Deadly Boss - Chapter 2 Part 2

CHAPTER2- PART2

 

* * * * * * * * *

Mr. Seok was waiting to hear from the guard behind Kang-woo. As Kang-woo’s car pulled up to the social club, the waiting guard moved.

 

[We’ll have to move like mice and birds so that Kang-woo doesn’t notice us]

 

It was a while later.  Kang-woo’s voice was heard on Mr. Seok’s cell phone. A guard disguised as a club employee recorded some of the conversation between Jung and Kang-woo.  

 

 [I wondered if it was turning into an in-house relationship. …… It’s kind of cute that he looks so innocent. They didn’t look like kids going in and out of the club for a one-night stand].

 

About a minute after the door closed and opened, the words “internal affair” and “one-night stand” were clearly visible. Mr. Seok slammed his hand on the desk with a bang. The secretary’s shoulders twitched.   

 

“One night? I had a hunch, and my hunch was right.”

“…Chairman C, no one can keep up with you.”

“Kang-woo, when was the last time you were alone?”

“Six weeks ago.” 

“What did she say?”

“She said she saw him go to a hotel with her the night he was out. He broke up with his girlfriend, who was a senior, and didn’t seem to see anyone else after that.” 

“Yeah…. That’s the only time he went out that night, so that means he hasn’t seen another woman since that one night stand….”   

 

Kang-woo had a one-night stand on the day he arrived in Korea, and since then, he’s been busy with mergers and acquisitions and hasn’t had time to focus on anything else.

 

“Hey, Kang-woo. I wonder if she was drunk that day and made a mistake….”

“No, I don’t think she would make such a mistake, nor would anyone else.”   

 

The secretary was confident. Kang-woo, who was labeled as an extramarital affair, hated children. No matter how many women he’d slept with, he’d never had a problem getting pregnant.   

 

“I know, I trust her, but it’s a different story if she did it on purpose.”

“If she did, I’d be hanging on by now.”

“So all I have to do is check?”

“…………..”

“Check if the employees of Guanghua Construction have had a comprehensive workplace health check. Since they’ve been absorbed by a conglomerate, they should send medical staff accordingly.”

“Yes, sir.”   

 

Chairman Seok’s eyes were eerie.   

 

* * * * * * * * *

 

 Chief Seol, who had entered the morning meeting, came into the office with a frown on his face.

 

 “You’re in line, Ha-eun.”

“What?”

“Didn’t the general manager come all the way to the reception table to take care of Ha-Eun?” “Oh, he had something important to tell me, about the Paju townhouse….”

“For the time being, Ha-eun told me to focus on that business, and the additional work will be done by another designer.”

“Yes, I will.”

   

Team Leader Kim said, pulling back his chair as Ha-eun returned to her seat.

 

“Mr. Seol, you seem to be in a bad mood. Did something happen yesterday?”

“No.”

“Okay, everyone, pay attention. You’ve been scheduled for a comprehensive medical examination tomorrow morning. You must fast after tonight. No alcohol, eat in moderation.”

 

Suddenly, there was an unscheduled medical examination. It was the next day.  Ha-eun was surprised to see the company car on the road.

 

[Hanjin Medical Center was the hospital where Hyo-won worked.   

 

“Why?”

“Oh, Hanjin Medical Center….”

“The checkup team sent by the headquarters is different on the scale…. A university hospital? Is it part of a set group? I mean, there should be one or two affiliates.”   

 

Team Leader Kim shrugged. Then one of the team members standing next to him chimed in.   

 

“Why not? We’re better than that.” 

“I was going to have to go to the hospital anyway with all these aches and pains, but you made it easy for me.”

“Oh, yeah. I’ve been working late at night, so my eyes are watery and my wrists are sore….” “Isn’t your lungs showing up on the X-ray this time? It’s just a bunch of cigarettes.”

“Why don’t you take this opportunity to get some smoking cessation treatment? The industrial park provides a lot of support.”

“I’m really thinking about it.”

 

One after another, they lined up.  A team member from the design department looked at Ha-eun worriedly.   

 

“Ms. Ha-eun. I’m glad you’re getting a checkup.”

“Yes.”

“Uh, look. Here comes the general manager.”   

 

Kang-woo seemed to like the medical staff.   

 

“You’ve all been so busy that you’ve been neglecting your health, so let’s have a thorough checkup.” 

“Yes! Understood.” 

“Ms. Ha-eun, it’s your turn. I need to draw blood now.”

 

Ha-eun waited for her turn.

 

When the senior who had entered earlier came out, it was Ha-eun’s turn.   

 

“Ms. Do, Ha-eun?”

“Yes.”

“I need you to collect urine in the urine bucket here.” 

“How much?”

“Full.” 

“Ah…. Yes….”   

 

The car even had a restroom.  Ha-Eun finished the urine test and sat down at the blood collection table.   

 

“Which arm should I take the blood from?”

“Left.” 

“It stings a little.”   

 

The syringe’s sharp needle slipped into her flesh and drew blood. I counted to one, two, three, and my eyes widened.  I counted to one, two, three and my eyes widened.

 

‘… … How many pears are you pulling out?

“It’s all done. Press firmly for 5 minutes.”

“Thank you.”   

 

When we got out of the car, the design team was gathered around. 

 

“I need sugar,”

 

Kim said, pulling out the candy. I drew blood and they didn’t give me a chocolate pie.”

 

“Whoops. Mr. Kim. If anyone heard you, they’d think you’d donated blood.” 

“I think you’re drawing more blood today, aren’t you?”

“Yeah. I drew three tubes.”   

 

Ha-Eun interrupted their conversation.   

 

“Five for me.” 

“Really? I guess they do a lot more tests than just the basic ones.”

“Even a big company wouldn’t go that far for the welfare of their employees, would they?” “Whatever. Come on, let’s go. Let’s go eat. I’m hungry after fasting.”   

 

At Mr. Kim’s words, the team members walked to the cafeteria.   

 

“……That’s weird. I can’t believe they picked her over the other employees….’

 

Ha-eun scratched her head.

 

Just then, my cell phone rang. My heart skipped a beat when I saw Kang-woo’s number.   

 

[“Come on up.” “Everyone, eat first.”   

 

Ha-eun hurried to the general manager’s office before they could answer. It’s probably still before lunchtime…   

 

Ha-eun knocked and entered the office.  The moment he opened the door, she almost screamed. He was standing so close that their noses touched. Her body recoiled and she fell into his arms.  

 

“Are you dizzy from having some blood drawn?””

“Oh….”

“Of course I am.”

 

As his hand caressed her back, she felt a rush of heat. Ha-eun moved her body.

 

“Hey.  Excuse me, General Manager….”

“I’d like to hear why you’re blushing.” 

“My. Me?”

“Or is it down there.”

“…………!!”   

 

Ha-eun felt the blood rush to her face at his dirty joke.  Kang-woo’s fingers groped for Ha-eun’s lips. Her heart felt like it was going to jump out of her mouth.   

 

“I want to suck it.”

“I know, I was only acting like that last time……. to get him off.”   

 

Rain’s eyes burned. A voice in her head warned her of danger.   

 

“Let’s get something to eat first because I’m not in the best of moods looking at your bloody face.”   

 

Kang-woo led Ha-eun to the couch. There was a lunchbox of delicious beef.

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

 A luxurious sedan pulled up in front of the main entrance of Hanjin Medical Center. As if waiting for the moment, the hospital president quickly approached and opened the back seat.   

 

“Mr. Chairman. I can’t believe you’re taking such a difficult step. Please come this way.” 

“Don’t bother coming to the front of the hospital.”

“Yes, sir. Here.”

 

The hospital director led Mr. Seok to the elevator.   

 

“So, what happened to what I asked you to do?”

“The test results will be out soon, but first, please go up to the director’s office.”   

 

At that moment, a doctor urgently called the director.   

 

“Mr. Director. I have something to tell you.” 

“Dr. Han Hyo-won. I have something important to do right now, so I’ll talk to you later.”

 

The doctor bowed and walked away.  As soon as Seok stepped into the elevator, he turned his attention to the director.

 

“Like I said, there shouldn’t be any chart history.”

“Sure. It’s private and not accessible to anyone but me. Don’t worry about leaks.” 

“Okay.”   

 

Mr. Seok walked into the doctor’s office and sat down on the couch. The entire ride to the hospital, Mr. Seok had been unable to shake off the chill.   

 

“The test results are in, please wait….”

“………….!”

 

The hospital director’s eyes widened when he saw the results.   

 

“By the look on her face, she’s pregnant.”

“Yes. She is, I’m sorry I didn’t give you a good result.” 

“Who can blame for what’s already happened… So how many weeks she’s pregnant?”

“The blood test is limited, but based on the numbers, it looks like she is in the first trimester.”  “That means she’s at least two months pregnant….”

“That’s right.”

 “And this early in the pregnancy, she has to be extra careful?”

“Yes, it’s a time when the slightest strain can cause a miscarriage.” 

“Okay, that’s enough. Let’s wrap this up here.”

 

Mr. Seok waved his hand as if he didn’t need to hear anymore. The director quickly left the room.  The secretary waited for Mr. Seok’s next instruction.   

 

“They still don’t know anything about her pregnancy and Kang-woo, do you?”

“I don’t think so.” 

“What do you think the chances are that it’s not Kang-woo’s kid?”

“According to the person who did the background check, it’s very unlikely. She doesn’t date many guys, and she’s been neglecting her relationship with her ex.” 

“Heaven help me, I found out about it first….”

“How do you want me to handle this?”

“Find someone now, because this is going to have to be a miscarriage at once, and it’s going to have to be quick and dirty.”   

 

Chairman Seok’s face showed only a ferocious look:

 

“How dare you. Whose child do you want without fear? You picked the wrong person….’  

 

 * * * * * * * * *

 

 Ha-eun took a few minutes out of her busy schedule to meet Ji-soo at the company coffee shop.

 

“I heard you had a checkup today.”

“Yeah.”

“He’s worried about you. I don’t know why he’s been so concerned about you lately.”

“You’ve always been good to me.”

“My brother and I are in a cold war.”

“Why?”

“He’s been hounding me for taking you to the club. To me, it looked like you were cheating on him with his girlfriend.”

“Did you?”

 

Jisoo sighed, and I felt bad for him.   

 

“Anyway, it’s a shame because the last one went well… Isn’t it still going on?”

“Oh, no,”

 

HaEun strongly denied.   

 

“You look very tired. Still, it seems that the chief is concerned.”

“If it’s not used and it’s fine, that’s even weirder.”

“Because of your personality, it will take a while since you are in charge of the same project. It’s not like I’ve tried you once or twice.”

“What…. I’m just trying to play it cool. Oh, look what time it is already.”   

 

I looked at my watch and saw it was 6 p.m.  

 

“Aren’t you off work?”

“I have to go to the site.”

“This evening?”

“There’s something that’s holding me up. I have an appointment with my team leader. See you later.”

 

Ha-eun hurried down to the parking lot, where Team Leader Kim was waiting for her.

 

“Hey, team leader! You’ve been waiting a long time, haven’t you?”

“No, I’m just here.”

 “Let’s go.” 

“It’s been a long day on site.”

“I’m done with the A-block design.” 

“Umm…. “

 

The last design that passed was only the A-block. To complete Kang-woo’s business plan, he would need several more designs, each with its own differentiation. Darkness fell as the car pulled up to the Paju site.

 

“The lack of streetlights makes it seem even darker.”

“I’m so glad the town allowed us to work at night.” 

“I’m sure they want us to succeed with this project.”

 

Ha-eun nodded. Team Leader Kim parked the car and headed for the restroom.   

 

“I need to use the restroom. I’m in a hurry.”

“I’m going to take a look at the model home.”   

 

They were building a model home 100 meters away from the field office. I wondered how much work had been done today.

 

“It’s dark. It must be brighter to work at night….’

 

I felt like I was opening my mouth as if the darkness was going to swallow me whole. I was a little nervous, but the area was off-limits to anyone but site staff.  In the distance, a model home was lit up, so I assumed they were there.  Ha-Eun trudged toward the light. It was then.

 

Huh? What’s that? Roar. Suddenly, she heard the sound of a motorcycle. Ha-eun turned her head in the direction of the sound. Suddenly, a strong light blocked Ha-eun’s vision. She closed her eyes against the intense light.

 

……!!!

 

With a strong impact, her body was thrown into the sky.  Alas, her vision flashed white.   

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

 How long had it been?  I opened my eyes and saw an unfamiliar ceiling. The smell of disinfectant in my nostrils made me realize that I was in a hospital.

 

A pained groan escaped Ha-eun’s mouth. She couldn’t tell if it was her head or her stomach that had been hit by the motorcycle, but her stomach hurt badly, along with a crushing headache.    He heard Team Leader Kim’s voice.   

 

“Ms.  Ha-eun, are you awake?”

“Uh, how did I get here… Team Leader, I… I think I was hit by a motorcycle?”

“That’s right, You were hit by a motorcycle. He was delivering late-night snacks from a Chinese restaurant… The delivery guy didn’t see you.”

“Maybe it was too dark… What time is it?”

“Ten o’clock. Don’t move yet.”

 

That was it. The emergency room was in an uproar, and the site supervisor tensed up when he heard Kang’s voice over the commotion.   

 

“Ha….”

 

Kang-woo’s eyes were fierce. The site foreman frowned and looked at Kang-woo.   

 

“I’ll hold you accountable for your negligence in managing the site later.” 

“I apologize. I’ll be careful in the future.”   

 

The foreman apologized, folding his waist at 90 degrees.   

 

“You should go.” 

“Yes….”

“Team Leader Kim can leave as well.” 

“…Excuse me. Who’s in the hospital room then….”

“The caregiver will be here soon.” 

“Then I’ll be off… Take care of yourself, Ms. Ha-eun.”   

 

Team Leader Kim closed the curtains and walked out.   

 

“I’m sorry, ……, what were you thinking, shooting around the scene by yourself?”

“I’m sorry.” 

“What if there’s a big accident? What I care about most is human casualties. An architectural designer, a member of the working group, is idly….”

 

“…….”

 

I didn’t want to get hurt, but I felt bad that he was so blindsided.   

 

“From now on, don’t go to the field alone.”   

 

Ha-eun nodded.  Just then, someone opened the curtain with a snap. Kang-woo’s eyes flickered open.   

 

“Hyo-won,” he said,

“I heard you were in the emergency room….”   

 

Hyo-won looked at Kang-woo.   

 

“Oh, brother, I saw you last time, I’m the head of the department.” 

“……Hello, I’m Hyo-won Han.” 

“I’m Seok Kang-woo.”   

 

The two men shook hands lightly.   

 

“……Come to think of it, this hospital is where your brother works.” 

“How did that happen, I’ll be careful….”

“I was walking distracted again.” 

“It’s a habit. When you focus on something, you don’t look around.”

 

Hyo-won said in a sweet voice. Kang-woo’s expression crumpled.  There was an invisible tension between the two men. Ha-eun was also getting nervous.  She heard the voice of a medical staff member urgently asking for Hyo-won.   

 

“I know you’re busy, but why don’t you leave?” said Kang-woo.   

“This is my hospital, so I’ll take care of Ha-eun.” 

“She’s a member of my team.”

“…………”

“Very important.”

“You must be very important.”   

 

Kang-woo’s lips twisted into a sneer, and then he gave Ha-eun a look that felt provocative.   

 

“Very much. She’s the kind of person who can’t afford to lose a single hair.” 

“Oh, and did she get hit by a motorcycle at that scene?”

“To take responsibility.” 

“What?”

“She got hurt on the job, and the person in charge of that project has to take full responsibility for it, so you do your part.” 

“…………….”   

 

Hyo-won’s expression hardened a little.   

 

“Oh…. Big brother. I’m fine, I can go away. I have to go into emergency surgery.”

“I’ll come to your room later.”

“Okay….”   

 

As Hyo-won left, Kang-woo’s uncomfortable gaze returned to Ha-eun.   

 

“What?”

“Nothing, what are you talking about….”

“That guy and you.” 

“What?”

“Are you dating or something?”

“Oh, no. He’s my friend’s brother.” 

“That’s gross.”

“…….”

 

Ha-Eun avoided the conversation by clamping her mouth shut.  An uncomfortable air hung in the air. It would be easier to be invisible, but Kang-woo stood like Jeong-seung and waited for the test results.  The awkward atmosphere was broken by the arrival of the medical staff.   

 

“Ms. Doha-eun. The test results are in. Fortunately, there’s nothing wrong with you other than a mild concussion, but you’ll need to be hospitalized for three to four days, just in case.”  

 

“I’m being transferred to a hospital.” 

“What?”

“It’s too far from the company, isn’t it? Fortunately, you’re not seriously injured, so I don’t think you’ll be able to work even if you’re hospitalized.”

 

Ha-eun bit her lip.

 

“Don’t worry. I’ll do what I have to do.” 

“Let’s put off being sick until later.” 

“Okay. Okay.”   

 

Really. Doesn’t he see that I’m sick? Ugh… My stomach hurts. Ha-eun gasped as she felt something flowing from underneath her. I think I’m on my period.

 

“……What?”

 

Ha-eun cried, but her panties felt thick.  She was wearing a sanitary napkin, which the medical staff had noticed.   

 

* * * * * * * *

 

 Ha-eun was hospitalized at a hospital near her workplace. It was a special room.   

 

“Don’t you need a quiet single room to work in?”

“…Yes. I’ll let the general manager pick out the one you like.” 

“Then get some rest.”   

 

When Kang-woo left, Ha-eun sighed heavily.

 

“…There are many ways to give bottles and medicines.”   

 

[Ha-eun, I heard you moved to a new hospital. I came to the emergency room after the surgery….]

 

[I moved to a place near the company. Thank you for taking care of me in many ways.] Ha-eun closed her tired eyes. Her menstrual cycle was irregular, so last month she hadn’t had her period, but this time she was bleeding profusely, as if she was having a hemorrhage. The pain was also severe.  Ha-eun thought back to her memory before the accident:

 

“……The motorcycle ran without turning on the lights… It was strange…  It was only for a moment that I heard the sound of a motorcycle… Ha-eun shook her head. “

 

Is it just an illusion, right?   

 

* * * * * * * * * * *

 

“Mr. Chairman, we’ve identified the miscarriage.” 

“Good.”

“But…. General Manager Seok has moved Ms. Doha-eun to a hospital near the company.”  “Leave her alone. It’s better not to make a scene.”

“Understood.”   

 

Chairman Seok rushed out of the office.

 

“Seok, Kang-woo. You’re making a mistake, too.”

 

…. Kang-woo was born out of wedlock, so his rejection of children was deeply ingrained.  He would be happy to learn later that the child had been miscarried.  Mr. Seok smiled with satisfaction.   

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

The next day, Ji-soo came to visit.   

 

“Are you okay? I was so surprised when my brother told me you were in the emergency room.” “As usual.”

 

Ha-Eun smiled.   

 

“Do you find this situation funny?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Optimism isn’t all good.”

“Drink something.”

“If you drink more, your stomach will burst. I got some of your favorite bread. Oh, I’ll put it in here. Are you on your period?”

“Yeah.”

 

The drawer Jisoo was about to put the bread in was full of sanitary napkins.   

 

“It’s overnight, so there must be a lot of them. You didn’t get your period last month, did you?” “It’s just another stressful time.”   

 

I haven’t gotten the results of my medical checkup yet, but my stomach was definitely bloated from stress.   

 

“Even a healthy person would be sick. You’re so busy….”

“I’m going to get some rest while I’m hospitalized.”   

 

My cell phone buzzed.

 

[“Ms. Ha-eun, I have the materials you asked for, can I go upstairs?”

“Who?”

“Team Leader Kim.”

“You don’t seem to be taking much of a break.”

“Just a little bit.”

“Then I should go.”

 

Jisoo picked up her bag again.   

 

“It’s okay.”

“I’ll be back tomorrow. I’m just out of town for a bit.”

“Thanks.”

“Will I see him when I come back in the evening?”

“Huh?”

“Your general manager. He moved you to a hospital near the company, did you know him?”

“Oh, no. We’re kind of friends.”

“Bye.”

 

Jisoo waved and walked out of the hospital room.  A moment later, there was a knock on the door and Team Leader Kim walked in, his hands clutched in a pile of documents.

 

“Here, the materials.”

“Thanks, team leader.”

“What are you doing off….”

“I’m off when I’m designing.” 

“You’re a workaholic anyway.”   

 

Team Leader Kim clicked his tongue, but it wasn’t a lie: Ha-eun was happiest when she was designing. She could just focus on her work.  Ha-eun was worried about the field staff.   

 

“Hey, just in case. Didn’t they get disciplined?”

“No, they didn’t.”

“I’m sorry, I can’t do anything about it. I’m the reason….”

 

Ha-eun’s heart was burning.   

 

“I can’t help it, it’s a human accident, so they’re adding electricity from today. It was too dark, but there’s something a little strange….”

“What is it?”

“No one made me a midnight snack.”

“What?”

“No, I didn’t make anyone a late-night snack, so why was the delivery guy on the scene?” “……Really?”

“Anyway, mystery.”

“Okay.”   

 

What happened?  Why did the Chinese delivery guy come to the scene when no one ordered a late-night meal? Ha-eun recalled the situation before the accident. A motorcycle came out of nowhere in the dark, and she barely had time to dodge.   

 

“Should I report it to the general manager?”

“I’m thinking about it now….”

“Oh, no, I don’t want to make a bigger deal out of it. Maybe it was another day laborer.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

“I don’t want to hurt people who are just trying to make a living for a day. That’s enough.” 

“It’s a good thing Ms. Ha-eun has had enough.”

 

I apologize for writing a paper for people I’m going to see every day, but I wanted to wrap it up. And Ha-eun wasn’t really hurt.

 

“She’s going to be fine.”

…. ‘Yeah. You just need to rest a bit.”

 

Two weeks later. Even though the doctor said everything was fine, Kang-woo kept Ha-eun in the hospital room in the name of [responsibility].  Thanks to this, my body felt like it was flying, and I could only focus on design. Of course, the time that Kang-woo came to the hospital room was a nerve-wracking time for him….   

 

“I feel fine.”

“Fine.” 

“You can start work in two days.” 

“But. work….”

“Designs seem to come out better in the hospital, and I liked this one.” 

“Oh, I’m glad.”   

 

Ha-Eun was proud.

 

Sar, sar, sar, hands flipping through papers. You must be busy… I don’t think you need to come to the hospital to get a consultation…   

 

In the back of his mind, another self asked him,

 

“Dohaeun, don’t keep pretending you don’t know. You know why he keeps hovering in front of you. ‘ I know. He needs a partner…  A woman to fulfill his desires. Aren’t you? ……No, I’m attracted to him too.

 

Take him, then. Take him up on his offer. What do you know, use him to leap to greater heights? Surely, with someone to watch his back, he could get as far as he wanted to go. He didn’t need experience to know that, he had ears to see and ears to hear.   

 

Ha-eun was greedy. The only man who could fulfill all my desires and ambitions was Kang-woo.    But being his partner was risky.   A secret love affair. I didn’t know if the secret would be kept.   

 

“Can I be unwavering?”

 

I glanced up and locked eyes with him. A lingering, unrefined heat lurked in her gaze. Ha-eun bit her lip tightly.   

 

* * * * * * * * *

 

 Early the next morning, the secretary arranged for Ha-eun’s discharge from the hospital.  She walked home in Kang-woo’s car, her steps heavy. Kang-woo took Ha-eun’s luggage.   

 

“I….”

“You went to your sister’s school.”   

It was 11 a.m., and Young-eun had been at school for a while. Kang-woo stomped up to the villa and stood in front of Ha-eun’s house.   

 

“How did you know about the lake?”

“My resume.”

“Oh….”

“I didn’t ask you to come in, I carried your luggage.”

“……Then….”

 

HaEun hurriedly entered the password.  It was a 17-pyeong shabby house, but she had decorated it well. She took materials from the site made a table by herself, and tore up the fabric of the sofa from the house above to make it fashionable.  There wasn’t a room in the house that wasn’t touched by Ha-eun. Kang-woo swung around the living room.   

 

“You’ve got flair. How did you make this?”

 

He pointed to a lattice-patterned ornament on the wall.   

 

“It’s made of wood.” 

“That’s nice. It looks like a lot of work.”

“I made it in bits and pieces whenever I had time.” 

“For a designer, you certainly made good use of the space.”

 

He touched the partition separating the kitchen from the living room.   

 

“It’s not quite finished yet. What can I get you?”

“Something cold, minus the ice.”

 

He’s asking me to remove the ice again? Ha-eun took the fruit out of the refrigerator and made fresh fruit juice. She drained the ice from Kang-woo’s glass and took it to the living room. When he saw Ha-eun’s glass full of ice, he frowned. It was strange. Did he hate ice that much?

 

“I don’t know if it tastes good.” 

“Try it.”   

 

His throat burning, Kang-woo downed it in one gulp, leaving no juice behind. His eyes lingered on the collar of Ha-eun’s blouse. He felt uncomfortable in his seat.  The atmosphere was strange.  At any moment, his hand would reach out and touch Ha-eun somewhere on her body.

 

All he could do was look at her, but he was agitated. Nervous.  Her hands were shaking with nervousness.   

 

“There’s no one here… Who is it?”

“Ha-eun, it’s me.”

“……!!”   

 

Ha-eun was stunned. It was Hyo-won. What’s wrong? Why, he’s home. ….   

 

“Ha-eun?”

“Oh, big brother, I need to get dressed.” 

“Take your time.”

 

Ha-eun reached for Kang-woo’s shoes. She could see Kang-woo grimacing, but she couldn’t afford to think about it now. She had to hide it from Hyo-won.  Ha-eun tugged on Kang-woo’s arm.  

 

 “woo, please hide for a while. This way….”

 

Ha-eun pushed Kang-woo into her room. I took a deep breath and opened the door.    Through the crack in the door, I saw Hyo-won’s figure.   

 

“Hey,  Aren’t you off today?”

“It’s your discharge day, and you didn’t answer your phone….”

“Oh, I put it on vibrate.” 

“I just wanted to check in on you, since you’re resting and I’m going to visit the hospital.” “Yeah.”

“Your blood color has improved a lot.”

“I caught up on all the sleep I’ve been missing.” 

“Good.”   

 

Hyo-won glanced at Ha-eun’s back. I hope she’s not suspicious. I’ve never let a man into my house before…

 

The only man who came to my house was Hyo-won.  I told her that since it was a two-woman house, she shouldn’t let a man in, even if it was her boyfriend. Hyo-won came to my house sometimes, but never alone.   

 

[“His a man, too, so don’t let him in unless he’s coming with Jisoo.”

 

Hyo-won was like a big brother to me because she cared about me. I didn’t realize, ‘What am I, a man or a woman? It was too late to regret letting Kang-woo into the house. This time, Hyo-won didn’t cross the line and stood at the front door.   

 

“Are you alone?”

“Of course.” 

“……Yes. By the way, I brought side dishes.”

“Didn’t you make them last time?”

“Because it’s summer and food spoils quickly.”   

 

He handed her a shopping bag, but it wasn’t a side dish container.

 

“Did you buy something?”

“It’s from a restaurant.”

“No, you don’t have to, thank you every time. By the way, while you’re here, I’ll get you a side dish container.”   

 

Ha-eun hurriedly grabbed the container and brought it to Hyo-won.  Hyo-won’s gaze locked onto Ha-eun’s room, and she felt unnecessarily pierced.   

 

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,”

 

Ha-eun shrugged. Hyo-won took the shopping bag from Ha-eun.  For a moment, Hyo-won’s hands touched. It wasn’t a touch, but it made the back of my head tingle.

 

“When are you free? I need to talk to you in private.”

“I need to talk to you in private.”

“What? What do you mean… I can’t say it now?”

“It’s not the right place to say it. I can’t just blurt out something I haven’t said in a long time.”

 

Ha-Eun shook her head.  She wasn’t sure what he was trying to say.   

 

“I think you’ll be busy for a while….”

 

I was as busy as the time I spent on sick leave.   

 

“Let’s grab a bite to eat.”

“Okay, I’ll try to find some time in the evening on my sister’s day off.” 

“Okay. Then I’ll see you next time I’m off. Oh, and don’t tell Ji-soo.”

“Okay.”

 

With that, Hyo-won turned around.  As soon as the front door closed, Ha-eun patted her chest.    She heard the door open, and Kang-woo came out into the living room.