It was a warm embrace. The kind of solidarity hug one might share with colleagues after completing a big project, acknowledging the hard work done together.

What made this hug comfortable was, surprisingly, the sense of smell.

So-eun had never realized that a man could smell this good.

He had been scentless when they talked face to face, but now, with her nose buried in his embrace, a faint yet pleasant fragrance was noticeable. Was it some cologne? Or perhaps the clean smell of his clothes, or the scent of his skin or shampoo?

‘No, no. Why am I thinking about this now?’

Frozen in Tae-jun’s embrace after inhaling deeply, So-eun stiffened.

She couldn’t even remember the last time Hee-wook had hugged her. In any case, Tae-jun’s shoulders felt much higher and his chest firmer than Hee-wook’s. It felt too engulfing.

Until a moment ago, she was elated about breaking up with Hee-wook, but as she became conscious of the current situation, her body suddenly heated up. Was it because of the summer? What initially felt warm now seemed scorching hot. Even Tae-jun’s heartbeat sounded too loud.

Thump, thump, thump, thump.

Her body tensed at the sound of his heart beating like a giant approaching with heavy steps.

So-eun stretched out her arms stiffly like a wooden stick to push Tae-jun away. He was holding her so tightly that she had to twist her body a bit.

“Director Kim, thank you for today. You should go in now.”

“Let’s ride together.”

“No, I have plans to meet a friend.”

Feeling it improper to refuse, So-eun lied about having a meeting with a friend. Now that the morning drama was over, it was time to say goodbye to this avid viewer too.

“I’ll drive you there.”

“No, it’s okay. I can take the bus.”

“It’s hot, so take a ride. I waited to give you a lift.”

A hotel employee was watching them. The situation clearly showed how much Tae-jun had been paying attention while waiting for So-eun. Not wanting to embarrass him, So-eun agreed to ride in his car.

The excuse about meeting a friend was false, but she did have a close friend nearby. It was the friend she had spoken to on the phone yesterday.

So-eun climbed back into Tae-jun’s car and quickly sent a text message to her friend. Upon hearing the news of her breakup, the friend immediately asked her to come over.

Tae-jun stole glances at So-eun as she exchanged text messages with her friend, smiling to herself. He was relieved to see her not looking upset.

While waiting for So-eun in front of the hotel, Tae-jun grew increasingly anxious. He considered going inside several times but remembered So-eun’s stern expression and held back. As time passed, a hotel staff approached and hinted that parking there was not allowed. Tae-jun handed out his business card and sought understanding.

Having exposed his identity, he knew he shouldn’t stand out anymore, but as soon as she came out, he found himself hugging her. He had to hug her, feeling it necessary to do so.

She didn’t resist his embrace, and it was endearing. Although it was supposed to be a comforting gesture, it tickled him when she wriggled in his arms. It was fortunate she pushed him away just as he was about to strengthen his hold.

Tae-jun asked her destination and drove slowly.

After a long text exchange with her friend, So-eun asked, “Director Kim, can I leave work early tomorrow?”

Her small voice seemed to be checking his reaction. It was amusing enough for him to want to hear more. Tae-jun generously replied, “Do as you please.”

“Thank you.”

“Got plans?”

“A blind date.”

Tae-jun, halted by a traffic light, gave So-eun a sharp look and asked, “Isn’t that too soon?”

“A friend set it up right after I told them about the breakup.”

“…”

“I’ll go on the blind date tomorrow, and I’ll work hard again the day after.”

So-eun cheerfully responded.

Something simmered in the pit of Tae-jun’s stomach.

“Why the rush?”

“The person is only available tomorrow.”

“You just broke up, and already a blind date?”

“I believe a new love helps you forget the old one.”
“Love is just a stopgap?”

“So, Director Kim, do you want me to stay stuck in the past and remain depressed for a long time?”

That was a bold retort, hinting at a much closer relationship. Tae-jun was taken aback by So-eun’s spirited comeback. He couldn’t believe that after being so burnt by love, she was ready to jump right back into it.

“Still, going on a blind date now isn’t fair to the other person. Think it over.”

“The other person said it’s fine.”

“They only say that. Everyone does.”

“I believe life is all about timing. You have to seize opportunities when they come.”

“Work is also about timing. How long have you been delaying the work I assigned you? Get back to work properly from tomorrow.”

Tae-jun had to be a bit stern.

“Then I guess I’ll have to meet them during lunchtime.”

So-eun muttered a response, pouting her lips, causing Tae-jun to frown again.

“What blind date during working hours?”

“It’s not during work, it’s during lunchtime.”

“You don’t know that lunchtime is technically working hours? It’s officially part of the job.”