Chapter 03
Episode 3
[6:30 PM, Taerimjeong.
Unlimited orders of premium Korean beef and drinks are available.]
The Strategic Information Division (SID) often had company dinners. As a core department of Taesung Group, the quality of these dinners was top-notch.
But today, the atmosphere in the SID is different, even in the secretarial office.
“Is it true that the Director is paying for the dinner? And at Taerimjeong with premium beef?”
Dosol, one of the executive secretaries, asked while touching up her makeup in the restroom.
Sujin, who was washing her hands nearby, smiled brightly.
“He’s even attending himself.”
“Wow.”
Dosol’s eyes widened with surprise.
“Is there something to celebrate?”
Was the Director attending dinner such a big deal?
Seo-hee, quietly washing her hands next to Sujin, tilted her head in confusion.
Dosol continued, “Seohee, you probably wouldn’t know since you don’t attend many dinners. But our Director doesn’t like company dinners. He’s not a fan of noisy gatherings.”
That only made Seohee more curious. How could the department have frequent dinners if the Director disliked them?
“Usually, the department managers take the lead to organize them. The Director rarely attends, even the regular ones. The last one he joined was the one you attended, Seohee.”
“Oh, I just happened to go that day…”
She had no idea.
At that dinner, the Director seemed perfectly at ease, enjoying himself. His relaxed expression and gentle smile left an impression.
Her gaze had involuntarily drifted to him a few times, leaving her flustered enough to look away.
She had left early, making the excuse of unfinished work. As a contract employee and the most junior in the office, she thought it was a good chance to avoid social pressure and focus on her tasks.
But now, she was being told to attend this dinner, no excuses allowed.
The situation felt unsettling. It was strange for the Director, who disliked dinners, to suddenly host one at his own expense.
“Maybe he’s announcing his engagement?”
Dosol’s speculation startled Seohee out of her thoughts.
“A Director who avoids dinners is hosting one that’s unofficial, on his dime, and is even attending? It must be for a big announcement,” Dosol concluded confidently.
“Like what?” Seohee asked.
“Something major—like a marriage! His family has been pressuring him lately.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
Sujin splashed some water at Dosol, scolding her.
“As a secretary, spreading rumors about your boss is unprofessional. Aren’t you embarrassed to say that in front of a junior?”
Dosol clammed up, looking embarrassed.
“Let’s not overthink it,” Sujin said firmly. “Take things at face value. That’s what a good secretary does.”
She smiled at Seohee. “Today’s dinner is to celebrate your conversion to a full-time position. That’s all.”
She gently patted Seo-hee’s shoulder. “Now let’s get going. The Director’s already on his way.”
June’s last day.
Dark clouds gathered in the evening sky like a predator stalking its prey. The ominous feeling sent a chill down Seo-hee’s spine. Something troublesome was going to happen.
When she arrived at the restaurant, she froze.
In the spacious room, the long table had a conspicuously empty seat in the middle—clearly meant for someone important.
It was her seat. Right across from Director Kang Jae-shin.
Seo-hee glanced at Sujin sitting far at the end of the table, silently pleading for help. Sujin just smiled and looked away.
“Have a seat, Secretary Hyun.”
Jae-shin’s calm voice brought her back. His eyes gleamed with a quiet sharpness, though his face was relaxed.
“I’m not going to bite.”
Another shiver ran down her spine.
This dinner was going to be trouble.
The dinner was long but never boring.
The SID staff, thrilled by the unlimited premium beef, eagerly expressed their gratitude to Seohee, the reason for this rare treat. Their thanks often came with drinks, which she found slightly overwhelming but manageable.
What wasn’t manageable was Kang Jae-shin, who sat opposite her, watching her like a hawk.
Oddly, he reminded her of a guard dog.
Whenever someone tried to give Seo-hee more drinks or got overly chatty, Jaeshin would intervene—sending them away, pouring her a non-alcoholic drink, or politely declining on her behalf.
It wasn’t the situation she hated. Quite the opposite—it made her heart flutter in a way she couldn’t explain.
This unwelcome feeling left her nauseous, as if her excitement had turned into indigestion.
“I’ll be right back,” she said, escaping to the restroom.
Outside, she stared at the rain that had started falling and found herself lost in thought.
The sound of rain brought back memories of three years ago, on a summer night much like this one.
A stormy evening after an orchestra’s summer concert.
Her phone had rung just as she was leaving.
“Seo-hee… Reporter Lim Joongjae…”
Her friend Hyun-joo was crying on the other end of the line.
“…he’s gone.”
The world had gone silent, leaving only the sound of rain pounding in her ears. Hyunjoo’s sobs mixed with the rain, indistinguishable.
The hot summer air had turned cold, and Seo-hee’s blood felt like ice.
It had hurt so much back then. The pain lingered for years.
But now?
“Is it okay for me to feel like this? To live so… well?”
Her voice wavered as dry laughter escaped her lips.
At that moment, Jae-shin’s voice broke through the rain.
“Do you always struggle to say no?”
Startled, Seo-hee turned to see him.
Having taken off his tie and jacket while grilling earlier, he now stood casually in a loosened shirt.
Tall and broad-shouldered, with a well-defined physique, he could easily pass for a professional athlete.
Caught staring, Seo-hee quickly looked away as Jae-shin chuckled softly.
