Chemistry

Chapter 88

Chapter 88

12. Dust Defenders(6)

The first order of business in Part 2 is a discussion on the future tasks following the agreement at the United Nations Climate Change Conference agreement.

While the forum resumed, Jeong-woo continued to glance towards the group of college girls who were whispering among themselves looking at Yoon Yi-seol.

The camera from the cable broadcasting station focused even more on Yoon Yi-seol, adding another layer of intensity.

Mr. Jeong-woo.

Yoon Yi-seol, taking the situation more seriously than Jeong-woo, covered her mouth with her hand and spoke softly.

I dont think we can have dinner here. Im sorry.

Im here for that dinner.

Yoon Yi-seol raised her eyebrows.

I thought you said you were here for no particular reason?

Jeong-woo instinctively pulled away as he smelled the faint scent of apples again from Yoon Yi-seol, who was leaning close to him.

My team leader sent me on my way and told me to make sure I had a good dinner.

Did she really give such an instruction?

If the party responsible for this situation were to pursue it, I have nothing to say.

Looking at Jeong-woos solemn expression, Yoon Yi-seol, although aware it was a joke, felt sorry for him.

Then Ill guide you to a nice place. Mr. Jeong-woo, you worked hard during the break earlier.

The hard part starts now.

What?

Wondering if another incident was about to happen, Jeong-woo pointed to the podium, where Yoon Yi-seol had been earlier.

The superstar I represent had an interview praising the managers excellent interpretation skills. They might follow us when we leave, so I wont be able to assist like before. So pay attention.

Ah

For the next two hours, Yoon Yi-seol accumulated several years worth of general knowledge that a Green Cross promotional ambassador should possess, all while listening to Jeong-woos voice.

After arriving in front of the restaurant Hyeon, Jeong-woo turned to see Yoon Yi-seol smiling.

Isnt this the great restaurant with Chef Hyun-min?

Yoon Yi-seol took out a small handmade coated card from the tiny bag she was carrying.

Ta-da! One year free pass.

If you use that recklessly, the restaurant might go bankrupt.

I was given it to use, why is Jeong-woo so worried? Plus, its my first time using it today.

As Jeong-woo climbed the stairs and opened the door adorned with European-style interior decor, he said.

Im also investing in one menu here. No freebies for guests.

Right. Did you teach Chef Hyun-min the seasoning recipe?

To be precise, I sold it at a reasonable price.

Wow.

When Jeong-woo gestured for Yoon Yi-seol to enter first towards the open door, Yoon Yi-seol, nodding appreciatively, stood inside.

Welcome.

The employee, recognizing Yoon Yi-seol because she was only wearing a hat, widened their eyes. Yoon Yi-seol smiled with a playful grin and raised her hand.

Well just have a quiet meal and leave.

A pleasantly lit private room on the second floor, with a cozy atmosphere in every nook.

Two plates with soup were brought to the table. Yoon Yi-seol admired the fragrant and savory aroma of the cream and looked at Jeong-woo.

It looks delicious. Since the chef is from a hotel background, its like hotel cuisine, right?

Yes.

Why do you say that in a dry manner? I keep feeling sorry because we had to leave the hotel like that.

Unable to say that her constantly worried eyes were so cute, Jeong-woo filled the moment with a brief laugh.

Just before taking a sip of the soup, Yoon Yi-seol, reminiscent of her time at the hotel, complained.

Those beautiful ladies Oh, Jeong-woo keeps saying that, and now I am too. Those college girls are the same. Why do they keep asking me about things they dont understand? I sweated a lot on the way out.

You did well. It was worth it to interpret.

Really? The way to score well in a crushs class is just to listen.

As Yoon Yi-seol casually attacked his heart at this moment, she soon began to focus on eating the soup.

Jeong-woo, after glancing at her once, recalled the issue he had been thinking about since leaving home today.

Since we are like this, suggesting to get a thorough examination from Dr. Moon would be the right thing to do.

No matter how well she appeared on the surface, in the molecular world, the slightest chemical reaction could turn her world upside down.

Lets bring it up after eating.

Luckily, it wasnt too late to skip dinner.

After finishing the meal and trying to settle the bill, Hyun-min, who had been at the counter, raised his hand.

How are you going to pay? One person is the signature seasoning developer, and the other has a one-year free pass.

Still

Okay, okay. If we keep doing this, Ill get mad. By the way, Mr. Jeong-woo, Ms. Yoon Yi-seol a date?

Huh, does it look like that?

Jeong-woo turned his head to Yoon Yi-seol, who was already outside the restaurant. She had firmly worn her hat, and her mask was securely in place.

With a smile on his lips, Hyun-min said.

Ive encountered many celebrities during broadcasting activities, but Ive never seen someone exuding such an intimate atmosphere with their manager.

Please just ignore that. Its not a date; its just that Yi-seol is releasing a new song soon, and shes a bit under the weather. Im helping her out.

Yes, if anyone asks, thats how Ill respond. Also, about 300m down from here, theres a nice walking path. Few people, perfect for a stroll holding hands.

As Jeong-woo left, Hyun-min shook his hand, providing tips on the dating course.

Ding.

The restaurants door opened, and Yoon Yi-seol approached Jeong-woo as if she had been waiting for him to come out.

The person who will give acting lessons to Mr. Jeong-woo is on the way.

Was that statement true?

Oh, here they come.

Pointing down the street with her finger, Jeong-woos gaze followed.

Yoon Yi-seol, who had been looking at Jeong-woo with sparkling eyes, swiftly removed her mask and, in a slightly lowered voice, said.

Nice to meet you, Han Jeong-woo. Im Yoon Yi-seol, a singer with two years of experience in music video acting.

Seeing her extend her hand as if shaking hands, Jeong-woo chuckled.

I had a feeling that would happen.

As Jeong-woo descended the stairs, Yoon Yi-seol followed.

How tailored is this education? We have to act as lovers, and theres someone right next to you whos already in that attitude for real.

As for acting lessons, I understand, but whats the purpose of the checklist?

Its nothing special. Chatting all night with someone you like. But doesnt it feel destined somehow? Our situation today, the weather, the atmosphere.

Only now did Jeong-woo accurately understand the purpose of Yoon Yi-seols text yesterday.

Make sure to wear your mask properly. Its a day with a lot of fine dust.

Answer me first. Ill be with you until morning, I mean, talking until morning.

Yoon Yi-seol firmly held Jeong-woos arm.

Jeong-woo, looking at Yoon Yi-seol, let his gaze linger on the wrist she had grabbed. Despite her bold words, why were her hands trembling like this?

Determined not to cause her any more harm, Jeong-woo fixed his gaze ahead.

Lets walk for now. Itll help with digestion.

Jeong-woo turned onto the walking path that Hyun-min had told him.

Spring had just begun, but the cherry blossom trees were in full bloom, adorned with buds. Tree branches, budding with new leaves, swayed like a dance in the spring breeze.

As they walked, Yoon Yi-seol looked around, and a happy smile appeared on her face.

It would be really nice to come here when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Isnt it too cold?

What? You can even take off your outerwear

Jeong-woo was already draping his suit jacket over Yoon Yi-seols shoulders. Yoon Yi-seol looked at Jeong-woo sharply and asked.

What does this mean? Youll confuse me.

I have something to tell you.

Yoon Yi-seol abruptly stopped walking.

I dont like it. Whatever it is. You said there are ten months left.

Yes?

Youre treating me well now, and then youre going to seriously reject me. I can feel the atmosphere.

Jeong-woo let out a wry smile at her words.

Its not like that, so dont misunderstand. I mentioned a showcase, right? If you catch a cold, itll be a big problem.

Im not

Yoon Yi-seol sighed heavily. Jeong-woo talked with a serious expression.

Im actually taking an unconventional medication. Im revealing it because I believe you wont tell anyone.

Jeong-woo, did you reject my confession because youre terminally ill?

Seeing Yoon Yi-seol, whose eyes seemed on the verge of tears, Jeong-woo chuckled.

Dont misunderstand unnecessarily, and listen to the end. While Im taking this medication, it contains unverified components for ordinary people. Meanwhile, on that beach, you and I Well

We kissed?

Jeong-woos face became surprisingly brighter in the face of Yoon Yi-seols confident demeanor.

Yes, that incident. Im worried that it might have a negative impact on you. So, do anything you want today, and lets get a check-up.

Yoon Yi-seol looked up at Jeong-woo with this statement.

I dont understand.

Its possible. The substance from the medicine stays in my body, so

No, Mr. Jeong-woo.

Yes?

We didnt deeply kiss, just touched. Youre thinking there was some intense exchange. Its unfair for me.

In that moment, I was so disoriented due to the medication.

Someone in their right mind wouldnt ruin their first kiss like that!

First kiss?

Yoon Yi-seol, who had been listening, took a step toward Jeong-woo.

Turn around. If you do, Ill get a check-up.

Turn around Whats the point

Yoon Yi-seol swiftly took off her mask and pointed to her lips.

If you do something that warrants getting a check-up, Ill go.

Jeong-woo, surprised by the sudden gesture, hesitated.

I explained, there could be problems. This is sincere.

Sincere? Who said it wasnt? Im always sincere with you!

Despite pouring out her heart countless times today, Yoon Yi-seol, who built a wall and showed no response, looked at Jeong-woo tearfully.

Just Cant you fall for me?

-Ive fallen for you.

The poignant melody of In a dream that he had heard before played in Jeong-woos ears like an echo.

Yoon Yi-seols long eyelashes fluttered in the wind. They were close enough for Jeong-woo to smell the strong scent of apples that clung to her.

Perhaps thats why.

He felt as if his mind had become paralyzed.

In Venice, he should have felt insignificance every moment they were together, but now, she wouldnt even give me a moment to get there.

Instead of stabilizing his center of gravity, he was shaking so much that he was getting confused.

Even though he knew he shouldnt, Jeong-woo reached for Yoon Yi-seols chin and pulled her towards him.

Yoon Yi-seols shoulders flinched, but she didnt push him away. Her eyes, full of moisture, gently closed.

The moist lips delivered a vivid sensation. It wasnt so confusing as theyre last kiss.

As his body lost tension and he seemed to collapse, Jeong-woo tightly embraced her around the neck.

Jeong-woos lips touched hers one last time and then parted.

Yoon Yi-seol, who had been breathing heavily, looked up at Jeong-woo and said.

What does this mean?

It means that I was greatly shaken.

Finally, his feelings were revealed. Yoon Yi-seol looked at Jeong-woo with relief.

Ah, we still have ten months

Due to the sudden kiss, or perhaps because her head was spinning, Yoon Yi-seol felt an irresistible drowsiness, and her eyes closed on their own.

why am I doing this

Yi-seol?

Jeong-woo, who had taken his hand off Yoon Yi-seols shoulder, was surprised and supported her when she seemed to be about to fall.

Yi-seol!

Jeong-woos expression changed as he shook Yoon Yi-seols limp body. Although her breathing was maintained, she showed no response, as if she had fainted.

Holding Yoon Yi-seol in his arms, Jeong-woo rushed out to the side of the road where taxis passed.

Taxi!

Emergency room at AN Hospital.

Jeong-woo watched Yoon Yi-seol on the bed with a face full of worry. Inside the curtained partition, Dr. Moon, wearing a white gown, was examining her with a stethoscope.

Dr. Moon glanced at Jeong-woo and spoke calmly.

Her vitals are normal, so dont make a face like a guardian of a seriously injured patient. If the ER duty doctor comes, Ill be in trouble too.

Then, is Yi-seol okay?

Shes not okay. Shes showing symptoms of an unusual sleep disorder. If youre that worried, you shouldnt have kissed her again.

Well, at the prime of my life

Dr. Moon lifted Yoon Yi-seols eyelids and checked her pupil response with a penlight, then continued.

Her symptoms are identical to those of a normal person who participated in the AF-12 clinical trial. If the dosage adjustment fails, they can suddenly fall into such a deep sleep.

Upon hearing this, Jeong-woo recalled the day he had visited the hospital for the clinical trial.

Other participants sleeping like corpses. The moment he alone was awake.

Dr. Moon, who had taken his hands off Yoon Yi-seol, looked at Jeong-woo.

Thanks to you trying to solve it on your own, weve identified one of Jeong-woos problems.

What

Dr. Moon pointed at Yoon Yi-seol.

Creating a sleeping princess with just one kiss.

Dr. Moon, looking at the bewildered Jeong-woo and revealed the diagnosis.

Theres a high possibility that AF-12 is included in Jeong-woos saliva. Since its becoming an official concern, please stop creating a sleeping princess until we find a solution. However, concerns about other side effects have significantly decreased, so take comfort in that.

Is there a way to find a solution?

We need to perform a precise analysis of the modified genes inside Jeong-woo.

Ill help as much as I can.

Watching Yoon Yi-seol, deeply asleep and oblivious to the world, Jeong-woo asked.

When will she wake up?

Well, I dont know. About 5 hours? 10 hours? Ive never seen a biological delivery method like this before.

Upon hearing Dr. Moons words, Jeong-woo felt like he was looking at a distant mountain.

Move her to a private room instead of the emergency room. Theres a place assigned for KG Chemicals clinical trial participants.

A little later.

Jeong-woo carefully laid Yoon Yi-seol down in a quiet private hospital room, adjusted the pillow behind her neck, and stepped back.

Sigh.

He let out a deep sigh at this unbelievable situation.

-Cant you fall for me?

The problem was that his self-control had disappeared with just one sentence from her.

Now Im officially incapable of dating.

While contemplating the excuses he would need when Yoon Yi-seol woke up, Jeong-woo found himself smiling at the girl who was dreaming with a youthful smile.

Whether she was a sleeping princess or whatever, lying there like that was cheating.

All the confusion he had experienced just moments ago melted away in an instant, and he couldnt help but smile along with her.

Umm~

Yoon Yi-seol, stretching herself, woke up from her sleep, blinked, and her gaze lingered on the white ceiling.

It felt like she had slept deeply without any thoughts and had just woken up. However, simultaneously, a strange feeling that she shouldnt have done that crept in.

Hmm?

It took Yoon Yi-seol about 5 seconds to roughly grasp the situation, and she sat up abruptly. Scenes of kissing Jeong-woo flashed in her memory, but she couldnt recall what happened afterward.

What is this place?

Judging from the atmosphere, it seemed to be a hospital.

Yoon Yi-seol, who was a bit disoriented, fixed her gaze on the person who entered as the door opened.

Jeong-woo!

Are you awake? Oh, thank goodness.

Jeong-woo, who approached with cautious steps, surveyed Yoon Yi-seols condition.

Are you uncomfortable anywhere?

Im okay, but why am I here?

Asking about the situation, Yoon Yi-seol looked around the hospital room.

Jeong-woo, feeling apologetic for the circumstances, quickly explained.

Its because of the medicine I take. It seems that this problem of falling into deep sleep occurs because of it. But more importantly

Jeong-woo extended his phone, which was still ringing energetically.

It kept ringing, so I picked it up earlier. Its from the manager; hes near the hospital. You said he should pick you up at 7, but its 8 now. I think he might be a bit confused. Please tell him there was absolutely no misunderstanding.

8 oclock? Oh, in the morning?

Yes.

Yoon Yi-seol glanced out the window. It was bright. Very bright.

You should have woken me up.

Its not such a simple solution. Im still looking into it. If you ever feel something strange with your body, please let me know anytime.

Anytime?

Jeong-woo nodded.

Although Yoon Yi-seol didnt like that the reality had washed away all the plans from last night, Jeong-woos expression, indicating that he would fulfill any request, appealed to her.

Suddenly.

The back door of the parked van opened, and Yoon Yi-seol, wearing a hat and mask, casually took a seat.

Manager Ji turned to her and asked.

Im not sure how surprised should I be that youre in the hospital. What did you two do all night?

We slept.

What!

Yoon Yi-seol, who had been looking out the window, turned her head sharply to the surprised Manager Ji.

Just slept, I said. Just slept! I couldnt even do the checklist, slept a full 10 hours! I slept so deeply that I cant even yawn now.

Huh?

Manager Ji, whose eyes seemed to pop out, became puzzled at this statement.

Yi-seol, you had insomnia, and 4 hours was the limit. Was going to the hospital to treat that? Wow, what a manager. Amazing, really. How did that happen?

I dont want to talk about it.

As the van started moving, Yoon Yi-seol lightly touched her lips with her fingertips. The memories that should have been vivid felt hazy, as if lost in a dream due to the sudden loss of consciousness.

The plan was well-executed, though.

A sigh escaped her lips at the result, which wasnt a successful confession or an advancement in their relationship. Still, knowing that the rejection of her confession was due to the medicine brought some relief.

However, it was disappointing not to have clear memories of the kiss.

No. In a positive light, its like having the first kiss every day.

The one supposed to offer it might not even be aware, but Yoon Yi-seol laughed softly.

Manager Ji, watching Yoon Yi-seol through the rearview mirror, shook his head. He frowned, then smiled. Wondering if he should get used to his celebritys mood swings.