NLFSD Chapter 45

Chapter 45

One unfamiliar dish after another was served in succession.

The ingredients were strange, and the presentation unusual enough that Jiwoon wondered if it would even taste good — but it turned out to be a perfect match for his palate.

“This is really good!”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“This steak sauce is amazing. If I mixed this with rice, it would be perfect…”

The savory depth of the sauce stimulated his appetite, and before he knew it, Jiwoon found himself craving rice.

“Ah, right… You’re not supposed to ask for rice in a place like this. Not even bread… How embarrassing.”

“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

Seo Taecheon gestured for a waiter and spoke in words Jiwoon couldn’t quite follow as he placed an order.

“What did you just do?” Jiwoon asked once the waiter left.

“I asked if they had saffron-steamed rice.”

“Wait… rice?”

“This restaurant is split between two floors and is run by a married couple. The lower floor is a Spanish restaurant, so I thought it was worth asking. Spanish cuisine uses rice quite a bit.”

“Really?”

“I’ve already passed the request to the kitchen, so let’s wait and see.”

Instead of laughing at him for wanting to mix rice into steak sauce, Taecheon was actually encouraging him. This Alpha is the best.

A warm happiness welled up in Jiwoon’s chest.

“Excuse me, here is your arroz¹.”

Moments later, the waiter returned with a small plate of golden rice, giving off a fragrant aroma. Just looking at it made it clear how appetizing it was.

“Wow…”

“It’s not plain white rice, but give it a try — I think it’ll be good.”

“This is… this is really rice.”

He took a bite; the grains were chewy and nutty.

“Director— I mean, Taecheon, you should have some too.”

“Alright. I’ll try a bit as well.”

The two shared the rice amicably. In the end, Jiwoon cleaned his plate with contentment — after all, what could be better for a Korean than rice?

“Thank you for the meal.”

“I’m glad it suited your taste. Since we’ve finished eating, how about moving out to the terrace for a cocktail?”

Seo Taecheon gestured toward a terrace just beyond a glass door from the restaurant. Through the glass, Jiwoon could see an outdoor space with bench-style tables, heaters placed here and there, and soft artificial lighting that gave the place a unique charm.

“Sure, let’s go.”

“Alright, let’s move.”

Taecheon led the way, and Jiwoon followed. The terrace, designed for privacy, had no one else present, making the atmosphere intimate.

As the days were growing shorter lately, it was already growing dim, and from this elevated location, the city lights sprawled beneath them in an enchanting view. Not far away, a bridge over the Han River stretched across, the cars streaming along it glowing red from their brake lights.

Across the river, tall buildings glittered in yellow, white, and even blue lights. Even knowing that such beauty was the result of late-night overtime and traffic jams, it was impossible not to gasp in admiration.

“Not a bad view, right?”

“It’s beautiful.”

“I’m glad you like it. Shall we sit?”

“Yes!”

Jiwoon followed Taecheon to a bench-style seat for two, clearly arranged so couples could enjoy the Han River view without distraction.

“By the way, why is there no one here besides us? Even when we were eating earlier, and now on the terrace —”

It seemed odd. The place was upscale with delicious food; the view was great for cocktails or wine on a date — so why was it practically empty?

“It’s because we rented it out entirely.”

“…What?”

Jiwoon’s eyes widened. The restaurant could surely host at least fifty people, and in such a high-rent district, it had to be especially expensive. And he rented the whole place?

“No one else will come in tonight except for us.”

“Taecheon…”

“I wanted us to be able to talk quietly, just the two of us.”

Taecheon smiled at him. Who could dislike such an atmosphere? Jiwoon’s lips curved into a soft smile.

“Would you like to order?”

Just then, a staff member arrived with menus. Taecheon handed the menu to Jiwoon, telling him to take his time, before ordering a whiskey on the rocks for himself.

“That’s right, you can handle liquor pretty well, right?”

“I’m alright with it. What would you like, Jiwoon?”

“I like something a bit sour… but not too tart or too sweet. Hmm… What do you think would be good? Can you recommend something?”

“A daiquiri would be nice — it has lime juice. You can ask them to go light on the rum.”

“Oh, then I’ll have that.”

True to the claim that the place was just for them, the drinks arrived almost instantly.

“That was fast.”

“Try it. It should be quite tangy but still delicious.”

“Wow, this is really good!”

Sweetness in small measure, with a good amount of tartness, and just enough alcohol to be noticeable — the cocktail was excellent. Jiwoon kept sipping with repeated expressions of delight.

“I’ve heard this is a cocktail loved by Cubans.”

“I’ve never been to Cuba, but I guess my taste buds have something in common with theirs.”

This is incredible. Drinking cocktails with Taecheon‑C while looking at the night view — this is the perfect date.

It reminded him that in Jeju’s Love Village, he’d also had cocktails with Deputy Manager Gi, though back then he had thought, Why does such a tiny drink cost so much? It’s basically juice and not even that great. Now, though, a cocktail felt like the most luxurious and delicious drink in the world.

“Is it really that good? You keep smiling.”

“Yes. It’s so good — do you want to try?”

“Hmm, alright.”

Taecheon took the glass Jiwoon offered and drank from it — lips touching the very spot where Jiwoon’s had been. Jiwoon’s eyes went wide.

Indirect kiss! Oh my god!

Completely unaware that they had once actually kissed before while he’d been overwhelmed by pheromones, Jiwoon was startled by this indirect kiss. His heart thudded and his palms turned clammy.

“It’s quite good,” Taecheon replied with relative composure, almost like a robot reviewing the taste — though even that composure looked cool to Jiwoon.

“I want to try yours too, Taecheon.”

Time for another indirect kiss.

He pointed shamelessly at Taecheon’s glass.

“This one’s a bit strong — are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

Jiwoon tipped the strong drink down his throat in one go.

“Ugh!”

Heat seared his throat like fire, and he coughed in discomfort.

“Oh dear, are you okay?”

“Ah… not really my taste. But still good.”

Even so, having successfully gotten a second indirect kiss, Jiwoon felt oddly satisfied.

Am I too much of a scheming Omega? But what can I do? I like it.

“You must be getting tipsy — your face is red.”

“Ah… really?”

“Your cheeks are flushed.”

Taecheon turned toward him and gently cupped his cheek. The sudden touch made Jiwoon inhale sharply, his whole body going tense. Sitting side by side on the bench meant their knees brushed naturally, and the scent Taecheon carried filled the air even more strongly at such close range.

‘Just go for it. Boldly.’

Assistant Manager Min’s advice flashed in his mind.

Take the initiative… Don’t just wait for him to make a move. Yeah. The mood right now is perfect. Instead of waiting, I should just… go for it.

He cautiously glanced around — no waiters in sight. The whole setup was perfect for making a move.

Uh… but how do I actually do it? Just… pounce? But at this angle, I can’t quite reach his lips… Maybe if I shift forward first, then suddenly—

Jiwoon was still running the simulation in his head when:

“Jiwoon.”

“Yes?”

“How does it feel now that we’re a couple?”

“Ah… you mean, how does it feel now that we’re dating?”

“Yes.”

Taecheon’s question made Jiwoon lower his eyes shyly.

“To be honest, it still doesn’t feel real. Even after a few days, it’s hard to believe that you and I are dating — it’s like a dream.”

“Why’s that?”

“Hmm…”

Maybe I should be honest. Perhaps due to the alcohol, Jiwoon wanted to share something he usually kept buried.

“We’ve been living in the same house from before, and we still just occasionally run into each other at work. If you ask what’s fundamentally changed… it’s hard to pinpoint. Maybe that your title for me has changed?”

“I see. Does that disappoint you?”

Taecheon reached up to brush Jiwoon’s hair behind his ear. The contrast between the chilly breeze and the warmth of his hand made Jiwoon feel like he might melt. The alcohol buzz rose steadily, his face heating even more, his heartbeat running faster.

“I… guess you could say I’m a little disappointed. Yeah, honestly, just a little. I think I need some kind of proof that we’re really a couple.”

“I see. Thank you for telling me honestly.”

“No, it’s nothing to thank—”

“Then I suppose I’ll have to make it feel real for you.”

“…Huh?”

“Stay still.”

What’s this?

Jiwoon’s eyes went wide as he looked up at Taecheon. And then, Taecheon’s face closed in swiftly — smack — leaving a kiss on his lips.

Footnotes:

1. Arroz — Spanish for “rice,” here referring to saffron rice often served as part of Spanish cuisine such as arroz al horno or paella.