Once Love Begins - Chapter 10. Part 3

Chapter 10. Part 3

She narrowed her eyes suspiciously and raised her eyebrows in question.

“Never mind, I watched a movie yesterday,” she stated.

“I have tickets for us, we can see something else,” he offered.

She responded with an understanding “Okay,” though she also felt a sense of warmth.

They had known each other for a long time, but it was the first time they had gone out alone together. They hadn’t even shared a meal during their honeymoon.

“We’re going to have dinner,” he announced.

“Are you feeling unwell?” she asked.

“And we’re going to spend the whole evening together,” he clarified.

“…….”

“We won’t stop, even if you cry out in pain or pass out, okay?”

She recalled feeling ill during their s*x*al intercourse yesterday, and she hiccupped instead of answering.

* * *

Throughout the entire movie, she felt incredibly awkward, as if she might just keel over. Unable to focus on the film, she stole glances at him sitting beside her. His handsome face looked even more captivating as he remained engrossed in the movie, unlike her.

Awkwardly clutching the box of popcorn he had given her, she reached inside and grabbed a single piece, savoring its sweetness. Though she had shared the same popcorn with Joo-chan and her friends yesterday, it somehow tasted even better today, melting in her mouth with each bite.

She leaned in close and whispered in his ear, but he turned to glare at her for disturbing him.

“No, I’m not hungry. 

“You eat a lot.”

“…It’s delicious.”

She pouted her lips. She was unsure why he was resisting something so delicious. His eyes remained fixed on her face. Her cheeks flushed unnecessarily under his intense stare.

“I’m not a fan of sweets,” he said. He stopped reaching for more popcorn as if he were making an excuse. Suddenly, a stealthy hand felt her thigh. She quickly looked around, relieved to find no one nearby.

“Why?” he asked, turning to see him rubbing her inner thigh once more.

“In case someone sees me!” she responded, glaring at him as he laughed, shaking with amusement as if she were being humorous. He appeared entirely calm, contrasting with her reddening face.

“No one is watching,” he said.

She crossed her legs to stop him from tracing the marks she had made overnight.

“Don’t worry, I’m not a motherfucker who goes into heat everywhere.”

He whispered in her ear, sending goosebumps down her spine.  The brush of his lips against her ear made her shoulders shake involuntarily. 

He tightened his hold on her wrist and brought her hand to his mouth. He ate the popcorn in her hand and then s*cked on her fingertips with his tongue.

In a surprise, she jerked away without bothering to cover her damp fingers.

“It’s sweet,” he remarked.

“I thought you said you didn’t have a sweet tooth,” she replied.

Her neck flushed and her face grew hot.

“Just give me one more,” he requested.

Her cheeks flushed as he unwittingly opened his mouth, requesting more.

“Here, take it,” she offered, feeling puzzled by his desire for her to feed him when he could easily grab it himself.

She couldn’t understand why he wanted her to feed him when he had perfectly good hands.

“I don’t want to get it on my hands.”    

She quickly popped some popcorn into his mouth, hoping to silence him as he continued to whisper. He instinctively licked her finger once more before quickly withdrawing her hand and clenching it into a fist. A throbbing sensation lingered where his tongue had touched.

She looked at the screen, aware of his gaze but unable to meet it.

“Why is my heart racing again?

She wondered why her heart was racing again and couldn’t comprehend why she was acting this way when she had already resolved to move on from him. She relaxed her clenched fists slightly and noticed the sweat on her palms.

She rubbed her clammy hands against her shirt, hating the sticky feeling. She couldn’t shake off his words about ‘going all the way today.’

She tried to push the thoughts away but found herself unable to resist them. The idea felt oddly familiar and natural, in contrast to her usual struggle to even think about it, and made her heart race.

She shook her head vigorously. She told herself that it was not her concern. She was tired of the tumultuous emotions.

“Ha, Yeon Woo? Ha Yeon Woo,” Kang-Jae called out to her.

“What?” she replied, distracted.

“What are you doing? The movie’s finished.”

She mumbled, “Oh… right,” realizing she hadn’t been paying attention to the movie. She stood up and struggled slightly in her shoes as she descended the stairs.

She was interrupted by a tap on her shoulder from behind, causing her to lose her balance. She had been moving quickly.

“Huh? Huh?!” she exclaimed, rolling her eyes in frustration.

“Are you okay?”  Just before she fell, someone wrapped their arms around her waist. She opened her eyes and saw him.

“……..”

He asked if I was okay.

“Oh, yeah. Thanks.”    

She pulled his hand away from her waist and straightened to meet his eyes.

“Don’t wear those shoes. Why wear them if you can’t stay balanced?” He scolded her for wearing the shoes, questioning why she would wear them if she couldn’t stay balanced. His tone was annoyed as if she needed a serious injury to catch his attention. She felt belittled by his treatment as if she were a child.

He extended her arm for him to hold and said, “Wait.”

“No, I don’t need that!” she insisted, refusing his help.

He stomped down the stairs. She didn’t say a word until they were in the car.    

“Are you hungry? Want something to eat?” he asked.

“Nothing,” she replied curtly.

She gazed out of the car window. When he attempted to engage her in conversation, she responded with grumbles of annoyance.

“Think about it,” he suggested.

“Think what?” she inquired.

“Think about what you want to eat,” he clarified.

She almost said she wasn’t thinking about food, but then she fell silent.

“How about pasta?” he proposed.

Silence followed.

“Or maybe Korean food?” he suggested.

“I’m still full from the popcorn,” she replied.

“Alright,” he acquiesced.

Moments later, she assumed they were heading home, but her expression hardened as he parked in front of the hotel.

“Get out,” he instructed.

“Why are we here?” she asked, her tone weary. His eyes darted nervously.

“Let’s have some pasta,” he suggested abruptly.

“You’re hungry? and if we’re going to have pasta, why are we going to a hotel?” she questioned.

“This hotel is renowned for its pasta,” he explained.

“Alright,” she reluctantly agreed.

He intentionally brought her to this delicious place, and now she couldn’t refuse. Feeling his eyes on her, she unbuckled her seatbelt and turned to find him staring at her.

“I told you we were continuing today, remember?” he reminded her.

“…….”

“I wasn’t lying when I said I wouldn’t stop even if it hurt, even if you cried, even if you passed out.”

“I know, I know!”

She shook her head, knowing that was enough.

“Really? You’re clever,” he remarked.

She smiled faintly. They took the elevator up to the restaurant and sat at a table overlooking the Han River. She tried to hide her trembling fingertips.

Upon realizing that the restaurant was located in a hotel, she paused.

“What’s the matter?” he inquired, sensing her uncertainty.

“Nothing.”    

She straightened her posture. She was determined not to be defeated by her husband.

“Is it tasty?” he inquired with curiosity as the food arrived and she began to eat her pasta. He looked at her lips as she chewed and swallowed. Rather than replying verbally, she simply nodded.

“I had a feeling you’d enjoy it. It’s truly delicious,” he remarked.

“……”

Her gaze shifted slightly. ‘Does that mean he’s been here before…?’ she thought, momentarily envisioning the face of his ex-girlfriend, Hee Young. She couldn’t imagine he’d frequent such places with her.

No, he must be here for business.

True to his promise, the pasta surpassed all expectations, leaving her eager for more. She finished everything and left nothing behind. She smiled at him as he watched her happily.

“Shall we leave?” she proposed, her ears tinged with anticipation of what lay ahead.

As he settled the bill, she noticed his comfortable yet stylish attire, which made him look like a model. Both men and women in the restaurant couldn’t help stealing glances at him.

“Let’s leave,” he urged her, prompting her to hurry.

As they walked, he encouraged her to move faster by putting his arm around her shoulders. She felt a dry lump form in her throat as he discreetly rubbed her shoulder.

While waiting for the elevator, she felt his intense gaze next to her. She kept her eyes fixed on the elevator doors until they opened.

 A familiar face greeted Cha Kang-Jae with affection and called his name. He was surprised by both the presence of the person at the door and the warm tone of their voice.

“Oh, Ms. Yeonwoo?” Hee Young’s voice interrupted her, breaking her good mood as she approached with a wide smile, seemingly ready to greet her.

“I heard you were dining here, did you enjoy it?” Hee Young inquired, but she remained silent.

“The pasta here is exquisite,” Hee Young continued, causing her stomach to rumble. Unable to hear the conversation between him and his ex-girlfriend, she noticed sweat forming on his forehead.

“I’ll head off first. Enjoy,” Hee Young bid farewell.

Before the elevator doors closed, she caught a glimpse of Hee Young, who wore much higher heels than her but seemed to manage them effortlessly.

Her eyes were fixed on her as she entered the restaurant, accompanied by a man. She struggled to contain the tears welling up inside, her hands trembling.    

“What’s wrong?”

“…….”

“What’s the matter?” he asked.

“I think I caught a cold, I’m sorry,” she replied.

She swayed unsteadily. He reached out to steady her, but she quickly shook off his touch.

“I’m not feeling well. Let’s get you home,” he suggested.

She knew he was watching her but kept her head down. When they arrived home, she refused his suggestion to rest in the master bedroom.

“I’ve taken my medicine, I’ll be fine,” she insisted.

She made her way to the guest room and sat down at the desk, switching on her laptop.

“You’re sick, what are you doing?” he snapped, his frustration evident.

“I’m studying. I’ve taken my medicine, and the pain has subsided,” she explained.

She kept her gaze fixed on her laptop screen, refusing to look back.

“Alright,” she muttered.

The sound of the door closing caused her tense shoulders to relax.

“Huh…” she let out a small, choked sound, quickly opening and closing her eyes to hold back tears.

“It’s okay. Don’t cry… Don’t cry,” she repeated to herself like a mantra, pleading with herself not to break down.

“What’s okay?” a sudden voice startled her.

She turned around and was surprised to see him still there, leaning against the wall with a questioning look on his face, despite her assumption that he had left.