Ch#49
49. Ji-ho's Father
"My brother is at the main residence right now. He said he'll stay at a hotel sometimes, but to let him know whenever he's needed for Min-ho. He plans to stay at the main residence as much as possible."
Na-eun recalled what Kang-hyeok had said then. He clearly wanted to do something for Min-ho. But at the same time, what she saw was deep resignation. Depression and resignation. Should he get counseling too? She thought that if he joined Min-ho's sessions, even Min-ho's father might improve. But she couldn't tell Kang-woo in detail. There are things even brothers can't say to each other.
"Alright, enough about Min-ho...."
Kang-woo smiled faintly, took Na-eun's wine glass, and set it aside.
"We need to have our conversation."
"Our conversation?"
As Na-eun's eyes widened in question, Kang-woo laughed and pressed his lips to hers. His kiss was relentlessly passionate, as if he'd wanted this all day. Na-eun closed her eyes, accepting it. Even with her eyes shut, the twinkling Christmas tree lights danced behind her eyelids. As the kiss deepened, they lay on the sofa, embracing tightly as one. Both were filled with longing for each other.
But as Kang-woo's touch grew hotter, Na-eun glanced around and said.
"Not here. The kids might come out while they're sleeping."
Kang-woo lightly tapped the tip of her nose with his finger, seeing her startled face. A small smile played on his lips.
"I know. I have that much sense. Who do you think I am, some instinct-driven animal?"
Na-eun shook her head at his words. Then, speaking slowly as if soothing the children,
"No. I don't think that. I see Choi Kang-woo as incredibly rational with excellent judgment. And patient too."
Kang-woo whispered in her ear.
"Of course, normally. But not next to Han Na-eun."
With that, he stood, scooped her up effortlessly, and carried her to the second floor. In the end, he'd only promised to restrain himself by the tree.
Unlike the first floor, the second floor felt cold and heavy with silence. Kang-woo's room was neat and orderly, but the gray and dark-toned furniture and wallpaper gave it a persistently chilly vibe. Na-eun wrapped her arms around herself, surveying the room. The air was cool enough to make her nose tingle.
"I've noticed before, but do you usually keep it this cold?"
Kang-woo nodded.
"Yes. It always feels like this temperature."
"The temperature is really low."
A slight tremor laced Na-eun's voice. Kang-woo glanced at the thermostat and smiled.
"I like it like this, but should I turn it up?"
His words were calm, but his eyes held subtle concern.
Na-eun stepped closer, looking up at him slightly.
"No."
She whispered softly with a smile.
"Hug me because it's cold."
Kang-woo's heart pounded as he pulled her into his arms without hesitation. As their body heat met, the room's chill faded, their warmth slowly spreading.…
Kang-woo whispered in Na-eun's ear.
"This woman is a total pro."
"What do you mean?"
"No one drives me crazy like Han Na-eun."
As he said it, Kang-woo buried his face in the nape of her neck. With the distance closed, her scent enveloped him, her slender warmth halting all thought. He wanted only this woman.
A call came from the main residence. She was asked to come over briefly. Na-eun fed the children early dinner, left them with Lee Yeo-sa, and headed toward the main residence.
The garden was blanketed in snow, reflecting the early evening moonlight in a beautiful scene. The Myeongseong Group chairman's garden was a space of winter grandeur and meticulous care. The trees stood cloaked in snow like white mantles. The gravel path between them quietly muffled footsteps, flanked by small statues.
Pale blue early evening moonlight cast faint shadows on the snow, while rustling branches stirred the winter night's silence. A small fountain in the center lay dormant under the frozen snow. Snow-covered benches surrounded it, with no footprints visible.
From afar, warm light leaked from the main residence windows, adding softness to the cold garden. It was a beautiful path, but heading to the main residence still made her tense.
As Na-eun entered, Kang-hyeok greeted her.
"Come in, Teacher."
She'd worried he might have left the country since there'd been no contact, but he hadn't—relief washed over her.
"Hello. Min-ho's father, have you been well?"
"Yes. I've been fine."
Kyung-hye approached Kang-hyeok's side and said.
"Come on in. Have you eaten?"
"Yes. I ate with the children."
Kyung-hye glanced out the window at the piled snow. The pale blue evening light blanketed the garden, snow on the branches sparkling faintly. Warm steam from her tea rose faintly to her face. Over it, she eyed Na-eun intently.
"Then let's talk. Lee Yeo-sa, bring some tea here."
Kyung-hye spoke calmly but firmly.
Soon, steaming ginger tea arrived. Na-eun fiddled with her teacup but wanted to hear Kyung-hye's words more than drink. Grasping her intent was key now.
Na-eun took a quiet sip before speaking.
"I heard you found a great doctor. Professor Kim Yun-jeong is really famous. I admire her too. She's an authority on trauma."
Kyung-hye smiled.
"Good that Teacher Han knows her too. Kang-hyeok has postponed his departure. Our eldest grandson is important, after all... So I wanted to discuss the schedule with you."
Kyung-hye's voice sounded detached, almost stiff, but Na-eun sensed the affection and worry beneath. She nodded slightly.
"Yes, I understand."
Kyung-hye sipped her tea and sighed deeply.
"And since Teacher Han Na-eun influences Min-ho the most right now, I'd like you to accompany him to counseling."
"Yes."
"And we'd like Kang-hyeok to meet Min-ho occasionally. Please coordinate that with the counselor."
"Yes."
Kyung-hye's tone was like briefing a business schedule.
Na-eun replied, hesitating briefly before adding.
"We made a really pretty Christmas tree on the first floor of the annex. Ji-ho and Min-ho did it together."
Kyung-hye glanced out the window indifferently, sipped her tea, and said.
"I see."
"We're putting gifts under that Christmas tree. We'll tell the kids it's from Santa, and they're making gifts to put there too."
"And?"
Kyung-hye urged as if asking what the point was. Na-eun continued.
"I think Min-ho's father could prepare a small gift to place under the Christmas tree then. Express your love for Min-ho through a gift. Nothing big—just something he'd like. Even if it's not visible, it can make him think his father is always thinking of him."
"I understand. Thank you, Teacher. For taking such good care of Min-ho."
"That's my job."
As Kang-hyeok thanked her gratefully, Kyung-hye examined Na-eun closely. She'd never seen a woman love a child this much. Not even her own sons had been raised so tenderly. If a woman like this were Min-ho's mother, how much help would it be for him?
Curious, she asked.
"Doesn't Ji-ho's father plan to raise him? Even if you're doing it alone, doesn't Ji-ho have a dad?"
At the sudden question, Na-eun clamped her mouth shut. As she hesitated, unsure how to respond, Kang-hyeok scolded Kyung-hye.
"Is there anyone who asks something so personal so rudely?"
"Why? We're already sharing all our personal matters."
"To the teacher, it's professional. She needs to know to care for Min-ho."
Kyung-hye fell silent at Kang-hyeok's sharp words.
