A Marriage with A Reason - Chapter 48

Sojin’s crush on Daon began not long after she entered high school.

“Hi, I’m Jeong Sojin. What’s your name?”

“Oh, I’m Choi Dayun.”

“Choi Dayun? That’s a pretty name. Do you want to be friends with me?”

Sojin, who had grown distant from her middle school friends and was now sitting among unfamiliar classmates, took a liking to Dayun, who had a pretty face and a small, delicate presence that made people want to protect her. The moment she saw her, she thought, ‘Ah, she’s my friend.’ And just like that, they became friends. Later, they also became friends with Hyunsoo.

At that time, she hadn’t thought of it as a crush or anything complicated. It wasn’t like she had never dated before. However, perhaps because she was young, none of her relationships had been serious, and the longest one had lasted only two or three months. To Sojin, love had always been something easy and light. But after meeting Daon, her perspective changed completely.

“Hi~ Dayun’s friends, nice to meet you.”

Sojin had never believed in love at first sight, but the moment she saw Daon, she was mesmerized by his smile and fell for him instantly.

“Dayun.”

“Hmm?”

“Who’s that? Your brother?”

“Yeah, he’s my brother, Choi Daon.”

Who would have guessed that Sojin would fall for her friend’s brother, who was six years older than her? At first, she didn’t even realize it was love. She just kept thinking about him, wondering about him for no reason. Whenever his name came up in conversations, her ears perked up and her eyes lit up. She enjoyed this new, pleasant feeling but never thought of it as love. But there was a moment when she realized she truly liked Daon.

“Are you leaving? It’s late, why not just stay over?”

That night, Sojin had been at Dayun’s house until late. The girls had planned to stay the night, but Suji left early, and Sojin’s father kept calling, insisting she come home. So, reluctantly, she got ready to leave.

“I want to stay, but my dad won’t allow it.”

“Ah, that’s a shame. Suji left early, and now you’re leaving too.”

“Sorry, sorry. Next time, I’ll make sure to get permission.”

“Okay.”

Feeling a little guilty for leaving Dayun disappointed, Sojin patted her back and walked out of the house. Just as she passed through the yard and reached the front gate, she heard a voice.

“Oh? You’re leaving now?”

“Ah…”

It was Daon, just arriving home. As he approached, his scent grew stronger, and standing outside in the dark night, facing him, gave Sojin an inexplicable thrill. His deep yet subtle fragrance was making her feel strange.

“Dayun said you’d be staying over. I even bought chicken for you two.”

“Oh, I was planning to stay, but I couldn’t get my dad’s permission.”

Hearing Daon’s words made Sojin feel even more regretful. If not for her father, she might have shared a warm meal with Daon. But while she was caught up in her disappointment, Daon simply nodded as if it wasn’t a big deal.

“Ah, I see. So you’re heading home now?”

“Yes.”

“Alright.”

Daon seemed to think for a moment, then suddenly placed one of the chicken bags by the gate. He kept the other in his hand and then wrapped his arm around Sojin’s shoulders.

“Come on, let’s go.”

Sojin was startled by his touch, but she was even more surprised by his firm grip leading her forward. What was happening?

“Huh? Where are we going?”

“Where else? You’re going home, right? I’m walking you.”

His words left her even more shocked.

“So… you mean…”

“It’s already 11 PM. It’s late. I can’t let a girl go home alone. And you’re Dayun’s friend.”

Daon was saying he would walk her home. At those words, Sojin felt like she could fly. But at the same time, she felt awkward and nervous. She had visited Dayun’s house countless times just to catch a glimpse of Daon, but this was the first time they were alone together.

A slight awkwardness lingered between them as they walked in silence.

“Is your house far from here?”

“What?!”

Sojin hadn’t expected Daon to break the silence, and she flinched so hard her shoulders jerked. Embarrassed by her reaction, she hung her head in shame.

‘Oh no, that was so embarrassing!’

But instead of being put off, Daon started laughing. Sojin hesitantly glanced up at him, wondering if she had looked that ridiculous.

“Ah, you’re so funny.”

“What?”

But his next words caught her off guard.

“I knew you were a sweet kid, but I didn’t expect you to be this amusing.”

Sojin’s face turned bright red. She couldn’t look up. Whether he saw her as just a little sister or if there was something more, she didn’t know. But one thing was clear—he was looking at her with an affectionate smile.

Realizing she was too embarrassed, Daon tried to suppress his laughter and reassured her.

“Don’t feel bad. I just meant you’re really cute. I didn’t expect you to react like that.”

His words only made Sojin’s embarrassment worse. Meanwhile, Daon continued smiling. Sojin stole glances at him before pointing ahead.

“That’s my house.”

“Oh, really? Alright, go inside.”

“Okay.”

With her ears burning, Sojin hurried toward her house, but before she could get too far, Daon grabbed her arm.

“Oh, wait, Sojin.”

“Yes?”

When she turned back, Daon handed her the bag of chicken.

“I bought this for you and Dayun. I left hers at home, so this one’s yours.”

“Ah, thank you.”

The chicken was probably cold, but to Sojin, it felt warmer than anything else. So as she turned to go inside, she suddenly shouted.

“Oppa!!”

Daon, who had started to leave, turned around, looking curious.

With a shy yet determined expression, Sojin called out.

“I really like you. It was love at first sight!!”

After her sudden confession, Sojin became even more determined to pursue Daon.

“Oppa, I’m here again today! Happy to see me?”

“Oh? Uh…”

She visited Dayun’s house daily just to see him.

“Oppa, do you want coffee? Or maybe juice?”

“Oh? No, I’m fine. Thanks…”

She showered him with care, even when he was studying in his room. Unlike Dayun, who hid her feelings, Sojin openly expressed her love.

“You like Daon, don’t you?”

“Yeah, Sojin, you like my brother, right?”

Even Suji and Dayun, who were usually oblivious, had caught on. Sojin was completely devoted to Daon.

“Yeah, I like him. I fell in love at first sight!”

Sojin was confident about her feelings. But there was one thing she didn’t know.

“Ah, this is driving me crazy…”

Daon only saw her as his little sister’s friend. Her sudden confession had flustered him, and her constant attention was overwhelming. He appreciated her kindness, but she was six years younger than him—practically a little sister.

His friends teased him about it, but one friend suggested a solution.

“If it’s that stressful, why not date someone else? Once she sees you with a girlfriend, she’ll give up.”

Eventually, Daon gave in and went on a blind date.

“Hello, I’m Choi Daon.”

“Hello, I’m Min Dayoung.”

It was supposed to be just a casual meeting. But who could have predicted that this woman would become his real girlfriend and break Sojin’s heart?

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