Kang Woo sat alone on a park bench. Do Young had left after saying he’d be right back.

The night was supposed to be cold, but at 10 p.m., it didn’t feel so chilly. Maybe it was just his mood.

After all, Se Ah had chosen him over Do Young.

Where could Se Ah be now? Probably not home yet.

Checking his phone again, he couldn’t resist and texted Se Ah, who replied she was on her way.

He had a reason to be here. After sending Se Ah off in the taxi, he turned around to find Do Young looking bewildered. He told Do Young to follow him if he needed an explanation, planning to enter any café or bar.

But.

“I’m not in the mood to sit across from the CEO and drink.”
Kang Woo, visibly annoyed, brought them here abruptly, as if ready for a physical confrontation.

He wondered how strong Do Young, who had always been gentle and focused on his art, could be in a fight. Perhaps just taking a few punches and ending it quickly would be more time-efficient.

While lost in thought, Kang Woo finally heard a rustle. Turning his head, he saw Do Young standing there with a convenience store bag.

“What took you so long?”

“There aren’t many convenience stores in this part of Hongdae.”

Do Young replied coldly and sat at a distance.

“We could have gone to a bar. Drinking in a park like kids at our age.”

“I was just going to check and leave. But I can’t have a proper conversation with you while sober.”

Do Young handed a beer nonchalantly, without looking. Kang Woo opened it obediently and drank in one go.

Despite the mutual dislike, Kang Woo was willing to comply with Do Young, especially to avoid troubling Se Ah.

“Say what you want to say. I don’t have to finish all this to listen, do I?”

Kang Woo wondered how many cans Do Young had bought, given the bag looked ready to burst.

He just wanted to finish and go home to his wife.

“I’m really disappointed in you.”

The expected start of the conversation. Kang Woo remained silent.

“How long have you been married? Even if it had been longer, this is not right. Isn’t it shameful to have inappropriate feelings for an employee?”

“…….”

“It’s petty and cowardly.”

Ordinarily, Kang Woo would have retorted, saying Do Young had no business speculating about his deep marital affairs. But those words stuck in his throat. He had promised Se Ah not to reveal their relationship, and he didn’t want to act without her consent.

Logically, he should have just spoken the truth. But emotionally, he couldn’t.

“It’s not an inappropriate relationship. I’m a divorced man.”

Hence, this lame excuse. Do Young looked up in shock.

“I don’t owe you an explanation about the divorce. Anyway, there’s no issue.”

“…….”

“I’ve fallen for Ms. Ji, love at first sight. You could say it’s one-sided.”

Having vented, Kang Woo felt relieved. Do Young’s expression grew more confused.

“You saw earlier. Ms. Ji is indifferent to me.”

Kang Woo opened several beer cans in succession and drank them all. Once the bag was empty, he stood up.

“I had a good drink.”

Leaving a stunned Do Young behind, Kang Woo turned away.

Having been misunderstood as an adulterer and now a divorcee, he had taken on dishonors that should never have been part of his life, but he had no regrets. He had kept his promise and resolved the issue.

Knowing Do Young well and his love for Se Ah, Kang Woo was confident Do Young would believe him. Emotions can make people foolish, just like he was at the moment.

Kang Woo was sure of it.

Kang Woo returned to the company to get his car. Despite his eagerness to get home and his tipsiness, he still adhered to principles.

Humming softly, he descended to the underground parking. Surprised at his own humming, he wondered if he was truly relaxing or just imitating a carefree person. Observing these changes in himself wasn’t entirely unpleasant.

About to call a designated driver, Se Ah crossed his mind. She must have arrived home by now. He planned to call her first before contacting the driver service.

As he dialed and walked towards his car, his phone rang near his vehicle.

With the phone to his ear, Kang Woo was stunned to see Se Ah standing in front of his car, clutching her phone and glaring at him reproachfully.

“Why are you so late? You had me worried.”

After ending the call, Kang Woo strode towards Se Ah. He noticed a security company car in the distance, blinking its rear lights – a signal that it was okay to leave.

As Kang Woo gestured to signal them to leave, he felt a cold touch on his cheek. Se Ah had grasped his chin, turning his face to hers.

“Why.”

He couldn’t continue as he saw her large, tear-filled eyes. Tears soon streamed down her cheeks.

“Se Ah.”

“I’m so upset because of you, Kang Woo… I regret it now, from the very beginning… I should have never liked you…”

“…….”

“You playing with my feelings, leaving me anxious alone… I’m so tired, I really want to end this…”

With resentment, Se Ah struck Kang Woo’s chest repeatedly while sobbing. Kang Woo silently stroked her back as she fiercely pushed his hand away.

Suddenly, Se Ah’s hands were caught by him.

Startled, she blinked, causing the tears to roll down further.

“Please, just forgive me now.”

His usually commanding voice cracked huskily.

Se Ah’s trembling lower lip betrayed her weakness.

Kang Woo’s gaze fixed on her, captivated.

She looked incredibly beautiful.

Unable to resist any longer, driven by days of yearning and alcohol-induced boldness, Kang Woo’s body heated up.

His lips brushed against Se Ah’s earlobe.

“I’ll take all the punishment at once.”

Kang Woo gently nibbled on her tender lips. His large hand cradled her head, pushing his harsh breath through the gap.

Pulling Se Ah into a fierce embrace, she slipped right into his arms.

Their kiss was intense and unrestrained, a surge of overwhelming sensations.

Se Ah’s hands, wrapped tightly around his solid waist, became clammy, her grip firm.

It felt like melting away, truly.