A Marriage with A Reason - Chapter 67

And so, Hyeyun left.

“Senior, is Song Hyeyun doing well?”

Dayun often asked Jaehoon about Hyeyun. Although their relationship had ended, it had concluded on good terms. Even if she didn’t ask, she vaguely knew that Jaehoon and Hyeyun still had rare but occasional contact.

“Yeah, she tried so hard to go there, and it seems she’s doing well, being recognized for her skills.”

“Really? Ah, that’s a relief.”

“She also asked about how you’re doing. Were you curious about that too?”

“Well, we’re all human, after all. Whether we had good or bad feelings, there’s always some kind of connection between people. At first, there were misunderstandings, but in the end, she even apologized first. Of course, I still care and wonder about her. Anyway, it’s good to hear she’s doing well. I was a bit worried about how she’d adjust to living in another country.”

Jaehoon gazed at Dayun with affection, touched by her consistently kind and thoughtful words.

“Ah, seriously, why are you so nice?”

“I’m not that nice…”

“You are! You’re kind and pretty. Ah, really, whose wife are you? You’re perfect.”

“Oh, come on—”

Dayun was left flustered as Jaehoon shamelessly showered her with sweet words multiple times a day.

“You really shouldn’t say things like that in public. People will laugh at you.”

“Let them laugh—it’s all true.”

“Ugh, it’s so cringy. Senior, do you know how much you’ve changed? You never used to talk or act like this. I never imagined you would.”

She shuddered, feeling overwhelmed by the affectionate words, but Jaehoon just found her reaction adorable. However, as she kept calling him “senior,” his expression subtly changed.

“By the way.”

“Yes?”

“How long are you going to keep calling me ‘senior’?”

“Huh?”

That was the reason for his slight frown.

“It’s almost been a year since we got married. But you still call me ‘senior’… Isn’t that a bit strange?”

“Is it? I think it’s fine…”

“No, it’s not. People are watching, and even our parents might find it odd. Don’t you think it’s time to change how you address me?”

Dayun found Jaehoon’s words awkward but somewhat reasonable. The truth was, she had avoided changing the way she addressed him because it felt cringeworthy and unfamiliar. However, she couldn’t ignore the watchful eyes of their elders. Even when they visited his family, his mother had kindly told her to take her time adjusting. But she still felt conscious of his father’s presence, and every time she visited her own family, her father and older brother would nag and scold her about it.

“Yeah… I guess calling you ‘senior’ is a bit weird now. But then, what should I call you?”

She realized she had to change the way she addressed him. Since they were married, it had to be something less cringy and embarrassing. But what could it be? Dayun thought and thought, but nothing came to mind. Seeing this, Jaehoon spoke up.

“There are lots of ways you can call me.”

“Like what? Anything that sounds natural?”

“I’ll suggest a few, and you can pick one.”

“Alright, go ahead.”

Jaehoon looked almost mischievous, as if he had been waiting for this moment.

“Hmm… First, the most basic one—’honey’?”

“…”

“How about ‘husband’ or ‘darling’?”

“Huh…”

“Or maybe some cute nicknames, like ‘my love’ or ‘honey’? If we go by our names, you’re Dayun, so ‘Yoonie’? And since I’m Jaehoon, ‘Hoonie’?”

“… I have no words. I don’t even know how to react. You’re not serious, are you?”

Dayun grimaced as if she had just chewed something bitter, while Jaehoon, completely serious, simply tilted his head.

“Why? You don’t like them? I was being sincere.”

“Ha… I never imagined you’d turn out like this. You’ve changed so much.”

“I have changed, but isn’t this version of me okay? You didn’t fall for me just for my polished image, right?”

“That’s true.”

Seeing Dayun hesitate, Jaehoon put on a slightly disappointed expression.

“So, do you dislike this version of me? A man in love changes. Love is about meeting someone who changes you.”

“I never said I disliked it. I’m just surprised.”

“Then, do you like me?”

At her words, his expression immediately turned hopeful.

“…”

“Come on, answer me. I’m dying of anticipation.”

“Just like a man in love changes, I guess a woman in love does too. I liked you even when you were a bad boy, and now that you’re affectionate and playful, I still like you.”

Hearing her response, Jaehoon couldn’t help but smile widely. It was a smile so pure and joyful that it was something he had never shown before.

The next morning.

“Senior, breakfast is ready.”

“Okay! I’m coming!”

Jaehoon dressed up and came to the kitchen, sitting down at the table.

“You put in so much effort making breakfast and dinner every day.”

“It’s nothing. You work so hard outside.”

“Still, housework isn’t easy. This weekend, I’ll take care of the cooking. You just relax.”

“Really? That’s so sweet of you!”

“Of course. I get to rest on weekends, so you should have a break too. Write, relax, do whatever you want.”

“Ah, thank you so much, senior.”

Dayun truly appreciated his kindness. She knew how exhausting work could be and wanted to support him. But being human, housework, writing, and cooking every day was tiring and repetitive.

Seeing her so happy, Jaehoon also felt great.

“But I have a request. Will you do it?”

“What is it?”

“I was thinking… how about you start calling me ‘oppa’?”

“Ah…”

She hesitated. It wasn’t a difficult word, since she had older brothers, but after calling Jaehoon “senior” for so long, it felt particularly hard to say to him.

“I know it’s difficult because you’ve called me ‘senior’ for so long. But it’s the least cringy and most natural option. You still can’t call me ‘honey’ or ‘darling,’ right?”

“Yeah, that’s too hard.”

“Then, ‘oppa’ is the best choice.”

Slowly, Dayun was convinced.

“Okay… I’ll try calling you ‘oppa.’ I should, right?”

“Yes!”

Later, as Jaehoon was about to leave for work, Dayun followed him to the door.

“Take care. Drive safely.”

“I will.”

“Have a good day… O-oppa.”

Jaehoon stopped in his tracks, looking stunned.

“What?”

“I-I just told you to have a good day.”

“No, after that…”

“I didn’t say anything.”

Dayun, flustered, turned red and avoided his gaze. But Jaehoon wasn’t letting this moment go.

“Just once more, please?”

“…O-oppa. Now go, or you’ll be late!”

Hearing that, Jaehoon grinned, feeling unexpectedly thrilled by such a simple word.

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