Humanity aside. Se Ah cursed him internally but then her eyes widened.

“How do you remember that? You said you don’t know things you’re not interested in.”

Se Ah’s excited hopping had loosened her muffler. Kang Woo sighed and wrapped it around her again, pulling her neck close in a sudden move.

She watched breathlessly as his reddish lips slowly curved.

“I looked it up. Wanted to use it as an excuse to date you.”

His plans were thwarted by the midnight wind, he added, almost to himself.

Se Ah’s face flushed. The cold wind had already reddened her cheeks, luckily.

“Let’s go inside. We can see the snow from home too. The view from the top floor is more beautiful.”

Without hesitation, Kang Woo wrapped his arm around Se Ah’s shoulder and led her away.
As Se Ah walked, she sneakily glanced at Kang Woo. His handsome face showed little change, but the tips of his ears were red.

Her heart raced. The feelings she was about to give up on stirred again.

‘I love you,’ the words he had never uttered out loud.

Those common words reignited her hope once more.

Do Young went to the lobby café and bought two mocha lattes.

He had messaged Se Ah but hadn’t received a response. Eventually, he came to the public writing room and peeked inside. Other writers were present, but Se Ah wasn’t.

Maybe she’s working from home today? Curious and a bit frustrated, he was about to leave when the door opened.

“Do Young Writer! Did you come to see Writer Se Ah?”

“Huh?”

Surprised by Ji Na Writer’s question, Do Young pretended otherwise.

“Yes. I had an uncomfortable conversation with Writer Se Ah about a character. It’s been bothering me.”

He fabricated a plausible excuse common among writers. Ji Na noticed the two mocha lattes in his hand and nodded.

“Such things happen when you work together. Writer Se Ah went to the rooftop rest area to get some fresh air. She’s having trouble with her storyline.”

“Thank you.”

Seizing the opportunity, Do Young felt elated. The rooftop was just two floors up, so he rushed up the stairs. Thanks to the cold weather, it was deserted.

Where is she?

He walked slowly to the inner area, but Se Ah wasn’t alone. The man with her was unmistakable even without turning around.

Tall and physically imposing, Kang Woo stood out in his long coat over his suit, looking like a model. It was obviously Kang Woo.

Why are Writer Se Ah and the representative here together?

Suddenly, the photo of the two in Se Ah’s notebook flashed in his mind. Yet, he couldn’t hastily conclude they were in an inappropriate relationship. Their distance was too far apart for that.

The ambiance wasn’t romantic, but Do Young couldn’t shake off an uneasy feeling. He slowly approached them.

Then, Kang Woo, who had been staring straight ahead, smirked and looked at Se Ah. In that instant, Do Young stopped in his tracks.

The usually impassive representative showing a smile to a female writer. His gaze softened slightly.

Do Young bit his lower lip and quickly approached them.

“Representative.”

Although his eyes were on Se Ah, he addressed Kang Woo. Se Ah looked slightly startled, unlike Kang Woo, who appeared nonchalant. Do Young wanted to scratch that brazen face of his.

“What brings Kim Writer up here?”

“Just getting some air,” Do Young countered Kang Woo’s probing gaze. Kang Woo’s momentary suspicion was met with Do Young’s contempt. He raised an eyebrow briefly before returning to an indifferent expression.

“I’ll be leaving now. I’ll work on the character revisions as the representative suggested.”

Se Ah reported in a strictly professional tone. However, Kang Woo didn’t give a formal response. A light smile remained on his lips as he continued to hold Se Ah’s attention.
Do Young was certain. Representative Cha Kang Woo harbored unilateral dark intentions towards Writer Ji. The respect he had built up for Kang Woo crumbled utterly due to his shamelessness.

“Please do so, Writer Ji.”

Finally, Kang Woo permitted her to leave.

“Yes, Representative. See you later, Do Young Writer.”

Se Ah’s words were formal. Do Young managed a smile, while Kang Woo twisted his lips in a slight smirk, followed by a belated chuckle of disbelief.

After ensuring Se Ah had left, Do Young stared piercingly at Kang Woo, who stood before him.

A giant of a man. Despite being a man himself, Do Young had always admired Kang Woo. He had revered everything that Kang Woo had achieved on his own. But now, he felt anger brewing towards the despicable nature hidden behind that glossy facade.

“Why stand there? Got something to say to me?”

Kang Woo tilted his head, looking down at Do Young with arrogance. Do Young’s insides twisted at the smirk spreading across Kang Woo’s face.

“You bought two coffees. Surely, they’re not both for you.”

Without waiting for an answer, Kang Woo snatched one of Do Young’s coffees and took a sip after opening the lid.

“Mocha latte. I’ve been enjoying these recently.”

After a flash of fierce eyes, he calmed down. Watching the self-assured Kang Woo, Do Young finally spoke.

“Representative, are you free on the 24th?”

“Is that a question for me? Sounds like something you’d ask a woman.”

Kang Woo chuckled incredulously and then tossed Do Young’s coffee into the trash after just one sip.

“It doesn’t taste good today. I assume it wasn’t bought for me, so you pay for it.”

“…….”

Kang Woo pulled out his wallet from his coat pocket and casually offered Do Young a few bills.

“I don’t need the money.”

“Sure about that? I don’t like owing people.”

Under Kang Woo’s cold and dominating presence, Do Young felt overwhelmed. He was sure now of Kang Woo’s interest in Se Ah.

Even if Se Ah didn’t like him, Do Young couldn’t let her be manipulated by a man like Cha Kang Woo.

“I plan to go to the orphanage on the 24th. To teach the kids some drawing.”

A fierce flame kindled in both men’s eyes.