The Season I Loved You Without You - Chapter 96

CHAPTER 96

Go-yeo spent a year with Ga-eul, learning many things she didn’t know. For instance, Ga-eul doesn’t like covering himself with a blanket while sleeping because of his high body temperature, his beard grows blue if he doesn’t shave for two days, he avoids broccoli like a child despite seeming to eat everything else, and contrary to his words, he is recognized at work. Go-yeo candidly revealed her relationship with Ga-eul to Sang-moon and Yeong-ran.

‘I genuinely want to have a good relationship with him.’

Sang-moon was inclined to get to know Ga-eul and observe the relationship, but Yeong-ran expressed concerns. She worried that the differences in their ages and family backgrounds might cause difficulties for Go-yeo.

Yeong-ran met Ga-eul alone, after getting Go-yeo’s consent. Although Yeong-ran had a good impression of Ga-eul initially as a driver, facing the reality of the situation made her anxious. She saw Ga-eul, who appeared tense and stiff. Despite aging, he still retained a youthful freshness. Although dressed neatly in a suit, he still looked like a societal novice.

“I heard from Go-yeo that you two decided to date.”

Yeong-ran began, moistening her dry lips with water.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Ga-eul responded, his tension visible but maintaining proper posture and direct eye contact.

“I’m sorry to say this, but I’m a bit skeptical about your relationship. I believe you understand why.”

Ga-eul nodded, seeming to comprehend without showing signs of disappointment or hurt.

“I am well aware that my background is vastly different from Go-yeo’s. Additionally, both my biological parents are deceased, and I was raised by a stepmother.”

Yeong-ran was not surprised, having heard about this before, but she still didn’t like this aspect. Despite trying not to be prejudiced, she felt there might be some dark and twisted parts in his life.

“However, my stepmother raised me with love, and I believe I grew up without lacking anything. This is not to say that I am extraordinary. There were times when I felt small and insignificant next to Go-yeo because we live in such different worlds.”

Ga-eul paused to catch his breath before continuing.

“Perhaps my initial attraction to Go-yeo was due to our differences, but I can confidently say that is only a part of it. I love Go-yeo not because of her background. Being with her makes me feel alive. I experience joy, hope, sorrow, and despair, all vivid emotions. Through her, I am rediscovering and learning about the world. She is the driving force that propels me forward, and she makes me a better person.”

Yeong-ran listened to Ga-eul’s honest words quietly.

“During the time Go-yeo was away in Korea, I thought a lot about how to live without lacking anything for my partner. I am confident that I will continue to grow and not be a burden to Go-yeo. So, I hope you can watch over me a bit longer.”

Yeong-ran didn’t add any comments to his sincere words, only stepping back with a promise to observe more carefully.

Go-yeo was sitting in the recliner in her room on the second floor of the main house, reading a book. Time had passed enough for her to read half of the book, but it was still quiet. Go-yeo let out a dry laugh, threw the book aside, and lay on the bed. On days when Sang-moon and Ga-eul played Go in the study, it felt like it would never end.

Lying on her side, she watched the maple tree in the garden, its leaves slowly turning red. As the afternoon sunlight touched the window, Go-yeo drifted to sleep.

She woke to the feeling of someone stroking her hair and saw Ga-eul’s white face next to her. Smiling pleasantly, she closed her eyes again.

“Did you wait long?”

She nodded slightly, hearing the soft sound of Ga-eul stroking her hair. His low laughter echoed, and a soft touch grazed her forehead and retreated.

Ga-eul lay propped on his arm, looking at Go-yeo, who still hadn’t opened her eyes. He gently brushed the hair around her delicate eyelashes, down to the small mole below, the fine nose, and the red, plump lips. Sometimes, Ga-eul wondered if this was what it felt like to meet one’s soulmate. He found everything about her lovable.

“Did I tell you I love you today?”

“…Maybe?”

Go-yeo’s sleepy voice was muffled. Ga-eul whispered his usual words and lightly kissed her. When Go-yeo only smiled without opening her eyes, he kissed her naturally. As Go-yeo shook her head slightly, Ga-eul pulled back.

“Wake up now. You should sleep at night.”

He gently patted her back as if coaxing a child to wake up. Go-yeo slowly opened her eyes and met Ga-eul’s gaze. He had calm and serene eyes, yet held a deep and passionate love.

“Aren’t you tired of playing Go every time you come?”

Since the day she introduced him to her family, Sang-moon had kept Ga-eul playing Go, almost as if torturing him. If Ga-eul hadn’t known how to play, this wouldn’t have happened, but he was quite good, so Sang-moon often called him over just to play.

“No? I’m grateful that the chairman invited me.”

“You don’t have to be grateful. If it’s too much, tell me, and I’ll mediate.”

Ga-eul smiled and shook his head.

“I enjoy it. It reminds me of playing Go with my father.”

Go-yeo was at a loss for words at his innocent and pure expression. His invincible expression left her feeling helpless.

Ga-eul sat Go-yeo up and fixed her hair. Ga-eul had come up to take Go-yeo down for mealtime, but they were already very late. Go-yeo, who had no appetite, was coaxed and led downstairs to the first floor. Waiting in the living room were Sang-moon and Yeong-ran, who hadn’t yet eaten.

Sang-moon was displeased not only because they had missed the meal time, but also due to the delay caused by the unknown activities the two engaged in the room. He cleared his throat with a dissatisfied expression. Yeong-ran nudged him with her elbow, signaling him to stop.

They left the head seat empty, with Sang-moon and Yeong-ran sitting side by side and Ga-eul and Go-yeo sitting opposite them. Yeong-ran had prepared many dishes that Ga-eul liked. As the meal began, the usually quiet dining table felt bustling because of Ga-eul. Like a mother bird, Ga-eul moved side dishes to Go-yeo’s plate.

“I’m not hungry. You eat.”

“You hardly ate lunch. So please eat a little. Just a bit of everything.”

Sang-moon and Yeong-ran paused eating to watch the two before resuming their meal, seemingly accustomed to the scene. Sang-moon chuckled a bit at how Ga-eul seemed to care for Go-yeo more than he, her father, did.

Go-yeo frowned, not liking it, but ate what Ga-eul gave her in small bites. Ga-eul smiled broadly as Go-yeo ate well and ate the food Yeong-ran had prepared diligently, like a model of dining etiquette.

Yeong-ran observed the dynamic between the reluctant Go-yeo and the diligent Ga-eul, thinking they complemented each other well.

* * *

Go-yeo and Ga-eul headed to the snack shop run by Hee-sook. The small shop had only two tables, with customers mainly being local elementary students and residents. Despite its size, the food was good, attracting regulars.

This was Go-yeo’s third visit. There were no customers yet as the school hadn’t finished. Hee-sook greeted Go-yeo with an awkward smile, unable to hide her discomfort. Go-yeo noticed but didn’t push her to act otherwise.

To advance her relationship with Ga-eul, Go-yeo made efforts to gain acceptance from people around him. Hee-sook initially opposed their relationship upon hearing about it from Ga-eul, as expected. Instead of worrying, Go-yeo humbly accepted it.

‘I acknowledge that I am not what you would consider an ordinary person. But that doesn’t mean Ga-eul and I can’t have a normal relationship.’

Though Hee-sook still felt burdened by Go-yeo’s presence, she brought out a kimbap for her, which Go-yeo ate without pretending to be overly friendly, simply expressing gratitude.

Though her food intake had increased, Go-yeo didn’t finish a whole roll of kimbap. Ga-eul urged her to eat more, but Hee-sook stopped him, saying not to force her.

Seeing Hee-sook’s uncomfortable expression, Go-yeo, who would normally ignore such things, explained at length due to Hee-sook being Ga-eul’s mother.

“Adults might not like hearing this, but I manage my weight almost 365 days a year. I pay attention to my diet, which is why I didn’t finish it. The food is so good that I want to take the rest home to eat tomorrow.”

Hee-sook, momentarily forgetting her discomfort, looked Go-yeo up and down.

“Why… there’s nothing but bones…”

Hee-sook was about to scold her but stopped, mouth agape. Go-yeo, used to such reactions, smiled sheepishly.

As Hee-sook was about to speak again, school kids came into the shop. Among them was a boy who looked like he had a good appetite, entering with two friends and sitting at the opposite table. Hee-sook, finding them cute, was delighted.

“Auntie, we’ll have what we had yesterday.”

The boy, around ten years old, ordered like a regular at a restaurant, making Go-yeo chuckle. The two other kids set forks and water cups, glancing at Go-yeo and Ga-eul.

“Are you two dating?”

Go-yeo was taken aback by the sudden question, but Ga-eul nodded and said, ‘Yes,’ naturally.

The kids giggled and asked another question.

“How long have you been dating?”

“Uh…”

Ga-eul, slightly embarrassed, glanced at Go-yeo. She thought it silly to count the days, but Ga-eul answered promptly.

“352 days.”

“Wow… quite a while. So, are you getting married soon?”

Both were momentarily speechless. Ga-eul laughed softly, searching for the right words. Meanwhile, Go-yeo watched Ga-eul’s embarrassed expression. Despite often discussing their future, they avoided talking about marriage directly, so Go-yeo impulsively answered.

“…We will soon.”

“See! I told you! When you date, you get married!”

The boy, excited, chattered on until their food arrived. With more customers coming in, Go-yeo and Ga-eul quietly stood up. Go-yeo discreetly placed a book of poems she had bought on Hee-sook’s belongings. On her first official visit, she had brought a useless, fancy fruit basket on Hyun-joo’s advice. After observing Hee-sook more closely, she realized it was unnecessary.

Afterward, she almost went empty-handed but decided to bring a common hand cream. Seeing Hee-sook’s pleased reaction, feeling like she had found the right approach, Go-yeo held Ga-eul’s hand, smiling as Ga-eul did the same.

“I have a small wish, Go-yeo.”

Go-yeo looked at him, wondering what it was.

“I want to call you something different.”

Go-yeo frowned slightly.

“Not something like ‘honey’ or anything.”

Ga-eul stopped walking, closing his mouth tightly. Go-yeo frowned, making it clear she couldn’t agree.

“Why not?”

“I don’t like it.”

Her firm rejection left no room for compromise.

“But I really want to…”

“Do you want me to call you that?”

Ga-eul’s face showed he had been found out but hesitated to admit it.

“Not necessarily, but…”

“Do you know what that’s called?”

Go-yeo teased, smiling playfully. Ga-eul blinked, shaking his head innocently.

“Wishful thinking.”

Despite usually laughing off Go-yeo’s teasing, Ga-eul’s face remained disappointed. Knowing Go-yeo rarely changed her mind, Ga-eul gave up early, hoping in the next life, he might get his wish.