episode_0137

The owner of the workshop chuckled and said, “Oh, how did you know? The test results showed that virus was present. It’s a variant, the gender didn’t change, but the body just got younger, that’s all.”

“Although the exact diagnosis hasn’t been defined yet, it’s not causing any pain. It seems like I’ll have to live like this for the rest of my life.”

Seeing my worried expression, the workshop owner clapped his hands.

“Good things are good, right? It happened at the right time when I was turning 60. Haha.”

“It’s fortunate that you’re doing well, but…”

“The doctor said I could live for another 80 years. At first, I thought about what I would do with that extra time… but these days, I’m just taking it as it comes.”

“When did you start this workshop? It seems like you’ve been doing it for quite a while…”

“I’ve been doing it to the point of boredom.”

The workshop owner fiddled with his short hair and pointed to an old calendar hanging in the corner. It was from 1980.

It was 40 years ago. He must have been a master craftsman who made a living out of this since he was twenty. No wonder Siwoo, who is usually picky, came all the way here.

“Now I can do it with my eyes closed.”

“After doing it for 40 years, it’s understandable…”

“But now I don’t even need to close my eyes. My eyesight has improved so much. Hehe.”

It was a joke only an old man could make, so we just laughed along.

If I were to say, “You must be feeling good,” it would seem strangely mocking.

“It’s not a contagious disease, but some people are afraid of catching it… so I try to inform them beforehand from my side.”

“Ah, I see.”

“Fortunately, no one has cursed me yet. Phew.”

Since TSVID had only been released into the world a few years ago, there were many shortcomings in terms of regulations and patient management at the national level.

The probability of getting infected was different everywhere, with some saying it was one in a million and others saying it was one in ten thousand. There was no reliable source to believe.

“Anyway, there’s nothing more to adjust, right?”

“No. This should be enough.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“Your skills are so good.”

“Haha. I’m just thankful for the words.”

Having worked in this field for 40 years, the master craftsman had retained his expertise while gaining a young body.

As long as he continues to grow, his strength and eyesight will fully recover to what they were in his youth.

It was truly the beginning of a second golden age in life.

While the workshop owner was neatly finishing up, we quietly watched his work.

There was no room for error in his work with his small body. His skilled and restrained movements, without any wasted actions, exuded the feeling of an expert.

After not waiting long, the finishing touches were done.

The workshop owner wiped his sweat and handed us a small plate with two rings on it.

“Here, try them on. If they don’t fit, I’ll adjust the size for you.”

“Thank you.”

I tried to put the ring on my finger right away, but Siwoo stopped me immediately.

“Hey, hey. What are you doing so unromantically?”

It seemed like the very small Chaewon inside Siwoo had popped out. Right. This was a situation that even a lady couldn’t tolerate.

I was too hasty, causing this mistake.

“Give me your hand.”

“Sure.”

The sparkling silver ring slid perfectly onto my ring finger.

The day when Siwoo puts a ring on Chaewon’s finger will come.

The complex and subtle feelings that arise from watching this… truly, life is unpredictable.

You never know which direction it will take. What unexpected things will happen.

Only the heavens know.

Or do they even know?

“It fits perfectly.”

“… Do you like it?”

“I do, then.”

The ring we made for each other was more valuable than any expensive gold or diamond ring.

I happily put the remaining ring on Siwoo’s ring finger.

“Oppa, it suits you perfectly.”

“Yeah, it does.”

It was difficult to express this happy feeling, so we just laughed awkwardly.

“It looks good on you~.”

Suddenly, we realized that the owner of the workshop was watching us.

Surprised, we turned towards the owner.

“It’s the perfect timing.”

“Ahaha….”

“I’m sorry….”

“What’s there to apologize for? It looks good on you.”

The workshop owner busily handed us a ring box, a certificate, and a cute shopping bag containing silver cleaner.

“If you have any issues while using it, feel free to come back.”

“Thank you.”

“Have a beautiful love….”

With a kind smile behind us, we left the workshop.

Unlike the cool workshop, the outside was still somewhat warm.

“The rain is still coming down.”

“Yeah, it is.”

“What should we do? Is there a cafe nearby?”

“Yeah, let’s go.”

As I watched the couples’ rings glisten in the headlights of passing cars, I found it hard to contain my restless heart.

A surprise event made Min Chaewon dance.

“Today…. is it okay if I sleep over?”

Siwoo, who was busy thinking about crossing the narrow two-lane road, turned to me a beat late.

“What did you just say?”

“Do you want to sleep over at my place?”

“Uh….”

Was this unexpected?

But on a day like this, going straight home just didn’t feel right.

Spending a night in the same space seemed like a good idea to me.

Maybe it was too much for Siwoo.

“Well. How about we order some late-night snacks and watch something together?”

“Sounds good.”

“Is there a series you want to watch?”

“Let’s look for one.”

Luckily, Siwoo seemed to have found a way.

I left it to him to spend time together without falling behind in our relationship.

There was a sense of accomplishment in leaving our relationship progress entirely up to him. Despite the crisis, he found a solution in no time.

“I also… honestly don’t want to just let today pass by.”

“Yeah, right?”

“Ahem. So, what about…. having some pajeon on a rainy day?”

Even though I don’t drink much, I can’t resist having a pajeon and makgeolli on a rainy day.

Why am I underage?

“No. Should we order delivery?”

“…. Oh? Can we get delivery?”

“Some restaurants don’t deliver since the pandemic.”

“That’s true. But won’t it be less tasty if we order delivery?”

“We have an air fryer at home. It’ll crisp up again if we heat it up a bit.”

“That’s a good idea.”

“And you….”

Siwoo tapped my nose.

“You can’t drink.”

“Ugh.”

“Anyway, don’t act like a baby.”

“Well. We’re the same age anyway?”

“Why do you keep saying that? Just call me oppa or you.”

“Oh, with oppa…. I just want to have a drink.”

Siwoo burst into laughter at my awkward words.

“You don’t have to force yourself to do that. I’ll handle it well. Just call me as usual. I like that. It’s better that way. Calling you oppa… feels a bit distant.”

“….”

“After all, we’re only a year apart. Let’s break the barrier.”

Even though we were in the same grade at Hanyang University, there were people of various ages gathered. Therefore, the distinction between older and younger siblings was not accurate.

Some people would talk to someone two years younger as if they were siblings. Some would use honorifics with someone one year older.

With seniors who were one or two grades above being younger in age, everyone was used to calling each other familiarly.

So, our one-year age difference was practically non-existent.

“Yeah.”

Siwoo had been patient so far, so maybe he would let it go this time too?

Sleeping under the same roof. Even drinking together. Would that be okay?

“Let’s do that. It’s more comfortable for me too.”

“Even though I’ve been using informal language this whole time, why bother adding ‘oppa’ now?”

“Well, it was nice, wasn’t it? I know you so well.”

“That’s true. But it’s only been a day or two.”

With a nervous heart, I purposely bumped into Siwoo to see his reaction.

I wanted to see if I could safely spend the night today.

Fortunately, Siwoo didn’t react to our physical contact as he did when we first started dating.

It made me wonder if the problem was on my end.

‘Just calm down a bit…’

I should probably cover myself with a different blanket on the floor. We could sleep separately on the bed and the floor.

Will he sleep peacefully…?

I hope I won’t roll over to Siwoo while sleeping or something.

I won’t wake up sleeping Siwoo and cause any trouble, right?

If that happens, I’ll be breaking Siwoo’s patience that I’ve been enduring.

That’s absolutely not allowed.

“Let’s buy some energy drinks on the way.”

“Not going to sleep?”

“The vacation is ending soon. We should have as much fun as possible before it ends.”

“That’s true.”

Siwoo smiled at me with his arms crossed.

“Should we stay up all night?”

Yeah, let’s watch movies or dramas all night instead of falling asleep.

That way, I won’t make any mistakes after drinking and falling asleep.

“Yeah!”

7 hours later.

“Are you okay?”

Our bodies tightly pressed against each other every time we hugged.

Our hearts resonated from chest to chest, as if they were touching.

I don’t know how we ended up like this, even when I think about it again.

Anyway, it was a crisis situation.

It was a crisis where I couldn’t keep my composure.