Heart of Change

We find A-ri in yet another art lesson with Hyun-ki, but something is notably different. This time, their interactions are respectful and maintain a professional distance, allowing A-ri to learn more comfortably and efficiently. Hyun-ki's teaching has evolved, focusing more on technique and theory, which enriches A-ri's understanding of art. He imparts a deeper knowledge of brushstrokes, colours, and the emotions they can convey.

As the lesson concludes, Hyun-ki bids A-ri farewell, leaving her with a sense of curiosity and intrigue. A-ri can't wait to discuss her progress and the change in Hyun-ki's teaching style with Eun-tae. Over dinner, they dine on a delightful spread of Korean dishes, sharing their thoughts and theories. They wonder if the shift in Hyun-ki's methods hints at something deeper, perhaps a personal transformation they have yet to uncover.

Eun-tae is genuinely proud of A-ri's artistic progress, and she beams with satisfaction. Their dinner is filled with laughter and easy conversation, as they share anecdotes from their day. The couple cherishes these moments of togetherness, reinforcing the bond that grows stronger with each shared experience. While they ponder the mystery of Hyun-ki's evolution as a teacher, it's the connection between A-ri and Eun-tae that remains at the heart of their shared journey.

As Eun-tae excused himself to take a refreshing shower, A-ri was all set to join him, the anticipation of shared moments filling the air with excitement. But just as she was about to follow her husband into the bathroom, her phone rang. A glance revealed that it was Na-yeon calling. With a curious look, A-ri decided to answer, wondering what was on her friend's mind.

"Hi, Na-yeon, what's up?" A-ri answered her phone with a warm greeting,

The conversation between the two friends soon gravitated toward the subject of A-ri's art lessons with Hyun-ki.

"I've been meaning to ask you, A-ri, about your art lessons with Hyun-ki. How are they going? Is he still... well, you know, breaching your personal space?" Na-yeon's voice on the other end was filled with curiosity and genuine concern.

"Oh, you won't believe how much better it is now, Na-yeon. He's changed, truly. He respects personal boundaries, and it's made the lessons so much more comfortable," A-ri, eager to share her thoughts, leaned against the kitchen counter as she spoke into her phone, her smile evident even though Na-yeon couldn't see it.

"I'm so glad to hear that. It's a huge relief knowing he's keeping his promise," Na-yeon breathed a sigh of relief, her worry for her friend dissipating.

"What promise are you talking about, Na-yeon?" Intrigued by the mention of a promise, A-ri couldn't help but ask.

"Oh, nothing. Just something he mentioned before, about treating you better during your art lessons. I'm relieved he's keeping his word," there was a momentary pause on the other end before Na-yeon replied.

"Na-yeon, have you met Hyun-ki? How do you know him?" Curiosity piqued, A-ri couldn't help but ask.

"I've met him once for an interview," Na-yeon answered, her tone somewhat evasive.

A-ri nodded, accepting her friend's explanation. Although she wished Na-yeon would divulge more about her interaction with Hyun-ki, she decided not to press the matter. Instead, they continued chatting about other topics, sharing their daily experiences, thoughts on life, and the things they found amusing. Their conversations flowed effortlessly, a testament to their deep friendship.

After a while, they both realized it was getting late. A-ri stifled a yawn, and Na-yeon wished her friend a good night, her voice filled with warmth.

"Sleep well, A-ri. We'll catch up soon."

"You too, Na-yeon. Thanks for the call," A-ri reciprocated the sentiment,

With a final exchange of well-wishes, they ended the call, content in the knowledge that their friendship remained as strong as ever, despite the twists and mysteries of life.

As the call with Na-yeon ended, A-ri had intended to join her husband in the bathroom for a relaxing shower, but what she found when she stepped inside surprised her. Eun-tae had already finished showering and was drying himself off with a towel.

A cheeky grin spread across his face as he saw her.

"Why don't you come in? The water's still warm," he suggested, holding the shower curtain open for her.

"You're showering again? Won't we run out of hot water?" A-ri chuckled, enjoying her husband's playful demeanour.

"A little cold water won't hurt, and besides, I didn't want to miss out on the fun," Eun-tae shrugged nonchalantly.

His invitation was tempting, and A-ri decided that it would be a delightful way to end the day. She quickly discarded her clothes and stepped into the shower with Eun-tae, the warm water cascading over them. As the droplets glistened on their skin, they shared sweet, intimate moments, reaffirming the love and passion that continued to strengthen their bond. The steamy, playful shower became a cherished memory, a testament to their enduring connection.

Once they had finished and were wrapped in towels, they shared a tender kiss before retreating to their bedroom. In the quiet of the night, they held each other close, finding comfort and warmth in the presence of the one they cherished most.

The days after the unexpected date with Hyun-ki had left Na-yeon in a state of perpetual turmoil. A part of her couldn't help but wait for a call or a message from him, even though her rational mind argued against it. The way he had swept into her life, concocted a whimsical date, and then left without a word of what would come next was maddening, to say the least. It was a feeling she had never experienced before.

For someone like Na-yeon, who was known for her self-assured and confident disposition, this newfound vulnerability was unsettling. She had always approached life pragmatically, prioritizing her career over matters of the heart. Love and personal relationships had always taken a backseat to her pursuit of excellence in journalism. Yet, here she was, waiting and yearning for a man who had thrown her routine into disarray.

The problem was that the date had sparked a curiosity and longing she hadn't felt in years. Hyun-ki had introduced her to a world of spontaneity and unpredictability that was both thrilling and unnerving. The mysterious aura he exuded left her intrigued and wanting to delve deeper into his enigmatic personality.

To her surprise, Na-yeon had found herself reminiscing about their brief time together—his teasing, his compliments, and the way he had taken charge, all qualities she would have previously scoffed at. She felt like a teenager again, caught in the heady throes of a crush, and it was baffling.

Na-yeon's rational self couldn't fathom why she was reacting this way. After all, she hardly knew anything about Hyun-ki, and her initial impression of him was hardly flattering. His manipulative ways during their first encounter had been more than off-putting. Yet, there was something in his demeanor that made her heart race, something that called to the unexplored, romantic side of her that had remained dormant for years.

She felt foolish for waiting, for expecting a man who had shown himself to be evasive and unpredictable to behave otherwise. Na-yeon had called A-ri not only to check on Hyun-ki but also to seek assurance that he still existed in the realm of the living. It was an unusual feeling for her, a strange blend of longing, frustration, and impatience that she had never anticipated.

As the days passed, Na-yeon oscillated between regretting her decision to call Hyun-ki out and wondering if he might call her again. This internal struggle left her mentally and emotionally fatigued, a side of herself she didn't particularly care for. Still, she couldn't help but wonder if the mysterious art critic would reappear, bringing with him another whirlwind of unpredictability and making her heart race once more.

Just when Na-yeon thought she had regained control over her emotions, her phone rang. The screen displayed Hyun-ki's name, leaving her momentarily breathless. The anticipation she had been trying to quell for days had made her vulnerable, and as she answered the call, her mind went blank, her practiced words evaporating like mist in the morning sun.

"Hello," she managed to say, though it lacked the confident edge she had hoped to maintain. What was it about his voice that made her feel this way? Na-yeon chastised herself for letting her guard down.

"Hello, Na-yeon. I hope I'm not interrupting anything," Hyun-ki's voice, as smooth and enigmatic as ever, flowed through the phone.

"No, no, not at all," Na-yeon stammered. "I was just... working."

For a moment, there was silence on the line, and Na-yeon couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking. But soon, he spoke, his tone a maddening combination of nonchalance and charm.

"I've been thinking, Na-yeon. Our last date was... unconventional, to say the least. How about we try something more traditional this time?"

Na-yeon blinked, struggling to process his words. It was a date request, once again. Her initial intention had been to regain control, to call the shots in this peculiar dynamic between them. Yet, hearing his voice and his audacious proposition made her feel strangely compelled to comply.

"Yes," she found herself agreeing, unable to resist. "A more traditional date sounds... interesting."

"Excellent. I'll text you the details. Let's see if we can make this more... conventional," Hyun-ki's laughter on the other end of the line was like a melody she couldn't ignore.

As they ended the call, Na-yeon couldn't help but question her own reactions. What was it about Hyun-ki that made her lose her composure, that compelled her to agree to another date when she had set out to maintain her control? It was a puzzle she couldn't quite decipher, but one she was increasingly eager to explore.