DAH Ch 10

It’s incredible how much your living environment can change things.

The more he realized and felt this, the more a bittersweet feeling crept into Jungjoon’s heart. Seeing Ian brighten up in a better neighborhood, relax in a spacious house, and take a special liking to the balcony—a space they’d never had before—brought Jungjoon joy, but also weighed heavily on one corner of his mind.

He couldn’t fully rejoice due to the guilt of not having provided these things sooner and the anxiety of not being able to guarantee them forever.

‘You’ve got to understand. That’s how parents feel. How could I just let you live however you want and stand by when I know you’ll struggle? Right?’

Only now did Jungjoon fully grasp the words his mother-in-law had once said. Before marrying his wife, he hadn’t understood the concerns of the adults who opposed their union, but now it clicked.

This was a matter of life itself changing. Experiencing it firsthand made it hit home even harder. The life he’d built for himself versus the life Yoonhae had provided—the gap between them made him feel the weight of being the head of a household in a visceral way.

She never got to experience something like this.

Even as he felt satisfaction in this comfortable lifestyle, sadness crept in whenever he thought of his wife. She must have suffered so much because she married the wrong man. She deserved to enjoy this fully, yet she left without even a taste of it.

Jungjoon pressed his stinging nose firmly and started the car. Whenever he risked slipping into excessive sentimentality, he’d think of Ian to pull himself together. It had been two years since he’d resolved to think of his child more instead of wallowing in sadness, to live harder instead of lingering in regret.

“I’ll try harder, Jina-yah….”

Muttering to himself, he turned the steering wheel. His misty eyes soon revealed a steely resolve, and his mournful expression returned to its usual firmness.

Driving home, Jungjoon decided to feel gratitude instead of sadness. Just not having to rush to daycare like a hunted man anymore was something to be thankful for.

Since putting Ian in extended care, he could shop leisurely, no longer weaving through traffic signals or bowing apologetically to teachers like a sinner. Life was improving, and he believed it was all thanks to his wife watching over them from above. Thinking this way naturally boosted his energy and brought a smile to his face.

He drove cheerfully and arrived at the officetel. After picking Ian up from daycare, Jungjoon headed to the mart.

“…So, uh, Hayoung-ie said thank you to Ian and kissed him here?”

“Hayoung-ie kissed you? On your cheek, Ian?”

“Yeah!”

Holding hands and wandering the mart, Ian chattered away. Lately, it was all about this girl named Hayoung, a daily topic.

“That’s nice. Ian must’ve liked that.”

“Yeah!”

There was no doubt Ian’s quick adjustment to daycare was thanks to her influence. Jungjoon found it both amusing and surprising that Ian was already old enough to like a girl, wondering what a little kid could possibly know.

“Does Ian want to marry Hayoung-ie?”

At the question, Ian hesitated slightly before nodding. Seeing the faint blush on his cheeks, Jungjoon let out a chuckle. He stopped laughing abruptly when his eyes briefly met those of a man standing in the opposite section.

“…….”

The man casually averted his gaze and turned to pick items, catching Jungjoon’s attention.

Jungjoon stood still, lost in thought for a moment. …Where have I seen him before? He tried to recall the vaguely familiar face but couldn’t place it right away.

Unable to figure it out and feeling frustrated, he followed Ian’s lead. It wasn’t until they reached the snack section that the déjà vu clicked.

It was a man he’d crossed paths with once or twice in their old neighborhood. He’d stood out because of his polished appearance. His clothes and hairstyle weren’t flashy but had a refined elegance. Jungjoon had fleetingly thought about dressing or styling his hair like that, which is why the memory stuck.

Confirming it was the same person, Jungjoon was inwardly surprised. What a strange coincidence. He’d seen him once in the parking lot of their old apartment and once at a nearby mart, assuming he was a local.

Now, with a new neighborhood and home, meeting him again like a fellow resident felt eerie. This mart was inside the complex, mainly used by officetel residents. If this man had lived in the same neighborhood and apartment before and now moved to the same neighborhood and officetel again, it’d be an extraordinary connection.

“Hello.”

That’s why Jungjoon, uncharacteristically for him, approached and spoke.

“Didn’t you used to live in Building B? I think I saw you a few times in that neighborhood, and now here too. We just moved in recently.”

“…Oh, yes.”

“…….”

The man visibly stiffened. Instead of responding with a yes or no, he only showed discomfort, causing Jungjoon to stiffen in turn. The man pulled out his phone as if receiving a call, gave a curt nod, and turned away.

“Daddy—who’s that?”

“…Uh, no one. It’s nothing.”

Jungjoon brushed off his flustered state and turned around. Did I overdo it? Realizing his actions belatedly, his face grew hot. Thinking about it, he’d feel uneasy too if a stranger approached claiming familiarity.

Maybe it was the newfound ease in his daily life that had him briefly excited. Living comfortably in a nice place might’ve sparked a desire to connect with neighbors. Reflecting on how he’d gotten carried away in a home that wasn’t truly his, Jungjoon let out a wry laugh.

Back home, they ate dinner with the groceries. Afterward, he colored with Ian as the child wanted, and about an hour later, he bathed Ian and put him to bed. Reading a story until Ian fell fast asleep, Jungjoon finally left the room.

Now it was fully his time. Jungjoon packed a few simple items and quietly left the house.

At the gym, he started with a light warm-up. The fitness center in the officetel wasn’t just conveniently close—it was clean and spacious, better than the expensive gyms he’d paid for before.

While lightly jogging on the treadmill, Jungjoon checked his phone. Opening an app, the screen filled with a dark room—the same scene as when he’d left, with Ian sleeping soundly in the center.

‘They say every house with kids uses this.’

Yoonhae had said that when gifting it. A few days after the move, he’d stopped by to replace a bathroom faucet and handed it over.

Jungjoon had initially refused, embarrassed to receive yet another gift on top of all the help. But since it was genuinely useful, he’d reluctantly accepted, and it’d been a lifesaver ever since. Being able to step out to exercise while Ian slept was all thanks to this home CCTV.

Jungjoon decided to admit his worries had been excessive. The unease and foreboding from the first day of the move were just temporary jitters. After all the hardship, it was natural to be on edge after moving.

Yoonhae had been considerate since then. Aside from the faucet issue, he hadn’t visited or contacted Jungjoon once. And Jungjoon was sincerely grateful for that thoughtfulness. Thanks to Yoonhae’s care, the initial feeling of imposition faded after the first day, and now the place truly felt like home.

No sooner had he thought this than his phone rang. The caller was Yoonhae, who’d just been occupying his mind.

“Hello.”

Jungjoon answered through his earphones.

―You doing okay?

“Yeah, of course. Doing great. Been so good I forgot to check in.”

A dry laugh came through the phone.

―Glad to hear it. If there’s anything wrong with the place or anything inconvenient, let me know right away. Since I’m taking a deposit and rent, I’ve got to do the basics, right?

The “rent” was laughably low compared to market rates. The deposit was the same—just a token to ease Jungjoon’s conscience. It was a face-saving gesture, a minimal courtesy rather than a real contract amount, making Yoonhae’s consideration both appreciated and awkward.

“What… the place is spotless and perfect. If anything comes up, I’ll handle it, so don’t worry.”

―Don’t try too hard to keep it spotless. Let Ian scribble or scratch the walls or whatever. It’s a house with a kid—it’s natural for it to get messy.

“…….”

At those thoughtful words, Jungjoon couldn’t respond and slowed the treadmill. Catching his breath while walking, Yoonhae finally chimed in, “Sounds like you’re working out.”

“Yeah, I’m at the gym. That home cam you got me lets me step out with peace of mind—it’s been great.”

―I heard it’s a must for homes with kids, so I got it. Glad it’s actually helping. Oh, by the way, Sungha was wondering—would it be okay to visit this weekend? For a housewarming. We can push it back if you’re busy.

“Oh… yeah, this weekend’s fine. You and Sungha are welcome anytime.”

―Great. I’ll bring some tasty wine then. Can you let me know once the time’s set?

“Sure, will do.”

After the call, Jungjoon sped up the treadmill again. Running hard enough to pant, he mentally planned the weekend menu.

Braised short ribs, japchae, clam kalguksu… what else?

He mulled over the fanciest dishes he could manage. With the housewarming as an excuse, he felt a surge of determination to cook properly. Anything lacking could be covered with delivery, so there wasn’t much to worry about.

…A housewarming.

Just a few weeks ago, it was something he couldn’t have dreamed of. The sudden stability in life and the first taste of leisure since raising Ian alone felt unreal.

He’d long forgotten the joy of interacting with people. Deciding to rebuild that step by step, Jungjoon ran on the treadmill with a renewed sense of purpose.

After showering and returning home, he checked on the sleeping Ian and changed. Turning on a desk lamp, he sat and jotted down preparations in a notebook. Weekend dishes, ingredients and items to buy, essentials—30 minutes passed in a flash.

Feeling a gaze, he turned and locked eyes with the camera.

“…….”

The small snowman-shaped CCTV had a motion sensor that turned its lens. Maybe because it was the quiet dead of night, it felt like it was staring with intent, giving him chills. Feeling watched, Jungjoon approached and turned it off.

Tidying the desk, he lay beside Ian. Listening to the child’s soft breathing, he closed his eyes as sleepiness washed over him. Grateful to go to bed anticipating tomorrow, Jungjoon held Ian’s hand. Pressing their foreheads together, sharing warm breaths, he fell asleep in utter peace.

⟡˖ ࣪

On the evening of the housewarming, cleaning and meal prep finished more easily than expected. Thanks to Yoonhae arriving earlier than promised to help, as he’d mentioned before.

At first, Jungjoon felt uneasy about a guest bustling around like the homeowner, but since Yoonhae’s help sped things up, he sincerely expressed his gratitude.

“Feels like I made you work too much—sorry. You could’ve just come with Sungha later and eaten comfortably….”

“Sungha couldn’t make it today anyway because of work. I’d rather come help than sit around doing nothing.”

“…Thanks for saying that.”

With a faint smile, Jungjoon plated the finished braised short ribs.

“Can you taste it? It’s been so long—I’m not sure if it’s good.”

The last meal he’d served was simple fare, so there’d been no worries. But today’s dishes were all homemade from scratch, so he was nervous.

Yoonhae took a bite of the ribs and chewed thoughtfully. Jungjoon watched his savoring expression with a hint of anxiety.

“Can I have another?”

“Oh, yeah.”

Only after a second bite did Yoonhae speak.

“It’s better than most restaurants.”

“…Really?”

“It’s the best I’ve tasted. Not too salty—just right.”

“…Good to know.”

Yoonhae then sampled each dish Jungjoon offered, sometimes asking for seconds or thirds, tasting them seriously.

At one point, feeding him directly by hand, Jungjoon suddenly noticed their overly intimate pose and mechanically lowered his arm. Tossing the tasting spoon in the sink, he began setting the table, while Yoonhae flattered him from the side.

“Looks like your cooking skills are top-notch, hyung.”

“…Nah, anyone can do this much.”

“Even the same dish tastes different depending on the cook’s touch.”

Objectively, it wasn’t skill worthy of high praise. Plus, today’s dishes were simple enough for anyone to make with a recipe.

“I’m not just saying it—I’d eat this every day.”

“…You must be really hungry.”

“No, I mean it—it’s delicious.”

A laugh tinged his voice. As Jungjoon busily set the table, he felt Yoonhae’s gaze trailing him. Unlike earlier, when Yoonhae had diligently helped, he now stood still, arms crossed, watching Jungjoon work.

“…….”

Moving around the kitchen, Jungjoon suddenly became aware of himself. The pastel apron he wore suddenly felt oddly like a skirt. Since cooking was done, he figured there was no need to keep it on and untied it.

Taking it off, he resumed plating the food. Even as he hurriedly carried dishes to the table, Yoonhae remained silently standing.

Just as the strange silence and staring began to grate, Yoonhae’s phone rang.

“Yeah, Sungha.”

Hearing the name, Jungjoon looked up. Yes, okay, got it. Yoonhae’s gaze turned to Jungjoon as he answered. Realizing he’d unintentionally shown a pleased expression, Jungjoon looked away.

“Sungha says she’s here now.”

Yoonhae ended the short call and spoke to Jungjoon.

“…Oh, yeah. Good. She made it before the food got cold.”

I was worried it’d cool off and lose its taste, Jungjoon muttered like an excuse, placing utensils on the laid-out table mat.

“…Aren’t you going out?”

Expecting Yoonhae to go greet her, Jungjoon was surprised he stayed put. At Jungjoon’s cautious question, Yoonhae gave an enigmatic smile.

“Should I go out?”

“……. Uh, well… up to you….”

Jungjoon needlessly fussed with the set table. Soon, he sensed Yoonhae leaving the kitchen. The sound of him walking down the hall and opening the front door followed.

“Oppa, congratulations—!”

Sungha burst in with her signature cheer. Her bright voice instantly shifted the subdued air. Jungjoon greeted his guest with a warm smile.

“Thanks for coming all this way, Sungha-ssi.”

“No big deal—it’s a quick drive. Here’s a gift.”

“You didn’t have to…. Thank you. I’ll use it well.”

As the house grew lively, Ian emerged from his room. He ran over and hugged his “auntie” tightly, showing off some adorable charm. Laughter and chatter filled the air, and the house finally felt lived-in, letting Jungjoon breathe a sigh of relief.

Once dinner started, the dishes he’d worried about were thankfully well-received and steadily disappeared.

“How does oppa cook so well?”

“Hearing that makes the effort worthwhile.”

Surprisingly, the homemade food outshone the delivery he’d ordered as a backup. Seeing everyone enjoy the meal made Jungjoon feel rewarded for his tense preparations. Cooking for non-family and formally hosting people took more courage than he’d expected, especially after losing his wife had changed everything.

Amid the lively atmosphere with the guests, Ian stayed cheerful throughout. Seeing him delighted by visitors, Jungjoon realized he’d made their home too closed-off before.

It wasn’t intentional, but after his wife’s death, he and Ian had naturally isolated themselves in their own world. Beyond occasional kids’ café visits or regular meetings with Ian’s grandparents, he’d forgotten they needed more people to connect with.

After the cheerful dinner, they had a simple dessert. He served cake from a nearby famous café and sliced some fruits. The cake, recommended as a women’s favorite, was luckily a hit with Sungha.

“Oppa, you’ve got great taste. Even dessert’s perfect.”

“I worked hard to hear that—glad it paid off.”

“See, men need to put in effort.”

“Did you hear that, Yoonhae? She says you need to try harder.”

Tossing a joke after bantering with Sungha, Yoonhae let out a small chuckle.

“Am I not trying hard enough?”

Yoonhae asked, looking down at Sungha, who shrugged. When Yoonhae playfully grabbed her nape and buried his face in it, Sungha let out a squeal.

Jungjoon, frozen at the couple’s bold antics across the table, lowered his eyes. Thankfully, Ian was too busy with cake to notice the adults.

“Oppa, you don’t know how scary this guy is.”

“…Huh?”

Sungha said, barely freeing herself from Yoonhae.

“This guy’s friend—super scary. Okay, okay, I get it.”

Startled by Yoonhae’s face nearing her nape again, Sungha raised her hands in surrender. Watch out for him, she added slyly with a giggle, and Jungjoon gave an awkward smile.

The meal naturally turned into drinks, and soon Yoonhae’s fancy wine, plus cheap wine and beers from the house, were emptied one by one.

Sungha diligently tipped her glass, while Yoonhae sipped sparingly beside her. As the host, Jungjoon paired snacks with small drinks to stay sober. While the adults got tipsy, Ian had long fallen asleep on Jungjoon’s lap.

“No, who says you make money with a small business? It’s not about earning—it’s charity…. I spend my money and grind myself down to serve customers….”

Drunk Sungha rambled about the recession and business woes. After a long spiel about how tough it was and how exhausting people management could be, she suddenly turned her attention to Jungjoon, who’d been quietly listening and nodding along.

“But… is it rude to ask this…?”

Her loosened eyelids revealed eyes glinting with cautious curiosity.

“No, uh… about your wife. How long has it been since she passed?”

It was an unexpected question. Jungjoon took a sip of his drink. After wetting his throat, he replied it’d been a little over two years.

“Oh… that’s awful. You must be so sad….”

The familiar look of pity followed. Unable to keep the conversation going, Jungjoon silently drank.

“But, really carefully asking… do you, like, have no thoughts at all about remarrying…?”

“Uh….”

Before he could feel awkward, an unplaceable stir rose from deep in his chest. Glancing sideways, Yoonhae sat silently, arms crossed on the table, showing no intent to join in.

“You’re still so young and handsome, oppa… it’s too long a life to live alone….”

Seeing Sungha’s genuine concern, Jungjoon forced a wry smile.

“…Right now, remarriage isn’t on my mind at all. Not at all… but honestly, no one knows how life will turn out, so I can’t say for sure.”

Maybe after more time passed, he might meet someone.

But for now, missing his late wife was more than enough. Enduring the vivid loss that struck now and then was exhausting enough—he couldn’t imagine anyone filling her void.

Above all, he couldn’t picture himself falling in love again, taking responsibility for someone else’s life, and making them happy. Bringing another person into his life’s enclosure felt utterly unrealistic.

…But what about Ian?

For Ian, a mother’s presence might be more necessary than for anyone.

Whenever that thought crossed his mind, he’d seriously reconsider remarriage. If someone appeared who’d love Ian and fill the role of a mother, remarriage might be possible—a selfish, self-centered thought he couldn’t entirely dismiss.

Plus, as others said, it was too long a life to live alone. Over those endless years, Jungjoon, too, would sometimes ache for someone’s warmth.

He knew from countless past nights that sleepless ones would come—he’d learned that well.

“Later, okay? Later… if you’re okay with it, oppa, I could introduce you to someone.”

“…….”

“Someone like you, huh? Even with a kid, it’d be fine… Ian’s so sweet and cute… huh? And you’ve got everything—tall, handsome, kind, great cook…. Oh, right, should I introduce my friend? She’s divorced but really nice… huh? Seriously, just say the word anytime…!”

Introducing a man with a kid usually just earned scorn. Grateful she meant it even as drunken rambling, Jungjoon smiled quietly.

“No, I’m serious. Don’t believe me? Should I call her now?”

“Okay, okay. Next time.”

Seeing her ready to pull out her phone, Jungjoon nodded in agreement. No need to make a fuss—just accepting her kindness was enough.

“…….”

After her outburst settled, Yoonhae remained quiet beside the now-subdued Sungha. Come to think of it, he’d been reserved since dinner turned into drinks.

“…Sungha-ssi’s really warm-hearted.”

Jungjoon smiled, bringing up the recent exchange. It felt like genuine care, not meddling, which he appreciated. Some crossed lines under the guise of advice or treated him like a lesser man. After dealing with those types, this felt endearing.

“…….”

Yoonhae silently tilted his glass. Beside him, Sungha mumbled incoherently, slouched over the table.

“Hey, shouldn’t you take Sungha-ssi home soon? It’s getting late… taxi, or should I call a driver…?”

“I’ll do it.”

Yoonhae pulled out his phone, booked a driver, and lifted Sungha. Supporting her limp form, he headed to the door while Jungjoon bustled around, checking for forgotten items and seeing them off.

“Hey, thanks so much for today.”

He hurriedly thanked Yoonhae’s back as he opened the door. Without turning or saying a word, Yoonhae stepped out.

The door shut with a heavy thud, and Jungjoon stared into the empty air.

‘…Probably too drunk to hear.’

Trying not to overthink it, he turned around.

The living room, twice the size of their old place, filled his view. Gazing at it, an inexplicable emptiness crept in. Likely a reflex from the shift from lively chatter to silence. Anyone left alone after a group would feel this.

He approached Ian, whom he’d laid on the sofa during the send-off. Carefully carrying him to the bedroom and tucking him in, Jungjoon stepped out.

After tidying around the sofa, he went to the table where they’d been drinking. Rubbing his face with a sigh, he wondered when he’d finish cleaning. The friendly mask he’d worn had relaxed, and the tension in his shoulders had drained.

“…….”

A bitter aftertaste settled in. He should finish and sleep, but he sat at the table as if entranced. Pouring leftover liquor and gulping it down, a tipsy buzz hit fast.

Liking the haze, he kept pouring and drinking. Fill, sip, fill, sip…. Pulling out the last beers and downing them alone, dizziness finally confirmed he was smashed. Hoo…, exhaling boozy breath, Jungjoon steadied his swaying head.

Then, a distant sound of someone yanking the doorknob rang out, followed by low knocks. Startled, Jungjoon felt the alcohol ebb slightly.

“Who’s there?”

He stumbled to the door. Too drunk to check the intercom, he went straight out.

“It’s me.”

The voice beyond was familiar. Shocked, Jungjoon flung the door open, and there stood Yoonhae, who’d left earlier.

“Uh… what… did you forget something?”

His tongue slurred heavily. He wondered if he was hallucinating.

“No.”

Yoonhae’s reply was expressionless.

“Then… why….”

Jungjoon assumed he’d take Sungha home and stay there or go to his own place. With no reason to return, he was baffled.

“…Come in for now.”

He couldn’t leave him standing outside, so he let him in. Jungjoon tried to walk straight, leading the way to the living room.

What’s going on?

Why?

He needed to say something, but his mind wouldn’t work. Drunkenness weighed his eyelids, his heart raced, and heat flushed his cheeks.

He judged he couldn’t do anything like this. Asking or talking would have to wait until he sobered up.

“Hey… want to stay over?”

That’s why he blurted it out.

“…….”

Yoonhae didn’t answer the half-turned question. Tilting his head up, Jungjoon saw Yoonhae’s steady gaze.

“…Sure.”

“Uh… okay. Then… sleep well.”

Jungjoon turned and tackled the table cleanup. He cleared the leftover snacks and scattered empty bottles.

In his haste, his body swayed while carrying a tray. Yoonhae pressed close behind, catching him before he fell.

“…….”

A larger-than-average grip easily steadied an adult man’s frame.

“Drinking alone?”

The low voice reverberated subtly. Jungjoon shook off the touch and finished cleaning.

“…Yeah… I’m heading to bed now….”

Do whatever and sleep, he mumbled, leaving the scene.

He should’ve grabbed essentials like last time, but he didn’t have the capacity. Hastily tidying, he staggered to the master bedroom and shut the door.

Uncomfortable yet drowsy, and drowsy yet uncomfortable, he dove into bed without time to think or process. All he wanted was to sleep and delay everything. With a thorn in his throat and a pressing weight, Jungjoon closed his heavy eyes.

⟡˖ ࣪

Waking early, his mind was foggy as if shrouded in mist. Jungjoon checked on the sleeping Ian and clutched his hangover-throbbing head.

‘…What happened last night?’

Fragments surfaced—drinking, Sungha ranting while drunk, Yoonhae taking her away, and afterward. Opening the door to find Yoonhae standing there flickered hazily too.

The jumbled order made it hard to tell if it was real or a dream. Stepping into the living room, all doubts cleared with a snap. The cleaned space and the figure sitting at the table brought last night’s memories rushing back.

Light streaming through the window cast shadows on a statue-like back. Seeing it utterly still, a chill ran through him.

“…Lee Yoonhae…?”

Calling his name, Jungjoon approached from the side. Yoonhae lifted his head, eyes meeting Jungjoon’s. The moment those dark eyes caught the light, they focused.

“You’re up?”

“…Yeah… since when….”

At Jungjoon’s puzzled question, Yoonhae gave a faint smile.

“Just now.”

“Oh…. I see….”

Silence settled as he searched for something to say, unable to find the right words. There were clearly things he wanted to ask, but his thoughts wouldn’t organize. Having just woken up, his head was still sluggish from the hangover.

“Uh… want some coffee?”

“Coffee sounds good.”

Turning around, Jungjoon reached for instant coffee but changed his mind and opted for whole beans instead. He ground the beans in the grinder, placed the powder into a filter, and brewed the coffee.

Though he’d started brewing it on a whim, the aroma that began to waft through the air seemed to clear his head a little just by itself.

Sitting across from each other and sipping their coffee, it was Yoonhae who broke the ice. He briefly explained why he’d returned here last night. After dropping Sungha off, he’d been in a taxi heading back when, without realizing it, he’d given the driver this officetel’s address instead of his own home—a trivial mishap caused by drunkenness. Hearing this, Jungjoon finally nodded in understanding.

“No wonder… I couldn’t figure out why you’d come back when there was no reason to. Of course that can happen when you’re drunk. Anyway, if you’d gone home, you could’ve rested comfortably… I got drunk myself and couldn’t host you properly, so I’m sorry about that.”

“No, I’m the one who should be sorry. Thanks to you, I slept well.”

“…Glad to hear that, then.”

For a moment, only the sound of coffee being sipped passed between them.

“Yesterday, Sungha was pretty relentless, huh?”

“…Oh.”

Jungjoon set down the mug he’d been holding.

“No, not at all. She was looking out for me—I’m grateful for it.”

“…Really?”

“Yeah, sincerely. I appreciated her concern.”

Yoonhae fell silent for a moment, as if lost in thought.

“…Remarriage.”

“Huh?”

“When do you think you’d want to do it?”

The question caught Jungjoon off guard, leaving him momentarily speechless.

“Oh… well… I don’t think it’s something I can put a timeline on… I just meant I’m not ruling out what might happen in the future.”

“…….”

“Of course, right now—and even going forward—I don’t have any thoughts of remarrying. Or dating, for that matter. Just getting through each day and making a living keeps me busy enough as it is.”

“…I see.”

Yoonhae’s response was lukewarm.

“But you can’t live alone forever.”

“…That’s, well… I don’t know about that myself.”

“If you were to remarry, what kind of person would you want?”

Yoonhae asked seriously. Jungjoon fidgeted with the warm mug and gave a vague reply.

“…I don’t know.”

“Because you feel guilty toward your wife?”

The sharp, probing question made Jungjoon lift his eyes. It was he who looked away first from their locked gaze.

“…Well, there’s definitely some guilt there.”

“Your wife would want you to be happy, hyung. Ian too.”

“…Yeah.”

Jungjoon smiled bitterly.

“These days, remarriage isn’t seen as something shameful. And whatever choice you make… I’d support and respect it, no matter what.”

Jungjoon felt both awkward and grateful at Yoonhae’s heartfelt words.

“Whatever you do, it’s not wrong. You deserve to be happy, hyung.”

“……. …Thanks.”

He mumbled lowly. For Jungjoon, who’d never had family or friends offer unconditional support, these words were unfamiliar yet struck a powerful chord.

Fiddling with his mug and lost in thought, Jungjoon cautiously opened up.

“…Honestly, even if I don’t know about myself, I sometimes think Ian might need a mom.”

“…….”

“No matter how hard I try as a dad, is that really enough for him…? If there’s a woman who could be a good mom to Ian, I feel like I could devote my life to her, be grateful, and live well with her… I’ve had thoughts like that too….”

He hadn’t expected to bare his heart this much. His head, still fuzzy from the hangover, his chest loosened by the warm drink, and the rare, unconditional support and comfort—the first since his wife’s death—had melted his guard more than he realized.

“…….”

Yoonhae, who’d been offering warm encouragement just moments ago, suddenly fell silent. Had Jungjoon expected advice or more words of support like before? Feeling a strange unease in the ensuing quiet, he looked up and was met with an expression he’d never seen before—a bizarre look on Yoonhae’s face.

…….

…….

Frozen in an inexplicable sense of discomfort, he couldn’t speak or act.

Unable to even register the passage of time, Yoonhae, who’d been sitting across from him, stood up at some point without so much as a casual goodbye and was gone.

Only after the cup in his hand had gone cold did Jungjoon lower his eyes. Across the table, a mug with more than half its coffee left sat as proof that Yoonhae hadn’t been a figment of his imagination.