The wind that brushed the tip of his nose for a moment tickled his bangs. Then, shaking his head lightly as if urged by motivation, he seemed to be told not to hurry, to go slowly, and that it was enough.

Breathing deeply again, Jiho looked down at his watch.

“3 minutes left.”

Before facing Kim Yujun head-on, to spend the last 3 minutes meaningfully, a precious person like a jewel was needed.

“Are you coming?”

Although it was a considerably late hour due to the time difference, he still couldn’t erase the earnestness toward her. Knocking on the window frame for a moment, Jiho dialed Lajin’s number.

For a moment, there was a dry signal tone, and she had been staring at the dark screen.

Lajin, who peeked her face through the round window of the white blanket, appeared.

[Puppy-ssi.]

Lajin’s cheeks, smiling in a fluffy manner, tingled.

“Were you sleeping?”

[No. I had a bottle of wine with Haeun for dinner and just lay down to sleep.] It was the first time she appeared drunk.

Having barely had time to meet and eat, they parted ways. Her tongue, which had emptied a bottle of wine, seemed a bit shorter.

“Are you drunk?”

[Completely. Because of my Jihoo.]

The address ‘my Jihoo’ softened Jiho’s expression.

“Did you think about me a lot today?”

[Do you think I only thought? In my mind, I kissed you ten times more. Like this.]

She extended her pink lips toward the camera. After playfully pursing her lips like a cute bird, she giggled as if satisfied. This is why everyone falls in love for reasons like this.

Jiho’s heart melted like soft ice cream.

“Thanks to Lajin, I’m fully charged.”

[Really?]

“Really.”

Smiling, like a pink rabbit, she wrinkled her nose.

[Then here, do you see this?]

As if it were right in front of her, she extended her forehead and tapped with her finger.

[Kiss and wish it a good night.]

What could he refuse in the midst of love? Moreover, when an unbelievably cute creature wants it like that. Jiho approached with his phone and blew a kiss. At the same time, the door burst open.

“Sun… Ugh!”

With a shrill cry from the widened eyes of Hojin, the door closed in an instant.

Using the banging sound from outside as background noise, Jiho bid farewell to Lajin.

“Goodnight.”

With her farewell, the video call came to an end.

Whether it was because of her influence or the power of love, a calm peace found its way into his tumultuous heart. Jiho’s condition was better than ever, and his confidence surged.

As if preparing himself, he straightened his shoulders and, as he turned his shoulders slowly, at that moment, a bubbling sound came through the open window. Smirking, Jiho chuckled.

Thud!

Jiho pulled the window with all his might and buttoned his black suit jacket. After tidying his appearance with a snap, as he stood by the door, Hojin, who was standing there, followed closely.

“You said you were scared of the night breeze. But you do everything.”

“Try dating, too. That’s just a greeting.”

“Who lives without a boyfriend? It’s pathetic.”

As Jiho raised his eyebrows, Hojin openly sighed.

“After all, if the senior is in a good mood, the investigation will go well.”

“That’s right. I plan to be just as kind as I feel.”

When Jiho added that they planned to irritate Kim Yujun properly, Hojin raised both thumbs.

“As expected of an actor. Recognized!”

With a chuckle, the two of them opened the door to the investigation room.

It was unbearable.

To be swarmed like a herd even though nothing had been revealed yet. Kim Yujun scrutinized the broadcasting station’s OB van and the logos of various media outlets.

‘I should cut off the advertisements so they can come to their senses.’

Kim Yujun inwardly cursed while maintaining a gentle expression.
“There is evidence that Myungjin is involved in this failed fund case. Please comment on this.”

“Executive Director Kim Yujun! Is it true that you’ve been banned from leaving the country this time?”

Yujun’s gaze, which had suddenly turned cold, scanned the journalist’s badge, pouring out the probing question.

“I will sincerely cooperate with the investigation.”

With only a brief reply, Yujun walked towards the entrance. Behind him, a dozen lawyers and secretaries followed. Especially, Director Hyun stuck closely to Yujun’s right.

“TBC, NTN, Hansung Ilbo. Remove the advertisements from today.”

At Yujun’s firm command, Director Hyun nodded briefly.

“The chairman assured there is nothing to worry about.”

“Now, will he play the role of a father?”

A bitter laugh escaped Yujun’s lips in response. For a moment, he leaned towards Director Hyun.

“What about Lajin?”

“After finishing a photoshoot near Paris, she spent time with the stylist.”

Already inundated with reports from local staff, Yujun was keeping a close eye on Lajin’s daily activities.

Even though the special investigation might be temporary, the routine of investigating Lajin was ongoing. It was a routine that should never be overlooked. Yujun started his day with a report on Lajin.

“Anything special?”

“She went to a restaurant near the hotel and drank a bottle of wine before returning to her accommodation.”

Perhaps due to the regret of not being able to go together, Yujun’s heart was not refreshed despite receiving a report that there was nothing unusual. Was it because of something uncomfortable, something uneasy…?

“If anyone unnecessarily approaches Lajin.”

“I instructed to stop them immediately.”

“Oh, and also, get and follow up on Lajin’s stylist’s resume.”

“Yes, Executive Director.”

After finishing the long instructions about Lajin, Yujun found himself in front of the investigation room.

“Executive Director, I will wait in the waiting room until you come out.”

“Oh, yes. Thank you.”

Yujun patted Director Hyun’s shoulder and opened the door to the investigation room.

Through the wide-open door, Prosecutor Kang Jiho was visible.

A man who met Yujun’s gaze directly with the eyes of a beast in his expressionless face.

For a moment, a thrilling shiver ran down Yujun’s spine. With unknown curiosity and a strange sense of rivalry captivating him, Yujun opened his mouth first.

“I am Kim Yujun, Executive Director of Myungjin Group.”

“I am Prosecutor Kang Jiho from the Huh Taesu Special Investigation Team.”