MPK Ch 6
by soapa“This area beyond the hallway is your personal space, Jung Hankyung. Feel free to use the living room and dining area.”
It felt like déjà vu. The first time I heard those words was at the resort in Jeju Island, and the second time was at this penthouse overlooking the Han River and its jagged skyline.
The similarity between this place and the resort was their vastness, large enough to accommodate generations of descendants, and the difference was that this place had a duplex structure, with stairs leading to the next floor.
Standing in the middle of the living room, which boasted a ceiling so high I wondered how they cleaned it, Woo Baekyeon pointed to the white staircase.
“The upstairs is my space, so don’t come up. I often work late into the night.”
I thought he’d opened up a bit during our honeymoon, but why does it feel like we’re back to square one?
I craned my neck, trying to peek upstairs, but the railing blocked my view.
“Jung Hankyung.”
Even that attempt was thwarted as Woo Baekyeon stepped in front of me, blocking my line of sight. The action felt like drawing a clear boundary.
“If you need anything else, tell Secretary Shin Kanghee. I’m saying this again, don’t be curious about the upstairs.”
What is he, Bluebeard? Pale as he is, without even a shadow of a beard.
“…..”
“…Did I say that out loud?”
“Even if we live in the same house, we should respect each other’s privacy. I won’t go into your space either.”
And with that, Woo Baekyeon turned and went upstairs. That was what happened the day we returned from our honeymoon.
Actually, I had no intention of crossing the line he drew. I was just curious about the reason for his sharp demeanor. It felt awkward to ask for the key to the upstairs when I’m practically living here for free… Besides, the area ‘beyond the hallway’ assigned to me was more than enough; there was no reason to covet anything else.
My new space in the Sky Castle penthouse was as follows: One very large square bedroom, and three other rooms. One room was a dressing room with a built-in system closet, and the other two were empty. There was also a large bathroom with a bathtub, shower booth, and toilet spaced far apart, and a terrace large enough to pitch a tent and have a barbecue. This area alone was larger than most apartments, and the total area, including the living room and dining area, was about four times the size. The assumption that all living spaces are the same was a huge mistake.
While we were on our honeymoon, Woo Baekyeon’s staff moved my belongings from my studio apartment and neatly organized everything in the dressing room and throughout the assigned space. All my belongings were in their proper places, except for the rough towels embroidered with other people’s celebrations like 70th birthdays, first birthdays, and recitals, which were gathered in a box, and the bathroom was stocked with only the softest towels, gentle enough for a baby’s face.
The magic of Sky Castle, shaking up my lifestyle, didn’t end there.
First, a lavish meal would magically appear on the dining table when it was time to eat.
‘This is a bit much… but it’s delicious.’
Also, when I returned to the bedroom after waking up, the bed would be perfectly made, and my pajamas would be folded, smelling fresh.
‘They didn’t have to do this… but it’s convenient.’
Furthermore, the clothes I’d worn for less than an hour and tossed over the back of a chair would be neatly ironed and put away in the closet.
‘What the hell, this is scary… but what did they do to make them feel so nice?’
Even as I thought, ‘House elves, you don’t have to take care of me so much…’ I couldn’t stop myself from melting into the incredible comfort.
Although I felt like an uninvited guest, I’m the type who can sleep soundly anywhere as long as there’s a place to rest my head, even if I’m thrown into the mountains. I quickly adapted to myself lounging around in sweatpants that were probably cheaper than a spoon in this house.
But I didn’t worry about eventually returning to a normal life. Honestly, even if I stayed here for three years, it wouldn’t feel like my home. The marriage period is three years, but the time I’ve lived with my common sense is 27 years. This place was a world beyond common sense.
The owner of the penthouse was nowhere to be seen after our honeymoon. He seemed to leave early in the morning, but I didn’t know what time he came home.
I glanced up the stairs. There was always a light on upstairs, day and night. I don’t know when he sleeps. The leisurely time we spent together during our honeymoon must have been an exception; the rumors about him being a workaholic were true.
I felt a little hurt by Woo Baekyeon’s coldness, as if he had forgotten about our time in Jeju Island… but that feeling disappeared a few days ago. Gratitude replaced it.
The severance pay deposited in my account was more than three times what I expected.
I was curious about what he wrote in the email to the company, but that wasn’t important anymore. I bowed deeply towards the upstairs staircase that day.
As I went through the process of starting my own business, I gradually became busier. First, I contacted the real estate agents I had met and asked if they had any good properties available. Then, one of them replied, asking if I was interested in taking over an existing cafe.
‘Young CEO, I guarantee you won’t find a better deal. Just come take a look!’
After hearing his confident assertion, I rushed over and found a spacious commercial space, a 40-minute commute by public transport.
I was thrilled just looking at the pictures, but when I actually visited the place, I wondered, ‘Why hasn’t this place been taken yet with such good conditions?’ The realtor smiled kindly, and the contract seemed fine.
“The previous owner… got sick, I mean, they’re ill. I’m their daughter, and I’m here to sign the contract in their place. I brought all the documents in case you suspected anything, and here’s the power of attorney.”
“Ah, I see.”
“…..”
“…? Is something wrong?”
She looked at me listlessly, then lowered her gaze back to the contract.
“No… I just wanted to wish you good luck with your business.”
“Ah, yes. Thank you. Thanks to the previous owner selling me their used machine at a low price, I think I’ll be able to open easily. Oh, are you leaving the ‘One drink per person’ sign in the storage room too? Can I use it?”
“…That won’t be of much use… Still, I think you’ll have a less difficult time than my parents. Although it’ll be tough, of course…”
“Excuse me?”
“It’s nothing. You did sign the contract, right? I have to go back to the hospital.”
It seemed like the reason for the good deal was due to a serious health issue. When I wished the previous owner a speedy recovery, the daughter hesitated, then asked if I had bought plastic cups and straws. Suddenly, I received a huge pile of supplies as a bonus.
That afternoon, I diligently searched and contracted an interior design company with a sense of accomplishment.
“If you’re going to keep the air conditioner and plumbing as is, the construction won’t be too complicated. The partition wall isn’t difficult either… Replacing the windows will be the biggest task. Let’s see, um, with this size…”
“Will it take about a month?”
Since things were going so smoothly, I thought it would be nice to open the cafe early next year. With that in mind, I suggested a much shorter timeframe. If they balked at my suggestion, saying it would take at least two months, I’d ask them to shorten it by a week or two…
“No? Five days.”
“Excuse me?”
“There’s nothing to do here! Just bring the sign. What’s the name of your cafe?”
“…..?”
Wow. I didn’t know technology had advanced so rapidly. And suddenly, an unexpected fire was lit under my feet.
Less than a month to get a business permit, bring in desks, sofas, and even think about signature menus! I had to run to the sign shop right away. Then to the furniture market.
The image I had in mind was of sipping coffee in a cozy and quiet cafe, not aiming for huge success…! The bag hanging from my shoulder as I ran around frantically contained the bestseller, “All the Hard Work is for the CEO.” I’d planned to read it slowly while preparing to open the cafe, but I hadn’t even opened the cover.
Checking the interior, purchasing tables and chairs, visiting the wholesale market, completing hygiene training… every day was packed with appointments. By the time I returned to the penthouse, which I could call home, it was usually past midnight. Woo Baekyeon left for work early and went upstairs after returning, and I woke up later than he left and came home in the middle of the night, so we barely even saw each other. If it weren’t for the Name I saw every morning while washing my face, I would often forget that I was even married.
At first, I wondered if it was okay to live like this, but once the floodgates of tasks opened, I didn’t even have time to think about it.
“It hurts because I’m the CEO!”
And so, I became a brand-new, exhausted CEO.
Cafe TODAY IS THE DAY
“Kyaa…”
Just looking at the sign with the motivating cafe name made me feel full, even without eating.
What I wanted wasn’t a study cafe like a library. I wanted a cafe that was more student-friendly.
So, after discussing it with the interior design company, we divided the large space in half. We built a partition wall, making one side like a regular cafe and the other a study zone for students who wanted a quiet place to study, complete with soundproofing.
Even though there was no money left in my account, seeing ‘my cafe’ bathed in sunlight made all the hardships disappear.
‘TODAY IS THE DAY’ cafe was now in its second day of its soft opening. Although I didn’t have any grand opening events, I smoothly welcomed curious customers and sold drinks.
On top of that, I luckily found some help. I was on my way back with a new bag of sugar when I spotted someone moving a large potted plant and ran over.
“Hey, hey. Kim Sungjoong. Put that down. What are you lifting with a fractured foot?”
“Ah, hyung-nim. It’s fine, I told you.”
“I thought the worst injury you could get as a bodyguard was being hit by a telephoto camera, but after hearing your story, it’s being stepped on by high heels.”
One of my juniors from my former workplace, First Guard, had an unexpected break. When I asked if he wanted a part-time job at the cafe, he excitedly said his dream was to be a barista and came running.
“Anyway, thanks. If I had done the soft opening alone, I would have had at least one or two accidents. Thanks to you, today went smoothly too.”
“It was a unique experience for me too. I guess it really is winter. The days are getting really short.”
Before getting married, I felt the heat even during the day, but after the wedding, the honeymoon, and the hectic preparations for opening the cafe, it was now the season for light padding and coats. Of course, regardless of the season, I was stuck wearing only turtlenecks to hide my Name. Sungjoong, being a former colleague, knew my story.
“But hyung-nim, you’re newly married, is it okay to keep coming home so late? Doesn’t he… get upset?”
“Huh? Ah… He understands. He said it’s good that I’m working hard on something I want to do.”
It’s more like, the contract states, ‘Let’s not interfere with each other’s work.’
“Wow, as expected, Name couples are different. It’s all based on trust that stems from true love, isn’t it?”
“I guess so, maybe.”
“Hyung-nim, you’re slurring.”
Yeah, it’s because I can’t give a proper answer.
“Oh, two more students came earlier.”
“Really? Did they study?”
“No. They just wandered around the study zone, so I told them to use the cafe tables if they weren’t going to study, and then they left. Oh, there they are.”
Through the glass wall, I saw two male students glancing alternately at their phones and the cafe. They seemed to be taking pictures of the cafe. It hasn’t been long since summer vacation ended, yet their hairstyles were quite diverse for students.
“Oh ho. I know exactly what to do.”
The more students seem uninterested in studying, the more shy they are about getting started. When I quit sports and started studying, I hesitated just like that in the alleyway. And I was saved by the warm hand of the local cafe owner.
This is it. I opened ‘TODAY IS THE DAY’ cafe for this moment. Keeping a close eye on the two potential customers, I carefully tied a scarf around my neck to cover my Name. Woo Baekyeon had covered my face with it during our honeymoon, and I’d taken it without thinking and left it lying around, but I recently found a use for it. This styling would add a touch of approachable dad-on-a-hike warmth.
“Wait here. I’ll catch them. This is what they call salesmanship.”
“Fighting, hyung-nim!”
I started from the counter with a pre-emptive, innocent smile plastered on my face. I don’t even need the encouragement, I’ve been dealing with kids since Chaerin and Chaeseong were in kindergarten until they were seniors in high school. I’m a pro.
“Fuck, are you sure that nerd went in here?”
“Are you blind, you idiot? That’s why I said let’s just catch him in front of the school.”
“The teachers are patrolling like crazy. Ah, fuck, how long do we have to wait? I’m going in and dragging him out.”
“The old owner was a pushover, so we could use the AC comfortably, but the new owner is a bit…”
“Hey, are you scared? Are you scared, I said?”
“You wanna die, asshole?”
The students were having a serious conversation laced with profanity. I only heard the last part, but they’re hesitant to come into the cafe, right? Just as I expected.
“Students, can I have a word with you?”
I have something I need to say to these two.
By the way, I’ve been looking at the giant that is Woo Baekyeon for a while, so I felt like I’d shrunk, but I guess not. The student in my line of sight put his hands in his pockets and stuck out his chin.
“What… sir?”
“I know exactly what you’re thinking.”
“…Excuse me?”
I put my hand on his shoulder and brought my smiling face closer so the students would feel comfortable.
“We only live once, let’s not have regrets. You never know how today’s decision will come back to you in unexpected ways. Don’t you agree?”
There’s no set time for studying, but there is a best time. And that’s right now, at their age. They just have to start now, without hesitation. Right now, at the ‘TODAY IS THE DAY’ cafe right in front of them.
“I messed around more than you guys when I was younger, so I understand how you feel. Very well. I even have a lot of regrets. Things I shouldn’t have done. If I had only come to my senses a little earlier, I could have saved myself a lot of suffering cooped up in a dark room…”
When I was a senior in high school, with about 100 days left until the college entrance exam, the relaxed focus I got at cafes wasn’t enough to catch up, so I had to be stuck in a study room all day. Those memories and experiences are embodied in this cafe. My shoulders puffed up as the two students, moved by my speech, took trembling breaths. I gently pressed down on their shoulders with both hands. They’re still better than I was back then. Their trapezius muscles are tense, so they haven’t completely given up on studying.
“So, from now on…”
“Waaaaah!”
“Aah! Hey! Fuck! Let’s go!”
Huh?
The students shook off my hands and ran down the alley. I blinked blankly, watching their quickly disappearing figures.
What was that about?
As I came back inside, still glancing at the spot where the students had disappeared, Sungjoong was biting back a laugh.
“…Ah, maybe they had something urgent to do.”
“Doesn’t seem like you’ll be making bank, hyung-nim.”
“Excuse me, I’d… like to order.”
A student emerged from the study zone and handed his card to the counter, interrupting our conversation.
“I, I’d like a cafe latte, and please extend my time by three hours.”
“Oh, yes. I’ll bring it to your table right away.”
Hurry up and use the machine, kid. The student with horn-rimmed glasses who ordered the cafe latte looked at us, then at the spot where the other students had disappeared, and went back inside.
The next day, the student brought a friend who looked similar to him. Grateful, I brought them some complimentary cookies. The next day, that friend brought his group members for a project. After cheerfully serving them, I went outside the cafe and was about to stretch my stiff shoulders when I felt gazes from inside. I stopped, not wanting to disturb their studying, and quietly returned to the counter. A new order came in just in time, so I diligently blended a smoothie.
A few days later, at night.
About ten students with a swaggering air came to the cafe around closing time.
“Hey, is this the place?”
“You cowards, what are you so scared of? What are they going to do if we cause trouble in their store?”
“No, it’s not like that! We left because it was time for the teachers to patrol! Shit, the interior is awesome. We’re all dead.”
They tried to dress like adults, but their youthful faces gave them away.
That day also happened to be when my former team members from First Guard security company were visiting to celebrate the cafe’s opening.
“Oh, we have a group of customers.”
“Let’s clear this big table. Come on in and have a seat.”
As soon as they entered, the large men in black suits and ties stood up in unison, and the students flinched and stepped back.
“Hyung-nim Hankyung, customers!”
“Hankyung! Hey, why can’t he hear us?”
There was a brief commotion, but I didn’t notice because I was busy fiddling with the buttons on the dishwasher inside the counter. I jumped when I reflexively caught a hand that swiped at the back of my head.
“Whoa! What?!”
“I said we have customers! A group! I told them the cafe isn’t closed yet, so come out quickly!”
“Oh, really?”
I dried my wet hands and rushed out. My former team members considerately parted to the left and right, creating a path for the customers to walk straight to the counter.
“…!”
Ah, this is the kind of treatment only CEOs receive. Lucky customers.
“What can I get for you?”
“…We’d like, nine iced Americanos.”
“A bulk order!”
“Jung Hankyung, looks like you’re treating us.”
“Yeah, yeah, I’ll go sell one of my corneas.”
It was a lame joke, so no one laughed, not the First Guard guys, nor the customers.
“For here or to go?”
“To, to go!”
“Okay, it’ll be ready soon.”
“Hyung-nim Hankyung, I felt it before, but your reflexes are amazing. Did you see how you swatted away that hand just now? You always caught the people sneaking around on site. It’s such a waste that you left the industry.”
He was talking about when I used to remove hidden cameras during idol security details.
“That’s true. If only that incident hadn’t been broadcast so much, he could have stayed.”
“You’re just saying that because you know I can’t go back? It’s not like I can, with this on my neck. Here are your drinks!”
Instead of explaining verbally, I gestured to my neck with my hand to indicate the Name. The customers, who I faced again after making the coffee, looked pale. Is the heating too low? As I handed them the nine iced Americanos, the customers fled the cafe.
Oh well, they could have taken their time. They must have been uncomfortable because of the noisy guys. After finishing the pleasant group order, I pulled down the shutters and had a small party with my former team members at the large table.
As empty beer cans and snack wrappers piled up, the well-decorated cafe quickly turned into a drinking party.
“How’s the company these days? I remember it was chaotic because of celebrities and drugs when I left.”
“Do you think those troublemakers are gone now? It’s spread even to rich kids, it’s a mess. Oh, there was a huge incident in another team…”
He stopped mid-sentence. I suddenly remembered that I was no longer in a position to be privy to such information.
“Well, it’s…”
“Ah, ah. Don’t say it if it’s a problem. You don’t have to worry about me. We know each other’s situations.”
“Sorry, man. I shouldn’t have brought it up…”
“Ah, I know what it’s about, but it doesn’t matter if you tell me, right? You didn’t take it, right?”
“Is that so?”
The manager, awkwardly sipping his canned beer, shrugged and spoke.
“Yeah, it’s not like Hankyung will post it anywhere, it’s fine to talk without naming names. The… client did drugs. But the parents told the bodyguard to take the fall. They offered him a lot of money or something.”
“Holy shit, that’s crazy…!”
Once again, there are so many shitty people in the world.
“Huh, you couldn’t report it? But I guess you refused since you’re telling me about it.”
“Of course. I’m glad the headquarters is in the US in cases like this. As soon as the report went in, they took action. If it were a domestic company, they might have hesitated.”
“I take back all the bad things I said about them firing me without hesitation. Foreign companies are the best. Wow…, but that’s really…”
“Honestly, it’s not that big of a deal. Switching drivers for drunk driving is commonplace now, and there are probably tons of people who have taken the fall and gone to jail for rich people.”
“Ugh… If they have so much money, why can’t they just be good people? What is wrong with chaebols?”
The cheerful conversation stopped, and amused gazes turned to me. Why are they looking at me like that?
“You married the king of chaebols.”
…That’s true. There was someone very close to me who could achieve a lot with money. I’m not sure if we can be considered close, considering we haven’t properly seen each other for almost a month.
But Woo Baekyeon… it feels wrong to bring Woo Baekyeon into this. He did try to push me around with money… but, hey, he doesn’t do bad things.
“Ah, not Woo Baekyeon. He lives like everyone else. Chaerin and Chaeseong’s family is also normal. The chaebols around me are good people.”
“That’s funny. The chaebols around me are good people. Come to think of it, Hankyung, didn’t you say even the notoriously rude celebrities didn’t give you much trouble? That’s amazing.”
“Even if I did quit, you shouldn’t talk like I had it easy. You know I’ve been hit, scratched, and experienced all sorts of things.”
“Hey, man! You can forget all that! You got a huge severance package! I was so surprised!”
The team leader, pouring soju into a large paper cup, shouted.
“Oh, how did you know?”
“You think it would have been approved without the team leader knowing?”
“Wow, how much was it? Jung Hankyung, since you heard a secret, spill yours now. How much was your severance pay?”
“What’s the secret?”
A nice chaebol writing an email for me…? Unable to withstand the coercion and threats demanding I reveal how much I received, I mumbled the amount of my severance pay in a small voice.
Then they demanded I buy them more drinks and kicked me out of the cafe. Judging by their boisterous behavior and the sincerity in their voices, I must have received a lot.
“What did Woo Baekyeon write in that email?”
Ugh, the outside air feels even colder after being surrounded by people. I quickened my pace towards the convenience store across the street.
“Huh?”
The young customers who bought iced Americanos earlier were loitering nearby, and when they saw me, they quickly disappeared. They must really miss the cafe. I should try to persuade them next time.
But a week later, I learn a shocking secret about my smoothly running cafe.
[Okyeong-dong Moms’ Chatter]
(Free Talk) The new cafe, Today is the Day, is really nice~^^
It seems like they remodeled and reopened in the old Little Coffee location~..
It was infamous as the cafe where delinquents and high school dropouts hung out…
When my second child got assigned to Okyung High School.. our whole family was like, what are we going to do~~~ but
these days, all the punks and delinquents who extort money and smoke cigarettes around there have completely disappeared!!!
It’s all thanks to the new cafe’s male owner and part-timer
I heard they’re both tall and built from working out for a long time, so no one dares to go near~^^
Apparently… the owner even warned them to stop bothering the students!!!^^
I gave my son, who wants to study there, some allowance~~ flex~~
I really hope they stay in business for a long time~~^^!
(47 comments)
—Huh~^^;; But what did the owner used to do??
└I wonder too. I’m worried in a different way…
└He’s handsome and kind~~
└Whoever he is, it’s much better to walk around there now
—The previous owner was hospitalized with anger issues because of the delinquentsㅠ.ㅠ I hope they recover quickly
└I know them personally, and after hearing about the new owner’s deeds, they said they’re thinking of sending a five-tier flower wreath
……
…
“That’s how the rumor spread.”
Jang Heeyeon, the new weekend part-timer, revealed the hidden truth. She, also found through Sungjoong’s connections, was a former judo athlete.
“Ah, so those kids who were loitering around for the past few days…, hey, Sungjoong. Do we really look that scary?”
“I was always smiling kindly! They were the ones who ran away!”
“Kim Sungjoong has a face that’s perfect for a bandit if he weren’t a bodyguard, and while the owner’s handsome face offsets his size, the problem is that he always wears a black turtleneck or that Hermès scarf. I thought he was a tattooed gangster at first.”
“Hey, hey, it’s not like that, hyung-nim has his reasons…”
“It’s my style. Respect it. I don’t have any tattoos.”
I rolled up my sleeves to show my clean arms. It’s difficult to explain why I cover my neck every day.
By the way, the scarf is… Hermès? I just realized that today. No wonder it doesn’t itch even when it touches my neck. I should return it, but he’ll probably just get annoyed if I mention the coffee stains…
“Anyway, all’s well that ends well, right? Business is booming.”
“…That’s true.”
Saturday morning, the study zone was almost 60% full, and the cafe zone had two tables that looked like groups of parents and five tables of students working on projects. It was a huge success, no matter how you looked at it.
It’s not a bad rumor, it’s a good rumor, and the results are good, so it’s fine. I took off my apron and put it down.
“Then I’ll leave the closing to you. I’m leaving now.”
“Yes, CEO. Have a good night.”
“Hyung-nim, get some rest.”
I waved to them and went outside with my coat. I felt the parents’ gazes following me.
Only after leaving the front of the store could I pull down my turtleneck and let the air in. Ah, refreshing.
“How long has it been since I felt the outside air?”
Starting a business was much harder than I had anticipated. Last night, which was a Friday, we had a large order from some drunk customers, which delayed closing by an hour, and I had to come in early this morning to do a weekend cleaning. Today, with two people to look after the cafe, I finally escaped from behind the counter. I was planning to stay in bed all day and rest.
“Huu, it’s been a while since I came here while the sun was still up…”
I even welcomed the pressure in my ears from the high-speed elevator. The wait until I reached the 30th floor felt the same.
When I got off the elevator and placed my left thumb on the keypad, the front door unlocked. I took off my shoes, walked down the long hallway, and opened the inner door.
The penthouse on the top floor of Sky Castle was as vast as ever. And as always, quiet.
It’s been a little over a month since I moved in. It’s embarrassing to call it living here since I only come here to sleep.
This palace-like space, which I thought I would never get used to, started to feel like a hideout after I started working outside. Maybe it’s because I haven’t run into the real owner of the house. Since I practically had the downstairs to myself, I naturally stopped being so careful even when just taking out a cup.
There was no sign of anyone else inside today either. Did Woo Baekyeon go to work even on the weekend? He said he was busy, so that’s possible…
But I’m taking a break today. I’ll take a shower, take a nice two or three-hour nap, wake up and watch the sunset while finally finishing “All the Hard Work is for the CEO” (currently on page 11), and research cafe recipes on YouTube. And eat a hearty dinner!
I shoved my whining body, which wanted to collapse and sleep, into the shower booth. As the hot water rhythmically pounded my body, a song drifted into my drowsy mind. It was from the two-hour playlist I had been playing for the past two days. I had memorized the lyrics and could even hum the interludes. Track ten, “Farewell Streetlight”.
“You said you didn’t want to hold my hand, you were the one who let go first.”
My mouth moved on its own as the highlight of the song played in my head. I understand why our ancestors created work songs. When you’re tired and about to lose your mind, forcibly raising your spirits is the best.
After scrubbing myself clean, I felt thirsty. I’ll just have a glass of water and then lie down. The song I’d hummed kept replaying in my head.
“Yeah, I don’t want to either, I won’t hold on, let’s break up, our shadows parting ways.”
Woooah. As the climax of the high note approached, the excitement in the small concert in my head intensified, and my voice became more dramatic. As I passionately belted out the song and arrived in the living room, there was someone there.
I made eye contact with Woo Baekyeon, who looked like he had just found a cockroach singing at the top of its lungs in his house.
“…Didn’t you go to work?”
“It’s Saturday, why would I?”
“Right. Big corporations have good benefits… uh…”
“…..”
“…Well, I sometimes get carried away. I stopped after getting a note when I lived in my studio apartment… but today, for some reason, I couldn’t hold back my inner beat…”
“…..”
I wanted to hide in a mouse hole if I could, but there’s no way such a thing exists in this extravagant mansion. Finally, Woo Baekyeon opened his mouth and said,
“Why did you get a note?”
“Huh?”
“You said you received notes when you lived in your studio apartment.”
“Ah… those were complaints about my singing, written on sticky notes and stuck to my door. Because it’s awkward to say it face-to-face… I didn’t sing after that… that’s how you negotiate opinions when you’re living with others. Peacefully.”
“I see.”
“…..”
Of all things, why did our reunion after a month have to be this embarrassing? Along with the changing seasons, Woo Baekyeon also felt a bit unfamiliar.
“Jung Hankyung, are you busy?”
“Huh?”
“I haven’t seen you around much.”
“I am busy, but our schedules don’t seem to match. You’re already gone when I leave for work, and when I come back, you’re always upstairs.”
“I don’t usually come downstairs late at night.”
“Is that so…”
“But I can hear you singing.”
“…..”
I thought we were over that.
“…Jung Hankyung, the lyrics of the song you were singing just now, were they directed at me…?”
“Ahhh! That’s because I’m overworked! That song has been playing on repeat at the cafe all day! You know, I slept less than three hours yesterday, and the same today!”
“Are you tired?”
“Yes! I’m going to bed now. See you later!”
I turned and fled the living room. So, he came downstairs because he heard me singing and it was too loud. He couldn’t stand it anymore and came down from his self-imposed confinement upstairs…
I flailed my arms and legs as I dove into the bed. But it felt like Woo Baekyeon was trying to say something, rather than complaining about the singing.
“Ugh…”
The immense shock of embarrassment, combined with exhaustion, pushed me over the edge. My eyelids drooped as if refusing to function any further. Fine, just let me sleep. In a few hours, I’ll even forget about Woo Baekyeon…
But it was nice to see him after so long. Ah, I should just sleep for an hour or two and wake up to talk to Woo Baekyeon before he goes upstairs, ask him how he’s been.
And finish everything I planned to do….
💍
When I opened my eyes, my precious day off was gone. No one who wakes up groaning and clutching their face can be said to have had a happy awakening.
I reviewed the goals I had set for my day off.
(1) Recover 》 X (I overslept and now my sleep schedule is ruined)
(2) Read “All the Hard Work is for the CEO” 》 X (Still on page 11)
(3) Research recipes on YouTube 》 X (I can’t use the kitchen at this hour)
(4) Talk to Woo Baekyeon… 》 X (That was worse than not talking at all)
The more I thought about it, the emptier I felt, and the more empty I felt, the hungrier I became. Why am I living like a pauper when I wake up surrounded by perfect luxury?
I pulled myself together and managed to sit up, then turned on my phone. It was just past 10 pm.
“Ha… I wonder what’s in the fridge… ugh.”
As soon as I opened the door, I shielded my eyes with my hand and winced. The hallway lights were blindingly bright. Did I accidentally bump the switch with my shoulder when I stumbled in earlier? The light, pouring down like a reprimand to the lazy me, continued into the living room. It was so bright that it felt less like a reprimand and more like a consolation, making me forget it was nighttime.
The closer I got, the more delicious the smell became. This savory aroma was the essence of Korean cuisine.
‘Oh, is Woo Baekyeon eating right now?’
Then I should ask if I can join him. I quickly left the hallway and headed for the living room.
“Hey, Woo Baekyeon.”
Oh. As expected, Woo Baekyeon was sitting at the dining table. He just glanced at me and checked his wristwatch. Across from him, another place setting was laid out.
“Oh, is this mine?”
“Whose else would it be?”
He prepared it in advance. I was touched, despite his curt reply.
And I realized the source of the delicious smell. Bulgogi and octopus were deliciously tangled with vegetables and glass noodles in a hot pot. A variety of side dishes surrounded it.
“Whoa, thanks for the food.”
“Don’t eat that.”
His frosty voice stopped my spoon mid-air.
Woo Baekyeon made a call.
“Prepare a new meal.”
Several sets of footsteps approached. They swiftly cleared the food from the table and replaced it with a steaming hot, identical meal.
“Hey, what a waste. I can eat cold food just fine.”
“I can’t.”
“Ah…”
After the staff left, the house became quiet again, as if nothing had happened. Woo Baekyeon, maintaining his upright posture throughout, ate his meal elegantly, barely making a sound.
Most of the side dishes were in individual bowls, but the hot pot was placed in the center. The table was so wide that we had to get up from our seats to reach the food in the middle. As I filled my bowl with the stew, my gaze fell on him, daintily picking at his rice with his chopsticks.
“Woo Baekyeon, give me your plate.”
“Why?”
“I’ll get some for you.”
It’s obvious, why is he asking when I’m holding the ladle? Woo Baekyeon looked at me quizzically, then handed me his plate. I generously filled it with octopus and meat, more than my own portion, and handed it back. Woo Baekyeon, after receiving his food, took less than half a spoonful of the broth and put down his spoon.
“Hey, eat more. It’s getting cold, you need your strength.”
“…You should take care of yourself.”
“That’s true. Starting a business is no joke. It really hurts because I’m the CEO.”
“You said you were preparing a cafe. How’s it going?”
“Oh, you remember. I opened last Wednesday.”
“It’s already been ten days?”
“I took over an existing cafe, so the preparation period was much shorter. Hey, I think I have a knack for business. The cafe is packed with customers every day…”
I stopped mid-boast, suddenly feeling strange.
“Why did you stop?”
“Uh… nothing, just that it’s off to a good start. It’s going well.”
“That didn’t sound like what you were going to say.”
“No, I’m still half asleep.”
“Then finish what you were saying.”
How should I describe this sudden sense of unease…?
It feels like we’ve gone back to the first day of our honeymoon in Jeju Island, when we dropped formalities and became closer. The time we spent entangled with each other due to the Name symptom has completely disappeared, like a dream.
I’ve heard stories like this. When you meet someone by fate while traveling, you think it’s the love of a lifetime, exchange numbers, say, “Let’s definitely keep in touch when we’re back in Korea!” and then part ways. But then you meet again in Seoul, and they’re just… a regular person.
Back then, we weren’t just influenced by the Name symptom, but also by something else we felt for each other. Now, I wonder, ‘Why did we act like that?’ about the inexplicable surge of desire. It seems like Woo Baekyeon feels the same. That’s why he drew a line as soon as we came back, right?
A fire that burns quickly also dies out quickly. I don’t regret sleeping with Woo Baekyeon, but it doesn’t feel incredibly significant either.
“Jung Hankyung, the cafe. Finish what you were saying.”
During the brief silence, Woo Baekyeon’s expression turned sullen. I have various impressions of Woo Baekyeon. He’s breathtakingly beautiful, prickly, and carries himself with an elegance that would make him seem like he comes from a wealthy family even if he were dressed in rags. And he’s unexpectedly clumsy.
Despite his indefinable nature, I still didn’t feel like he was my spouse.
This urge to tease him, who seems slightly annoyed, feels more like something I’d do with a friend.
“Heh, Director Woo. You said it would fail, but you’re curious, aren’t you?”
“…..”
“Our cafe is quite famous in the neighborhood. It’s become a craze among the parents. Here’s what happened.”
“…..”
“Ah, now that I think about it, I shouldn’t leak these small business success secrets to someone who works at a big corporation.”
“Stop if you don’t want to.”
Woo Baekyeon put down his chopsticks irritably. It was the loudest sound he’d made with his utensils today.
“I’m kidding, I actually really wanted to brag. This was posted on a mom’s online community today.”
I showed Woo Baekyeon the screenshot of the post and explained the whole story.
“You guided the delinquent students and made it easier for other students to study comfortably. You did.”
“Well, it wasn’t that big of a deal…”
As I shifted awkwardly, my outstretched foot touched something solid. But there shouldn’t be a table leg here.
“…..?”
Judging by the way he was looking at me with a frown, it must have been Woo Baekyeon’s leg. Since it’s human nature to want to touch something when you’re stared at like that, I nudged his calf again, pretending not to notice.
“…..”
Thud.
Then came the counterattack. He kicked my ankle quite hard. Oh, you’re going to play it like that?
It didn’t end there, and he nudged my leg again. Thud, tap, thud. My competitive spirit was ignited.
“Stop it.”
His cold, haughty voice stopped me with displeasure.
“Hey, where do you get off hitting and running?”
“We exchanged three hits, so it’s over.”
“…..”
Uh… didn’t I say that during our honeymoon when we were giving each other kiss marks? Or not. It could just be a common saying…
Come to think of it, the Name is supposed to induce sexual desire in the other person if they don’t have physical contact for a while, is Woo Baekyeon okay? Actually, our bare skin did touch a bit around the ankles when we were playing footsie, but neither of us reacted. Maybe it was intense in Jeju Island because it was our first time, and now it’s not a big deal.
“Anyway, business is going well. The rumors are good, and what helped the most was the pre-paid customers.”
“What do you mean by pre-paid customers?”
“The director of the English academy next door and the CEO of a small company pre-paid about 300,000 to 400,000 won. They asked me to deduct the amount when their employees come to the cafe. They usually come after having lunch together. Thanks to them, I’m not in the red this month with my loan payments.”
“You have a loan?”
“Hey, ordinary people, when they open their own business, they always start with a loan. It’s from the bank, so don’t worry.”
“I told you to ask for what you need. Why didn’t you tell me?”
Ah, there it is again, the offer of money. But now I’ve developed immunity to the frustration it causes.
“I said I won’t take it. How many times do I have to say it? I’ll pay it back myself by diligently making coffee.”
“Haa…”
He sighed elegantly, as if tired of talking to an idiot. I wanted to pinch those pretty lips.
“What’s the name of your cafe?”
“Today is the Day.”
“Today is the day? …That’s unusual.”
Yeah, that’s right, the one you pronounce better than I do, CEO. Woo Baekyeon sighed again.
Anyway, it seems like my refusal of his money has been clearly conveyed. While Woo Baekyeon took two more bites of his food, I finished my heaping bowl of rice.
“Jung Hankyung, are you going to the cafe tomorrow too?”
“Of course. Even though I hired people to help, it’s best if I’m there myself for a while.”
“Will you be coming home late?”
“I don’t know. Why? Do you have something to do at home? Feel free to invite guests over. Don’t mind me.”
“No outsiders, other than the maintenance staff, are allowed in this house.”
What? His voice suddenly turned cold. Woo Baekyeon let out a short sigh.
“…There’s a study on the other side of the downstairs living room, and a gym next to it. There’s various equipment, and… a sports bed I recently had installed. You seem completely unaware of them.”
“Oh, really? How big is this house? Anyway, thanks. I’ll go check it out when you’re not around.”
“Why?”
“Didn’t you tell me to go check it out?”
“…..”
“Ah, were you telling me not to go…?”
“No. Go. Do as you please.”
Woo Baekyeon put down his chopsticks with a clatter next to his half-empty bowl. His brow remained furrowed as he wiped his mouth with a napkin.
“Woo Baekyeon, you seem busy these days, you should eat more.”
“Me?”
“Yeah. I’ve been coming and going late these days, and the light is always on upstairs.”
Woo Baekyeon started to get up from his seat, then hesitated and turned his head away.
“Mind your own business.”
Hmm, as expected, this cold ending feels like the proper conclusion to a conversation with Woo Baekyeon. Like a ‘to be continued’ sign.
Woo Baekyeon went upstairs, following the brightly lit staircase. The well-soundproofed house conveyed the sound of his footsteps for about ten steps before becoming quiet again.
“…Ah.”
I thought all my plans for my day off were ruined, but I did accomplish one thing: talking to Woo Baekyeon. Except for the ending, the atmosphere wasn’t bad, and I’m glad he seems to be doing well. He doesn’t look sick or stressed.
Back in my room after dinner, I found a yellow sticky note on the door.
Sing a different song.
Dinner at 8, 9, 10.
The two lines were written in the same handwriting as the one on my neck. What happened to him? The dinner time keeps changing. It’s good that it’s finally settled at 10 pm. After being cut off from the common man’s means of communication, I thought the living room and hallway seemed particularly bright today, and entered my room.