He shouldn’t have created such an awkward atmosphere this morning.

He’d let his emotions get the best of him and ended up with ridiculous results.

‘She must be at the cafeteria with Secretary Jeong.’

The in-house restaurant of Geon-Yeong Foods, famous for its nutritional, abundant, and tasty menu, was the pride of the employees.

He had once overheard Ra Jin joking with Yoon-hee about ‘coming to work just for the fun of guessing the menu.’

Still, Jae Heon felt bad about being the only one in a fancy restaurant.

‘I should have dinner with her today. And apologize.’

He should feed her something incredibly delicious. Maybe then she would smile as brightly as she did when she ate the banquet noodles he had made.

Just imagining it almost made him smile.

“Seo Yeon is very sharp, diligent, and serious. The results speak for themselves.”

“Haha, you flatter her.”

“What flattery? Just like Jae Heon is well-known, Seo Yeon also has a reputation. She’s smart, capable, and pretty to boot.”

“If Seo Yeon heard this, she’d be thrilled.”

“I’d love to say it to her face.”

Jang In-ho sneaked a look at Jae Heon, who had been silent and not even looking his way.

“Come to think of it, Seo Yeon has a meeting nearby. She should be done by now…”

“Really? Then should we call her? We have to eat lunch anyway.”

“Would that be alright?”

“Of course! I’d like to treat her as a senior executive.”

“It would be an honor, Chairman.”

Ping, pong, ping, pong. The two volleyed the conversation like a ping-pong ball.

“Is it okay with you, Executive Seo?”

Only then did Jae Heon, who had been lost in thought, raise his eyebrows.

‘What does he mean, is it okay?’

Chairman Seo nodded with a smile.

“What could be wrong? It’s just another meal. Just add one more portion.”

As soon as Chairman Seo finished, he eagerly called over an employee.

‘Add one more portion? Wait, could it be…’

Why are bad premonitions never wrong?

As if on cue, just after Chairman Seo had placed the order, a voice from outside announced, “Your party has arrived.”

“Oh, she’s already here!”

He couldn’t believe it.

How could she have arrived so quickly after being contacted?

It was clear that the three of them had coordinated in advance and had no intention of hiding it.
The door opened with a swish, and a woman appeared.

“Hello.”

One hundred percent of the people who saw Seo Yeon for the first time thought she was incredibly glamorous.

She stood at 170 cm with a slender figure; her striking features emphasized by a bob cut and provocative yet sophisticated attire.

An earring long and dazzling dangled from the ear that was revealed as she pushed her hair to one side; it shimmered under the spotlight.

“It’s been a while, Chairman. Have you been well?”

“Heh heh, I’ve been in good health. Seo Yeon, you’ve become even more beautiful! Please, have a seat.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

Following Chairman Seo’s gesture, Seo Yeon took a quick glance at Jae Heon and sat next to him.

Both Chairman Seo and Jang In Ho wore satisfied smiles upon seeing the two sitting side by side.

“So I heard the results were quite good this time?”

“Oh, you’ve heard. Thank you for your interest. Many people have contributed to our success.”

“You’re as modest as President Jang, yet so competent.”

“You flatter me, Chairman.”

Ha ha, ho ho. All three laughed warmly, inquiring about each other’s well-being.

‘Like a king without a gun and two traitors.’

That’s how Jae Heon defined them inwardly when Seo Yeon’s gaze turned his way.

The moment their eyes met, Seo Yeon’s cheeks flushed.

“Hello, Executive Seo Jae Heon.”

Seo Yeon, who had been so lively and spirited until just a moment ago, now greeted him bashfully, like a love-struck teenage girl, and Chairman Seo smiled at the sight.

“Yes.”

But even for a moment, Jae Heon’s reply was so terse it was almost like a breath, making Chairman Seo internally fume.

‘That bastard! I went to all this trouble to set the stage… What is this rudeness!’

Although Chairman Seo’s face flushed with emotion at Jae Heon’s indifferent look, Seo Yeon seemed utterly unfazed.

Rather, her eyes sparkled even more when looking at him.

“It’s been a while. I think the last time we met was at our group’s founding anniversary, wasn’t it?”

Jae Heon didn’t respond. He couldn’t remember. Nonetheless, Seo Yeon continued her train of thought without missing a beat.

“That was already six months ago. Time sure flies.”

No. To me, it feels slow.

I want to go back and see Ra Jin, but time wouldn’t speed up.

It’s boring. Maddeningly boring. Time without Ra Jin was just idle and dull.

‘I miss her.’

I wondered if she’d eaten well, who she was with, and what she was doing right now; it drove me crazy with curiosity.

“It’s just. Because you, Jae Heon, are adorable.”

Then Ra Jin’s smiling face popped into my head.

I couldn’t bear it any longer.