“Yoon Hee!”

“Ha ha, I’ll do my best to look after her, so don’t worry and go.”

“Hehe, then I’ll go with peace of mind!”

With that, Yoon Hee left the cafe holding Seong Su’s hand. Left behind and choosing from the menu, a call came in from Jae Heon.

“You seem close with Yoon Hee.”

“Yes, somehow. Ha ha.”

“How did you become close?”

At Ra Jin’s question, the redness, which was only in Ha Kyung’s ears, spread to his neck.

He couldn’t dare say he became close while asking for help to get closer to her.

“We ran into each other a few times in the rooftop garden during breaks, and after exchanging greetings, we became like this. Ha ha.”

Ha Kyung had a great laugh. Seeing him reminded her of Seon Woo.

‘Seon Woo senior also has a good laugh. Come to think of it, the two feel similar. Warm and kind.’

“Director, you seem to like noodles.”

“Huh?”

“You seemed to enjoy it earlier.”

At that comment, Ra Jin’s cheeks turned cherry blossom pink.

“Did I eat too voraciously?”

“No! You looked lovely.”

A brief silence enveloped the two.

With his face turning bright red, Ha Kyung quickly extended his hand, making a desperate effort to recover.
“Ah, I meant, well, that you ate really well! It didn’t look sloppy at all; it looked very pleasing, like…”

“Oh, I understand.”

Clearing her throat, Ra Jin picked up the vibrating buzzer.

“I’ll get our drinks.”

“No! I’ll get it. Please stay seated.”

A flustered Ha Kyung reached out and took the buzzer from her hand.

Their skin brushed slightly.

Startled, Ha Kyung covered his mouth with the back of his hand.

“Well, I’ll be right back then.”

Watching Ha Kyung’s retreating figure as he hurried to the counter, Ra Jin chuckled softly.

‘He seems easily embarrassed.’

This trait was similar to Seon Woo’s. While Seon Woo rarely showed signs of discomfort in front of others, he frequently became flustered and clumsy in front of Ra Jin.

Perhaps, Ra Jin thought, it was because he felt comfortable around her.

Seon Woo had never crossed the line of being ‘close senior-junior friends’, nor had he tried to. Thus, Ra Jin too could be open-hearted with him.

‘I should contact him after work since I’m thinking of him.’

She always felt a bit guilty as Seon Woo often took the initiative to call and ask how she was. Right, this time I should ask first.

As she made this resolution, Seon Woo returned to the table with the drinks.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Here’s the milk tea latte.”

Although his neck was still red, Ha Kyung seemed to have regained some composure during his trip to the counter and smiled as he placed the drink in front of Ra Jin.

“Wow, it’s really delicious. Director, do you like this?”

“I don’t drink it often, but I don’t dislike it.”

“What kind of drink do you like?”

“I like Earl Grey.”

“I see. You like Earl Grey. Earl Grey…”

Ha Kyung lowered his head slightly, smiling. He was delighted to learn something new about Ra Jin, especially straight from her.

“How have things been at headquarters lately?”

“It’s the usual. Busy at times, not so much at others. Whenever there’s a new product launch or issues after a launch, we all end up working overtime. How about you, Director? I heard that Executive Seo Jae Heon is quite strict.”
‘Very strict’ is a kind way to put it. To be honest, he was picky, irritable, and meticulous to the core.

Cold, thorough, and flawless.

That was the reputation Jae Heon had.

While not entirely wrong, Ra Jin knew well that he also had a kind and warm side.

He would intentionally crack jokes or tease to comfort someone who’s sad.

He’d watch movies that the other person liked.

Or, to wash away the sorrow, he would take them to a spa shop.

Only she knew this side of him, and realizing this made Ra Jin’s heart swell with emotion.

‘I truly have a special relationship with the director.’

Hesitating, the hand of Ha Kyung, who was lifting a mug, froze in place.

The mention of Jae Heon led to Ra Jin momentarily displaying a faint smile. For a moment, Ha Kyung’s heart thudded loudly.

Initially, he felt excitement. Even when she wore her usual professional smile, she was pretty, but now, with a sincere smile, she looked blindingly beautiful.

Following that excitement was a wave of anxiety.

Normally… wouldn’t one not react this way when their boss is mentioned?

Especially if that boss is known to be irritable, thorough, and cold.

‘No, Secretary Jung said they weren’t in that kind of relationship.’

Recalling Yoon Hee’s words that there’s no “robot to robot connection,” Ha Kyung tried to reassure himself.

“Director?”

When Ha Kyung cautiously called out, Ra Jin, realizing she had been lost in thought, composed her expression.

“Yes. He’s strict and demanding, but he cares deeply for those around him.”

“I see… it seems very different from the rumors. I heard he’s extremely intimidating.”

“He is intimidating, but not without reason.”

Seeing Ra Jin returning to her usual demeanor, Ha Kyung nodded in understanding.

Right, the Director is Executive Jae Heon’s secretary. It’s natural to defend her boss.

“Director, have you been to the noodle shop in Jung-gu? It’s a very famous place.”

“No, I haven’t.”

“It’s a traditional place that has been running for three generations. So, if it’s okay with you, Director…”
As Ha Kyung was about to ask her out, his hand covering his neck,

“Director’s Secretary.”

A deep and resonant voice came from somewhere.

Turning his head, he saw Jae Heon approaching with a stern look in his eyes.

“Did you abandon me?”