The Season I Loved You Without You - Chapter 33

CHAPTER 33

Go-yeo naturally reminded Ji-yeon of the past. 

Ji-yeon went abroad to study despite the financial difficulties at home, attending a prestigious fashion school globally recognized, which came with expensive tuition fees. Although she managed to earn money through part-time work and scholarships after receiving help from home for just one semester and then studying relentlessly, she couldn’t sustain this lifestyle for even two years.

There were plenty of assignments, and despite having several scholarship opportunities, it was challenging to cope with the exorbitant cost of living. When contemplating whether to take a break or quit school temporarily, Go-yeo readily helped without sparing material support since then.

‘There’s nothing to do later. Let’s start a clothing business together.’

When asked why she was helping her, it was a passing remark. Later, while working at the boutique, Ji-yeon tried to repay what she had received during her study abroad period, but Go-yeo steadfastly refused. Because it’s from the heart, along with a simple “just accept it” message.

Knowing that Go-yeo doesn’t give her heart to just anyone made her feel relieved for no reason.

“How much more are you going to pamper me?”

Go-yeo laughed out loud. It was a burst of laughter often seen from her towards Ji-yeon.

“There’s no distribution to celebrate your ex-husband’s remarriage, it’s just some weird rebelliousness, so don’t feel too pressured.”

“Hey! If that’s the rebelliousness, I’m fine with it.”

Seeing Ji-yeon in a good mood, Go-yeo also seemed pleased. While chatting, they drank a few more cocktails of different kinds.

Ji-yeon happily lay down on the bar counter. Then, looking at Go-yeo beside her, she giggled. Go-yeo also didn’t seem to mind the current atmosphere and mood. Laughing together, Go-yeo tapped the glass next to Ji-yeon.

“Live well with your guy anyway.”

“Yeah, sure. Han Go-yeo, you should find a man other than Moon Ji-hyuk now. Huh? Please! It’s my wish, my wish. Hey! Forget while meeting someone, forget while meeting! If you wait until you forget everything like him, it’ll take another ten years. Use that face diligently. Diligently.”

Go-yeo responded sarcastically to Ji-yeon’s words.

‘What wish? Shouting out random things when you’re drunk.’

Trying to stop Ji-yeon, who wanted to go for another round, Go-yeo called Hae-joon. Hae-joon, who had been waiting for Ji-yeon’s call, said he would come over right away. In the meantime, Ji-yeon fell asleep on the bar counter.

Go-yeo looked at the droplets on the cocktail glass. When she wiped them with her hand, the droplets dispersed. Sitting still, she flicked away the moisture on her fingertips.

‘I should forget. I should forget….’

Every time she blinked, she thought of Moon Ji-hyuk she had seen on TV. Media reports said he was getting engaged, but who knows what he’s thinking. What’s really on his mind?

She didn’t care what Ji-hyuk would do. Now, she just wanted everything to end quietly and smoothly, whatever he did.

‘I’ll handle mine, and you handle yours.’

They should end it like that. Them.

“Ms. Go-yeo.”

“It’s been a while, Hae-joon.”

Hae-joon arrived and approached Ji-yeon. Go-yeo exchanged light greetings with him and refused Hae-joon’s offer to drive her home. She made excuses about bringing the car and wanting to have a few more drinks. He expressed concern about leaving a woman alone but reassured him by adding that she had someone to call, and ushered them off.

Hae-joon was as kind as Ji-yeon. She’ll live well, like an older sister should. Happy.

“I need to meet a new guy….”

To others, it might seem like she’s enjoying her freedom, but being alone right now felt okay too. Meeting someone new meant giving a part of her heart away, and right now, she felt like it was all pointless and bothersome.

Just like how burnout comes from being too engrossed in work, pouring out all her emotions for Moon Ji-hyuk left her feeling emotionally drained.

She finished the remaining mojito. It seemed like she had spent a productive time, but it was only 8 in the evening.

As she stepped out of the building, she shivered in the cold. She walked aimlessly. The bright lights from the still-open shops illuminated the sidewalk.

Standing in front of a French luxury boutique, she casually glanced at the clothes and bags. They seemed familiar. The clothes on the male mannequin were the same as the ones she had given him.

She couldn’t remember how many days had passed since she last saw him. It’s not like she wanted to see him. But suddenly, she remembered those eyes, kind and gentle on the surface, but harboring a burning fire deep inside.

Go-yeo didn’t realize that despite rejecting and pushing him away, he was gradually seeping into her life.

She just walked silently. It had been a while since she walked like this. There were hardly any people on the street, and the noise from the passing cars made it loud. She followed where her feet took her.

There was a flower shop closing up. The lights were on, so she went in because the flowers looked pretty. Just asked for a random bouquet. With a friendly smile, the owner took out several flower stems from the refrigerator, probably the ones she planned to sell today.

While the owner made the bouquet, she looked at the potted plants. One in particular caught her eye. It was a red Congo, sitting in a light brown pot, with shiny leaves that looked healthy. Its sturdy stem and thick leaves made it look robust. The deep green color seemed unusually vibrant for winter.

The owner enthusiastically explained, as if it would be nice for her to be interested in something else.

“Ma’am, that’s a Red Congo, an air-purifying plant. It’s easy to take care of. It grows well even in the shade, and just water it generously when the soil dries up.”

It seemed like it would suit a stark office. Would it grow well if she put it in the office? She didn’t want to buy it just to watch it die.

The owner, who had seen many people like Go-yeo contemplating, had the right words.

“I repotted it with good soil not too long ago. It’ll grow well anywhere. Just remember to water it generously from time to time.”

Go-yeo easily accepted the explanation and picked out a pot.

“The Congo’s flower language is ‘please love me.’ Isn’t it adorable, just like its flower language?”

The owner chuckled brightly. Go-yeo smiled faintly, thinking that the owner was not an ordinary person when it came to business acumen. With the potted plant in a transparent shopping bag and the bouquet in hand, she left. The bouquet, made of pink lisianthus, white roses, and blue hydrangeas, was rather large.

Admiring the flowers for a while, she took in their fragrance. She hadn’t smelled the natural scent of flowers in a long time. A hum that sounded like a song of joy and melancholy at the same time escaped her lips.

Carrying the flowers, which seemed out of place in the quiet evening street, she headed towards the boutique. After turning from the main road into an alley, she saw the boutique. The boutique was closed, with its lights off, and across the street, she saw a dim figure under a dim streetlight.

It was Yoon Ga-eul.

“….Boss.”

The voice was slightly trembling. Lit by the streetlight, his face looked sharper and firmer than usual, with deep shadows adding to his features. Go-yeo found him unfamiliar like this. But his eyes, always with a hint of mischief, were familiar.

She didn’t ask what was wrong. She just received his gaze and held it. But in those deep eyes, she discovered a flickering blue flame. Unable to bear it, she averted her gaze first.

“Please let me keep working.”

His pitiful voice and his hands clasped were pathetic. She felt it would be better to be cruel to him, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it.

“…Okay.”

Because Han Go-yeo’s heart was weak, and because the struggling Ga-eul was pitiable. Just because she bought flowers today and felt good.

That was all.

She felt relieved that she didn’t like Yoon Ga-eul. 

* * *

It was the day of a performance sponsored by Wushin Financial Holdings. Today, it was an opera, which Yeong-ran particularly enjoyed, as she loved music, art, and ballet. As part of Wushin and at Yeong-ran’s request, Go-yeo decided to attend.

The car, which departed from Samseong-dong, arrived in Hannam-dong to pick up Go-yeo. Go-yeo greeted Sang-moon and Yeong-ran, who were sitting in the back seat, as she took the front.

“You arrived quickly.”

Yeong-ran smiled softly.

“We should hurry a bit. I’ve been telling you to come home more often.”

Sang-moon coughed awkwardly and glanced at Yeong-ran. Yeong-ran didn’t flinch and looked at Go-yeo.

“By the way, Go-yeo looks beautiful today as well.”

Being in such a distinguished place, she paid attention to her appearance. She wore a cream-colored jacquard knit dress that emphasized her waist and draped a neat mink cape over her shoulders. She smiled faintly and looked at Yeong-ran’s clothes.

“Do you think so?”

Yeong-ran was wearing the clothes and bag Go-yeo had chosen for her last time.

“They suit you well.”

During the car ride, Yeong-ran talked about today’s performance. While Go-yeo did enjoy opera, she wasn’t as passionate about it as Yeong-ran. This performance was special, as it featured invited musicians and a renowned soprano from across Europe, but although Go-yeo had heard of them, she didn’t know much about them.

Sitting in the center of the Royal Box on the first floor of the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall, Go-yeo opened the pamphlet. It explained what Yeong-ran had mentioned earlier in print.

Glancing at the clock, she realized there was still some time before the performance began. Today, many Wushin officials and her father’s acquaintances were expected to attend. Sure enough, people who recognized Sang-moon came over to greet him. Go-yeo had to smile and be courteous as well. Looking back, despite being a weekend afternoon performance, there were quite a few audience members.

Someone familiar approached the empty seat next to her. It was Park Tae-shin, the son of her father’s long-time colleague and the CEO of Wushin Asset Management.

“Long time no see.”

Go-yeo nodded at Tae-shin’s eager smile.

“Yeah.”

They had known each other since they were young, but they never had any particular fondness for each other. If Moon Ji-hyuk had a cool and composed image, Park Tae-shin had a warm and composed one. Go-yeo greeted Tae-shin’s parents brightly and leaned back in her seat. Tae-shin sat next to her. Yeong-ran, sitting on the left side, exchanged greetings with Tae-shin.

Go-yeo felt a moment of discomfort and tilted her head. She looked at Yeong-ran, who smiled gently but didn’t say anything else.

As the orchestra began, the opera started. The vibrant sound of the strings filled the entire space, resonating vividly in her ears.