---

The one-room apartment was small. Even just turning around, my elbows would hit the walls. Still, when we shared a single pot of ramen, we laughed just because we were by each other's side.

Min-woo would say it like a habit as he watched me silently support him.

I'll make sure to make you happy.

Even when he had to stick tissues up his nose because of a nosebleed, or when he was burning up with a fever from a cold, he never left his desk. All I could do was sit beside him and quietly cheer him on.

---

Min-woo passed the bar exam smoothly. The day we got the news, we held each other and sobbed.

He pulled out a cheap ring he had saved for by practically starving himself and said,

From now on, I'll really, really make you happy.

A tiny room, an old TV, and faded wallpaper. A ring that was cheap for a proposal. The place was humble, but to me, it was the most moving proposal in the world.

---

After we got married, Min-woo worked truly hard. He didn't care if it was day or night. With the single-minded thought that he had to succeed for a happy life with me, he didn't shy away from even the dirtiest work.

The time Min-woo spent at home gradually decreased. The time he spent sitting across from me, and the time he spent smiling at me, decreased along with it.

When I looked sad, Min-woo would try to say this:

Once I finish this one job, it'll be over soon. I'll succeed and make sure to make you happy.

I'm happy as long as I have you.

---

Min-woo eventually succeeded. He achieved success tenaciously, dealing with the filth of all sorts of political and business figures.

However, our happiness seemed to drift further away the closer he got to success.

Even when he saw me looking bitter, Min-woo would only say this:

I just need to finish this one job. Please, just bear with it.

---

Can happiness, truly, ever find its way to us?

---