New Normal - Chapter 75

“You mentioned you’d prepare the structural reinforcement plan separately… Director, when will you be able to submit the safety inspection results and the design approval documents?”

“Probably by next week. As soon as everything’s wrapped up, I’ll move forward with the final approval request.”

Between Chae Juwon, who stood with his arms crossed, and the official who nodded lightly, Jisoo forced the corners of her lips into a polite smile.

She was at the site today for a meeting related to Professor Kim Suyeon’s project, to review residents’ complaints and carry out an on-site inspection.

“Hello, sorry I’m late.”

And then, suddenly, Juwon appeared.

He walked up to the official and offered a handshake. Jisoo, caught off guard, just stared blankly. During the inspection that followed, whenever Juwon’s gaze turned toward her, she quickly looked away.

It wasn’t strange for the lead designer to show up at the site. What was strange was that he had just returned from the U.S. yesterday, yet chose to attend a schedule that wasn’t particularly important. Jisoo found it hard to accept. Of course, she had her suspicions.

“Director, we might need an additional budget adjustment. Please submit a separate estimate for waterproofing and exterior painting. On our end, we’ll conduct another inspection to check whether more materials are needed. We’ll review what you provided today, and if there’s anything else, we’ll be in touch.”

As the official wrapped up his words, Juwon’s gaze, carelessly brushing past his own cheek, fell on Jisoo again. But the moment their eyes met, she turned her head away at once. The reaction was so noticeably cold that Juwon pressed his lips together.

“I have another meeting scheduled, so I’ll have to return first. If you notice anything unusual during your inspection, don’t hesitate to contact me. Thank you.”

“Yes, goodbye.”

…Was I too cold? Jisoo was thinking that just as the official checked his watch and hurried off.

A light breeze drifted between the old brick wall and the narrow alley. Left behind awkwardly, silence stretched between the two of them.

Running into Juwon so suddenly was uncomfortable. But she couldn’t avoid it anymore. Just as she was looking around needlessly to distract herself, Juwon’s low voice brushed against her ear.

“It feels like it’s been forever.”

His voice made her hesitate as she turned toward him. His dark brown eyes were calm, but there was an unmistakable loneliness in them.

How had he even known to come here? She had said she needed time to think, so why was he showing up without a word? She had so many questions, but none of them made it out of her mouth.

“You told me not to contact you… but that time felt far too long for me.”

Jisoo stayed silent, only watching him. Noticing her confusion, Juwon spoke again, slowly.

“I missed you. A lot.”

Her breath caught, words wouldn’t come. Only her heart beat wildly, out of sync with everything else. When she gave no clear response, Juwon’s voice followed.

“Shall we walk a little?”

After a brief hesitation, she nodded. One thing was certain. She didn’t want to keep carrying this weight inside her.

They walked side by side down the quiet alley of an old neighborhood. Slanted sunlight warmed the vines draping the brick walls. In the stillness, Jisoo tried to steady her thoughts.

“Juwon… what was it you wanted to say so badly?” she finally asked.

He stopped walking, turned to face her, and after a moment of silence said, “First, I owe you an apology, for making you feel uneasy all this time. And…”

Jisoo slowed to a stop. His expression grew serious.

“I’ve decided to stay in Korea.”

The words made her frown slightly in disbelief.

“…What do you mean?”

Juwon’s eyes deepened as he met hers.

“My truth is simple, I want to be with you.”

Her gaze wavered.

“I’ve never liked anyone this much before. Honestly, it confused me… but I’ve made my decision. Leaving the country doesn’t mean anything to me anymore. What I want is to stay by your side.”

The sincerity in his eyes left her wordless. Seeing her silent struggle, he stepped closer.

“I’ve lived my whole life carefully following plans. But after meeting you, those plans fell apart for the first time. And… I didn’t hate it. I realized it was okay for the order of things to change—because before I knew it, all I could see was you. I know I’m rambling, but what I’m sure about is this: I want to create a new future with you. Because meeting you changed my goals, my direction.”

Jisoo only listened quietly. Juwon softened his steps and closed the distance.

“You are the most important person in my life. I admit I made mistakes. But that won’t happen again. The only thing I want now is this, being by your side.”

His words carried no excuses, only unvarnished truth. That alone sparked the faintest seed of trust inside her. Taking a slow breath, she chose her words carefully.

“Juwon, I… I’m confused. This is all too sudden…”

He let out a quiet sigh, lowering his head. “I understand. It makes sense you’d feel that way.”

She inhaled deeply, lifting her gaze to him. The honesty and sorrow in his eyes struck her deeply. And then, for a moment, she thought back to the day she saw Woohyun.

“If you’d let me… I’d like to be by your side again.”

His plea had left her wordless then, too.

“Can I ask you something?” she had asked him. “Back then, was there really no choice except breaking up with me?”

Woohyun had paused, then slowly shaken his head.

“No. For me… that was the best choice I could make.”

His regret lingered, but there had been no trace of doubt. That expression was etched in her memory still.

Shaken, Jisoo exhaled and returned to the present, meeting Juwon’s earnest eyes again. Can I trust this man? She drew in a breath. Juwon, sensing her thoughts, gave a small, patient smile.

“I know all this might feel sudden, even overwhelming. So… I’ll wait. Until you’re ready. Take your time.”

A breeze slid along the alley, rustling the vines. The memories of Woohyun, the weight of the past, they still clung to her heart. But Juwon’s steady gaze and plainspoken sincerity were slowly melting the hardened knots inside her.

Juwon was not Woohyun. And maybe that was why… she wanted to be brave.

“Juwon.”

Her voice trembled as she spoke, careful not to let her emotions spill too much. He looked at her, quietly waiting. After a moment’s hesitation, she whispered:

“I don’t think I need more time.”

“Jisoo…”

She stepped closer at the sound of his gentle voice.

“I still like you very much.”

She met his eyes squarely as she said it.

Juwon’s gaze faltered, softening.

“Because I love you.”

***

The door clicked shut, and at the same time their burning lips crashed together. The moan she couldn’t let out dissolved into his mouth. Their kiss grew hotter, thicker with saliva, until clothes were being tossed aside without either of them knowing who started it.

Chae Juwon had meant to lay her down carefully, but his strength slipped. Shin Jisoo ended up dropped onto the bed, and Juwon, stripping off his shirt with his gaze locked on her, kicked off his socks and started pulling at his pants, only to lose patience and pounce on her again.