Thus, Sunwoo continued to hover around her, pretending not to know her feelings.

Then, both Jae Heon and Sunwoo graduated, and it seemed like the connection between Jae Heon and Ra Jin had come to an end.

“You must be busy preparing for a job these days, right?”

“Yes, quite. It seems like you’re not that busy? I’ve heard that everyone’s exhausted after work, and yet you’re here.”

“Haha, I have good stamina. So, you won’t be coming to the club gathering this time?”

“No, what about you?”

“I’ll just make a brief appearance. Everyone will be disappointed if you don’t come.”

“What are you talking about? You’re the only one I keep in touch with.”

“…Really? Only me? Just with me?”

“Again with the cheesy jokes. Ugh, gives me chills.”

Just when Sunwoo felt relieved, knowing that he was the only person Ra Jin frequently communicated with, the news that Jae Heon had chosen Ra Jin as his secretary came as a shock.

It was unbelievable. There seemed to be no connection between the two.

At that moment, Sunwoo conceded, ‘It’s truly time to end this unrequited love.’

Seeing the two, who would now be facing each other daily, it was easy to predict that they would fall in love soon.

However, his predictions were again off the mark.

They strictly maintained the boundaries of superior and subordinate, never crossing that line.

Initially, even those who had their doubts now acknowledged that the two held no personal feelings for one another.

“I mean, why would someone like Jae Heon, with his reputation, select an employee based on personal feelings?”

“At first, I was suspicious too, but Seo Jae Heon is truly something else. Considering Ra Jin’s qualifications, it’s understandable why any company would want her.”

“Right? I’m telling you, even if they were stranded on a deserted island together, they’d still focus only on their work.”

Given that Jae Heon had shown no interest in Ra Jin, even though she was right beside him for years, Sunwoo felt it was finally time to confess to her.

But a call with Jae Heon once again threw a wrench in his plans.

“How’s Jae Heon doing?”

“He’s the same as always.”

Slyly, Sunwoo responded while observing Ra Jin’s reactions,

“I should catch up with him sometime soon. Let’s all meet.”

To ensure that their relationship remains undisclosed, Ra Jin intentionally overreacted.

“I’d rather not. I don’t really want to have a private meeting with my boss.”

Definitely not. Being together might expose their relationship.

“…Really?”

“Given your personality, I bet you could hang out with your boss even on weekends.”

“Not really. I only want to spend time with those I like.”

“Is there anyone you don’t like?”

At that, Sunwoo flashed a bitter smile.

There’s only one person I genuinely love. He wanted to say that, but he didn’t want Ra Jin to brush it off as another joke.

“Are you heading home? Let me drop you.”

“It’s okay. I’m almost there anyway.”
“Just walk with me a little further. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you, and I’d hate to part ways like this.”

Should we grab a drink? It feels weird inviting her to my place. Maybe a cafe would be better…

Seeing Ra Jin in deep thought, Sunwoo softly smiled.

“I’ll just walk you up to the building. I just returned from a business trip and need some rest. You must be tired too.”

Oh, thank goodness. Ra Jin looked relieved.

The two started walking side by side.

“Where’s your car?”

“Parked down there.”

“How did you know I’d be here?”

“That’s what’s surprising. It’s fate.”

“Yes, yes, I get it.”

Despite Ra Jin’s sarcastic response, Sunwoo just smiled.

“By the way, how was your trip?”

“Good. I went to the factory my great uncle manages. Also, took the opportunity to visit my grandfather.”

Sunwoo’s family operated a massive educational foundation.

His great-grandfather, a former prime minister, had established a school and high school in his hometown after his term, quickly becoming prestigious educational institutions in the area.

His wife, coming from the same region, belonged to a family that ran a large clothing factory. They set up scholarship systems, sponsored underprivileged children, and regularly distributed high-quality clothes for free, earning a renowned reputation for their philanthropic efforts.

Their children held major positions in the government. Among them, Sunwoo’s grandfather had been the deputy director of the national intelligence agency and was now retired, heading the foundation.

Sunwoo was currently working at the Seoul headquarters of the clothing company managed by his maternal side.

“You mentioned that both your maternal and paternal families are from the same region.”

“Yes. There are so many elders to greet, it’s exhausting. If I visit one side, the other gets upset, so I always have to visit both.”

Though he spoke those words, there wasn’t any displeasure in Sunwoo’s expression. His affection for his family was evident in his eyes and smile. He surely grew up cherished by both sides.

‘How fortunate. I’d be so happy even if I had just one blood relative in the world… to have so many that it’s tiring to greet them all.

What’s it like to have people who genuinely love, welcome, and worry about you, not due to obligations, but pure affection?

Not wanting to drown in her emotions, Ra Jin deliberately spoke cheerfully.

“They must’ve been pleased to see you after such a long time.”

“Yes, which made me feel both apologetic and grateful. By the way, my grandfather shared an interesting story with me.”

“An interesting story?”

“Well, it’s like this…”

As their conversation continued, someone approached them swiftly.