“Life would be good if it went according to the plan. But cherish this opportunity.”

“…”

“Unexpected variables burst out, and things become a mess, distorted. That’s what I’m saying.”

“Is it a hope?”

Minhyuk, who had been quite relaxed, turned harsh.

“Don’t think that excelling in studies means success in everything.”

He didn’t expect a definite answer to retreat or give up. However, they were only engaged in sharp attacks and defenses without any compromise.

“Leave Seoyeon alone.”

“Leave her? Okay. What should I do then?”

“Please, fair play.”

Minhyuk coldly smiled and shook his head.

“What fair play when we’re starting from different lines? That’s something you do in cultured sports.”

As if saying he was talking nonsense, Minhyuk tapped the table with his finger.

“If I tell you not to engage in skinship with Seoyeon, will you not do it? True fair play is like that, right?”

Minhyuk was not an easy opponent.

If there was a weakness, he delved into it without hesitation and stabbed deeply.

“While I’m doing such nonsense with you, my nephew’s friend, I must win somehow.”

“If it comes to this, I have some thoughts too.”

Negotiations and gentlemanly agreements were already out the window.

“But one thing…”

Minhyuk’s gaze, unfathomable, turned toward Gyounghyul.

“I will make sure Seoyeon can come to me on her own. To choose me, not you.”

“…”

“I’m not forcing her to choose. I want Seoyeon to want me.”

Minhyuk had a look that seemed like he could achieve anything.

“That’s a matter of my pride.”

Not forcing, but creating an atmosphere where she could choose… Gyounghyul’s nerves were as tense as someone waiting for the starting signal in a 100-meter race.

“I assure you, Seoyeon won’t have a hard time because of me or the chairman. That’s all I have to say.”

Minhyuk, who lost his smile, nodded slowly.

After pouring out everything they wanted to say, the two fell into silence for a moment.

An awkward atmosphere lingered briefly.

Looking at Gyounghyul with a calm gaze, Minhyuk spoke.

“Did you bring the car?”

“Why?”

“I’m going to take him.”

For a moment, Minhyuk burst into laughter with a ‘poof’ sound.

“You’re taking me now?”

As if asking what the problem was, Gyounghyul’s dark eyes blinked slowly.

“I’ve finished saying what I wanted to say. You’ve had a lot to drink, and besides, you’re Wonjun’s uncle.”

It was a valid point, but just a minute ago, they had engaged in a serious conversation.

To safely take him home after drinking.

Minhyuk felt a sense of absurdity in this entanglement with the pure Gyounghyul.

“Is it funny for us to have a chit-chat and go to my place?”

“If it’s uncomfortable, should I call the driver?”
Minhyuk was impressed by Gyounghyul’s kind personality.

“How did you manage to win Seoyeon’s favor like this?”

“Using the word ‘win’ is a bit inappropriate.”

As if he were a model student. Gyounghyul corrected Minhyuk’s inappropriate expression.

“I only expressed my sincere feelings to Seoyeon. If you don’t like me giving you a ride…”

Just as Gyounghyul was about to say he would leave, Minhyuk suddenly stood up from his seat.

“Let’s go. There’s no reason to refuse when he insists on taking me.”

Gyounghyul, looking uncomfortable, glanced at him and reluctantly stood up.

“I can give you a ride, but not Seoyeon.”

“That’s what I want to say.”

“I’ll wait outside. Settle the bill and come out.”

Although he said that, Gyounghyul held the door for Minhyuk to leave first.

Even while calculating the bill, Minhyuk couldn’t help but smirk at Gyounghyul’s overly polite demeanor.

“Is that why Seoyeon likes him?”

He was curious about the reason Seoyeon, with a personality so similar to Gyounghyul’s, was dating someone so much younger.

But for some reason, he felt like he knew the answer, a little.

The more he experienced it, the more Gyounghyul had a mature and kind charm.

Of course, no matter how great Gyounghyul was, Minhyuk had no intention of giving in to Seoyeon.

When Minhyuk came out, Gyounghyul’s car was waiting with the hazard lights flashing.

“Get in, Representative.”

For a moment, Minhyuk hesitated.

Should he sit in the front passenger seat, as usual, or, as always, sit in the more comfortable back seat?

At least 20 minutes to get home.

Rather than sitting uncomfortably side by side, it seemed more comfortable to sit in the back seat.

When Minhyuk opened the back door, Gyounghyul glanced at him.

Gyounghyul, who had been waiting for Minhyuk’s next move, observed calmly.

However, he closed his eyes with his fist clenched. Unable to bear it any longer, Gyounghyul spoke.

“Fasten your seatbelt.”

“Are you nagging…”

Since Minhyuk didn’t make a move, Gyounghyul didn’t start driving either.

“Aren’t you going?”

“I’ll go once you fasten it.”

He never stepped back from something he couldn’t tolerate.

Blink, blink—When the car behind flashed its headlights strongly, Minhyuk reluctantly fastened his seatbelt.

As if waiting for that, Gyounghyul smoothly started the car.

An awkward silence lingered briefly between the two.

Looking out of the dark window, Minhyuk glanced at Gyounghyul and started a conversation.

“With your skills, you can go anywhere. Why did you take the civil service exam?”

“I think I’m a good fit for a civil servant.”

Gyounghyul also didn’t avoid the conversation.

Perhaps they were competitors in love, but in professional life, he was a good role model.

Minhyuk was not much different.

“Your current goal isn’t bad. Your English grades are perfect.”

“I plan to go on a U.S. training program once I accumulate more years of service. Should I choose Washington?”

“To reach a high position, it’s good to build connections in Washington.”

In response to Minhyuk’s casually thrown advice, Gyounghyul took it very seriously.

As they were engrossed in the conversation for a while.

The phone rang.

Minhyuk’s gaze shifted to the screen connected to the car’s Bluetooth.

As soon as he confirmed the caller, Minhyuk’s gentle expression turned cold.

“Answer it.”