CH 132

Almost as if she knew what Yiyoung was thinking, Seungah asked, “What? Is your plan for tomorrow the same as mine again? That can’t be true.”

“I guess everyone has similar interests. Yeah, yours is the exact same as mine.” It was hard for Yiyoung to believe that this was a coincidence, but she also thought it was weird to ask Seungah how she knew about the course she was going to take.

“Wow… What a coincidence. It’s going to be such a fun trip this time! So, do you want to hang out tomorrow as well?”

“Do you know any good restaurants around the places we’ll visit tomorrow?” asked Yiyoung.

“Of course!”

“Did I burden you in any manner today? Were you alright?”

“Not at all. Not even a little bit. I liked it a lot.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow, then,” Yiyoung said with a grin.

“Okay. Then, see you tomorrow,” said Seungah.

She watched Yiyoung board the tram and sent a last message to Muyeol, “She just got on the tram. She’ll arrive in 30 minutes.”

* * *

Muyeol let out a deep breath after reading Seungah’s message. He believed in Yiyoung, but he was still nervous. Yiyoung would be back in 30 minutes, he had to remind himself.

“Should I prepare some champagne for tomorrow?” Mr. Hong asked delightedly.

“That’s a good idea!” Mr. Kang and Mr. Ko were quick to add, “Yes, we should drink some champagne tomorrow.”

They’d been given a last chance, and Muyeol wasn’t going to let go of it. He would officially sign the contract with the Istanbul team tomorrow; it was a huge occasion, and they’d even invited the reporters for it.

Muyeol unconsciously touched the tie which reminded him of Yiyoung’s positive energy. It was a symbol for good luck. “Okay. Please reserve a nice restaurant. And my wife is going to join us, too.”

“Okay, sir. I’ll find a good place and make a reservation.”

“Thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”

“Where are you headed to, sir?”

“I’m waiting for someone.”

Mr. Ko spoke up, “Who—”

But Mr. Hong gave the tactless man a gentle shove. “Let’s go and get some rest. We have an important day ahead of us tomorrow, so we need a good rest today.”

Mr. Kang and Mr. Ko finally let go of Muyeol, and headed to the elevator.

And so the only person left was Muyeol. The day was almost over, yet his suit and hair still looked perfect. He leaned against a wall and scrolled through the photos Seungah had forwarded to him. He felt as if his days began with Shitty Yoon and ended with Shitty Yoon. Muyeol chuckled, the corners of his lips turning up. Yiyoung looked like a naive child in the photos, and that softened his heart.

He planned on ordering room service or going to the hotel’s lounge area once Yiyoung came back, depending on how she would be feeling. He was aware she’d eaten a lot of snacks today, but knew she would still want to eat more.

On her days off, Yiyoung was like a child. She ate a lot, was stubborn, and threw tantrums. He’d said some harsh words to try and get her to rest, but he knew it would still be difficult to convince her to stay home; she’d sacrificed things throughout her life, and had suppressed her desires all this time, after all. She probably didn’t know how to act, or even feel, now that she could do the things she had wanted to do.

But she was doing it, and so courageously, too. She was enjoying her life to the fullest, as if making it up to herself for not enjoying childhood. Muyeol was satisfied upon noticing this. He was happy for her. But when he thought about himself, Muyeol pursed his lips. When Yiyoung smiled, he did. And when she was happy, he was, too. The satisfaction was vicarious.