It was a Friday night—the kind where even the sky couldn't make up its mind. One minute it looked like it was about to pour, the next it held back like it didn't want to ruin someone's hair.
And there we were, trapped in this awkward tension. Well… she was tense. Bo-ra was mad at me again, and I didn't even do anything this time—unless you count Grandpa suggesting we should have a baby as my fault.
Of course, I understood where she was coming from. That baby thing? Nowhere in our ridiculous contract. And I was about to explain that when her phone chimed.
One glance at the message, and just like that—her anger evaporated.
She smiled.
Like, genuinely smiled.
And then, before I could even say anything, she grabbed her bag and walked out. No goodbye. Not even a "see you later."
What just happened?
"She was mad five minutes ago," I mumbled, watching the door swing shut. "Now she's skipping out like a schoolgirl on a field trip?"
"Weird woman."
I ran a hand through my hair and sighed. Since it was already late, I decided to shower and call it a night.
But while I was brushing my teeth and trying not to overthink why she was suddenly so smiley, Bo-ra was already on her way to a café in Hongdae.
Turns out, she was meeting her best friend—Seul-bi.
Yep. That Seul-bi. The resort owner in Jeju where we had our fake honeymoon. Apparently, she and Bo-ra had been besties since high school. Practically sisters, from what I've seen.
And the reason for their late-night meet-up? A toy.
No joke.
A wedding gift, actually. A rare character figurine from one of Bo-ra's favorite online games. Seul-bi had gone out of her way to get it, because of course she did—she spoils Bo-ra more than I do.
The moment Bo-ra stepped into the café, the two of them spotted each other instantly.
There were squeals.
There were hugs.
There was chaos.
They were those people—the loud ones at cafés who don't care they're being loud. But honestly? That's just how real best friends are.
Made me think of Alexander for a second.
How was that idiot doing in Paris?
Anyway, once the screaming and hugging subsided, they finally sat down and started chatting like it had only been a day, not months.
"I missed you, Bo-ra. So much," Seul-bi said, practically glowing.
"I missed you too," Bo-ra grinned, crossing her arms with fake offense. "But you're so busy now. You didn't even show up at my wedding. Do you want me to be mad?"
"I'm sorry! You know my situation. The businesses have been insane." Seul-bi pouted, then suddenly smiled again. "But hey, congrats, bestie. You're officially a wife!"
If only she knew.
"I'm so happy for you," Seul-bi added. "You've always wanted to marry someone you love."
Someone you love.
Funny.
Bo-ra forced a smile. "Y-Yeah…"
"And tell me, how did you meet your husband?" Seul-bi leaned forward, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Come on, spill!"
Before Bo-ra could respond, the café door opened and someone walked in—someone tall, well-dressed, and so clean-cut he looked like he belonged in a drama poster.
Seul-bi's eyes widened.
"Wait... is that Min-hyuk?" she whispered.
Bo-ra turned.
She froze.
Speechless.
"Oh my God, it is Min-hyuk!" Seul-bi shouted across the café like she owned the place. "Min-hyuuuk!"
Heads turned.
Including mine—well, if I were there.
The guy looked over, spotted them, and smiled as he approached.
Bo-ra turned away, clearly hoping he wouldn't recognize her. Spoiler alert: he did.
He smiled warmly. "Hey, Bo-ra."
Bo-ra looked like she'd seen a ghost—but a handsome, charming, drama-lead type of ghost.
"H-Hi," she managed, her voice uneven. "It's... been a while."
"Three years," Min-hyuk said. "You look great."
Ugh.
Meanwhile, Seul-bi was fangirling. "Wow, Min-hyuk, you've changed so much! More handsome now that you're back from the States!"
They chatted for a bit, and it was obvious—the dude still had feelings for her.
That's when Seul-bi suddenly stood up. "Hey, guys, I need to use the restroom. You two catch up!"
Right.
More like give them privacy.
And Bo-ra? She didn't even look uncomfortable anymore. In fact… she looked like she was enjoying it.
She was laughing. Smiling. Making that face—the one she never makes around me.
Back at home, I tried to pretend I didn't care. I watched a movie. Scrolled through my feed. Opened a report I wasn't even supposed to read.
But I couldn't focus.
It was past 11 p.m. and she still wasn't home.
So I did the only logical thing a completely normal husband would do.
I sat outside on the garden bench—with coffee, okay? Totally normal. Nothing suspicious. Just... breathing.
And watching the road.
Every few minutes, I'd check my phone. Nothing. Not even a text.
Then I'd check my watch.
Still nothing.
Where the hell are you, weird woman?
I typed a message.
> "Where are you?"
"What time are you coming home?"
And then deleted it.
I set my phone down, pretending like I wasn't worried, hoping she'd message first.
Meanwhile…
Seul-bi got a call.
Some family emergency. Her younger brother got into trouble and ended up at the precinct. She had to leave—fast.
"Bo-ra, I'm so sorry. I have to go," she said, grabbing her bag. "My brother's in trouble again."
"Oh no, is he okay?" Bo-ra asked, worried.
"Honestly, I don't know. But I have to go. Min-hyuk, can I ask you a favor? Can you take Bo-ra home?"
"Of course," he said smoothly.
Of course.
Bo-ra hesitated. "You sure it's not a bother?"
"Not at all," he replied. "Let's go—it's getting late."
And she let him.
She let him.
Back at home, I was still playing it cool—pacing the garden, checking the road, sipping lukewarm coffee.
Then I saw her.
Walking.
Laughing.
With him.
Who the hell was that guy?
He was taller than me. Wearing a crisp white button-up, sleeves rolled up just enough to be casual. Hair parted perfectly. He looked like he'd walked out of a K-drama.
And the way he looked at her...
Like she was the main character.
They stopped at the gate.
She smiled up at him.
That smile.
The one I never get.
I stood up and walked over, heart pounding harder than I'd admit.
"Bo-ra."
She blinked, surprised. "Yul? What are you doing out here?"
"Obviously, breathing," I said dryly.
"O-Okay…"
I turned to the guy. "And you are?"
He smiled. "I'm Min-hyuk."
Bo-ra added, "We used to be close in high school. He was my—"
She stopped.
But I saw it.
That flicker.
That unspoken word.
First love.
Min-hyuk nodded politely. "Anyway, I should go. Nice seeing you again, Bo-ra."
"Thanks for the ride," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
She only did that when she was nervous.
Or flustered.
He walked away.
Silence settled between us.
A rare thing, really.
I shoved my hands in my pockets. "So… where'd you go?"
She raised a brow. "What is this, a parent interrogation?"
"Just curious."
"Who was that guy??" I asked again, voice lower. "First love?"
She looked down the street, where Min-hyuk had disappeared. "Yeah. High school stuff. Didn't work out."
"But you smiled like it did."
She looked at me. "Yul... don't start."
"I'm not starting anything," I muttered, kicking a pebble. "Just saying. He looked like a male lead. All soft eyes and tragic past."
Bo-ra stifled a laugh. "You're weird."
"I'm not."
Then, I asked the one thing I probably shouldn't have.
"Did you love him?"
She didn't answer.
And I didn't push.
Because honestly?
I didn't want to know.
"Goodnight, Yul," she said softly, walking upstairs.
I stood there, watching her go.
---
Bo-ra's POV – Inside Her Room
"What was up with that guy tonight?"
"Was he... jealous?"
"Crazy man."
She sighed, brushing her hair.
"But Min-hyuk… he's changed a lot."
"I'm happy for him. As a friend."
He listened like he actually cared.
"Didn't tease."
"Didn't act cold."
"Unlike… Yul."
But that didn't mean there were still feelings.
No.
Not since the day we broke up, and he left for the U.S.
---
Yul's POV – BACK LIVING ROOM
If Min-hyuk was the kind of guy Bo-ra used to love…
What chance did someone like me even have?
To be continued…