Chapter 24: A Night of Unexpected Closeness

“Ah, welcome!”

What’s going on? Is this really Moonhwa?

The woman standing outside the door looked completely different from what I had imagined.

Her neatly pinned-up hair, flawless white skin, sharp eyes that gave off a stern impression, and tightly pressed lips—all combined into the image of a cold and elegant beauty.

She stood there, staring at me.

If I had to guess her age, she looked around my age at most, but honestly, she seemed even younger.

I had my suspicions when I heard her youthful voice back when we were playing as a bottom duo.

But I never thought she’d actually be this young.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Na Hyejung.”

Moonhwa extended her hand toward me.

Her small hand was smooth and devoid of any signs of hardship.

I shook it in return, feeling her soft skin. Her hand was slightly damp—was she a naturally sweaty person?

“Thank you so much for coming. Please, come in.”

“Yes, just a moment. I have a lot of bags to bring in…”

“Oh my, what’s all this? You didn’t have to bring so much! Thank you so much.”

“It’s nothing.”

At Moonhwa’s feet were several paper bags, all housewarming gifts.

Judging by their appearance, they all seemed to be expensive.

Although this was an event I hosted to treat her, I felt as though I was the one being spoiled.

“Someone’s here!”

“Hello? I’m Yuseong’s father. Thank you for taking the time to visit.”

“Yes, hello.”

“And I’m Yuseong’s mother. I must say, I didn’t realize just how beautiful you were when I heard about you!”

“Hey, this is the first time you’re meeting her. That’s a bit much to say.”

“It’s fine. Thank you for the compliment.”

Moonhwa exchanged greetings with my parents.

Despite her initially cold impression, she didn’t seem like the type to be shy around strangers.

She engaged with them easily, sharing friendly banter.

For a first meeting, they were surprisingly conversational—it was fascinating to watch.

“This is a red ginseng set. It’s great for boosting immunity and reducing fatigue.

And this is Royalty 30-Year-Old Scotch. I thought you might enjoy whiskey, so I brought it along.”

“Oh my, such luxurious gifts… it’s overwhelming.”

“Please don’t feel that way. I’ve received so much help from Yuseong, so I think this is the least I could do.”

The unwrapping of the gifts began: red ginseng sets, whiskey, cosmetics… the sheer amount was staggering.

My parents looked flustered but pleased—these were all high-end items we couldn’t easily afford given our family’s financial situation.

It’s great and all, but… what about my gift?

I’m the one hosting this housewarming party, yet all the presents seem to be for my parents.

It felt a little strange.

Well, I wasn’t really in a position to complain to Moonhwa about it.

“Hyejung, you must be hungry. Please, enjoy the food.”

“Yes, thank you. I’ll eat well.”

“Yuseong, go get more soup. There’s not enough here.”

“Okay.”

Or was it just me?

Why did I feel like I was being treated like an afterthought?

My parents were seated close on either side of Moonhwa, attentively serving her.

“Try this. And this too.”

They were practically catering to her every need.

Even if she were their precious, doted-on daughter, I doubt they’d go this far.

To be fair, Moonhwa was our only guest, so it made sense for her to get special attention.

Still, wasn’t this a bit over the top?

How was she supposed to enjoy her meal with them fawning over her like this?

“The ribs are amazing. They’re so tender, they melt in your mouth.”

“Really? Yuseong, stop sitting around and bring more ribs!”

Apparently not. Moonhwa didn’t seem the least bit uncomfortable.

She was eating heartily, like someone who hadn’t had a proper meal in days.

That was a relief. Watching her eat so well was reassuring.

“Yuseong! I said, bring more ribs!”

“Yes, I’m on it.”

I was up and down repeatedly.

Was this dinner or some kind of workout?

My parents were being a bit much.

I couldn’t even grumble about it in front of the guest.

Did they forget that I’m their precious child too?

It was an unexpectedly hectic meal.

Still, it had been a while since I had such a proper, satisfying dinner.

The food was truly delicious.

“Please, have some fruit.”

“Thank you.”

We gathered in the living room to eat fruit.

My father skillfully peeled an apple, while my mother kept asking Moonhwa question after question.

“If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?”

“I’m twenty-four.”

“Oh my, such a lovely age. Do you have a boyfriend?”

“Mother, you can’t ask things like that! That’s rude.”

“It’s okay, Yuseong. It’s a reasonable question. I…”

At that moment, Moonhwa’s eyes met mine.

Her deep brown eyes reflected my face.

They were stunning—so captivating that I felt like I could get lost in them.

“I don’t have a boyfriend.”

Moonhwa answered. Wait, what was this? I hadn’t even had a drink, but my ears were burning red.

Was it that hot in here?

Although it was early autumn, the night had gotten chilly, so we’d turned on the heater.

Maybe Moonhwa was naturally sensitive to heat. I’d have to turn it off later if needed.

“Oh, you don’t have a boyfriend. A beautiful and capable person like you, I can’t imagine why.”

“Exactly! It must not be in your fate yet, but you’ll meet someone wonderful soon.

Who knows? Maybe you’ve already met them.”

“Yes…”

Once again, Moonhwa glanced in my direction.

She kept turning her gaze toward me as she answered.

Was she feeling awkward sitting between my parents?

It seemed like she’d been putting on a brave face this whole time.

I figured she’d feel more comfortable around someone she knew, so I got up and wedged myself between her and my mom.

“Yuseong, what are you doing?”

“Mom, you’re making Hyejung uncomfortable with all these questions. Please, give her some space.”

“Well, fine then. I’ll step back.”

“Thank you.”

Glancing sideways, I noticed that Moonhwa was now sitting very close to me.

Did she put on perfume?

A fragrant, pleasant scent wafted from her.

It was so nice that I found myself wanting to keep smelling it.

“Oh, sorry about that.”

“No, it’s fine. It’s nothing.”

While shifting positions, my hand brushed against Moonhwa’s.

Startled, she quickly pulled her hand back.

Her reaction confused me—earlier, we’d even shaken hands. Did something I do bother her?

To top it off, my mom’s overly enthusiastic behavior had turned the housewarming into an awkward event.

What could I even say to fix this? It was a tough spot.

Oh, right. Since Moonhwa seemed hot, I could suggest turning off the heater to ease the tension.

“Hyejung, should I turn off the heater for you?”

“Pardon?”

“What nonsense are you spouting now, Yuseong?”

“Well, Hyejung seemed warm…”

“She’s not warm! Sit down, Yuseong. It’s cold outside; what are you even talking about?”

Of course, she wasn’t warm.

I’d misread the situation entirely. I shouldn’t have said anything.

Now it was just more awkward.

“Yuseong.”

“Yes, Dad?”

“It’s all my fault. I should’ve prepared you better for situations like this. I neglected to teach you properly, thinking you’d manage as a man.”

What was my dad even talking about?

It felt like I’d suddenly landed in an entirely different world.

Ah, that’s right—I was in another world.

I’d momentarily forgotten.