At the End of That Memory Chapter 40

It was a project that demanded significant effort, so in many aspects, it turned out well. I didn’t even have to ponder deeply; my mindset was already inclined, with only a slight hesitation lingering. I hadn’t anticipated such a significant change, but it seemed like it would offer a gentle shift in pace.

“If you decide to go, when would that be?”

“Hmm, Kwon Yido mentioned it’s okay from today. Today might be a bit overwhelming, so maybe tomorrow?”

I shut my weary eyes for a moment and reopened them. Lately, my insomnia has worsened, making me feel fatigued whenever I use my eyes for even a short while. Thankfully, I didn’t experience nightmares, yet despite taking sleeping pills, I couldn’t sleep until the morning.

It would be wonderful to create a fragrance that aids in better sleep…

In reality, the solution to my insomnia was straightforward. All I needed to do was experience Kwon Yido’s pheromones every evening, just like when I initially arrived at this house. However, I couldn’t linger around someone who was occupied, so perhaps I could experiment with a scent resembling his.

“Alright, I’ll take note of that.”

Lee Taeseong replied in that manner and shifted his focus back to the book. I frowned while tallying the remaining sleeping pills. It appeared that I would need to contact Director Kim at some point, sooner rather than later.

* * *

Kwon Yido didn’t leave work until I had already fallen asleep. I took the remaining sleeping pills around 3 a.m., and my eyes reopened at 6 a.m., so I had less than three hours of sleep. When he noticed my visibly fatigued expression while I sat at the table, he arched an eyebrow.

“…Did you have a rough night?”

“Yes, well…”

I gave a vague response and awkwardly glanced away. While washing my face, I stole a quick look in the mirror and noticed my complexion wasn’t good at all today. It was to the extent that Kwon Yido observed it and expressed concern.

“Sometimes I struggle to sleep.”

“I don’t think it’s just sometimes.”

Kwon Yido spoke in a calm tone, his eyes slightly furrowed as he asked casually, “Are you still dealing with severe insomnia?”

“Just…” I started to explain but abruptly stopped myself. His specific mention of ‘insomnia’ carried a weight I’d long understood merely by the term itself.

Well… Insomnia was a chronic condition that often plagued modern people.

“It’s not too serious. It happens occasionally,” I replied casually, intentionally downplaying the situation. There wasn’t much to gain by emphasizing its severity. Kwon Yido fell silent for a moment, then narrowed his eyes.

“…I’ll come home early today.”

“Yes?”

“I won’t be dining out. I’ll return promptly.”

Hadn’t he mentioned being busy until this week? It was certainly beneficial if he came home early. I had plans to contact Director Kim around today, but perhaps it didn’t have to be that way.

“So, have you made a decision about the workshop?”

“Ah, yes. If it’s alright, I’d like to go today.”

The breakfast spread included a whole grilled salmon steak and a side of salad. Its exterior displayed a lovely golden brown hue, while the inside remained juicy and moist as I sliced through it. Enjoying a halved cherry tomato, I directed my attention towards him.

“Of course, Lee Taeseong will join as well.”

“Well, you’ve planned it well.”

Kwon Yido appeared content, almost as if he had been anticipating those words. His mouth slowly curved upward, his chin tilting slightly. While the change in his facial expression wasn’t drastic, given his typically reserved demeanor, the shift was noticeable when he smiled.

“It’s not far from here, so you can go whenever it suits you. There’s no strict timing.”

“They probably have their own schedule… Can I just drop in like that?”

“Their schedule?”

He replied confidently, as if he had already handled all the arrangements. The way he chuckled seemed shamelessly confident.

“I’ve already reserved the entire workshop for you.”

“…”

Considering making a second visit, I figured it would be better to go today and set an appointment. I didn’t want to keep them waiting, so establishing a clear schedule would benefit both parties.

“Come back safely. If anything comes up, please get in touch.”

I could almost recite the steps to reach out to him. I wasn’t sure how long they would last if something happened to me. That underlying worry persisted. Additionally, his dark eyes met mine in a quiet exchange.

“…Thanks to you, it’ll be an enjoyable experience.”

I shifted my gaze away and lightly crushed the salad with my fork. Such an action might have drawn disapproval if my father had been present. However, Kwon Yido simply smiled warmly and concentrated on his meal.

The gaze that lingered on my face felt strangely unfamiliar.

 

* * *

 

After Kwon Yido left for work, I quickly got ready for the workshop. I rummaged through the dressing room, opting for comfortable attire, grabbed the keys he had entrusted to me, and disregarded the array of watches in the drawer, cautious not to disturb them.

Lee Taeseong stood outside the middle gate, engrossed in a phone call yet again. Upon noticing me, he promptly ended the call, even though there was no rush, and swiftly pressed the elevator button.

“You’ve been through a lot.”

“…I know you mean well with that greeting, but it’s unnecessary.”

Lee Taeseong had a subtle expression as he stepped into the elevator. It seemed that when others did it, it didn’t sound sincere, but when I did, it came across as genuine. I wanted to assure him that it was genuine, but just as I was about to, the elevator door opened, and I couldn’t say it.

 

“What car are you driving?”

“I parked it there…Oh, I’ll drive.”

I spoke casually and took the initial step forward. It was a pristine white sedan that had been quietly stationed since the outing with Kwon Yido to the Han River. As I retrieved the car keys from my pocket, Lee Taeseong’s eyes widened in surprise.

“…Did you buy the car?”

“No, it was a gift.”

There was a mix of envy and confusion in his expression. Even though I didn’t specify the giver, he seemed to have an inkling. After all, who else but Kwon Yido could present such an expensive car as a gift?

“I can’t hand over a gift to someone else.”

As I naturally made my way to the driver’s seat, he hesitated near the car. Perhaps due to his size, his hesitation was quite evident. Catching my puzzled gaze, he hesitated before finally asking.

“Shall I take the passenger seat then?”

“Of course, where else would you sit?”

He fell silent, his expression saying it all. With me occupying the driver’s seat, there were only two options left for him.

“You can take the back seat.”

“…”

It felt quite awkward witnessing his silent gesture opening the passenger door. Considering he didn’t object, I suppose he was adapting to the situation. It seemed he was more adaptable than I initially thought. Initially, I assumed he was rigid, but now I believe he’d manage even if stranded on a deserted island.

“Please buckle up before we start.”

“…”

Lee Taeseong seemed to be surreptitiously observing the car, his interest in cars evident. He fastened his seat belt, glanced at the back seat, checked the console and rear view mirror while pretending to focus ahead.

“Feel free to look around.”

I said it with a slight smile, but his movements became noticeably more rigid. His attempt to look straight ahead seemed unnaturally forced, and he positioned his hand on his knee, appearing cautious.

“You’ve driven more expensive cars than this, haven’t you?”

“Well, I wasn’t in the passenger’s seat then, was I?”

“Aren’t drivers usually more nervous?”

With a pleasant smile, I slowly started the car. As I felt the quality of the ride, which I had noticed before, Lee Taeseong’s expression brightened the moment we exited the garage.

“It’s great that the weather is nice.”

 

How would Kwon Yido react to this? He might not appreciate my choice to take the driver’s seat, but if I decided to drive, he likely wouldn’t object. Besides, wasn’t this car already a shared space with Kwon Yido, unlike the greenhouse?

“Did you choose the car yourself?”

“No, the person who gifted it had good taste.”

“And…”

The sentiment behind that was rather nuanced. Was it because Kwon Yido had exceptional taste, or was it something I wouldn’t have picked? It seemed more like the latter, which I expressed apologetically.

“I didn’t think you had an interest in cars.”

“That’s correct. I don’t.”

Kwon Yido once mentioned he couldn’t find a car that suited me. I tended to agree, not being particularly passionate about cars, except for this white sedan that he chose.

“I’ll wait outside the store.”

The perfume workshop he recommended wasn’t far from home. With a clean exterior and an underground parking lot, it wasn’t much trouble to bring my car. After parking it appropriately and stepping out, my attention was drawn to a wooden sign.

“Lee Taeseong, are you familiar with this?”

“I am not.”

The response was resolute, skipping any inquiry about the subject. I offered a gentle smile as I explained.

“The store’s name, Mon Chou Chou, means ‘my little cabbage’ in French, where ‘Chou’ translates to cabbage.”

“…Cabbage?”

“Yes, precisely. Cabbage. Though it’s a term of endearment, like ‘honey’ or ‘sweetheart.’”

That was one of the first French phrases my professor taught me, but I chose not to mention its affectionate connotation, instead pushing open the glass door. Lee Taeseong looked puzzled as he stared at the sign.

Clack.

“Welcome!”

The cheerful greeting chimed along with the doorbell. As I stepped inside, I surveyed the space carefully. Brown bottles of perfumes lined the walls, and tables held perfume papers and various empty containers. The wooden decor created a snug, inviting ambiance.

Most importantly, the entire place, from the door to the interior, was permeated with a delightful aroma.

“…”

I inhaled slowly. It carried floral notes, maybe a touch of refreshing fruitiness. It wasn’t overwhelming, just enough to alter the mood. Though I’d been to perfume stores before, this air felt particularly invigorating.

“Ah… Jung Sejin, right?”

“…Ah, hello.”

Roused from the intoxicating scent, I refocused my attention in her direction. The woman, carefully observing, brightened up as she approached.

With a somewhat wistful smile, she greeted me, “You’re here already? I was waiting.”

Her appearance was pleasant, dressed in a soft white blouse and wide beige slacks. Significantly shorter than me, she approached warmly.

“It’s quite a different experience seeing it in person after watching it on TV. I’m Lee Heena.”

It was a lovely name, and I accepted her outstretched hand, noticing her diminutive stature compared to mine.

“I’m Jung Sejin. Nice to meet you.”

“Yes, likewise.”

She didn’t emit any discernible pheromones, probably a Beta. Yet, she exuded a captivating fragrance, embodying the essence of a perfumer, much like the vague image I had in mind as a child.

“By the way, the person outside…”

Lee Heena glanced toward the glass door as she spoke. Following her gaze, I spotted Lee Taeseong, standing tall with his back to the door, clad in a black suit.

“He’s my bodyguard, waiting out front.”

“Ah… If he stays like that, he’ll draw everyone’s attention.”

She murmured with a puzzled expression, wrinkling her rounded features. Glancing at me, Lee Heena gestured towards the door and inquired.

“Can I invite him in to wait?”

I assured her that she could do what was convenient for her, and she swiftly opened the glass door and stepped out. The door closed, so I couldn’t hear their conversation, but I observed Lee Heena tapping Lee Taeseong’s arm, smiling kindly, and gesturing inside.

Clack.

“He’s decided to wait indoors.”

Without any indication of what he heard, Lee Taeseong quietly entered the workshop. Even after entering, he remained close to the door like a statue. As I pondered whether he should bring a book from tomorrow onwards, a faint voice called out to me.

“Sejin, come this way.”

She pointed to a wooden chair. There was a bar-style table near the entrance, allowing Lee Heena and I to face each other.

“Well… How should I address you? Teacher?”

I settled into the chair, gazed up at Lee Heena, and inquired. I thought addressing her as “teacher” might be appropriate since I was here to learn, but it seemed that Lee Heena had a different perspective. Caught off-guard, she crinkled her nose with an embarrassed expression.

“Most learners usually address me as Teacher Heena…”

Her elongated response seemed to imply her thoughts on the matter, indicating discomfort at my suggestion. Before I could delve into the reason behind it, Lee Heena succinctly summarized her preference.

“Feel free to call me comfortably. I’ll refer to you as Sejin too.”

“In that case, I’ll call you Heena.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Her bright smile was flushed with red. Observing her composed demeanor, it seemed that our future interactions would be hassle-free. It appeared that those whom Kwon Yido approved of (even if it was only Lee Taeseong) were generally easygoing.

“What’s your bodyguard’s name?”

I turned my head to glance at Lee Taeseong, who remained silent, possibly assuming she wasn’t addressing him. He resembled his initial behavior when he first came to the greenhouse, but upon closer observation, he seemed genuinely sincere.

“Team Leader Lee, won’t you respond?”

As I slipped in an additional word, Lee Taeseong blinked in surprise. His expression soured slightly, and he pressed his lips together. It seemed he wasn’t thrilled with the title “Team Leader,” yet he couldn’t voice any objection. Instead, he responded curtly in a subdued tone.

“I am Lee Taeseong.”

The reply was so rigid that it even made me, who had remained silent, feel awkward. However, Lee Heena appeared unfazed. She simply smiled casually, hinting at something.

“Taeseong, if you’re willing, you could join and listen. It might be uncomfortable to just stand there.”

“No, thank you. I find it easier to stand.”

His response came across as more cold than resolute. It was apparent that if I insisted, he’d take a seat, but I didn’t want to appear careless in front of someone I was meeting for the first time. It seemed that, given Lee Taeseong’s personality, standing was genuinely comfortable for him.

“If you change your mind, you can listen later. There’s a chair available, so if your legs start hurting, you can sit comfortably.”

Thankfully, Lee Heena nodded without any hint of annoyance. Her smiling face showed no signs of embarrassment or irritation. She tied her loose hair back and retrieved a slim notebook from the bookshelf.

“I overheard… You mentioned an interest in making perfume, right?”

The notebook displayed several terms written neatly. She turned it toward me and spoke softly.

“Our goal in this session is ultimately to craft a fragrance that aligns with what Sejin desires.”

The explanation of top notes, middle notes, and base notes was clearly laid out. It was a fundamental concept, so it wasn’t unfamiliar to me. Even though I wasn’t deeply interested in perfumes, I had picked up this much from the explanations I heard from shop staff.

With a gentle voice, Lee Heena rested her hands on the table and inquired, “Do you have a specific scent in mind that you’d like to create?”