episode_0006

It was during the TSVID epidemic that I had read reviews of patients circulating on the internet a few times.

Wearing clothes of the opposite sex and receiving treatment from the opposite sex outside was somehow okay.

But they say they feel a huge sense of incongruity when entering gender-segregated restrooms outdoors.

However, the act of going to the bathroom itself is not as embarrassing or awkward as one might think.

Perhaps it’s because of the long period of adaptation due to growing up again from a young age, or maybe it’s because many memories from the past have faded away during childhood.

“… Sigh.”

But I feel uncomfortable.

Because it changed in just one day.

I had resolved not to touch my face.

But this is really unavoidable.

I mentally apologized to Chaewon about 200 times in just 2 minutes.

I’m not sure if my feelings will be conveyed through this, but anyway, I’m sorry.

But not washing would be even more regrettable, you’ll understand, right?

You’ll understand.

After washing my hands and coming out, Siwoo was waiting for me on his knees like a repentant person.

“Are… you uncomfortable?”

“I am. Sorry. I have something to apologize for.”

Again?

What did I do wrong this time?

Well, did he overhear the sound of me bathing?

So, is he apologizing for that?

“If you hear the sound of me bathing, do you have to imagine something naughty…?”

Why the hell is this real?

Oh, it’s because I’m Jung Siwoo.

I was the top rank in reading Jung Siwoo’s inner thoughts.

‘Didn’t she just imagine me humming along with a tune in the bathtub…?’

I never thought that it would be me, not Chaewon, who would be relieved not to see such a pathetic sight.

“No, well…. It was my fault for speaking loudly. The soundproofing isn’t as good as I thought here, right?”

I knew the soundproofing wasn’t great.

But I felt bad for happily humming along with Chopin after a long time.

I don’t know why I have to apologize for this.

“Yeah. And what you should apologize for isn’t that.”

“Oh. Oh? What else…?”

“Why is the patient sleeping on the floor instead of on the bed? Are you in your right mind?”

Avoiding my sharp gaze, Siwoo fidgeted with his back.

“It’s a mattress bought with hard-earned part-time money, emphasizing the importance of posture and back for a piano player. Isn’t it a waste?”

Siwoo blinked.

He soon cautiously asked me.

“How did you… know that?”

Oh damn.

“I, I just guessed! You know! I play the piano too. So I touched it sneakily, and the mattress is really nice!!”

I said enthusiastically to avoid being caught lying.

Did I ever tell that story to anyone else?

Damn it, this big mouth. Big mouth big mouth big mouth.

“Oh, I see.”

“That’s impressive….”

Is he letting it go?

Thank goodness.

‘Be careful….’

How many mistakes have I made today alone?

He almost called it “our house.”

Almost naturally pulled out panties from the closet.

I almost whispered the mattress brand.

At this rate, I’ll be caught soon.

He may have the worst sense when it comes to dating, but he is very delicate and sensitive in other aspects.

“Still. A guest has come, so how can you sleep on the floor while I sleep on the bed?”

I sighed, touching my forehead.

It’s a truly bizarre scene testing my patience.

“Stop talking nonsense and get up.”

“Barking like a dog won’t help. Get up! Quickly!”

“Oh, okay. If you push me like that… Ouch.”

I pushed Siwoo onto the bed against his will.

“It’s fine….”

“Go to sleep quietly on the bed before repeating what the doctor said.”

“Got it.”

This stubborn guy.

I know very well that you like Min Chaewon.

Take it easy, and now, go to sleep comfortably on the functional mattress that enables perfect sleep through ergonomic design, priced at 1,099,000 won.

“Not asking for the price of the mattress was a stroke of luck….”

Perhaps due to its sentimental value, I remember prices down to the thousand won. That’s legendary.

“I’m turning off the lights.”

“Uh… Yeah. Good night.”

“You too.”

With Siwoo on the bed, the distance between us had grown considerably.

At this distance, even that guy wouldn’t feel uncomfortable.

I should find the address of the house comfortably and then sleep.

Right, where was I?

Was it the airline app?

‘Search…. Last 3 months….’

I didn’t have high expectations.

Surprisingly, a lot popped up.

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[February 27]

Korean Air KE0501

2023.02.27 Vienna International Airport (VIE) → 2023.02.28[+1] Incheon International Airport, Korea (ICN) [Business Class]

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[March 27]

Korean Air KE0505

2023.03.27 Incheon International Airport, Korea (ICN) → 2023.03.27 Vienna International Airport (VIE) [Business Class]

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[April 8]

Korean Air KE0501

2023.04.08 Vienna International Airport (VIE) → 2023.04.09[+1] Incheon International Airport, Korea (ICN) [First Class]

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Three journeys in total.

Two were round trips between Vienna and Incheon.

The last one was a one-way trip to Korea.

The schedule to return to Austria wasn’t even registered.

‘Wait….’

By the end of February, it was definitely around the time I met Chaewon at the cafe.

I had asked her if she remembered me, grabbed her arm, and heard an apology exactly two weeks after our windy encounter.

I thought she would stay in Korea after bumping into her several times at the cafe.

But she had left for Austria again.

And now, I’ve just returned to Korea today.

‘First class, huh.’

Paying for a class fit for attending a grand concert hosted by Queen Elizabeth or after winning the Chopin Competition without batting an eye.

‘… But why is my account balance 8,180 won?’

Strange.

Did I forget to register another card for easy payment?

Or did my parents pay for the flight?

There are too many unanswered questions, and not knowing is driving me crazy.

Chaewon, if it’s now, I’d allow it, so at least tell me the hotel you’re staying at.

I try to send telepathic messages with all my might, but there’s no response.

It seems like Chaewon has suddenly taken off on a trip somewhere.

‘Of course.’

Since I arrived in Korea today, naturally, I don’t have a home here.

Since I arrived in Korea today, there’s no record on the delivery app.

… But why is there no record of accommodation?

Doesn’t she use a lodging app? Well, that could be possible.

I only learned about lodging apps when booking a place to stay with my professor.

If Chaewon is impulsive, there’s no need to make a reservation.

During the pandemic, the suite room reservation rate soared to 90%, but now that the pandemic is over.

‘It’s hard to predict.’

Then where is she staying?

Why didn’t she bring her card?

Oh, do you have to leave your card at the front desk for a suite room?

No, that’s not a rule.

“Ugh….”

As I groaned softly while pressing on my Adam’s apple, a faint voice came from the direction of the bed.

“Chaewon, thank you for today.”

“Oh? No, it’s nothing. It’s not something to be thankful for…”

“No. I’m really grateful.”

Three years ago, I had a lot to be sorry for and a lot to be thankful for.

Even though I might seem pathetic and frustrating now, people are still kind.

It’s rare for someone to actively express gratitude like that.

“There’s no way you’re doing this out of kindness, right?”

“…Huh?”

“I brought you home because I was worried. I know everything.”

“Oh. Um…”

No, I really came because I have no money.

My bank balance is 8,180 won…

“There are so many well-off seniors at our university. That’s why even though I can’t afford to buy clothes, I know what luxury brands are. The blouse and pants you’re wearing. They’re all luxury items. It doesn’t make sense for someone like that to have nowhere to go.”

Just spending a few more hours together.

To think that Jungsioo could even identify Chaewon’s clothing brands that I couldn’t grasp three years ago.

Indeed, Jungsioo’s observational skills are top-notch.

I am such an amazing person.

“To fall apart like that….”

Once again, a strong desire surged within me to correct my life.

This time, I will turn that poor guy into the best performer.

After I told him that, Siwoo cleared his throat awkwardly and then let out a loud scream.

His rib seemed to be in excruciating pain.

“Anyway, thanks for the ride. You don’t have to overdo it from tomorrow. The hotel you’re staying at from tomorrow, Namsan… It’s a very expensive place. I made a reservation, so it would be a waste if we don’t go. Oh. Is this being too pushy?”

“What?”

“Ugh. Sorry. I said something unnecessary—.”

“No, Namsan? Did you just say Namsan?”

Siwoo, looking flustered, blurred the end of his sentence.

But he let slip one perfect clue.

“Oh. Namsan Hanra Hotel…. They were fully booked tonight, so we decided to stay somewhere else and move there from tomorrow.”

The future me couldn’t remember the trivial details, but the past me, from just a few short conversations with Chaewon, could catch on to things like this and remember.

“Jung Siwoo.”

“…Yes?”

“You did well.”

I trusted myself.