I felt that our atmosphere was getting cold and stiff, so I tried to change the subject by saying, "Hmm, Donghwa, before we go to the stage, we better have dinner first."

"Ah, yes, right. I have booked the most special place for someone who's also special in my life." He touched my face with soothing tenderness.

I smiled, then went to the bathroom to shower before preparing dinner. At least, he could keep his promise, it was acceptable enough for me. Coming home on time, he had given me hope for a better relationship in the future.

'Stay like that, keep your promise'. I never asked him to change one hundred percent in an instant. It would take time to do it slowly and I would gladly wait for him. By keeping his promise, it was a great start to start everything again.

After dinner, we prepared to attend the musical stage tonight. Donghwa wore a black woolen suit with European-style shoes, which made him look so elegant tonight like a God in human clothes. His hair was neatly combed back, showing his stern face that was so charming as always. While I was wearing a silver coat with hair neatly combed with bangs that covered part of my forehead.

I couldn't look as elegant as him. It didn't suit me, who always looked casual at any moment.

We immediately got into the car and Donghwa immediately drove it.

On the way, Donghwa drove at a medium speed and was very careful. I asked him not to rush as the stage was also going to start at 8:00 p.m, there was still half an hour left to arrive.

Tonight was the first time for Donghwa and I went together as a busyness had made him not have much time lately. Either it was the truth or was it an excuse to trick me as I thought that he was a wolf in sheep's clothing.

I kept trying not to think about it, but my sicken had brought me one step closer to the saturation point in myself; which at any time could make me run away from all this pretense.

However, as he had been better off lately, I was able to last a little longer, hoping that our old story which was full of good days could be repeated in the future.

'Stay like that'. I always asked the same thing inside as one more mistake could destroy our relationship.

"Hey, Chunghee?" His voice was soft, breaking the air in silence.

I turned to him, looking at him who still focused on the road. "What's going on?"

"You're so handsome tonight." He smiled sincerely. His eyes fixed on the focal point radiated something warmth.

With a smile, I replied, "You too."

Praise? Is he praising me? Or is he just trying to please me from the words that hurt me earlier?

I hoped he meant it. Not just an apology, so he tried to please me and forgive him.

A few minutes later, we arrived at a hotel where the musician was about to make his second performance.

The two of us immediately entered the lobby. I was about to buy a ticket, but Donghwa stopped me by showing me two golden tickets while smiling brightly. He said, "I told you that I booked the most special place for a special guy in my life."

My face flushed instantly. Embarrassed to show my expression, I pretended to turn my eyes in a different direction.

This was the first time he had acted like this in a long time. Even though it seemed strange and simple, he was able to smite my heart as if I fell in love for the second time.

Or, could it be me who is easily persuaded?

We immediately entered through the VIP door. Walking, there was a feeling of pride when I stepped together with him that I couldn't hide on my face.

When we were inside, we sat in a red chair with a golden yellow trim, which looked so fascinating and comfortable.

I looked around, eying the people in this place. There were many politicals, business elites, conglomerates, and other prominent corporate officials. Judging by the facial features, some of them were from this country and others were from overseas.

This was indeed a special place. The chairs as well as the people in this place confirmed my thoughts. It made me realize that the fantastic price was no joke for a golden ticket at this venue.

After a few minutes, the show began. Everyone applauded loudly in appreciation for a reception.

The musician was named Ailarde. A French blooded pianist. I truly like all the music he played since I watched his performance in Italy, such as Blue, Angeline, La Liberté, la Douleur, and many more.

In this performance, he played some of his famous songs. Every pause would be filled by an orchestra performance that was no less impressive, by getting warm applause from all the guests who attended this place.

It was the moment I had been waiting for. The final performance from Ailarde, who would play a song entitled "La Liberté", which meant "freedom".

His performance was so stunning. La Liberté which he played seemed to make the listener feel the emotion that was channeled through each tonal stress on his fingers. By closing his eyes, he shared his emotions through the music. His hands were so adept at pressing every note of the music he played, to produce the soothing melodies.

Stunned, I almost forgot to blink.

The pianist's last performance also closed the musical stage tonight.

I turned to look at Donghwa beside me and was suprised to see him sleeping with his arms folded across his chest.

"Hey, Donghwa, wake up. The show is over." In a soft, whispery voice, I tried to wake him up by touching his arm.

He immediately opened his eyes and gasped in shock.

Smiled, I asked him to go home. "Calm down, let me drive this time."

He took a deep breath, then said with a smile, "Hey, no need. I fell asleep because the music was so boring, not because I was sleepy."

"..."

While in the parking lot, he hurriedly sat in the driver's seat and immediately stepped on the gas pedal.

I was stunned for a second. I just remembered that he didn't like that kind of music and had a different taste in music than mine.

My heart suddenly blushed. There was a sense of joy and shame that came together.

Doesn't it mean that he is doing it for me?

The feeling of joy slowly turned into a hint of sadness. I had waited long enough for him to return to the way he used to be. Now he did, but I thought that I would only be able to enjoy his warmth for a short time. This sadness was like being stabbed by a sharp knife right in my heart so I couldn't feel anything in this silence.

Until Donghwa's voice was heard, "Chunghee, wake up."

As my consciousness gradually returned, the touches of my body made me feel amused. I opened my eyes carefully and saw that Donghwa was already on top of me.

Seemingly, I fell asleep in the car and Donghwa led me into the apartment. It was embarrassing to imagine how Donghwa carried me while I was asleep.

When Donghwa kissed my neck, I exclaimed, "What are you doing?!"

Stopping, he then lifted his gaze, looked into my face closely, showing an obvious hope in his lustful eyes. He begged, "Let me do it tonight, please."

I sighed heavily, feeling that he was compelling with soft words. I said, "Aren't you tired? I'm tired. You haven't rested all day either, have you? So, let's do it next time."

He chuckled. "No. I've already taken my rest at that place earlier. Even if it was a moment, it was enough for me."

"But, I'm sleepy."

He embraced my body tightly. The warmth of his eyes turned to disappointment. He then laid on my chest and replied, "Chunghee, let me do it. I want to do it now. I beg you."

Feeling sorry, I stroked his head gently. "Hey, Donghwa, you know, I'm really happy tonight. Thank you for taking the time for me."

He lifted his head, and said with pleasure to his voice, "Chunghee, it's because I adore you. I'll do anything for you."

Then, he moved about to kiss my lips, but I immediately turned my face away to avoid his kiss. "I'll let you do it, but just once."

A soft smile was on his face, and it got wider after I let him do the intimacy he wanted. This was also a gift for him for taking time out for me tonight.

I was delighted when he treated me well like this. If he had done it from the start, I might not have become what I was today and wouldn't have to feel much hurt. But, it still felt wonderful, made me feel like I wanted to live a little longer. Unfortunately, I didn't know, did I have much time left or what? Although I didn't know when the death came, somehow a bad feeling about it had often crossed my mind. So, for the rest of my life, I wanted him to treat me like many years ago although I knew that he had another guy out there.