NLFSD Chapter 96
by berryChapter 96
“First, could you patch the bottom a little more?”
“Ah— yes, you’re right. I’ll fix it.”
This is going to be Taecheon’s cup to use at the office. At the very least, it needs to resemble a cup!
Taking a deep breath, Jiwoon rallied his focus. He gazed at the clay with the shining eyes of a medieval sculptor chiseling a masterpiece for the ages. His hands grew cautious, each movement deliberate. He was more serious now than at his college entrance exam or even his job interview.
“Huuuh…”
After immense patience, he managed at last to shape something close enough to a cup. The instructor, moved by his effort, clapped enthusiastically.
“Excellent! That is real progress.”
“Thank you — it’s all thanks to you.”
Sweat drops glistened like pearls across Jiwoon’s forehead.
“With the glaze applied, all we need now is to fire it. We’ll deliver it directly to your home. You’ll receive it before Christmas.”
“All right. I’ll be waiting.”
Normally ceramic took plenty of time to fire and finish. But since this was a Christmas project, the instructor promised express handling.
One day, two, three — Jiwoon anxiously waited for the courier. On Christmas Eve itself the package still hadn’t arrived. The tree is up, Sehwa Hotel sent their special “one‑of‑a‑kind” cake, even spiced wine is set on the table… but the real gift — when is it coming? He kept glancing at the door, desperate to snag the box before Taecheon got home.
“If it doesn’t get here soon, Taecheon will come first…”
5:30 p.m. already. On Christmas Eve Seo Taecheon would definitely leave on time; he’d be home by 6:30. Jiwoon felt like he was losing his mind.
“Delivery! Anyone home?”
The intercom rang with angelic reprieve. Jiwoon all but flew to answer.
“Yes! I’m here.”
“Great, I’ll bring it up.”
Moments later he was clutching the paper box in his arms.
“Thank you! Merry Christmas!”
“Merry Christmas to you too.”
When the courier left, Jiwoon did a victory dance. Tearing open the box, he gasped — though full of flaws, the mug glowed with sincerity.
“Sookryeo‑Doongyi, play carols!”
[Yes. Playing recommended Christmas carol playlist.]
Festive tunes filled the house. Jiwoon set the table and tugged on his Rudolph headband just as the bell chimed.
“Taecheon! Merry Christmas!”
“…A cute little reindeer, aren’t you?”
Chuckling at the antlers, Taecheon brushed them fondly.
“Come inside. Aren’t you cold?”
“Seeing you warms me more than anything.”
He kissed him lightly at the door before stepping in. A glance at the table widened his eyes.
“A tree, a cake, even mulled wine… impressive.”
“I have my talents.”
(It was all supplied by Sehwa Hotel, but Jiwoon grinned smugly anyway.)
“Wasn’t it tiring to prepare all this?”
“Not at all. Honestly, I was excited. It’s been so long since I had a Christmas with… family.”
He leaned against Taecheon’s shoulder, smiling. Taecheon stroked his head gently.
The two sat with their steaming mulled wine (with the alcohol long boiled out). The red wine aroma mixed with orange and cinnamon sweet on their lips as they toasted.
“Happy Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, Taecheon.”
Their eyes glowed warmly as they drank.
“I’m happy.”
“That’s all I need. Your happiness is my happiness.”
“…You’re so good with words.”
“Only because my darling praises me.”
“That… reminds me. I have a gift for you.”
“Gift?” Taecheon blinked. He had not expected it.
“Yes. Please, open it.”
Heart pounding, Jiwoon carried out the box. Half terrified the mug would look pathetic, half proud of its “modern art” vibe, he steadied his resolve.
“Go ahead, open.”
As the wrapping fell, Taecheon gasped and covered his mouth.
“…Did you make this yourself?”
“Yes. With my own hands.”
Jiwoon smiled proudly, all worries melting.
“This… This is incredibly moving. Thank you. Truly.”
His eyes shone with honest gratitude. Jiwoon felt a surge of relief and pride.
“And you even carved our initials in! T ♥ J.”
Indeed, on the front he had inscribed it painstakingly.
“I’ll treasure this. It feels too precious to even use.”
“No. You must use it daily — for coffee, for water, for everything. Promise.”
“…Then so I shall.”
“And now, may I reveal mine?”
“…You got me something too?”
“Of course. One moment.”
He retrieved something from his briefcase and placed it in Jiwoon’s palm. Keys. Not one, but a whole bundle — old‑world ornate ironwork, like medieval relics.
“What… are these for?”
“Nothing major. I bought a villa.”
“WHAT?!”
Jiwoon shouted, utterly floored.
“Remember when we went to that island and you said you’d love such a place? So I bought one on the East Sea coast.”
“…A villa.”
“With you on leave, I thought it’d be perfect to rest there.”
He showed the pictures on his phone — a three‑story mansion, sun pouring through glass walls, the sea stretching endlessly beyond, an enormous garden fit for hundreds of guests.
Jiwoon’s jaw dropped. This gift… I can’t even imagine the cost.
“I only prepared a mug, and you… give me this?”
“Nonsense. This cup is worth more than billions. I’d never trade it.”
He pressed the keys into Jiwoon’s hand.
“I pictured us together there — you, me, and Mango — watching the sea. The moment I saw it, I knew.”
“When did you even sign for this?”
“…That ‘business trip’ was to buy it.”
“What?!”
Indeed, as Jiwoon had been kneading clay, Taecheon had been signing property deeds. What a pair…
“…Thank you, Taecheon.”
“No… thank you for accepting.”
Jiwoon pecked his lips; Taecheon pulled him in tighter, the sound of carols filling the air, snowflakes swirling outside. Love filled the house — Jiwoon, Taecheon, and Mango — perfect Christmas.
Time to take leave.
That was Jiwoon’s resolution after days of wrestling on Christmas and the long weekend. Work mattered, but so did Mango’s health. And Seo Taecheon had begged constantly for him not to overstrain.
Returning to work, Jiwoon approached his manager.
“Sir, may I speak with you?”
“Yes, Assistant Lee, what is it?”
Manager Kim, notorious for buttering up to Director Seo, had been acting very carefully around Jiwoon lately, even second‑guessing himself as a possibly “lacking superior.” So when Jiwoon appeared, tension struck him.
“I’ve thought hard before saying this…”
“Go on. Say freely.”
“…I’d like to request maternity leave.”
“…Leave? You mean a formal leave of absence?”