Hyeyoon glanced at the wall clock in their office. It was already half-past seven in the evening. The red tinge on the sky was faded and slowly replaced by the darkness. She saw Dahyun still busy with her PC, and a few other staff were still focused on their work.

The deadline was near, and Hyeyoon was lucky as the meeting scheduled this Friday was delayed to the following Monday as the Microchip IT Company delegation had not yet started working at the Seoul Branch. Instead, they got a new Head of the Program Department, and he would begin to work on Monday.

They were given extra time to prepare their design. Hyeyoon decided to double-check her zoning concept for the site plan. Hyeyoon cracked on her knuckles as they felt stiff. She then heard a sound from beside her desk. Hyeyoon grabbed her phone as it vibrated.

You received a message.

The girl quickly opened the application after seeing the sender's name on her display.

It was Jeein. She sent her an invitation. Hyeyoon was delighted when she read the invitation. Jeein and Yongdae would get engaged this weekend. Such a piece of great news. Hyeyoon couldn't hide her happiness for her friend. She sent a congratulatory message to Jeein.

A few seconds after, Hyeyoon sent the message. Her phone vibrated again.

Jeein's calling.

"Hyeyoon!" her voice rang loudly across the line. But, of course, Hyeyoon didn't expect that and moved the phone away from her ear.

"What? Why are you screaming?" Hyeyoon uttered a protest, and the latter just chuckled in reply. There were mumbles from the other line. Hyeyoon could hear that someone else was with her. "Are you with Yongdae?" Hyeyoon asked the girl.

"Yes," Jeein replied. "He's right here with me,"

"You two lovebirds," Hyeyoon giggled. "Congratulation,"

Jeein smiled and looked at Yongdae, who was now sitting beside her. Putting his arm around the girl, he protectively embraced her. "Thank you," Jeein replied to Hyeyoon. "Are you still working?" Jeein assumed that Hyeyoon must still be at work.

"Yeah," the girl sounded. "The deadline is near. I need to finish the design before Friday," Hyeyoon added. There was a hint of tiredness in her voice, and Jeein couldn't ignore it.

"Don't overwork yourself, Hyeyoon. Ask Kiyong to give you break for a moment, or else I will punch him right in the head for making you work so hard,"

Hyeyoon laughed. The imagination of Jeein punching Kiyong was so hilarious that Hyeyoon couldn't help to chuckle in amusement.

"Don't worry about me," Hyeyoon reassured. "Just think about your engagement preparation. It's getting near. Aren't you feeling nervous?" Hyeyoon curiously asked the girl which Jeein responded with a blush on her cheeks. Jeein smiled widely. "But I'm glad that you guys finally find your happiness. It's just a start of the journey for the both of you," she added.

Hyeyoon then saw Kiyong walk out of his office and stare at her. He signed that there was something he needed to discuss with her. Hyeyoon nodded.

"Jeein, I think I have to go," Hyeyoon talked to Jeein again. "Kiyong is calling me, he probably needs something,"

Jeein understood, and she hung up the call.

Yongdae stared at his fiancée curiously. "What?" Jeein frowned upon seeing Yongdae's expression.

The guy shook his head and took a sip of his coffee. "I still think it's way better to tell Hyeyoon about the truth rather than hiding it," Yongdae told the girl with a straight face.

This topic began with the most issue they brought up besides their engagement party preparation today. Jeein strictly forbade Yongdae to tell Hyeyoon anything about her past.

"No," Jeein, still firm about her decision. "Hyeyoon just started her new life happily with such a great man like Kiyong. We can't mess things up again between them," Jeein gave a straight look at Yongdae. "What happened before is a past. Rowoon has nothing to do with Hyeyoon anymore,"

"But you lied," Yongdae struck her right on his point.

Jeein was speechless for a split second before she regained her mind back on track once again. "I had to do that," she spoke in a relatively low voice. "It was for her best,"

Yongdae sighed. "But Rowoon is here. Sooner or later, they will bump to each other, the encounter is unavoidable," he then added confidently, "their fate is not yet over, I have a feeling about that,"

Jeein tried to hold her laughter, "What? Are you a psychic now?" Jeein took her juice and drank almost half of it, "you can see the future?"

"I have an intuition about this," as he said that, Yongdae showed her his smug face. After that, the two continued their conversation aimlessly as they finished dinner. Jeein bit her lips nervously. Though Yongdae seemed not serious about what he said, she couldn't help but feel anxious about the possibility that those two past lovers might bump into each other again. She could feel a slight hint of guilt in her heart toward her best friend.

* * *

Dahyun stretched out her stiff muscle. The digital clock on her desk was pointing precisely at 8 PM. It was already dark outside. She glanced to her side and saw Hyeyoon still busy with her laptop. Both her PC and laptop were on standby.

Dahyun blinked a few times and was amazed how Hyeyoon could stay focused for quite a long time. The girl then had the idea. She got up from her seat and walked to the pantry. She opened the fridge and saw a few beers, colas, and ciders. So she took out two cans of cola and cider.

The girl returned to her desk and put the ciders on Hyeyoon's desk.

"Eonni," Dahyun called. Hyeyoon then diverted her gaze from the screen to Dahyun. She saw the younger girl put the cider on her desk. "Take a rest," she said while sipping her cola. "I'm almost done my part," she walked back to her seat and showed Hyeyoon her progress.

"Thanks," Hyeyoon opened the can and drank the liquid. "Good," she responded while checking Dahyun's work. After a quick check, Hyeyoon clicked the save button on her PC and laptop. She stretched out her muscle and slumped her back to the seat tiredly.

Just after that, Hyeyoon saw Kiyong walk closer to her desk, with a tired smile plastered on his handsome face.

He checked on Hyeyoon's laptop and looked at his girlfriend. "How far did you get for today?" Kiyong asked while rubbing softly on Hyeyoon's back. Dahyun carefully cast her gaze back to her work and gave the two some privacies.

Hyeyoon smiled and gently touched his arm to reassure him that everything had gone well. "Almost done with the site plan, one more rendering and I'm all done,"

Dahyun then turned off her laptop and quietly tidied up her stuff. The other staff followed her as they got up and were ready to leave. The girl slowly got up. Kiyong looked at the girl, and Dahyun bowed to the manager. Three other staff bowed, and they gathered to the door. Kiyong then glanced at the watch and nodded. It was indeed the time to leave.

"Excuse me, Sir," Dahyun politely excused her leaving, to which Kiyong responded with a nod and let his staff take their leave first. "I'm leaving first, Eonni," Dahyun whispered to Hyeyoon, and she replied a yes to her lowly.

"Do you want to have dinner first? I'm starving," Kiyong offered, and Hyeyoon approved with a nod.

"Alright, I think I'm hungry, too," Hyeyoon smiled, and while she gathered her stuff, Kiyong went to his office to get his coat and bag. A moment later, the two of them already went straight to the basement, and Kiyong slowly drove them to a restaurant.

Kiyong brought them to a Western Restaurant this time. He ordered a shared tenderloin steak and an additional salad for both of them.

Hyeyoon was seen smiling and giggling while typing on her phone. Her expression intrigued Kiyong's curiosity. To whom was she talking?

"Who?" Kiyong pointed to her phone. Hyeyoon then smiled at him.

"It's Jeein," Hyeyoon then showed him her phone, and Kiyong could see an invitation.

"Oh," Kiyong seemed surprised. "They're getting engaged?"

Hyeyoon nodded eagerly; she was so happy about the news. Kiyong could see it from her face. He couldn't help a smile, and slowly, Kiyong moved his hand to hold hers in a gentle move.

Hyeyoon finally stopped her activity and stared at her boyfriend with an eyebrow raised.

"Yes, Babe?" she asked as she thought Kiyong was trying to tell or ask her something.

Kiyong smiled and shook his head. "You look happy for her," he slowly started a conversation.

"Yes, of course, I do," Hyeyoon chirped happily. "I knew their history and to see they are finally together and going to get engaged, I'm more than happy for them,"

Kiyong stared at her deeply, and she was so adorable in his eyes right now that he barely held himself not to capture her thin lips and take her into his embrace.

Hyeyoon put down her phone, and Kiyong pretended to let out a heavy sigh. "Finally," he sounded. "I have your attention again," he added, and Hyeyoon smiled.

"You look tired," Hyeyoon saw a dark circle start forming on his face, which bothered her. "Get some sleep after this. We still have time to prepare the material. Take care of your health first," the concern in her tone warmed his heart. That's the reason why Kiyong admired Hyeyoon so much.

She was gentle and nurturing. So whoever had her as the wife would be very lucky. And Kiyong was silently hoping that the lucky guy would be him.

"Babe, can I ask you something?" Kiyong started another topic right after the waitress served them the drinks.

Hyeyoon took a sip of her juice and stared at her boyfriend in curiosity.

She raised an eyebrow before responding, "Sure, Baby, ask me anything," she replied.

"Old basic topic, but I'm curious about this. Do you have any thoughts about marriage?" Kiyong saw Hyeyoon was silent for a moment. Then, he added, "you see, Yongdae and Jeein, they will get engaged. I wish them all the best, and I'm positive they will find happiness in their life," Kiyong finds a more comfortable position for a serious topic.

Hyeyoon waited till Kiyong finished his sentences.

"It's fine if you're against commitment. I'm all open with anything of your thoughts. I'm just wondering about any thoughts you have regarding this," Kiyong finished his part, and he was now waiting for her to respond.

Hyeyoon saw Kiyong casually asking her about the topic, and she knew that she couldn't keep avoiding the subject and ran away every time he brought up the matter.

"Hmm..." Hyeyoon started with a hum, and Kiyong couldn't help his heart beating faster and expecting her response.

Hyeyoon then smiled, which caused Kiyong to skip a beat, "To be honest, I'm not against it at all," the girl started rather slowly. She was kind of dragging the topic but was contemplating her words carefully.

"But?" Kiyong helped her to continue.

Hyeyoon hung her words for seconds, then continued, "But, since marriage is a serious matter and I don't want to play with it," Hyeyoon took a deep breath and proceeded, "I need to be extra careful about it,"

Kiyong nodded in understanding. He often heard about that reason already. He assumed that must be because of her background.

"You know that I came from a broken home family, right?" Hyeyoon continued, just like he thought. It must be because of her childhood experience.

"I know," Kiyong replied slowly.

"My mom and dad divorced when I was ten, and it was an awful experience I had as a child. I don't want to rush the decision to tie a knot as for now I need to establish myself, my career, my funding," Hyeyoon explained. Kiyong also knew about this since Hyeyoon had told him already. But he still didn't understand why her solicitudes remained the same while he had already assured her of her life, yet she stayed unconvinced.

Hyeyoon could see the unanswered part within her statement, which she found in Kiyong's expression. She finally decided to reveal her significant insecurity. The more she thought about it, the more she felt she had to tell him her concern.

"Oppa," Hyeyoon called him, which caused Kiyong to raise his face and stare at the girl intently. "I need to tell you something that I haven't mentioned to you before,"

Kiyong was intrigued by the fact that about to be revealed, and he focused on her more, "What is it?" he asked her carefully.

Hyeyoon smiled at him and proceeded, "My parent's divorce had created the independence in me since my young age because my mom was mostly busy with working and I was used to be alone, do my necessities alone, and that's why I hate being clingy to the others, this is for myself, I hate if myself being like that to other people,"

Hyeyoon took a breath, and Kiyong was patiently waiting for her to continue, "This somehow set my mindset, and that's why I rely on myself so much. I had to make sure that I'm stable enough before deciding to share the rest of my life with someone else since marriage will require a lot of understanding and responsibility,"

Kiyong saw a slight sadness in her eyes, which significantly hurt him. He started to feel regret for bringing up the topic. He was about to end the conversation when Hyeyoon looked straight into his eyes and opened up again to speak.

"I'm not afraid of commitment at all, Oppa, if it's the right time for me to commit with the right person, then I will do it. But the outcome afterward is still unclear, right? Whether or not the marriage stayed for a lifetime, or if we suddenly decided to abort it midway. I need to take care of myself. And independence is the crucial thing when a woman is no longer provided by man,"

Hyeyoon finished her statement, and it left Kiyong in awe. He was speechless. Kiyong was about to retort, but then their meals arrived. The waitress served them the steak and salad. Kiyong let the waitress finish serving and muttered a low thank you as they left.

The guy let out a long breath, and Hyeyoon slightly felt sorry for him. When she saw him preparing her meal and cutting the steak for her, the urge to touch him made Hyeyoon impulsively reach out her hand, stopping him from cutting the meat. Kiyong confusedly stared at Hyeyoon while she rubbed the back of his palm gently.

Seeing the gesture, Kiyong dropped the utensils and held the soft, tiny hand in his huge one. Radiating the warmth, Hyeyoon felt grateful to the man in front of her. Hyeyoon saw Kiyong muttered a low 'I love you, and she replied the same expression in a low voice.

They started the dinner with love sparkled in both of their eyes. The best understanding was required in every relationship that allowed them to understand each other more. Hyeyoon and Kiyong both felt glad about that.

An hour later, after finishing their dinner, Kiyong drove Hyeyoon home. He held her hand along the way to her apartment. The sound of Two People by Sung Si Kyung was heard as they arrived at her apartment blocks area.

Kiyong turned his car to the basement and parked his car. After turning off the engine, he helped Hyeyoon to take off her seatbelt. Hyeyoon giggled to all his attitude tonight, but Hyeyoon didn't utter any protest. Even when she saw Kiyong moved closer and caressed her cheek tenderly. He ran his thumb to his soft cheek down to her thin lips. Gently touched it before he pulled the girl closer and leaned down to capture her lips into a single kiss.

He cupped her face and kissed her again. A bit longer this time. He wanted to deepen the kiss but he then remembered something. Kiyong then pulled out and chuckled upon seeing the disappointment in her face.

Kiyong then let out a sigh and moved his hand to the dashboard in front of her. Hyeyoon confusedly looked at him when he opened the dashboard and pulled out something from there.

A box. A white dark gray with a gold ribbon around it.

Hyeyoon furrowed her brows. A gift? It wasn't even her birthday nor his, or anything special today. She raised her sight to see Kiyong was staring straight at her. Right in the eyes.

"What is this?" Hyeyoon's voice came out hoarse and she cleared her throat. "A present?" she asked again and Kiyong shook his head while smiling.

"No," he said. "But yes, this is for you," he gave it to her and Hyeyoon slowly opened the lid.

Hyeyoon frowned and once she opened the box, Hyeyoon gasped. She stared at Kiyong in disbelief. The latter just managed to smile meaningfully at her and Hyeyoon checked to the content once again and she saw a Solitaire Ring with a clear diamond on it.

"What—" Hyeyoon still in shock and she couldn't let out a single word.

Kiyong then grabbed both of her shoulders and moved her so she was completely facing him. He was unprepared and it wasn't a proper way of proposing. But Kiyong had the gut to say it now or never. He then braced himself and started.

"I know this isn't romantic at all, and believe me. I was still finding out the most possible way of proposing. But your confession today had changed everything I was planned," he paused. Tried learning her reaction but Hyeyoon remained still. She waited till Kiyong finished his words.

Kiyong took a deep breath and continue, "this way, I want you to know that I never took our love, your love, my love toward you for granted. I'm deadly serious to you, Kim Hyeyoon. I won't force you to give your answer right now, but," he then took the ring out of the box. He slowly reached for her hand and put down the ring on her palm.

"I give you every second, minutes, hours, days, weeks, month, or even years to consider. It's all up to you. I will wait. Please, let me know if you're ready to give your answer," he let out a soft breath. Kiyong stared at Hyeyoon with sincerity glitched in both his eyes.

Hyeyoon was speechless and puzzled. She couldn't digest what he said right now, but she saw the ring in her palm and she dazedly stared back at Kiyong. The handsome face in front of her was smiling right now, showing his true feelings. And as if a heavy burden was lifted from his shoulder. Kiyong let loose of himself and pulled out from Hyeyoon. Leaving her in a complete daze.

Hyeyoon didn't know what to respond and she stared at the ring blankly. It was unexpected and she wasn't prepared. But his way of proposing was somehow moved her heart and she could feel the sincerity in his action. He didn't even force or urge her to answer, yet he gave her time and her way to answer.

After a long pause and finally regaining herself back, Hyeyoon put back the ring inside the box and looked at Kiyong once again. She bit her lower lip slowly, "I will think about it," Hyeyoon nervously looked at him and Kiyong's expression was straight but there was no hint of bitterness or anger to her reply.

Kiyong then nodded and he let Hyeyoon got out from the car. She waited when Kiyong turned on the engine then waved goodbye when he started speeding up his car out of the basement.

* * *

Hyeyoon sat on a stool in front of her dresser and stared blankly at the ring that was still placed in its box. She anxiously squeezed her fingers, still not sure what she should do with the ring, and the fact that Kiyong had just proposed to her. It was very considerate of him giving her the freedom to take her time. He didn't rush her or anything. But the hope and the anticipation in his eyes had feared Hyeyoon that she might hurt him in the process.

She loved him so much and respected him at the same time, Kiyong was very good to her. She felt extremely lucky to have him in her life. He was willingly accepted her though he already knew her past. They met when her heart and state was so fragile and down, yet he took very good care of it, gently pull her up again till the wound healed. Though it wasn't completely gone yet.

Kiyong knew all her stories, her past, her concerns, and her fears. Yet he still patiently showing his sincerity toward her. It somehow melted the ice in her heart. It gave her a sense of warmth and comforted her mind.

She slowly reached out and took the ring. She was hesitant to try it out. After a long pause, she slowly slid the ring to her ring finger. It fitted her perfectly. Hyeyoon smiled, even the detail as her ring finger size was figured out by Kiyong. He was a man full of sense. It was so amazing.

Hyeyoon stunned to see as the diamond sparkled in her hand. It was so beautiful. How Kiyong had poured his fullest to the design and he even knew her taste. No wonder it was said that Solitaire ring is classic yet timeless.

Hyeyoon sighed, "so pretty," she muttered lowly. Rubbing the metal, she had the thought of answering right away. Though it gave the strange tingle in her stomach, Hyeyoon then shut her eyes tightly. She was holding herself up to reach her phone and calling Kiyong right there and now. She still not that sure she was ready for it.

Hyeyoon took the ring out and put it back to the box. Not wanting to rush her decision, Hyeyoon closed the lid and put the box inside the drawer. She thought that a day or maybe two would give her a clearer mind to think about her decision. If the time had finally come and she had to surrender to her fate, she should accept it. Hyeyoon hoped time could give her hint for the best answer that won't harm anyone.

She told herself in her mind that she would think of the proposal seriously and carefully picked her answer. It was a rather big decision for a lifetime period. And Hyeyoon won't risk it and hastily decided anything.

She then laid her back to her bed and slowly pulled up the blanket. Still starring at her ceiling, Hyeyoon started to feel drowsy, and she fell into her deep slumber while thinking the possible happiness in the future they might have if she did say yes to his proposal.

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