“(Money?! This is a lot just for coming here!?)”

    “Ahaha… It’s just a familiar place. I know some people here.”

    I felt relieved at the word “just.”

    We must be acquainted.

    As my brother casually mentioned his name, the staff inquired about our names and phone numbers before gesturing towards the elevator.

    39th floor.

    The restaurant was situated slightly above the middle of the building.

    A restaurant… right? That’s what I should call it, isn’t it?

    Usually, when you go to places like by the sea or in the mountains to find good restaurants, there’s usually an ocean view or a mountain view, right?

    For regular eateries, they would typically be located in bustling areas with a street view, but this one had elevated itself to offer a city view.

    Upon entering, the headlights of numerous cars crossing the Han River bridge and the towering buildings were clearly visible through the glass front of the restaurant.

    “Wow….”

    With my mouth agape, I followed the chairs and lights that seemed so luxurious that they could be discarded, and before I knew it, I was standing in front of the glass.

    “Let’s sit here. It’s nice.”

    Perhaps this was a subtle hint to dress a bit more formally.

    Glancing at a few people, they all seemed to be dressed in suits or attire that exuded a sense of formality.

    I didn’t ignore my brother’s advice, so even though the cost of my outfit might differ, outwardly, I didn’t seem out of place among them.

    It gave me a strange feeling after a long time.

    “What are you pondering so deeply about?”

    “…Me?”

    I lightly nibbled on my tongue.

    It wasn’t painful, but my pronunciation got a bit twisted.

    “Don’t worry. It’s just a place where people live, nothing to think too much about. The food is just slightly delicious, that’s all.”

    “…If you say it’s delicious, then.”

    “Well, the most delicious thing is what our wife makes. This place is all about the ambiance. And wouldn’t it be tough to make something every day?”

    I made a precise remark about this place.

    “…If you say it’s delicious every day, then I’ll be happy every day.”

    “Did I do something wrong…?”

    “Well, I also enjoy eating out.”

    Maybe I was being too coy.

    It’s actually true, but sometimes acting like this isn’t bad either.

    “Phew… It’s worth looking forward to. It’s so delicious that it could reach the top of the taste scale if I say so myself.”

    “If you praise it that much, I’ll just enjoy eating it.”

    Is my brother sensitive to taste, or am I?

    I’m only sensitive to my brother.

    Without my brother, the food tastes bland.

    Because the side dishes are my brother.

    “Oh… wine.”

    “You’ve never tried wine before?”

    “I’ve never tasted it. Look at it, it has an expensive color, doesn’t it?”

    “Then try smelling it and just touch your tongue to it lightly.”

    I swirled the glass, where the refraction on the inside shone through, as if fascinated by the red light seen in old noble movies and how enjoyable it could be to drink it.

    Unlike the strong alcohol scent of soju, a subtle grape fragrance flowed gently as I tilted the glass and let the wine flow into my mouth, lightly touching my tongue to it.

    “Ugh… It’s bitter.”

    Muttering with a grimace, unable to withstand the bitterness, my tongue was taken aback.

    It wasn’t soju, nor was it beer.

    Bitter, but it felt like drinking alcohol.

    My face wrinkled at the entirely different taste.

    A sour taste lingered in my mouth.

    Looking at me like that, my brother showed a mischievous smile.

    “Red wine is usually paired with meat. It might be new to you, but…”

    Whether my brother was imagining my previous expression or not, he explained while laughing.

    “Wow… Suddenly you look so mature, like an adult.”

    “I never really enjoyed drinks like soju. Soju is… how should I put it… drunk to get drunk, right? Wine is different. It’s about getting intoxicated by the aroma and the atmosphere.”

    Brother chuckled into the wine-filled glass, tapping the glass with his finger.

    Ripples formed as the red liquid resonated.

    “Of course, the alcohol content is similar to soju. But it’s expensive, so you can’t gulp it down like that. That’s how you savor wine slowly.”

    “Today, an adult-like atmosphere seems to overflow.”

    Brother’s eyes turned towards me.

    I didn’t avert my gaze from his lovely eyes.

    After a few minutes passed,

    Turning away from the mesmerizing view, I noticed a waiter approaching with food.

    “Hmm, it’s still the same here.”

    Brother remarked, looking at the beautifully decorated sauces and steak on the plate.

    “When did you last visit?”

    “Um… about 5 years ago?”

    Was he here when I was still in high school?

    The age gap felt more pronounced now.

    Back then, we dated… No, that doesn’t make sense.

    “Oh…”

    The smoothly cut steak almost looked like cake.

    I took a bite, savoring its taste.

    “Now we move on to drinking wine there.”

    “…Ah. Sounds good.”

    “Feels like I’m giving alcohol to a minor.”

    “Heh. Do I look that young?”

    “Yes. You did back then, and you still do.”

    The wine’s bitterness complemented the meat, leaving a lingering grape flavor in my mouth.

    Only after watching me eat did Brother pick up his fork.

    “Thanks for bringing me here.”

    “Oh, it’s nothing. Just wanted you to enjoy a nice meal. I want to take you anywhere you like.”

    My consent wasn’t necessary.

    “I’m fine with wherever you want to go, Brother.”

    If Brother wants something, I’ll assist no matter what.

    *

    “Sigh… I’m full.”

    “Ate a lot?”

    Finished the steak and even the appetizers.

    The meal was not only delicious but visually pleasing too.

    “Ugh… beautiful.”

    Reluctant to leave, I tried to capture the scenery with my phone.

    “Just a moment… Want some fresh air? It’s a bit chilly, but the view is great.”

    “Sure! But… where are we going?”

    “To see the view. Aren’t you interested?”

    Rather than heading out, Brother moved further inside.

    Something felt off, but I followed without question.

    “Hold my hand.”

    In my childish tone, Brother interlocked our fingers.

    It felt reassuring.

    How can someone be so cool?

    “What’s so good about it?”

    Oh, he looks exceptionally cool today.

    Is it because of the alcohol?

    “I just love everything. I want to laugh out loud because I’m so happy.”

    Being with Brother is wonderful.

    Knowing that Brother wants to be with me is wonderful.

    As we reached a certain spot following Brother, a mix of cool and warm breezes created a mild temperature.

    “Wow… Why would they build something like this on a building?”

    The outside view was clear.

    Despite dimming the lights to reduce reflections, some interior visibility was unavoidable.

    “Sigh… it’s refreshing.”

    This time, everything was visible.

    Contrary to the week’s weather forecast, the rain had stopped long before we arrived.

    “Not cold? I can lend you my coat.”

    “I’m fine. I feel amazing right now.”

    I stood by the railing. Exhaling, my breath rose in wisps, disappearing into the distance carried by the wind.

    I closed my eyes slowly.

    Feeling slightly dizzy, as if the ground was moving.

    Being a lightweight with alcohol, I couldn’t possibly handle wine.

    Have I ever drunk in front of Brother…?

    There was.

    A long time ago.

    It could be considered the starting point of living with my older brother.

    “Today… Did you know it’s our 100th day anniversary?”

    “Oh… I knew.”

    “Well… I found out after coming here… but I didn’t expect you to remember. Taking care of anniversaries like the 100th day, 200th day, 300th day, up to a year is difficult.”

    If I had to choose, I thought it would be nice to do it when it’s been about a year. It’s a good time to give meaning, reflecting on what has happened over the past year by saying it’s already been a year since we met.

    “Thank you anyway. But you don’t have to do this next time. Wouldn’t it be better to do it every year?”

    “Every year… a year… then maybe postponing it slightly might be better.”

    “You can do that. Ah… the air feels so refreshing…”

    My brother stepped back slightly.

    Since he covered me with a coat, it must have been cold.

    “Oppa~ I’m fine, so you can take the coat…”

    When I turned around, my brother was kneeling down.

    No way.

    “Ji-hye.”

    My brother called my name with a much more serious expression than before.

    “Yes?”

    In his hand was a small case.

    “Ah….”

    Very small, but you could immediately tell what was inside.

    “Ji-hye. Will you marry me?”

    Something I had only thought about, something dreamlike that I unknowingly couldn’t turn away from.

    It was unfolding before my eyes like a video playing.

    Hard to believe, but it wasn’t a video.

    Not a hidden camera, not some kind of prank.

    Reality.

    *Sob!*

    Ji-hye, who couldn’t believe it was real, burst into tears.

    “Will you accept…?”

    “Ah. *Sob!* Accept, *sob*!?”

    Fool. A fool appeared.

    “Shall we calm down for a moment…?”

    I sat on a nearby chair after stepping away from the railing to stop crying.

    My brother stood by my side, covering me with the coat again.

    “Phew….”

    “Are you feeling better?”

    “Yes…”

    Unintentionally messed it up.

    It was good. My heart was pounding as if it would burst, and I was nervously waiting.

    “Do you want to get married?”

    “Ha… Don’t startle me. Another cry is coming.”

    “So you won’t accept it?”

    “…I will accept.”

    My brother came back to me and took out a couple ring.

    “Let’s keep this.”

    “Yes….”

    When I opened the ring case, a gem shimmering with light was revealed.

    “…It doesn’t have to be expensive.”

    “It’s special. I really wanted to buy it.”

    The excitement continued, and I held my breath in anticipation of another burst of tears. Fortunately, it didn’t happen.

    “When should we get married?”

    “We’ll definitely get married within this year. I’ll try my best.”

    “I’ll accept. Are we really getting married?”

    “Yeah. I promise.”

    The ring passed from my brother’s hand.

    “…It’s beautiful.”

    The ring that shone even at night was so beautiful that it felt dazzling.

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