BYL 13

chapter 13

Da-in’s reflection stood awkwardly before the full-length mirror. She had been loitering in front of it for quite some time now, repeatedly checking something.

“Hmm…”

With a sigh, Da-in recalled what had happened yesterday. It was the unexpected phone call from Tae-kyung right after she had gotten off work.

‘A schedule came up on the day we were supposed to meet. I don’t think I’ll be able to have that meal with you. I’m sorry.’

Before she could even thank him for buying her coffee last time, he had briskly delivered his point. Judging from his tone, the appointment he had to cancel must have been something important.

The sudden cancellation left Da-in feeling strangely disappointed. It had been so long since she’d made plans with someone—let alone had them canceled—that even her sense of disappointment felt unfamiliar.

‘And… it might be strange to say this after canceling, but…’

As though he had seen straight through her disappointment, Tae-kyung had made an unexpected proposal.

‘If you don’t mind, Deputy Min, could I ask a favor of you that day?’

‘A favor?’

The request was this: Tae-kyung had to attend a company-hosted party, but he didn’t have a partner to go with.

‘It’s not the kind of event where I can bring just anyone, and there aren’t any female staff on my team. I was wondering if I could ask you.’

‘Would it really be okay for me to attend? I’ve never been to that kind of event before…’

‘It’s just a party. Nothing you need to overthink.’

Though his tone was calm, there was a certain earnestness behind it. Remembering the debts and gratitude she owed him, Da-in had finally accepted.

And then, as if he had been waiting for her agreement, Tae-kyung had added that he would send a dress for Yeoreum as well, so she could come along. Da-in had been startled, but Tae-kyung remained perfectly composed.

‘I—I can’t accept something so extravagant!’

‘It’s a request from me, so don’t think of it as a burden. Han-ul will be there too. Yeoreum can go as his partner…’

And finally, what lingered in her ears the most—

‘Deputy Min, you’ll be my partner.’

The very next afternoon after work, Da-in had received the gift Tae-kyung sent to her home. The shopping bag bore the unmistakable logo of a luxury brand. Peeling the bag away with care, she revealed a snow-white dress inside.

“Haa…”

From that moment on, she had been pressing the dress against her body, trying out different poses before the mirror. Yet no matter what she did, it didn’t seem to suit her, leaving her flustered.

‘Is it really okay for me to go to a place like this?’

She had agreed because he said it was hard to find a partner, but now, faced with the dress, fear took hold of her. She had no confidence that she wouldn’t look shabby standing next to the sophisticated Tae-kyung. With so many worries piling up, sleep became difficult.

“Auntie, you’re not asleep yet?”

Hearing the constant rustling, Yeoreum peeked her face through the crack in the door. Da-in startled and turned around.

“Sorry, Yeoreum. Were you already asleep?”

“Wow… it’s a princess dress!”

As soon as Da-in apologized, Yeoreum’s eyes sparkled as she ran over.

“It’s so pretty…”

Even though she was in pajamas and still looked drowsy, the sight of the dress seemed to blow her sleep away instantly, her eyes shining brightly. Da-in chuckled softly at the way Yeoreum couldn’t take her eyes off it.

“Pretty, right? You got a really pretty dress too.”

“My dress is yellow, but Auntie’s is white.”

Beaming, Yeoreum gently touched the hem of the dress. The one Tae-kyung had sent for her was a bright yellow, shaped like a ballet tutu.

Da-in’s dress, on the other hand, was a mermaid style that hugged the waist and flowed down to the ankles. Different in both color and design, but for a child’s outfit, Yeoreum’s was shockingly high-end and luxurious.

“We have to say thank you properly, okay?”

“Mm-hm!”

Even though Da-in reminded her seriously, Yeoreum was too busy grinning. Ever since the day she’d bumped into Tae-kyung, fun things kept happening, and it made her happy. It also felt like proof that Da-in and Tae-kyung were getting closer, which made her even happier.

‘I wish things could always be like this.’

Harboring a secret hope that would have startled Da-in if she had heard it, Yeoreum smiled brightly.

The bright yellow dress looked like fairy wings from a storybook.

Since morning, Yeoreum had been bustling about, smoothing the skirt and grinning. She had just parted ways with Da-in at the entrance of the building when she spotted Han-ul walking up with Woo-hyun.

“Yeoreum… you look really pretty today.”

Han-ul’s eyes widened in awe. He already thought Yeoreum was the prettiest in kindergarten, but seeing her now confirmed it.

“You look cool too, Han-ul.”

“Really? Look at this! Uncle tied this for me.”

Han-ul proudly showed off the bow tie Tae-kyung had helped him with. As Yeoreum clapped her hands, Woo-hyun approached with a smile, extending both hands. Yeoreum’s cautious expression made Han-ul hurry to introduce him.

“Yeoreum, this is Chief Secretary Jung Woo-hyun.”

Woo-hyun held back a chuckle, watching Han-ul with fondness. Not long ago, the boy couldn’t even remember his name—yet now he remembered his job too.

“What’s a chief secretary?”

“It’s like a teacher. He’s my uncle’s teacher.”

“Ohh.”

Yeoreum and Han-ul whispered to each other and giggled. Then Woo-hyun led them by the hands into a separate lobby.

The main hall was set with wine and appetizers for the guests, but to keep the children safe, they had their own sub-hall.

As instructed beforehand, Han-ul shyly held out his right arm. Yeoreum, embarrassed, linked hers with his. Awkward though they were, they looked adorable enough to draw warm smiles from onlookers.

“Let’s head inside now, kids.”

Woo-hyun, pleased, ushered them in. The sub-hall was full of children like them.

Han-ul greeted some familiar faces, and Yeoreum followed his lead. Her beauty and kindness quickly won over the other children.

They were having a pleasant time when—

“Huh…?”

Looking back toward the entrance for Woo-hyun, Yeoreum froze.

‘That uncle…’

The face was familiar. How could she forget? Her face went pale as she rubbed her eyes hard and looked again. But the man was already gone. Her heart, however, only pounded faster.

Maybe she had imagined it… but maybe not.

‘Yeoreum.’

‘Yes?’

‘As much as you love your aunt, she will suffer for it.’

Yeoreum was afraid of In-hyuk. Every casual word he had once spoken felt terrifying and alien. Sometimes she even feared he would take Da-in away and disappear forever.

“Yeoreum, what’s wrong?”

Seeing her suddenly stiffen, Han-ul—who had also been looking around for Woo-hyun—ran over in alarm.

“H-Han-ul…”

“Are you cold? Your hands are freezing.”

Startled by his words, Yeoreum looked down at her hands. They were clammy with sweat, her heart pounding, breath quick and shallow.

‘She must be nervous because there are so many people.’

Han-ul had forgotten this was her first time at such an event, unlike him who had been to a few. Looking worried, he suddenly recalled a memory with Tae-kyung.

‘Go Han-ul, stop crying. You’re going to use up all the tears you’ll ever have in one day.’

‘Dad’s a liar.’

That was the day he learned Tae-jin’s return had been canceled. Han-ul had sobbed uncontrollably. He had tried to hold it in, afraid his uncle would be upset, but that day the tears just wouldn’t stop.

‘He always says he’ll come, but he never does! He must have forgotten me. That’s why he doesn’t come.’

‘Don’t be ridiculous. What parent forgets their own child?’

But Tae-jin never returned quickly, no matter how often he promised. It was only natural that Han-ul’s resentment grew.

‘If he really was that kind of man, would your grandparents just stand by? They dote on you so much.’

‘But Dad… Dad…’

‘Stop crying and get up. I bought ice cream for us. It’ll melt.’

The word “ice cream” made Han-ul pause his crying and lift his head. Tae-kyung had smiled and held out his hand. Han-ul, sniffling, had taken it and slowly stood.

‘You need to replenish the water you lost.’

‘Replenish?’

‘…That was too difficult a word, huh. Just open your mouth—ah.’

The ice cream that day was vanilla. But mixed with tears, it tasted a little salty too. That strange, sweet-salty flavor stuck with him for a long time. Whenever he was sad, remembering it gave him strength.

“Come on, let’s go get a drink.”

Han-ul smiled gently, just like Tae-kyung had once done for him. He held out his hand. Yeoreum blinked her big eyes, the tears that had welled up vanishing.

“A drink?”

“There are cookies over there too. Uncle Woo-hyun will bring them for us.”

“…”

“Let’s go eat together. Come on.”

Han-ul pretended his arm was hurting to hurry her along. Finally, Yeoreum hesitantly took his hand. The warmth of his palm eased her anxiety.

“Not cold anymore, right?”

At his gentle question, Yeoreum slowly exhaled. She nodded, and Han-ul tugged her along. She glanced back once, then shook her head firmly.

Yes, she must have been mistaken.

Her aunt hadn’t seen that man again in a long time.

“I’m not cold anymore.”

Yeoreum whispered with a fragile smile. Holding Han-ul’s hand tightly, she began to feel better. Today was supposed to be a happy day—no time for needless gloom.

“Let’s go!”

Yeoreum exclaimed cheerfully, stepping forward with renewed energy.