By ten, the restaurant finally exhaled.
The last customers left with packed boxes in their hands, Ji-hoon politely refused dine-in, insisting on takeaway only. Chairs were pushed back into place, tables wiped clean, lights softened. Silence settled in, warm and earned.
In the kitchen, Ji-hoon moved with focus and care, preparing Italian food as if he were cooking a confession.
Pizza Margherita with a crisp golden edge. Spaghetti Carbonara, Arancini, crispy fried rice balls with a golden crust and a soft, flavorful filling. A few other Italian dishes were plated neatly, portions generous, colors inviting.
When he was done, he stood back, hands on his hips, admiring his work like a child proud of a drawing. A soft smile curved his lips.
Behind him, Ji-seok, Enwoo, and Yeong-seo exchanged knowing looks.
"Ji-hoonaa…" Ji-seok drawled, arms crossed, a wicked glint in his eyes.
Ji-hoon turned. "Ye?"
"Make sure you steal at least a kiss tonight," Ji-seok said casually, lips tugged into a smug grin.
Ji-hoon froze.
His eyes widened. His ears turned red instantly, heat rushing up his neck. "Yaa, hyung! Hajima!" he protested, flustered beyond recovery.
The others burst into quiet laughter, shoulders shaking. Ji-hoon straightened his back, trying desperately to salvage his dignity, though the pink tint on his cheeks betrayed him completely.
"Alright, alright," Ji-seok said, still amused. "We're leaving. Spend time with your cutie, now."
Ji-hoon nodded, flustered but smiling, heart thudding a little faster at the word cutie.
Then he suddenly remembered something. "Ah—hyung. I packed food for you guys, too," he said quickly. "Italian food. Takeout."
Enwoo's face lit up immediately. "Thanks, hyung!"
Ji-hoon smiled, handing over the neatly packed boxes. One by one, they took them, waved, and headed out.
As they passed the counter, Hae-in glanced up.
They all offered polite smiles. Enwoo and Jong-soo bowed slightly before stepping outside. Hae-in returned the gesture with a gentle smile of her own, unaware of the teasing, the whispers, the quiet hope left hanging behind them.
The door closed.
And suddenly, it was just the two of them.
Ji-hoon emerged from the kitchen carrying a huge tray of food, steam curling into the air like a warm invitation.
Hae-in's eyes widened. "Ji-hoon ssi… what is all this? Why did you cook so much?"
"Shh," he said lightly, lips curving into a mischievous smile. "No talking. No complaining. Only devouring delicious food."
He placed the tray on the table with care. Her gaze followed his every movement, a flicker of surprise crossing her face at his sudden, almost playful confidence.
"Come," he said softly, already pulling out the chair for her.
She paused, then walked over. He waited until she sat, pushing the chair in gently like a gentleman. Then he took the seat opposite her, posture relaxed, eyes quietly attentive.
He began serving her, movements smooth, precise, almost professional. "Please enjoy your food, Mrs. Han," he said, voice warm.
She blinked. Mrs. Han?
Hae-in looked at him, studying him again, as if trying to understand the version of Ji-hoon in front of her.
Before she could react, he continued as if nothing unusual had happened. "Try the pizza first," he said, nudging the plate closer. "I'm sure you'll like it."
Her eyes dropped to the plate, then lifted to him. He was watching her, openly this time, an expectant smile resting on his lips.
Slowly, she picked up a slice and took a bite.
The moment she started chewing, her eyes lit up, just slightly, but enough.
Ji-hoon caught it instantly. His smile widened, bright and unguarded, satisfaction blooming across his face as he had just won something precious.
"How is it?" he asked, excitement spilling into his voice.
She chewed, then took another bite without hesitation. "It feels like I'm sitting in Italy," she said, the compliment soft but sincere.
Ji-hoon's face bloomed into a wide smile, pride practically glowing. He reached out to serve her another slice, and she let out a small chuckle.
"You're only serving me," she said. "Eat too."
He nodded, a little sheepish, and finally served himself. They ate together, the table warm with shared silence and quiet appreciation. She kept complimenting his cooking, one dish after another, and each word sent a small storm of butterflies fluttering through him. He tried to act normal, but his smile kept betraying him.
After a moment, he looked at her and spoke gently. "You came early today."
She glanced up. "Yeah. The commitments I promised were completed, so I didn't have much work today. I logged out on time."
He nodded slowly. "Which means you'll be coming early from now on?" he asked, a hopeful note slipping in.
She paused.
Ji-hoon noticed immediately. "What happened?" he asked, voice softer now.
She looked at him, then down at her plate. "Not really," she said quietly. "I've been assigned another huge responsibility. It's again going to drain my energy and time."
He stayed silent, listening.
"I tried to refuse," she continued, letting out a tired sigh. "But they didn't listen. Instead, the director gave me two weeks off to rest and then come back stronger. I don't even know what to do anymore."
Ji-hoon watched her for a long moment, studying the tiredness she tried so hard to hide. Then he spoke, his voice careful, almost hesitant.
"Hae-ina… can I suggest something?"
She lifted her eyes to him.
He met her gaze, steady and sincere. "Just leave that job."
Her body stiffened instantly.
Before panic could rise in her eyes, he continued, not giving her the chance to misunderstand. "Don't be scared. I'm saying this for your own good. You've pushed yourself far enough. You're exhausted… and still, they keep taking from you."
She remained silent, listening.
"Quit now," he said softly. "I'll take care of everything. Your bills, your expenses. You don't have to worry about that anymore."
Her breath hitched slightly.
"And I remember what you told me that day," he went on, his voice gentle but firm. "That you had other plans. Dreams you wanted to pursue." He leaned forward a little. "Tell me what they are. I'll support you. I'll help you build them."
She looked at him, stunned by the certainty in his words.
"Why would you do all this for me, Ji-hoon-ssi?" she asked quietly.
His heart tightened. He didn't look away.
"Because you're my responsibility now," he said. "My wife." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "It's my duty to take care of you… your dreams… everything that comes with you."
Then, softer, almost vulnerable, he added, "And most importatntly I love you, Hae-ina. Still. More than yesterday. More with every passing second."
Her heart stopped for a beat.
He continued before she could respond. "I know you're not interested in this relationship. I know you didn't choose this." His voice didn't accuse; it only stated the truth. "Yet we're bound to each other. Officially, forever."
She kept looking at him, unable to speak.
"Just think about it," he said gently. "How long can we live like this?" His eyes searched hers. "How long will you keep hurting yourself? How long will you fight everything alone?"
Her eyes burned. She broke eye contact at once, staring down at her plate as the weight of his words settled deep in her chest.
"Don't be scared or anxious, Hae-ina," he said softly. "I'm not trying to frighten you… and I'm not forcing anything on you."
He paused, making sure she was listening, really listening.
"I'm only asking you to give me a chance," he continued gently. "Let me show you how much I love you. How deeply I care for you. Let me protect you… hold you… stay by your side whenever you feel alone or lost."
His voice lowered, almost a whisper.
"I want to give you everything you've ever longed for. I want to support you while you chase your dreams, stand behind you when you're tired, celebrate you when you succeed." He swallowed. "I want you to smile freely… to feel happy, fulfilled, satisfied with your life."
He looked at her with quiet certainty. "I want to be your forever, Hae-ina."
The words settled between them, warm and heavy.
"Just trust me," he said softly. "Give me one chance. And I promise you'll never regret it."
She remained silent, her expression unreadable. Ji-hoon watched her closely, trying to understand the thoughts she kept buried behind her eyes.
He let out a small breath and gently placed his hand over hers.
She stiffened for a moment but didn't pull away. She didn't push him either.
"I love you, Hae-ina," he murmured. "More than you realize. More than you can understand right now."
Then, as if afraid she might retreat, he added softly, "You don't have to be scared. I won't hurt you. I want you, yes… but never through pressure or pain. Only through trust. Through love."
His thumb rested lightly against her skin.
"Open your heart just a little," he said reassuringly. "And I promise… I will never disappoint you. I will never break your heart."
She heard every word, yet her eyes stayed lowered, refusing to meet his. No response came.
Ji-hoon didn't rush her. He stayed where he was, his hand still holding hers, quietly waiting for the moment she might finally speak.
To be continued.....