A Marriage with A Reason - Chapter 41

“I’m leaving now.”

“Okay, take care.”

Once again, Jaehoon was getting ready to leave for work. But somehow, his face looked gloomy. It was as if he were a student who didn’t want to go to school. His expression clearly showed how much he didn’t want to go. And the reason was…

“Have a good day.”

“Take care, bro.”

“Jaehoon, do your best today.”

“Good luck.”

Junseok, Hyunsoo, Minseok, and Gyumin were all standing behind Dayun, smiling brightly and waving at Jaehoon. Their expressions were so irritating that their messy morning faces made him want to punch them.

“Anyone would think this is your house.”

That was why he couldn’t say anything nice to them.

“Aren’t you guys overstaying your welcome? And you’re just waking up now… Ha…”

Sharp words kept coming out of his mouth. But none of them looked intimidated at all.

“A friend’s house is our house too.”

Junseok, who seemed to enjoy annoying Jaehoon, smirked. The others eagerly agreed, saying, “That’s right!” Seeing this, Jaehoon was speechless.

“So, when are you guys leaving?”

“After we eat and hang out for a bit.”

“Dayun is the only one here, though.”

“Dayun is our friend, isn’t she?”

“Hah…”

Jaehoon couldn’t believe it. He never expected even Gyumin to betray him like this.

“Don’t you guys have work today?”

“I don’t have a shoot today. Lots of free time.”

Hearing Gyumin’s response, Jaehoon was irritated. He turned to Minseok with an annoyed look.

“Yoon Minseok, you’re a café owner. Should you really be here?”

Minseok, sensing danger in Jaehoon’s glare, hesitated and stammered.

“I-I asked my staff to cover for me. I told them I’d be late today.”

“Wow, what a terrible boss. Just terrible.”

Minseok pouted, feeling hurt by Jaehoon’s words.

But Jaehoon didn’t care. He had already shifted his attention to Junseok and Hyunsoo.

“My class was canceled today. The professor is on a business trip.”

“I can write later. Or maybe I’ll just go out with Dayun.”

Hyunsoo and Junseok answered in turn. Jaehoon had almost given up, but Junseok’s last comment made him twitch in irritation. He glared at Minseok and shouted.

“Hey, terrible boss. Just stay a little while and then disappear without leaving a trace. Got it?”

“Ugh… Why is he only picking on me? I’m the easiest target.”

Minseok sighed, feeling genuinely hurt. Sensing this, Gyumin patted him on the shoulder.

“Don’t be sad, buddy. You’re not the easiest target.”

“Then who is?”

“Shin Juhyung. You’re second place, don’t worry.”

“Wow, thanks. Being second place really makes me feel better.”

Minseok sighed again, feeling even more defeated.

“Pfft.”

Suddenly, Dayun giggled, drawing everyone’s attention. But she didn’t seem embarrassed at all. Instead, she kept smiling.

“You guys are so funny. This is such a fun morning.”

It was like watching a sitcom with close friends.

Her laughter lightened the mood, and everyone started to relax. Even Jaehoon, who had been frowning, found his irritation melting away.

“Oh, I made breakfast. I also cooked dried pollack soup for your hangovers.”

At her words, the others, still feeling queasy from drinking, let out excited cheers and rushed to the kitchen. Finally, the only ones left at the entrance were Jaehoon and Dayun. Though the chatter from the kitchen was loud, at that moment, neither of them minded.

“Take care at work, senior. Do your best today.”

“Yeah, I’ll be back soon today. I’ll make sure those guys leave.”

“Hehe, then tonight it’ll just be the two of us?”

“Yeah, just you and me.”

From that moment, they were lost in their own world, exchanging loving glances. The air between them was warm and exciting.

“Alright, I’m really leaving now.”

“Okay, take care.”

They waved at each other with affection.

That evening, Dayun and Jaehoon really did spend time alone. Nothing special happened. They ate dinner, watched TV, shared fruit, and talked. Their time together passed simply, yet meaningfully.

It was an ordinary day, but to them, it wasn’t ordinary at all. Just being together was enough to make them happy. Even the slightest touch made their hearts race. Now that they truly understood each other’s feelings, every moment felt fresh, thrilling, and exciting—like the beginning of a new relationship.

“Go to sleep, senior.”

“Yeah, you too.”

As their happy time ended, they reluctantly parted ways for the night.

“Good morning.”

Jaehoon entered the office, greeting his colleagues. But despite his words, his face didn’t look good at all. He hadn’t slept poorly, but the moment he left home, his heart felt heavy. Worries filled his mind.

It was because today was the day Hyeyun returned to work.

“Good morning.”

Among the employees greeting him, he spotted her face. Hyeyun looked tired and pale. Jaehoon tried to ignore her and simply nodded before heading to his office.

“Hah…”

Even though he tried not to care, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy. Unlike before, his feelings weren’t romantic—they were guilt and lingering attachment from their past.

“I’m ending this today.”

Determined not to waver, Jaehoon picked up his phone.

[Let’s have lunch together today. I’ll send you the location.]

With a firm heart, he sent the message to Hyeyun.

“Welcome. How many people?”

“I have a reservation.”

“One moment. May I have your name?”

“Ahn Jaehoon.”

While the staff checked, Jaehoon bit his lip nervously. Saying goodbye in person felt harder than he had expected.

“Yes, I see your reservation. Your companion has already arrived. Let me show you to your table.”

Following the staff, he soon reached a private dining room where Hyeyun was already waiting.

“Enjoy your meal.”

As the staff left, silence filled the room. Jaehoon stood frozen, while Hyeyun stared at him intently.

“Why are you just standing there? Sit down.”

“Oh, right…”

Snapping out of his thoughts, Jaehoon sat down, trying to push aside the guilt he felt.

“Here is your order.”

The waiter placed two plates of steak on the table. Jaehoon had ordered in advance to avoid awkward moments.

“I ordered ahead when I made the reservation. Hope that’s okay.”

“It’s fine. I’m just a little sad that our time together will be shorter. But we can eat slowly.”

Hyeyun smiled, oblivious to his heavy heart.

“So, what’s gotten into you?”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s been a while since you asked me to eat together first.”

“Ah…”

Jaehoon felt guilty. He had been distant for so long.

“I don’t know the reason, but I like it. I really enjoy spending time with you.”

Jaehoon couldn’t say a word. He had to end it before it was too late.

Putting down his knife, he finally spoke.

“I have something to say.”

“What is it?”

“Let’s break up.”

With a heavy heart, Jaehoon declared the end of their relationship.

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