Chapter 1 — Blinding Sunlight - 1 (1)

Another idle afternoon bathed in blinding sunlight.

Through the open folding doors, after a long winter and even longer wait, two customers sat at separate tables, empty coffee cups before them, deep in conversation.

My café was surrounded by offices—big and small—and oddly enough, I’d noticed more male customers than usual lately. Not that I minded. Lately, I’d realized men, just like women, seemed to find plenty to talk about once they settled into a coffee shop.

They hadn’t touched their empty cups, the coffee grounds dried at the bottom, too absorbed in their chat. I sat idly flipping through an old magazine.

"Welcome!"

I heard Claire’s bright voice and knew a customer had arrived, but I kept my eyes on the pages.

"Would you like to order?"

Claire’s voice again, followed by the murmur of men placing their orders.

A moment later, the espresso machine whirred to life, and soon two Americanos were delivered, rich and fragrant.

Still, I didn’t look up, absorbed in my magazine.

Then my phone buzzed with a shrill vibration. It was my friend Julia.

She was chattering about getting her hair done tomorrow and whether I wanted to join—typical trivial gossip.

I lifted my head to glance around the shop when my eyes met those of a man at a nearby table. He hadn’t just caught my gaze—he’d been watching me. When our eyes locked, he gave a slight smile and nodded politely.

I found myself smiling back, returning the gesture without thinking.

He looked to be in his early thirties—neatly dressed in a suit, a briefcase by his side—likely out from the office on business.

As I watched, he continued talking to his companion but kept glancing my way. I deliberately looked away, trying to place him, but nothing came to mind.

After a while, the two men stood to leave. He picked up his tray and walked over to return the cups.

"Mrs. Kim… you don’t remember me?"

"Ah?"

I hesitated. Maybe he knew me after all.

He called me “Mrs. Kim”—so he must’ve been connected to my husband. But I couldn’t recall.

Still, I smiled politely and asked,"Who are you…? I’m sorry, I don’t quite—"

"My name is Daniel Lee. I was your husband’s junior at work. We even had dinner together once."

"Oh! Oh my, I’m so sorry. It’s been so long—I didn’t recognize you!"

Now I remembered. He’d been a university junior of my ex-husband’s, someone I’d seen only once or twice back when we were still married.

He’d been pleasant, warm back then—but now, he looked sharper, more refined. More masculine.

"You run this café?"

"Yes."

"Oh… I didn’t know. I come around here often for work."

"We just opened recently."

"Ah… then I’ll have to stop by more often."

"Please do. I’d love that."

I smiled, genuinely pleased. He grinned back, said he’d see me again, and left.

Fucking bastard.

I cursed my ex-husband under my breath, shaking my head as if to erase the thought. Then Claire’s voice snapped me back.

"Boss, do you know him?"

"Mm-hmm."

"He’s handsome…"

"Oh, come on. Every guy looks handsome to you? I’ll tell your boyfriend."

"Just saying… hoho. But he is good-looking. Hohoho."

Listening to her, I realized—compared to the shy, awkward junior I remembered, this Daniel was leaner, more confident, undeniably manly.

That brief encounter faded, and days passed without much thought.

My routine settled back in—morning exercise, biweekly golf practice, arriving late at the café to breathe in the coffee scent. This wasn’t even my dream. My sister-in-law’s friend had run the place, and she’d forced me to take it over, worried I might fall into depression.

Business was steady, and it passed the time—but soon, even that felt dull.

Just another ordinary, uneventful day.

After dinner, Claire and I were chatting idly. The café was quiet in the evenings, surrounded by offices.

The door opened, and a man walked in.

I recognized him immediately—Daniel from a few days ago.

I smiled, welcoming him.

Regardless of our past connection, he was a customer now.

"Back again?"

"Yes. I had dinner nearby and thought I’d stop by."

"What can I get you?"

He ordered an Americano, and Claire started the brew.

Normally, she’d call the customer when the coffee was ready—but since I knew him, and the shop was empty, I picked up the two cups myself and walked to his table.

"Still working at the company?"

"Yes. Still there."

"You’ve been promoted, haven’t you?"

"Yes. I’m a team leader now."

"It’s been quite a while since I last saw you."

"Hasn’t it? Must be four or five years."

He smiled at my words.

"And Mrs. Kim… you haven’t changed at all. You were always beautiful—I recognized you instantly."

"Hoho… thank you. But I’m not young anymore. I’m already in my forties."

"Don’t say that. Anyone would think I’m the younger one looking at you."

"Hoho… flattery will get you everywhere."

Even if his words were just polite exaggeration, they warmed me. It had been ages since I’d had a casual, personal conversation with a man—no work talk, just us.

"I’ve heard things."

At his words, my smile faded. I knew exactly what “things” he meant—my divorce.

We sat in silence for a moment before he spoke again.

"You must’ve had a hard time…"

"Not at all. I’ve already forgotten all about it. Let’s not talk about that."

"Oh! I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you."

"No, it’s fine. It’s true, after all. But… are you married?"

I changed the subject, eager to ease the awkwardness.

"No… haven’t found the right person yet. Heh."

"Oh? You should be thinking about marriage soon. Aren’t you thirty-three this year?"

"No, still thirty-two."

"Not too late, but you should hurry. Are your standards too high?"

"I do have high standards. If only someone like you were available, I’d marry her in a heartbeat. Hahaha."

"You’re just buttering me up… hoho."

"Hahaha…"

The tension melted away, and we laughed, trading light banter.

Up close, he was handsome, just as Claire said. He was big, but somehow endearing—maybe because of his youth.

We chatted easily, until I noticed Claire tidying up. Closing time had crept up on us.

Daniel noticed too. He gathered his bag, preparing to leave.

I quickly took the tray back to Claire and walked him to the door.

"See you again!"

"Yes, Mrs. Kim. I’ll see you soon!"

He waved cheerfully and disappeared down the street.

I cleaned up with Claire, then drove home.

Sitting in the car, I realized—it had been a long time since I’d enjoyed a simple, carefree conversation like that.

After the divorce, whenever I met friends, their overly concerned, pitying attitudes made me uncomfortable. I’d either avoid them or leave early.

But with Daniel, I’d felt at ease.

It was as if some of my built-up stress had finally eased.

Back home, alone, I took a shower. The water felt refreshing.

Lying in bed, watching TV, I impulsively called my son in the U.S.—but he didn’t answer, probably in class.

I set the phone down, still watching TV, when it rang.

We spoke briefly, promised to talk again over the weekend, and hung up.

I lay down to sleep, but Daniel’s face kept appearing in my mind. What was wrong with me?

The next morning, as I prepared for my workout, I found myself thinking of him. At the gym, his image kept resurfacing.

Then, just as evening service was ending, Daniel walked in again.

I felt a quiet thrill, as if I’d been waiting for him.

Strangely, talking to him felt more enjoyable than chatting with friends. We just… clicked.

As closing time neared, he hesitated, then spoke.

"You close this late every day?"

"Almost. Except on Saturdays. Why?"

"Then… if you’re free this Saturday, would you like to have dinner? I’ll treat you."

"Hmm… sure. Let’s have a meal."

I agreed without thinking.

Later, I’d wonder if I’d been reckless—but at that moment, I couldn’t bring myself to refuse.

Back home, I tossed and turned, trying to sort through the tangled thoughts in my head.

It’s just dinner. Don’t overthink it. Just relax.

Finally, Saturday arrived.

In the evening, Daniel came to the café.

I’d already sent Claire home early and was alone.

"Mrs. Kim… still open?"

"Ah… we close early on Saturdays."

"What would you like to eat? Tell me your favorite."

"I don’t mind. Pick whatever you like, Daniel."

"There’s a great place nearby for grilled sirloin. How about some meat?"

"Sure!"

I wasn’t even a big meat eater, but honestly, I’d have followed him to a kimbap shop if he’d suggested it.

I’d been restless all day, unable to focus on anything.

I told myself I shouldn’t feel this way—but deep down, I couldn’t help feeling like a girl on her first date.

My heart had been racing all day.

Of course, a first date between a man and woman usually called for a fancy restaurant—but somehow, grilled sirloin felt more fitting for us.

Daniel, who hadn’t brought a car, got into mine, and I followed his directions to the restaurant.

It was a high-end Hanwoo steakhouse.

He must’ve made a reservation—because we were led straight to a private room by a staff member.

"Mrs. Kim!"

After ordering, Daniel called my name.

"Yes?"

"Uh… well…"

He looked uneasy.

"Back then, you were my senior’s wife… and calling you ‘Mrs. Kim’ feels… awkward. Could I call you ‘Claire’ instead?"

"I don’t mind… It’d be nice to have a reliable younger brother like you. Hoho…"

"Then please, drop the honorifics too. It’ll feel less stiff."

"Oh… really? Hoho… then I’ll speak casually."

"Please do, Claire…"

And just like that, we became siblings.

We finished our meal, laughing and chatting, then I drove him toward his place.

"Claire… since it’s our first time, I’ll treat tonight—but next time, you’re buying me drinks. Haha…"

Somehow, he’d switched from “Claire” to “noona,” and was practically using informal speech.

"Sure. Next time, I’ll buy the drinks."

"Okay! Call it a deal—next Saturday, 6 p.m.!"

"Call it!"

I agreed, feeling lighthearted.

I dropped him off at a bus stop near his place and drove home alone.

My heart was pounding. A strange excitement surged through me.

Back home, lying in bed, Daniel’s face appeared again.

And to my surprise, I felt a dull ache between my legs.

It had been years since I’d felt this kind of arousal.

The week dragged on. On Saturday, I closed the café entirely.

I went to a massage parlor in the morning for a full treatment.

I ate a quick lunch and waited—each hour felt like a decade.

Two hours before I was supposed to leave, I was already dressed, sitting on the couch, watching TV to kill time.

Finally, my phone rang.

"Claire… I’m almost there. Come out."

"Okay. I’ll wait at the front gate…"

I checked my reflection, adjusted my clothes, and stepped out.

"Wow… Claire, you’re like a celebrity. You’re dazzling just walking over…"

"Hoho… stop with the nonsense. Let’s go."

"Where to today?"

"Well, since I’m paying, we’re going where I say!"

"Yes, Claire!"

Daniel cheerfully obeyed and drove where I directed.

Soon, we arrived at a restaurant by Baekun Lake in Uiwang.

After valet parking, Daniel said as we walked in,

"If I’d known we’d come here, I should’ve taken your car. Mine feels embarrassing now… Claire, you’re going all out, huh? Haha…"

"Well, if I’m treating, I have to make it worth it. Hoho…"

"Got it… then I’ll cover the second round."

"Fine. Second round is on you."

We sipped wine lightly, chatting about this and that.

I even laughed at Daniel’s occasional cheeky jokes.

"Claire, how do you relieve stress when you’re alone?"

He suddenly asked.

"Oh… I exercise, meet friends, chat. But lately, talking to you has really helped me relax."

"See? I knew I’d be good for you. Haha… I’m pretty cute, right?"

"Hoho… cute? You’re built like a mountain…"

"Huh? So I’m not cute?"

"Fine… you’re cute."

"You should relieve stress on me. If you need to, I’ll even let you hit me. Hehe…"

"Oh? You said it! If I ever want to hit you, you have to let me. Got it?"

"Yes. Anytime… then tonight, the second round is with me—let’s have a drink!"

"Sure. It’s nice having someone who’ll put up with my drunken rants for once."

We left the restaurant and got back into Daniel’s car.

"Claire, what do you want? Beer? Or whiskey?"

"Just get whatever you like. I don’t care…"

He drove toward Bundang. Since we both lived there, it made sense.

He parked in the basement of a building, then we took the elevator up.

He pressed the button for the second floor—apparently, there was a bar there.

The place was packed—typical for a Saturday night.

Daniel grabbed my arm and pulled me back outside.

"Claire, it’s too loud here. Let’s go somewhere quieter."

"Where?"

"Let’s skip beer and just have a light whiskey?"

"Sure… fine."

Truthfully, I wasn’t much of a drinker, but I preferred whiskey over beer. Something about beer just made me feel like it’d make me gain weight.

I followed Daniel into a place with a sign that read ‘OO Karaoke Bar.’

A male staff member led us to a room—immediately, it felt like a scene from a movie: dim, plush, intimate.

"Is this… a hostess bar?"

I sat down and asked Daniel, slightly flustered.

"Haha… the girls come only if you call them. Think of it like a karaoke room. You can’t drink whiskey at a regular karaoke place. This is your first time here, right?"

"Yeah. I’ve been to karaoke, but never a place like this."

"Just think of it as a more expensive karaoke room. It’s not a hostess bar. Haha…"

"I see…"

I was a little flustered, but in a way, it felt better than a noisy karaoke place.

At least here, it was just the two of us, no one watching.

A young waiter entered with a tray, carrying bottled water and towels, handed us menus, and took our order.

Daniel confidently ordered 17-year-old whiskey and fruit snacks.

"You come here often?"

"Nah, Claire… when you work, you end up going to places like this. But isn’t it quieter and nicer?"

"It is."

"I’ll be your personal stress reliever tonight—let’s really unwind. Hehe…"

"Hoho… if the helper’s bad, I’ll ask for a replacement."

"Huh? But I won’t take tips. Haha…"

A knock, and the waiter returned with whiskey, ice bucket, and light snacks.

Daniel poured the whiskey, added ice, mixed it with a soft drink, and expertly shook it before handing me a glass.

"Here, Claire—this way you won’t get too drunk…"

Then he poured himself a small glass of straight whiskey and raised it.

"Why can’t I get drunk?"

I pouted slightly.

Daniel winked.

"If you get drunk, I might take advantage of you. Hehe…"

For a moment, I was speechless. Part of me wondered—was I secretly hoping for that?

But I played it cool.

"Then don’t you get drunk either. I might take advantage of you. Hoho…"

"Huh? Then I’ll drink the whole bottle. Hahaha!"

We clinked glasses cheerfully.

Daniel downed his in one go. I took a sip and poured more into his glass.

More snacks arrived. We clinked again and emptied our glasses.

The whiskey, though strong, went down smooth—no bitterness.

"Hey, helper-uncle, sing us a song!"

"Sure… Claire, what kind of song do you like?"

"Hmm… ballads, for now."

"Got it."

Without even looking, Daniel punched in a number. It was Lee Seungcheol’s Are You Listening?

Surprisingly, he sang well—romantic, expressive.

I called out,"Daniel!"

Daniel winked at me and poured even more feeling into the song.

When he finished, I clapped enthusiastically.

Then we emptied our glasses again.

We took turns singing, one after another.

After a few more drinks, my face flushed, and the alcohol buzzed through me.

Before I knew it, we were standing, arms around each other’s shoulders, singing a duet.

I was tipsy, euphoric.

I wrapped my arms around Daniel’s waist, leaning into him, swaying to the beat.

Then Daniel started singing Im Changjung’s One Shot of Soju. One of my favorites.

"I love this song!"

I rested my head against his chest, savoring the music.

Then he tightened his arm around my shoulder, turned me, and pulled me into his chest.

I found myself burying my face in his chest. It felt incredible.

It had been years since I’d been held by a man.

Drunk, lost in the music, intoxicated by his scent—I felt nothing but warmth.

Daniel pulled me tighter, his arms locking me in.

I instinctively wrapped my arms around his waist, surrendering to him.

As our bodies pressed together, I felt something.

I knew exactly what it was.

Something hard pressing firmly against my lower abdomen.

The moment I felt it, a dull ache surged between my legs, a sharp, electric thrill.

My mind went blank.

But somehow, I found myself enjoying the sensation too.

When the song ended, Daniel loosened his arm, lowered his head, and kissed me.

I didn’t resist. I savored his lips.

It was sweet.

His soft tongue danced in my mouth.

I sucked on it as if trying to pull it out.

My lower body ached—no, itched now. I clenched instinctively.

His hardness grew even stiffer, pressing firmly against me.

"Ah…"

A moan slipped out as the kiss ended.

Daniel was an amazing kisser.

With just one kiss, I felt like I’d reached an orgasm.

When the kiss ended, I felt weak, drained.

Daniel tossed the mic onto the sofa, wrapped both arms tightly around me, and kissed me again.

This time, it was more intense.

If the first kiss was sweet, this one was fiery.

His hands ran down my back.

I held him tighter, feeling every inch of him.

His hand gripped my ass, then caressed it.

I surrendered completely to his touch.

He bent slightly and kissed my neck lightly.

Now, electric jolts shot through my body.

One hand lifted my skirt, caressing my ass over my panties, then moving to my thigh.

Then, suddenly, his hand slipped between my legs.

I instinctively tensed my ass and pressed my thighs together.

His hand brushed over my core through the fabric, then pulled away.

He must’ve felt it—how wet I already was.

A moment later, he loosened his grip and stepped back.

"I want to be with you…"

I was flustered—but I was past the point of refusing him.

"Here?"

That was all I could manage to say.

"No. Let’s go outside."

He straightened his clothes, downed a glass of ice water, then grabbed my hand and led me out.

After paying, we stepped outside.

Daniel took my hand and walked straight to the motel next door.

He held my hand tightly—like he was afraid I’d run.

I was so excited, I barely remembered how we got to the room.

The moment we entered, Daniel pulled me into a fierce embrace, kissing me as he tore off my clothes.

I helped him, pulling off my own.

As my top came off, he slid down my bra straps, pulled out my breasts, and started sucking my nipples.

My entire body burned with arousal.

I couldn’t control myself anymore.

While sucking my breasts, he pulled down my skirt and kissed my stomach.

I felt every touch, every kiss.

He lifted me onto the bed, then started undressing himself.

I lay back, eyes slightly closed.

Soon, he climbed on top of me, sucked my breasts again, then slowly moved downward.

One hand was already touching me over my panties.

I was already wet—my panties soaked with arousal.

Then Daniel pulled them off.

He spread my legs with both arms and buried his face between them.

"No… I need to wash first…"

Instead of answering, he started licking my pussy—sucking, then licking again.

"Ah…"

A moan escaped. It felt incredible.

Daniel was gentle, skillful.

I wanted to scream, Just fuck me already!

Soon, he climbed back on top of me.

He kissed me lightly, then pressed his body between my legs.

I felt something heavy brush against me—then suddenly, Daniel’s cock pushed into my pussy.

"Ah…"

It had been so long since a man had been inside me. It felt warm, smooth.

I spread my legs wide, welcoming him.

Halfway in, he pulled back, then thrust again.

Just a few light piston strokes—and I came.

I was already at the peak of arousal from his foreplay.

When his real thrusting began, I couldn’t contain myself.

He slammed into me hard, his cock reaching deep inside.

I clutched his back, then ran my hands over his chest, taking him with my entire body.

He pounded into me, his lower abdomen slamming against my pubic bone.

"Ah!"

I screamed, pouring all my strength into my lower body.

"Ah!"

Suddenly, Daniel groaned.

I felt his cock spurt inside me—hot liquid flooding my depths.

He shuddered lightly, then collapsed on top of me.

I sighed softly, stroking his back.

After a long moment, Daniel lifted himself, gently kissed me.

As he pulled out, his cock slipped from my pussy, and his cum gushed out, running down his thighs.

He pulled a tissue from the nightstand and wiped me gently.

Even that touch sent shivers through me.

I got up, covering myself with tissue, and went to the bathroom.

I suddenly felt the urge to pee. As I sat, a gush of Daniel’s cum poured out.

I quickly rinsed off under the shower and came out. Soon, Daniel entered, showered, and came back.

We lay side by side on the bed.

"This… this is my first time."

"What do you mean?"

"Yeah… I’m usually good, but I came too fast this time."

"Really? I thought it was amazing."

"Really? You liked it?"

"Yes."

"But your pussy… it’s incredible. I tried to hold back, but I couldn’t… Is it okay if I came inside?"

"Yes. I had surgery after my second child."

I rested my head on Daniel’s shoulder, gently stroking his chest.

It had been so long since I’d breathed in the scent of a man.