Two weeks until the start of the university semester.

The relationship between the two who had started dating was rapidly evolving.

One particular change was Si-hyun's newfound comfort with physical affection. Whereas it used to be mostly Ye-rin who initiated it, perhaps because once Si-hyun is in a relationship, he's wholeheartedly committed.

Lately, there were more instances where Si-hyun was the one reaching out first.

"What should I do... I'm so happy every day I'm going crazy."

Ye-rin was experiencing the peak of her life due to Si-hyun’s enthusiastic advances. As she rolled around alone on the bed, she tried to calm her overflowing heart while looking at Si-hyun’s photos piled up in her phone gallery.

"Really... He's so handsome, it's killing me."

They had been on a date yesterday, the day before, and even three days ago. With dates happening as frequently as eating meals, it was Si-hyun who had contacted her to suggest they rest today.

Even though she wanted to meet every day, Ye-rin repeatedly practiced patience to respect each other's private lives.

‘I miss Si-hyun...’

The man who accepted and embraced all of her. During the lonely times of her childhood, Ye-rin was able to persevere because Si-hyun was there.

‘If you hadn't been there, what kind of life would I have led?’

The mere thought was dreadful. The two pillars supporting Ye-rin’s life: her maternal grandmother and Kim Si-hyun. Without those two supports, Ye-rin imagined she would be living a life akin to a recluse.

"Si-hyun, thank you for dating me."

Ye-rin kissed the sticker photo they had taken together, and wishing for the day to pass quickly, she pulled out all the photo albums she had at home.

Flip, flip.

Ye-rin experienced the family moments she missed out on with her own parents through Si-hyun's family. Family trips, birthday parties... all these memories she had made with Si-hyun were stored in these albums.

The albums had become quite worn out. There were so many fingerprints that the photos were blurred.

"Ah, found it."

It was a photo from their childhood. Si-hyun was holding a net for catching insects, and Ye-rin had a container holding a rhinoceros beetle. At that time, Ye-rin hadn't realized she loved him, so she wore a sullen expression.

"If only I had smiled a bit more."

Ye-rin chuckled to herself as she turned the pages, diving into her memories. Engrossed, she lost track of time, staring blankly at the album. By the time she came to her senses, three hours had passed.

"Indeed... there's nothing like this for passing time."

Returning the album to its place, Ye-rin headed to her wardrobe. Opening the drawer at the bottom revealed women's underwear. But as she reached deeper inside, men's clothes began to stick out one by one.

"I guess I should return these soon."

During the time when Si-hyun was dating Chae-yeon, Ye-rin, unable to endure the loneliness, wanted a piece of him. From t-shirts saturated with his scent to the spoon he often used.

There was a time when Ye-rin felt disgusted with herself for behaving like a stalker, but she couldn't help it back then—it was the only way she could cope.

"Now I can meet Si-hyun anytime I want... so, let's return these."

Her stalker tendencies had come to an end. The collection of t-shirts, the disposable cups, and the spoon Si-hyun used were all unnecessary for Ye-rin now that they were a couple.

After all, she could hug him anytime she wanted, share kisses, and even think about taking things further if she wanted to.

'I wonder when that'll happen~'

As Ye-rin imagined herself stepping into adulthood, her face blushed. She brought a t-shirt close to her nose and breathed irregularly.

Evening time.

Si-hyun was watching dating advice videos on Mutube while boiling water in an electric kettle to make instant noodles.

He wanted to learn how to make Ye-rin even happier in their relationship. Si-hyun was absorbing the principles of being a gentleman. Every time he followed the tips from the videos, Ye-rin's face would light up with smiles.

Clack!

'The water’s ready.'

Stopping the video, Si-hyun added seasoning to the noodles and poured hot water into the cup to the right level. As he used wooden chopsticks to secure the lid and prepared to continue the video,

Ding dong~

The doorbell rang in his ears.

'Who could it be at this hour?'

He hadn't ordered any delivery, and the only person who might visit was Ye-rin.

'Why would she come without letting me know...'

Si-hyun glanced in the mirror, tidying his tousled hair. As he adjusted the fit of his t-shirt and cleared his throat.

Ding dong~ Ding dong~

The doorbell kept ringing.

"I'm coming."

Si-hyun hurriedly approached the front door and began to open it cautiously.

Creak—

Accompanied by the sound of creaking hinges, the door slowly opened. The first thing he saw was familiar jet-black hair.

'Black hair?'

Since Ye-rin had light brown hair, the person on the other side was someone else. Long, jet-black straight hair. An unease arose in Si-hyun’s chest, and when the door was about halfway open, he realized that the woman standing in front of him was his ex-girlfriend, Lim Chae-yeon.

"It's been a while, Si-hyun. I've missed you a lot."

It had been two and a half months since he last saw Chae-yeon, and she was wearing a very captivating smile. Whatever happened during the vacation, she now carried an incredibly warm aura.

It was a complete contrast to when they were dating, and he only saw her expressionless or annoyed.

Astonished inside, Si-hyun frowned and spoke up.

"Why are you at my house?"

"I just... wanted to see your face."

"Heh."

Si-hyun was at a loss for words. Her attitude was completely different from before the vacation, so much so that he wondered if someone pretending to be Chae-yeon was acting.

‘Strange. There's no smell of alcohol...’

Curious, he tried to catch a whiff but instead of alcohol, a refreshing scent of orange lingered in the air. As Si-hyun’s face got closer, a blush appeared on Chae-yeon’s cheeks, and her breathing became ragged.

Whether Chae-yeon had changed or not, Si-hyun decided she was no longer worth talking to and shut the door without hesitation.

However,

"Ugh!"

Chae-yeon wedged her foot into the crack of the door, stopping it from closing. A sharp pain shot through her foot, causing her to groan, and Si-hyun, startled, shouted at her.

"Are you crazy? You know I was closing the door, so why are you putting your foot there?!"

"I have something to say to you... Just give me a little bit of time."

"No. I have no reason to listen and I don't want to listen, so just take your foot out."

Chae-yeon shook her head quickly.

"Take it out!"

Si-hyun tried to push her foot out with his own, but Chae-yeon stubbornly held her ground and urgently spoke.

"Si-hyun, I like you!"

"...What?"

Si-hyun's breath caught in his throat. While he paused in surprise, frozen in place, Chae-yeon clutched her chest and repeated herself.

"I can finally say it... I like you. I like you, Si-hyun.."

Having overcome her own trauma, an elated Chae-yeon continued her confession. It was the declaration her boyfriend had once longed to hear. No longer feeling the need to suppress her emotions, Chae-yeon expressed her love wholeheartedly.

Hearing this, Si-hyun responded in a flustered voice.

"What nonsense… You think I'll be swayed by words like that now?"

"I'm sorry for confessing so late. But from now on, I can tell you anytime..."

Once, twice.

Chae-yeon took a deep breath and slipped her left hand through the crack in the door. Then, gently caressing Si-hyun's cheek, she whispered.

"I like you, Si-hyun."

Her gentle voice and warm touch might have swayed Si-hyun in the past.

But now, with his heart already committed to someone else, Si-hyun didn't accept Chae-yeon's feelings.

Smack.

Pushing her hand away, Si-hyun spoke with an icy tone.

"It's too late. Stop this nonsense and leave."

Chae-yeon's eyes widened in disbelief. Tears glistened in her eyes as she pleaded in a subdued voice.

"I was wrong... I've treated you poorly until now, but I'll make it up to you. So, let's get back together. Please?"

Si-hyun's fist trembled with anger. After all the hardships she put him through, her promise to treat him better was laughable.

He was already happily dating Ye-rin, and getting back with Chae-yeon would only hurt Ye-rin more deeply.

Si-hyun had no intention of getting back together.

'I need to get rid of her.'

Realizing that Chae-yeon wouldn't back down on her own, Si-hyun decided he would have to physically push her away.

"Please, stop clinging..."

As Si-hyun opened the door, his words were cut off. The moment the door swung open, Chae-yeon reached out with both hands; her left hand grabbed the back of his head while her right hand caught his chest.

Swish—

With all her strength, she pulled him closer, bringing Si-hyun's face close to hers.

Smooch ♥️

Without giving him a chance to react, she stole his lips. Staring into Si-hyun's trembling eyes, Chae-yeon released a warm breath.

'This feeling... it's been so long...'

The gentle sensation of being connected to someone she loved. Chae-yeon gazed affectionately at her ex-boyfriend right in front of her.