Episode 4
After putting on makeup she rarely used for the interview, Eunwoo felt reborn once she washed it off.
It seriously felt like shedding a whole layer off her face.
“Ah… much better…”
She stretched contentedly after showering—then froze.
Her face turned red. She’d rushed in so fast, flustered, that she forgot to bring clothes with her.
“Gah…..”
Her head turned slowly toward the tiny washing machine humming in the corner of the bathroom.
Hakyung’s apartment had two washing machines—one in the utility room for big loads like towels and bedding, and a small one for light personal loads. Eunwoo, for some reason, had decided today of all days to toss *all* her clothes in with the load Hakyung had left that morning.
What do I do now\..?
We were supposed to go meet Hakyung after work…
This is bad. Really bad.
Eunwoo hadn’t come out in a while. Do women normally take this long to shower?
Dressed and ready to leave, Woogyung glanced at the bathroom door. It remained closed and silent. He checked the time and sighed.
She didn’t slip or get hurt… right?
She couldn’t go out wrapped in just a towel. She couldn’t call for help, and she definitely couldn’t wear the wet, soapy clothes mid-cycle in the washer.
Staying in Hakyung’s guest room meant this wasn’t something she could quietly solve.
-Gulp-
Wrapping the towel tightly around herself, she carefully turned the door handle. Quietly cracking it open, she peeked through the tiny gap into the living room.
Woogyung, noticing the bathroom door opening slightly, figured everything was fine and sank back into the sofa.
Then he heard a nervous voice.
“Um… excuse me….”
“?????”
He looked up from his phone in surprise. The voice came from the barely opened bathroom door.
“I’m really sorry but… um…”
“Yes?”
“I… forgot to bring clothes in…”
“!!!!!”
Startled, Woogyung jumped up. Her trembling voice continued.
“I had to run in quickly, so I didn’t have time… I just need to run to my room for a sec…”
She’s saying she’s coming out like *that*?!
Woogyung’s eyes widened in panic. Even though the door wasn’t open, he instinctively covered his eyes and blocked her.
“Wait..!”
“…Yes..?”
“Close the door. I’ll toss something over. Just throw it on and go to your room to change.”
“Ah..! T-thank you so much..!”
“…Just… close it, please.”
“Oh..! Right..!”
-Clack-
Hearing the door shut, Woogyung finally uncovered his eyes.
This girl’s gonna be the death of me…
He exhaled sharply and rushed into his room.
-Thump-
“I’ll stay in my room. Clothes are right outside the door.”
His voice and the sound of the clothes being placed down reached her.
“Okay..! Thank you..!”
-Clack-
Then, from afar, she heard the door to his room close.
-Creak-
Eunwoo stretched out just one arm, grabbed the clothes, and slammed the bathroom door shut.
‘Thank God…’
The sweatshirt and shorts he gave her were massive. Honestly, the oversized sweatshirt alone could’ve covered everything, but with no underwear, that felt off. Clutching the slipping shorts, she emerged carefully.
“I’m going to change in my room now\..!”
She called toward Woogyung’s room and hurried to hers.
-Clack-
Woogyung, seated on his bed, let out a quiet sigh when he heard her small voice.
She’s so clumsy, it’s honestly worrying.
She’s twenty-nine. She should know better. Even if I’m just her friend’s brother, how could she try to run out like that?
“Haah…”
Can she even handle a full-time job?
“No jacket? It’s still chilly in the evenings.”
Noticing Eunwoo come out in just a pink knit top and jeans, Woogyung looked concerned. Eunwoo smiled.
“I’m okay. I don’t get cold easily.”
Lie. She *really* gets cold—but couldn’t bring herself to admit she had no outerwear.
“…Really?”
He raised an eyebrow. Eunwoo nodded a little too enthusiastically.
“Still…”
“I’m *really* fine..! Hakyung’s probably getting off now. Let’s hurry.”
Panicking at the thought of being offered a jacket, she gave Woogyung a light push on the back, nudging him forward. He let her.
-Tap tap tap tap tap-
“…..”
“…..”
That sound? Eunwoo’s teeth chattering.
She was *freezing*.
“Haah…”
With a quiet sigh, Woogyung took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders.
“Gasp..! N-no, I’m really not cold..!”
She said it, but as soon as she felt the lingering warmth of his coat, her body shivered involuntarily.
“…Pfft, oh come on.”
Unable to hold back laughter, Woogyung chuckled at her obvious act. Eunwoo shrank slightly, watching his expression.
“I *told* you to wear something warmer.”
He pulled the coat snug around her and added, “Arms.”
His voice was calm but firm. And just like that, her arms slipped right in. It wasn’t even intentional—like he’d cast a spell.
The coat was so oversized it almost dragged on the ground, but with her arms tucked in, it felt a bit better.
Once she was properly in, Woogyung buttoned the coat up for her.
-Thump thump thump thump-
Her heart started racing again.
Why is he always so kind..?
“Warm, isn’t it?”
With that gentle smile and direct gaze, her heart pounded even louder.
-Thump thump thump thump thump-
“Very…”
Her small voice made him smile again. Eunwoo tried to continue.
“You look… really cool…”
“Hehe…”
“?????”
“??????????”
“??????????”
They stood there, eyes wide, faces full of question marks.
Eunwoo had meant to say “very warm,” but her gratitude came out wrong. And Woogyung, hearing it clearly, was stunned.
For a solid 30 seconds, they just stared at each other in silence.
“…Uh… thank you…”
Woogyung stepped back awkwardly. Eunwoo didn’t really get what he was thanking her for, but smiled brightly anyway.
She’d been freezing before—but now, she felt so warm she was glowing.
“Go Eunwoo! Eun Woogyung!”
Hakyung, about ten minutes late, ran up calling their names. The two walked toward her.
“Haha! Are you wearing Woogyung’s coat? That’s adorable…”
Giggling, Hakyung squished Eunwoo’s cheeks, nearly burying her in the coat. Eunwoo winced in embarrassment and wriggled free.
“Why…”
“Pfft! You two getting along now? Getting closer?”
Hakyung looked back and forth between them, smiling.
“…..”
“…..”
The silence was awkward. Woogyung was still flustered from earlier. Eunwoo didn’t know how to answer, shy about claiming they were “close.”
“Wait, did you guys fight?”
“Why would we? We’re getting along fine.”
Woogyung replied casually and walked ahead. Hakyung blinked, then slung an arm over Eunwoo’s shoulder.
“Let’s get him to buy us something good.”
Eunwoo nodded, her eyes fixed on Woogyung’s broad, reliable back.
‘He really is… so cool…’
“I *love* beef!!!!”
Hakyung cheered as they sat down. Eunwoo carefully took off the coat, folded it neatly, and sealed it in a plastic bag to avoid any food smells.
She then pulled out her chair and sat—only to find Woogyung staring straight at her.
“…!”
Their eyes met, and he smiled—again, with that handsome face.
To be Continued…
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