A Marriage with A Reason - Chapter 69

In Dayun’s studio, after finishing her call with Jaehoon, Dayun put her phone down and gestured toward the table, speaking to Junseok.

“Oppa, please sit down. You just need to add the sauce.”
Soon, Junseok sat down, and in front of him was a plate of omelette rice, with ketchup and mayonnaise blending together nicely.

“Wow…”

Thanks to this, Junseok let out a small cheer. It had been so long since he had tasted a homemade meal. The yellow egg covering looked delicious, evoking a sense of nostalgia, like the ones his mom used to make when he was little. Dayun placed a cup of water in front of him and sat down at the table herself.

“I wish I could have made something a bit fancier, but I didn’t have the right ingredients. But it should taste fine, so give it a try.”

“Why, this looks amazing. Seriously, I can’t even remember the last time I had a proper homemade meal.”

“Thank you for saying that. Oh, eat while it’s still warm, it tastes better that way.”

“Yeah, I’ll eat it well.”

As soon as he said he would, Junseok took a big bite of the omelette rice. The delicious aroma spread through his mouth, and seeing Dayun look at him with a slightly nervous expression, he smiled brightly and gave her a thumbs-up.

“Wow, this is really good!”

“Really? You’re not lying?”

“Yeah, I mean it. It’s really good.”

“Wow, thank goodness. I was a bit worried, honestly.”

That made Dayun smile in relief. She hadn’t said it, but she had been worried about whether it would suit his taste.

“No need to worry, it’s really good.”

Thanks to his compliment, Dayun could finally start eating herself. She often ate alone, but eating with someone for a change made the meal feel even sweeter. Junseok, too, occasionally glanced at Dayun with a warm smile as he ate.

After a delicious lunch, Junseok, as promised to Jaehoon, started doing the dishes, wearing rubber gloves.

“I really feel bad about this, I could have done it myself.”

“It’s okay, I got a delicious meal, so I should do this. I’m quite a gentleman, you know?”

At his playful words, Dayun laughed, understanding exactly what he meant. But still, feeling a little guilty, she picked up a fruit knife.

“Then I’ll prepare dessert. Oh, would you like some coffee too?”

“Yeah, please.”

“Okay, please wait a moment~”

Their relationship was so comfortable that they could easily pass for close siblings. Though Dayun still used formal language, they joked around and laughed without hesitation.

“Thanks for your hard work.”

“No, you cook so neatly there’s hardly anything to wash.”

“Here’s your coffee, and some fruit too.”

“Ah, thanks.”

Soon, the dishes were done, and Junseok returned to his seat. He began eating the coffee and fruit that Dayun had carefully prepared.

“By the way, we really haven’t seen each other in a long time. I was shocked when I first saw you earlier.”

“Why, was it because it’s been too long?”

“Yeah, it was such an unexpected meeting, I was really happy.”

Hearing that made Dayun smile. Being liked by someone and greeted warmly was really a wonderful feeling, and it made her feel thankful.

“Have you been home all this time?”

“Yeah, doing housework, writing… It’s just that I haven’t left the studio, but my daily life is pretty much the same. You know, when you focus on writing, time just flies by.”

“Yeah, I get that. Even though so much time passed, the amount I’ve written is only this much.”

Junseok pointed to a small amount, and Dayun nodded in agreement, smiling. It was clear they shared a lot in common since they did similar things.

Then, suddenly, Junseok hesitantly spoke up.

“By the way… I’ve heard some rumors lately. They say Jaehoon and his kid are getting along well?”

“Eh?”

“Kids are saying that Jaehoon’s been acting like a husband to that kid, and they really seem like a married couple now.”

“Ah…”

Dayun looked slightly flustered at the sudden question. Of course, as she was close to Jaehoon and cared about him, Junseok, being Jaehoon’s friend, probably knew about their relationship, but she hadn’t expected him to ask so directly. More than anything, it felt embarrassing. Junseok was one of the people who knew just how distant her relationship with Jaehoon had been.

“Yeah, I think it’s fine now.”

“Ah…”

“Well, it was one-sided, but the misunderstanding was cleared up, and… most of all, Jaehoon’s actions, his words… everything’s changed.”

“Ah…”

Junseok’s expression darkened noticeably, but Dayun didn’t notice because she was so focused on what she was saying.

“These days, I’m really happy. With everything he says, with the way he looks at me… it feels like I’m loved.”

The last words Dayun spoke, about feeling loved and happy, made Junseok look away without being able to meet her eyes. Finally, Junseok…

“Sorry, I just remembered something urgent. I have to go now.”

“Eh?”

“Take care. See you next time…”

He quickly left, retreating into his studio. He walked toward his desk, looking as if he had lost something important, muttering quietly to himself.

“… Oppa… Ha, I see now… You’re no longer a senior…”

The word “Oppa” felt painfully sharp, like a blade.

For the first time, Junseok felt truly resentful of Dayun. Just like how she had secretly liked Jaehoon, he had liked her too, so much that rumors about his feelings even spread in the department. But she never seemed to notice, and it frustrated him. He hated how she, oblivious to his feelings, was now saying how happy she was because Jaehoon had changed and was showing her love.

“Ha…”

A deep sigh escaped from him. The reason was simple. Even though he resented Dayun, even though she was oblivious and drew a line in her heart, he still liked her. He couldn’t give up on her.

“Welcome home.”

That night, Jaehoon returned home, and the two sat at the table. As usual, there were delicious dishes ready, welcoming Jaehoon, who was tired from work.

“Seafood stew today?”

But Jaehoon’s face didn’t seem too pleased.

“Yeah, I found some fresh ones at a good price.”

“Really?”

Dayun, noticing his expression, asked with a slightly embarrassed look, “Oh… Do you not like seafood stew?”

Jaehoon, realizing his mistake, shook his head and waved his hand.

“No, no, it’s not that I don’t like it…”

“But your face looks like you’re forcing yourself to like it. You don’t have to eat it if you don’t want to…”

“No, no, I really like it. Seafood stew is delicious. It’s just…”

“Just…?”

What was he trying to say? Dayun stared at him with curiosity, and Jaehoon mumbled awkwardly, looking embarrassed.

“I… I just really wanted omelette rice.”

“Eh?”

It was a surprising thing for Jaehoon to say.

“No, I heard you two had omelette rice together earlier. The one you made… I haven’t had a chance to try it yet…”

“…”

“Not that I’m saying I don’t want to eat the dinner you made, it’s just… Ah… Just…”

Jaehoon seemed so flustered, rambling that Dayun couldn’t help but laugh. Jaehoon’s face turned red.

It was jealousy. It was definitely jealousy. And both of them could feel it now.

Still smiling, Dayun fought to hold back her laughter.

“Tomorrow…”

“Yeah?”

“Tomorrow night, I’ll make you omelette rice. I’ll make it with even more care and love, and make it even tastier.”

Jaehoon, still blushing, smiled brightly and nodded.

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