Jiho’s irritation-laden curse burst out of his mouth. The moment he was about to call Dae-yeok, locking the office door.

“Senior. Are you coming now?”

Perhaps having hastily washed up, Hojin’s short hair was damp. Jiho made a quick hand gesture towards Hojin, shaking hands warmly.

“Hojin, did you bring the car?”

“Oh? Yes.”

“Something urgent came up. Can you give me a ride to the main road?”

Examining Jiho’s uneasy expression, Hojin glanced at his smartwatch.

“It’s not even 7 o’clock yet. There’s plenty of time before work. I’ll drive you.”

Even though Jiho grabbed Hojin without consent, the junior, instead of showing displeasure, took the lead, saying, “Let’s go quickly.”

“Come on, go.”

“I won’t refuse.”

“What kind of formality between blood brothers?”

There were still two hours left until the start of work, and Lajin was crying. Jiho, who was offered a ride by his junior, walked briskly to the parking lot without hesitation.

“Where should I go?”

“Ark Hotel.”

As soon as the destination was decided, Hojin immediately started the engine. With a screeching sound, Hojin’s car quickly gained speed.

“Senior, your appearance might lose its luster, but please bend your body a bit.”

In response to Hojin’s words about an unwelcome companion, Jiho bent his body in half without hesitation.

“Fearless, or brainless. To openly tail a prosecutor.”

“On the day when Kim Yujun is investigated, we should sweep them away first.”

“You guys are in big trouble. If our ‘Tiger Kang Jiho’ gets angry, he’ll roar like crazy… it’s scary.”

Hojin quickly softened his words while glancing at Jiho.

“It’ll pass soon. Just endure a bit.”

Tutting his tongue, Hojin’s car swiftly passed the tailing.

“You can wake up now.”

“Ha, so annoying.”

Jiho raised his body, tapping his jacket. The swiftly passing streets, Jiho rolled down the window. His bangs shook in the sudden pouring cold wind.

Hojin didn’t ask what happened. Occasionally, he glanced at Jiho’s troubled face and let out a sigh.

“Should I wait here?”

Pointing to the hotel entrance that now looked close, Hojin asked.

“No, I’ll manage on my own.”

“You didn’t even get a wink of sleep. Are you sure you’re okay?”

Smiling wryly at the junior’s concern, Jiho nodded.

“I’m doing overtime every day anyway. You should have some leisure during work hours. Don’t worry about being late.”

“I’ll try to get there as soon as possible. I have an investigation scheduled for today.”

“If you put your soul into it like that, you’ll turn into dust. Take it easy.”

Hojin, who used to shout ‘Wow’ about getting more money from the country, laughed brightly.

Money? Well, it’s not like they’re giving more money, and it’s not like nonexistent honor is rising. Not being able to be by the side of the woman he likes, and what the hell is this all about anyway. A bitter feeling caused his muscles to twitch.

“Thanks for your concern.”
From the start, it wasn’t about making money, so he should put an end to his sulking at this point. Jiho shook hands with Hojin and got out of the car.

“I’m going.”

“If you need anything, feel free to call anytime!”

He let out a cautious farewell to Hojin, who was shouting through the lowered car window.

One step, two steps… With each step Jiho took, an intense impatience welled up in his heart. The dark gray tie trailed along with Jiho’s steps, rising up over his shoulders.

Passing through the modern lobby to the floor where the residence was located, how much he had rushed, in front of 2503, his bangs covered his forehead. Huffing and puffing, Jiho knocked on the door.

As the door opened with a creak, he saw Lajin pouring out tears. Jiho embraced Lajin, who reached out her arms toward him.

“What’s going on?”

Her round forehead touched Jiho’s chest, which was still heaving up and down.

“It was too overwhelming. I could only think of you, Jiho.”

“Lajin.”

“This shouldn’t happen, but I couldn’t bear it.”

Something definite must have happened.

But Lajin repeated only words like wanting to see him and being sorry. Jiho wiped her tear-stained cheek with his tears, smoothing her wet long hair with his hands.

Should he ask why again? Or should he wait a little longer?

The sunlight pouring through the gray curtains crossed the room. The bright room was filled with Lajin’s crying, and Jiho’s heart crumbled.

She said yesterday’s shoot went well, so there was no reason for her to shed tears because of work. Was it because of Kim Yujun? It can’t be because of that lawyer who was bothering her, right?

Jiho swallowed his chaotic thoughts and gently patted Lajin’s back. With each calming breath, he tightened his embrace around Lajin.

Taking careful steps, he sat on the warm sofa where the sunlight had settled. For a moment, Lajin’s delicate body sank deeply into his large embrace.

“Are you okay?”

She nodded her head without answering. In her relieved exhalation, Jiho’s heart surged violently.

“Can I ask now?”