Did I Ever Love You? (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 8

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“Department Head?”

Right in front of her stood Kang Hyun, who just moments ago had been gasping heavily from running on the treadmill.

“What brings you here?”

“That’s what I was about to ask you—I moved in here today.”

“Oh, so you’re the one moving into the third floor today. I live on the fourth floor.”

“You live on the fourth floor, Department Head?”

“We’re neighbors, then. What a surprising coincidence, isn’t it?”

“Ah, yes… I guess so. I never imagined something like this could happen.”

Ji Yeon gave an awkward smile and quickly closed her mouth.

Avoiding eye contact with her boss, who had just taken off his outer shirt to reveal his toned physique, she turned her head away. He suddenly seemed startled, hurriedly put his T-shirt back on, and wiped his sweat with a towel nearby.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t even think about it—the apartment below has been empty for so long.”

“It’s fine.”

At his words, Ji Yeon smiled awkwardly again, and a silence fell between them.

“Well then, I’ll head out now, Department Head. Please go ahead with your workout. I was just looking around—there’s still so much I don’t know about this neighborhood.”

In the uncomfortable silence, Ji Yeon fidgeted with her hands and couldn’t meet his eyes.

“I’ve finished my workout. Have you unpacked everything?”

Why keep asking me questions when you should just continue your exercise…?

“Not yet. The furniture hasn’t all arrived, so it’ll probably take another week or two to finish organizing.”

“I see. Your fridge must be empty, too. If it’s alright with you, Manager Ji Yeon, how about we grab dinner nearby? Since, as you said, you’re not familiar with the area yet.”

“Dinner… with you, Department Head?”

Flustered, Ji Yeon echoed Kang Hyun’s words like a parrot.

“Do you have someone else with you? I hadn’t even considered that.”

“No, I’m alone, but… you must be busy, Department Head. It’s really okay.”

“I’m not busy at all. Of course, if it’s uncomfortable for you, Manager Ji Yeon, feel free to decline.”

Truthfully, having dinner alone with a superior she wasn’t close to yet did feel a bit awkward.

But he was, after all, her boss—and since he’d offered out of consideration for her, it was hard to refuse outright.

“Uncomfortable? You’ve been so thoughtful. Alright, then. How about 6 p.m.?”

“Sounds good. Let’s meet in front of the first-floor cafeteria at 6. I’ll pick somewhere walkable, so come dressed comfortably.”

And with that, he left the fitness center first.

“Department Head as my neighbor—and even on the floor right above me. What kind of fate is this?”

Whether fate or misfortune…

At 6 p.m., Kang Hyun appeared in the lobby, carrying a refreshing scent.

Though dressed in the kind of casual tracksuit you’d see anyone wear, he somehow looked different—distinctly so.

“He really is like a walking magazine spread.”

Without even realizing it, Ji Yeon found herself admiring Kang Hyun’s appearance.

“Are you okay with fusion cuisine?”

“Oh! Yes, that sounds great.”

They walked side by side out of the complex, along a tree-lined avenue beautifully landscaped.

The sun had just set, and as they walked with the fading sunset at their backs, the fragrant breeze carried the scents of trees, grass, and flowers.

“How long have you lived here, Department Head?”

“I lived here even before I went to the U.S.—must be over three years by now. It was empty while I was away, though.”

“The villa complex is lovely, and your home is so pretty too.”

“Do you like it?”

“Yes, I really do. Especially since this is my first time living alone—I’m so excited.”

“There are lots of great restaurants nearby. You’ll enjoy it.”

“You must know the neighborhood well, Department Head. I’d really appreciate it if you showed me around sometime.”

“Anytime.”

For a brief moment, Kang Hyun gazed quietly at Ji Yeon.

At the office, she always wore neat, crisp suits—but today, in leggings, a loose T-shirt, and sneakers, she looked much younger than usual.

After about fifteen minutes of walking, they arrived at a small Japanese restaurant that seemed more like a cozy izakaya than a formal dining spot.

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“We’re eating here?”

“They serve full meals here, and it’s really delicious. Trust the choice of a three-year neighborhood resident.”

The atmosphere inside didn’t seem convincing at first—and Ji Yeon remained skeptical until the food arrived.

But soon, her opinion changed completely.

“Wow… this place is really great! It must be one of those hidden local gems only residents know about!”

“I know quite a few spots like this. I’ll introduce you to more of them sometime.”

As they ate and chatted, their conversation flowed so naturally that they ended up ordering beer too.

Although he was her superior, Kang Hyun had a knack for keeping conversations relaxed and easy.

“I’m really happy to be part of this project. I feel like I’ll learn so many new things.”

“That’s a great attitude. And since you’ve got good stamina, as you mentioned, I won’t hold back—I’ll teach you plenty.”

“…Stamina? Oh right—I said that at the last company dinner!”

“Okay! Go ahead and work me to the bone, Department Head!”

Kang Hyun’s usually cool gaze seemed to soften just a little.

They clinked their beer glasses.

“Oh! By the way—was it you who helped me last time? When I came to see the apartment, the elevator suddenly stopped, and I was so scared. The guy in the hoodie—I mean, the person who was with me—helped me out…”

“So it was you? I couldn’t see your face clearly back then. You seemed really frightened—are you okay now?”

“I was so grateful then. If I’d been alone, I probably would’ve just collapsed on the floor in panic. I’ve been scared of elevators ever since I got stuck in one as a kid, and when it suddenly halted and felt like it was dropping, I couldn’t move at all.”

“You must’ve been terrified. Luckily, that kind of thing doesn’t happen often here, so don’t worry too much. Later, I found out it was a rookie from the safety department who made a mistake.”

“Even so, thanks to you, I calmed down faster and got out quickly. I’m really grateful.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“In that case, I’m treating today!”

“I was planning to treat you for your housewarming, so let me get the next one.”

They clinked their beer glasses once more.

Ji Yeon straightened her stiff shoulders and tilted her head back for a quick stretch.

She’d been so absorbed in her work she hadn’t noticed the hours fly by—and now her lower back ached from sitting too long.

“Ugh… our team’s been pulling overtime—how many days has it been already?”

From Monday, they’d worked past 11 p.m. every night, often pushing past midnight into the early hours.

And last week hadn’t been any better.

They’d just left slightly earlier than they were now.

Because of the constant overtime, she hadn’t even had time to finish unpacking her new apartment, let alone register her change of address.

On this much-anticipated Friday evening—when everyone called it “Bulgeum” (hot Friday)—what time would they finally get to go home tonight?

That question hung heavily on every team member’s face.

“I just… I really can’t do it today. Please, just today, let me leave before 8.”

Assistant Manager Joo Yeon muttered under her breath with a dying tone, and everyone else in the meeting room gave tiny, sympathetic nods.

But they all knew—it was simply impossible!

Especially considering the current state of the file Joo Yeon and Ji Yeon were working on, which practically guaranteed an all-nighter, let alone a timely departure.

Joo Yeon, who’d seemed unusually restless since morning, suddenly stood up and called Ji Yeon outside.

“Manager, is something wrong?”

“Manager, I’m really, really sorry—but can I leave early just today? It’s my boyfriend’s anniversary, and I’ve already booked a hotel. The reservation can’t be canceled… and he’s waiting for me outside right now. I’m so sorry, Manager.”

As she spoke, Joo Yeon bowed her head and tears began to fall.

Knowing Joo Yeon as someone who always worked hard and never dodged responsibilities, Ji Yeon felt terribly bad for her.

Though she wasn’t technically Joo Yeon’s team lead, as a close colleague, she really wanted to help.

“Go ahead and leave right now. I’ll tell everyone you weren’t feeling well. If anyone asks later, just say the same. Honestly, leaving on time should be completely normal—but because this project is so hectic, everyone’s staying late, so just say that as an excuse without feeling guilty.”

Ji Yeon firmly held both of Joo Yeon’s hands.

“We’ve already set most of the file’s framework together, so I think I can finish it alone. And you probably don’t even need to join tomorrow morning’s video call with the U.S. team.”

“Manager…”

“Tomorrow’s just the first briefing—attendance after that is fine. We both know only the Department Head and the Team Leader need to be deeply involved; the rest of us are just there for updates. I’ll explain everything clearly to the Department Head, so don’t worry.”

“Thank you so much, Manager. I’ll definitely repay this kindness. I knew the Department Head’s work style meant lots of overtime—but I’d booked this event and hotel reservation so far in advance… I had no choice. And when I checked, they said no refund if canceled.”

Joo Yeon kept sobbing as she spoke.

“Assistant Manager, isn’t today your anniversary? You should look pretty, not cry—your eyes will swell up! No, no—come on, stop! Go fix your makeup quickly. I’ll grab your bag from the meeting room and bring it to you.”

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Joo Yeon slowly nodded, holding back her tears.

Ji Yeon brought Joo Yeon’s bag, handed it to her, and gently patted her back.

“Really, don’t worry at all. I’ll update the team and handle the file properly. You know me—when it comes to PowerPoint, who else but Manager Eun Ji Yeon, right? So go ahead without any worries. And remember—fix your makeup! Your eyeliner’s smudged from crying.”

“Thank you, Manager. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“If I need anything, I’ll send you a message—so don’t worry about work and just enjoy your time with your boyfriend, okay?”

“I’ll keep working from home.”

A little past 10 p.m., Team Leader Seol Dong Seok stood up and started packing his things.

Since there was an online meeting scheduled with the U.S. team at 8 a.m. tomorrow, they had no choice but to finish the work overnight.

“Seriously, aren’t these people way too selfish? They perfectly know it’s Saturday morning there—how can they schedule a meeting during their Friday afternoon like this? Ugh, so annoying.”

Team Leader Seol Dong Seok stuffed his laptop into his bag, irritation all over his face.

“I know, right? They’ve got zero work sense. Next time, I’ll send them something during their weekend schedule—then they’ll understand this frustration. And they gave us such a tight deadline for the document updates too. Anyway, you’ve worked incredibly hard today, Team Leader. Once you’ve finished organizing the materials, please send me an email. See you at the online meeting tomorrow morning.”

Ji Yeon exaggerated just a bit with playful theatrics, and Team Leader Seol Dong Seok chuckled softly.

“You’ve worked really hard too, Manager Ji Yeon. Don’t push yourself—go home and finish it there. I’ll head out first. See you online in the morning.”

About half an hour after Team Leader Seol Dong Seok left, Staff Member Go Kang Sik also departed, saying he’d continue working from home.

Ji Yeon desperately wanted to leave too—but the file she and Joo Yeon were working on needed approval from Department Head Lee Kang Hyun before moving to the next step.

Right now, Kang Hyun was on a call with the European team in another meeting room.

About an hour later, Kang Hyun returned to the meeting room to find Ji Yeon still there, working alone.

“Looks like everyone decided to finish up from home. Why are you still here, Manager?”

“I’m currently revising file number two, and I need your approval before proceeding to the next step. Also, I let Assistant Manager Joo Yeon go home early—she didn’t look well at all. She probably won’t even be able to join tomorrow’s morning meeting. If anything comes up for her, I’ll handle the updates.”

“Understood. And I’m sorry for making you wait so long.”

“Not at all—I had other tasks to work on, so it was fine. But besides this file, files three and four also need your approval before I can update them. It’s not ideal to stay here all night… Or, if it’s okay, I could message you once they’re ready, and you could review them by email?”

Currently, all files Ji Yeon and Joo Yeon were revising required Kang Hyun’s confirmation before any further updates could be made.

That meant either staying together in the meeting room to review the files in real time, or exchanging emails—a more tedious process that would require simultaneous calls for real-time adjustments.

After a brief pause, Kang Hyun replied.

“Let’s go to my place.”

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