Chapter 25

Seok-Woo gracefully carried the groceries toward Chae-Yoon's car, with Chae-Yoon walking beside him in silence. The air between them felt heavy with unspoken words, each hesitant to disrupt the fragile peace that had settled between them.

Chae-Yoon searched her mind for a topic to break the silence but came up empty-handed. The lively conversations from the restaurant seemed like distant echoes now, leaving them adrift in a sea of quiet contemplation.

As they reached Chae-Yoon's car, she unlocked the trunk and gestured for Seok-Woo to deposit the groceries inside. He complied silently, his movements fluid and efficient as he arranged the bags with practiced ease.

With the task complete, Seok-Woo closed the trunk, and for a moment, their gazes met, lingering in the weight of unspoken thoughts. Sensing the need to break the tension, Seok-Woo spoke first.

"I'll be heading off now, Mother. Take care," he said softly, his words carrying a hint of remorse.

Chae-Yoon returned his gaze, her expression unreadable as she replied, "Take care of yourself, Seok-Woo." Her voice held a note of caution as she continued, "But remember, honesty is key. Let's avoid any more misunderstandings."

Seok-Woo nodded solemnly, his resolve firm as he assured her, "I understand, Mother. I'll strive to be more forthcoming from now on."

With a final glance, Seok-Woo turned and began to walk away, his steps steady as he made his way to where his own car awaited. The exchange lingered in the air, a silent promise of better understanding and communication between them.

Chae-Yoon quietly watched as Seok-Woo walked away, his figure gradually shrinking with each step. A nagging thought crept into her mind: "Why does it seem like Seok-Woo is pulling away from me?" She reflected on their time together earlier when Seok-Woo had returned home.

They hadn't exchanged as many words as she had hoped during their reunion. Chae-Yoon acknowledged her own role in this silence. A mother should be the one to initiate conversations with her children, not the other way around.

Unbeknownst to her, Seok-Woo was wrestling with his own inner turmoil, uncertain about his feelings toward her, torn between seeing her as his mother or something else. Meanwhile, Chae-Yoon couldn't ignore the longing she felt, a void that Seok-Woo seemed to fill, albeit unwittingly.

With a sigh, Chae-Yoon resigned herself to the fact that their relationship might never be quite what she wished for. Nevertheless, she climbed into her car and drove home, accepting the status quo with a sense of quiet resignation.

Seok-Woo strode purposefully toward his parked car, slipping into the driver's seat with practiced ease. His destination was the Kid's Cafe, where he had promised to lend Jin-Yi and Sung-Hee a helping hand.

Arriving at the cafe didn't take long. Seok-Woo parked nearby stepped out of his car, and took a moment to observe the cafe's exterior before heading inside.

As he approached the entrance, Seok-Woo scrutinized the surroundings, noticing details he had overlooked the day before. When he reached the door, he rapped on it lightly, anticipating someone to answer.

After a brief wait, Jin-Yi swung the door open, offering Seok-Woo a warm smile as he stepped inside. Expressing his gratitude, Seok-Woo followed her further into the cafe, taking in the colorful play area equipped with toys and activities designed to captivate children's imaginations.

Turning to Jin-Yi, Seok-Woo inquired, "Where's Sung-Hee?" Surprised by her absence, he had expected her to greet him upon his arrival.

"Sung-Hee stepped out to pick up a few things for the cafe. She'll be back soon. Can you lend me a hand in the meantime?" Jin-Yi responded, her eyes meeting his expectantly.

"Of course," Seok-Woo agreed readily, recalling Sung-Hee's earlier request for assistance. Together, they made their way toward the kitchen, Seok-Woo suppressing a fleeting thought about the potential clichés of a man and woman working alone together. Dismissing the notion, he focused on the task at hand, determined to be of help without overthinking the situation.

As they entered, Jin-Yi turned to Seok-Woo and swiftly requested, "Could you organize those items in the cabinets by brand?" She gestured toward the assortment of instant noodle bags in the groceries.

Seok-Woo nodded in understanding and set to work, methodically arranging the instant noodles as requested. Meanwhile, Jin-Yi busied herself with preparing the ingredients, deftly chopping the vegetables with practiced precision.

The kitchen was filled with a comfortable silence as they each focused on their tasks. After a few minutes, Seok-Woo completed sorting the instant noodles and turned to Jin-Yi, seeking further instructions.

"Auntie Jin-Yi, I've finished here. What else can I assist you with?" Seok-Woo inquired, prompting Jin-Yi to pause her work and inspect his efforts.

Jin-Yi reviewed the cabinets and made a few minor adjustments to Seok-Woo's arrangement. She then acknowledged his efforts with a nod and expressed her gratitude. "You've done a good job, despite a few minor mistakes. Thank you for your help. If you're willing, could you assist me with prepping the ingredients for our customers?" she requested, extending another opportunity for Seok-Woo to contribute.

"Of course, I'll be glad to assist," Seok-Woo replied warmly, his voice carrying a hint of eagerness to lend a hand. Jin-Yi's request spurred her into action, leading Seok-Woo to the designated workstation. With purposeful steps, she guided him to where the culinary journey would begin.

Jin-Yi carefully selected a medley of fresh vegetables, their vibrant colors promising a feast for the senses. As she reached for the gleaming knife, she turned to Seok-Woo with a gentle smile, offering him the tools of their gastronomic artistry.

"Here, take care not to injure yourself," Jin-Yi cautioned with a touch of maternal concern, her words tinged with affection. Seok-Woo accepted the knife and vegetables with a nod of gratitude, his hands steady and assured as he prepared to embark on the task at hand.

With meticulous precision, Seok-Woo set to work, his focused gaze unwavering as he deftly sliced and diced the vegetables to perfection. Each precise movement spoke of a practiced hand, guided by both skill and determination.

Jin-Yi watched with a mixture of admiration and amusement as Seok-Woo's expertise unfolded before her eyes. His concentration was palpable, a testament to his commitment to excellence. She couldn't help but marvel at the sight of him, his serious demeanor lending an air of intrigue to the kitchen scene.

As beads of sweat glistened on Seok-Woo's brow, Jin-Yi found herself captivated by his earnest expression. "My, that intense focus of his could charm even the most discerning of hearts," she mused silently, a soft smile playing at the corners of her lips.

A moment of lighthearted envy flickered through Jin-Yi's thoughts as she observed Seok-Woo's dedicated efforts. "I can't help but feel a twinge of jealousy toward Sung-Hee, having such a remarkable man all to herself," she admitted with a playful smirk, reveling in the camaraderie of the kitchen as they worked side by side.

The two labored on in silence, their tasks unfolding methodically amidst occasional stolen glances from Jin-Yi, her attention briefly diverted by Seok-Woo's presence. Minutes slipped by seamlessly as they diligently filled containers in preparation for the impending workday.

Although the work wasn't particularly strenuous for Seok-Woo, the stifling humidity of the environment left him perspiring, an indication of the lack of adequate ventilation in the space. Jin-Yi, accustomed to such conditions, wiped away the sweat with practiced nonchalance, unfazed by the familiar discomfort.

Recognizing the need for hydration, Jin-Yi took a moment to retrieve glasses of water, ensuring both she and Seok-Woo remained refreshed amidst their exertions. With a gentle gesture, she offered the cool relief to Seok-Woo, her concern evident in the gesture.

"Here, have some water," she urged softly, extending the glass toward him with a supportive smile.

"Thank you," Seok-Woo acknowledged with a brief nod of appreciation, accepting the glass and swiftly downing its contents in a single gulp. Setting the emptied glass down, he exhaled contentedly, feeling rejuvenated by the refreshing drink.

Casually breaking the silence, Seok-Woo shifted the conversation to their absent colleague. "Sung-Hee seems to be taking her time, doesn't she?" he remarked, prompting Jin-Yi to offer her own observation in return.

"Yes, she's certainly taking longer than anticipated," Jin-Yi agreed, her tone tinged with a hint of curiosity as they awaited Sung-Hee's eventual return.

Seok-Woo stole a quick glance at Jin-Yi, and to his surprise, he found her figure captivating. Her mature charm, accentuated by the shoulderless top and pencil skirt she wore, drew his gaze momentarily.

Though Seok-Woo attempted to be discreet, Jin-Yi was keenly aware of his eyes lingering on her body. "Hm, appearances can be deceiving," she mused silently, deciding to confront him directly to gauge his reaction.

"Seok-Woo, how about we find a way to pass the time while we wait for Sung-Hee?" Jin-Yi suggested, observing Seok-Woo's curious, rather than contemptuous gaze.

Seok-Woo couldn't help but wonder about the situation unfolding before him. It felt oddly familiar, yet he responded before fully processing his thoughts. "What would you like to do?" he inquired, turning to face her fully, his gaze unwavering.

Jin-Yi's smile widened at his response, and she closed the distance between them. "I'll take the lead on that," she declared, advancing towards Seok-Woo without hesitation.

Pressing her body against his, Jin-Yi's proximity stirred a reaction in Seok-Woo, but he maintained his composure better than expected. Despite the temptation, he resisted, silently questioning the casualness of her advances.

As Seok-Woo struggled to compose himself, his inner conflict intensified. Though tempted, he pushed Jin-Yi away slightly, making space between them.

"I'm not that easy to tempt, Auntie," Seok-Woo asserted firmly, gently pushing her back. However, Jin-Yi seized his hand and guided it to her chest, a bold move that left Seok-Woo momentarily frozen in surprise, though he didn't release his grip.

"Why? Is it because of Sung-Hee, your girlfriend?" Jin-Yi's voice dripped with suggestion as she applied more pressure to Seok-Woo's hand against her breast. "You may act loyal to her, but your hands tell a different story."

Seok-Woo lifted one hand to his forehead, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes as he regarded the audacious woman before him. Rising from his seat, he closed the distance between them. "I believe you're mistaken about something," he remarked, his tone tinged with intrigue. With a swift motion, he tugged down Jin-Yi's shirt, revealing her exposed chest. Jin-Yi was taken aback by his boldness but made no move to cover herself, meeting his gaze head-on.

"Firstly, Sung-Hee is not my girlfriend," Seok-Woo clarified, his gaze unwavering as he extended his hand toward her breast. With deliberate intent, he grasped it, applying pressure. "And secondly... what can you do for me?" His question hung in the air, laced with a challenge, as he exerted controlled force on her breast.

Jin-Yi met Seok-Woo's gaze head-on, her composure unshaken despite the sensation coursing through her body from his touch. With a hint of curiosity, she posed a probing question, "Does Sung-Hee know about this side of yours?" Her words were measured, even as his hands explored her form.

"Not entirely, but she's glimpsed certain aspects," Seok-Woo replied, his voice tinged with a sense of satisfaction as he continued to indulge in the tactile experience. Jin-Yi drew in a sharp breath, then firmly removed Seok-Woo's hands from her body. Adjusting her clothing to conceal her chest, she offered a small smile before turning away from him, signaling her intention to leave.

Observing Jin-Yi's departure, Seok-Woo couldn't help but notice a telltale trickle running down her thighs. A smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. "Could it be that she's going commando?" he speculated to himself, his curiosity piqued. With purposeful strides, he closed the distance between them, seizing her wrist and gently guiding her against the wall.

Caught off guard, Jin-Yi tensed as Seok-Woo pressed her against the surface. Before she could utter a word, he interjected, his voice low and tinged with suggestion. "Would you like me to help alleviate some of that pent-up frustration?" His gaze locked with hers, holding a promise of something more.

Caught off balance by his proposition, Jin-Yi's words faltered. Before she could articulate a response, she felt Seok-Woo's hand slip under her skirt, his touch tracing the dampness between her thighs. With deliberate care, he explored her, teasing but not yet fully committing to his advances.

"Seok-Woo, you're crossing a line. Let go of me," Jin-Yi's voice was firm, her eyes shooting daggers at him. This wasn't what she had anticipated when she found herself alone with him.

Seok-Woo's smirk widened at her defiance, prompting him to taunt her further. "Then why are you so aroused?" His fingers intensified their exploration, teasing the sensitive area.

"That's... because..." Jin-Yi's voice wavered, the overwhelming pleasure rendering her speech momentarily elusive. "This... it's intense. My body is reacting to your touch, reminding me of sensations I've long forgotten," she admitted, her cheeks flushing with a mixture of arousal and vulnerability. Gripping Seok-Woo's hand firmly with both of hers, she attempted to pry it away, struggling to regain control over her escalating desire.

Seok-Woo relented, withdrawing his hand as Jin-Yi exerted force to push it away. Holding up his glistening fingers, he displayed tangible evidence of her arousal. "Your response speaks volumes," he remarked, his gaze filled with a combination of satisfaction and desire.

Jin-Yi's breath caught in her throat as she met Seok-Woo's gaze, her heart racing with a heady mix of emotions. Despite her inner conflict, an unmistakable yearning stirred within her, craving more of his touch, more of the intoxicating connection they shared.

Before Jin-Yi could voice her unspoken desires, Sung-Hee's voice pierced the charged atmosphere, abruptly breaking the spell and plunging them back into the reality they momentarily escaped.

"Auntie? Seok-Woo? Where are you both?" Sung-Hee's voice reverberated through the cafe upon her return, breaking the quietude that had settled in their absence. Her unexpected delay had elongated her absence more than anticipated.

As Sung-Hee entered the kitchen, her eyes quickly fell upon Seok-Woo and Jin-Yi standing behind the counter. Their demeanor seemed composed, their attention seemingly fixed on the task at hand—organizing the filled containers of ingredients.

Unbeknownst to Sung-Hee, a clandestine interaction was transpiring between Seok-Woo and Jin-Yi. His fingers deftly explored Jin-Yi's depths beneath the surface, their silent exchange veiled from Sung-Hee's notice.

Seok-Woo's audacious actions elicited a suppressed moan from Jin-Yi, who hastily stifled it with her hand, her composure waning under the intensity of his touch. Their fleeting glance spoke volumes, a silent acknowledgment of their shared secret amidst the unsuspecting presence of Sung-Hee.

Before the tension between them could escalate further, Sung-Hee's attention was drawn to Jin-Yi's flushed countenance. With a hint of concern, Sung-Hee pointed out the telltale sign, unwittingly interrupting the clandestine rendezvous between Seok-Woo and Jin-Yi.

"Auntie, why is your face so red?" Sung-Hee's inquiry was laced with innocent curiosity, her gaze momentarily lingering on Jin-Yi's flushed complexion. Unaware of the covert exchange occurring behind the facade of normalcy, Sung-Hee's concern was genuine.

"It's just the humidity in here," Jin-Yi offered a hasty explanation, her voice tinged with an attempt to mask the lingering traces of pleasure that threatened to betray her composure. Concealing her aroused state became increasingly challenging as Seok-Woo intensified his movements, each touch pushing her closer to the edge of ecstasy.

"Seok-Woo, could you lend me a hand with something? I could use your help," Sung-Hee suddenly asked, creating a momentary distraction. Jin-Yi, teetering on the precipice of climax, found solace in resting her head on her hands, her breaths shallow and ragged as she struggled to maintain her façade.

Just as Jin-Yi neared the brink of release, Seok-Woo abruptly withdrew his finger, leaving her on the cusp of satisfaction, yet ultimately unfulfilled. "Of course, where do you need me?" Seok-Woo's compliance with Sung-Hee's request was swift, his demeanor masking any trace of the clandestine encounter moments earlier.

"Follow me," Sung-Hee beckoned, then walked out first. As Sung-Hee got outside, Seok-Woo stole a fleeting glance back at Jin-Yi, his expression bearing a mixture of apology and amusement. "Sorry about that. We'll pick up where we left off next time," he offered with a light smile before disappearing outside.

Jin-Yi's eyes rolled in exasperation at Seok-Woo's parting words, though a begrudging acknowledgment of his offer lingered in her mind. "You didn't let me cum on purpose, asshole." With a muttered curse directed at Seok-Woo, she conceded to the tantalizing promise of future encounters, her desire for satisfaction left unquenched for the time being.