part 42

"Where's my clothes…"

I looked at the wardrobe, feeling confused. 

Why didn't I think of this? 

This place was only for men. 

Of course, there were no women's clothes. 

There shouldn't be any. 

This was a studio where male idols worked on music together. 

If there were women's clothes here, that would be a bigger problem.

Maybe it wasn't something I should think about, living in the annex of the house where male idols lived. 

In the end, I bit my lip slightly and rummaged through the men's clothes. 

It wasn't easy,

Still, I managed to find something that looked less strange. 

I tried it on.

Maybe because I had never worn men's clothes before, it felt very strange. 

But I couldn't stay naked, so I had to wear something. 

After choosing some clothes, I slowly put them on. 

The top was too big, making me look like a child in adult clothes, beyond hip-hop fashion. 

The pants fit my size but were too long.

Still, it was better than having no clothes. 

After warming my whole body with hot water, I put on the dry clothes. 

Slowly, my body and mind calmed down. 

My body was already warm again.

Now, with clothes on, the coldness in my heart started to disappear. 

Thanks to Seung-rok's kindness.

Finally, I had time to look out the window. 

I decided to worry later about how I would face Seung-rok in these clothes. 

Curiosity won over worry. 

Now I saw that this place had a really amazing view. 

Even though it was only the second floor, I could see the whole beach.

I found myself staring blankly at the sea. 

The sun was slowly setting, and everything around was turning purple. 

It was like the cherry blossoms described in his song, 'Bloody Snow.'

The view was so beautiful it took my breath away.

I couldn't even guess how much money it would take to live in a place with a view like this. 

And this wasn't even an apartment, but a house. 

Well, it was Seung-rok who helped Eui-jin make this kind of money.

Actually, I also helped Eui-jin Lee, the composer, make a lot of money. 

I really liked 'Bloody Snow,' the hit song of THE ZERO, the group Seung-rok was in.

It was also Eui-jin's masterpiece.

I promoted it to everyone around me and even requested it on the radio. 

I listened to it a lot too.

Without realizing it, I hummed the melody of "Bloody Snow" as I went downstairs.

***

"Seriously, what are you wearing?"

As soon as Seung-rok saw me, he shook his head.

"These were the only clothes I could find," I said, adjusting my outfit.

Hearing that, Seung-rok's smile faded.

"Oh. Sorry. This is where we used to stay. Of course, there wouldn't be any women's clothes here."

He glanced at me sideways and added, "But still…"

Before I could meet his eyes, he turned his head away. 

The oversized sweater I wore exposed my shoulders.

And underneath, I still had on my bikini. 

I found the biggest size jeans they had, but they were so tight they actually pinched a bit. 

Even though I'm an athlete with a pretty athletic build, it was surprising. 

They were way too tight! 

It made me wonder what kind of crazy diets those male idols must go on.

As a result, I was wearing clothes that showed my body even more than before. 

It was fine when I didn't realize it, but once I did, I felt very embarrassed. 

To divert Seung-rok's attention, I quickly spoke.

"What's that instrument? Is it yours, Seung-rok?"

I pointed to the acoustic guitar hanging on the wall. 

It looked familiar. 

Except for the pink heart on it, it was a typical vintage guitar. 

I recognized it immediately as the one Seung-rok always played at performances.

"Hmm."

Seung-rok glanced at the guitar, then suddenly reached out and took it down. 

I was surprised.

"Oh, you can just touch it?"

"I use it all the time," he said, gently strumming the guitar.

Of course, instruments were meant to be played, not just for decoration.

Ting~

With just a light touch, a beautiful sound came out. 

It seemed the owner always kept the instrument in top condition. 

I was mesmerized by Seung-rok's guitar playing. 

Even though he was just playing simple chords, I could feel the soul in it. 

Listening to a world-class musician play right in front of me was an amazing experience.

Seung-rok strummed the guitar absentmindedly, looking at the other instruments. 

He seemed so at ease, like he was back home. 

Seeing him like that made me curious.

How long had he lived here?

"What do you mean that you were living here?"

Seung-rok answered, still looking at his instrument.

"Just what it sounds like. After we were chosen for the debut, we stayed here, making albums and practicing for the stage."

His voice was softer than usual, maybe because this place was special to him too.

"Until when?"

I asked, and Seung-rok chuckled before replying.

"Until we made money."

It meant they lived here until their hit song, "Bloody Snow," came out.

"So, you wrote 'Bloody Snow' here too?"

"Yes."

Seung-rok said, looking out the window. 

Beyond the beach, there was a forest full of trees.

"I walked around with a notebook, writing lyrics."

"Even though you were a K-pop idol, they let you go for walks?"

"It was for exercise. We had to do roadwork. We stayed in Jeju to be free from outside eyes."

I sighed without realizing it. 

Writing "Bloody Snow" here made this place feel like a sacred ground where my favorite song was born. 

The scenery outside looked more romantic now.

"Bloody… Snow. I listened to it a lot too. Especially when driving or on a date."

Thinking of that song made me remember the first time I met Seung-rok. 

I was curious about what kind of person he was as I went to his house.

Later, I went home with mixed feelings after our first meeting, 

"Bloody Snow" was playing in my Mini Cooper that day. 

Memories with that song came back easily. 

It was like a friend who always accompanied me.

At that moment, I felt something strange. 

I turned my head slightly and saw Seung-rok's dark blue eyes staring at me.

They were clearly black, but they felt as blue as a lake. 

Like the sea.

"Ah!"

Feeling his gaze, I quickly turned my head away. 

I wondered why he was staring at me like that. 

I couldn't find the answer, but his heart was always a mystery, like his bright smile. 

But somehow, he looked cuter than before. 

Maybe because I remembered how he got upset whenever I talked about my ex-boyfriend.

"Da…te?"

What was he talking about? 

No way… 

Was he jealous? 

But thinking logically, the answer was clear. 

He had no reason to be jealous of my ex. 

I was the one relying on Seung-rok's kindness. 

If he canceled the contract, I would have to leave the house immediately. 

I would go back to a life full of debt. 

I would have to say goodbye to Hayeon too.

And most importantly, I would never see Seung-rok again.

We would become strangers.

Suddenly, I had the bold thought that I wanted to stay with him longer.

I didn't know if it was okay to think that way.

Why did he call me today? 

And why does he keep talking about other things?

Could it be… he feels the same way I do? 

No, that couldn't be.

While I was lost in thought, I heard a rustling sound.

I turned my head and saw Seung-rok in the kitchen, fiddling with something.

It seemed he had shaken off his jealousy.

"I'll help you," I said, rolling up my sleeves and walking over to him.

"No, it's okay. You're a guest. And it's easier for me to do it alone," he replied, shaking his head.

He started plating the food with ease.

His lips looked slightly pouty, but he didn't need my help. 

He was skilled, not doing this for the first time. 

Cheese, crackers, salami, and other snacks piled up quickly. 

Boiled sausages were added too.

With salad and bread on the side, it became a grand feast.

After setting the table, Seung-rok brought a bottle of white wine and two glasses from somewhere. 

I tasted the food first.

"Wow…"

It was delicious.

Each ingredient was clean and simple. 

It wasn't fancy cooking, not even real cooking, just plain. 

But the more I ate, the more I wanted. 

Maybe because he was a dad, Seung-rok was really good at cooking. 

Not just a hobby cook, but someone who made simple, homey meals every day.

Living with him recently, even in a separate house, I knew his cooking got better every day.

It was different from eating out, which was tasty but unhealthy. 

His cooking felt like real 'home-cooked' meals. 

And he didn't put in much effort, unlike my mom.

Mom always made soybean paste stew for just the two of us. 

Even with just one meal, the sink would be full of dishes. 

She did it all for me, but she also demanded my obedience. 

The more I ate, the more burdened I felt.

I just wanted to learn simple cooking from her, like in a café.

In contrast, Seung-rok's meals left almost no dishes. 

He had a knack for reducing work, a true 'househusband.' 

Watching him, I felt a strange jealousy towards Hayeon. 

Seung-rok and my mom were similar yet so different.

I envied that.

Thinking this, I gave a bitter smile.

I was about to eat the salad when…

"Oh no!"

Maybe because I lost my calm thinking about Mom, my arm accidentally hit the wine glass.

"Be careful!"

Seung-rok quickly grabbed the glass, but some wine still spilled.

Splash!

I hurriedly took tissues from my bag and started wiping my sweater.

"I'm sorry, Seung-rok!"

My sweater was a mess.

"Use this to clean it."

Seung-rok brought wet wipes from the kitchen. 

He reached out and started wiping my sweater.

"Ah…"

Without realizing it, we became very close. 

Close enough to touch. 

It had been a while since I saw Seung-rok this close. 

Strangely, I couldn't focus on the sweater at all. 

I glanced at Seung-rok. 

His sharp nose shone from an angle I had never seen before.

At that moment, Seung-rok suddenly looked at me. 

Our eyes met again.

"…"

"…"

An eternity seemed to pass in that 0.1 second. 

I quickly lowered my head.

"I'm so sorry!"

But Seung-rok didn't look away. 

He didn't even blink.

His gaze was fixed on me. 

Slowly, his eyes moved down to my lips. 

And then…

His lips started moving towards mine.