MM 118

“That’s a nice thing to hear.”

Do-won’s hand gently caressed Yu-young’s hair. His relaxed voice sounded completely content, as if he was fully satisfied.

“This is the nicest thing I’ve heard in a while.”

Yu-young vividly remembered the time when Do-won had said something similar after eating the octopus soup Yu-young had made. The image of Do-won eating a dish he usually wouldn’t touch, without any sign of dislike, but instead enjoying it, remained clear in his mind.

Yes, Do-won was that kind of caring person. And he always said the same thing to Yu-young: that the best experience he ever had was the time spent with him.

Then, perhaps, their hearts were somewhat aligned, and maybe they were both on the same wavelength. The thought made Yu-young’s heart beat faster, and he could no longer hold back the excitement.

Do-won continued speaking.

“And there’s nothing to apologize for. I should be the one apologizing. I’m sorry for letting you be treated like that, Assistant Han.”

“…It’s okay. Really, it’s fine.”

Do-won hugged Yu-young and placed a kiss on his head, as naturally as breathing. He then looked into Yu-young’s eyes and gave a small smile.

“Assistant Han.”

“Yes, Team Leader.”

“Can I ask you out on a date?”

With those words, Do-won’s smile became even more dazzling, making Yu-young’s heart nearly drop to the ground.

“I have a place I’d like to go with you.”

Yu-young almost blurted out, “Of course,” but quickly held back the overly affectionate words. He sniffled and smiled instead.

“Yes, let’s go.”

“Great. It’s only 20 minutes from here.”

“Yes, anywhere.”

At Yu-young’s obedient response, Do-won smiled softly.

“Then, let’s head out.”

With his warm voice, the car started moving again. Where were they going? Yu-young was curious, but the excitement made him feel more flustered than anxious.

Now, he felt completely ready to express himself to Do-won. It was clear now that he had feelings for him, feelings he didn’t want to lose. His heart, firmly set in that certainty, was no longer wavering.

The car veered off the road and began to ascend a winding mountain path. As they drove up the well-maintained road, Yu-young looked around. The sun was beginning to set. Why were they heading up the mountain? The curiosity lingered, but Yu-young chose to remain silent and wait.

After a while, the car finally stopped in an open space. In front of them was a pretty brick building that seemed to be a café, with countless trees lit up by tiny bulbs, creating a warm, end-of-year atmosphere.

“Let’s get out.”

“Yes.”

As soon as Yu-young stepped out of the car, the chilly mountain air clung to his skin. But before he could even feel the cold, Do-won was already there, wrapping the scarf Yu-young had loosened around his neck.

“It’s cold. Let’s go inside quickly.”

Yu-young followed Do-won into the café. Upon entering, he couldn’t help but let out a small gasp of admiration.

There were no other customers in the café. Only the petite owner, who smiled and greeted them with a warm welcome. From Do-won’s friendly smile, it was clear this was a place he often visited.

The café, with its crimson lighting, felt like something out of a Christmas movie set in a foreign home. A rare fireplace on one side crackled as logs burned inside, and the cozy sound filled the space.

A large window on one wall provided a view of the outside, and there was a comfy-looking rocking chair in the corner. Nearby, a bookshelf was stacked high with books. Yu-young admired the warm and beautiful place, marveling at its charm.

The owner, who seemed to be in his middle years, spoke gently.

“Do-won, long time no see.”

“Yes.”

Do-won smiled softly and tilted his head toward Yu-young, asking what he would like to drink. Yu-young replied with a simple request for a coffee. Do-won ordered two cups of the day’s coffee and led Yu-young to a seat by the window, where they could both enjoy the view.

“I’ve loved this place for a long time. The coffee is great. I stumbled upon it by accident, and whenever I felt suffocated at my parents’ house, I’d come here.”

“…Ah.”

“It’s a place I always came to alone, but it’s nice to be here with you, Assistant Han.”

“It’s really beautiful.”

With his guard completely down, Yu-young smiled brightly at Do-won, who sat beside him.

“Thank you for bringing me to such a wonderful place.”

Do-won’s smile widened at Yu-young’s words. The cool, masculine line of his mouth stretching into a smile always felt so pleasant to Yu-young, and naturally, he leaned his head against Do-won’s shoulder.

Soon, two warm cups of coffee were brought to them. The owner, smiling warmly, said he would be upstairs resting and encouraged them to talk freely. As the owner climbed the small stairs behind the counter, soft jazz music began to play in the background.

The sky outside the window was completely painted in the colors of twilight, a brilliant red that gradually shifted into purple as the sun dipped lower. The sunset had just begun when they started driving up the mountain, but now the sky, once intensely red, was fading into a dusky hue.

Without exchanging words, both Do-won and Yu-young quietly sipped their coffee, mesmerized by the mysterious and beautiful colors of the sky. Just as Do-won had said, the coffee was delicious—fragrant and rich, just as the cozy atmosphere inside the café felt.

There was no space left between the two of them; they were so close that they could feel each other’s body warmth. Every now and then, they exchanged smiles as they gazed at each other. The only sounds filling the café were the crackling of the firewood, the soft jazz carols playing in the background, and the gentle sounds of their breathing.

Though there was no conversation, it felt neither uncomfortable nor awkward. It was the epitome of a peaceful and relaxing moment. Yu-young could vaguely sense that Do-won was feeling the same way.

But there was something else Yu-young felt that Do-won didn’t—how much he liked the man sitting next to him. He liked Choi Do-won so much that it made his own situation feel a little bittersweet.

That was why he knew he had to speak up now. He desperately, desperately hoped that they would be able to share many more moments like this together. And he hoped, more than anything, that Do-won felt at least a little of the same way about him.

“…Team Leader.”

Yu-young called out to Do-won in a calm voice. Despite his heart racing madly, his face remained more composed than ever. However, he couldn’t hide the slight tremor in his eyes as he looked at Do-won.

“There’s something I’d like to tell you.”

“Go ahead. Like I said earlier, feel free to say anything.”

Do-won nodded leisurely, his expression relaxed as he looked at Yu-young, giving him the freedom to speak. He had always told him that he could share anything with him.

Now, the stage was set. All Yu-young had to do was speak. He wanted to ask Do-won to stay with him, always. To not just pretend to be a married couple, but to really become lovers.

“…Team Leader.”

But contrary to his resolve, his voice trembled like that of a goat. Yu-young, flustered, cleared his throat. He licked his dry lips and tried again, but strangely, the words still wouldn’t come.

“…Team Leader. So, the thing is…”

Again, the words didn’t come out. Just moments ago, he had been so sure of what he wanted to say.

He wanted to cry. It felt like he had become a fool who couldn’t even say what he wanted, despite having lived his life speaking his mind. Before joining the company, he had never cared about anyone’s opinion.

But Choi Do-won made him feel this way. And yet, Yu-young knew that this foolish person was the one he wanted to spend his life with. Do-won made him feel like the happiest person, even while turning him into a fool. He had made Yu-young fall into an unfamiliar, blind crush, but never left him lonely or hurt.

So, to claim Do-won, Yu-young knew he needed to summon more courage. But no matter how much he thought about it, the words seemed impossible to speak. His face turned crimson as he bit his lip and lowered his head in frustration.

At that moment, Do-won gently took Yu-young’s hand.

“Assistant Han.”

“…Team Leader, I’m sorry, but if you could just give me 10 more minutes…”

“Would you look at me?”

Yu-young lifted his gaze to meet Do-won’s, his voice faltering, and even though he had failed to say what he had wanted, Do-won’s gaze was still warm and gentle.

Was it just an illusion created by Yu-young’s desperate heart? If not, the affection in Do-won’s eyes was undeniable. Seeing the same feelings reflected in Do-won’s gaze as the ones hidden in his own heart made Yu-young’s pulse race uncontrollably.

“If it’s alright with you, Assistant Han, may I speak first?”