Chapter 02: Valentine Day II

Instead, he'd indulge in a day of relaxation within the confines of his own home – one of the perks of being his own boss.

After a quick shower, he slipped into another set of pajamas, determined to make the most of his day of rest.

He was convinced his manager had bought him a few new games to enjoy, and he was eager to try them out.

As he passed through the kitchen en route to the living room, he spotted his large sofa – and someone occupying it.

"Na Eun. I guess she slept here again," he mused to himself, ready to wake her up.

But just as he was about to reach out, she suddenly opened her eyes, and Jin Ho jumped back in surprise.

"Shit, you scared me," he admitted, before adding, "You should at least take off your socks."

He tried to maintain a stern expression, but it was difficult when looking at her. She hadn't changed much over the years.

Na Eun still had that adorable face, with big eyes that lacked double eyelids, a round and endearing visage, and full lips.

Every now and then, as he gazed upon her, Jin Ho found himself reminiscing about the countless moments they had shared.

It's hard letting her go. It's hard seeing her again. But, it would be more unbearable not to ever see her again.

And since then, it has been six years. He is now 33 years old.

He sat down on the sofa and put her head on top his lap.

'Eung' she whined

'When are you going to get up?'

She opens her eyes and push him away playfully. Then she got up and went to the kitchen.

'I cook something for you' she said. Jin Ho nodded and then said

'You should have cleaned the bottle while you were at it'

She glanced at the bottles on the kitchen table and frowned.

"I had something stressful at work yesterday," she explained, clearly distracted.

She retrieved a mineral bottle from the fridge and began drinking from it eagerly, as if trying to wash away her worries.

Jin Ho hesitated for a moment before he asked, "Do you want me to help? I can invest a few million dollars," he offered, concern in his voice.

Na Eun look at him and chuckles.

'Look at you. Don't even use won anymore. Coming out of your mouth, it basically dollars. How much would the exchange rate nowadays. Sometimes, I forgot how rich you are' she said with a bit of helplessness.

She knew how rich this "friend" of his. But she never wanted to ask him for help. Anyone else could help.

But not him…not in a million years.

She knew if she asks him for help, he would not misunderstand. And knowing him, he probably wouldn't care that much even if she didn't pay him back

Jin Ho smiled faintly at her comment.

"Old habits die hard, I suppose," he admitted, acknowledging the way he still measured things in dollars despite living in Korea.

He looked at her with understanding.

He knew her well enough to understand that asking for help from him was probably the last thing she would ever consider doing, even in dire circumstances.

"Let me know if you change your mind," he said softly, a hint of concern in his eyes.

Jin Ho wanted to be there for her in any way he could, even if it meant silently watching over her from the side lines.

Na Eun could only sigh inwardly

It is not that she doesn't want…..she sighed in her heart

But…...there is too much history between them and….and…. because she still… she perishes the thought

'It's good now' she thought to herself.

Then Jin Ho voice breaks her thought

'Use your friend' he said.

And then smiling with that devilish smile he said

'I don't mean to brag….'

'Don't finish that sentence. I am pretty sure that you are about to brag'

'Fine. Don't tell Hyun Seung and Seung Ah later that I did not help you. I offered. And you rejected' he said.

Then he added

'Go to work and suffer trying to attract investor to your startup. See how that goes' he said with a smile

Na Eun chuckles.

This is basically how Jin Ho sulks. How could even after all of these years, he did not even change a bit?

She knows that Jin Ho means well.

His word always has some kind of thorn in it. But most of the time, his intention is always good. He just doesn't know to express them.

Maybe with another woman, it is easy for him. But with her…...he always seems find it hard to express them.

Because of the past.

And because of the present.

Sometimes, she also thinks about it.

Smiling she said

'What about your book? Is there any reaction?'

'Cold' he said

'So, what? You are going to change profession again?'

'Maybe…..'he paused for a second before saying 'I should be a painter this time' Jin Ho said

'Do you know how to paint?' she asks

'No'

'That's your answer'

'I could learn' he counters back.

'Knowing you, by the end of the week you would give up and change to another job'

'Hmm' he thought to himself.

'Maybe…. maybe I should change genre' he said

Na Eun shakes her head.

Then Jin Ho began talking to himself again and she knew that is her que to go away. She went to the bathroom and wash herself.

After washing up in Jin Ho's spacious bathroom, complete with a luxurious bathtub that rivalled the size of her own house, Na Eun couldn't help but ponder the unfairness of life.

Sometimes, life is really not fair, she thought to herself.

She had grown accustomed to the lavishness of Jin Ho's penthouse, and it was moments like these that reminded her of the stark contrast between their lifestyles.

After her refreshing bath, Na Eun made her way to the guest room.

Over the years, her frequent visits had turned it into a second home of sorts, complete with a wardrobe filled with her clothes.

She carefully selected a few casual outfits for the day ahead, each one holding memories of past visits and shared moments.

Returning to the living room, she felt a sense of comfort wash over her.

The familiar scent of breakfast wafted from the kitchen, drawing her closer.

She found Jin Ho expertly heating up the rice, the subtle sizzle of the grains in the pan providing a soothing background melody.

Beside it, a freshly made omelette, fluffy and golden, awaited its turn to be savoured.

A tray with freshly baked bread, its crust glistening invitingly, rested nearby.

Notably, the once dishevelled kitchen now stood in impeccable order.

'You should have left it' she said.

'I have time'

As they set the table together and sat down to share their meal, the atmosphere was far from the awkwardness of their earlier encounters.

When they first did this a few years ago, it was pretty awkward.

Time had woven a tapestry of familiarity and comfort between them, and now, this shared morning routine felt like the most natural thing in the world.

For Na Eun, visiting Jin Ho house, having breakfast together, and waking up to find him were cherished moments that had become an integral part of her life.

It was the norm, and she wouldn't have it any other way. In Jin Ho eyes, the presence of his long-time friend brought a sense of warmth and completeness to his home.

Over the years, they had fallen into this rhythm effortlessly.

Na Eun occasional choice to sleep in the living room rather than her designated guest room was met with nothing but acceptance.

The breakfast they shared passed quickly, filled with easy conversation and comfortable silence. They knew each other's habits and preferences so well that their actions synchronized effortlessly.

After the last bite was taken, they tackled the clean-up together, moving with a quiet efficiency that spoke volumes about their seamless companionship.

Jin Ho did not plan to write anything today. So, he decided to just watch television. But for Na Eun…why isn't she going to work?

'Why aren't you going to work?' he asks

'I take a day off'

'Why?'

"It's Valentine" she said. And Jin Ho had an expression on his face that looks like a bit of shock but that expression was only for a second.

"Oh" There were silence between them for a moment before Jin Ho suddenly ask

"You're sleeping over again?"

'Just for tonight'

'What's the excuse now?'

'My house had a burst pipe' He rolls his eyes and ask

"Again? What kind of a house had burst pipes every week?'

"My house' she said nonchalantly.

There is pause in the moment. And then he said

"Sometimes, I don't know if you are joking or not' Smiling Na Eun said

"And you never will'

'Tch'

That day, they watch television. They played games with each other. They even use the pool to compete with each other.

When lunch came, they cook together and ordered a lot of take out dishes and alcohol. No one would believe that these two were exes.

They broke up when they finish high school. Met again when they were 26. And then they became friend

But to those who knew these two, they know that these two relationships is not yet over. It just didn't start yet

Because even after all of those years, these two had never dated anyone else. And they have weird celebration

Every Valentine, they spend time with each other.

Na Eun would take a day off on that day.

And Jin Ho would make himself free that day.

And these two would spend that day with each other.

Like today. Like this every years at that date

Valentine.

The weather outside is cold but inside the apartment it is very warm

And then night came. Tonight, was a bit different than the other night. Tonight, they were both drunk.

Was it because today they reminisce about the good old times too much?

Is that why the drink is so sweet?

Or was it because of the day?

Valentine Day, a day that wrings their heart so much?

Or was it because sometimes, there are things that they could not say when they were sober but could only express when they are drunk that they drink too much?

Or was it because he looks so handsome today and she look so beautiful?

Who knows?

But that night as the sun goes down and the moon shines upon the steel city, they slept

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