“I don’t like the princess, either.”
Minho chimed in from the side.
“Then what should I read to you?”
While he reached for other books, Na-Eun quietly slipped out of the room. Being near her made him want to smile, but standing there beaming at her felt forced. After last night, he felt it would be entirely too shameless to face her with such a natural expression today.
Watching Na-Eun’s back as she retreated, Choi Kang-Woo pulled out a book about penguins. The children excitedly pressed the buttons on the cover. Cheerful music chirped to life, and Han Jiho and Minho stood up to dance. Seeing them jumping on the bed, it didn’t feel like bedtime—it felt like a party.
“This won’t do. I’ll tell you a story instead.”
“A story?”
“Yeah. No books, just a story. Once upon a time…”
The children quieted down and lay back to listen.
“In a certain village, there lived a kind brother and sister…”
Choi Kang-Woo lowered his voice, observing the children as they became immersed. Minho already had his hands clasped tightly, listening intently, and Han Jiho’s eyes were wide with anticipation.
“One day, because their mother was going to be home late… a tiger appeared.”
Choi Kang-Woo spoke with suspense, emphasizing the predator, and Minho’s mouth fell open in surprise.
“And that’s how they became the sun and the moon.”
As he finished the story, Han Jiho pursed his lips and scoffed with a dismissive air.
“Uncle, that’s boring. I know that already. It’s the story of the sun and the moon.”
“I see.”
When Choi Kang-Woo nodded in agreement, Han Jiho crossed his arms and shook his head.
“Uncle, the sun and the moon aren’t brother and sister. They’re like the earth we live on. The sun rises in the day, the moon at night—that’s all. At Myeongseong Kindergarten, they even showed us a globe and everything about the sun and the moon.”
Choi Kang-Woo clicked his tongue.
“Kids these days really have no sense of wonder. It’s all about science.”
He muttered the words dejectedly. Minho tilted his head and looked at Han Jiho.
“But why do they say the sun and the moon are real people?”
Han Jiho answered with complete confidence.
“They aren’t people. The fairy tale is wrong.”
Choi Kang-Woo burst out laughing.
“Jiho, sometimes these old stories are fun. People in the past thought the sun and moon were like siblings and made up these stories. We imagine them as real people—that’s why it’s a fairy tale.”
Han Jiho nodded at that.
“Right. Real wolves are at the zoo, but I still like the wolf book.”
“Exactly.”
“Then Uncle, do you have any other stories?”
At Han Jiho’s words, Choi Kang-Woo wondered if he would ever be freed from these kids. In the end, he had to read the wolf book two more times before they finally drifted off. Even after Na-Eun had left, he had been held captive for another thirty minutes.
“How on earth does she do this every day?”
Consecutive meetings at the office felt easier than this. He checked the hallway to see if Na-Eun was there, but she was nowhere to be seen—likely hiding in her own room.
Choi Kang-Woo let out a deep sigh and stood in front of Na-Eun’s door. He gave a light cough and knocked. One knock, two… the wait for an answer felt like an eternity. Just as he raised his hand to knock again, the door opened cautiously, and Na-Eun peeked out.
She blinked, startled to see him, her grip tightening on the doorknob.
“Is something the matter, Representative?”
She tried to keep her tone calm, but a subtle tremor seeped through.
Choi Kang-Woo frowned slightly, watching her in silence. Her guarded attitude felt like she had retreated behind a wall, leaving him feeling completely shut out. He asked with a bitter smile.
“Why are you like this?”
Na-Eun turned her head slightly, avoiding his gaze.
“Like what?”
He didn’t like that she wouldn’t meet his eyes, so he grumbled.
“Are you using and discarding me?”
His voice was laced with a mix of subtle resentment and sincere frustration.
“Pardon?”
Na-Eun looked at him, stunned. She widened her eyes, tilting her head as if she couldn’t process the absurdity of his words.
Choi Kang-Woo sighed, trying to bury the sense of grievance rising from his chest.
“After spending such a hot night together, I came back with high expectations, only to be treated so coldly that you won’t even make eye contact. I’m asking if you’re using and discarding me.”
Na-Eun blinked, her face flushing.
“What are you saying, Representative? I’m the one who was used and tossed aside.”
Choi Kang-Woo was speechless for a moment, staring blankly at her.
“What? Seriously, I’m dumbfounded.”
At his dejected reaction, Na-Eun finally burst into laughter. The tension that had been hanging between them eased just a fraction.
“Actually, it’s just embarrassing to look at you. I really was used and tossed aside.”
Though she spoke as if joking, the air remained heavy.
Choi Kang-Woo narrowed his eyes and gazed at her steadily.
“Are you not going to see me again?”
Na-Eun kept her head down and nodded.
“Yes. Last night was enough.”
Choi Kang-Woo sighed and shook his head.
“That’s too much. To throw away a man’s pure feelings like this.”
“Was there ever anything between us that could be called pure feelings?”
At the cold remark, Choi Kang-Woo hesitated. He opened his mouth to protest, but closed it a moment later.
“I had them. All this time, I… Ha! To think I’d be used for a night and then discarded like this.”
Listening to him, Na-Eun loosened her grip on the doorknob and watched him quietly. As she caught a glimpse of his genuine hurt, she tried to hide the fact that her heart was pounding against her will.
“Please give me some time.”
“Time for what?”
“Time for me to sort out my feelings.”
Choi Kang-Woo’s eyes crinkled softly.
“So, the plan is to use me and toss me aside first, and then think about it later? If it were any other woman, that wouldn’t fly, but since it’s Han Na-Eun, I’ll give you the time. Instead, let’s hang out this weekend.”
“Pardon? You just said you’d give me time.”
“That’s one thing, this is another. You said before that you wanted to take the kids somewhere, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then let’s take the kids out this weekend. Think about where you want to go.”
Seeing Choi Kang-Woo approach it this way, Na-Eun felt her tension subside significantly.
“Okay. I’ll think about where to go and let you know tomorrow.”
“Right. Good night.”
“Good night.”
Choi Kang-Woo suppressed the urge to kiss her. She had asked for time, so he had to wait. She really knew how to drive him crazy. To show her face for only a second before closing the door—he couldn’t help but feel defeated.
* * *
The next day, Choi Kang-Woo asked the children directly. It seemed much faster than waiting for Na-Eun’s answer.
“Jiho, Minho. Is there anywhere you want to go this weekend? Let’s go out and play.”
“Uncle is coming too? Yay! I want to go to an amusement park.”
Han Jiho said, but Minho said nothing.
“Does Minho like amusement parks, too?”
Minho shook his head.
“You don’t like them?”
Minho shook his head once more and said, “I’ve never been.”
“Really? Minho, you’ve never been to an amusement park?”
Han Jiho asked, surprised. He had gone often with Na-Eun.
“It’s so big! It’s super fun. Let’s go together, Minho.”
“Okay.”
When the two children were in agreement, Choi Kang-Woo smiled and nodded.
“Alright, then. Let’s go to the amusement park this weekend.”
* * *
The next day, when Ms. Lee arrived, Na-Eun asked her to go grocery shopping for kimbap ingredients.
“Kimbap ingredients? Are you going somewhere?” Ms. Lee asked with a smile.
“Yes. I’m planning to take the kids to an amusement park this weekend.”
“Oh my. It must be tough taking both children.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“I see. Let me know if you need anything. I can come along too.”
Na-Eun felt awkward at the offer. She didn’t want to mention she was going with Choi Kang-Woo; it felt like it would lead to misunderstandings. Well, it wasn’t really an “erroneous” misunderstanding since they had spent the night together—perhaps her conscience was simply acting up.
“I’ve already decided to go with a friend.”
Na-Eun managed to come up with an excuse, and Ms. Lee laughed, calling it a good thing.
“Oh, that’s good then. I’ll make sure to have the ingredients well prepared. Should I come over to help when you make the kimbap in the morning?”
“No, thank you. It’s only a few rolls, so I can do it myself.”
“Oh, teacher, please don’t feel burdened about giving me work,” Ms. Lee said warmly. “I came here in the role of a nanny to look after Minho. You really only need to handle the education, but you seem to be doing so much work.”
“It’s not like that. I feel like living together with a sense of intimacy is the right way to do things. I’ll just leave the kimbap ingredients to you.”