"Why?" Soo-hyun asked. "It doesn't seem like that place would be open this time of year, nor this season."
Taehan blinked, momentarily taken aback.
Soo-hyun continued, tone almost analytical. "If I remember correctly, despite its popularity among the elites, it only opens to the public a few times a year. So getting in is nearly impossible. Even my family couldn't secure a slot, no matter how much we were willing to pay a hefty some."
For a moment, Taehan fell silent. His confident expression softened, his hand rising to rest against his chin as if pondering a counterpoint.
"You're not wrong," he admitted finally. "But I like to believe that if we try—if we could convince them to open it just for one day, it would be possible. Don't you think?"
Soo-hyun's lips twitched faintly. "You really think it's that easy?"
"I'm always positive about things." Taehan smiled again, this time more gently.
Soo-hyun's expression eased, the faintest trace of amusement tugging at his lips. "Wow," he said dryly, "aren't you a good man."
Their laughter came naturally after that—soft, easy, and unforced. It was the kind of exchange that felt balanced, flowing seamlessly between wit and warmth.
The rest of the evening unfolded like that: light conversation, and subtle glances. The air around them carried a kind of quiet harmony that didn't need grand gestures to be felt.
From a distance, the other guests couldn't help but steal glances. The pair looked perfect together—both elegant, composed, and radiant in their own distinct ways. Whispers floated through the room, and soon enough, people began calling them the picture-perfect couple.
Near the entrance of the dining hall, Kiyonari stood quietly, observing. His expression was neutral, but the faint sigh that escaped his lips betrayed the thoughts swirling beneath his calm surface.
It seems to be going really well, he thought.
He let his gaze linger for a moment longer. Soo-hyun looked different lately—lighter, if you will. There was a rare calmness to him, a softness in his eyes that Kiyonari hadn't seen in years.
And Taehan, well, there was no denying his charm. Even Kiyonari could see why the public adored him. The two of them together really did look right.
Maybe this time... it's real, Kiyonari thought quietly. Maybe finally, he'll settle down with someone like Wang Taehan for good.
The thought should have comforted him. It should have been a relief. And for a moment, it was—until a strange, hollow ache began to stir in his chest.
He tried to ignore it, brushing the sensation aside as mere fatigue. But the feeling only grew heavier, pressing against his ribs like something unseen but suffocating.
A sharp breath slipped out of him. What's this again?...
He frowned, resting a hand over his chest, as if to steady the unsteady rhythm of his heartbeat. The sound of Soo-hyun's laughter reached his ears again—soft, genuine, and warm. For some reason, it only made the ache worse.
I'm hurt? The thought startled him. And this feeling... am I... jealous?
The word felt absurd even in his mind. Jealous of who? Of Wang Taehan?
Kiyonari's gaze flicked back toward the couple. They looked radiant together. Soo-hyun smiling faintly while Taehan spoke with unrestrained enthusiasm.
And yet, Kiyonari's stomach twisted.
"No way..." he whispered under his breath, his voice barely audible.
There's no way.
He forced himself to look away, his jaw tightening.
Why would I even feel this way toward a man who's meant to be with Director Je? He thought bitterly. That's ridiculous. It's not—
But the words died in his mind, swallowed by the heavy thrum of emotion building in his chest. His fingers rose to press against his temples as the air around him seemed to thicken.
The room suddenly felt smaller and suffocating.
He turned on his heel, his steps hurried but restrained, and slipped out of the dining area. The laughter and chatter of the restaurant dimmed behind him, replaced by the faint echo of his own footsteps against the marble floor.
By the time he reached the bathroom, his breathing had turned shallow. He gripped the edge of the sink, staring down at his reflection in the mirror. His face looked pale under the fluorescent light, his brows furrowed deeply.
"What's wrong with me?..." He muttered quietly, water running from the tap as he splashed some on his face. The chill grounded him, if only slightly.
Get your shit together, Kiyonari. He reminds himself.
Still, even as droplets dripped from his chin, the weight in his chest refused to fade.
*****
Not long after, the grand doors of the luxurious restaurant swung open. The evening air carried with it the faint scent of roses and wine, mingling with the city's chill. From inside, Soo-hyun emerged—his suit perfectly pressed, his expression poised as always. But this time, he wasn't alone.
Wang Taehan followed beside him, his tall frame exuding an effortless confidence. His laughter came easily, warm and melodic, a sharp contrast to Soo-hyun's quiet demeanor. The two walked side by side under the soft glow of the streetlights that lined the establishment's marble steps.
From a short distance away, Kiyonari stood near the car, watching. His hands were clasped behind him, his knuckles clenched. He saw how calm Soo-hyun looked tonight—how composed, even serene. There was none of that usual frustation or irritation he used to carry after every failed dinner meeting. No sharp sighs, nor complaints about his matchmaking being a waste of time.
This time, he seemed content.
And somehow, that hurt.
Kiyonari clenched his hands into fists, forcing his expression into something neutral before lowering his head respectfully. "You've worked hard, Director Je," he said, voice even and polite.
Soo-hyun gave a small nod, his tone low but calm. "You too."
Kiyonari shifted toward Taehan. His face softened into a polite smile."Good to see you, Mr. Wang," he greeted.
Taehan's lips curved into a grin. "You must be the secretary, Mr. Soo Kihyun, right? Hello there—nice to meet you."
"Yes," Kiyonari bowed slightly, his tone professional but courteous. "The pleasure's mine, sir."
For a fleeting moment, Taehan's charming radiated effortlessly—his words smooth, his demeanor warm. He seemed like the kind of man who could draw anyone in without even trying too hard. He kept talking about something.
Soo-hyun, however, said nothing. His gaze shifted between the two briefly, unreadable. Then he stepped forward slightly, his presence commanding enough to pull the attention back to him.
"It's getting quite late," he said, tone composed but firm. "I think I should leave. There's still a lot I need to take care of back at the company."
"Alright." Taehan nodded, his smile still lingering. "I must've taken too much of your time. I'm sorry, Director Je."
Soo-hyun simply gave a brief nod of acknowledgment.
But then, before anyone could move, Taehan closed the space between them in one swift motion. Without warning, he reached out and gently wrapped an arm around Soo-hyun's waist, pulling him close.
The air stilled.
His eyes widened slightly, breath catching at the unexpected contact. Taehan's voice lowered, just enough for the nearby reporters and bystanders to catch the intimacy in his tone.
"I'll see you next time, Soo-hyun."
The sound of his name—spoken so easily, without any distance—hung in the air like a static.
Kiyonari froze. His heartbeat stuttered.
For a moment, the sight before him didn't feel real—the soft press of Taehan's hand on Soo-hyun's back, the confident closeness, and even the faint teasing smile on his lips.
It seemed like an act. Kiyonari's gaze veered to their surroundings, and noticed hidden paparazzi from the corners, and the shadows of reporters lingering the area.
Is it because of them? He thought.
Soo-hyun's expression changed instantly. His brows drew together, a sharp scowl forming as his composure cracked.
With a swift motion, he stepped back, pulling away from Taehan's hold as if the touch itself burned. His jaw tightened. "You take care on your way, Mr. Wang," he said curtly.
The tension in his voice was subtle but unmistakable.
Taehan's smile faltered. He quickly masked it again, but it no longer reached his eyes. "Of course," he murmured, watching silently as Soo-hyun turned and headed toward the car.
The air felt colder then. Even the quiet hum of the city seemed distant.
Kiyonari followed closely behind his boss, holding the car door open as Soo-hyun slipped inside. He shut it carefully before circling around to the driver's seat.
Once inside, the silence was thick enough to cut through.
The engine started, headlights flooding the pavement with light. Yet neither of them spoke.
Kiyonari stole a glance at Soo-hyun from the corner of his eye. His boss's face was unreadable—stern and calm, but there was a faint trace of annoyance lingering in his gaze as he stared straight ahead.
Something about it unsettled Kiyonari.
What was that just now? He thought, his fingers tightening slightly on his lap. He looked more irritated than impressed. Even when Taehan did that.
He leaned his head against the window, watching the blurred city lights pass by.
Anyone else would've been flustered by Taehan's gesture. Maybe even flattered. He was, after all, the kind of man people easily adored. He's handsome, wealthy, and confident—everything that could make anyone fall head over heels.
But not Soo-hyun.
No, Director Je wasn't the kind of man who got swayed by theatrics. He didn't believe in grand gestures or sweet talk so easily. He only believed in reasons, and in things that made sense.
Kiyonari sighed quietly, the faint sound lost beneath the hum of the car.
Still, the image of what happened kept replying in his head like a broken film reel.
*****
Kiyonari leaned slightly forward, peering through the glass display where rows of elegant watches gleamed beneath the soft store lights. Their metallic sheen reflected faintly against his eyes as he scanned each piece with quiet focus.
He wasn't just browsing—he was hunting for the one.
Something that would suit Soo-hyun's sharp appearance and for tomorrow's event.
And it wasn't just any event. The upcoming charity gala was hosted by none other than the Wang Group, third in the most powerful and influential business families in the country. They were long-time partners of the Je Group, and naturally, the presence of Executive Director Je Soo-hyun was not just requested... it was rather expected.
And Kiyonari's job was to make sure his boss appeared flawless.
From the cufflinks down the fragrance, everything had reflect Soo-hyun's impeccable reputation.
He exhaled slowly, scanning the last row of watches until his gaze landed on one. A sleek, black timepiece encased in dark titanium with a subtle silver lining. Under the soft light, it exuded sophistication—quiet but commanding.
His lips curved faintly. I think this will look good on him, he thought, imagining how effortlessly it would match Soo-hyun's wrist.
"I'll take this one," Kiyonari said aloud, his voice polite but decisive.
The saleslady behind the counter smiled graciously and bowed. "Yes, sir." She carefully retrieved the watch from the display, wrapped it in elegant box, and slipped it into a branded shopping bag.
As Kiyonari handed her the card for payment, his eyes darted briefly to the watch he was wearing—nothing fancy, just a simple silver one he'd owned for years. A small, ironic smile flickered across his face.
After signing the receipt, he glanced at his wrist again. "I should hurry up," he murmured under his breath.
A short while later, Kiyonari emerged from the high-end mall, both hands weighed down with luxury bags—tailored suit, matching tie, shoes polished to perfection, and now the watch.
Everything Soo-hyun would need.
[A day before]
Soo-hyun sat in the passenger seat, posture perfect as always. One leg crossed neatly over the other, his expression calm but commanding. The faint city lights reflected off his profile as Kiyonari, seated at the driver's side, read through the day's schedule.
"You are invited to a charity event hosted by the Wang Group," Kiyonari recited from the planner.
Soo-hyun nodded slightly. "I am. That's why I need you to get things for me."
Kiyonari blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Pardon?"
"You heard me." Soo-hyun's tone was casual, yet his gaze was sharp. "Go shopping for what I'll wear that day. I would've gone myself, but I have a meeting to attend. So, you'll go in my place."
"Y-Yes. Understood, sir."
Soo-hyun's lips twitched into a faint smirk. "And, Mr. Soo—" he leaned in slightly, his voice dropping into something teasing yet firm, "choose wisely. I'm quite picky with my fashion."
Kiyonari froze.
He could almost hear the challenge in that tone.
"I... I'll do my best, Director Je."
"Good." Soo-hyun leaned back, satisfied.
As the car rolled forward, Kiyonari stared at the road ahead, his heart racing faster than it should.
Is he seriously making my job harder than it already is? He thought with a silent groan.