Chapter 149: Private First Class (1)

 

A new year has arrived, and January is here.

 

Both Han-gyeol and I have turned 21, and it has already been five months since Han-gyeol enlisted in the military.

 

Thanks to his excellent grades at the training center and specialty school, Han-gyeol was assigned to a unit in Seoul.

 

I can still vividly recall the excitement in Han-gyeol’s voice when he called to tell me the news after his assignment was confirmed.

 

At first, it was challenging, but we’ve gradually adapted to our current life.

 

As promised before his enlistment, I visit Han-gyeol at least once every two weeks.

 

Similarly, Han-gyeol has kept his promise to call me daily, sharing an hour of his day as we chat about everything and anything.

 

We’re maintaining our relationship beautifully, without feeling burdened by obligations.

 

There are moments of longing, but no feelings of disappointment, and I love how balanced and fulfilling our relationship is.

 

Today is the day Han-gyeol gets a leave of absence, so I woke up early in the morning.

 

Even though he tells me not to go overboard preparing a feast for his visits, I can’t help but want to.

 

When I ask what he’d like to eat, he always requests simple dishes, so today, I decided to make what I wanted to cook.

 

I prepared a pot of braised pork ribs and also set aside some salmon for dinner.

 

Since I left early, it’s almost time for Han-gyeol to arrive.

 

Even though we see each other every two weeks, those two weeks feel unbearably long, making our meetings even more precious.

Before long, I heard the sound of the door lock turning, and the door started to open.

 

However, it stopped partway with a clink.

 

“Eun-ha, I’m here! Can you unlock the door for me?”

 

“Oh, right! The safety latch. Hold on a second!”

 

I unlatched the safety lock that Han-gyeol had installed during his last leave.

 

As the door opened, Han-gyeol walked in with a bright smile.

 

“I missed you so much~”

 

The moment he saw me, Han-gyeol hugged me tightly and wouldn’t let go.

 

“I missed you too~”

 

Ever since he enlisted, every time we meet, Han-gyeol greets me with a tight hug.

 

This time, he held me even more firmly than before, making my heart race.

 

“How have you been?”

 

“I’ve been great! How about you, Han-gyeol?”

 

“I’m doing really well. Have you eaten yet?”

 

“I waited so I could eat with you. Unless you’d rather I eat first?”

 

“Your jokes keep getting bolder every time I’m on leave~”

 

“That’s just how much I’ve missed you!”

 

I rubbed my face against his chest playfully.

 

“Let’s eat already. You didn’t prepare a full feast again, did you?”

 

“What? No way! I just made braised pork ribs.”

 

“That’s so much work! I told you not to overdo it.”

 

“I just want to feed you delicious food~”

 

“Alright, alright. It smells amazing!”

 

“Hehe. Go change your clothes first.”

 

“Sure, just a minute.”

 

Han-gyeol kicked off his large military boots and stepped inside.

 

He took off his uniform and placed his dog tags on the table.

 

When he removed his inner shirt, I caught a glimpse of his abs.

 

They seemed even more defined than last time… so sexy.

 

“Han-gyeol, do you work out a lot in the military?”

 

“Huh? Oh, yeah. I work out daily with my senior. Why?”

 

“…Your muscles look bigger compared to your last leave.”

 

“Really? Looks like it’s paying off!”

 

“Can I touch them?”

 

“That’s embarrassing…”

 

“I want to feel them!”

 

I dashed into the room without hesitation.

 

“I haven’t even finished changing.”

 

“It’s fine. Take your time!”

 

When I pressed my fingers against his arm, they barely sank into the firm muscles.

 

“Wow, so solid…”

 

“Eun-ha, this is really embarrassing.”

 

“Are you overdoing it with the workouts in the military? Don’t push yourself too hard and get injured.”

 

“Don’t worry~ I only work out during physical training. It’s not like I’ve gained that much muscle.”

 

“You even seem a bit taller!”

 

“That’d be nice. Now, let me finish changing, okay?”

 

“Okay, okay. I’ll serve the food, so hurry up!”

 

“Got it~”

 

After admiring Han-gyeol’s physique, I returned to the kitchen.

 

As I scooped rice into bowls, my face felt warm.

 

Muscular Han-gyeol… He’s so sexy, I think his image will linger in my mind for a while.

 

Tonight… hehe… just thinking about it makes me happy.

 

I couldn’t stop smiling.

 

“Eun-ha, I’m done changing.”

 

“Ah! Oh, okay! Let’s eat quickly.”

 

“What were you thinking about? You’re grinning like crazy.”

 

“Nothing at all! Let’s just eat! Since you’re working out, eat a lot!”

 

“Thanks. I’ll enjoy the meal!”

 

Watching Han-gyeol enjoy his food made me fall in love with him all over again.

 

“Is anything at the base bothering you these days?”

 

“Clearing snow on snowy days is a bit annoying, but that’s about it.”

 

“How about your seniors? Are they treating you well?”

 

“They’re not overly kind, but they don’t pick on me for no reason either.”

 

“You’re getting promoted to Corporal in May, right?”

 

“Yeah. Wonder when I’ll make Sergeant~”

 

“Have any new recruits joined?”

 

“Yep. We’re all getting along pretty well. My peers are really nice too.”

 

“What about the new recruits?”

 

“They’re kind. One of them is two years older than me, but he’s still very respectful.”

 

“That’s a relief.”

 

“Are you still worried about me, Eun-ha?”

 

Han-gyeol looked into my eyes as he asked.

 

“A little~”

 

“Don’t worry about me~ I’m doing fine.”

 

“Okay! Oh, sorry for distracting you with questions. Eat up.”

 

“Alright. You too, Eun-ha.”

 

After breakfast, Han-gyeol cleaned up.

 

I tried to help, but he kept picking me up and tossing me onto the bed, so I just watched his back as he worked.

 

At first, I was so worried about Han-gyeol being in the military, but now, I’ve gotten somewhat used to it.

 

I miss him and long for him, but my emotions don’t swing wildly anymore.

 

“What are you doing today, Eun-ha?”

 

“I have to attend my winter semester class later.”

 

“What about after that? Any plans?”

 

“I’ll probably work on editing until dinner.”

 

“Oh, you mean that editing job you mentioned before?”

 

I’ve been working a part-time editing job with a senior from my department.

 

At first, I started it to fill the time without Han-gyeol, but it turned out to be both educational and surprisingly lucrative.

 

“Yeah, if I work late, I’ll probably finish by six.”

 

“Got it. Then I’ll head to campus to study and have lunch with you. Is that okay?”

 

“Huh?! It’s your leave. Are you sure you’re okay studying?”

 

“It’s something I do every day anyway~”

 

Even in the military, Han-gyeol spends his time diligently.

 

Honestly, he seems more dedicated to making good use of his time than I am.

 

“Do you have plans today, Han-gyeol?”

 

“I’m meeting Yujin. They said their schedule is flexible, so I’ll see them in the afternoon. Let’s have dinner together, though.”

 

“Okay! What time will you be back?”

 

“By six-thirty at the latest.”

 

“Alright~”

 

“Don’t prepare dinner in advance, okay? Let’s cook together.”

 

“Sure~ I only have plans today. Starting tomorrow, let’s go on a date.”

 

“Sounds perfect~”

 

“I think so too!”

 

We’ve been spending time together while being mindful of each other’s needs.

 

I think it was a really good decision to agree not to feel obligated to each other before his enlistment.

 

By respecting and understanding each other’s lives, we haven’t had a single argument.

 

“Shouldn’t we get going? I’ll walk you there.”

 

“Yeah!”

 

Han-gyeol walked me to my class for the winter semester.

 

As we held hands tightly, my heart pounded wildly.

 

Since we don’t have physical contact every day, these moments make me so nervous.

 

Still, having Han-gyeol by my side every day would be the best.

 

“Eun-ha, is there anything you want to eat? I’ll make it for you tomorrow.”

 

“Then… I’d like to have your kimchi stew!”

 

“Sure~ After we eat, let’s go watch a movie.”

 

“Yeah! Should I book the tickets?”

 

“I’ll do it since I get a military discount.”

 

“Wow, you’re so frugal~”

 

“Right?”

 

Seeing Han-gyeol’s bright smile made me so happy.

 

I couldn’t help but squeeze his hand even tighter.

 

“This feels so nice! It’s been a while since I’ve gone to campus with you.”

 

“Same here.”

 

Matching my grip, Han-gyeol held my hand tightly as well.

 

“What’s the first thing you want to do when you’re discharged?”

 

“Hm~ Is it okay to think about that already?”

 

“It’s just for fun~”

 

“No matter how much I think about it, all I want to do is spend time with you. Just living with you again, like before I enlisted, feels like it would be enough.”

 

Even though I hear his voice every day, there’s nothing better than listening to it face-to-face like this.

 

When I look at his excited expression, his emotions reach me even more deeply.

 

“Han-gyeol, you really like me, don’t you?”

 

“Should I tone it down?”

 

“No! Feel free to like me even more. I’m growing fonder of you, too!”

 

“Even if you didn’t say that, I’m already liking you more and more.”

 

“Me too! I feel even closer to you!”

 

Even though Han-gyeol isn’t always physically by my side, I don’t feel lonely.

 

In high school, I used to think I needed to be with him every moment, but now, it doesn’t seem necessary.

 

Some might think that this means our love has faded, but that’s not true at all.

 

Now, even without words or constant proximity, I know how deeply we care for each other.

 

No matter where I am or what I’m doing, I’m certain of Han-gyeol’s love for me.

 

And I’m sure he knows just as clearly that I’ll always love him.

 

Without saying it out loud, we understand each other’s hearts and cherish one another.

 

We’ve gone beyond simply sharing our lives—we’ve become each other’s lives.

 

I feel like I’ve matured compared to my high school days.

 

And because I’ve grown up…!

 

“Han-gyeol!”

 

“Yeah? What’s up?”

 

“Hehe~ Let’s stay up late tonight!”

 

“Guess I’ll have to skip the morning movie~”

 

“Exactly! I’m going to keep you up really late~”

--- The End OF The Chapter --

 

[TL: Join Patreon to support the translation and to read up to 10 chapters ahead of the release: https://www.patreon.com/taylor007  

 

Join Our Discord for regular updates and have fun with other community members: https://discord.com/invite/SqWtJpPtm9 ]