NLFSD Chapter 51

Chapter 51

“Ah… yes. What a wonderful name.”

How cliché can it get. When Jiwoon had first encountered the <Try Reflecting Once> app¹, it had already been a shock, but this new program title was even worse. No doubt the higher‑ups at the Ministry of Family Health were patting themselves on the back approvingly… ugh.

“First of all, next week there will be an 8‑hour accredited program. I think it would be good for you to participate.”

“What kind of program is it?”

When Jiwoon asked, the supervisor handed him a pamphlet with the title [Shameless Camping].

“It’s a marital camping program. It’s run completely differently from what the other Reflection couples go through. Throughout the camp there will be recreation activities under the guidance of professional instructors. I guarantee it will be fun. And because only couples progressing toward reconciliation attend… well, the atmosphere is…”

“The atmosphere is…?”

“…very good.”

The supervisor’s smile was suspiciously suggestive, but Jiwoon decided to dismiss it as his imagination.

Seo Taecheon, who had been silently listening, lifted his hand.

“If it’s camping, that means overnight outside. Will privacy be guaranteed?”

“Of course. That is our entire purpose.”

Jiwoon found this exchange between the two men extremely uncomfortable.

Excuse me, what is that ‘purpose,’ exactly…?

“Good. Then we’ll feel at ease participating.”

Seo Taecheon placed his hand lightly over the back of Jiwoon’s hand. It was merely to pass him a pen, but even so, Jiwoon’s heart skipped in that tiny gesture.

“Sign it, Jiwoon.”

“Yes… you too, Taecheon.”

Instead of writing, the two simply stared into each other’s eyes, blanking out, while the supervisor looked between them with a very satisfied grin.

“Won’t it be too cold with the window open like that?”

“The autumn breeze feels so refreshing. It’s nice.”

On the drive back, Jiwoon could hardly keep his lips from curling up. The crisp autumn air wafting through the window, the clear sunlight, and his Alpha sparkling under that sunlight — it was all too good.

I’ve taken a real step forward toward my union with Taecheon‑C. We’re no longer a couple racing toward divorce. We’re moving toward marriage.

He began humming without realizing it.

“You sing well.”

“Ah, d‑did you hear that?”

“If you hum that loudly, of course I’ll hear.”

“Hmm hmm.”

Maybe I sounded too giddy… But it really does sound fun. Eating good food, doing a campfire, and under the darkness… maybe doing this and that…

“But Jiwoon,” Taecheon said, “let’s stop by somewhere before going home.”

“Where?”

“You’ll see when we get there.”

The place Taecheon drove them to was a large department store. After leaving their car with the valet, the two entered.

“Are you shopping for something?” Jiwoon asked as they crossed the entrance. Taecheon shook his head.

“Not for me. For you.”

“For me? Uh… why? It’s not my birthday, and today isn’t any special day…”

“I just want to.”

So today’s full of surprises, huh. Jiwoon was both startled and excited.

“Come on, let’s head up.”

“Yes!”

They went up to the floor lined with designer clothing boutiques. Expensive luxury brands filled the entire level, some stores even with long, fervent waiting lines.

As someone who had never in his life set foot in such places, Jiwoon was at a loss about how to act. He vaguely thought he ought to just stand at the end of a line, but a sharply dressed man approached and greeted Taecheon.

“Long time no see, Director.”

“Likewise, Manager.”

Shaking hands quickly with what seemed to be a brand manager, Taecheon then rested his hand casually on Jiwoon’s shoulder.

“This is my spouse.”

W‑what did he just say? Spouse?

Of course, Jiwoon knew in theory he and Taecheon were already legally married, but hearing the word spoken aloud to someone else made his heart tremble. Not displeasure, but waves of surprise, sweetness, and awkwardness came one after the other.

Right. This Alpha is my husband. My one and only lover.

Like rolling candy around in his mouth, Jiwoon kept savoring the word spouse.

“I see. I’ll be assisting your shopping today.”

“Thank you.”

“This way, please.”

The brand manager smiled politely as he guided them through a private passage. Jiwoon tried to act normal, but inside he was going crazy at the feel of Taecheon’s large, warm hand pressing against his shoulder.

Why is his hand so big — and so warm! Did he heat it up on a hot pack or something?

Once inside the boutique, Jiwoon was dumbstruck by the dazzling clothes. Every wall was lined with classic, luxurious garments.

“Please recommend a coat that would suit him.”

“Yes. We’ve had great response to our new line — I think it will suit him well. Would you care to try?”

The manager addressed Jiwoon.

“Ah… I actually did need a coat.”

Being easily cold, Jiwoon started wearing winter clothes about a month earlier than others. He had recently mentioned in passing wanting a thick coat. Taecheon had remembered, apparently.

But Jiwoon’s target had been a casual, reasonably priced brand on a completely different floor. Anyone could guess this brand was staggeringly expensive.

“Taecheon, isn’t this too pricey? I can buy something elsewhere,” Jiwoon whispered into his ear.

But Taecheon only chuckled and whispered back,

“Do I look like the kind of man who can’t buy you one coat? What’s the point of having a boyfriend card if you never use it? Use it now.”

Jiwoon’s face heated and his chest seemed to tickle. So dizzyingly good it almost made his head spin.

An Alpha this considerate and graceful… and he’s mine? Citizens of Seoul, take note: not only is this incredible Alpha my lover, he’s also boldly buying me presents. Do you realize how lucky I am?

Though no one was asking, Jiwoon felt like stopping strangers on the street to brag.

“Please try this. With your bright complexion, this soft gray will suit you very well.”

The manager brought over a sophisticated light‑gray coat with excellent detailing. Just from a glance, Jiwoon thought, this is it.

“I’ll try it.”

With the manager’s help, Jiwoon went to the fitting room mirror. Wearing it, he saw the subtle sheen and the refined lines, and he loved it.

“It looks fantastic on you. How does it feel?”

“Great! So soft, warm, and not heavy at all.”

“The material is very high‑quality.”

“I can tell. It feels so comforting.”

What kind of fabric drapes so lightly yet falls so perfectly? Jiwoon couldn’t help but think this must be astronomically expensive.

Luxury clothes — maybe two or three million won? About one month’s salary when he was a new hire?

“Gasp.”

Catching sight of the price on the tag, Jiwoon froze.

“Is something wrong, sir?”

“Um… Manager, I think this tag is a misprint. There’s an extra zero.”

Hands shaking, Jiwoon showed the tag. The manager pressed his forehead like he was troubled.

“My apologies, I should’ve removed the tag. That was our mistake.”

“No, I mean the price itself has to be wrong—”

“The price is correct.”

“What?!”

Jiwoon’s eyes nearly popped out. Half his yearly salary was clinging to his shoulders. His knees shook.

Should I just carefully take this off and give it back? What if I damage even a button?

He began removing it gingerly, but then Taecheon approached.

“You look good.”

“Uh… really?”

“It suits you. Though in my eyes you’re always handsome and cute no matter what you wear… light gray really does suit you best.”

Taecheon brushed his hand briefly against Jiwoon’s cheek.

“D‑Director — I mean, Taecheon…”

“Perfect.”

“So… I can have this?”

“Not can — must. Wear it. For me.”

Hearing that, Jiwoon’s smile stretched ear to ear.

“Manager, I’ll take this one.”

“Yes, I’ll prepare it for you.”

“Why don’t we look around more? There’s plenty I want to get you today.”

“Really? Is that okay?”

“What kind of relationship do we have, that we’d say ‘okay’ or ‘not okay’?”

“…Alright then. Let’s also look at pants and shirts that go with this coat.”

Footnotes:

1. <Try Reflecting Once> app — a fictional government mobile app tied to the mandatory “Reflection Period” before divorce, which tracks couples’ progress in reconciliation programs.