Chapter 77.2

“Hu…”

“Do you know, I want to take a picture of your face right now? Why are you so nervous? I’ve never seen you like this before.”

“How can I not be nervous? Should I ask for another glass of water?”

“You two met at the engagement ceremony. It’s the second time you’ve seen each other, and you’re still nervous?”

“I just exchanged greetings briefly back then. Now… the situation is different.”

Seated at a window table renowned for its scenic view in a fine dining restaurant in Cheongdam, Hyun-seong and Seo Yi-soo conversed in hushed tones. Instead of facing each other, they sat side by side, awaiting the arrival of the person who would occupy the vacant seat opposite them.

Hyun-seong, having swiftly downed his lemon-infused water, released a long sigh. Observing his profile, Yi-soo couldn’t help but chuckle, finding him endearingly nervous.

What to do with this adorable man? Who would have thought that Yoon Hyun-seong, the charismatic lawyer who always exuded confidence, would be so jittery? He seemed as stiff as a board.

“You don’t need to be so tense when it’s not even a formal meeting. Mr. Park just suggested a simple meal. Don’t feel too pressured, Hyun-seong.”

“It’s not as easy as you say.”

Just then, as Hyun-seong stiffly stared ahead, he reflexively rose from his seat. Following his gaze, Yi-soo turned her attention to the newcomer entering the dining area.

“He’s not even a military man…”

In-seong appeared to have put considerable effort into his appearance, aiming to impress. Although his attire didn’t differ significantly from his usual suit, there was a noticeable attention to detail evident in his choice of watch and cologne.

In-seong, noticing Yi-soo from a distance, approached them with a warm smile.

“Long time no see, Attorney Yoon. Have you been well?”

“Yes, Mr. Park. It’s been a while. Was your journey comfortable?”

“Why bother with such formalities? Sit comfortably.”

Hyun-seong greeted In-seong’s outstretched hand with both of his own, prompting a smirk from Seo Yi-soo. He’s really cute. Is he the same person I knew?

Eventually, the waiter arrived to take their orders, noting each item on a piece of paper before collecting the menus with a friendly smile. With only the three of them remaining, In-seong steered the conversation.

“So, you’re having a nice time with Yi-soo.”

“Yes. She’s… the most precious person to me.”

“Thank you for saying that. As you know, there have been many difficulties recently. Fortunately, everything has been resolved.”

A momentary furrow creased In-seong’s forehead before he diverted the topic, tilting his glass of water. Although he expected inquiries about their well-being, In-seong’s question was blunt and direct.

“So, are you planning to marry Yi-soo?”

“Ah… Of course.”

Brief silence followed, broken by Hyun-seong’s firm response. He had no doubt about marrying Yi-soo. His sincerity drove him to legally bind himself to her as soon as possible, even as soon as tomorrow. However, In-seong’s directness caught him off guard.

In-seong smiled satisfactorily at Hyun-seong’s response, while Seo Yi-soo, beside him, couldn’t help but roll her eyes, her amused expression clear.

Marriage. The word, once vague and distant, suddenly felt both embarrassing and exhilarating.

At that moment, Hyun-seong, still appearing stiff, spoke with a serious tone.

“Mr. Park.”

“Yes, Attorney Yoon.”

“I wanted to thank you for accepting Yi-soo… no, Seo Yi-soo, as family. If it weren’t for you, she would have lived a lonely life.”

It was true. To Yi-soo, Park In-seong meant more than just a sponsor or a benefactor. Though they hadn’t lived together or shared an intimate bond like traditional family members, In-seong held a special place in Yi-soo’s heart as a cherished family member. Hyun-seong understood her sentiments well.

“Thank you for saying that… Although there isn’t a blood connection, Yi-soo is like a daughter to me, born in my heart. I’ve never once thought of Yi-soo as anything other than my own child.”

In-seong’s expression softened with tenderness as he spoke. With a gaze that seemed to drift into the past, he reflected on the years gone by, filled with longing and affection.

“I remember the first time I saw Yi-soo. Her image is still vivid in my mind, but when did she grow up so much and even get engaged?”

Silence fell, and at In-seong’s prompting, Yi-soo lowered her head, remaining silent. Gratitude and guilt surged within her like a flood toward the man who had embraced her without any familial obligation, with such warmth and care.

If she were to meet his gentle gaze at that moment, tears would likely well up uncontrollably.

“Attorney Yoon Hyun-seong.”

“Yes, Mr. Park.”

“I entrust my daughter to you. Please make sure my child is happy.”

My child. The phrase dripped with affection. Feeling the depth of In-seong’s sincerity, Hyun-seong nodded solemnly.

“Of course. …I will cherish her, always striving to ensure her happiness.”

Listening quietly to their exchange, Yi-soo finally lifted her head. A solitary tear clung to her lashes as she smiled.

A word she had never spoken before. Now, she had no desire to flee like a fool.

“Don’t worry, Father.”

At the unexpected term of endearment, In-seong’s mouth slightly agape in surprise. Yi-soo had always addressed him as ‘Mr. Park,’ using formal language.

Father, father. As In-seong silently echoed those words in his mind, a smile illuminated his face.

Observing the gentle wrinkles of age, emotions swelled within Yi-soo. She reached under the table to grasp Hyun-seong’s hand.

In that cherished moment with her loved ones, a wish emerged: may this moment last forever.

Comment

Options

not work with dark mode
Reset