Chapter 51.1

Chapter 51.1

“I’m sorry. I looked away for just a second.”

Suho apologized again, watching Ara’s face closely.

“Are you okay? You’re not hurt, are you?”

His voice was calm and kind, filled with genuine concern. His expression made it clear he meant it.

“I’m fine.”

Ara shook her head and took a small step back. The space between them widened slightly, easing the tension that had come from standing too close.

“But what are you doing here?”

“It’s almost my mentor’s birthday, so I came to buy a gift. And you?”

“Oh, I just came to pick up some clothes.”

At her answer, Suho gave her a quick once-over. Then the gentle eyes behind his silver-rimmed glasses crinkled with a smile.

“Is that new? It looks great. Really suits you.”

It wasn’t a dramatic compliment. Just a few words anyone could toss out without meaning much. There was nothing particularly poetic about it.

Still, it felt sweet. And maybe because it felt sweet, it also hurt.

Come to think of it, Seok-kyung had never said anything like that. He’d ask if she liked something, but never once said he liked it on her.

“Thank you.”

Ara gave a slight nod and took a steadying breath.

Look at me, picking at the details after spending his money like I owned the place. They’re my clothes. If I like them, that should be enough. I’m not a kid. Why am I taking this so personally?

She tried to shake it off, half-scolding, half-comforting herself.

Just then, Suho’s jacket buzzed loudly. His phone lit up, flashing like it couldn’t wait another second.

“I wish we had time to sit for a coffee, but this call’s urgent.”

He glanced at the screen and gave her an apologetic look.

“It’s alright. Go ahead and take it.”

Ara waved her hands and smiled.

“Are you free later this evening?”

Suho checked the time. Ara glanced toward the hallway leading back to the store, then smiled, hesitant.

“Sorry. I don’t think today will work.”

“Then call me when you’re free. I’ll be waiting.”

“Alright. I will.”

Only after she said it did he finally start to walk away.

“Ara.”

He didn’t get far. After just two steps, still holding the unanswered call in his hand, he turned back.

“Don’t forget. Please call me. Okay?”

His voice carried a quiet urgency that cut through the noise, landing sharp in her ears.

It’s just coffee with someone from my hometown. Why does he look like this matters so much?

She found his desperation strange, unfamiliar. Still, she smiled and nodded.

The feeling of being wanted by someone wasn’t unpleasant. Maybe, at that moment, it was exactly what she needed.

“Yes, this is Yoon Suho. Sorry to keep you waiting…”

As Suho finally answered the call, he disappeared in the direction of the men’s restroom on the opposite side. The shadow that had once overlapped hers slowly peeled away.

Ara stood for a moment, staring blankly at the spot he’d just left. Then, with a gloomy expression, she turned the corner and trudged ahead.

The department store, filled with weekend shoppers, remained as noisy and lively as before. Nothing had changed while she was away. Everything was still in its place, each person absorbed in their own little joys.

And yet, despite having bought so many beautiful, expensive things, she felt like the only one who wasn’t enjoying herself.

“Na Ara.”

The soft voice that stopped her was not Suho’s. It was far more familiar. Warmer. A voice she wanted to hear more than any other.

“Kim Seok-kyung.”

Ara turned slowly. Seok-kyung stood alone.

“Where’s Seol-do?”

“No idea. Said something about picking up snacks for Baekseol before we go.”

As he spoke, Seok-kyung glanced around, as if checking the area one last time.

“Here.”

He suddenly held out a small, square box. It was just big enough to fit in the palm of her hand, no deeper than two finger joints.

Ara tilted her head, eyeing him curiously.

“What is it?”

Seok-kyung looked like he was about to say something but paused. After swallowing once, he finally answered.

“A gift.”

“A gift?”

“You don’t really own any proper jewelry. That’s why you said the disposable tracker was a waste.”

Ara frowned slightly, confused by the sudden mention of a tracker.

A tracker?

Still puzzled, she opened the box. The moment she saw what was inside, her lips pressed together in a tight line.

“Too bad it’s disposable. It’d be even better if it wasn’t.”

“The color’s different, but it kind of looks like that necklace you gave me back then, doesn’t it?”

‘So this… this is a miracle.’

A goblin clumsy at expressing kindness, offering the greatest gentleness he could manage in this moment.

“Kim Seok-kyung. You really shouldn’t go around giving things like this to just anyone.”

Ara looked up at him, her eyes shimmering as she held the platinum necklace that sparkled like sunlight. Her expression teetered on the edge of tears.

“It’s not just anyone.”

His low voice made her heart skip, sending it racing.

“But you know… you’re a pretty decent housekeeper. A fairly skilled cook, too.”

And just like that, her heart plummeted.

“Anyway. Goblins never forget a favor.”

Seok-kyung continued, carefully averting his gaze as he spoke.

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