A strong attraction often leads to equally strong clashes.

But Seo Jun, unaware that the root of his irritation was love, decided to stop wasting unnecessary emotions.

Thinking it’s none of his business what Eom So Yeon does in this secluded place, whether she calls a taxi or walks endlessly to the city, he was indifferent. That is, until he saw her heading into the forest through the window.

Why she would choose the forest over a well-trodden path puzzled him. She seemed to be taking a shortcut to the main road, but unfortunately, her chosen direction led to a cliff surrounded by mountains.

After confirming that the bag he gave her was still on the dining chair, Seo Jun found himself following So Yeon into the dark, rugged forest.

Moments later, as So Yeon stumbled and sighed while bending over, Seo Jun decided to stop watching and approached her.

Startled by his approach, she let out a scream and sat down abruptly, muttering loudly. Despite her earnestness, Seo Jun couldn’t help but laugh at her.

Up close, her face looked haggard. Not that she wasn’t beautiful, but her pallor was noticeable.

Gently holding her hand, Seo Jun said, “Maybe I should’ve just agreed with you.”

“I didn’t know it was you, sir!”

She had run out on her own and gotten lost, attempting to fend off a man in fear. How ridiculous and pathetic she must have looked. Not wanting to appear more foolish, So Yeon shook off his hand.

“Why did you follow me and scare me like that?”

“We came together, so we should leave together.”

However, Seo Jun firmly grasped her hand again, as if he would never let go.

“Let’s go back to the villa first.”

“…….”

Blushing, So Yeon hesitated with her thick lips trembling.

Having no money and no knowledge of the area, the only option was to go back to the villa as he suggested. She decided not to mention she left her bag behind.

She didn’t want to confirm her foolishness after already showing him all her trembling and panic.

“When are we leaving?”

“Thinking of leaving tomorrow. I’m not a criminal or an unscrupulous employer.”

As they ate dinner, Manager Bong and Park Sung Ho also dined and drank in the annex. Seo Jun elaborated, implying that if they had to leave tonight, someone would have to drive under the influence, which would not end well if caught.

“But still…….”

Her small hand, wrapped in his large one, fidgeted. The softness felt like touching a baby’s skin, pleasant to Seo Jun. He sensed she was hesitating to say something.

The fragile line they had been treading.

The wall between them, which seemed on the verge of collapsing yet still stood, might have been So Yeon’s shield of fear.

Reading her hesitation, Seo Jun’s thick eyebrows softened as he spoke.
“Don’t worry, I won’t bite you. There’s no other intention. It’s been a while since both of us had some leisure time. Let’s just rest in the villa today and leave tomorrow.”

Seo Jun’s attitude inside the villa was no longer threatening.

His tone, as gentle as if consoling a mischievous child, and the occasional smile on his face, was as affectionate as a caring older brother.

Maybe he never had any special intentions.

Perhaps he just wanted to have some casual conversations that they couldn’t have before. So Yeon might have overreacted and made a fuss out of nothing. Thus, she was the one who made a mountain out of a molehill.

“Who said anything? Anyway, I am sorry.”

“For what?”

“For earlier. Speaking rashly to you, sir, and impulsively running off because of my emotions. I was reckless.”

Admitting faults is the first step to improvement.

So Yeon, taught this lesson by her parents early on, knew to reflect on her mistakes. More so now as a mother who needed to mature further.

“It’s good you know how to apologize. That’s unexpected.”

“……!”

Eek! What was this patting?

So Yeon’s brows slightly furrowed at the feeling of Seo Jun’s hand gently stroking her hair. It felt like being praised by an adult, childlike.

“Shall we go?”

Seo Jun began to walk with long strides.

Just when So Yeon’s shorter legs seemed to scamper to keep up, it happened.

“Ah!”

The heel that had been loose earlier completely broke off her shoe, causing her ankle to twist…

As Seo Jun checked her right foot and moved it slightly, a shallow moan escaped So Yeon’s lips. But it wasn’t just the pain; it was impossible to walk on the damaged shoe.

“You’ve twisted it. Let me carry you.”

Seo Jun, without hesitation, bent down to allow her to climb on his back.

“No, no, no!”

So Yeon found herself quickly hoisted onto his broad back, pulled up by Seo Jun before she could protest.

While his warmth felt good, the awkwardness of a grown woman clinging onto a man’s back wasn’t entirely comfortable.

Uncertain of what to do with herself, So Yeon babbled away, and before she knew it, they had reached the villa garden.

Seo Jun walked slowly over the grass and then up the rustic bridge over the small pond.

Underneath the quaint bridge, their reflected images on the water’s surface were projected clearly.