15 Chapter 15
As Seok-Woo descended the stairs, the tantalizing aroma of breakfast filled the air, drawing him toward the kitchen with eager anticipation. Stepping into the dining area, he spotted his father engrossed in the morning newspaper.
His father, absorbed in the headlines, glanced up at the sound of footsteps, his eyes widening in surprise at the unexpected sight of Seok-Woo.
Reflecting on the recent past, Seok-Woo's father had been absent from home due to work commitments, missing Seok-Woo's discharge from military service. Despite arrangements for Chae-Yoon to fetch Seok-Woo in his place, she didn't as she forgot.
A task at work led to his prolonged absence until the early hours of that morning. Weary from his journey, he had sought solace on the couch, intending to rest before reuniting with his son.
In the quiet dawn, Chae-Yoon gently roused him from sleep, and then she gave a soft whisper of news about Seok-Woo's return and the changes he had undergone.
Seok-Woo's father, still groggy from sleep, initially found it hard to believe the extent of the transformation described by Chae-Yoon. He dismissed it as perhaps exaggerated, reluctant to accept it without firsthand confirmation. Wary of intruding on his son's privacy, he hesitated to venture into Seok-Woo's room to verify the truth for himself.
Returning to the present, Seok-Woo's father rose from his seat in surprise at the sight of his son. Approaching him with a mixture of disbelief and wonder, he cast a discerning eye over Seok-Woo's form, marveling at the definition of his muscular arms and the breadth of his shoulders.
"It's been a while since we last met, Father.". Seok-Woo said to his father. To which his father said. "My son became a man from a boy. I'm proud of you.". His father lightly smiled as he said to him, complimenting him seriously. No more his shy and introverted behavior, a far gone of the past.
Seok-Woo's father beckoned him to the dining table with a warm, paternal tone. "Let's eat, son," he said, gesturing towards his own seat. Seok-Woo nodded in acknowledgment and made his way to the table, finding his place.
Observing the tender exchange between father and son, Chae-Yoon couldn't help but smile, cherishing the palpable sense of familial reunion that filled the room. The atmosphere was suffused with warmth and contentment, a testament to the bonds of family.
Seok-Woo wasted no time in delving into his meal as soon as he settled into his seat, eager to indulge in the feast before him. With a confident demeanor, he fielded his father's questions about his time in the military, regaling him with tales of his experiences.
Throughout their conversation, Chae-Yoon remained a silent yet attentive observer, allowing father and son to enjoy their uninterrupted bonding moment.
As the meal progressed and the dishes emptied, a sense of satisfaction settled over the table. Seok-Woo's father, seizing the opportunity, broached a more serious topic, directing his attention to his son's future plans.
"Seok-Woo, what do you do for yourself moving forward?" His tone carried a weight of concern, a father's hope that his son would not retreat into isolation once more.
"As I mentioned earlier before enlisting, I'll be heading to college. However, there's still a bit of time before the school year kicks off," Seok-Woo responded calmly, eliciting a relieved sigh from his father. Grateful that his son wasn't withdrawing into himself as he had in the past.
"Speaking of which, have you decided on a course yet?" Seok-Woo's father inquired, his curiosity piqued. Chae-Yoon, too, leaned in attentively, eager to hear Seok-Woo's choice.
"I've decided to pursue a business-related degree," Seok-Woo declared firmly, his tone reflecting his resolve. However, his father's reaction caught him off guard, as he responded with a hearty paternal laugh, leaving Seok-Woo momentarily surprised.
His father chuckled with pride, pleased to see his son expressing interest in pursuing business-related courses. It was evident to him that Seok-Woo harbored aspirations to eventually take over the family business, a notion that brought him immense joy.
"Why the laughter, Father?" Seok-Woo inquired, arching a curious brow, uncertain of the reason behind his father's sudden amusement. Was it because he doubted Seok-Woo's choice of course, or was there another reason altogether?
"It's nothing, just a pleasant surprise," Seok-Woo's father reassured him, his gaze filled with warmth as he looked upon his son. With each passing day, Seok-Woo seemed to grow more admirable in his father's eyes, prompting a desire to pamper him even more.
"Seok-Woo, do you see yourself taking over the family business one day?" Seok-Woo's father posed the question, his tone gentle yet earnest. Seok-Woo's response was resolute and filled with determination. "I certainly hope so. While I may not possess the capability to do so at present, I aspire to someday," he affirmed, eliciting smiles from both Chae-Yoon and his father.
"Then, aside from money, what do you need for college? What do you want?" Seok-Woo's father inquired, prompting a smile from Seok-Woo as he considered his request.
"Father, what I really need is my own car. I don't want to rely on taxis or public transportation to get around," Seok-Woo responded, explaining his reasoning. His father nodded in understanding but pressed for more. "Is there anything else?"
Seok-Woo was surprised by his father's willingness to provide more, but he couldn't think of anything else at that moment. "Honestly, aside from the car, there's nothing else that comes to mind," he answered truthfully, earning another nod of confirmation from his father.
"Are you ready to get your car today, then?" Seok-Woo's father asked, catching Seok-Woo off guard with his readiness. Seok-Woo composed himself before replying, "Yes, Father. Let's go to the car dealership."
With that, the two rose from their seats simultaneously, leaving Chae-Yoon slightly baffled by their sudden decision. "Isn't this a bit rushed? I'm envious of Seok-Woo," she mused to herself. "Before you both go, at least freshen up a bit. You both look a bit worn out," she advised, voicing her concern before they left.
To which, the two agreed. After which Seok-Woo's father was the first person to go to the bathroom, while Seok-Woo stayed at the dining table helping Chae-Yoon to wash the dishes.
Seok-Woo and Chae-Yoon gathered the empty dishes from the dining table, their movements synchronized as they made their way to the kitchen to tackle the chore of cleaning up. Side by side, they began washing the dishes in silence, the only sound filling the air was the gentle swish of water and the occasional clink of plates.
As Chae-Yoon scrubbed away at the dishes, her mind drifted back to the events of the previous night when Seok-Woo had carried her. Despite her efforts to focus on the task at hand, her thoughts kept returning to that moment, causing a subtle distraction that made the simple act of washing dishes feel like a daunting task.
Meanwhile, Seok-Woo stood beside her, grappling with his own internal dilemma. Unsure of what to say in this moment of quietude, he opted to remain silent, letting the rhythm of the task guide his actions. The thought of initiating small talk felt foreign to his mother, so he chose instead to channel his focus into the meticulous washing of each dish, finding solace in the familiar routine.
After the meticulous task of washing dishes, Chae-Yoon's mind began to drift away from the events of the previous night as she walked back to the table, intending to wipe it clean. Lost in her thoughts, her foot caught on an unseen obstacle, causing her to stumble forward. Before she could register the fall, strong arms wrapped around her, halting her descent just inches from the unforgiving floor.
Relief flooded through Chae-Yoon as she realized she had been caught by Seok-Woo's swift reflexes, sparing her from a potentially painful fall. Gratitude swelled within her, but before she could turn to express her thanks, a sudden awareness jolted through her body.
In the blink of an eye, Seok-Woo's hands, moving in tandem with his protective instincts, had inadvertently come into contact with her chest. Frozen in place, they both stood immobilized by the unexpected intimacy of the moment. For Chae-Yoon, a rush of embarrassment flushed her cheeks as she glanced down, finding herself met with the unexpected sensation of Seok-Woo's touch against her breast.
Though taken aback by the unintended gesture, Seok-Woo remained composed, his demeanor calm as he slowly withdrew his hands from her. With a voice filled with genuine regret, he offered his apology. "I'm deeply sorry. That was not my intention," he murmured, his words carrying a sincerity that sought to reassure her of his innocence in the matter
Chae-Yoon turned to face Seok-Woo, offering him a grateful smile. "It's okay. Thank you for catching me," she reassured him as he passed by, making his way towards the stairs with the intention of heading upstairs for a shower.
Alone in the kitchen now, Chae-Yoon's cheeks were still flushed with embarrassment from the unexpected intimacy of the moment. As soon as Seok-Woo disappeared from her sight, she couldn't contain the rush of emotions that flooded through her.
With trembling hands, Chae-Yoon lowered herself into a squatting position, seeking solace in the physical act of grounding herself. Her face still tinged with crimson, she attempted to calm her racing heart, but the sensation of Seok-Woo's touch lingered relentlessly in her mind, making it difficult to find peace.
Desperate to dispel the overwhelming feelings that consumed her thoughts, Chae-Yoon gingerly traced her fingertips over the area where Seok-Woo's hand had made contact. Each touch seemed to ignite a jolt of sensation within her, causing a soft, involuntary moan to escape her lips. Fortunately, the sound went unheard, as the house remained quiet, devoid of any prying ears.
As Seok-Woo walked towards the shower, as he walked he looked at his hand that touched Chae-Yoon's breast. "I don't know whether Sung-Hee or Chae-Yoon's breast is softer to touch.". He thought about this, reflecting on the soft sensation he touched not long ago.
Once in the shower, Seok-Woo swiftly cleansed himself, the cool water doing little to wash away the lingering thoughts that occupied his mind. He emerged from the shower quickly, drying himself off before proceeding to dress for the day ahead.
Back in his room, Seok-Woo exchanged his towel for clothes, his thoughts still wandering back to the encounter with Chae-Yoon. As he dressed, a sense of urgency filled him, eager to depart for the car dealership with his father.
With his attire sorted, Seok-Woo descended the stairs to find his father already prepared and waiting. "I'm ready to go, Father," he announced, prompting a nod of acknowledgment from his father.
Turning to Chae-Yoon, Seok-Woo bid her farewell. "I'll be heading out with Seok-Woo. Take care," his father added before leading the way out of the house. Seok-Woo followed suit, pausing momentarily to glance back at Chae-Yoon. "I'll be heading out too, Mother," he called out, offering a wave before stepping outside, eager to embark on the day's adventures.
Chae-Yoon waved back at him as Seok-Woo stepped outside, closing the door behind him with a firm click. Making his way to the garage, Seok-Woo found his father already seated behind the wheel, prepared to set off. Taking his place in the front seat, Seok-Woo felt a surge of anticipation as the car pulled out of the driveway, heading downtown toward the car dealership.
As they journeyed along the road, the gentle hum of the engine filling the car's interior, Seok-Woo's father broke the silence with a sudden question directed at his son. His eyes briefly shifted from the road to Seok-Woo, awaiting his response.
"What kind of car do you have in mind? Something practical, I assume, but not a sports car," he inquired, his tone laced with curiosity.
Seok-Woo paused for a moment, considering his father's question before offering his reply. "I envision an SUV," he stated simply.
"An SUV? I see. But why choose such a large vehicle? Wouldn't a smaller car suffice?" Seok-Woo's father probed further, his interest piqued by his son's choice.
Seok-Woo explained his preference with a thoughtful nod. "I've been drawn to SUVs for several reasons. Firstly, there's their appearance on the road, exuding a sense of strength and capability. Secondly, their versatile nature appeals to me, offering ample space for both passengers and cargo. And finally, their all-terrain capabilities make them suitable for various driving conditions, from city streets to off-road adventures," he elaborated, outlining the attributes that attracted him to SUVs.
His father pondered Seok-Woo's words for a moment, the rhythmic hum of the engine providing a backdrop to their conversation. Eventually, he acquiesced with a resigned sigh, swayed by Seok-Woo's compelling rationale.
"Alright, I'll buy you an SUV," he conceded, his tone reflecting a mixture of approval and caution. However, his demeanor swiftly shifted as he adopted a more serious tone. "But promise me one thing," he continued, his gaze locking onto Seok-Woo's. "Please drive responsibly. I don't want to see the car wrecked within just a few days of getting it," he admonished, his concern evident in his words.
Seok-Woo nodded solemnly in response, acknowledging his father's request and silently vowing to heed his advice.
With their agreement settled, they continued their journey towards the car dealership, the anticipation of acquiring a new SUV palpable in the air. Seok-Woo couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building within him as they drew closer to their destination, eager to embark on this new chapter with his brand-new vehicle.
