beautiful Russian blue cat was looking back at her. The elegantly curling tail, long legs, and two sparkling eyes. It was the adorable Rika.

“Oh my gosh! Rika, it’s really you?!” Jung So-Mi couldn’t contain her excitement and immediately picked up Rika into a hug.

However, Jung So-Mi shuddered immediately after, realizing that Rika wouldn’t be walking out here alone.

“Are you leaving?” A certain someone"s voice echoed just as she realized what was going on. He was standing where Jung So-Mi’s gaze had stopped. He smiled shyly, just like when they first met.

“Writer Ha…” Jung So-Mi muttered, but something seemed to be stuck in her throat as she hugged Rika. She felt emotional, as she was leaving by herself, and facing Ha Jae-Gun all of a sudden made her at a loss for words.

“I just received a message from Min-Ho hyung. You’re going back to Donghae?”

“Yes, I need to go home…” Jung So-Mi trailed off, keeping quiet. She felt uncomfortable lying to Ha Jae-Gun, and then she soon made up her mind as she saw the curiosity in his eyes. “Actually, I’ve decided to quit Laugh Books.”

“Ah, I see…” Ha Jae-Gun nodded slowly. He had already heard about this from Kwon Tae-Won, so he wasn’t all that surprised.

“To be exact, I’m leaving in two weeks. So I’m going back home to tell my parents, and discuss with them about my future plans.”

“Your future plans…” Ha Jae-Gun trailed off, briefly lost in thoughts. Since when did Jung So-Mi’s talent in drawing shine better than her editing abilities?

“So you"re going to focus on webtoons?”

“Yes, that’s right,” Jung So-Mi replied shyly, looking down at Rika in her arms. “Preparing webtoons takes a long time, so I’m planning to take it easy while spending time at Donghae. I’ll be taking commissions for web novel covers and ill.u.s.trations for the time being. Anyway, I’m planning to take it slow.”

“That’s great to hear. Your value has spiked a lot now. Ah, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t call you Ms. So-Mi now.” Ha Jae-Gun slapped his mouth lightly before continuing, “I should call you Writer Jung instead.”

“Ack, no! It’s embarra.s.sing; please stick with the old address!”

“What’s wrong with Writer Jung? Hmm? Writer Jung So-Mi?”

“Aaack! No, I can’t hear it! I can’t hear~ it at all!” Jung So-Mi turned around, burying her face into Rika’s body.

Ha Jae-Gun had completely forgotten that they were still in the building lobby as he burst out into laughter.

“It’s all thanks to you, Writer Ha.” Jung So-Mi said when the laughter died down. “If it hadn"t been for Oscar’s Dungeon or The Breath, I wouldn’t have dared to challenge myself in webtoons or manga.”

“You’re doing it again. It’s your talent. You draw really well, and I love your drawing style; that’s why I asked you to do it. How many times must I say that?”

Jung So-Mi chuckled upon seeing Ha Jae-Gun"s frown. It had always been like this ever since their first meeting. Jung So-Mi always liked Ha Jae-Gun"s actions, which was why she felt sad, even though it was contradictory.

‘Writer Ha, will I be able to do well?’ Jung So-Mi had been wondering about this by herself many times; she was having doubts about this new journey that she was about to embark on by herself. Would she be able to leave her great support group and hold it out alone?

“Ms. So-Mi, What are you thinking about?”

“...” Ha Jae-Gun’s voice echoed in her ears. Jung So-Mi couldn’t bring herself to speak. She could not afford to be a fool for this man, and the words she couldn’t say remained in her heart.

“Meow.” Rika looked up at her. Rika’s eyes fluttered open just then, emitting light.

‘Rika…?’ Ha Jae-Gun was shocked upon witnessing the sight. A foreign yet familiar feeling seeped into him. Despite being the center of it all, Jung So-Mi remained unmoving.

‘These… are Ms. Jung So-Mi’s emotions?’ Ha Jae-Gun was certain that he was sharing Jung So-Mi"s emotions through Rika, but he couldn’t understand it. Why would Rika use this ability of hers to make sure that Ha Jae-Gun would be able to feel Jung So-Mi"s feelings?

However, his question was soon answered when Jung So-Mi’s emotions took over him.

‘She’s afraid.’ It was a future mixed with fear and antic.i.p.ation. A torrential downpour loomed in the distance, and Jung So-Mi stood at the end of the path without an umbrella, shuffling her feet.

“Ms. So-Mi,” Ha Jae-Gun patted lightly on her shoulders. Understanding Rika’s intentions, it was now his turn to respond. “Believe in yourself and keep walking.”

“...?” Jung So-Mi’s eyes widened. Her eyes could only see Ha Jae-Gun’s face.

“You’re really talented, so it’s fine to be proud of yourself. I can guarantee it, so don’t worry and just walk with confidence.”

“Writer Ha…”

“It’s your first time, so it’s natural to be afraid. You"re going to face obstacles on the way, but no one can really say for sure what the outcome is going to be. Just know that…” Ha Jae-Gun grabbed her shoulders and pushed them back.

Jung So-Mi’s eyes took in the elevator and the rooftop of the building.

“Remember that you’re not alone, Ms. Jung So-Mi,” Ha Jae-Gun added.

“...!” Jung So-Mi"s gaze trembled. Then, she realized how foolish she had been all this while. This wasn"t the end but a new beginning. She chided herself for being stupid, and tears welled up in her eyes unknowingly.

Jung So-Mi smiled. “Thank you, Writer Ha.”

“No problem.”

Her hands, which were hanging limply, now had an umbrella in them. With this, she had the confidence to ward off any downpour. The final piece of the puzzle, called "Courage," melted into her nicely.

“I’ll do my best. And… I’ll be back.”

“Yes, have a safe trip.”

Jung So-Mi pa.s.sed Rika back to Ha Jae-Gun and turned around to leave. Two streaks of tears rolled down her face—the kind of tears that she wouldn’t shed again in this life. Jung So-Mi vowed to herself that this was the last time.

The man she wanted had become another woman’s husband on her own birthday.

She"d definitely remember that fact every time she blew the candles on her birthday cake. He"d become a lighthouse for her, which she had decided to place in the middle of the seemingly endless ocean. As long as she could see him whenever she missed him… she"d be satisfied with just that.

Cheerful steps followed one after another. Jung So-Mi then pushed the doors of the building with as much energy as she had put in her steps.

A new world had opened for her.

***

“Yeah, Do-Joon.”

— Were you sleeping? You sound calm.

“No, I just put Eun-Chae to sleep and ready to work.” Ha Jae-Gun turned on the laptop.

It was just past 10 pm. The soft ambient light shone in the study, where there was only Ha Jae-Gun and Rika alone.

— True, you wouldn’t be asleep this early.

“Most normal people would be asleep at this time. Anyway, why is it so noisy on your side? Are you with people?”

— I’m with Tae-Bong hyung, Chae-Rin and Yu-Na. They’re kicking up a fuss wanting to have tripe stew. We’re heading out now; join us.

“How can I leave now? Enjoy the food; it’s too late for me, so I’ll join next time.”

— How is it late? It’s only ten pm.

“You’ll know once you get married. Do you really think that you can still leave the house whenever you want by then?”

— I’ll do whatever I want. I don’t care.

“I’ll hand the phone to Soo-Hee so you can tell her.”

— Why are you scaring me with that kind of prank? It"s not funny. Hey, Jae-Gun. Yu-Na is kicking up a fuss beside me. Aish, wait a bit.

— h.e.l.lo? Jae-Gun oppa?

Han Yu-Na took over the phone. Her giggles suggested that she already had quite some drinks.

“Yeah, Yu-Na. I heard that you guys are going out for food, but it seems like you guys already had quite some drinks.”

— We just had sooome beer. Just a little. Heheh, oppa. I just wanted to ask about our next single’s t.i.tle song. When will the lyrics be done?

“Ah, about that…”

— Just tell me honestly. Are you actually working on it?

“Of course, I’m working on it. I’m about to work on it now, too.” Ha Jae-Gun stammered as he grabbed the mouse. He had actually forgotten all about it. Ha Jae-Gun closed the doc.u.ment for The Breath Part Three and opened the file t.i.tled C.Y. 4th Single. There were only three lines written in the doc.u.ment.

“I’ve already written ten lines. I’ll be able to finish it in three days at the longest.”

— Really? Ten lines already? Please show it to me.

“I’ll show it to you once it’s completed. Just wait a little longer.”

— Ack, no! Show it to me now! I want to see it!

Another uproar traveled through the airwaves. The phone was returned to its owner, and Park Do-Joon spoke into the phone.

— Sorry, the kids are already tipsy. I’ll hang up since you seem to be working. Have a happy captive life again today.

“What do you mean captive? Anyway, I got it. Enjoy your meal, and help me say hi to Tae-Bong hyung.”

Ha Jae-Gun hung up and put down his phone. Lee Soo-Hee came up from behind him, standing with her arms crossed.

“Mr. Do-Joon thinks that you’re being held captive?”

“Ah!” Ha Jae-Gun flinched in surprise. Rika jumped as well, and even Nun-Sol woke up in shock and rushed into the room upon hearing the commotion.

“Why are you so shocked? You even scared Rika and Nun-Sol.”

“It’s because you appeared behind without noise.”

Lee Soo-Hee pulled out a book from the shelves and sat down in the chair beside Ha Jae-Gun. Ha Jae-Gun put his hands on the keyboard in front of him and looked at her.

“You’re going to read?”

“Yeah, am I disturbing you?”

“No way. I’d rather have you reading beside me.”

“That’s great then.”

Lee Soo-Hee soothed out Ha Jae-Gun’s ruffled hair and smiled. She then opened the book and began reading in silence. Both she and Ha Jae-Gun were the kind to finish reading an entire book in one sitting.

“Soo-Hee.”

“Hmm?”

“Do you know that you’re really beautiful whenever you"re reading books?”

“I know.”

“You’re so quick to admit it.”

“You said it before… that you’ve stolen glances at me whenever I was reading in the library during our university days.”

“I said that before?”

“I swear, your memory is terrible.”

Tadadadak! Tadak! Tadadak!

Ha Jae-Gun began typing on the keyboard with his beloved wife by his side. It felt great to have Lee Soo-Hee’s focus in the room. He was gaining more and more momentum as he worked on C.Y.’s single.

“I"m happy…”

“Hmm? What did you just say?”

“No, I’m just savoring the lyrics.” Ha Jae-Gun chuckled.

What a perfect place to be in this world. Rika and Nun-Sol were curled up across from him, and the most beautiful woman, Lee Soo-Hee, was sitting down next to him.

He felt so happy that his nose tingled.

“Have some apples while working.”

“Thank you.” Ha Jae-Gun’s fingers never stopped as he crunched on the apples. They probably wouldn’t stop at all. The world was vast, and there was plenty for him to write about.

On top of that, the people who loved his writing were standing by him.

Even though he knew it was impossible, Ha Jae-Gun looked out into the sky and prayed that this mesmerizing night would transcend time and s.p.a.ce, freezing and staying like this forever.