As they returned to the car, the interior was filled with the pleasant, lingering scent of the fine meal they had just shared.
Jin-woo started the engine and looked over at Eun-soo. "Should we head back to Gleam Tower, or is there somewhere else you'd like to see?"
Eun-soo tapped her chin thoughtfully, looking out at the clear afternoon sky. "The weather is so beautiful today. Why don't we go to Han River Park for a short walk?"
Jin-woo checked the temperature on the dashboard; February had just ended, and the first hints of March were in the air.
"It might be a bit chilly, but a walk sounds like a great idea," he agreed, steering the car toward the riverside.
When they arrived at the park, the wide green paths and the arched bridge in the distance created a peaceful, open atmosphere.
They began to stroll along the walkway, with Hajun skipping happily between them, his energy much higher after his treat.
Eun-soo pointed toward the budding branches of the trees lining the path. "Hajun, do you know what kind of tree this is? It's almost ready to bloom."
Hajun tilted his head, looking intently at the bark. "Is it... a cherry tree, Teacher?"
"Almost! It's a plum tree. They are the first to wake up after winter," she explained with a warm, encouraging smile.
As they walked further, a sharp breeze blew off the water, and Eun-soo instinctively rubbed her arms, her delicate dress offering little protection.
Jin-woo noticed her shoulders tensing and quickly unbuttoned his dark suit jacket.
He stepped closer to her, draped the warm fabric over her shoulders, and said, "The wind is stronger than I thought. You should wear this."
Eun-soo looked up at him, surprised by the sudden warmth. "Oh, no, Mr. Jin-woo, I'm fine. You'll be cold yourself."
"I have a much thicker sweater on underneath," he lied smoothly. "Besides, if you get sick, you'll bring a cold to the kindergarten and all the kids will get ill. You have to stay healthy for them."
Eun-soo looked at the coat, then at his stubborn, serious face, and finally let out a small sigh of defeat. "Fine. Thank you. It's very warm."
As she pulled the oversized jacket closer, she mumbled under her breath, "You really shouldn't be this kind... it makes a girl start having the wrong ideas."
Jin-woo caught the sound of her voice but couldn't make out the words. "Did you say something? Is the coat too heavy?"
"No! Nothing at all," she replied quickly, her face reddening as she turned back to Hajun. "Let's see who can find the prettiest stone, Hajun!"
After wandering for another twenty minutes, they found a quiet wooden bench facing the river and sat down to rest, with Hajun swinging his legs in the middle.
Just then, an elderly couple walked past them, strolling hand-in-hand and smiling at the sight.
"Look at that," the elderly woman whispered to her husband, loud enough for Eun-soo to hear. "What a beautiful family of three. That little boy looks just like his handsome father."
Eun-soo's heart skipped a beat, and she stole a glance at Jin-woo to see if he had heard the comment.
Fortunately, he was focused on his phone, answering a quick work email, seemingly oblivious to the world around him.
Hajun was busy watching a cyclist go by, his face glowing with the simple joy of being outdoors.
Eun-soo felt a strange, fluttering sensation in her chest as she looked at the two of them—the stoic man and the brilliant boy.
"Stop it, Eun-soo," she told herself firmly in her mind. "This is not a date. You are just being a good teacher and saying thank you."
She looked out at the shimmering river, trying to ignore the fact that she was wearing his jacket and sitting by his side like they truly belonged together.