On the morning of a new day, Seoul woke to thick fog and a pleasant coolness. Autumn had arrived. The city was still sleepy, with hardly anyone on the streets and only the occasional bus breaking the silence with the loud roar of its engine. Office workers in strict black suits walked to work like shadows. The urban anthill slowly came to life.
SoMi woke up — it was not yet six in the morning. She was about to get out of bed when she felt Do Hwan's warm hand firmly holding hers, as if he was afraid to let go again. Glancing at the boy's sleepy face, SoMi smiled involuntarily. At that moment, he looked like a small child sleeping sweetly in bed. He was so defenceless and genuine — gentle, kind and calm, without his silly jokes and sharp remarks.
In just one evening, SoMi had seen that Do Hwan who had long been hiding behind the mask of a tough actor. She witnessed his transformation: from a grumpy neighbour to a friendly guy who loves chatting over delicious dinners; from a young man who eats supermarket ramen to a caring man who knows how to cook tasty meals and stands at the stove himself when he wants to surprise or cheer her up; and from a cold, jealous boy to a vulnerable guy who is afraid to confess and isn't ashamed to cry when he's feeling overwhelmed.
SoMi had read this book for a long time before she finally understood its meaning. She puzzled over the riddles of his behaviour until she reached the final chapter. The chapter where he finally confesses and asks for forgiveness for being unbearable, and for destroying one of her dreams.
Fate itself had decided everything and tied up all the loose ends. It happened that evening, when he kissed her. There were no explanations or unnecessary conversations. Just one phrase from him — "I like you" — broke down the ice wall that SoMi had built up during her marriage. Even when her ex-husband became indifferent to her, their relationship turned upside down. Since then, with every word and action of her ex, that wall had grown taller and taller. Nothing seemed able to break that ice. But then it began to melt.
At every dinner they had together. Every sincere and frank conversation over a glass of wine or a can of beer. Every dance, whether at Ms. Min's school or at home to fiery K-pop. And then there was that evening with spilled sauce and a bare chest. That was when SoMi saw Do Hwan not just as a friend and neighbour, but as an attractive man. Perhaps it was when he treated the wound on her arm that the flame in her heart finally reignited from the spark between them.
Do Hwan's grip loosened and SoMi was able to pull her hand out of his palm. He was still asleep, so she decided to make breakfast and brew some coffee, so that they could eat together. Quietly and on tiptoe, SoMi left the bedroom and headed for the kitchen.
Do Hwan woke up to the sound of a notification on his phone. Glancing at the message with one eye, he closed his eyes again, burying his nose in the pillow and wanting to go back to sleep. But the sounds coming from the kitchen prevented him from doing so. Then there was the smell of coffee, which lured Do Hwan out of bed. Rubbing his eyes, he shuffled to the kitchen. One eye was still asleep, so he found his way with the other. But when he saw SoMi in his kitchen, he opened both eyes.
His neighbour was wearing a light-coloured hoodie and leggings, an apron, and was preparing breakfast in his kitchen. Her awkwardly gathered bun suited her so well. Her tired, make-up free face was incredibly beautiful. Do Hwan would give his life just to see this sight every morning.
"Oh, good morning, Do Hwan. How are you feeling?" SoMi asked, placing freshly baked pancakes on a plate.
"Good morning. I feel better," he said, rubbing the back of his head as he looked at the picture in front of him.
"You're just in time. Breakfast is ready: Pancakes with syrup and fragrant coffee."
"Um..." He didn't have time to say anything before SoMi interrupted him.
"Don't worry, I made the pancakes without eggs. I remember you're allergic to them."
"Thank you. But where did you get all this?"
"Oh, right," she said, glancing at all the food on the table. "You didn't have anything, so I went shopping yesterday while you were asleep."
"Oh..." He felt somewhat embarrassed about the empty fridge. He looked away.
"Do Hwan," she said to him. "Don't do that again."
"What?"
"Your fridge should always be stocked with fresh food. You need to eat well so you don't get ill.' Actors aren't allowed to look unwell. Don't let your supplies dwindle to just a bottle of water."
"Okay," he said, biting his lip.
"Sit and eat your breakfast while it's hot," she said, inviting him to the table. He didn't hesitate, immediately beginning to devour the delicious pancakes while SoMi poured coffee into a cup. She served him and sat down in a chair to watch him.
Do Hwan savoured every bite. Then, when he dared to look SoMi in the eyes, he suddenly stopped. He finished the pancake, put down his fork, exhaled and said:
"I'm sorry," he said, looking at her again. Her expression hadn't changed since he had spoken. But there was warmth and understanding in her eyes. So he continued: "I know I've said this before, and it probably won't be the last time. I'm sorry I acted like an idiot. I'm sorry I shattered your dream. I'm sorry for worrying you yesterday. I'm sorry for making you go through all this." He continued, and SoMi looked at him calmly, her emotions unchanged, indicating that he should carry on. "It all started that evening when Director Kim asked you out on a date." Her eyes flashed with curiosity as her emotions finally changed. He called you a "tasty morsel", as if you were some kind of trophy, not a living person. As if you weren't a woman, but just a toy or accessory for a man to brag about to his friends. I know you better than he does, even though we've only known each other for a few months. I see the real you: alive, happy, free and dreamy. You're a special, incredible person and I don't have the right to tell you who to date. But know this: you deserve better than Director Kim. He's the reason I've been acting this way all this time. Seeing you two together tore me apart inside.
"So that's why you dislike Director Kim so much?" She took a sip of coffee, her expression unchanged, as if she knew everything. "Do Hwan," she said, putting the cup on the table. "I appreciate your sincerity and openness, and I'm glad you were finally able to explain everything to me. We can't change other people's minds. Don't pay attention to what others say about me. It's just their opinion — nothing more. You know the real me, and you don't need to prove anything to anyone or get angry at what they say or do," she said. "And if the director thinks that way about me, then let me be a "tempting morsel" that he will never get." She looked at him and noticed how his face had gone from pale to fresh and almost lit up after what she said.
"...?!"
"Oh, it's late," she said, glancing at her watch. "I have to get ready for work." She got up from the table, washed the cup, took off her apron and grabbed her phone. She headed for the exit. As she opened the door, she stopped. "Director Kim asked me out again yesterday..." She paused. "I sad NO." She closed the door.
Once inside her apartment, she suddenly heard loud music in the style of "Beautiful Lady" coming from the neighbouring apartment. Without words, it was clear that there was now a frenzied atmosphere of happiness and joy there. The stomping to the rhythm of the song confirmed this. Do Hwan was dancing with joy, just as SoMi had once told him to do. "Dance when you're sad. Dance when you want to cry. Dance when you're happy!"
The final chapter of the book, entitled "Understand Do Hwan", has now been read. A new book about the two of them is starting right now. It's called "What Will Happen Next?"