Chapter 20. The Guy Next Door (20)

She started packing cakes for customers like nothing happened, and Seontae, while doing the dishes, asked,

“Did something good happen?”

It wasn’t until evening that Kim Haeda finally came down to the shop.

***

“What about dinner? We both worked hard today—my treat.”

Kim Haeda wasn’t entirely shameless. Back to his usual clean and upbeat self, he pointed toward a barbecue place a bit away. It was a popular spot with a constant line because the food was so good.

But having spent the entire day on her feet while Haeda was gone, Eunkyo pushed Seontae forward.

“You two go. I’m going to pass out. I’ve got writing to do too.”

“We can eat quickly. You need to eat dinner anyway.”

“I’ll eat lying down in bed. Oh, you made the bed before you came down, right?”

“I even cleaned the house, okay? You really live like a slob.”

“Mmm, thanks. Then Seontae, have a lovely date with our boss. Got it?”

At her words, Seontae slung on his backpack with a pouty expression.

“Then I’ll eat your share too.”

“Make sure you drain Kim Haeda’s wallet for me.”

“Yes!”

Watching the suspicious glances exchanged between Haeda and Seontae, Eunkyo stayed behind and began to tidy up. Thanks to Seontae’s usual thoroughness, she only had to organize receipts and a few tools.

Finishing up with the feeling of a hamster in a wheel, she locked the front door and headed down to the basement.

A space that once reeked unpleasantly of cement when empty was now thick with someone else’s scent.

It was strange, really. Wherever a person’s touch lingers, a trace remains—whether you want it to or not, it becomes imprinted on someone.

*Knock, knock.*

She tapped on the door, but there was no answer from inside. She could hear music, though, so he was definitely in there…

She couldn’t make the same mistake as last time. After squeezing her eyes shut once and opening them, Eunkyo knocked on the door firmly.

Then the double-layered door opened. There was a glass door inside and a plain metal door on the outside.

Cool air flowed out to greet her as he stepped forward, brushing his hands off and smiling.

“Come on in, sunbae.”

“Excuse me.”

“Have you had dinner?”

“I just got off work, so not yet. I might eat upstairs or just go straight to bed. I’m exhausted.”

Following Jaeheon inside, Eunkyo looked around and was genuinely impressed by how different the space felt. Unlike before when it was still in disarray, now it looked like a movie set, with his unique sense of style reflected in every corner.

What stood out the most, though, was the surprising number of plants. Plants she had never even tried to grow were filling up the space, their fresh leaves giving life to every empty spot.

“Wow… This is what an artist’s studio looks like. It’s amazing.”

At her genuine admiration, Jaeheon let out a soft laugh while drying his hands at the sink. Then, he placed a hand on her shoulder and gently guided her onto the couch.

Startled, Eunkyo looked up at him.

“Wait a sec. It’s almost done.”

“What is?”

“That.”

He pointed to a fairly large machine. Inside, the X and Y axes moved back and forth, creating something.

“That’s a 3D printer. I upgraded it when I moved in. I was wondering what to make first, and you came to mind.”

Just then, a short beep sounded from the machine. Jaeheon walked over and opened the glass cover, revealing an object about the size of an adult fist.

He gently brushed the dust off with a brush, then used a chisel, sandpaper, and sponge-like tools to polish the surface. Leaning over the table, he moved with such precision that it was mesmerizing to watch.

After a while, he brought it over and handed it to her—and Eunkyo burst into laughter.

It was a transparent rabbit, crouched down like a person, with both ears drooping. What made it unique was its heart—a heart shaped from swirling blue waves, contradicting the rabbit’s lifeless appearance with a vivid sense of energy. It was a strangely captivating object.

“It’s a paperweight. You can use it to hold down books, or just as decoration. I remember you had a lot of books at home.”

Eunkyo carefully accepted the gift, genuinely touched. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had given her a present—let alone one they made themselves.

“Thank you… I don’t know what I can give you in return.”

“I’ve already gotten a lot. The fan, the shower…”

“You didn’t even come to shower when I told you to. And the fan was just a thank-you for getting rid of that creep.”

“I’m coming to shower today.”

He stood up from where he’d been sitting on the edge of the coffee table. Eunkyo automatically looked up at him.

“I was actually going to come shower today, but I heard the owner was home. What about now? Is he still there?”

He asked casually as he began cleaning out the 3D printer, brushing off dust and leftover materials, then dumping it into a large trash bin nearby.

“No, he went back. Wanna come shower now?”

She stood quietly, cradling the heavy paperweight with care, and asked back. He replied, 

“Sure. Just a second.”

Her heart felt like it might burst, yet Jaeheon looked completely calm. It made her feel a little resentful somehow—but no, she shook off the thought. She needed to focus on building a proper relationship, not drifting into fantasy.

While he tidied up, Eunkyo wandered around the studio, casually taking in the space. Then she noticed some unopened boxes.

“These aren’t unpacked yet?”

“Oh, those are just things I made when I was bored. I’m leaving them as is.”

“What kind of things? Are they like the one you gave me?”

Curious, she leaned closer to peek inside one of the half-open boxes. But suddenly, he was behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and leaning forward to shut the lid.

“It’s dangerous. You shouldn’t look.”

Thrown halfway into his arms, she felt dizzy and let out an awkward laugh.

“Dangerous? What is it?”

“Hmm… Should I call it a dildo? Or just say, a dick?”

Cold sweat ran down her back as her brain struggled to process what she’d just heard. She turned to him in shock, only to find him struggling to hold back laughter as he gently spun her around by the shoulders.

“It’s just some stupid joke between guys. But someone left them in my studio, and some of them are mine, so… yeah, can’t show you.”

“… You’re insane, aren’t you?”

“It’s just a joke. I mean, not saying I’m not insane…”

“Ugh, seriously. Why would you even—”

“Want one?”

Eunkyo shook her head fiercely. He burst out laughing at her passionate refusal and grabbed her by the arm.

Saying they should go shower, he stepped out of the studio.