Enchanted by the Fox (2)
Sunday morning. I’d dragged myself out for a walk because I kept lazing around, but when I came to, I was standing right in front of Blue Mocha. What the hell? It was like some homing instinct or something—absurd. Seo Ji-ah, what are you doing? I didn’t even crave coffee, so there was no reason to stop by. I turned to head home, but out of habit, I glanced through the floor-to-ceiling windows and spotted a familiar silhouette.
It was that guy. His back was to me, but a physique like that wasn’t exactly common. I recognized him instantly. Half thrilled, half worried, I dashed into the cafe and grabbed his arm. He could’ve been startled or annoyed by the sudden grab, but he didn’t show a hint of it.
“Were you worried about me?”
He just grinned playfully, like it was a joke, and asked. Seeing him like that made a wave of embarrassment wash over me for no reason. Crazy, Seo Ji-ah. What are you to this guy?
“No, I mean… you’re always around, so when you weren’t, I got curious.”
What a lame response. Luckily, he didn’t seem offended by my ragged answer. He just smiled, thanked me for worrying, and laughed it off.
“See you tomorrow, then.”
He probably said it without thinking, but the idea that I’d become part of his daily routine felt strangely nice.
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-2-
One day, a really pretty girl was hitting on him, blushing like crazy.
“Um… do you have a girlfriend by any chance?”
Women have their own sly fox tricks when it comes to men they don’t know. Doing that in someone else’s shop, to a guy on the job—what the hell? They say women’s jealousy is ugly, but I couldn’t help frowning a little. Still, I was curious too. Did he have a girlfriend? Logically, no way the women around a guy like that would leave him alone, so probably…
Of course, it’s not weird for a guy to date multiple women, but somehow, I couldn’t picture him playing the field. It bugged me.
“Oh, uh… sorry.”
Instead of answering, he gave an awkward, apologetic smile and politely turned her down. Good thing she wasn’t too pushy or clueless—she backed off gracefully. Phew, dodged a bullet.
…Is this really something to feel that relieved about? His polite but firm rejection made the corner of my mouth twitch upward without me realizing.
“Oh? Come on in.”
His flustered face relaxed when he saw me, filling me with an inexplicable pride and joy that lifted my spirits. Today, he looked as warm as spring sunshine, with a bright, puppy-like smile that was just so pleasant to see.
“You’re popular, huh.”
“Huh? Oh… yeah. Haha.”
“Your girlfriend must worry a lot. Oh, the usual for me. Add a slice of cheesecake, please.”
“Mm.”
Hm? What’s that? His face crumpled a bit. Why? Did I say something wrong? My heart sank for a second. I’d always seen him in a good light, and I hoped he saw me the same way. Was the girlfriend talk uncomfortable? Did I come off too forward?
He pouted slightly, like he was sulking, stamped my coupon, and handed back my card after payment.
“You should’ve asked if I had a girlfriend first. Why hit me where it hurts out of nowhere?”
“Huh? You don’t? For real? Why not?”
His expression sharpened more as he watched me freak out. His tone didn’t sound truly annoyed or grossed out. More like playful WWE banter? Once I thought of it that way, the anxiety faded, and his childish sulk suddenly seemed adorable.
But seriously, why didn’t he? A guy like that? Did he have some unspeakable kink? Or maybe he was into guys?
“I feel like you’re misunderstanding something big… I just don’t want to date someone I barely know. As you can see, sudden confessions are my daily life.”
His pouty face was pretty cute, and his unique take on dating made me oddly happy.
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-3-
On the way home, I kept thinking about it. My illusions about romance had been shattered ages ago. I’d been burned out by selfish guys. So why? Why did that cafe guy keep popping into my head? Why did I go out of my way to that cafe for coffee I didn’t even like that much, and why were those short chats while ordering so fun?
It’s just a little daily amusement. What woman wouldn’t enjoy chatting and laughing with a handsome guy like that?
Yeah. It’s natural for anyone—regardless of age or gender—to be drawn to beauty. I kept rationalizing it like that, but in the end, I’d find myself chuckling now and then, remembering that guy who’d briefly crossed my path.
Earlier, seeing that woman hit on him had sparked irritation and annoyance. And I’d been so worried he might’ve been offended because of me that my heart dropped. Maybe this was the start of something I’d long forgotten, something I thought was gone from my life forever.
“Love” might be too grand a word, but just maybe. Really maybe, I could reach those feelings someday?
“I want to get to know him a little more.”
But I shoved those complicated thoughts aside for now. I wasn’t sure enough to label this feeling yet. His words stuck with me, though: It’s better to date after getting to know each other. I agreed completely. Yeah, I needed to be cautious. So, priority one: get closer to him. Beyond just regular customer and friendly part-timer.
Aim for something more personal and buddy-like. He wouldn’t commute far for a part-time gig, so he probably lived nearby. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a friendly neighbor?
Even Seo Ok-soon, the head of Taesung Group and my grandmother, always said it: Don’t obsess over money for success—obsess over good people, reliable people, capable people. That’s who surrounds the successful. So, this was… that. Whatever “that” was.
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-4-
The chance to get closer came sooner than I expected. The first time I ran into him outside the cafe, he wasn’t in his usual neat shirt. He was in casual sporty wear: baggy gray training shorts, white sneakers, and a shirt probably damp with sweat that he was fanning lightly. His flushed face and the way he chugged an ion drink suggested he was coming back from a workout.
It was a fresh side of him, different from the polished guy at the cafe. More natural, everyday. And that post-workout flush made his face kinda cute.
He hadn’t noticed me yet, it seemed. Based on his personality from the cafe, he’d probably greet me right away if he did. Come to think of it, he’d always said hi first there. Should I beat him to it this time? What face would he make? A mischievous urge bubbled up.
“Hm?”
But my excitement faded quick. Something was off. His walk was a little limpy. Did he hurt himself working out? My heart dropped like when he’d missed work with a cold. Was it bad? If he was hurt, why walk instead of taking a taxi? His stubbornness kinda pissed me off.
“Oh? Hi!”
Damn. I’d meant to greet first, but I got distracted by his awkward gait, and he spotted me instead. His bright, beaming smile was pure puppy as he waved cheerfully, just like at the cafe.
“Fancy meeting you here.”
“Heh. Yeah. So you live around here too?”
“Yep. But your leg—hurt? You’re limping a bit.”
If I offered to help him walk, would he think I was just trying to touch him? Nah, with his personality, he wouldn’t assume something creepy. Maybe he’d even think it was sweet. My brain spun in circles, but no good answer came. My movements felt awkward and jerky because of it—I just hoped I didn’t look ridiculous.
“Haha, no. Did lower body workout at the gym yesterday. Ahem!”
That made sense for leg day. He didn’t look like he had much fat to lose, but he must train hard. Hm. Maybe I should hit the gym too.
“You like working out? Or for looks?”
“Just… after cafe shifts, I get bored, so kinda both.”
“Ah, got it.”
I naturally fell into step beside him, keeping the chat going. Surprisingly straightforward guy? He didn’t seem to mind that I was walking him back the way I’d come.
“Oh, right—we still don’t know each other’s names. Mind if I ask yours?”
I timed it during some small talk, gauging his mood. His eyes went wide, then crinkled into a charming smile. No idea why, but I swallowed hard.
“I was gonna ask too! We’re in sync, huh? I’m Yoon Jae-hyun. You?”
What was that? Not a wolf or puppy—a nine-tailed fox? That sly, endearing eye-smile had me a little enchanted.
“…Seo Ji-ah.”
“Ji-ah! Uh, mind if I ask your age too?”
I’d been wondering how to bring it up, but Yoon Jae-hyun beat me to it. Felt like we clicked a bit, which made me even happier.
“Hm. You first, Jae-hyun. You look young—how old?”
I played it cool, but I was nervous. I’m 27 this year. Basically a full carton of eggs away from 30—not ideal. Guys don’t usually go for older women unless the gap’s huge in other ways. Sure, some rave about “mature charms,” but that’s niche.
With my Taesung Group background and looks, he’d probably go, “Age is a downside, but…” My older sisters all dated that way. But I didn’t want that from Jae-hyun. We weren’t close enough to flaunt my family right away. I trusted he wouldn’t, but past experiences made me fear my background influencing how he saw me.
“20.”
…Crap. I’d hoped his baby face meant 24 or 25, but seven years younger?
“Whoa… really… you’re young.”
I’d hoped he was just youthful-looking, but no—he was actually young. He’d think “auntie” when he heard my age. Ugh, my eyes stung suddenly.
Oblivious to my turmoil, Jae-hyun’s bright eyes sparkled as he asked, “So, Ji-ah?”
“…Older than you. …27.”
I stammered it out. Please don’t call me auntie. I might cry right there in the street.
“Knew it—you’re my noona.”
Thank god—no “auntie.” Probably calling me noona out of politeness. But why did it sting today? 20… seven years younger…