Alerted by a notification sound, Chaewon took out Heeju’s phone.

After glancing at Jaemin’s text, Chaewon quickly replied and put the phone back in her bag.

As she looked up, Yugun was staring at her with an expressionless face.

The atmosphere had definitely become more rigid after Secretary Ahn left the table shortly after finishing their meal.

“Well.”

Chaewon started a conversation in a cheerful tone.

“About the actress Wang Se-Kyung you asked me to take care of. She came in today. Just as I heard, she has a very cute appearance, the kind that looks completely naive about the ways of the world. It’s quite a surprise that such an innocent-looking actress loves alcohol so much.”

Her tone and gaze were lively, as if nothing had happened.

Chaewon knew that trying to lighten the mood would only lead to an unwanted serious atmosphere and then she would have to offer some irresponsible explanation for yesterday’s incident.

She thought if he was perceptive, he would take it as a rejection, and even if he had any feelings, he would back off.

“If celebrity visits are bothersome, let me know anytime.”

Yugun’s response brought a soft smile to Chaewon’s face.

Having national sweetheart Wang Se-Kyung visit our dermatology clinic would be a great promotional boost. It was a deal Chaewon readily accepted, seeing no loss in it.

“I doubt there would be an issue, but I’ll let you know if there is.”

That ended the topic about Wang Se-Kyung.

Both were quiet, with nothing more to say. Yugun watched her silently, and Chaewon found it difficult to endure this quiet time, this space between them, as it reminded her of yesterday’s incident.

She rubbed her neck as if it were stiff.

“Ah, I’m tired. I feel so sleepy after eating. Shall we take the picture and head home?”

“Sit down, I have something to talk about.”

Chaewon, about to stand up, stopped at Yugun’s monotonous voice.

She had tried to avoid the topic with her upbeat chatter, but it seemed she had to face it after all.

Thinking she might have to say something like it was a momentary impulse and she regretted it, making it seem insignificant and irresponsible.

“Yes, Choi Yugun. Let’s talk openly.”

Chaewon took a sip of water in front of her, her expression becoming serious, ready to face whatever was coming.

“I’m really sorry about yesterday, but it was a mistake.”

“I need a third party’s opinion for a task today, and I need your help, Kim Chaewon.”

Chaewon’s tense expression relaxed.

“Me?”

“Since we agreed to compensate time for time, I’ll use those six hours today to help with my task.”

A stunned expression crossed Chaewon’s face.

She had thought he would bring up yesterday’s kiss, but his face was strictly business-like.

Was he considering it just a sudden impulse and trying to cover it up?

Well, if that was the case, it was a relief.

“What task?”

“We’re putting trainees into a famous audition program under the company’s name. Before the broadcast, I need to monitor their pre-practiced performances and concepts. I need your help with that.”

“How can I help with that… It should be employees or related people watching.”

“Given the fierce competition, an opinion from a non-employee is needed, but we can’t ask just anyone due to the risk of information leakage.”

She had heard about an important shoot involving the company’s trainees, who were practicing their concepts rigorously.

The task was to monitor these preparations and offer an audience’s perspective…

Chaewon checked her watch.
“Listen, Choi Yugun. It’s almost 10 PM now. If we go for six hours, it’ll be until 4 AM. When will I sleep, and how am I supposed to manage work tomorrow?”

“You can either help for three hours over two days or two hours over three days. It’s your choice. Personally, I prefer to finish it today.”

I invited Secretary Ahn to join us because I was apprehensive about facing you, and I planned to take all the photos today to avoid you for a few days. But if I have to see you daily for three days again, then today’s photos would be pointless.

Even though I’m acting calm, it’s been incredibly hard to face you.

“How about I help with something else next time? Just for today.”

“Next time?”

“Yes.”

“There is no next time. I need your help now.”

So, I have the choice of how many days to see him, but no choice to refuse.

Chaewon looked at him, his expression cold as if rejecting her refusal, and briefly closed her lips.

Considering he’s asking for thorough compensation for the time lost and not mentioning yesterday’s kiss, and the fact that he doesn’t seem to find it hard to face me, he must be treating it as just a momentary impulse.

Or is he taking it seriously and suggesting we spend today together?

Chaewon felt confused looking at his unreadable expression.

“Then.”

Have I ever been dragged around by someone like this before?

Why do I feel like I have no control over my mind and body, with only one choice, in front of this man?

“I’ll do it today.”

I can’t let this continue. Let’s end it today. And then avoid him for a while.