An hour earlier.

The news of Lee Chang Suk’s disappearance quickly spread throughout CI Soft. Even Se Ah, who usually heard rumors later than others, caught wind of it.

Se Ah, who had been working on the latter part of a story, had just managed to finish her work.

Her heart was restless, causing her story development to become blocked. She had to finish her work somehow and then accessed a portal site.

CI Soft’s collaboration with G-Comms had made the news, and CI Soft’s stocks had hit the upper price limit in today’s stock market. She was looking to see if there were any articles about a potential contract breakdown, but none appeared yet.

“Writer Se Ah.”

Startled by a voice behind her, Se Ah turned to find Ji Na, her eyes wide open. Probably, Ji Na had called her a few times already.

“Yes, Ji Na.”

“What are you thinking about so deeply?”

Ji Na looked at the screen Se Ah was viewing.

“Our Se Ah, is it because this is your first company? You seem to have a lot of company spirit.”

“Ah…”

“Are you worried?”

“Yes, a little. What happens if the contract falls through?”

“Well… for one, the stock that hit the upper limit will plummet. I heard since the rumors of the collaboration with G-Comms, our advertising contracts increased several times over, those might be lost. Maybe there will be a penalty fee?”

Ji Na spoke calmly.

“But don’t worry too much about your salary, Se Ah.”

“Ah…”

“The biggest problem would be the chairman’s disappointment. His reputation would be severely tarnished.”

That was the real issue, but she couldn’t express this to anyone. Se Ah sighed as she accidentally made eye contact with Ji Na and quickly finished with an awkward smile.

“Let’s go eat. We ordinary people don’t need to worry about someone like the chairman. Come on, get up.”

“No, I think I’ll pass today.”

“Really? You’re not eating because you’re worried about the company, are you?”

“No, no.”

Se Ah raised her hands in a gesture of denial. Showing too much concern would certainly seem strange to anyone.

“I have a bit of a stress-induced stomach ulcer. The story wasn’t coming together, and I think that stressed me out.”

“Oh dear. Alright, then, should I buy you a sandwich on the way back?”

“I’ll take care of it if I feel like it. Thank you for your concern.”

“No problem.”

Ji Na left the writing room, and Se Ah sat there blankly.

He probably skipped his meal again. It was obvious.

Rubbing her temples, she imagined him pondering how to resolve the situation.

Thinking of bringing him something, she got up from her seat.

Se Ah arrived at the café on the first floor and stared intently at the menu.

Would coffee be better, or perhaps a warm tea?

The showroom displayed an array of beautiful muffins and cakes. She wanted to sweep all the cakes into his arms.

“But he’s not a big eater. What a waste.”

She murmured to herself when suddenly,

“Writer Se Ah. What are you thinking so hard about? Hey!”

A big hand with unusually long fingers waved in front of her face. Startled, Se Ah stepped back and looked up at the man.

“Writer Do Young!”
“It’s been a while. Happy belated New Year.”

“Yes, to you too.”

It was a conversation long overdue. After admitting her relationship with Kang Woo at the café previously, they had only exchanged formal greetings when they happened to cross paths in the company.

“Writer Do Young, you changed your hairstyle?”

Originally, he had somewhat long hair that slightly covered his eyes. Now, cut very short, it gave him a fresh look.

Slightly embarrassed by the acknowledgment, Do Young lightly scratched his nose. The comfortable distance between them and his kind eyes put Se Ah at ease.

In contrast, when she was with Kang Woo, his light eyebrow lift or the way his comparatively full lower lip would tilt… These small gestures would make her heart flutter.

Se Ah chided herself silently for automatically thinking of Kang Woo whenever she saw someone else.

“Just wanted a change of heart, so I cut it. Does it look okay?”

“Um… Yes, it suits you.”

He really has no interest in me. As she casually said this, Do Young glanced into the showroom. If he had even a little interest, he would have asked if something was wrong.

Se Ah didn’t pay much attention to Do Young. She went to the counter when her order of drinks and muffins was ready.

As she was about to leave with her beverages, Do Young approached the counter.

“Do you have a moment, Writer Se Ah?”

“Why?”

Se Ah, holding the drink carrier, asked as Do Young looked at her intently.

“I wanted to ask about the background of the newly added quest.”

“Oh. Should we sit here for a moment?”

They sat opposite each other near the window. Se Ah described the imagined game world’s setting as detailed as possible. Do Young was recording on his phone and taking notes intermittently.

After finishing the work talk, Se Ah stood up first. Slow to rise, Do Young watched her, saying he should head back up too.

“My work will likely be finished soon.”

“Congratulations.”