episode_0086

Vita left the house.

‘I thought it was Milliore? I heard it was a cocktail bar…’

It was already known that Carlyle was working part-time.

I also heard where he worked and knew about it.

Carlyle Schultz, you know.

He seems like a pretty good-looking guy who flirts with the opposite sex and lives off of his own whims, but he’s actually a really honest guy.

‘That’s amazing. Really.’

Actually, I think he’s just a really cool guy.

In some ways, I think he’s a really admirable guy.

You’ve been working independently since you were young, so it must not have been easy.

I do everything by myself, work late into the night, and study whenever I have time.

And yet, moving forward steadily and steadfastly without wavering.

Vita thought that was great about Carlyle.

Honestly, I don’t really have an idea of how hard it was, but it wouldn’t have been easy. Carlyle had to adapt to society early on, without a family.

Maybe it’s because of that influence? For some reason, Carlyle feels more mature than his peers.

‘He’s secretly very considerate… and always very relaxed.’

So, when he’s next to me, I just feel at ease.

Carlyle’s characteristic ease, unwavering attitude, and affectionate personality also serve as a source of support.

Vita also reflected a little on the time long ago when she had been prejudiced against Carlyle Schultz. That is, when she was still a man.

-He’s a jerk, and he doesn’t even try hard…

I now know that such prejudice was a mistake.

A healthy, unhealthy personality that doesn’t match his uselessly flashy good looks. The result of realizing Carlyle’s true nature is the current Bianca Shamal.

Even though I kept pushing him away, he came closer and kept closing the distance between us, so I ended up liking him.

Vita, who had become a woman, became curious about everything about Carlyle.

‘… I’m so curious!’

Well, that’s only natural since it’s someone I like.

What Carlyle Schultz Likes, and What He Hates.

What is Vita like when she is not there, what kind of expression does she make, what is her working environment like, all of that.

[There’s no need to come.]

The Carlyle guy told himself that, but he couldn’t stand it any longer. He just kept holding it in for fear of being a nuisance.

The air on the street was clear.

If you look up for a moment, the wide open blue winter sky fills your field of vision.

Below him, Vita was walking, exhaling a faint breath of anticipation and excitement mixed together.

‘I’ll be okay…?’

Still, he’s my boyfriend. It’s an embarrassing expression, but it’s not a lie at all.

Now, as a woman, I’m going to the workplace of the person I like, my boyfriend’s workplace.

I gave it a lot of motivation.

Recently, I’ve been buying a lot of clothes by watching coordination videos, so I spend a lot of time thinking about what to wear.

This is the final decision.

A pure white long coat, a three-color cashmere muffler with an attractive check pattern, a skirt of a similar color, and a small beige eco-bag.

She added a point with small brown sneakers.

Today’s concept would be something cute and innocent, I guess? It’s something that men would generally like.

Her soft, blonde hair flows down over her pure white coat, her amethyst eyes sparkle with anticipation, and her cheeks are slightly flushed with light cream makeup that looks like it was dabbed with water droplets.

It was not unusual for men walking down the street to be captivated by her lovely appearance.

Of course, whatever.

Vita hurried to her destination and found a neat building in the middle of a busy street on a moderately cold winter afternoon.

A luxurious classic that flows out gently.

The letters ‘Milliore’ on the signboard on the second floor are lit up.

Thump- thump-

Vita’s heart raced.

‘Now, if you go in there…’

I can see Carlyle. I wonder if he’ll like it. I don’t think he’ll hate it, right?

I briefly considered coming with my friend Sasha, but I ended up coming alone anyway. We planned to spend time together after Carlyle got off work.

Gulp-

2nd floor.

Swallowing nervously, Vita moved her small hand and gently opened the door.

***

Colorful lighting appropriate for soft, flowing classics.

A luxurious cocktail bar called ‘Milliore’.

Today, business here is booming. It is certainly due to the good atmosphere of the store itself, but the large number of female customers suggests that the atmosphere is not the only factor in the success of this place.

Carlyle Schultz has been working here for over a year. He should be used to his job, but today he had a hard time concentrating on his work.

“Okay, here. Two pina coladas and an apple martini.”

Carlyle glanced to one side as he placed the cocktail glass the store manager offered on the shelf.

In the meantime, the store manager lowered his voice slightly and spoke to him playfully.

“I can’t come to my senses because a cute lover came. Should I let you leave work early…?”

Carlyle was momentarily moved, but soon shook his head. Still, he had to finish his work.

“No, sir.”

“Then, focus!”

My shoulders are thumped by the cheerful store manager

Carlyle’s face felt hot as he washed his face dry as the store manager’s hearty laughter and the words “It’s going to be a good time” reached his ears.

‘You’re out of your mind.’

It is an act of God.

Daughter-

When the bell rang and Bianca Shamal came in.

The moment a woman dressed up beautifully and with an excited expression entered the place where I work.

The son-in-law became quiet.

Other co-workers, and even the store manager.

It was no different for Carlyle Schultz, who couldn’t even hear his colleagues’ conversations.

-Wow… who…?

-Are you a celebrity or a model…?

-For some reason, he’s looking this way…

There is no particular reason why the expression on the face of Bianca Shamal, the woman who had been wandering around, finally bloomed like a flower.

“Ah, Carlyle… !”

I was completely entranced when she waved her hand so beautifully with a smile like a wildflower.

“What are you doing? Go ahead.”

“Carlyle, you guys… ”

Carlyle quickly came to his senses at the sound of voices around him. He then strode towards the person. He almost hugged her, but he tried to control his emotions.

“Why are you here? I’m working.”

“That, just… ?”

It’s sudden, but I can’t help but chuckle. I can tell why you came without even having to ask.

The two people looked at each other with smiles on their lips.

“… … ”

“… Bianca?”

Then, when Carlyle saw the other person’s expression, he felt a bit dazed for some reason, so he waved his hand right in front of their eyes and the focus gradually returned.

“Ah, um… ”

Her face turned slightly red and she averted her gaze slightly. Carlyle could easily see the cause.

He is now dressed in none other than waiter uniform.

“Why, do they suit each other well?”

So when I ask her mischievously, Bianca Shamal nods her head very slightly.

And then, after hesitating for a moment with a red face, she quickly walks over to him and hugs him. She may not have been able to resist the urge to hug him.

“Hmm, good… ”

He buries his head in my arms, sniffs my odor, and acts cute to his heart’s content.

“… Smells good, Carlyle.”

This is driving me crazy, really.

Now, my girlfriend doesn’t even care what other people think.

Carlisle doesn’t dislike this Bianca at all. Rather, he likes her very much.

If the location were just a little different, I would have laid him down right away.

Since that unexpected moment between the two was shown in front of everyone, there was no need to introduce her as my girlfriend.

-Then what about lunch boxes during that time?

-Yes, store manager.

Even Carlyle has been bragging about this, and his colleagues who know the circumstances look at him with envy.

-Carlyle, you little punk…!

-A guy whose very existence is a deception.

Then what should he do? Bianca Shamal was already his to catch, so Carlyle didn’t care what others said.

As things turned out, Bianca Shamal was sitting alone in the corner. Carlyle was nervous, but he had to get to work.

I tried to approach them from time to time to start a conversation, but the cocktail bar, Milliore, was busy in the evening.

***

Inside a Busan bar.

Carlyle Schultz was great.

Vita had never realized that fact as keenly as she did today.

There are many female customers.

Vita realized where most of those eyes were focused.

Carlyle Schultz looked great in his waiter’s uniform.

Not secretly, but openly.

The solid feeling of the skeleton is fully revealed, and to be honest, it’s handsome.

The sight of him serving with a concentrated face was enough to steal the attention of many women.

‘… Yeah, that’s right.’

Objectively, Carlyle was a total know-it-all.

But why haven’t I felt it much until now?

The laughter was hoarse. Most of the women in the bar were friendly to Carlyle.

“Are you a celebrity?”

“Can you take a picture for me?”

Vita, who was eating salad, chewed on some vegetables.

‘You’re really flirting. Why the sudden photo?’

My girlfriend is glaring at me like this, and what is that woman saying?

Vita’s amethyst eyes burned with passion.

‘Hold on, hold on.’

But Carlyle is working part-time right now.

Isn’t it because you know that fact that you are holding on to it?

Vita ruled her mind.

‘Calm down, I…!’

You are a mature girlfriend.

It’ll just seem childish to get excited over something like this, and Carlyle is mine anyway, so there’s no need to bother with those foxes.

However, the speed at which you chew the salad in your mouth increases.

Wagjak- Wagjak-

It can’t be helped that I feel a little strange.

I know it’s work, but Carlyle is drawing a line, but I don’t like the idea of having strict Buddhist monks around.

In fact, if you look a little more seriously into your inner self, you will find that Vita was not comfortable with the sight of Carlyle always looking so busy.

It feels quite strange.

There’s something strangely admirable and sad about it.

It looks a little bit great.

‘Carlyle, you…’

They move their bodies busily without resting or taking breaks. They make something with a focused face, serve it again, and clean up after the customers leave.

‘You’ve been doing this every day…?’

Since a few years ago? When other people were studying comfortably under their parents, when they were only students.

It was from that moment that Carlyle entered society.

You said you became independent from the orphanage when you were around fifteen.

-Because there’s nothing I haven’t done before.

I clearly remember those words.

Didn’t you get lost in the forest on a school trip and Carlyle come looking for you?

Then Carlyle restored the fire in the cabin, which was clearly not something that could have been done with just one or two attempts.

As Carlyle himself said, it may be possible only if you have done few things that you have not done before and have taken up many occupations.

‘If only I had done more things…’

Of course, there must have been more difficult things than this. It’s not hard to see.

So Vita is captivated by Carlyle and her gaze is stolen.

Without me knowing.

I feel touched, sad, and at the same time, amazed.

‘… This is you.’

Carlyle, whom he did not know.

Seeing with my own eyes the efforts that have been made silently, even in places that cannot be seen, gives me a lot to think about.

I think it’s cool.

It was a bit funny, but I also felt proud of it.

Even though we’re only the same age, and I’m not even Carlyle’s mother, I feel proud of her. I want to compliment her.

To that extent, Vita was in a state of inexplicable impression.

‘In the meantime, I…’

Have you ever lived that diligently? It wouldn’t be strange to feel a little self-reflection.

Although he had certainly studied hard, Carlyle’s world was different.

It’s sometimes hard to just stand still for an hour, so it’s even harder when you have to move your body constantly. If not your body, then your head.

Because that’s what it is, a way to get other people’s money in return for your labor.

Every now and then, Carlyle would sigh and rub his shoulders, or frown slightly.

And then, when their eyes meet briefly and they smile faintly. And then, when they quickly move their bodies when a guest calls them.

Vita took it all in without missing a single thing.

‘Carlyle, you are more than I thought…’

He really was a cool guy.

A guy who can’t stand to be in love with someone unless he becomes a woman himself.

Maybe he’s really a pity for me, a woman who is still lacking.

Now that I’ve realized it.

For a while, as if possessed, he stared only at the other person. He had only Carlyle Schultz in his full view.

I already like him, but I like him more and more. Carlyle, who works hard, looks really cool.

Of course, in one corner of my heart, this thought also comes to mind.

‘It is work, but… I wish it could be easy.’

I feel strangely sad and touched.

So, Vita fidgeted and rang the bell for a while.

I poured the cocktail I ordered earlier into my mouth in one gulp. It’s non-alcoholic, so it’s okay. I’ll order again.

“Here, order-!”

Of course, I wish Carlyle had come. Luckily, Carlyle Schultz came.

“What would you like to order?”

Since Carlyle kept pretending not to know, Vita deliberately told him her true feelings.

“Carlyle Schultz’s time.”

His poker face broke. Carlyle Schultz smiled with an expression that said he couldn’t stop it.

“It’s almost break time.”

“Hmm, really… ?”

Vita’s expression brightened. Still, it seems like the store manager has some conscience.

‘Well, still…’

I would like to give you a break, even if it’s just for a little while. Or at least cheer you on a little?

“Just sit here for a moment.”

Vita, who was thinking deeply, tapped the person next to her. Carlyle, who had a puzzled expression, hesitated and sat down next to her, but Vita hugged Carlyle first.

“You can rest in your girlfriend’s arms.”

There was a sound like someone was gasping for breath, but Vita didn’t pay any attention to it.

It’s embarrassing, but I’m really sincere, and I said girlfriend a little intentionally.

Carlyle used lethal methods to continue treating him as a guest, making it impossible for him to refuse.

As expected, Vita hugged Carlyle, who was frozen in place, to her chest and stroked his head awkwardly.

“… Go rest, you idiot.”

An irresistible voice, a clear voice with a hint of sadness.

He tells her to go rest, but she keeps rubbing his chest and hugging him tightly, refusing to let him go. Carlyle is suddenly taken aback by this situation.

But then, all of a sudden, my mind becomes at ease, and I close my eyes for a moment, forgetting that I’m working part-time. A faint smile forms on my face.

“What should I do, store manager…?”

“Is that guy slacking off?”

The voices of the foolish clerks.

The store manager coughed loudly and said, “It’s a good time, so leave him alone.” Since he was usually an honest guy, he was tolerated.

***

After that, the time to leave work approached.

Vita and Carlyle left work holding hands happily.

Since the store manager was understanding, we had dinner together.

-Here, try it!

-I can eat it by myself.

-Just eat quietly when I feed you.

For some reason, Bianca was quite aggressive today, and Carlyle Schultz was in a really difficult situation today in many ways.

I feel good, but I definitely can’t focus on my work. I feel sorry for the store manager.

‘Well, that’s that… ‘

The hand they are holding is warm. Carlyle chuckled while caressing the small hand. Naturally, they clasp their fingers together.

“I think it would be better if you don’t come to my workplace from now on.”

“Yeah, why…?”

A pure retort is heard.

Isn’t that a given?

“Someone grabbed me and wouldn’t let me go. It’s okay once in a while, but if it happens often, I might get fired from the store.”

Vita’s face turned red because it wasn’t a wrong statement at all.

“I guess so too… ?”

“Yeah, maybe.”

I may have been foolishly thinking of Carlyle.

‘Should I apologize to the store manager next time?’

Is there really a need for that?

Vita, who had been thinking for a while, changed his mind a little.

Today, I was stimulated in many ways.

‘I too will work hard to live! More than that Carlyle guy.’

Vita clenched her fists and asked Carlyle as she made that pledge.

“Well, or… how about I work with you there too?”

“No, that’s not possible.”

A firm answer is heard.

“No, why?”

“Because I don’t want those tough guys to have their eyes on you.”

A completely unexpected answer.

Vita was almost like a dumb person, but it was Carlyle’s honest heart.

“Who is so pretty?”

“Yes, pretty… ”

Vita’s face became familiar.

Pure Bianca Shamal seems to know nothing.

Although I am not conscious of it, I have been attracting the attention of those around me all day.

A woman who came to a cocktail bar alone, and yet attracted men’s attention just by her presence. Carlyle didn’t like that very much.

‘I understand because it’s pretty, but…’

Honestly, I want to lock it up where no one can see it. It’s so pretty that it makes me anxious.

The reason he doesn’t reveal his obsession is because the pure Bianca Shamal might run away.

All the co-workers kept staring at him as if they weren’t seeing him, and even the male customers who came with their girlfriends were glancing at him.

“If you don’t know, that’s okay. You’re mine anyway.”

“… What the, all of a sudden.”

The other person blushes and puffs out his cheeks slightly at the unexpected words. But he doesn’t deny what I said, so I’ll just let it be.

The two walked along the winter streets together.

It’s not Christmas yet, but the two weeks since then have already passed.

Small twinkling lights were hung on the street trees. It seemed that Christmas trees, not yet decorated, were being prepared in front of every store.

People walking down the street are breathing heavily. It is clearly visible that this is the season when people wrap themselves in thick coats and scarves.

“You know, Carlyle. Will the carols start ringing soon? ”

“Um, maybe?”

“I’m really looking forward to something.”

“Will you be with me on Eve?”

Vita nodded at the sudden question. Her voice, which had become smaller due to her shyness, followed immediately.

“… Of course.”

Carlyle’s low laugh is heard above Vita.

“Thank you, Bianca.”

Hands held together cannot be warmer than this.

Christmas is fast approaching.

The streets on winter evenings were full of excitement and romance, and although the weather was a little cold, my heart felt very warm.

The two of them walked afterward and bought some walnut cookies to eat. They couldn’t pass them up because of Vita’s excellent sense of smell.

The two sat on a park bench as they always did, blowing on each other’s breath.

“But what do we do now?”

“I should go home and rest a bit.”

“Oh, right. I have something to say… It’s called Comic Fest, right?”

We chatted and sometimes bickered while sharing walnut cookies.

Then, under the soft light, it was not strange for the two people who had lost their temper to slightly touch each other’s lips.

Once, twice. Vita chuckled and spoke to Carlyle while giving him a shallow kiss.

“The walnut cookies taste good.”

“So, not really?”

“Yeah, no.”

Three times, four times.

The kiss before Eve tastes like a very sweet walnut cookie.

This winter was particularly sweet and warm for the two of them.