DI Ch 196

Then the answer is health. I’ll take herbal medicine and consume everything that’s said to be good for longevity. That should do it, right? Yes, I just need to live longer than him. It wouldn’t be bad to age naturally and die on the same day, but I know that’s quite difficult. Even though I didn’t die of old age, I know as someone who’s experienced it. Anyway, if that’s the case, it’s better if I go after you, so I can take care of everything.

Having firmly decided, I went to view the cherry blossoms. I wasn’t sure if it was even appropriate to call this place just a house, but having cherry trees inside meant there was no need to deal with crowds. Around this time, famous spots are so packed with people that it seems like they’ve come to see people rather than flowers. I used to avoid going out because I hated being jostled, but here, it was just the two of us.

“Remember when we went to see cherry blossoms by the sea?”

I nodded, not missing the sudden question. Although we’ve been to see the sea several times, here and there, we only went once when the cherry blossoms were blooming. Was it around this time? I was surprised when he suddenly suggested going, but it was quite enjoyable with the sea I hadn’t seen in a while and the nice weather. Even though we had misunderstandings and misconceptions when we met without knowing anything about each other, now even those have become fond memories.

“You were so happy seeing the cherry blossoms… I thought you really liked flowers.”

He said this while carefully examining the blossoms again, so I thought he was just making conversation. But then he suddenly spoke again. What was he saying?

“I do like those flowers.”

“You don’t even know the names of flowers or their meanings.”

“…Of course not?”

Well, obviously? I’m not an expert; I just like them. As if he could read my mind, he responded as if agreeing with me.

“Yeah, you only liked them that much. I wonder why I didn’t realize that? Maybe I was blind.”

“Blinded by love?”

“Blinded by love.”

He seemed to have finally found a blossom he liked, extending his hand toward a branch. I thought it would be easy for him to reach it, but I didn’t expect him to break off the whole branch. I stared blankly as he handed me the branch, then let out a chuckle. I see now. Sometimes he seemed disappointed, and I couldn’t figure out why, but now it makes sense.

“Is that why you gave me so many flowers?”

“That’s part of it.”

What kind of answer is that? So there’s more to it?

“Stop beating around the bush. It’s hard to understand you.”

“If I wanted you to understand, I wouldn’t have said it indirectly.”

“I don’t like you when you’re like this.”

I carefully picked the prettiest cherry blossom from the slender branch and plucked it off. Feeling a bit mischievous, I placed it behind his ear. He seemed uncomfortable, but since he didn’t take it off, I didn’t push it further.

As we walked aimlessly like that, the path felt unfamiliar, either because it looked different in the daytime or it was actually a different path. Was that willow tree always there? The bright yellow flower field under the large willow tree was dazzling. The warm day brought a sweet floral scent… Hmm.

“Is there a lake around here?”

“No?”

Then where’s that faint smell of water coming from? It wasn’t strong, but every time I caught the scent of flowers, there was a hint of water that seemed suspicious. Could it be that it’s going to rain? Well, it is spring rain season. If it rains, all these cherry blossoms will fall. While I was regretting that thought, he began climbing a gentle slope.

When I suddenly looked back while being carried on his back, I was startled. This place was bigger than I thought? Seeing it from this angle made me realize it anew. I’d been thinking of it as a hanok guesthouse or a historical drama set, but seeing it now, it was as grand as Gyeongbokgung Palace or Jeonju. If I’d woken up here without knowing anything, I might have thought I’d been transported back to the Joseon Dynasty.

Finally, he stopped at a spot. I wondered why he brought a blanket on such a warm day, but it seems he intended to use it instead of a mat, spreading it out on the grass. I lay down on the blanket, using his thick arm as a pillow, leisurely gazing at the sky. The weather was perfect, there was no typical city noise, the breeze was warm, and there were pleasant scents in the air – I realized this must be what people mean when they say it’s perfect for an afternoon nap.

I thought about sleeping a bit more, but I couldn’t because of a promise I’d made. When I turned my head, I met eyes that were quietly observing me. He didn’t look tired, but his complexion was still pale. As I gently stroked his weary-looking eyes, he slightly closed them, perhaps feeling content.

He seems to have had trouble sleeping and has been under a lot of stress. Should I suggest he try some medicine? Maybe I should suggest he talk to a doctor. Just as I was worrying, a grape popped into my mouth. Huh, where did that come from? I sat up abruptly and looked around to see a plate of half-eaten fruit placed by my head. When did that get there?

“Did someone come? Who brought this?”

“Don’t worry about it, just eat the fruit.”

How am I supposed to not worry? There wasn’t a person in sight, not even a hint of someone’s presence, which gave me a bit of goosebumps. Ah, maybe this was just how things work here? Thinking that way made it more acceptable. I returned to my original position and opened my mouth, and sweet and sour fruits kept coming in. Thanks to this, there was no chance of vitamin deficiency.

“Should I quit school and just stay by your side all the time?”

“What? Why would you quit such a good school? Don’t say things you don’t mean.”

Oh, it was a joke… I thought he’d play along, pretending to be tempted, but I was taken aback when he scolded me seriously. That’s unexpected. It seemed he cared more about my diploma than I do.

“I thought you’d like that.”

“I do like it.”

“Then why?”

His words come out slowly as if carefully choosing what to say and what not to say.

“…Your good grades and prestigious education are all a source of pride for me. Just learn everything you can while you have the chance.”

He was trying to gloss it over, but I could tell he was sincere, and it made me feel a bit proud.  Knowing that I’m his pride makes me happy. I rolled over onto his body, propped my chin up on his chest, and smiled playfully.

“If you were my father, I would have grown up even better than I am now.”

“It would be prob;em if you were my son.”

Certainly, that would be troublesome for me too. After lazing around like that for a while, hugging and playing around, it seemed lunchtime had arrived. As I was getting up, saying we should go inside, I stumbled a bit, and he started checking on me frantically.

“See? I told you you’re not fully recovered yet.”

“This is just because I misstepped. Ah, don’t carry me, let me walk a bit.”

When I refused, he just picked me up. If he ever scolds me again for not listening, I won’t let it slide. While seriously wondering when I’d be able to walk on my own again, I noticed someone waiting for us. Oh, not for me?

The person didn’t even glance at me, focusing solely on him. But really, how can you ignore a grown man being carried like this? His pupils seemed to waver a bit, trying desperately to pretend I wasn’t there, but it was still embarrassing.

“Sir, they’ll be arriving in one hour.”

As soon as we got close, the man spoke up as if he had been waiting and then stepped back. Who’s coming? I looked at him curiously, and it was the first time his expression was so easy to read, which almost made me laugh. It seemed someone was coming and he needed to go, but he didn’t want to be apart from me, and he wanted to feed me lunch but also wanted to eat together. It was all written on his face.

“Ahem, who’s coming?”

“Hmm, someone who’s not very welcome.”

It doesn’t seem to be a welcome guest?

“Hyung, take me with you.”

“…”

“…”

“…No.”

His answer was hesitant. Even though he managed to say no, his voice betrayed the fact that he wanted to take me along. Perhaps that’s why his subordinate looked a bit uneasy. I wasn’t asking to come along just to take up space without knowing the situation.

“Where’s my laptop, hyung? You said you’d check if it could be fixed, remember?”

“Ah. That.”

“Did they fix it?”

“They said it’s completely broken.”

It couldn’t be helped, but I wasn’t particularly disappointed. I had wanted to fix it in case it might be helpful when I had no memories anyway.

“It won’t turn on? Well, it doesn’t matter; could you lend me a phone or anything with some earphones? And if there’s no screen divider, could you bring one over?”

“Why’s that?”

“I’ll be studying in the back, so you can take care of your business. Let’s have lunch together when you’re done.”

“Shall we? Yes, that’s a good idea. Why didn’t I think of that?”

He seemed delighted as if he’d made a brilliant discovery. Everything proceeded smoothly from there. When I returned to the room to gather my things and snacks before heading to the parlor, a large folding screen was set up as if it had always been there, along with a cozy blanket and several pillows prepared behind it.

So many refreshments were prepared that I wondered if we’d even need lunch afterward. While unpacking, I asked if he thought it might take a while, but when he said no, I just assumed it was him being his usual over-the-top self.

“Here. A phone. I got a new one activated.”

“Ah, thank you. Go ahead and have your conversation.”

“Okay. Call me if you need anything.”

Maybe because we hadn’t been apart like this before, I couldn’t understand why it felt so hard to let go. It wasn’t like he was going far; we were just putting a screen between us. But still, it was the first time he’d be out of sight and out of earshot.

Perhaps he felt the same, because until we sensed someone approaching—no, until one of his subordinates nervously came closer—we held each other’s hands, exchanging insignificant words before reluctantly letting go.