Living with an Ex-Husband - Chapter 81:

Side story (7)

Early in the morning, Eunchae woke up and busily moved around the small kitchen, preparing kimbap and snacks. Just as she was sweating and rolling the kimbap, Lee Joon entered the kitchen.

“Eunchae, what are you doing right now?”

“Oh? You’re already up? Lee Joon.”

Eunchae greeted him with a bright smile, glancing between the ingredients spread out on the table and Lee Joon’s curious expression.

“I woke up because you weren’t there.”

Lee Joon let out a small sigh of relief, running a hand through his hair. He wasn’t typically the anxious type, but waking up without Eunchae beside him had thrown him off. It wasn’t quite separation anxiety, but it came close. She was usually in his arms when he opened his eyes, and not finding her there had sent him into a brief panic.

Even he thought his reaction was a bit over the top, but after everything they’d gone through to be together again, it felt natural.

“I left a pillow in your arms.”

Eunchae replied innocently, unaware of the slight panic she had caused. Lee Joon gave a soft, exasperated laugh. Of course, he had woken up holding only a pillow and had been surprised.

“You must’ve been really tired this time. Usually, if I move away, you pull me right back into your arms.”

As Eunchae rolled another kimbap and placed it on the tray, she couldn’t help but worry about Lee Joon’s health. Normally, even the slightest movement would cause him to reflexively reach out and pull her back into his arms. But this morning, she had carefully slipped out of bed, and he hadn’t even noticed. He had slept through it all.

“I guess I really was tired.”

Lee Joon laughed, amused by his wife’s playful trick. He sat down across from her at the table, still smiling.

His schedule had always been grueling, but it had recently gotten even worse. In addition to his usual responsibilities, he had to take over managing the construction division, which had been under the control of a smaller branch of his family. The mismanagement there was so severe that Lee Joon had no choice but to step in and handle everything himself. He had even cut back on sleep just to keep up.

Although there was a figurehead representative in place for the construction sector, Lee Joon found himself constantly cleaning up the mess from years of poor management.

“I know it’s probably a pointless thing to ask, but… can’t you try to reduce your workload a little?”

“This isn’t me nagging my busy husband just for the sake of it. It’s because I’m worried about your health.”

“I know.”

Lee Joon responded, his voice soft as he reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. As he looked into Eunchae’s clear, caring eyes, a dull ache filled his chest. It pained him to see how much she worried for him.

“For now, it’s tough, but by the end of the year, things should calm down. I promise.”

“Okay, I understand.”

“But why kimbap, and so early in the morning?”

“Oh… I made it for you, of course. You’re going hiking with Father later, so it’ll be your lunch. I also prepared cucumber cold soup and some fruit.”

“Eunchae…”

Lee Joon’s heart swelled with emotion at her thoughtfulness, but Eunchae brushed it off.

“It’s been so long since you’ve gone hiking with your dad. You’ve been looking forward to it for days, like a kid waiting for a school field trip.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

Lee Joon admitted with a smile. He wasn’t the only one who was excited – his father was just as eager. For days, the chairman had been calling Lee Joon to discuss all the details of the trek.

They had gone over everything, from which trail to take to whether or not they should buy new hiking gear. They even debated whether to stop for makgeolli and pajeon on the way down. Every small aspect had been meticulously discussed.

Every time Lee Joon answered his father’s excited calls, his heart felt heavy with emotion. His father was so happy, and yet Lee Joon regretted not going hiking with him sooner. He realized how simple it would have been to show his gratitude, even if only with small gestures. Instead, he had been lost in self-pity, too focused on himself to notice the people around him.

He had pushed everyone away, telling them not to come close, and in the process, hurt not only himself but also the ones he loved.

“I’ve committed so many sins…”

“There you go again.”

Eunchae replied, echoing the words Lee Joon had once said to her, putting on a stern expression. She thought she looked serious, but to Lee Joon, she was nothing but adorable. He laughed softly, resting his chin on his hand.

“Why? Are you going to scold your husband? Call me a fool and an idiot?”

“I can’t call you an idiot when you’re so handsome and charming, now can I?”

“What?”

Lee Joon let out a short, disbelieving laugh, but even as he laughed, the compliment on his appearance made him feel good, and the corners of his mouth lifted into a smile.

“Instead of blaming yourself, try to love more. I think that’s the wiser thing to do, don’t you?”

“You’re right. That does sound like the wiser choice.”

Lee Joon wholeheartedly agreed, lifting Eunchae with his words.

“I’m so lucky to have such a wife—beautiful, wise, loving, and all mine.”

“As long as you know. Now, just stay loyal for life.”

“Of course.”

The playful banter between the two had them both bursting into laughter.

“I want to try rolling the kimbap too. Can I?”

Lee Joon asked, his eyes still sparkling with the remnants of their laughter.

“Of course! Even if it falls apart, just do your best.”

After telling him to wash his hands first, Eunchae began showing him the steps and tips for rolling the kimbap.

“Hmmm… this requires both precision and experience.”

Lee Joon remarked with a serious expression as he put on plastic gloves and set himself up at the table, fully committed to the task. His seriousness about something as simple as rolling kimbap made Eunchae giggle constantly.

Watching him focus so intently, she couldn’t help but find the whole scene incredibly endearing.

“Alright, let’s get started.”

“Just make two for now, as a test run.”

“Got it.”

Lee Joon, having observed Eunchae a few times, confidently began rolling the kimbap. To Eunchae’s surprise, his “test” kimbap turned out to be not just decent, but nearly perfect. Far from falling apart, they were even more neatly rolled than hers.

“This is easier than I thought.”

Watching him, Eunchae felt a little… deflated. It was as if she’d just taken an unexpected loss.

“You’re… good at this.”

She said, her voice laced with reluctant praise as she glanced between her kimbap and his. Visually, there was no contest – Lee Joon’s buns looked perfect.

‘Wow… I knew he was good at everything he put his mind to, but even his first attempt at rolling kimbap is perfect,’ Eunchae thought, marveling at his talent.

Lee Joon, now on a roll (quite literally), picked up speed. In the end, it wasn’t much of a competition. He had practically taken over the whole process, rolling the remaining kimbap at a speed Eunchae couldn’t keep up with.

However, Lee Joon was the one who expressed admiration for Eunchae’s skills.

“Eunchae, I think you cooked the rice perfectly. The seasoning of the ingredients is spot on, too. This tastes amazing,” he said, savoring the end pieces of the kimbap and giving her a big thumbs-up. His sincere compliment made Eunchae smile, brushing away her earlier, childish thoughts.

“Thank you for saying it’s delicious. I’ll pack everything up now.”

“Let me help.”

The two of them worked side by side, carefully packing the kimbap and fruit into the lunch box.

“Since food spoils quickly in the summer, I’ll pack it in an insulated bag with some ice packs. Make sure to eat it as soon as possible.”

“Got it. Thanks.”

Lee Joon replied, taking her advice to heart as he gently massaged her shoulders.

“You must be tired from working since dawn.”

“No, it’s nothing. I can still manage this much. Now, you should start getting ready.”

“Just a little more.”

Lee Joon said, ignoring Eunchae’s polite refusal and continuing to massage her shoulders for a while longer. Only after thoroughly easing her muscles did he finally go shower and get ready for the hike.

“Take care, Lee Joon. Have a good time with your father.”

“I will. Get some rest and relax. I’ll bring back some patbingsu when I return.”

“Okay.”

After exchanging goodbyes, Lee Joon gets into the waiting car. Eunchae stood by, waving until his car disappeared around the corner. She then glanced up at the blazing summer sun that was already burning down.

“Phew… it’s going to be a scorcher today.”

She muttered, wiping away the beads of sweat already forming on her forehead. She had kept quiet about it in front of Lee Joon, but as her body grew heavier, the rising temperature made it harder to cope.

“Hope, I’ll hold on a little longer since your dad will probably start worrying and fussing again.”

Eun-chae’s face was shining brightly as she talked to the baby in her belly—brighter than the blazing sun.

Her face shone brighter than ever, radiating joy—brighter even than the scorching sun above.

***

Reaching the peak of Bukhansan after a challenging climb, Lee Joon and Tae Seong-yeol sat down to drink water and rest.

“You’ve been working hard because of us.”

Tae Seong-yeol said, addressing the bodyguards and secretaries resting nearby, offering them his gratitude and an apology.

He wished, deep down, that he could hike alone with his son in a simple, quiet setting, but the reality of their situation made that impossible. If they couldn’t be located, the security and support teams would go into full panic mode.

“No worries, Chairman. We’re enjoying the exercise too.”

The chief secretary responded with a cheerful tone, bringing a gentle smile to Tae Seong-yeol’s face.

“Father, since we’re taking a break, how about we have our lunch now? Eunchae and I prepared some kimbap earlier this morning.”

“You made that?”

Tae Seong-ryeol’s eyes widened in surprise. When he heard that a lunch box had been brought along, he had naturally assumed Eunchae had prepared it.

The idea that Lee Joon had helped make kimbap was something he could hardly believe, even hearing it from his own son.

“It was easier than I thought. I helped Eunchae roll them. Try it for yourself.”

Lee Joon said, smiling, knowing exactly how surprised his father would be. He took out the lunch box, revealing the kimbap, snacks, and fruits that they had prepared together.

“It’s true.”

“Sir, your skills are impressive!”

One of the bodyguards exclaimed, joining the chorus of surprise from both the security team and the secretaries as they looked at the beautifully packed meal.

Not only Tae Sung-yeol but also the bodyguards and secretaries, couldn’t hide their surprise at the idea of Lee Joon rolling kimbap. It was hard to picture him in such a domestic role.

“We made a lot, so please help yourselves,” Lee Joon offered.

“Thank you, sir.”

The secretaries and bodyguards replied, grateful as they took the food. Lee Joon then handed his father a piece.

“Father, eat up.”

“Alright. I’ll love this.”

Tae Sung-yeol said with a soft smile. As he picked up a piece of kimbap with his chopsticks, his eyes softened even more. The kimbap, made by his son and daughter-in-law, tasted sweeter than anything he’d had in a long time.

“Your grandfather will be envious. He was already upset he couldn’t come hiking with us.”

“Well, it’s only natural considering his age.”

Lee Joon replied. He felt the same pang of regret that his grandfather couldn’t join them. As much as he enjoyed this time with his father, Lee Joon made a mental note to plan an outing soon that included both his father and grandfather, even if it wasn’t hiking.

“I’ll make sure to pack lunch for you next time too, Father. I’ve learned from Eunchae, so I think I’ll be able to do it well.”

“Let’s do that. We’ll pack another lunch and go hiking, maybe even have a picnic.”

“Yes.”

Lee Joon nodded, popping a piece of kimbap into his mouth.

At that moment, a gentle breeze swept through, cooling the sweat from their hike. It was an ideal moment of relaxation—a true healing experience—as father and son sat together, savoring their meal while taking in the serene mountain view.