[ 1 year later ]
— Director Yoon, it's time for you to go to the meeting.
— Oppa, what the heck... Director Kim, are you sure you don't have any plans later?
— Of course, I’ll finish the meeting quickly and leave work.
I got promoted incredibly quickly... well, of course, my dad's influence helped, but I also got promoted because I did well. Taehyung was also promoted to manager, just like me. Oh, and the reason I have to clear my schedule and leave work is because today is Seokjin's birthday. We're going to throw him a surprise party together.
It's hard to believe it's been a year, but I'm still secretly in love with Seokjin, and he still doesn't like me. I'm used to it now. But when I'm always around Taehyung, he pretends not to be jealous.
.
— I'm leaving.
— Yes. Please drive safely~ Oh, isn't the cake pretty?
— Yes, I almost bought it again because I didn’t know it was custom-made.
— That's good. Oh, but you're still wearing that bracelet?
Between my wrists, where I held the steering wheel, was still the thread bracelet I'd bought at a seaside prop shop a year ago. I hadn't noticed it for a while, but seeing it still so well-worn was a subtle thrill.
— Of course. Someone bought it for me. It's so pretty, I've been wearing it like a talisman ever since.
—Thank you very much.
— Hey, I appreciate it more.
Actually, I've been a little concerned about giving gifts only to Taehyung. So, for Seokjin's birthday this year, I wanted to give him a real gift that truly expressed my feelings.
— Happy birthday~ My beloved Kim Seokjin. Happy birthday. Wow!!
— What is all this?
— What is it? It's your birthday today, oppa.
— Happy birthday, Butler Kim.
— Yes, happy birthday, Seokjin.
— Happy birthday, Butler Seokjin.
— Thank you all so much···.
—Brother! Make a wish quickly and blow out the candles.
The surprise party was a huge success. My brother was completely overwhelmed, perhaps even surprised, by the unexpected. He was so happy, I was too. I couldn't stop smiling at him.
— The cake is so pretty···.
— The lady ordered it herself.
— Miss, thank you so much. You are so pretty.
There was a gift-giving ceremony for Dad, Mom, and even Taehyung, and I called my brother outside. I couldn't honestly express my feelings here, so we needed some alone time. We headed to the backyard.
.
— Miss, what a wonderful gift it is that you called me here.
— It's not that great... Give me your hand. Close your eyes.
— Here···.
I put a ring on my brother's finger. Not a flashy, shiny one, but a pretty silver ring with a shell on it.
— Ta-da! We're a couple.
— Miss···!
— Don't hate me too much. I chose it after much deliberation.
— Did you buy it at the beach we always went to?
— Yes, when we went together before, it was so pretty that I went alone and bought it.
— Still pretty, miss. Thank you.
— I still like you, oppa... This is a confession. I really wasn't going to say it out loud, but I can't do it anymore. I really like you, oppa.
- sorry···.
—···It's okay. I didn't tell you not to refuse···.
— No. I'm sorry for making you suffer alone.
I felt like I was being rejected, and I was so upset that I lowered my head and stared at the ground as I spoke. Then, my brother suddenly said something I couldn't understand. I jerked my head up and looked at him.
— I like you too, Miss... I really do.
— Oppa···!
Finally, I heard the answer I'd been longing for from my brother. I was so happy at that moment that I didn't need to hear any more and just hugged him. I was so overwhelmed that tears welled up in my eyes. It was a happiness beyond words.
— You’re not going to say, “It was a mistake,” like you did back then, are you?
— No, it's not a mistake, I really like it.
— If you were going to tell me right away, you should have told me sooner. Just tell me you like me.
— That didn't work out the way I wanted. I still don't know if it was the right thing to do, but I don't want to make you suffer alone anymore.
— Give me a kiss.
- yes···?
— I always did it like this - If you really like me, kiss me here.
I poked my cheek with my hand, asking for a kiss. My brother hesitated for a moment, then kissed me. Not on my cheek, but on my lips. I was startled, but just as I was about to accept him, I suddenly collapsed, as if my soul had been sucked out of me, and then I woke up again.
—Hey, heroine! Are you okay?
***
