Pointing to the cooling food, Oh Jong-hyuk gaped.

“Then eat. We do all this to live. Go on.”

“I haven’t even dried my hair. Stop rushing me. I’ll contact you by tomorrow morning.”

As she complained, Oh Jong-hyuk swiftly stood up.

“Just help me this one time.”

“Ugh, dizzy. Let me eat. Go now.”

“Always so prickly. Contact me tonight if you decide.”

Rajin pushed Oh Jong-hyuk towards the door.

“And don’t say a word to Mr. Executive.”

“One more word, and I’ll call Kim Yu-jun now.”

“He’ll have a hard time if he plans to live with you. Never losing an argument.”

An unbearable thought for Rajin. She’d rather age alone than live with Kim Yu-jun. Determined to get Oh Jong-hyuk out, she stood by the door.

“Do you want me to drive you home?”

“Aren’t you leaving?”

“Drive carefully. Don’t scratch that pretty face.”

Rajin answered with a deep sigh.

“Rajin.”
Half-leaning on the door, Oh Jong-hyuk called out in a whisper. He then sniffed the air like a dog scenting a treat.

“What are you doing? Right now?”

Startled, Rajin reached out to push his face away.

“Did you change something?”

“Change what? Back off.”

“Why do I smell something different on you today?”

Oh Jong-hyuk’s dog-like behavior seemed to have picked up on the lingering scent of Jiho, who was hiding in the bathroom.

“I grabbed whatever hotel amenities I could find in a rush because of your incessant nagging.”

“I thought you might have found someone new.”

“You want me to see someone other than Kim Yu-jun? I’ll consider it if that’s what you suggest.”

Rajin’s serious tone made Oh Jong-hyuk shake his head.

“Ugh, you’re so sharp. Can’t even take a joke.”

“Just let me eat in peace. Go now.”

Rajin pushed Oh Jong-hyuk’s shoulder and slammed the door shut. Ignoring his swearing outside, she hurried to the bathroom and locked the door.

“Is he gone now? Are you okay?”

Upon opening the shower curtain, Jiho’s figure, standing in the tub, came into view.

His nose, more distinct under the dim light and semi-hidden curtain, was damp from the bathroom’s humidity, and his bangs hung down over his forehead.

The softness in his eyes from moments ago had turned icy, like a harsh winter storm.

“Are you okay?”

Rajin asked, sensing his unapproachable aura.

“Are you alright, Rajin?”

Despite his cold expression, his voice was warm with concern.

“As you can see.”

Rajin finally unwrapped the towel she’d used for disguise, letting her long hair cascade down her delicate shoulders.

“You heard everything about Oh Jong-hyuk?”

Jiho nodded in confirmation, then casually sat on the edge of the bathtub.

“Should I stay here longer? Oh Jong-hyuk mentioned a strange scent.”

Staying cautious seemed wise, considering Oh Jong-hyuk’s remarks about the unfamiliar fragrance.

“Sit down, Rajin.”

Jiho tapped beside him, and Rajin slowly moved closer.

The warmth of his body was palpable at such a close distance. As he leaned in, his refreshing masculine scent wafted over, calming her like a sedative. Rajin took deep breaths, savoring the tranquility.

“I’ve been thinking a lot behind this curtain.”

His voice resonated softly.

“Not missing a single word of that trivial talk by Oh Jong-hyuk.”

“I guess I shouldn’t have said I was exercising. I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”

Rajin’s apology was met with his steady gaze.

“I was too engrossed in my thoughts to notice any discomfort.”

As Jiho shifted, Rajin’s gaze followed him.

“Listening to that conversation was repulsive enough. I can’t imagine the agony of facing it.”

His fingers gently touched her tousled hair.

“Enduring those difficult times.”

“I should say it’s nothing, that I’ve become immune to it.”

Rajin wanted to say that, but her lips only quivered, failing to form words.

His face blurred and wavered before her teary eyes. Her long-contained emotions finally burst out, as if she’d met a familiar face after wandering lost.

“You’ve had it tough.”

His words of empathy caused Rajin’s defenses to collapse completely.