Smiling, Mun-kyung opened the door for Soeun. When Soeun entered the office, Taejun stood up and approached.

“I met Grandfather.”

Soeun’s feet stopped where they were, unable to move forward any further upon Taejun’s report. Soeun feared that he would hear the sound of her own heartbeat.

“I showed him the report, and Grandfather said it’s okay.”

Ah.

That’s what it was. Soeun, without realizing it, let out a deep sigh. Taejun interpreted that sigh as a result of the report.

“We’ll be presenting this next month. I hope you help me prepare. There might be parts I don’t know.”

“Uh…”

It was another awkward situation. Next week, I won’t be here anymore.

“I’ll talk to Manager Jang Eun-pyo about it.”

“I just need Han Soeun.”
“Manager Jang Eun-pyo is more knowledgeable and skilled than me. I need to prepare properly.”

Although Soeun recommended Eunpyo, Taejun’s face showed a hint of disappointment. It was because they wouldn’t have much time alone.

“We won’t be able to see each other often from now on?”

“Do you have a lot of work?”

“I need to meet many people. I have to raise my visibility before the presentation.”

“……”

“Hmm. Our inspirational leader, why do you make it so hard for me?”

Taejun, taking a deep breath, leaned on Soeun like he was throwing a tantrum. His shoulders and chest seemed more robust and firm, like he was sincerely into exercising. It felt like hugging a mature lion, cuddled cutely by a caretaker, unaware of how much he had grown.

“But don’t worry. We can spend this weekend together.”

Of course. Your grandfather designed that schedule thoroughly.

Even though he could empathize with the pain of losing a son, occasionally, he felt chills at his grandfather’s meticulousness.

Still, I have no right to hate your grandfather.

In the midst of pouring out her thoughts for a moment, Taejun’s voice spread slowly to Soeun’s ears.

“You gave a gift to Manager Song.”

“…It’s a maternity dress. I heard it’s good to prepare for childbirth in advance.”

“And me?”

“Do you need a maternity dress?”

After letting go of the hug, Taejun tilted his head and looked at her with an expression that seemed to say, “Would you like that?” Then he smiled as if he found it amusing.

“Someday, we might need one too.”

We might.

Taejun couldn’t read the full meaning behind her tear-filled eyes in response to that answer. He was just a sunny prince immersed in happy thoughts while throwing a little tantrum with a hint of jealousy.

“Actually, give me a gift too. Anything will do.”

Taejun had once said that he wouldn’t accept anything from her, but he wanted a small gift.

“Even if it’s not expensive.”

He was just curious about what she would choose, thinking of him.

He became curious about himself when he received it.

With her round rabbit eyes that seemed to say she found his request unexpected, Soeun was a lovable Taejun.

Unbeknownst to them, another day passed, and it was Friday.

When he was young, enduring was the best he could do, and time seemed to crawl. But in the last week before the end, time flew by in the blink of an eye.

After finishing the last task, Soeun, singing a tune because it was Friday, handed a prepared gift to Bokbae.

“Bokbae, this is a gift.”

“Oh? Why all of a sudden? What day is it today?”

“Just hand cream. You liked the scent. I bought one while shopping.”

“Oh my goodness! It’s touching, Manager.”

Bokbae, rich in expressing emotions, showed a happy expression overwhelmed with gratitude. Soeun was proud.

“Thank you. I’ll use it well.”

“Yeah. Bokbae, you’ve worked hard for a week.”

“Manager, you’ve worked hard too. Have a good weekend.”
After receiving the gift, Bokbae shook hands energetically and left. On her way home, Soeun followed Eunpyo.

“Manager Jang, you’ve worked hard.”

“Yes. You’ve worked hard too, Manager Han.”

Soeun felt indebted to Eunpyo. It was because she entrusted Eunpyo with the task she had to do. Regarding the material Taejun would present at the board meeting, Eunpyo was assisting with relevant expertise. Soeun had suggested preparing together, but she knew that Eunpyo would be alone next week when she would be gone.

“Manager Jang, I’ll count on you to assist Director Kim.”

“Weren’t we supposed to do it together, Manager Han?”

“Anyway, Manager Jang is more knowledgeable.”

At Soeun’s compliment, Eunpyo modestly scratched his head.

“Also, this. It’s a vanilla latte gift card.”

In fact, she wanted to give gifts to everyone in the Mobile Service Team, but that would be too obvious.

When Soeun offered the gift, Eunpyo extended his hand.

“No, you don’t have to give me this.”

“But still. You seem to like it. Enjoy it with your friends.”

Even though she didn’t like vanilla lattes. It was something Taejun liked.

To make it less awkward for Eunpyo, who continued to hold the gift, Soeun gently handed it to him.

“Thank you. I’ll enjoy it.”

To Eunpyo, who didn’t know Soeun’s fate, the gift seemed like a bribe. A bribe to ask him to take good care of Director Kim, her boyfriend. Soeun, diligent and kind, felt hesitant but eventually said what she shouldn’t have.

“I know about the relationship between Director Kim Taejun and you, Manager.”

His surprised expression was cute. Eunpyo felt embarrassed for throwing such words, revealing his lingering feelings.

“I don’t know anything about it.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No.”

She didn’t do anything wrong, but what did she do wrong? When she bowed her head slightly, Eunpyo also bowed his head tenderly.

The situation became awkward. Breaking the heavy silence, Eunpyo cautiously asked.

“Are you okay?”

“What do you mean?”

“It seems like a difficult path for you.”

“No, it’s not difficult.”

“……”

“I guess there won’t be anyone as loved as me.”

Soeun, who had accepted her revealed relationship, smiled beautifully again. This time, it was prettier than her surprised expression. Unable to say that he envied Director Kim Taejun too much, Eunpyo concealed the words he shouldn’t have said.

“In reality, I want to brag so much. It’s a shame I can’t. Our Director is so cool; the whole world should know.”

“Oh, stop it.”

“What?”

“It makes me a bit uncomfortable.”

“Ah… I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s okay. It could be uncomfortable.”

“……. ”

“It looks good, Manager.”

Even though he had no intention of listening to her praise Director Kim, he wanted to support her because her lovely appearance was pleasing.

“In fact, Director seems much better than the manager.”

“Yes. I hope so.”

She continued to be beautiful. She was someone who would always be beautiful.