Choi Kang-woo smiled gently and tucked a strand of hair behind Han Na-Eun’s ear, his hand lingering to caress her cheek.
“Don’t worry. I have a feeling I’ll be good at this.”
Han Na-Eun tilted her head, a soft look in her eyes. “You shouldn’t say you’re good just because you have a lot of experience.”
“It would be quite rude to claim such things in a moment like this.”
“Is that so?”
Choi Kang-woo smiled down at her as her lashes fluttered. “This is the first time for both of us. Isn’t that enough?”
It was enough. The fact that this was a first for them both—wasn’t that the most important thing?
Yet, Han Na-Eun felt a prickle of nerves. She had heard it would be painful, and besides… but there was no time to dwell on such thoughts. Her mind was already drifting, lost in the sensation of his hand stroking her arm. A soft, involuntary moan escaped her lips at his touch, and as he leaned in to kiss her, a deep, aching thirst took root within her.
Wherever his lips grazed, a fever bloomed. She felt exposed, needy, and desperate for him to quiet the hunger rising in her blood. Her legs tangled with his, restless and unbidden.
He was natural, skilled, and patient. Han Na-Eun surrendered, letting him guide her through the uncharted territory.
Choi Kang-woo held her as if she were made of glass, and she could feel the gravity of his care, his tenderness, and the weight of his focus. As she gasped for air, nestled in his arms while trying to steady her scattered senses, he whispered into her ear.
“Han Na-Eun, something is strange.”
“Yes?”
“It’s very strange.”
His eyes caught the bloodstain on the sheets, and he remembered the way she had struggled. Everything pointed to a single conclusion, but he kept his voice steady. He simply added, “It seems there is a lot you haven’t told me.”
Han Na-Eun closed her eyes and nodded slowly. “That’s true. Do you realize we haven’t really told each other much?”
“Is that so?” Choi Kang-woo replied. “I’m exactly what you see.”
Han Na-Eun looked at him, her expression serious. “There’s nothing for me to see in you, Chairman.”
He let out a low laugh. “Nothing to see?”
“Yes. What is there? I don’t know your thoughts, and I know nothing of how you’ve lived your life. I only know you’re the Chairman. And Minho’s uncle, perhaps? That’s the extent of it—yet you’ve already done a background check on me.”
Choi Kang-woo chuckled. How could she be so lovely? Every time he looked at her, it felt like the first thaw of spring. Holding her now, that sensation was even sharper. She felt like spring sunshine—so fragile she might vanish if he held her too tight.
“You know,” he murmured, pressing his body subtly against hers, “one time isn’t enough.”
Han Na-Eun shook her head, breathless. “I didn’t know that. Please, go easy on me.”
“Absolutely not. Did it hurt that much?”
She thought for a moment before a small, impish laugh escaped her. “I think… it felt good, too.”
Choi Kang-woo’s eyes narrowed, darkening with intent. “Oh? So it felt good? I’ll make sure it feels even better this time.”
“Really?”
His laughter was her answer as he pressed his lips to hers once more.
*This woman isn’t clumsy. She’s just never done it before.*
It didn’t matter. She was here, warm and bright in his arms, and that was all that mattered. Choi Kang-woo whispered against her skin, “Trust me. You’re going to like it more and more.”
To Han Na-Eun, his words sounded like they were drifting in from an infinitely distant place.
* * *
Han Na-Eun jolted awake.
For a disoriented moment, she couldn’t recall where she was, but the weight of a large man holding her tight anchored her to reality.
*I’m crazy.*
She was the one who had asked for tea, then suggested alcohol, and seduced him up to this room. She sat up carefully, checking the sheets. The telltale bloodstains were there. What excuse could she possibly make? Did she even need to? He probably wouldn’t ask. And if he did, she would give him a vague answer and leave him to his own conclusions.
As she tried to slide out of bed, Choi Kang-woo’s grip tightened.
“Are you awake already? What time is it?”
He guessed it couldn’t be past 5:00 AM.
“Go back to sleep,” she whispered.
He refused to let go. “Stay with me a little longer.”
“I can’t.”
“Are you always this much of an early bird?”
“Yes. I’m an early-morning person.”
Choi Kang-woo laughed, pulling her back against his chest. “I see. Han Na-Eun, the early-morning person. Still, just a little bit…”
He kissed her, a light, lingering thing. “Let’s start with a morning greeting. We should.”
When she felt his body harden against hers, her eyes widened. “Why are you like this? Aren’t you being too greedy? We did all that last night.”
“It’s a natural phenomenon. You know that. Even Han Jiho gets like this in the morning.”
She blinked, understanding immediate and blunt. “Ah. If that’s the case, it will subside soon.”
He was dumbfounded. She spoke with such nonchalance, as if discussing the weather. “Even so, I don’t think that will be the case today. Not when someone is by my side.”
He pulled her into an embrace, and their morning began with a different, more urgent kind of heat.
* * *
Han Na-Eun showered and dressed, but her movements were stiff; walking felt more uncomfortable than she had anticipated. Choi Kang-woo watched her, a smirk playing on his lips.
“Can’t you walk?”
“No. Not at all.”
“It shows. Wait a moment.”
He stepped in, washed quickly, and emerged to find the room empty. He couldn’t help but smile, finding her stubbornness both amusing and concerning.
When he went downstairs, he found her in the kitchen, boiling vegetable soup.
“What is this?”
“Vegetable soup. I prepped it yesterday. Do you want a bowl before you leave? I can give you some toast as a bonus.”
Choi Kang-woo shook his head and moved toward her. “Since you’re struggling, I’ll handle the toast. Just sit down.”
He picked her up effortlessly and set her on the sofa.
“You can rest. Is there anything left to do besides putting it in the bowls?”
“Not really. But the kids will be waking up soon…”
“Don’t worry about them. I’ll take care of everything.”
“Yes? Why?”
“We’ve been together all night.”
He worked with efficient grace, setting the table with the soup and toast. “Come over here and eat with me. You eat early, right?”
She nodded, mesmerized. She always ate early to ensure she had the energy to keep up with the children.
As he moved to lift her again, she put her hands up to stop him. “Wait. I can walk, you know? Being carried around like this really doesn’t suit my personality.”
“You’ll get used to it.”
He ignored her protest, carrying her to the dining chair.
“I’m not used to the feeling of floating in mid-air.”
“Even if you aren’t, it’s nice, isn’t it?”
Han Na-Eun smiled, a genuine, soft expression. It was nice. It felt warm, and it felt like being cherished.
“At this rate, my feet will never touch the ground.”
“That’s fine by me. Shall I try the soup? It smells delicious. At this rate, I’m going to get fat.”
Han Na-Eun looked up at him. “You’ve gained weight.”
“I like gaining weight. It means I’ve been eating well.”
“The food is incredibly delicious. That’s why I’ve gained weight too, haven’t I? I’ve spent my whole life watching my weight.”
“Eat a lot.”
“You eat a lot too, Han Na-Eun.”
They were finishing their meal when Minho rubbed his eyes and wandered into the room.
“Good morning.”
Seeing him greet Han Na-Eun so naturally made Choi Kang-woo’s heart swell.
“Minho, you should greet your uncle too.”
“Good morning, Uncle.”
Minho’s voice was steady. Han Na-Eun stood, wincing slightly, and pulled the boy into a hug. “Did you sleep well, Minho?”
He nodded. The child was improving every day. She was like spring sunshine, melting the ice around everyone she touched—adults and children alike.
“Our Minho, you can wash your face by yourself, right?” Choi Kang-woo asked.
Minho nodded. “Yes.”
“Go wash up, then.”
As Choi Kang-woo rolled up his sleeves, Minho climbed onto the bathroom step stool, the sounds of splashing water filling the quiet house.
Omg Minho so cute 🥰