She's Too Good for Me (1)
Sunlight slipped through the gap in the curtains, tickling my eyelids. Even without forcing my eyes open, I could tell it was a pleasant morning. Last night, I'd definitely pulled the blanket over me before bed. Probably kicked it off while tossing and turning. Hmm... Noona's gonna chew me out again.
"Mm..."
I started to sit up but reached for the spot beside me instead. A faint warmth lingered, but she had already made the bed and left. The savory aroma of doenjang jjigae wafted to my nose, accompanied by the cheerful melody of the rice cooker signaling it was done. The perfect morning trio.
Noona's already up... Grinning like an idiot, I slid out of bed and shuffled toward the kitchen. There she was—that familiar, beloved silhouette. Her light brown hair tied up high, exposing the creamy nape of her neck. Dressed in just a loose pajama shirt that clung precariously to her curves, she was a heart-stopping sight no matter how many times I saw her.
"Morning, noona."
I wrapped my arms around her waist from behind, and Yu-na noona jumped in surprise, turning to face me. Her voluptuous breasts pressed softly against my chest.
"Oh, honey. You're up? Sleep more."
"Woke up to your scent. Not the stew—the real you."
I nuzzled into her neck, sniffing exaggeratedly, and she burst into giggles, squirming from the tickle. My heart melted right there in the morning light. This woman is my wife. Even after a year of marriage, it still felt unreal.
"Honestly, you're impossible. Go wash up—breakfast is ready."
"No way. Kiss me and I'll go."
I puckered up, and she gave me that fond, helpless look before pecking my lips. A sweet smack echoed, her fragrance blooming around us.
"Happy now? Hurry, before it gets cold."
"Hehe, got it. Be right back!"
I bolted to the bathroom. Splashing cold water on my face, I glanced in the mirror at the dopey, lovesick grin staring back. 168cm tall, skinny build. Pale, delicate features that could pass for feminine. No rugged masculinity anywhere, even if you scrubbed your eyes raw. How did a guy like me land perfection like her? People say it's from saving a country in a past life. Maybe I saved the universe.
"Honey, breakfast!"
"Coming!"
The table overflowed with steaming white rice, doenjang jjigae, and a heaping pile of sausage stir-fry—my favorite. These ordinary moments of eating across from each other were irreplaceable bliss.
"Noona, this sausage is killer today! New sauce?"
"Really? I made it the same way. Must taste better 'cause you're enjoying it so much."
She smiled shyly, adding another piece to my bowl. I shoveled rice into my mouth, ecstatic. God, it's good. Noona's cooking is the best in the world. The crispy snap of sausage mingled with sweet-salty ketchup in perfect harmony.
"Hey, honey... you coming home early today?"
She asked tentatively. I swallowed my bite and tilted my head.
"Huh? Today? Why? Something up?"
"No, just... I planned braised short ribs for dinner—your favorite. Want it warm when you get home, but not sure on timing."
Braised short ribs. My lips stretched ear-to-ear at those words. Tender meat soaked in sweet glaze, mouthwatering just thinking about it. Normally impossible with overtime, but her mentioning it specifically? She was prepping something special. I have to eat this.
I set my spoon down with grim determination.
"Don't worry, noona. I'll clock out on the dot today, even if the sky splits. Team leader grabs me? I'll shake her off and run!"
She finally cracked up.
"What dramatic vow. If you can't make it, oh well."
"No! Today, no matter what! Six sharp—I'll bolt from the office, so time it perfect!"
"Fine, fine. If you insist."
She shook her head indulgently, her face lit with joy. Seeing that smile fueled my resolve even more. Not just the ribs—I couldn't leave my beautiful wife eating alone.
"All done! Thanks for the meal!"
"Already? Slow down."
"Too good to savor slow. I'll do dishes."
"No, I'll handle it. Get ready for work. Which tie? I'll pick."
Like always, she fussed over me like a kid. I sprang up and planted a loud smooch on her cheek before dashing to the bedroom to change.
"Honey, how about this tie? Matches your shirt."
As I buttoned up, she came in holding a navy one with subtle stripes. Her taste is impeccable.
"Perfect. You're the best, noona."
Grinning wide, I took it, and she stepped close to tie it herself. Her delicate fingers brushed my neck, sending familiar shivers through me. Her shampoo scent teased my nose as a bonus.
"There. Have a great day, hubby."
"You too!"
I hugged her tight at the door, enveloped in her soft warmth. For this happiness, I'd do anything.
"I'm off."
"Take care, honey!"
Her sweet send-off followed me out into the crisp morning air, smile glued to my face the whole walk.
Sitting at my desk, staring at the monitor—but my mind was all braised short ribs. Tender meat on fluffy rice... Ah, drooling already. Daydreaming made me grin and chuckle uncontrollably.
"Do-hyun-ssi."
An icy voice shredded my fantasy. I jolted up to see Team Leader Park Ji-eun glaring down, expression frosty. Black bob haircut, impeccable office attire—the ice queen incarnate.
"Isn't this work hours? What's so funny? Report done?"
"N-no... um..."
"Focus on work during work time. Save personal feelings for home. And this 'report'? Typos everywhere, analysis garbage. Redo it."
She slapped the stack on my desk. Ruthless red marks scarred it. Mood plummeted instantly. Shit, busted. Got too hyped over dinner.
"S-sorry. I'll fix it right away."
I bowed low, sweating. Only after her sharp heels clicked away could I look up. Man, terrifying. But no backing down today. I dove back in, hammering the keyboard like mad.
Hours later, I finished and checked the clock—nearly quitting time. Cautiously, I approached her desk.
"Um... Team Leader?"
"What?"
She didn't even glance from her screen. That chill—familiar, but never gets easier. I swallowed hard, steeling myself.
"C-could I... leave a bit early today...?"
Her fingers froze. She turned slowly, eyes like daggers piercing my heart.
"What did you say, Do-hyun-ssi?"
"W-well... family emergency at home..."
"Emergency? More urgent than company work for Kim Do-hyun-ssi? Ah, right. Always itching to bail early. Got a honey pot stashed at home?"
Her voice dripped sarcasm, peaking on "honey pot" with a sneer. She always sharpened when my wife came up. Defeated, I slunk back. Ruined. No ribs tonight.
Plopping down, I texted Yu-na: [Overtime locked in... Ribs tomorrow. Sorry T_T]
My sweet Yu-na. Made me feel even worse. Lately, overtime and weekend shifts piled up thanks to the new project. Hard to complain—Team Leader stayed too. But... today I really wanted to rush home. Those ribs haunted me.
Time dragged eternally. Keyboard clacks and mouse clicks echoed in the empty office. Outside, pitch-black night. Finally, I hit enter on the last line.
"Phew..."
Leaning back, I rubbed my stiff neck. Clock showed past 9, nearing 10. Already? Just me and Team Leader left. Awkward silence hung heavy.
She stood, stretching. "Good work, Do-hyun-ssi. Done? Let's grab dinner."
"N-no, I'm fine. I'll head out."
Ribs were toast, but every second counted to see Yu-na. Waving it off, she said flatly:
"Already ordered. Just arrived."
"Huh? Oh..."
"You're hungry. Eat. Company card—no burden."
Sighing at her retreating back to the break room, what choice did I have? "Y-yeah, okay..."
Soon, steaming containers spread on the meeting table: jokbal set. Couldn't refuse now.
"Th-thanks. I'll dig in."
"Wash up first. Start without me."
She headed to the restroom. I spaced out, then pulled out my phone. Sad update for Yu-na: jokbal incoming. Sent the text, idly opened news. Skimming celeb gossip and sports, I fat-fingered an ad banner.
'XYZ' logo blared, hot site filling the screen—an adult SNS like porn hub.
Damn. Frantically closing—then a thumbnail snagged my eye.
Provocative title. The tiny thumbnail: a woman in slutty outfit. Hair color different, clothes, tats—but that silhouette felt familiar...
Wait... Noona?