Everyone headed toward the car parked in the lot. Jin Woo walked to the passenger side and opened the door for Eun Soo. She looked at him for a brief moment, surprised by his politeness, and then stepped inside.
Jin Woo started to guide Hajun toward the back seat, but Eun Soo spoke up softly. "Please, let him sit on my lap in the front seat," she said, reaching out her arms.
Jin Woo looked at Hajun, who gave a small, shy nod of approval. He carefully placed the boy on Eun Soo's lap and tossed the small backpack into the back seat.
Once he was in the driver's seat, Jin Woo pulled on his seatbelt and looked over at Eun Soo. She was struggling to reach the buckle while holding Hajun with one hand. Without thinking, Jin Woo leaned across the center console to help her. As he pulled the belt over them, his face came very close to hers.
Eun Soo froze, her eyes widening in surprise. Jin Woo's face was just centimeters away from hers. Her warm breath, stronger due to the proximity, brushed against his face. He could even smell a sweet, light rose like fragrance from her that made him feel strangely peaceful.
How can a married man come so close to another woman? Eun Soo thought.
Jin Woo suddenly realized how the situation must look and felt a wave of panic in his mind, though he didn't show it on his face. "I'm sorry," he muttered quickly, clicking the belt into place and pulling back to his side.
What was I doing just now? What will Hajun's teacher think? he thought.
Then he looked at Hajun, who for some reason hadn't noticed what happened. The boy had closed his eyes and was resting peacefully in Eun Soo's lap. Her arms provided a comfort he had not felt in a long time. For some reason, Hajun felt very peaceful around Eun Soo today.
Jin Woo noticed this and thought, Maybe the calm energy of his teacher has made him feel peaceful. I should have put him in kindergarten sooner after the accident. These teachers are trained professionals. Maybe it would have a better effect on Hajun than spending time with me.
As a first time guardian, Jin Woo still didn't know everything about what a child needed. This was all new to him. He made a mental note of the observation.
Eun Soo also noticed Hajun's calm state and gently tapped his back. The boy looked completely at peace in her arms.
The drive to the café was peaceful. The air conditioner was set to 19 degrees Celsius, and Jin Woo played a slow, soothing song that made the atmosphere even more comfortable. Even Eun Soo began to feel sleepy.
Jin Woo glanced at her and said softly, "You can take a rest. I'll let you know when we arrive at the café."
Eun Soo looked at him but shook her head. "It's alright. We'll arrive soon."
Seeing that she didn't want to rest, Jin Woo didn't press further and focused on driving.
When they arrived at the Secret Alley Café, Jin Woo slowly parked the car and got out. He walked around to the passenger side and opened the door for Eun Soo. She was still holding Hajun, who was resting on her lap, so she couldn't move easily.
"Let me hold him so you can get out," Jin Woo said.
Eun Soo nodded and tried to shift Hajun slightly. As she moved him, the sleeping boy suddenly opened his eyes and looked around frantically for his mom. But he quickly remembered where he was, and his expression returned to normal.
Both Jin Woo and Eun Soo noticed the reaction. Eun Soo's mind filled with questions, while Jin Woo struggled to hold back his tears. He slowly took Hajun into his own arms. The boy clung tightly to his uncle.
After the small incident, they entered the café and found a private table in the corner. Eun Soo took a seat on one side, and Jin Woo sat on the other. He placed Hajun on the seat beside him.
"What would you like to drink?" Jin Woo asked.
"Oh, I don't need anything, thank you," Eun Soo replied politely.
"Please, it's my first time meeting Hajun's teacher, so you have to order something. I insist," Jin Woo said.
Eun Soo smiled slightly at his polite insistence. "Then anything is fine for me."
"I'll order a simple black coffee for us," Jin Woo decided.
He then looked at Hajun. "Should I order your favorite?"
Hajun, now fully awake, had a sparkle in his eyes and nodded repeatedly. Seeing this, both Jin Woo and Eun Soo smiled.
Jin Woo placed the order, and the drinks arrived shortly after.
Once the drinks were on the table, Eun Soo looked at Jin Woo with a serious but kind expression. "Mr. Seo, I wanted to talk to you because Hajun is very quiet in class," she began.
She explained how he spent his lunch break alone, solving math puzzles instead of playing with the other children. Jin Woo's already somewhat melancholic expression grew deeply sad as he listened.
"I'm sorry," he said, his voice dropping to a low, painful tone. "Hajun's mother passed away in an accident recently. He has become much more silent since then, but I will try harder to talk to him."
Eun Soo finally understood everything after hearing the explanation. Suddenly, she didn't know what to say next. What could she even ask a grieving husband?