NLFSD Chapter 50

Chapter 50

The sight of Seo Taecheon holding the sandwich in one hand and raising it to his mouth looked like something out of a photoshoot.

Feeling like an unknown chef competing on a cooking survival program, Lee Jiwoon was tense. He had done his best to make it, but he wasn’t confident about the taste.

He watched Taecheon closely as he bit into the sandwich. After chewing, Taecheon said nothing.

Could it be… he doesn’t like it? Is it bad?

Jiwoon’s round eyes started to glisten with worry.

“Uh… how is it?”

“…Good.”

“Wow! Really?”

It had been ages since Jiwoon had heard that particular word of praise from him. “Good” was something Taecheon only uttered when he was genuinely impressed, and Jiwoon’s cheeks rose sky‑high with delight.

“Jiwoon, you should have some too.”

“Okay.”

Relieved, Jiwoon took a bite himself — but objectively speaking, the sandwich wasn’t all that good. It wasn’t terrible, but the seasoning was off, there was a strange bitter aftertaste, and there was so much apple that it felt more like an apple sandwich than an egg sandwich. It was like taking a bite of burnt bread with mayonnaise‑smeared apple, all chewed together. The balance of ingredients was oddly mismatched.

Still, Taecheon didn’t seem to care in the slightest.

He’s saying it’s good just for my sake. It’s actually probably awful.

Jiwoon felt a little touched. This Alpha really is someone worth liking.

“By the way, Taecheon, you got the text, right?”

Since they had some free time, Jiwoon decided it was a good chance to bring up the Reflection period.

“Yes — the text about the extension, right?”

Taecheon nodded.

“Yeah. They said it was automatically extended for a month. Personally… I’m fine with the extension, but what about you…?”

Jiwoon rolled his eyes playfully, watching Taecheon’s expression.

“I’m fine with it too, of course.”

Ah. As expected — he wasn’t the only one pleased. Jiwoon beamed brightly.

“But—”

“Yes?”

Taecheon stopped mid‑sentence.

“If we want to have a proper wedding, it seems there’s a procedure we need to go through.”

“Procedure…? I’m not sure what you mean. Can you explain?”

“I looked into it — to withdraw from the Reflection period, there’s a formal process.”

“Oh. We can’t just quit?”

“No. This is a state‑run program funded by taxes, so it’s hard to just drop out at will. We have to visit the center for a consultation, to see what steps are needed for people like us — those who aren’t divorcing but starting married life.”

Thinking it over, Jiwoon realized it made sense there would be some administrative requirements. After all, they had already submitted divorce paperwork.

“Then we really do need to go and have a proper consultation. We can’t risk accidentally getting divorced.”

“Exactly. Divorce is the scariest thing in the world.”

Taecheon said it so casually as he sipped his coffee, but Jiwoon’s heart beat faster.

An Alpha who’s terrified of divorcing me… you’ve really fallen for me, huh?

Inwardly, Jiwoon spun into a storm of giddy excitement and self‑indulgent pride.

“I think I’ve heard they’re open on weekends for working couples. Shall I call?”

“Sounds good.”

“I’ll make the call.”

At exactly 9 o’clock, Jiwoon called the center. The ringtone was an unbearably tacky jingle: Sook, Sook, Sook‑lyeoh hae boyo~ Han, Han, Han beon deo~

— “Hello, Seoul Gangnam Reflection Center.”

“Hi, we’re a couple in… Reflection, but I think we need to come in for a consultation.”

— “What is it regarding?”

“It’s about reconciliation.”

— “Reconciliation…! So you’re withdrawing from the program?”

The female counselor sounded quite surprised. Jiwoon glanced at Taecheon, who sat across from him, chin propped in his hand, watching him, and said:

“…Though maybe it’s not reconciliation — since maybe we were never apart…”

— “Right… In that case, please come in before 2 p.m. so we can guide you through the withdrawal process.”

The sentimentally soft tone in Jiwoon’s voice made the public servant sound like she’d had enough of the cheese.

Their area was under the jurisdiction of the Gangnam Center — the same place they’d visited before for that drawing class. Since it wasn’t far, they arrived around 10 a.m.

The last time I came here, I was dead set on getting divorced. How did things change so much in just a few months? Love is strange. I used to want to escape the newlywed home even in death… and now I can’t imagine being without him.

“Shall we go in?”

“Yes.”

Taecheon held out his hand. The two walked into the office holding each other firmly. The clerks at the reception desk looked noticeably surprised.

They’re holding hands!

Isn’t that the couple who called earlier about reconciliation?

Whispering broke out, and someone who appeared to be the senior staffer came forward.

“What brings you in today?”

“I called earlier… We’re here to withdraw from the Reflection period.”

Jiwoon smiled shyly. Just then, someone emerged from the back office — their supervisor, who had also been their drawing class instructor.

“Supervisor! Hello.”

“Well, if it isn’t you two. What’s the occasion? It’s not even your regular visit day.”

Since they’d often met over video calls, they recognized each other right away.

“We’re here to… withdraw.”

“What? Withdraw?”

The supervisor’s eyes widened as he looked between them.

“Well! I’m so happy to hear you’ve decided to reconcile. This is the kind of moment that makes working at a Reflection Center worthwhile.”

He clapped loudly.

“Everyone, give them a hand! Mr. Ju, Ms. Joo — clap, clap.”

“Congratulations.”

“Wishing you happiness.”

All the other staff joined in applause. Jiwoon felt embarrassed, but Taecheon held his hand tightly, not letting go.

“Let’s get the paperwork sorted inside. Come to my office.”

“Yes.”

They followed the supervisor into his private consultation room — a small space with a desk, computer, and sofas for counseling.

“Please, have a seat.”

“Thank you.”

Taecheon motioned Jiwoon to sit first so he’d be comfortable. The arrangement was just like when they’d first been introduced to the Reflection program and app — but now, instead of starting, they were here to end it. Jiwoon couldn’t quite believe it.

“Let me explain. First, congratulations on deciding to reconcile. However… there’s a procedure. It’s not as simple as just processing it.”

“Huh? Why’s that?”

“Well… quite a few people drop out mid‑program saying they’ll reconcile, then change their minds again and ask for divorce. Just last quarter in our area alone, there were over ten such cases — it caused a lot of chaos administratively. It hurts their feelings too, going back and forth like that.”

As the supervisor explained, many couples seemed to go through that: “Let’s get back together!” when things were good, then after another fight, “We have to split up.”

To prevent waste of taxpayer money and to protect the integrity of the program, the Gangnam Center no longer allowed such reversals.

“In conclusion — you can’t withdraw immediately. You’ll remain in Reflection status for another four weeks.”

“Do we still have to do the regular program assignments? Our scores will go up otherwise.”

“That’s not an issue. For couples who’ve declared reconciliation, we have a special course.”

“What kind of special course?”

When Taecheon asked, the supervisor powered on a tablet and turned the screen toward them.

“So far, your program has been about Reflection — thinking deeply about your spouse and giving serious thought to divorce. Now, the direction changes completely: this special course is designed to strengthen your bond as a couple. There’s actually one starting next week — just complete it successfully, and from then on your marriage will be returned to normal legal status.”

Jiwoon mostly understood, but wanted to be sure.

“So if we complete the program, everything will be fine? We’ll just remain married, without any extra paperwork?”

“The moment you’re enrolled in this course, I — as your Reflection supervisor — will handle all the paperwork for you. Finish it successfully, and your marriage registration will stand as is.”

“How long is the course?”

“It’s a 20‑hour program. Here’s the information booklet.”

The supervisor opened a document on the tablet — and the title made Jiwoon stop short.

“What… is this?”

“It’s the name chosen through our internal contest. Impressive, right?”

Special Course for Couples Wishing to Reconcile — FUN and Comfortable, Love Shamelessly~!