Translated by: ShawnSuh Edited by: SootyOwl Fingers gently holding the cup . Shoulders that were not overly relaxed . A straight posture . Juho could see why Hyun Do Lim was such a respected figure among authors . It had nothing to do with his appearance or books . He knew how to be considerate of others . While maintaining his boundaries, he understood what others wanted, creating a safe and comfortable environment for them . He never opened himself up rashly . He wasnt in the habit of showing off, trying to prove himself . He was charming, but not very approachable . The only thing left, was respect . Before there was even time to chew, the icy bits in Juhos mouth melted away . In no time at all, there was nothing left in his cup . Finished? Yes . Shall we? As they walked out of the room, Juho felt a gaze in his direction . Though he had an idea from whom it could be, he made his way through the hallway without looking around . How was your meal? asked Madame Song, who was standing by the cash register . She must have wanted to see Hyun Do out . It was great! Im happy I know about this place, answered Juho, smiling . Im glad to hear that, Madame Song answered, looking in his direction . She seemed like she had something she wanted to ask . While Juho hesitated, Hyun Do stepped in and asked, What is it? So… She hesitated, resting her hand on her cheek . She really looked like a cub . Youre not…Yun Woo, are you? she asked in a whisper . Its just… Hyun Do never brings anyone to the restaurant with him, and you dont seem to be older than a high school student . Yun Woo is the only author I know who is around your age, so… am I right? Her eyes sparkled with antic.i.p.ation . Her reasoning skills seemed to be much better than those of Hyun Dos fan . Juho glanced over at Hyun Do, who was observing Juhos behavior . With that, Juho turned his attention back to Madame Song and her cub-like appearance . Maybe thats why shes still around Mr . Lim . She might let her curiosity get the best of her, but she never expressed herself in a way that was offensive . Like her, he lowered his voice to a whisper and asked, Would you mind keeping it on the down low? Her eyes widened with surprise, taking turns looking at Hyun Do and Juho . Shall we? Hyun Do suggested, leaving her behind . As he followed Hyun Do, Juho turned around to say goodbye, Take care, maam . Come get what you like next time youre here! said Madame Song . Yes, maam, Juho answered . The food had been to his liking, so he wanted to come back whenever he had the opportunity . Together, Hyun Do and Juho went back the way they came . Leaving the luxurious exterior of the restaurant behind, they walked through a narrow alleyway and out to the main street . You must have taken the subway . Yes, sir . Ill walk you to the station . Although it wasnt necessary, Juho didnt want to decline Hyun Dos offer . Though he was walking side by side to Hyun Do, he didnt really feel anything . The street was filled with the sounds of cars and people, but it all felt distant . Usually, he would have taken his time walking, observing every little corner of the streets in search of inspiration . He would have untangled the noise around him, digging for emotions and conflict . If anything, walking beside Hyun Do felt peaceful . Perhaps his immense presence had something to do with it . It would take something just as large and powerful to bring down that wall of tranquility . Upon arriving at the entrance to the station, Juho thanked him, Thank you for everything . I had a great time today . The pleasures mine, said Hyun Do, looking in Juhos direction . Are you planning on writing when you get home? he asked . Because Juho couldnt really grasp the intention behind the question, he decided to answer honestly, Yes, sir . What are you planning to write about? Im not sure yet . Hm, he made a distinct sound and added, Kids, sometimes… Juho wasnt entirely sure who he was referring to, but he listened carefully anyway . . tend to hate certain foods without even tasting them . When you ask them, its usually because they dont like how it tastes . Its fascinating . How can they know the flavor when the food hasnt even touched their lips? You can kind of guess, especially with food that looks mushy and squishy . Kids are sensitive, so theyre able to catch on quickly . Hyun Do nodded lightly and said, You said youre not a picky eater, right? Yes, sir . Then, Im sure it wont hurt to try other foods . . Juho remained silent for a while . He knew Hyun Do wasnt talking about food . Hyun Dos eyes were fixated on Juhos shoulders, and Juho studied his eyes . Your shoulders look tense . Juho immediately stretched his shoulders . Dont be nervous about tasting new things . After all, Im sure youll be able to digest it all, no matter what it is . After a quick time thinking, Juho asked, Do you have a suggestion in mind? I cant stand giving testimonials . Youre on your own, said Hyun Do, chuckling . Juho had heard from Nam Kyung that Hyun Do had turned down his testimonial request . With those words, Juho bowed to say goodbye . Watching Hyun Do calmly going about his way, Juho slowly made his way down the stairs into the station . As he entered the dark, his footsteps grew louder . Midway, he looked back . Somehow, the sky peeking through a small opening resembled Hyun Dos black and silver hair . It almost looked like he was standing in snow . Looking away, Juho continued on his way in search of food he had yet to try . Oh, yeah! I forgot about the autograph . * Yun Seo watered the plants in her small vegetable garden . The water droplets shone brightly on the fresh vegetables . Sitting down on the dirt, she watched an ant crawling by . Whats the hurry, little one? The ant was taking a dead worm back to its nest . For the first time in a long time, she had the day to herself . There was no cla.s.s, and both of her pupils were out . She no longer wrote novels since she had started feeling that she had used up all she had as an author . She no longer had the strength to write anything elaborate . However, she felt more relieved than sad . It was the satisfaction of having poured everything out, writing as much as she could . Now, the only thing she wrote about was her everyday life, which piled higher with age . Maybe I should try writing an essay when Im even older, she thought . Writing about her garden wouldnt be so bad either . Maybe I should go on trips before its too late, so I can write about it . Bark! A dog barked in the distance . It had to be the large dog that lived nearby . Though the breed wasnt clear, it was a rather adorable dog with a spot that covered its right eye . Whenever she heard it bark, Yun Seo thought of her husband - an author who had had the ability to raise the spirits of his readers with his writing . Lately, she had been reminded of one more person . Having already published his second book recently, he was still a young author… … Yun Woo . He had many similarities to her husband, who had pa.s.sed away at an early age . A sixteen-year-old boy . An award-winning, celebrity author . Her pupils had also mentioned his name on several occasions . At first, she had read his book out of nothing more than curiosity, but the young author drew out a sense of longing in her heart . It had been fascinating . Despite the distinct styles and atmosphere of the two authors, their writing kept overlapping in her mind . When she read Yun Woos writing for the third time, she finally came to realize why . They both had a similar approach to writing . Hyun Do had felt the same way when she shared it with him . He had said, Itll be a while before his next book comes out . It takes time for a writer to gather that much emotion to the point of reaching the bottom . The ant kept crawling by . When she first met Yun Woo, he had already been working on his next book, nearing its completion . Before reaching the one year mark of his debut t.i.tle, his new book was published . The world was filled with Yun Woo now, and she was somewhat delighted by her friends misjudgment . Whats so funny? Yun Seo looked back . The voice belonged to her friend, who kept looking better with age . I was thinking about my husband . Then, it makes sense that youre smiling . Hyun Do tended to be mischievous at the mention of Yun Seos husband . Despite that, she kept bring up her husband to him . Perhaps she was entertained by it somehow . Because of Hyun Do, her memories of her husband had remained intact, even decades after his pa.s.sing . Hows Madame Song? she asked . Shes fine . Madame Songs food was an amazing source of energy . When Hyun Do was busy writing, he ate there regularly . Even after he finished a book, he ate there to reward himself for completing the long journey . Somehow, Madame Songs appearance resembled that of a bear cub . Upon hearing about it, Yun Seo had exclaimed cheerfully, Thats such an adorable nickname! Its been a while since youve been there . Next time, well go together . If I have time . Look at you sounding all busy, The two sat on the wooden bench, and the wind blew gently on the leaves . So, how was it talking with Yun Woo? she asked . It was fun . We spoke a similar language . He seemed genuinely happy, and she stared at that unusual sight . What else? Hes a light eater . That cant be right . He has a good appet.i.te . I saw him eat when he came over . Despite her puzzled look, Hyun Do continued, Its not like me to do it, but I did give him advice . What kind of advice? I told him to be more versatile . Versatile . It hasnt been that long since his new book came out . It cant hurt to let him rest for a bit, said Yun Seo, concerned . He doesnt think of writing as work . If anything, its closer to rest . Its a digestive process . Digestive process . It was an a.n.a.logy her husband had used frequently . He liked to compare his writing to digesting . Hearing that familiar expression, she couldnt help but laugh . You were so annoyed then, saying that it was overly complicated! I still dont like it . Im just coming to understand it now, he said . All right . Are you sticking around for dinner? Ill cook . You should rest while you can . Joon Soo and Geun Woo dont seem to be around today either . Better to have more than less . Regrets about not leaving enough memories tended to sting more . Facing the end was always sad . Reminiscing the friends.h.i.+p they had had while her husband was still alive, she stood up and said, I should probably make enough for three . Nothings sadder than not having enough to eat . Hyun Do didnt say anything in return .