The Man Who Shakes Me (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 9

It felt like warmth had settled over me.

At the soft touch enveloping my body, Ji Na unknowingly closed her eyes.

The fingers gently cradling Ji Na’s cheeks trembled slightly—she could even feel the faint quiver of his damp lips where they met hers.

Flustered, Ji Na couldn’t avoid Seo Jin Woo’s kiss.

Because Seo Jin Woo looked utterly heartbroken.

Because he seemed so unbearably sad—so much so that it felt as if he were the one comforting her.

For some reason, his sweet scent made Ji Na feel like bursting into tears.

Perhaps because she understood his heart—after all, the heated gaze with which he looked at her held a color no one could deny.

What felt like an eternity passed in an instant, and Ji Na was the first to pull away. Their breaths, quickened and flushed, scattered between them. Her heartbeat pounded loudly in her ears, as if about to burst.

Seo Jin Woo smiled at Ji Na with eyes brimming with tenderness. Seeing sorrow lingering in that smile, Ji Na began to cry.

“Why are you crying?”

Seo Jin Woo’s long fingers carefully wiped her cheek.

“You should slap me.”

Every spot his fingertips touched burned as if scalded.

“Because I forced a kiss on you. Go ahead—hit me. Hard.”

Jin Woo gripped Ji Na’s hand firmly, his gaze deepening. Ji Na, who had looked momentarily confused, let out a soft chuckle.

Surprised by her reaction, Jin Woo raised one eyebrow. Ji Na deliberately averted her wavering gaze and said casually,

“It’s just a kiss. This is basically just a little peck.”

“A peck…?”

Jin Woo echoed her words under his breath.

“It’s the kind of thing people in the West casually do when they meet or say goodbye—just a little boppo.”

Looking down at Ji Na, who pretended composure despite her flushed cheeks, Jin Woo bit his lip.

“Oh. A boppo.”

Nodding as he repeated after her, Jin Woo watched Ji Na wave her hand.

“Then, I’m really leaving now.”

Her forced smile was painfully awkward. Jin Woo gently stroked his chin and smiled softly.

“Yes. Go home safely.”

He heard the sound of her hurried footsteps fading away, followed by the click of the front door locking. Without turning on any lights, Jin Woo headed straight to the kitchen, swallowed by the silence that followed.

From the extended wine rack, Jin Woo pulled out a bottle and took down a glass. It was clearly going to be a night that demanded more alcohol.

***

It felt as if she’d escaped from a tower of enchantment. Jin Woo’s apartment soared so high into the sky that even craning her neck offered no view of its peak.

Only when she stepped onto the street and met the cold night air did Ji Na finally feel she could breathe again. She took several deep breaths.

“Haaah…”

No matter how hard she tried, it felt like her breath couldn’t reach deep into her lungs. Her chest felt tightly constricted, as if something were stuck inside. She even pounded her fist against her chest—but no relief came.

She’d forced a smile, pretended everything was fine, and even said ridiculous things.

It was true—she hadn’t pushed Jin Woo away. No excuse could justify what had just happened.

‘What should I do…?’

Her mind felt utterly blank, as if she’d lost her way. Her thoughts tangled like a knotted ball of yarn. Yet, her lips—where they’d touched Jin Woo—still felt warm.

The sensation of that kiss, pressed down like a seal, still lingered—not just on her lips, but deep in her heart. She tried hard to ignore it.

She checked her phone—already past 11 p.m. Ji Na sank deep into the taxi seat.

There was no message from Do Jin. Had he forgotten about his drunken girlfriend? A pang of disappointment washed over her.

‘Is he busy?’

Only now did worry about last night’s dinner party creep in. She slowly recalled the moment she’d spilled liquor on Director Jung’s pants.

‘What am I going to do from tomorrow…?’

Maybe it was time to seriously consider quitting. Ji Na bit her lip, lost in thought. This was the first time since joining the company that she’d made such a fool of herself at a dinner party.

‘I’m crazy. Lee Ji Na.’

Apparently, she’d been secretly hurt by Do Jin’s behavior.

‘Maybe I misunderstood everything and felt upset for no reason.’

Ji Na turned her gaze out the car window. Under the dark night sky, the faint glow of passing streetlights reminded her of Jin Woo’s eyes.

Their deep, unfathomable gaze had been nothing short of sweet temptation. In the end, Ji Na tightly shut her eyes.

***

The next morning, Ji Na happened to bump into the Department Head right outside the office—and, predictably, his glare was anything but ordinary.

“Don’t ever give her alcohol again. Ugh.”

Ji Na stood frozen like a block of ice, head bowed like a criminal, until the Department Head shook his head and disappeared.

“The old fogey’s gone.”

At Ji Hye’s whisper in her ear, Ji Na thawed instantly. She carefully took her seat and turned on her computer.

[You okay?]

A message from Ji Hye popped up on her phone.

[Yeah… What did I even do last night…?] [You were epic. The Department Head totally freaked out, but Manager Kim took care of him like he was a baby.]

Of course—Do Jin was always top-notch at looking after superiors. Ji Na let out a small sigh.

[But Seo Intern took care of you, right? At least your “little brother” was dependable.]

At the sudden mention of Jin Woo, Ji Na paused her typing. Last night’s memory rushed back, and her face flushed instantly.

[Intern love, senior love—let’s do lunch at Haejanggak.]

Ji Hye’s playful tone practically rang in her ears. Ji Na chuckled softly and quickly replied.

[Got it. See you later.] [Okie. Hang in there.]

No sooner had she set her phone down than she heard Do Jin’s voice.

“Associate Lee Ji Na.”

His voice was deeper and heavier than usual. Was he calling her about a report—or to check if she’d gotten home safely last night? The short walk to him felt endlessly long.

“Come to the meeting room.”

Do Jin stood up and walked ahead, clearly ready for a long talk.

Once inside, with the blinds raised, the office view spread beyond the glass window. Before even looking at Do Jin, Ji Na noticed Seo Jin Woo’s empty desk by the window.

“Associate Lee. Last night—”

Do Jin, clearly exhausted, furrowed his brow as he spoke.

“Were you even in your right mind?”

His opening line stung with disappointment. Ji Na tightened her grip on her clasped hands.

“Getting drunk at a dinner party… Honestly. And spilling alcohol on the Department Head? Do you even know how awkward I felt yesterday?”

Do Jin’s tone and manner were exactly that of a manager scolding a subordinate—nothing more, nothing less. Not a trace of concern for her.

Maybe it was time to end this.

“Do Jin.”

At her call, Do Jin’s cold eyes turned to her—distinctly different from Jin Woo’s, utterly icy and indifferent.

“Let’s break up.”

“What…?”

Do Jin’s narrow eyes widened.

“It seems like you don’t love me anymore.”

“Huh…”

Do Jin ran a hand through his hair and sighed deeply.

“Love? You’re twenty-nine—can we drop this childish talk about love?”

His expression clearly showed annoyance.

“It’s time to graduate from these sentimental notions. We’ve been together for five whole years—let’s be realistic, Ji Na. Does this still mean anything?”

Disappointment blurred Ji Na’s vision. She held back her tears and replied, forcing calm into her voice.

“At least it does to me.”

At Ji Na’s words, Do Jin stared at her, visibly surprised.

“When did you become this childish?”

His reproachful tone kept tearing at her heart.

“Is this because I didn’t take care of you last night?”

His attempt to understand only sounded more immature.

“No.”

Ji Na shook her head.

“Then what’s suddenly gotten into you?”

Do Jin adjusted his glasses with a serious expression.

“I already told you—I feel like you don’t love me anymore.”

“Did you even ask me? Are you saying this after asking?”

He wanted her to define love with words. Ji Na was left speechless by Do Jin’s audacity. She just stared at him blankly. Do Jin twisted his lips, as if he’d expected this. Ji Na clenched her fists and glared at him.

“Do you love me? Or—did you ever?”

Her insides churned. Her mouth felt dry, as if filled with sand. Do Jin’s eyes flickered slightly—he hadn’t expected such a direct challenge.

“Now that I’ve asked, give me an answer.”

Ji Na stared at him with unwavering determination, demanding certainty. Do Jin cleared his throat twice, rubbing his throat.

“Ha…”

He’d just called talk of love childish—yet now couldn’t give an answer. Ji Na nodded, as if she’d anticipated this all along.

“It really is time for us to break up.”

She stated her decision calmly. Time inside the meeting room seemed to freeze.

After five years together, this was how it ended—leaving her hollow. Yet, strangely, she felt no sadness. No lingering attachment. It was as if she’d finally understood her own heart.

“Let’s part ways amicably here.”

While they still held no bad memories or feelings toward each other,

perhaps this was truly the perfect moment to say goodbye.

Her relationship with a man who couldn’t speak of love ended here. Ji Na was simply too tired to hold on any longer.

“It’ll be better—for both you and me.”

Even though their romance had been secret, they’d still have to see each other at work. Parting with smiles would at least let her remember it as a decent experience. But then…

Cutting through the air, Do Jin’s sharp voice rang out.

“Is this because of marriage?”

His tone implied, as if he might offer her marriage as a favor. His words ignited the emotions Ji Na had been desperately holding back.

“What?”

Surely, she’d misheard. Ji Na’s eyes trembled faintly.

“I know you’ve been waiting for marriage. But I told you—my situation right now is just like that. You know, the project you’re handling.”

It was hard to believe he’d truly heard anything she’d said. Do Jin continued brazenly,

“Let’s wrap things up properly. Marriage.”

It was the most pathetic proposal in the world. She felt ashamed for having dated such a man.

“For your information, that project isn’t mine—it belongs to Manager Kim Do Jin.”

Ji Na said, eyes wide.

“Regardless of the project, I won’t marry you. I don’t want to continue this relationship with you anymore.”

Had they even deserved to be called lovers? Bitterness filled Ji Na’s mouth.

“If you have nothing else to say, I’ll take my leave now.”

Do Jin looked slightly taken aback by Ji Na’s changed demeanor. He fell into deep thought for a moment, then lifted the corner of his mouth.

“Oh—is it because of Seo Intern?”

Ji Na’s hand, already on the doorknob, froze. Do Jin asked in a chilling voice,

“Did you sleep with Seo Intern?”