"Papa, you have a calling card" Haneul said, holding out a note. Chanhun had accidentally given her the card along with her letters. "A calling card? Are we expecting someone to return to town any time?" Minjun asked. "Not that I remember dear. Perhaps we have new neighbours. There are many cottages yet to be let out on the Chatsworth Estate" Hyunshik said taking the card.

"I believe it is Kim Wonshik’s family. I saw him in a carriage in town yesterday when we went to the seamstress" Minah told Haneul. "Yeah! He was with a lady who looked a lot like him. Maybe a sister" Sanghyuk agreed. "And lo behold, you are correct. Wonshik has written to announce the arrival of his mother and a younger sister. He has extended an invitation to tea any time we are free next week" Hyunshik summarised.

"We have no engagements next week save Thursday tea with the Oh family and the ball on Friday" Minjun remembered. "I believe you are dining with Jaehwan on Monday too Haneul" Soojung put in. "That's today Ma'am. He had prior commitments on the day of so I invited him here tonight" Haneul told her. "Tonight! I was under the impression it was tomorrow" Minjun frowned.

"I've already instructed the staff for dinner Mama. And the maids are to do a thorough cleaning of the rooms on the ground floor in the afternoon as well" Haneul told her. "That is a relief. I believe you will spoil your mother this way" Hyunshik laughed. "As it should be so. Haneul must learn to take care of her own household soon enough" Minjun said with a sniff.

"But we must reply to the invitation. Perhaps Tuesday evening tea?" Hyunshik suggested. "I would find it favourable indeed. We can order some fine tea cakes from the bakery" Minjun nodded to herself. "Are we to meet them on Tuesday then?" Sanghyuk asked. "If they agree then probably" Minah told him. 

"I believe it is time for your lessons then" Soojung said, causing Sanghyuk to complain. Hyunshik laughed as Minah made no attempt to placate her brother. "If you will excuse me I will make sure everything is going fine for dinner tonight" Haneul said excusing herself from the room. 

"I must compliment your choices Mrs Kim. The food was delicious" Jaehwan said with a broad smile. "Haneul chose the courses for dinner tonight Jaehwan. And please you can call me Minjun" Minjun said happily. "I just remembered earlier today that you liked freshwater fish" Haneul added. "I am glad you did" he replied. 

"Maybe we can retire to the drawing room for some coffee and cards" Hyunshik suggested. "I was hoping to take a walk through the gardens. There is a rather cool breeze and it hasn't rained in a few days" Jaehwan told him. "That will be more fun! And Jaehwan can tell me more stories from university" Sanghyuk cheered. "Perhaps later Hyuk. Jaehwan will be here for a while. He can tell you stories on a later date. Haneul likes to walk after dinner as well. Maybe she can accompany you" Minah said. Minjun nodded in agreement.

Haneul froze when Jaehwan looked at her. "If you're not tired or unwilling.." he trailed off. "I'd love to accompany you" she said hastily. Jaehwan nodded to himself. He got up with the rest of the family. They lingered behind till everyone was out before walking to the gardens.

"Haneul?" Jaehwan called gingerly. "Yes Jaehwan?" she asked him. "I am afraid that I haven't been honest to you about my intentions" he said stopping in the path. They stopped in the center of the garden, with the small fountain behind them. "I don't know what you could possibly mean by that" Haneul said turning away from him and walking to the flower beds.

"Haneul. Surely you must know by now" Jaehwan started hesitantly. "I cannot if you won't say it Jaehwan. I couldn't possibly know" she replied. Her heart was beating fast and she knew he knew she was lying. The unspoken possibility had hung in the air between them for a very long time. 

"We've been friends for a very long time Haneul. And for some time now, I have felt more for you than just friendship" Jaehwan said. He took her hand boldly, causing Haneul to step back. "You've grown lovelier than I remember you to be. My feelings for you have grown stronger after I saw how kind and beautiful you really are. And I must ask you if you feel the same" he asked without reservations.

"Jaehwan. I don't know what to say" Haneul started hesitantly. "I feel honoured that you hold me in such high regard but I ..." she trailed off uncertainly. This confession was too sudden. She didn't know how to respond to his strong words. She had spent days thinking of what was to be said in this exact situation but she had no idea to phrase her thoughts.

"I suppose this is too sudden a revelation" Jaehwan said, noting her uncertainty. Haneul nodded, unsure of what to do. "I need some time to think" she requested. "I figured as much. Do you think... would you allow me to bias the answer in my favour?" he asked her. Haneul looked up to find him smiling softly at her. He leaned, kissing her gently in her lips. A simple peck but it was too bold. It assumed too much. 

"Jaehwan we shouldn't" Haneul said pulling away from him. "Right. Forgive me. But promise me that you will think about it?" he asked her. Haneul nodded and the two of them continued their walk. For now all she could think of was his question.