Chapter 1 — A Slip from Daily Life. Part 1 (1)

"Wow! You look so beautiful... Mrs. Boram."

"Aww, stop it... Mr. Gihun's dad is so embarrassing..."

Her cheeks flushed pink as she playfully glared, trailing off shyly. The sight made her even more beautiful to him.

The other night, his wife had grumbled while watching a drama. When a couple appeared on screen, tenderly watching a movie together, she sighed deeply.

"It's been years since we got married, and I can't even remember the last time we went to the movies," she muttered. "Guess I'm just an old housewife now."

Hearing that, David felt a pang of guilt. He'd always been too busy making ends meet to give her the attention she deserved. Her once-slim figure had softened slightly with time. Well, he thought, we used to go so often before we were married.

He'd made so many excuses—always too busy working—that he'd neglected her in countless small ways.

"Alright. How about this Saturday? Want to go see a movie?"

"Really? You're not just saying that? What brought this on?"

"What do you mean? Let's just go. It's been ages. Any movie in mind?"

"Hmm... What's good these days? Hang on, let me check."

She made a phone call, chatting for a while before turning back.

"Honey, let's go see the new movie, 000. Everyone says it's great."

"Okay, then that one. Who were you talking to?"

"Oh, Jenny. You know, Boram's mom. She knows all about movies. I just wanted to brag a little—told her I was going to the movies with my husband. Hehe."

"Women..."

As he spoke, David found himself thinking of Jenny—his wife's friend.

Petite, with a fair face and a warm smile, she was the prettiest among his wife's circle. He'd first seen her at their wedding, and though they'd met a few times since, she'd always stirred something in him.

The next afternoon, his phone rang. It was his wife.

"Honey... about tomorrow's movie... I'm sorry, but—"

"Just say it. Don't hesitate. What is it?"

"Ah, come on... We were finally going out together, just us... You know my friend Jenny? Boram's mom?"

"Yeah, of course."

"Well... When I called her, I found out her husband's on a business trip. And she said she really wanted to see that movie too... So... could she come with us?"

"..."

He stayed silent for a moment.

"I'm sorry... I promised us time together, and now—"

"No, it's fine. Let's all go. See you tomorrow."

He replied curtly, hiding his inner delight.

And so, here they were, going to the movies.

His wife hadn't arrived yet, so he waited by the ticket counter. Then, through the entrance, a familiar figure appeared.

Jenny Kim. She wore a white blouse, a light coat, and pale ivory pants—her full chest and the smooth curve of her thighs accentuated by the snug fit.

David steadied his racing heart as he approached.

"Hello, Mrs. Boram."

"Oh! Hello?"

Seeing him, she blushed slightly and returned the greeting.

For some reason, David always felt a little awkward around her—more so than with other friends' wives. He didn't know why.

"Wow! You look so beautiful... Mrs. Boram!"

"Aww, stop it... Mr. Gihun's dad is so embarrassing..."

Suddenly praised by a friend's husband—someone she didn't expect it from—Jenny's face flushed even deeper as she lowered her head, but she couldn't hide her pleasure.

She'd always felt a quiet, unspoken attraction toward David, her friend's husband. To hear him compliment her figure and charm—well, it made her heart flutter.

Soon after, his wife arrived, and the three of them went into the theater.

Most of the audience were in their twenties—couples or friends—so they felt a little out of place, slightly older and self-conscious.

David was 37. His wife, Emma, was 34. And Jenny, Boram's mom, was 33.

Emma and Jenny had been close since high school and college. Jenny was just a year younger because she'd started elementary school early.

After the movie ended, they stepped outside. The sudden shift from the cinematic world into the dark reality left them feeling strangely hollow and lonely.

"Let's grab dinner," Emma broke the silence.

"Yeah, let's eat. Where should we go? Any preference?"

"Anywhere's fine. Emma, you pick."

"Then... how about some steak? Hehe. It's been ages."

They wandered around until they spotted a four-story restaurant. They went in, had dinner, and shared a light drink.

They weren't drunk, but worried about driving under the influence, they skipped the bar and went to a karaoke room instead. After checking the time and realizing it was still early, they decided to head to David's place in his car.

"Mrs. Gihun, where's Gihun?"

"Oh, he's with my husband at my parents' place. It's just a short walk from here, right?"

"Yeah, right next door. Lucky you—your parents live so close."

"Well, it has its ups and downs. But it's convenient."

When David came out after changing clothes, Jenny and his wife were chatting on the couch. He hesitated to join in, feeling a little awkward, but sat down carefully.

As he glanced at Jenny, he noticed she still looked as put-together as when he'd first seen her. She'd taken off her coat, and now her full breasts pushed against her blouse, straining the fabric.

For her petite frame, she had a surprisingly curvy, balanced figure. A few strands of hair fell across her neck, and he found the sight breathtaking.

Emma was tall—168 cm—with the looks of a beauty, slim and elegant. Jenny was shorter, but her proportions were perfectly harmonious.

As he slowly joined the conversation, feeling a little dazed,

"Let's have a drink? What about you?"

"I'm in. Jenny, you?"

"I should probably head home..."

"Don't worry. I'll drive you later. Or you can stay over. Didn't you say your husband's on a trip?"

"Yeah, he had to go to Jeju suddenly. Something about meeting a foreign buyer."

"Then stay and drink. It's the weekend—what's the rush? By the way, how's Boram?"

"Oh, my sister's watching her. She said she'd come today, so I thought it'd be perfect to leave Boram with her."

"Good. Then let's have a proper drink for once."

Emma went to the fridge and brought out a few bottles, setting up a drinking session in the living room.

Jenny hadn't come here to interfere with her friend's date, but now that it had turned out this way, staying for a drink didn't seem so bad.

She called her sister, telling her she was at a friend's house and would be home late.

On another level, she'd met Emma and her husband at weddings or birthday parties—crowded events—but never spent intimate time alone with them like this. Now, sharing a drink with David, the man she secretly liked, she found herself wanting to stay longer.

She stole a sideways glance at him.

He had a manly face, a strong build, and kind, clear eyes. He wasn't very talkative, a bit reserved, which made him seem distant at first. But from what Emma had told her, he was gentle and caring at home.

When David came out earlier, changing into gym clothes, she'd almost laughed.

Gym clothes in the 2000s? And the way the front of his sweatpants bulged slightly—his unmistakable symbol.

She shouldn't feel this way about her friend's husband. But he'd just called her beautiful.

As the drinks flowed,

"Hey, why does your husband go on trips so often?"

"I know, right? He works at the company—always entertaining clients, flying overseas. You're lucky, Emma. Mr. Gihun doesn't travel much, does he?"

"Yeah, but Ii's always on the road too. Pretending to run a business, running around the provinces. Though his trips are short—just a day or two."

"Same here. I travel a lot, and often at the last minute."

"Hey... aren't you planning a second child? Boram's already three."

"Well... not yet."

Jenny blushed slightly as she answered.

Emma had asked casually, but for Jenny, talking about having children in front of her friend's husband felt embarrassing.

Because having a child meant sex with her husband—and discussing that in front of David, Mr. Gihun, made her face burn.

Of course, the alcohol helped.

"We should have another kid too," David said, trying to ease the tension.

"Ii? Look at the sky if you want to catch stars. All you do is drink."

Emma, who had a low tolerance, started talking more after just one drink—even with her friend present.

"Hey, Emma... honestly, my husband keeps saying we should have another baby, but every time it's supposed to happen, he's drunk."

"So it's my fault? It just happens to be work, and that's when it falls. It's not on purpose."

"Just pay a little more attention... Hehe. Kind of funny, right?"

Jenny laughed, looking at Emma.

"Where do men go after one drink?"

"Where else? A bar."

"A bar with girls?"

"No, no. What are you talking about? Like I have the money for that."

"Don't lie. I saw a lighter in your suit last time—looked like it was from a hostess bar."

"Oh, really?"

"No, no... I borrowed it from a friend when I was smoking. I don't know anything about that place."

"Pfft. Liar. I know everything. Do you like touching young girls at those bars?"

As Emma's questions grew sharper, David's face turned red, and he waved his hands.

"No, I don't go to places like that."

"Alright, alright... Just don't go for a second round. If you're going to drink more, at least pay attention to me."

"Wow, seriously? Mrs. Boram, I swear I didn't—"

"Hehe. Who said anything? Just make sure you take good care of Emma."

David felt humiliated—his wife picking a fight about his drinking in front of Jenny, the woman he was attracted to. But at the same time, the slightly suggestive tone of the conversation excited him, sending blood rushing downward.

He looked at Jenny—her flushed face, her smiling lips—and quickly downed his drink, afraid either Emma or Jenny might notice his gaze.

Jenny, too, felt her tension ease as she shared this "naughty" talk with her friend's couple. She felt more at ease with Emma and David, more comfortable.

And then she imagined it—David at a hostess bar, drinking with friends, freely touching young girls' breasts and asses, kissing them.

She knew her own husband went to places like hostess bars or sports massage parlors. She'd heard from friends and others about what happened there.

Looking at David now, his face slightly flushed as he drank, his manly hand holding the glass—

Those hands... touching and groping freely.

Suddenly, her face burned, a wave of heat rising through her. She felt a sudden urge to pee and went to the bathroom.

She unzipped her pants and pulled them and her panties down together. Her plump mound and smooth thighs stretched bare.

It had been quite a few days since she'd last made love with her husband.

Sitting down, she let out a cool stream of urine—and then noticed something hanging nearby.

A man's underwear.

Is this Mr. Gihun's?

It was a briefs, with a faint yellowish stain near the center.

This is where Mr. Gihun's penis touched...

The thought made her nipples harden and her chest flutter. She sniffed—no particular smell. Maybe it had been off for a while.

She sniffed again, then cautiously brought her tongue to it.

Slightly salty.

Careful not to leave saliva on it, she touched and tasted another man's wife's husband's underwear—her own actions feeling a little perverted.

Yet, she was excited by it.

What am I doing?

She touched her own blouse, feeling the roundness of her breasts through the fabric. Then, she covered her chest with David's underwear and rubbed it against her nipples, overwhelmed by an indescribable thrill.

The underwear that had hugged her friend's husband's penis... and her own swollen breasts. Even in imagination, she felt closer to him.

Emma, a little tipsy, now lounged comfortably on the couch, legs stretched out. Jenny came out of the bathroom, her face still flushed.

Jenny must've had quite a bit to drink...

But after returning from the bathroom, Jenny downed several more drinks in quick succession. Emma, who rarely saw her friend like this, was puzzled but happy—maybe she felt so at ease at her house.

She poured herself another drink, matching her friend.

It was getting late.

"Jenny, just stay over. Your kid's at your parents' anyway."

"No, I should go."

Stumble. She wobbled as she stood.

"Hey, hey... stay over. It's fine, right?"

"Yeah, I don't mind."

"See? My husband says it's fine. Stay!"

"No, I'll go."

She staggered toward the front door. Emma watched, anxious.

"Honey, take her home. It's just a taxi ride—you'll be back in no time."

"No, she can go alone. Stop it."

"No. It's late. Honey, go with her."

"Fine. Wait a sec."

He went into the bedroom, put on his jacket, and came out.

"Let's go, Mrs. Boram."

"I'm fine, really."

"No more talk. Let's go."

Outside the apartment complex, the cold air wrapped around the dark buildings. The children's playground stood empty, eerily quiet.

David held Jenny's arm as they walked toward the taxi stand.

He worried about running into someone they knew—about rumors starting—but at the same time, he felt like he was on a date.

Just the two of them, walking in the dark. Even if it was just an excuse to escort her home, wasn't this their first real moment alone?

He slipped his arm around her shoulder—partly to steady her, partly hoping she'd understand his feelings.

"Mr. Gihun is so kind..."

Jenny suddenly spoke, breaking the silence.

"Huh? Me?"

"Yeah... When my friends talk about their husbands, they always envy Emma. They say you're successful, so caring toward her, so good with your son. Hehe. Among our friends, Mr. Gihun is the ultimate husband."

"The ultimate husband?"

"Yeah. As a father... as a husband."

"..."

"Everyone marries thinking their partner is perfect. But once you live together, flaws show up. But Mr. Gihun... you don't seem to have any."

"No, I have plenty of flaws. Mr. Boram seems like a great guy too."

"He was nice when we dating. But after marriage, he doesn't care much about housework. Or about me."

"He's busy, I guess?"

"Yeah... always on business trips. Sigh..."

"..."

"Hey... Mr. Gihun?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you... have a lover?"

What? Out of nowhere—lover? Is she spying for my wife?

"No. I don't have anyone. Just my wife."

"Pfft. They say men who run businesses all have lovers. Be honest—I won't tell Emma."

"I'm serious. I don't have a lover. What about you, Mrs. Boram?"

"Oh, look at you, changing the subject~ I'm just a housewife. What lover would I have?"

"Then why assume I have one?"

"You're kind, successful, handsome... In your line of work, women must flock to you."

"Not really. I'm kind of passive."

"Being aggressive makes you a playboy. But walking like this... it feels like a date, doesn't it?"

"Yeah... Walking with you, Mrs. Boram, really does feel like a date."

"Oh, did you put on lip balm or something? Hehe. It's been so long..."

"What has?"

"Being out this late on a date."

As she spoke, she slipped her arm out from under his and suddenly linked arms with him.

"Until I get home... I'll borrow Mr. Gihun from Emma."

Startled by her sudden move, David instinctively glanced around—worried someone might see.

But the soft pressure of her full breast against his arm felt good.

"Mr. Gihun... you're so easy to be with."

Even in the taxi, Jenny kept her arm linked with his, still tipsy.

"This feels so nice. Ah..."

Her breast pressed even more against him now. The pants, tight from sitting, outlined her thighs more sharply.

Their hips touched, and though they said nothing, both were acutely aware of the contact.

The taxi driver probably glanced and assumed they were a couple.

David remembered something Emma once told him.

Jenny's husband was a mid-level executive at a successful company, but always busy, always traveling. Jenny, a homebody, often felt lonely.

Maybe that's why she'd tagged along today when she heard about the movie.

"Tonight was really fun, Mr. Gihun. Thanks to you—and Emma."

"Glad you enjoyed it. Get home safe."

"Hey... was I a bit of a mess tonight? Hehe. Just forget it..."

"No. You looked cute."

David regretted it the moment it slipped out. Cute? To my wife's friend? But—

"Really? Hehe... teasing me now? Didn't think Mr. Gihun could make jokes like that."

"Not a joke. It's just... a little embarrassing to say."

"Hehe. Thank you tonight... Good night."

"Good night. Go inside safely."

As he watched Jenny disappear into her building, David stepped outside to call a taxi.

The cold air from earlier was gone. Warmth rose from his chest.

Back home, lying in bed, Jenny thought of Mr. Gihun.

Such a good man... She'd linked arms with him, drunk and bold. And in the bathroom—touching his underwear. Her face burned.

Shame... and quiet excitement.

What if he really were my lover? Oh my god... what am I thinking? Am I crazy?

The empty space beside her in bed felt painfully hollow.

About a month later, Emma left for an overseas trip with her parents.

Her father, mother, sister, Emma, and brother-in-law—five of them going on a family vacation.

Her parents' sixtieth birthday had passed years ago, but this was a "filial trip," and David, who could afford it, covered the costs.

Emma, taking young Gihun with her, couldn't stop smiling.

Thanks to her husband's success, her family was traveling abroad. She could hold her head high in front of her brothers-in-law and sister-in-law.

The night before, Emma had clung to David more than usual.

She put on a sexy negligee, slipped into bed, and used her mouth and tongue to lick every inch of his body, turning him on.

She even gave him oral—something she rarely did—sucking his penis from root to tip.

After intense sex, she happily checked her suitcase again. They left that morning.

That evening, after eating out and watching TV at home,

Riiing.

Who was it? He'd already gotten a call from Emma saying they'd arrived safely.

"Hello?"

"Hello? Oh, hi... It's me, Mrs. Boram."

"Oh. Hi. Long time."

"Yeah~ Is Emma there?"

"She's not. She left for the trip today."

"Oh! Right... I thought it was tomorrow. I meant to call to wish her a good trip, but I'm late."

"Yeah. I hope they're doing well."

"Yeah. Same old for me. Hehe. Mr. Gihun, now that Emma's gone... are you lonely?"

"You too, I bet. Your husband's always on trips."

"Yeah... another one. He's in the U.S., back the day after tomorrow."

"Wow. Guess no job is perfect."

"Yeah. Exactly."

As they talked, the conversation grew easy, natural.

David realized Jenny was more outgoing than he'd thought, and he began speaking more freely.

"So... do you just stay home all day?"

"Yeah. Go to the market, see Boram, watch TV when I'm bored. That's it."

"Wow. How do you live like that 365 days a year?"

"Hehe. Everyone's the same. Emma too. You should reflect."

"Yeah... I guess. Nothing to say to that."

"At least we're better off. Others have to work just to survive. Emma and I don't have that stress."

"That's true... Still, you should get out once in a while. Take a walk."

"Yeah, when Emma's around, we go shopping together."

"I mean... somewhere like the beach or a lake."

"Hehe... Is that even possible? No husband, no lover..."

"Lover? Haha. Now you're talking. If you had a lover, you'd go all the time."

"Oh? Sounds like experience, Mr. Gihun. You sure you don't have a lover?"

"No, no... What are you saying? Just things I've heard. And before marriage, sure, I went around."

"Hehe. Why so serious? Yeah, before marriage, we all did."

"I travel a lot for work, so I go many places. I have to go to Incheon tomorrow."

"Incheon? I've been to Wolmido."

"Really? I've never been."

"Seriously? Never with Emma?"

"No. Maybe I'll go after work tomorrow."

"Alone?"

"Yeah, I'll go by myself. I'm used to it. Haha."

"Nah, that's kind of sad."

"Then... want to come with me, Mrs. Boram?"

"..."

David immediately felt embarrassed. Inviting his wife's friend to go out with him? He broke the silence.

"No, sorry. That was forward of me. I'll go alone."

"Mr. Gihun... can I come?"

"Huh? Yeah, of course."

"But... going out with a friend's husband..."

"So what? We'll just look at the sea for a bit and come back."

"..."

"Then... what time should I come tomorrow?"

"Hmm. I'll finish around four, so meet me in front of the station by 4:30."

"Wow, didn't expect a seaside date. Hehe."

David felt himself getting excited without realizing it.

After work, David drove to the station, parked, and looked around. There she was—Jenny, standing by the entrance in a pink blouse and pleated skirt. She looked stunning.

She spotted him through the car window and ran over, greeting him before sliding into the passenger seat.

"You look absolutely beautiful, Mrs. Boram."

"Oh, now I can't look you in the eye. Emma's prettier."

"No, seriously. When I saw you standing there, I thought, Who's this beauty?"

"You're laying it on thick."

"Isn't it nice to see you?"

"Yeah... really nice. Thank you, Mr. Gihun."

Her perfume filled the car, sweet and warm.

Jenny had been restless all morning, excited beyond words.

She'd called her sister to watch Boram, showered for over thirty minutes, put on lace panties and underwear, and even sprayed perfume she never usually wore.

It felt like being a virgin again.

After parking, they stepped out. The sea breeze hit their senses, and the vast ocean stretched before them. They both gasped in awe.

Not as wild as the East Sea, but after living in the city, the open water cleansed their lungs.

"Ah! This is amazing!"

"Right? So refreshing. And so many people."

"Yeah, even on a weekday. Do you think we'll see the sunset?"

"Hard to say. It's cloudy today—might not happen."

"What a shame. I'd love to see it together."

"Yeah... bad timing."

"Still, I love this sea air. Mmm~"

As they walked along the shore, other couples strolled hand-in-hand or arm-in-arm.

David wondered—Do we look like an affair?

Paranoid, he gently took Jenny's hand. She jumped, startled, and looked at him.

"We're on a date too, aren't we?"

He nodded toward the others—couples holding hands, arms linked. Jenny understood. She didn't pull away. She let him hold her hand.

Her slender, long fingers felt incredibly smooth.

"Let's eat? It'll be hard to find food elsewhere. Let's eat now."

"Okay."

They found a second-floor sushi restaurant with a great view. They ordered sashimi. David, driving, didn't drink. Jenny had a little.

When Jenny took off her jacket, her full breasts were even more pronounced.

Through her thin blouse, the outline of her nipples was faintly visible—she must've worn a thin bra. David found himself more drawn to her than to the sea.

Sitting across from him, Jenny felt a strange sensation as she noticed David's gaze on her face, her chest.

Like the first date before marriage—nervous excitement, the subtle awareness of a man's quiet interest in her body.

I knew the bra was thin... but can he see my nipples? I can't tell...