He had been wanting to hold this hand for some time now.

Truthfully, when Jae Heon was initially turned down in the car, he felt deeply disappointed.

“Shouldn’t we do the same?”

“It’s a distraction to driving.”

However, Ra Jin’s typical response was both endearing and correct, so he went along with it.

Thanks to that, they arrived without any accidents, and now they were walking hand in hand. It was truly a good decision.

Now he felt satisfied.

More importantly, it was a relief that they got out of the car.

Driving with Ra Jin beside him was an unexpected torment.

His head constantly wanted to turn towards her, his hand kept reaching out, and his lips…

It was as if he had turned into an adolescent boy who just discovered his passions, with every nerve and cell screaming towards her, almost getting him into trouble.

“Mr. Jae Heon, we’re starting to see the employees.”

Ra Jin’s grip tightened as if she was getting anxious.

“Do I really have to let go? I think I can walk without holding hands…”

No matter how much she resolved to be completely engrossed in their time together for the three months, it was within the limits of not causing him harm.

She absolutely did not want their temporary encounter to tarnish Jae Heon’s reputation.

While rumors stay, she would be the one to leave.

But on the contrary to Ra Jin…

Jae Heon tried hard to suppress the smile that kept creeping up.

Oh, this woman.

‘Why does she keep acting so cutely?’

Ra Jin kept fidgeting, trying her best to free the hand he was holding.

It felt as if it wasn’t his hand but his heart that was being tickled.

Every little gesture of hers greatly and sweetly stimulated his heart.

Deliberately gripping her hand tighter, Jae Heon whispered,

“If a secret leaks, they said they’ll compensate as much as you want. Maybe use it to turn your life around.”

“Why would Mr. Jae Heon need to turn his life around?”

“Not me. For the woman who loves incentives, to turn her life around.”

At that comment, Ra Jin’s face turned red.

“Mr. Jae Heon!”

When she gave him a sharp look, he chuckled softly and pulled her hand closer.

‘Sigh. What will happen if a secret really does leak out?’
Ra Jin tried once more to free her hand from his grip, but Jae Heon, seemingly determined not to release her, intertwined their fingers even tighter.

If they continued their playful tugging and someone saw, it would be quite a scene.

With no other choice, Ra Jin allowed herself to be led by him towards an employee waiting alone in the lobby.

“Good day, esteemed guest? We thank you for choosing .”

A female employee in a neat uniform bowed deeply in greeting.

For some reason, Ra Jin felt compelled to keep her face hidden from the employee and lowered her head.

“No need for such formalities.”

“It’s… not that formal, you know?”

Seeing her getting flustered, Jae Heon chuckled again.

The inside of Ra Jin’s throat felt like it was burning. Why was he laughing like that? It made her heart flutter constantly.

“Please, follow me inside.”

The employee, after finishing her words with a kind smile, turned around promptly to guide the two.

Contrary to Ra Jin’s worries, the employee was truly dedicated to her role.

He whispered to her, “I told you, it’ll be alright.”

“But it’s still better to be cautious.”

“Can you lift your face a bit? If you keep lowering your head like a guilty person, people might think we’re a couple sneaking into a motel.”

“Mr. Jae Heon!”

“See? No one’s here.”

Besides the guiding employee, no other individuals were visible.

Until they reached the room they booked, they didn’t come across anyone.

It seemed like a consideration for those like Ra Jin, who felt shy about showing their faces.

Following the employee through the hallway, they entered a room with doors on either side.

“This is the changing room. The one on the left is for women, and the one on the right is for men. Robes have been prepared inside, so please change into them.”

The two had to part ways briefly, heading to the respective women’s and men’s changing rooms.

“I don’t want to let go of your hand.”

Jae Heon whispered to her, but it was loud enough for the employee to hear.

Ra Jin’s cheeks turned bright red instantly.

With wide eyes, she quickly glanced at the employee to gauge her reaction.
However, the employee, as if she hadn’t heard anything, gathered her hands below her waist and bowed her head, saying,

“I’ll be waiting outside then. Please call me once you’ve changed.”

Even after the employee left, Jae Heon still held onto Ra Jin’s hand.

“Let go already.”

“So cold. Just yesterday, you were leaning on my shoulder, clutching my arm, and wouldn’t let go.”

“When did I do that!”

“Just because you don’t remember doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.”

“At least let go now. She’s waiting outside. Do you know how hard it is to stand still and do nothing?”

Ra Jin whispered, sneaking a glance toward where the employee had exited, making Jae Heon squint his eyes.

“It’s hard?”

“Yes. It might be different if she was occupied, but waiting like that…”