In my memory, there was no such sea.

Led by the hosts, Jian stepped outside and enjoyed the sea, where the waves crashed refreshingly.

The clouds, thick as colossal cotton candy, and the waves meeting the sky, they emptied out the stifling feeling that was somewhere in her chest.

Various complex thoughts also scattered for a moment.

This is why it’s the sky, this is why it’s the sea. Nature’s products that don’t require any other modifiers felt like good friends highlighting each other.

The sunlight that made the water’s surface sparkle completed the perfect trio.

“It’s beautiful.”
Even as the other members chattered and walked on the sandy beach, Jian was engrossed, savoring the scenery.

Suddenly, words like “affair” and “pregnancy” sprung up and hit her head, but she had no memory of them, so she had to push them away.

“Excuse me, Jian.”
Due to the noisy surroundings, Jian didn’t notice someone approaching until she felt a touch on her shoulder, causing her to startle.

Jian managed to swallow a scream that had risen to her throat and checked the man’s name tag.

“Sorry, did I scare you?”
Plant Design Team, Park Jinho.

The man who apologized in a worried voice smiled as if he had played a prank on a good friend.

In fact, Jinho thought he had made a witty remark to Jian.

When Jian, unable to hide her jittery mood, took a step back, the man’s hand that had been on her shoulder dropped.

“Ah, a bit. I’m fine, but what brings you…”
“Secretary Seo.”
Suddenly, a broad chest blocked the unfamiliar man’s face from view.

“Director?”
Kang Hyun, who quickly moved his long legs, disregarded the vast space and blocked the gap between the man and Jian.

If Jian hadn’t distanced herself in advance, he seemed ready to push the man away to squeeze into the narrow gap.

“Hello.”
Upon realizing the identity of the intruder who had interrupted his conversation with Jian, Park Jinho bowed slightly behind Kang Hyun’s back.

“I came because I have something important to discuss. Let’s take a walk.”
“Yes, understood.”
Dismissing the man’s greeting, Kang Hyun indicated the direction with his arm, as if suggesting to move first.

As Jian stepped forward, Kang Hyun, who then turned around, looked down on the man who was significantly shorter.

“I’m Tae Kang Hyun.”
“Yes, yes.”
“Park Jinho?”
“Yes, Director.”
Under the pressure of the gaze fixed on his crown, Park Jinho unknowingly clasped his hands.

When the chilly voice resonated enough to make the sea breeze feel warm, his skin prickled.

“When calling someone, you should call them by their name. In these sensitive times, do you think it’s appropriate to touch others casually? Especially if they’re strangers.”

“Same team, teammates… I apologize.”
Jinho tried to justify himself, but then bit his lip.

He couldn’t immediately understand why he was apologizing, but his head bowed involuntarily.

“Well, I hope it’s a beneficial workshop.”
Kang Hyun, who had been on his guard, relaxed with a short smile at the end.

“You have a strange impression.”
Kang Hyun, who had followed Jian, muttered grumpily.

“What?”
“Your eyes, nose, mouth are all too strong, they seem to play separately. I don’t like people who look like that.”
“Pfft!”
When Jian burst into laughter at the serious criticism, Kang Hyun’s eyes narrowed.

“Why.”
Unable to tell her boss that she was cute, Jian covered her mouth with her hand, shaking her head.

Having adapted to her emotional ups and downs like jumping a hurdle, she showed a strange sight of sulking with a cold face.

She had an unpredictable personality.

Thanks to Jian’s hearty laugh, the corner of Kang Hyun’s mouth, which had been frozen at the unpleasant sight, loosened up.

He hadn’t intended it, but making her laugh gave him a sense of achievement.

“Are you done laughing?”
“Haha, yes. Anything important to say?”
“…Just go for a walk together.”
Kang Hyun, who again had not prepared an excuse, tried to close his mouth as usual, but ended up expressing his honest feelings with a sigh.

“I’d like that.”
Jian, who was smiling brightly, also gladly accepted the proposal.

Maybe it was because she had laughed so heartily.

Her anxious heart due to the suddenly close relationship shrank like a lie, and only a pleasant flutter remained.

Yeah, if it’s good, it’s good, whatever happens. Let it be.

If she was scared of getting hurt, she should have quit a long time ago.

When her heart reacted to Kang Hyun, when she cried more and more because of his detailed story. Or even when his lips bumped into hers. It was right to turn away if she didn’t want to progress.

She was worrying while holding onto herself.

Scolding herself for being scared for no reason, Jian slowly took a step forward.

“How was the workshop?”
Kang Hyun asked, pacing his steps leisurely to match Jian’s thoughtful strides.

“It was fun. It’s my first time in the East Sea and it’s so beautiful.”