New Normal - Chapter 52

After quickly finishing the dishes, Juwon carefully rinsed his hands. Instead of sipping the tea made for him, he sat silently, watching Jisoo drink hers.

His warm gaze felt unfamiliar. Jisoo quickly looked away. Her heart was racing weirdly, like she couldn’t catch her breath.

Not wanting to let her feelings show, she lowered her head. That’s when Juwon spoke, quiet, but clear.

“Actually, today—well, technically yesterday—it was my birthday.”

“Your birthday?” She looked up in surprise just as Juwon glanced at his wristwatch and gave a small shrug.

“Yeah. But I’m not really the type to make a big deal out of it.”

“You should’ve said something. If I’d known, I would’ve at least made some seaweed soup.”

“That’s okay. What you made was more than enough.”

He smiled mid-sentence, and Jisoo trailed off, feeling oddly disappointed.

“Still…”

“I didn’t expect to have a birthday meal like this, but it made me really happy. Thanks to you, Shin Jisoo.”

He always spoke honestly, without hesitation. Jisoo had never been good with guys like that. She rubbed the back of her neck and cheeks, feeling the heat rise.

Juwon’s eyes moved from her eyes to her lips, and then slowly down to her jawline.

“Jisoo.”

His voice was low, quiet—but deep. “Are you feeling okay?”

She looked up at him.

He’d spent all day messaging her about missing work, but his expression now was different. Not teasing, not intense. Just calm, concerned, and certain—like he simply wanted her. That was it.

Jisoo knew exactly what he meant. She took a slow breath, like someone who’d made up their mind.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I really wanted to be with you tonight, but I think it’s getting a little late…”

She hesitated. Juwon chuckled softly.

“Yeah… it is getting late, isn’t it?”

His tired smile spread gently, like a quiet light. Something about it tugged at her again. Something warm, unfamiliar, and hard to resist.

Juwon stood up and stepped toward her, then held out his hand.

“Then… wanna stay over?”

For a second, the air just froze. His words were direct, sure, but still soft and calm.

Her fingertips tingled. Her chest tightened. She stared at his hand for a beat, then slowly, carefully reached out.

“Yeah.”

His hand was warm. And that heat—gentle, inviting—made her want to hold it even tighter.

***

Juwon came back from a quick shower, drying his hair with a towel as he walked into the room. Sitting on the bed, Jisoo looked up at him—barefoot, in shorts and a T-shirt. Water still dripped from his hair. His eyes were clear, and he smelled faintly of shampoo. There was no trace of alcohol on him.

“Are you cold? You look like you’re shivering.” His voice was gentle. His gaze was softer now—different from before. Jisoo stared back for a second, then shook her head slightly.

“No, I’m fine.”

“Want me to turn up the air conditioning?”

She declined again, so he adjusted the switch, leaving just one dim light on by the bed. Like last time—it was his way of making her feel at ease.

He’d used the living room bathroom while she washed up quickly in the bedroom one. She was glad she got a moment to freshen up.

“You should’ve worn the robe. Why’d you get dressed again?”

“I don’t know. That thing’s too big.”

“So stubborn.”

She chuckled at his grumble. If they’d gone straight to bed after seeing that soft smile of his, she might’ve just melted right then and there. That’s how it felt.

In the dim room, Juwon paused beside the bed.

He set his phone down on the nightstand and, with a quick tap, connected it to the speaker. A soft acoustic guitar started playing, followed by a mellow voice.

“Oh—I’ve heard this song before.”

Juwon turned to look at her in response to the familiar tune. He gave a silent, knowing smile and held out his hand. She raised an eyebrow, and he offered it again, more formally this time.

“Care to dance?”

Jisoo laughed. She took his hand, and he gently pulled her up.

“That’s such an old-school line.”

“Maybe. I’m not the most creative guy.”
He adjusted his grip on her hand and gently pulled her closer by the waist.

It was both careful and deliberate—like he’d been waiting for the right moment.

He held her gaze as they swayed slowly to the rhythm.

“John Mayer.”

Slow tempo. Soft guitar riffs. His slightly rough, low voice was sexy in a quiet way.

“Perfect for a night like this.”

Jisoo laughed. His voice, humming along to the song, sounded warm and comforting.

She slowly rested her forehead on his shoulder. Juwon wrapped his arms around her, his hand gently trailing down her back, like he’d done it a hundred times before.

Her heart was still racing, but now… it wasn’t out of fear.

Where are you taking me? Is this just another loop? Or is it something infinite and real?

She leaned her cheek against his chest, listening to the soft lyrics and the steady beat of his heart.

Love is just a dream that keeps waking me up.
No matter how hard I try, it always ends.
I wonder why.
Don’t say anything. Just stay by my side.

The dimly lit room, his body moving with hers like a dance, this whole moment—it was just right.

When the soft humming stopped, she looked up.

“Why’d you stop? It sounded really nice.”

“You think so?”

His voice was sweet. His dark brown eyes were still full of desire—but now there was warmth in them, too. Jisoo held his gaze and swallowed hard.

They were young. They’d run fast. And they’d come all the way to the edge of this desire. She tried to calm her breath, but deep down, one thing screamed at her.

I want you now.

The guitar’s rhythm was slow and sensual. But the song still felt more tender than sexual. Jisoo closed her eyes and leaned into him again. His warmth sank beneath her skin.

“…Keep singing.”

Juwon chuckled, wrapping his arms tighter around her.

“What, for free?”

Jisoo laughed, exasperated. She broke out of his hold, grabbed his hand, and bit his fingertip playfully.

“Ouch,” he said, without sounding hurt.

The song had already changed. Same singer, different melody.

We’re slow dancing in a burning room.

Jisoo thought the lyrics matched this moment—and this man—so well. Maybe it was subconscious.

“Do you play guitar?”

“Yeah.”

“Since when?”

“Can’t remember. It’s been too long.”

“Anything else you play?”

Juwon nodded, muttering, “Bass, drums… a few things.”

“Sounds like you’re pretty handy. Good with your fingers?”

“Are you implying something?”

He grinned and leaned back a little, then playfully grabbed her chin and gave it a small shake.

“I’ll play for you next time.”

He let go and gently tucked her hair behind her ear.

Juwon never rushed. But he didn’t hold back either. He seemed willing to wait—but also, quietly hoping she’d come to him first.

Why is he so gentle with me?

Jisoo couldn’t take it anymore. She reached out, gently grabbed his collar, and kissed him. His lips tasted like hers—minty.

“…You’re only doing this because last time, you skipped the mood-setting and it was a disaster, huh?”

“Could be.”

His voice was low and husky. That rough tone made Jisoo drop her gaze. She gave a small laugh, then looked up and met his eyes.