NLFSD Chapter 98

Chapter 98

“The instructor was right back then… in the end, we reconciled.”

“Indeed.”

Jiwoon smiled softly, brushing his hand over the same desk where he had once sat facing Taecheon.

“By the way, did you say you went to an art high school?”

“Yes. That’s true. My original dream was to be a painter.”

“Wow… you would’ve made an amazing artist, too.”

“Really, now?”

“Of course! But… how did you end up in hotel management? Was it just to inherit the family business?”

Taecheon thought a moment before replying.

“Honestly, I did struggle with the decision for a while. But as I grew up, I began taking interest in hotel management. My father never forced me into it — it was my choice.”

“That’s good. If you hadn’t chosen management, we might never have met. I don’t often go to art exhibitions, so…”

“Who knows. Human bonds are strange. Even if I had been a painter, even if you hadn’t entered Sehwa Group, I still believe we would’ve met somehow.”

At those words, Jiwoon’s heart stirred. Fate doesn’t always arrive in grand fashion; sometimes it’s the product of wrong turns, accidents, and coincidence woven together. That, too, can be destiny. And now, he and Taecheon both knew that well.

“Yes. We would’ve met no matter what.”

With a bright smile, Jiwoon leaned forward. Taecheon, unable to resist, claimed his lips briefly.

Soon, other couples began filing into the room — here too to complete the final Reconciling Course. Some faces Jiwoon recognized, and he exchanged polite nods with them.

“Welcome, everyone!”

The divorce supervisor entered energetically, his greeting met with applause.

“Congratulations on coming this far. Finishing the reconciliation course is not easy — it takes will, patience, and endurance. Many couples drop out halfway.”

His gaze swept the room, visibly proud.

“Round of applause, everyone!”

A cheer and clapping followed.

“Now it’s truly the very last step. Once completed, your reflection period will be officially ended, and you’ll be restored as couples under the law.”

“Yes.”

“Yes, understood.”

Then staff handed out printed sheets — with the words: ‘Video Letter to My Spouse.’ Jiwoon blinked. He hadn’t been told in advance what this final program entailed and was caught off guard.

“There are interview rooms prepared. Each of you records a video letter to your partner with the camcorder. What you say will count as your last six credits.”

A heart‑to‑heart testimony? The set‑up sparked déjà vu. Jiwoon recalled something similar years ago when he had appeared on that “Love Village” reality program in Jeju. Then too, they had done final confessions. He had chosen “Alpha No. 1” — Seo Taecheon — based on good first impressions, yet never learned whose choice Taecheon had made. He had left suddenly for Seoul, leaving Jiwoon without an answer.

So in the end, we circled and circled back to choose each other… If he had stayed that time, surely he would’ve picked me too, right?

Lost in thought, Jiwoon barely noticed couples finishing one by one until at last it was their turn.

“Couple #6, Seo Taecheon and Lee Jiwoon. Please enter separate booths. The camcorders are set; just press ‘record.’ You each have 5 minutes. Remember to hit ‘stop’ when done.”

“Yes.”

“Understood.”

A staff member guided them apart. Jiwoon entered his small booth alone. Quiet, still.

“…Phew.”

Knowing this was the final hurdle, a nervous weight pressed down. But at the same time, he wanted to give it everything, sincerely. He pressed the record button and looked into the lens.

“My beloved darling… my Taecheon.”

Smiling, Jiwoon whispered what had gathered in his heart.

“Did you finish, Taecheon?”

“Yes. And you?”

“Of course.”

Though only apart for a short while, their excitement at reuniting made the supervisor smile warmly.

“Well done, Couple #6. Collect your completion certificates on the way out. Don’t forget it — that’s what you came for!”

“Thank you. We appreciate all you’ve done.”

Jiwoon bowed politely before leaving the room. As he walked out first, Taecheon lingered briefly with the official.

“The strategy to extend the reflection period worked then?”

“Yes. It was very effective.”

They shook hands discreetly. Operation: Slowly Win Jiwoon’s Heart Over Time — a flawless success.

Jiwoon meanwhile was beaming in the corridor, clutching his certificate.

“Under the Alpha–Omega Special Law: Divorce Reflection Program – Certificate of Withdrawal & Reconciliation. Awarded to: Seo Taecheon & Lee Jiwoon.”

The paper was plain, simple… yet what history it represented. Jiwoon snapped pictures excitedly.

“Does it please you so much?”

“Yes. It feels like freedom.”

“This is the end.”

“Yes. Truly the end.”

The project was over. Now only a new beginning awaited them.

“How about we spend year‑end at the villa? Sunrise on the East Sea will be beautiful for New Year’s Day.”

“Sunrise? I’d love that!”

Jiwoon, itching to see their new villa, all but jumped for joy. Watching the first sunrise on January 1st had long been a dream of his — but as a student he had no leisure, and later, no one to go with.

“Mango, did you hear? We’re going on a trip.”

He rubbed his belly in delight.

“Everything’s furnished there. Just pack warm clothes.”

“Then, let’s leave December 31st!”

“Perfect.”

That very night, Jiwoon already packed snacks, warm clothes, and of course plenty of dried mango chips — his latest craving.

On December 31st, Seo Taecheon dismissed staff early and returned home in the afternoon. He loaded the trunk with bags, wrapped Jiwoon in layered clothes, and set out. Though the weather outside was freezing, the car was heated perfectly.

“I feel sleepy.”

Within ten minutes of departure, Jiwoon dozed, drowsiness constant these days. Warm, fed, or cold — he always drifted off.

“Don’t worry. Rest. I’ll wake you on arrival.”

“…How can I sleep when you’re driving?”

“It’s perfectly safe. Sleep soundly.”

“…Then… sorry but I’ll…”

Sentence unfinished, Jiwoon sank into deep slumber.

Dreams came vivid, Technicolor.

Wait… I’ve seen this scene before.

The same dream of long ago — Jiwoon, Taecheon, and a tiny baby. But this time, he and Taecheon stood together, joyfully holding the child in their arms.

Ah… so that’s you, Mango.

The baby had clear features, half Taecheon and half himself, bright and radiant. Astonished and moved, Jiwoon marveled at seeing both of them living in one small face.

The child we’ll have together… our baby Mango.

In the dream, Jiwoon hugged the infant gently. No loneliness. No sorrow. Only swelling joy so full he thought his chest might burst.

Yes. This is right.

Unconsciously, Jiwoon smiled in his sleep in the passenger seat, his first truly peaceful rest in all his life.