Chapter 18. Her Heart is Racing (1)
-1-
Last time, I'd casually promised Yoon Jae-hyun in that K-drama-esque vibe that I'd treat him to a meal instead of him just recommending a restaurant. Those words kept circling in the back of my mind. We'd exchanged numbers under the pretext of that conversation, but he hadn't said much since. I figured maybe eating alone together was too much pressure for him, so I hesitated to bring it up myself.
Still... I really wanted to have a meal with him. More than just brief chats at the cafe—I craved more time with Jae-hyun.
As the third-generation heiress of a chaebol who'd always gotten everything she wanted, Seo Ji-ah was one hell of an ambitious woman. Even knowing this was a childish greed, I had no intention of giving it up.
My only worry was one thing: would Yoon Jae-hyun find my greed off-putting?
So I agonized for days and finally made up my mind. Today, depending on the mood, I'd bring up that old promise and nail down a proper date.
-2-
"Oh? Noona! Hello!"
The moment I stepped into the cafe, Jae-hyun's bright, warm voice greeted me, lifting my spirits into a fluffy high.
"Ah, yeah. Hi."
But my response came out awkward, clashing with my excited mood. What could I do? I was about to—not quite ask him on a date, but basically do that! To a guy seven years younger than me!
It was like that time I'd messed up course registration and got buried in assignments, chugging caffeine like mad for all-nighters—my heart pounded wildly.
"By the way, Noona, aren't you using your coupon? Did you lose it or something?"
Lose the stamps you so carefully pressed one by one? Me?
"Well... I'm saving them for now."
For some reason, I couldn't bear to use them. I already had three full cards of ten stamps each. Exchanging them for just an Americano felt like a bad deal somehow. Those cat stamps were so cute every time you pressed them in with such care.
Haa~ Seo Ji-ah, don't chicken out. You're Seo Ji-ah.
I took my order back to my seat, choosing a spot with a clear view of the counter to sneak peeks at Jae-hyun working without being obvious. As I pondered when and how to bring it up—deep breaths to steady my nerves—the Cafe Owner shot me a knowing, sly smile and sent Jae-hyun over with coffee and cake.
I shoved aside the book I'd barely been pretending to read. The complimentary cheesecake went untasted as I fixated on Jae-hyun. My lips twitched several times, but no words came out.
It was ridiculous. There had to be a truckload of people dying to buy a meal with me, the youngest granddaughter of the Taesung Group chairwoman. Yet with this one guy who had nothing, I couldn't spit out a simple "Wanna grab food together?"
Finally, as I suffered in silence, Jae-hyun seemed to notice something and casually asked if everything was okay. Only then could I feign reluctance and mumble it out.
Why did I turn so small, timid, and cautious around him?
"Um... actually... you remember that time you said you'd recommend a restaurant?"
I clenched my fist under the table from nerves, but Jae-hyun just tilted his head with clear, innocent eyes.
"Of course... Wait, is that what this is about? You want to eat with me?"
I nodded quietly, face flushing. He chuckled, amused by my antics.
"Why... why are you laughing?"
"'Cause it's cute. Seriously, you were scoping me out just to say that?"
My heart plummeted—thud. Breath caught in my throat. Cute? Me? I'd never heard that in my life. Pretty, cool—sure, plenty. But cute?
"But you remember you're paying, right?"
"Huh? Oh! Of course!"
His radiant smile drew one from me too.
"Weather's getting warmer—wanna do some heat-beating nourishment? Or something cool? What do you like, Noona?"
He was different from typical guys. Unlike the self-centered ones, Jae-hyun always considered others first.
"Whatever you want, Jae-hyun. I eat anything well."
Not just flattery. Really. Anything with you would be fun and delicious. Even cup ramen and a triangle kimbap from a convenience store.
"For real? No take-backs later."
His playful check was adorable.
"Pfft! No way. But... you're really okay with it?"
What if he was forcing it, worried I'd be upset? At my final question, he scooped cheesecake, chewed thoughtfully, and replied nonchalantly. I, of course, was anything but nonchalant.
"Why wouldn't I be okay with a pretty person like you buying?"
Did he know how those casual tosses rattled my heart? Or that women could spin wild fantasies from one line? He saw me as cute and pretty in his eyes? Despite knowing my age?
That thrilled me most—my lips kept twitching upward.
"Noona, your mouth's grinning like crazy."
His teasing flustered me, but the joy was real. It felt genuine, not lip service, which made it even better.
"Wanna go for a whole chicken? Summer tonic, you know."
His menu choice was unexpected. Don't guys usually like pasta or fancy stuff? Luxury, expensive things.
"I dunno. And any guy going to eat with you would be fine anyway."
Don't say that so lightly. Really. You're wrecking my heart day by day. What am I gonna do with you?
-3-
The promised day was Saturday at 11 a.m. I counted down the weekend like I was back in the military, time dragging endlessly.
The Friday before, I holed up in my dressing room, rummaging through clothes forever. What to wear? Too dressed up might burden him; too casual wouldn't do.
After ages in front of the mirror, I settled on date attire: slim-fit slacks and a cream blouse. Classic, simple. I even fussed over accessories—a tasteful brand watch bracelet and choker.
Full outfit trial, rough hair styling, final checks—only then could I sleep.
-4-
Despite crashing late, I woke at dawn Saturday. I couldn't believe my own hype. Me, this excited?
Good thing I arrived 30 minutes early. Jae-hyun beat the time too.
"Noona! Good morning!"
He felt different from cafe Jae-hyun. Slick pomade, bangs swept back revealing a round forehead—his handsome face popped more. The style gave him a mature, manly vibe.
Usually tees or hoodies at work; today, neat and formal. Black slacks, beige shirt—accidentally couple-look with mine. Even bought iced drinks for the heat, handing me one: tomato juice. He remembered I hated sweets, so minimal syrup with a stick on the side. Such thoughtfulness.
"Noona."
"Yeah?"
The tomato juice was rich, fizzy, refreshing. A syrup stick would perfect it.
"After today, you got plans?"
I startled mid-tear.
"Huh? No. Why?"
Outfit fine, but makeup and hair too much? He looked amused, toying with my heart again.
"Just... you look so pretty today. Thought maybe family stuff like last time."
My face burned crimson. No! But... happy! Jae-hyun, my heart hurts.
"...No. Just meeting you today."
I'd waited all week for this. No other plans.
-5-
Waiting for the bus, conversation flowed naturally. Comfortable—no need to impress or pander.
"So yeah, lately I'm thinking of building some abs~ getting ambitious."
Workout talk led to him rubbing his shirt over his stomach, wanting abs. I imagined his body involuntarily.
This was unavoidable!
"Gulp. R-right. Abs... Jae-hyun's... abs..."
He was tall, toned—with a rare wild edge for men. Easy to picture sharp six-pack.
Luckily, the bus arrived before my fantasies went too far, ending the dangerous chat.