As he said, Lajin frequently volunteered at a nearby daycare center during college, and she had been making small donations. After accidentally discovering this fact, Sunwoo’s favor towards her increased even more.

“Running a school is already quite busy, so he’s looking for someone to assist. They need someone with abilities, but more importantly, someone who is sincerely enthusiastic about this project, and Lajin seems suitable.”

Then, Sunwoo made a slightly awkward expression.

“Lajin, your resume is excellent, and I can meet all the conditions you want. The problem is you have to leave Seoul.”

Leave Seoul? It was somehow a relieving statement.

When Lajin opened her eyes, Sunwoo looked uncertain.

“Is it too big of a problem? I just wanted to let you know that there’s an option if you find it too difficult, but if you want, I can somehow arrange for you to work in Seoul.”

“Thank you for the good offer, oppa. I’ll think about it positively.”

Sunwoo widened his eyes.

“Really? Will it be okay for you to move down to a provincial area?”

It might be better that way. All she did was go between home and work, occasionally going on business trips or attending alumni events. Whether she was in Seoul or in a provincial area didn’t matter much.

After sorting out her connection with her family, she would be completely alone.

No matter where she goes, whatever decision she makes, she was free.

Rather than feeling refreshing, the time to enjoy a somewhat sad freedom was approaching.

“It might be challenging to organize and move down right away, but if there’s a grace period, it should be fine.”

Her excitement at his words lasted only for a moment.

“Seems quite difficult for you. To decide to leave Seoul.”

Lajin just smiled faintly without saying anything. There was no need to make various remarks to make Sunwoo’s heart heavier, and she had no intention of confiding in him.

Without asking further, Sunwoo suggested she eat quickly.

One person felt excitement, and the other felt loss, continuing their meal.

Lajin thought absentmindedly.

‘It’s strange. If I have concerns, the food usually doesn’t go down well, but this time, it’s going down smoothly.’

Moreover, it was seafood she didn’t usually enjoy.

Seafood… it’s what Jaehun likes.

Thinking about that, she shook her head slightly. She decided not to think about it anymore, making a futile resolution.

Sitting on the sofa with his fists clenched, Jaehun looked at the clock.

7:43 PM.

‘Why hasn’t she arrived yet for whatever talk they’re having?’

Before leaving work earlier, he considered delaying his departure time to give Lajin more time to meet Sunwoo, but he didn’t want to reveal his awkward feelings, so he eventually got up from his seat at 6 PM.
As Lajin and Yoonhee stood up and bowed, Jaehun left the home office.

Even as he cast a glance at her, Lajin never made eye contact with him.

Until the elevator closed, Jaehun could only see her forehead.

“…….,”

Looking at the clock and taking out his phone, Jaehun’s fingers wandered over Lajin’s name on the screen.

Should he call now?

What if she doesn’t answer?

Even if she does, it would be awkward. Confirming that she doesn’t care about him at all, answering with a nonchalant “Yes, sir,” might be more impactful.

Amidst this dilemma…

Rrrrrr[Dash]

The phone rang. Quickly checking the screen, it was Myungwoo.

Jaehun answered the call, unable to hide his disappointed expression.

[Dash]Jaehun, are you off work?

Jaehun, who had never left work on time, was always greeted with this as Myungwoo’s first words.

“Yes, I’m home.”

[Dash]Oh, really? That’s rare. Anyway, it’s good. Can we talk now?

“What’s going on?”

[Dash]Yeah, that… When you visited our spa, the chairman found out that there was someone with you.

Myungwoo said with a voice full of regret.

“I had a promise to meet with the chairman. I arrived much earlier than the appointment time and was talking to Director Jung, but, oh well, Chairman heard it.”

Jaehun narrowed his eyes. Indeed, was it his grandfather who told Lajin about Seoyoung?

[Dash]I absolutely can’t tell you more than that… I’m really sorry.

The unrest was short-lived. He opened his eyes narrowly.

Perhaps it would be better to tell his grandfather now. About the companion being Lajin. If necessary, he thought of it as marrying her.

[Dash]If you find out who it is, they seem to be preparing quite diligently, wanting to host a meal immediately.

In the current cold atmosphere, they would be lucky if they didn’t even look at each other.

“I understand. I’ll take care of it, so don’t worry too much.”

[Ding-dong[Dash]]

Suddenly, the doorbell rang, and Jaehun quickly stood up.

“Then, I’ll hang up.”

Ending the call with Myungwoo quickly, Jaehun coughed awkwardly.

‘Calm down. Relax.’

He didn’t want to show that he had been waiting for Lajin. It was a matter directly related to his pride.

Hurrying towards the entrance, Jaehun saw Lajin on the monitor.

“……Ha.”

With a stiff and upright posture and a dry gaze focused on the lens.

It definitely looked like the appearance of the head of the secretary’s office, not a lover who came to her boyfriend’s house.

Anyone would think she came to work overtime.

Bitter, resentful. But expressing these feelings verbally felt awkward.

Why is she now pretending not to know what she usually noticed faster and more accurately than anyone else?

When Lajin’s eyes met his on the screen, his heart fluttered.

‘Is it really okay for me to marry Jang Seoyoung?’

Then Jaehun snapped out of it, quickly pressed the button, and opened the door. Because he recalled her saying it was difficult for her to stand outside quietly.

I think of you like this. Why don’t you think of me at all?

Why do I suddenly feel like a wall is being built?

The door opened. In the brief awkward silence between the two facing each other…

“Jung Sunwoo has met well…….,”

“Chairman.”

Lajin opened her mouth with a determined expression.

“There’s something I need to tell you.”