thirty-two

Make It Count
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Hellooooooooo people. I'm terribly sorry for the late late late update. I could blame my packed schedule with the current internship programme but nah, I was on a writer's block for a very long time. But hell yes now I'll update as usual. Hopefully. Thank you for your patience!

 

 

32.

 

“Jongdae?”

Her eyes squints at the figure of the person at the end of the hallway that comes approaching, lifting a brow as she doesn’t expect meeting him at the academy today. Seeing the striking beam that curls across the man’s face has lifted hers as well, but immediately been taken away as the realization of them being in their workplace comes.

He clears his throat as Ga Eul’s eye sign greets him, secretly points to the empty classroom as he walks pass her.

And the lady follows after 8 seconds, making sure that no one – either the students or other tutors – notices their act.

“Shouldn’t you be on leave today?”

He turns to the voice, smiling at the lady who is sliding the door behind her closed. His arm spreads to the front, wanting her to come closer towards him but it wasn’t that easy since Ga Eul chooses to be careful all the way as she stays at the door, leaning her back against it.

“Do you feel better? Is your stomach okay now?” Ga Eul sighs silently as her questions are responded with chuckles from the other, frowning as she is genuinely worried for his condition right at the moment. It was all for last night when she came over to send some food and finds Jongdae curling on his bed, not sleeping but squeezing his eyes shut as he held in the pain. “Why aren’t you home? You should take some rest, Jongdae.”

“So which of your questions should I answer first?” He laughs again, raising a pout from her lips as she realizes her deed. Jongdae draws his steps closer towards his lady, taking her hand in his before pulling her to his arms. He lands his soft pillows on her forehead then drops his face to Ga Eul’s shoulder, puppy whines escapes from his lips. “It gets lonely at home.”

For some reason that statement breaks her heart, growing some guilt for having to work today instead of taking care of this man at home.

“That indigestion of yours is because of the stress, you know that right? Get some sleep then. You were restless this week, I wonder what you’re up to these days…” she pulls away for a moment, only to cup the man’s face as she talks before pulling him into the same position once more. Her arms snake around Jongdae’s figure that feels pretty built up more than it looks, patting his back a few times. “I don’t have any more classes today, only a few more stuff need to be done,” she hums, thinking, “Do you want to get some rest at my office? We could put that new couch I bought to some use.”

A thin smile curls as he nods obediently and her hand then falls to clasp his, another one adjusts the coat he is wearing. Strangely, she feels sorry as she sees him like this — which made her came off strong, planting a peck on Jongdae’s cheek and rubbing his arm in the hopes of bringing comfort to the latter.

And for sure it works quite well for the other. To the point that he thinks maybe feeling a little unwell isn’t that bad after all.

“You haven’t had a meal, right?”

“Aside from Auntie’s porridge this morning, not yet.” He pauses, “Auntie seems very busy these days.”

“She got a number of requests for weddings lately, so she won’t be home until Haneul comes back from school.”

Jongdae lifts his gaze up, following the lady’s steps from her desk to the cupboard on the left side of the room. He watches her tipping her toes to find something there, leading him to stand up to offer some assist but everything is stopped with just a sharp glare from the latter. She points one finger out from Jongdae’s face then to the couch, demanding, “Stay right there.” Her other hand comes out afterwards along with a blanket, “Use this as well.”

She takes her empty mug and strides towards the door, “Your mug is at the pantry, right? The brown one with the…”

“…yes, that one.” Jongdae rolls his eyes as he knows why the lady is supressing her giggles, “With the We Bare Bears pattern.”

“Right. That cute one.” Ga Eul purses her lips, hiding her face behind her own mug. “We’ll find something to eat after this, alright? I’ll finish those stuff quickly.” She stops by at where Jongdae is sitting, caressing his locks and leans in to plant a quick kiss on his temple. “Have some of hot drinks first then only you get some sleep.”

Jongdae chuckles, wearily, his lids feel heavier as seconds p

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see you in the next update everyone. stay safe and healthy ♥️

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nadwifeygd
#1
Chapter 38: my heart hurtSsss both of them feel responsible for that incident but in the end, gaeul be the one to cut it out.... i hope they can get back together after they healed from the bad memories
baekroses_
#2
Chapter 36: Awww it's broke my heart reading this ㅠㅡㅠ.
Jongdae must not expected the reaction.
Thanks for this wonderful chapter
Bubbleblue1994
#3
Chapter 35: I'm crying so hard right now.
I thought it'd like Jongdae predicted. Where he'll be the one who'll beg for forgiveness and Gaeul will hate him because he's the brother.
BUT I DIDN'T EXPECTED GAEUL TO BLAME HERSELF LIKE THIS. This is so heartbreaking. Like so heartbreaking. They're both good people, but why fate being like this to them.
I understand why Gaeul blame herself, if only she wasn't hesitating for too long, maybe she can come and talk to Hwan and maybe Hwan would still be here. But it's not her fault too. She lost someone precious to her, she needs times to adjusting well to the new life without her father. I hope she won't blame herself anymore.
I read this chapter twice, at first I was kinda mad at Jongdae to let go of her hand, because his actions made it looked like he agreed that if she came earlier, his brother would still alive, and he wouldn't be all alone in this world now. But maybe, he's just too shocked as well. Maybe he suddenly wondered why he didn't think of this scenario before. It's kinda selfish of him. But I still appreciate how he quickly realized it and tried to wait for her even tho in the end he left without saying goodbye.
In the end, he left and she wasn't dare to show up too. I feel so bad for them. When they see each other again later, I hope they'll be fine. I hope, they're not two people who lived in regret and pain anymore. Please, be happy later. :')
Is it selfish of me if I say I still want them to be together? Maybe after both healed? :')
Author-nim, do you know Writer Lee? The one who wrote the script for Reply Series and Hospital Playlist? I think the way you write this story kinda reminds me of her. You don't necessarily need a villain to create a conflict and in your story. The story focused on the main characters, both are good people, with good heart. It doesn't have to be love triangle to make the story more interesting. You don't have this complicated mysterious or anything in this story, yet you successfully captured every emotions sooooo well. I really admire you. ㅠ.ㅠ
Thank you so much for the update! See you! Take care! ♥
nadwifeygd
#4
Chapter 34: im scared what will happen later aaaaa what a fateful moment. sooner or later, gaeul will know the truth and it depends o her whether she wants to accept jongdae or not..... i hope she wont abandon jongdae bcs she still has her mother and brother but jongdae only has baekhyun and her as his family :(
baekroses_
#5
Chapter 34: Uuuuu what a cliffhanger there ㅎㅎ. So it looks like Gaeul's mom already know the story. Aaaa Jongdae so brave to do that and i hope the result will be good. Im curious what will happen next if Gaeul know the story,what will happen with their relay then.. thanks for the update and i looking forward for the next one
Bubbleblue1994
#6
Chapter 34: Woahhhhhhh my mind goes blank ㅠ.ㅠ
I wanted to wrote a really long comment about Jongdae met Mr. Lee, probably told her the truth and asked her permission to date Gaeul. But what's with the last part? Did Gaeul ever tried to look for the kid that her father helped? Did she found Jongdae's house because of that? I think she thought Jongdae was the one who's her father help ㅠ.ㅠ
Whatever it is, I want her to listen to Jongdae first. Her reaction kinda scares me ㅠ.ㅠ
Thank you for the update! See you! Take care! ♥
Bubbleblue1994
#7
Chapter 33: Hehehe. I'm actually kinda happy when Jongdae said he gets lonely at home. It means he's used to Gaeul's presence now. He lived alone for years, so staying alone at home shouldn't be that lonely for him. But maybe because Gaeul always with him most of the time now, he suddenly feel lonely when she's not around.
Oh god. My heart. This is so lovely. Too muvh fluff to handle. Hehehe. But I like it. Especially now that Jongdae is starting to opening up. And the way Gaeul treated him was so sweet.
Eh? Hhhmm what kind of secret that Jongdae hide? Seems like Gaeul is kinda mad (?)
Thank you for the update!!! Hope you're doing well. See you! Take care!
baekroses_
#8
Chapter 33: The fluff on this chap was killing me ㅠㅠㅠ that's too adorable to handle. Thanks for the update and looking forward for jongdae's secret.
Bubbleblue1994
#9
Chapter 32: So, the woman was cheating on Shixun too? That's karma. Tch. Why he tried to meet Gaeul again? Maybe he thought she'll consider going back to him? LOL. At least, this time he came to talk when he's sober.
I agreed with Gaeul. I don't think Shixun still loves her. Or maybe he do, but his heart isn't entirely hers anymore. Maybe he loves Gaeul and that woman at the same time? Or maybe he loves that woman? But he's used to have Gaeul beside him, that's why he came back? I know in relationship sometimes just love isn't enough. There will be time when you got bored of your partner, or you feel suffocated and want to escape the relationship for a while. But it doesn't give you rights to cheat on them. If you do, maybe you're actually falling out of love.
I'm glad seeing them talk about this. We need a proper closure, right? Hehehe.
Okay. So, when's the wedding date? LOL
Thank you for the update! I didn't knew I need this chapter. Shixun was once a big part of Gaeul's life, so it's nice to see them officially moved on and had a proper goodbye. See you! Take care!
Bubbleblue1994
#10
Chapter 31: Jongdae is so fcking sweet. Oh god. He's the sweetest ever. I swear. His confessions was simple yet so genuine. And when he realized how he made she feels all these times with his actions, I hope he realized that he's worth that much. That there's someone who treasure him a lot. Who's always patiently waiting for him to make a move. You're so loved by people around you, Jongdae.
Baek and Gaeul's relationship is kinda cute sometimes. Not in romantic way, but more like siblings/ friendly way. I love how Baek just casually called Gaeul 'big sis'. Hehehe.
Okay. Now what Shixun? You're just here to apologize and leave, right? Please, Gaeul already happy. No more drama, drama king. Tch.
Thank you for the update! See you soon! Take care!