Still, as time passed, we became accustomed to the stares and strolled casually around the campus.
We also visited the professor my wife had mentioned, tried out the cafeteria food out of curiosity, and I showed my wife around the campus, which was new to her.
Thanks to having become quite close with Jun-young and his girlfriend Ye-seo, we ended up hanging out together almost like a double date, and after classes, we found ourselves sitting face to face in one of the cafés on campus, talking as if it was a prearranged meet-up.
“Seo-ha, didn’t you say you graduated from college in the U.S.?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
As my wife elegantly sipped her espresso, Ye-seo, Jun-young’s girlfriend, seemed eager to ask a lot of questions, her face brimming with anticipation.
Contrary to the friendly vibe she had shown me from the start, my wife seemed quite shy, but as I approached her first, it looked like we had closed the distance a bit.
It’s true that my wife’s first impression can come off as a bit sharp and cold, but once you know her, she’s warmer and more affectionate than anyone else.
“So the campus atmosphere is quite different over there?”
“Uh-huh… the atmosphere? The exterior is very different. That place is quite old, so even within the same campus, the architectural style varies by area.”
“Really? That’s fascinating…”
Oh, that’s definitely interesting. Looking at our Seo-han University campus, the feel and style of the buildings are practically the same.
“For example, the central part of the campus mostly features Spanish colonial styles… but around the cathedral, there are plenty of Romanesque buildings too. Palm Drive showcases typical modern American architecture.”
“Wow…”
My wife explained this with her usual nonchalant expression, but Ye-seo, listening to her, looked like she was lost in a reverie, mouth agape.
I wonder how one campus can have such diverse architecture. I guess the best university in America stands out from the start.
“And honestly, it’s unnecessarily large. The campus area is over four times that of Yeouido.”
“Four times Yeouido!?”
“Yeah, compared to Seo-han University… it’s probably about nine times the size?”
That really sounds like a fitting description—unnecessarily wide. I’ve often wondered if our university campus really needed to be this expansive, but that place takes it to another level. Truly the land of the free!
It’s like transporting a whole district like Gangnam or Songpa over there.
“There’s also an 18-hole golf course inside, and I’ve played a few rounds there.”
“You played golf?”
“Yeah, just briefly when I was in college. But I haven’t touched a club since starting work. I’ve been too busy.”
My wife stuck her tongue out and smiled cutely, but I could tell she probably stopped playing because she was tired of being dragged around under the pretense of golf.
Hmm, golf.
I’ve always thought golf was a sport for the bourgeois, so I never felt inclined to learn it, nor do I plan to. But I do wish there was at least one sport we could enjoy together.
“Well, since we’re on the topic, how about we learn a sport together later?”
“A sport?”
“Yeah, thinking about it, our workouts together have just been the occasional gym or jogging.”
Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s bad, but there’s a certain fun in starting something together from scratch. Having a common hobby as a couple can also be a positive thing.
“Oh, then how about swimming? I used to swim with Ye-seo in high school, and it was quite nice.”
“Swimming?”
While I was pondering if there was a decent option when Jun-young unexpectedly suggested something.
Swimming seems safe enough. It’s a representative sport you can learn without putting too much strain on your body. I remember my wife was quite good at swimming, so wouldn’t it be nice to go together?
The initial plan of learning together may sink like a ship, but it doesn’t sound bad.
“How about you? Aren’t you good at swimming?”
“I’m a bit…”
“Oh, really?”
I thought my wife would willingly agree, but surprisingly, she shook her head in refusal.
As I tilted my head, wondering if there was a reason, she firmly stated, still looking a bit displeased.
“Well, I just don’t want to be in a swimsuit in front of other guys.”
“…Oh.”
That was truly an unexpected reason, and somehow I could understand that it might be just like my wife to think that way. I sighed and nodded.
I had thought my wife was becoming more conscious of her figure after giving birth to Joo-ha, especially since she seemed embarrassed to show her body in front of me lately, but it wasn’t that at all.
“Well, if you’re really keen to swim together, just let me know. I could set up a pool at home so we can swim just the two of us.”
“No, that’s not necessary…”
Usually, when people think about setting up a pool at home, they envision a small inflatable one for splashing around, but…
When my wife said it, it felt like the matter had surpassed that level, so I quickly waved my hands. No matter how much I want to swim with my wife, I’m not the kind of person who would spend money like that.
“Hey, how about tennis? I see a lot of couples around doing that these days.”
Once swimming was off the table, Ye-seo promptly made her next suggestion, as if she’d been waiting for her turn.
Unlike swimming, tennis was completely off my radar.
“Tennis?”
“Yeah, it’s supposed to be pretty fun. Though there’s a slight risk of getting hurt…”
“Well, with sports, you have to take some risks.”
But tennis shouldn’t involve much physical contact, probably just some scraping or stumbling.
“Honey, I could teach you how to play tennis.”
“Really? You?”
“Actually, my older brother loves tennis. Thanks to him, I learned how to play at a young age.”
Oh, that’s a new piece of information. At this point, I was beginning to wonder what my wife couldn’t do.
Still, it feels a bit awkward to learn from my wife. I wouldn’t mind attending classes together, but the thought of her watching my every move was oddly embarrassing.
To be honest, it kind of bruises my pride as a man.
“Hmm… it might be better to pay for lessons instead of inconveniencing you. Once I improve, we can play together…”
“No way!”
“Oh, not allowed?”
This was quite unexpected.
“I’m adamant! If you don’t let me teach you, I won’t play tennis with you!”
“Uh, um…”
Now that’s a condition I never saw coming. Why the obsession with teaching me?
“Alright, fine. When we have time later, you can teach me.”
“Really!? Then I’ll buy a racket and clothes for you!”
“Um, I can handle buying those…”
“No! This is something the expert needs to decide!”
“Okay, I’ll leave it to you.”
I don’t know which part excited her, but my wife suddenly took it upon herself to play the role of a water bearer and downed the rest of her espresso with a beaming smile.
Even though it was quite a lot, her lips still wore a smile.
Is playing tennis with me really that exciting for her? Of course, I’m looking forward to it too.
“Oh, brother! I’m sorry. Ye-seo and I have to get going to our part-time jobs…”
“No need to apologize. Take care.”
“See you later, Uju oppa! Seo-ha unni!”
“Yeah, take care, Ye-seo.”
As we spent time chatting, the moment arrived for the two of them to leave for their part-time jobs.
I waved goodbye with a smile and turned to my wife, contemplating that it was about time for us to head home as well.
Just then—
Thud.
Before I knew it, my wife’s head gently rested on my shoulder, followed by a soft murmur.
“Now we can be alone together.”
It seems she had been secretly wishing for them to leave due to her usual poker face. I felt a bit sorry for not catching on earlier and awkwardly mumbled.
“…Sorry, I probably should have sent them home sooner.”
“Hmm, no. It was quite fun talking with everyone. It’s just…”
“Just?”
As I echoed her trailing words, I felt her fingers slipping through the gaps of mine, a tickling sensation grazing my thigh.
“It’s just that I prefer being alone with you a little more.”
“I feel the same.”
“Eep, we’re on the same page!”
Smooch.
Then, realizing that the café had emptied out a bit, we gently pressed our lips together and leaned into each other.
I do feel a bit guilty for our daughter waiting at home, but tonight, it seems I need to dedicate some more time to another princess.
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