On the other hand, Ra Jin clenched the steering wheel with a troubled expression.

Occasionally, urgent calls would come in during her commute to work, most of which were related to Jae Heon’s schedule.

‘What should I do?’

She was still driving, and she needed to go a bit further to get a signal.

As she grew anxious, a low voice spoke.

“Should I take it out for you?”

Hesitant, she finally nodded.

“Would you mind doing that, please?”

“No need to apologize.”

“Just let me know who it is. I’ll call back after parking.”

Nodding lightly, Jae Heon took out Ra Jin’s phone from her jacket pocket.

Upon seeing the screen, his expression soured.

[Jeong Seon Woo Senior]

Unbelievable. What could possibly warrant a call at this early hour?

“Director?”

As if asking him to identify the caller, Ra Jin spoke up, leaving him no choice but to respond.

“…Woo.”

“Excuse me? Could you please speak up?”

“I just did.”

“Your voice was so low, only a dolphin might mistake it for a high frequency and understand.”

Ugh. I have to tell Ra Jin that Seon Woo called.

Making her think of another man while they’re together.

The ringtone continued to chime relentlessly.

Jae Heon, who had been staring at the screen, suddenly broke into a smile.

What a solution.

“I’ll answer it for you.”

“Excuse me? Director, wait!”

A flustered Ra Jin raised her voice. Who could be so important that Jae Heon would answer the call for me?

‘If this causes any unnecessary misunderstandings, it’ll be a big problem!’

Ignoring her concerns, Jae Heon boldly pressed the call button.

“Hello?”

A confused breath from the other end of the phone could be heard.

[Dash] Is this Ra Jin’s phone…

Before the other could finish, Jae Heon quickly said,

“Yes, it’s Ra Jin’s phone.”

Ra Jin’s eyes widened.

The way he said her name was so sweet and secretive, as if signaling their closeness to the other person.

‘Who is it? I should have just said I’d check later…!’

It couldn’t be someone from work, right? That would be pointless.

The Director never does anything without profit… it should be okay…

While she screamed silently, Jae Heon’s smile deepened.

[Dash] Who is this?

“Who do you think? Someone as private as can be, with you during this early commute.”

[Dash] Is this voice… Seo Jae Heon?

He subtly flinched.

“Why are you surprised? What’s wrong with me answering?”

Hearing this, Ra Jin widened her eyes.

“Director, who is it?”

“Watch the road. You’ll cause an accident.”

At Jae Heon’s gentle voice, Seon Woo’s tone faintly quivered.

[Dash] Why are you holding Ra Jin’s phone…

“I was wondering the same. Why are you calling Ra Jin this early?”

A tense silence filled the gap between them, seemingly ready to snap at the slightest touch.

[Dash] It’s been a while.

Caught off guard, Seon Woo’s voice returned to its original sweetness.

[Dash] Everyone’s been curious about you. Me too. We haven’t seen each other in so long.

“You’re calling Ra Jin because you’re curious about me?”

[Dash] …I’ve never heard her called that way.

Yeah, it’s the first time I’ve said it in front of anyone else. And I’m glad it’s you.

Swallowing those words, Jae Heon spoke nonchalantly.

“Well, we’re close.”

Seon Woo hesitated.

[Dash] Close… relationship?

“We’ve been practically inseparable for years. Isn’t it obvious that we’re closer than anyone else?”

As he finished speaking, the car stopped at a red light.

Ra Jin turned her head hurriedly and reached out.

“Director, who is it? Please hand me the phone!”

“Let’s talk for a bit. I haven’t caught up with my colleague in a while.”

“Colleague?”

There was only one person among Jae Heon’s colleagues who had kept in touch with her.

“Is it Seon Woo?”
No. Why is the name saved in the phone as “Jeong Seon Woo sunbae” but she calls him “Seon Woo oppa”?

People should be consistent, you know.

…Not that I would ever change his saved name to “Seon Woo oppa,” though.

“Hand over your phone quickly.”

“Don’t pay attention here; look ahead. It’s forbidden to use your phone while driving.”

“But…!”

“I don’t want to die just yet. Definitely not within the next three months.”

For a moment, Jae Heon chuckled at Ra Jin’s speechlessness.

“The light has changed. Let’s go.”

Ra Jin wore an irritated expression. Why are the traffic lights so short on this stretch?

Realizing that distraction could lead to an accident just like he said, she reluctantly pulled back her hand and turned her head.

[Dash] Three months? What do you mean? Are you sick, Jae Heon?

Seon Woo’s voice came through the phone. His voice was full of concern, as if he’d misunderstood something.

Her conscience stung, but only for a moment.

She couldn’t afford to show vulnerability, especially not in matters related to Ra Jin.

“No, it’s nothing like that. We’re on our way to work. In the car. We’ll have to talk later.”

[Dash] …Okay, it seems so.

“See you later.”

[Dash] Alright.

Just as she was about to hang up.

“Seon Woo.”

Jae Heon called out to Seon Woo.

[Dash] …Huh?

“If you have something to tell Ra Jin, I can pass it on for you.”