The Breakup Between You and Me - Episode 2

Episode 2

“Dad’s in a lot of trouble,” I admitted, standing outside the hospital where my father was being treated. I exchanged a glance with a nurse who was beckoning to me.

“No problem. It’s my job,” I reassured her.

I had witnessed how money could swiftly alter people’s behavior. Just days ago, the same woman had appeared on the verge of quitting, but now she was yielding to it. I understood that she wasn’t seeking the money out of malice. So, without uttering a word, I retrieved an envelope from my bag.

“Thank you for all your hard work, and please take a break. I’ll be here for you.”

“Sure. I’ll be waiting out front,” she replied.

I handed the envelope to the caregiver, who wore a forced smile as if she had obtained what she desired. In response, I reciprocated with an equally insincere smile.

The caregiver, visibly satisfied, exited the room. Letting out a small sigh, I turned to make eye contact with my father, who lay helpless in his hospital bed.

My dad’s face appeared worse than before, causing my heart to sink.

“Dad. What’s wrong with your face? Haven’t you been eating well?”

“…… daughter.”

I walked over to Dad’s bedside and took a seat on the stool next to him. After suffering a stroke, Dad was left partially paralyzed on his right side, making it difficult for him to walk.

My dad’s right side was completely immobilized. He underwent exercise therapy, speech therapy, psychotherapy, and other treatments every day, but there was no noticeable improvement. Despite the lack of progress, I couldn’t bring myself to give up.

“Where’s Mom? Has she visited?”

“……Yes.”

I knew he was lying.

My parents had divorced a few years ago. Initially, my mother had claimed that it was merely a formality, but now I stared at my dad, who had been dishonest with me even then.

“Why do you side with a divorced mother just because she’s pretty?”

“Well, she is pretty.”

I extended my hand and gently grasped my dad’s hand. His eyes widened as he realized that his once-large hand had grown smaller.

“Do you think I’m beautiful, Daddy?”

“……Yes, you are.”

“Do you think I’m beautiful because I look like you?”

My dad’s clear eyes displayed a subtle waver. He was in better condition now, but initially, he couldn’t even recall me, his own daughter. His speech was slurred, but I could still understand him. His right eye drooped slightly.

I adjusted the bed to help him sit up. Since he couldn’t use his right side, his body tended to lean to the right. I placed a few pillows on his right side, and he smiled, looking a bit more at ease.

I harbored resentment toward my mom for leaving my dad just because she was tired. It seemed she was just like me, abandoning people when they needed support.

I pondered the differences, if any, between my mother and me. Did I resemble her in the way she had coldly left my dad when his life fell apart? She was the one who had abandoned him when his company had crumbled in an instant. Would he come to hate her over time?

Recollections of him glaring at me with what seemed like disdain surfaced, and I gently touched his hand, wondering how much resentment he must have held toward me.

“I’m sorry for me….”

My heart ached for him once more today, although it had grown increasingly hardened.

He must have misinterpreted my expression, assuming I was pained by his struggles. I strained to lift the corners of my mouth.

“I told you not to say that.”

“I’m sorry….”

Dad was always apologizing to me, for his business collapsing, for his illness, and even for his divorce from my mom.

None of it had been his choice. So why should he apologize for circumstances beyond his control? He’d been through so much ever since he met me.

Cha Se-yeon, who had held on so tightly, now felt like a fragile woman on the verge of crumbling at the slightest touch. For my dad’s sake, I needed to stay strong. If I faltered, everything would collapse. So, I resolved to fortify myself once more.

“Dad… do you need to stay by my side for a long time?”

He patted the back of my hand without uttering a word, but his touch alone rejuvenated my spirit. I gazed at him, offering the brightest smile I could muster.

“You should consider getting married. You’re so preoccupied with making money that you might miss out on meeting someone…”

“Who said I want to get married? I want to live alone.”

A gentle smile adorned my dad’s lips.

“Mom would be shocked if she found out.”

“So it’s our little secret?”

I leaned in and whispered in his ear, breaking into laughter. I tenderly stroked his slender cheek.

“Look at your cheeks, Daddy.”

It hurt to see him this way. I pouted my lips, and he reached for my hand. I took his hand and gently rubbed his cheek with my palm. It didn’t have to be difficult. If I could protect him.

I shut my eyes tightly, as if making a silent vow.

* * ** * * * *

Lately, the atmosphere in the architectural office had been unusual. It felt busy and disconnected, as if I no longer cared about the work of others, and there was a lot of hushed conversations in small groups.

I typically didn’t pay much attention to other people’s affairs, but at this point, my curiosity got the better of me. After all, I needed to make a living, and I didn’t want anything to happen to the company. That was all I cared about.

It didn’t take long for me to notice that Sooyin, who used to miss work a few times a month, had been consistently punching in her time card every day recently.

Sooyin was having lunch in the cafeteria in front of the office, as she typically did, eating alone while overhearing conversations behind her.

“The president of Royal Group is coming? Really?” a voice said with evident excitement.

“Yes, he is. He’s coming to discuss building a Hanok hotel.”

“Wow. Are we going to collaborate on this project?”

A Hanok hotel? They’ve been working on that for a while, I thought, pricking up my ears while pretending to eat.

“Wouldn’t that be amazing?”

“A Royal Group!”

The Royal Group? I scratched my head. The Royal Group was a foreign company, a world-renowned conglomerate. Even someone like me, who wasn’t well-versed in such matters, had heard of them, but that was about it.

While others in the office seemed excited about the Royal Group’s involvement in the Hanok hotel project, I couldn’t share their enthusiasm. Money was more important to me, and the Royal Group felt like a distant concept. I was always playing catch-up in the office, struggling to keep up with the rest of the team.

The news didn’t affect me directly. I had more pressing concerns, like finding a well-paying part-time job. I continued to eat my meal and set my spoon down on the table when I noticed Sooyin in the distance. She was dressed elegantly, almost like a princess, and had a wide, radiant smile on her face.

Surrounded by people, Sooyin appeared to be celebrating something. Her eyes, which were typically stern, were now filled with joy, making her look incredibly beautiful.

Sooyin had always been known for her extravagant fashion choices, but recently, she seemed to have taken it up a notch. It was impossible not to notice her when she was smiling and adorned in luxury items from head to toe.

My appetite suddenly vanished. I recalled his words about going to a Zen temple like that. Shouldn’t she have been dressed in luxury just like Sooyin? Would she have worn such a dismissive expression? She used to be someone who didn’t even know the names of luxury brands.

I hadn’t realized that the wallet he gave me for my birthday was a luxury item until I later discovered its price. The memory of his words echoed in my mind, “It’s not about the price, it’s about the fact that I gave it to you.” His care for me had been evident.

I took the worn wallet out of my bag and ran my fingers over it, feeling a pang of nostalgia. I removed the bills I needed to pay for my meal and returned to the office. In the break room, I made myself a cup of coffee. While others might opt for coffee shops after lunch, even that was considered a luxury for me.

There was free coffee available in the break room, so there was no need for me to spend money on it. I added some cold water to the hot coffee to bring it down to a lukewarm temperature and took a sip.

I still had some time before my lunch break, but after brushing my teeth, I began to catch up on my work.

“Se-Yeon! Cha Se-yeon! The youngest!”

“Oh, yeah?!”

I must have lost track of time because I was awakened from a nap when Ms. Kim shook my shoulder. I stretched my arms and glanced at Ms. Kim, who had a disapproving expression on her face.

“Why are you sleeping during work hours? What were you doing yesterday that you can sleep when someone calls you?”

Feeling the springtime drowsiness, I closed my eyes as if they were weighed down by stones. I rubbed my eyes and asked Ms. Kim why she had called me.

“I’m sorry, why did you call me?” I asked, puzzled by her secretive demeanor.

Ms. Kim leaned closer, as if she didn’t want others to overhear. I did the same, tilting my face towards her.

“You know, the guy from Sunborn.”

“What?”

My eyes widened, and I could see her lips forming a twisted expression.

“What’s so shocking about it?”

“Oh… I was occupied, and there was someone else,” I replied, trying to explain my reaction.

“What? Why are you telling me that now?” Ms. Kim seemed taken aback by my response, likely thinking that I was interested in another man.

“I tried to tell her…” I began, attempting to explain.

“Forget it!” She cut me off, abruptly dismissing the topic.

The next day, I approached Ms. Kim again, but it was she who expressed disinterest. It seemed that she had no intention of discussing the matter.

“You have a weird personality, don’t you?” I raised my voice, conscious of the office staff’s curious gazes. I stared at Ms. Kim, speaking loudly to make a point.

“Why would you hide something like that? It’s creepy!” I confronted her, feeling frustrated.

It seemed clear that Ms. Kim didn’t hold a favorable opinion of me. She often displayed anger over trivial matters and had a tendency to ignore me in front of others.

Realizing my mistake, I quickly apologized, not wanting to worsen our already strained relationship. This was a minor issue, and I would have apologized as many times as necessary to smooth things over.

Afterward, I took out my phone to call a friend and recount the story. As I watched Ms. Kim walk away, I turned my attention back to my desk, knowing that I had a lot of work ahead. I gathered my papers and headed to the copy machine to make copies.

* * * * * *

The morning felt heavy with humidity, and I lacked the energy I needed. I glanced out of the window to find the sky overcast, as if heavy rain were imminent. My body felt stiff, but it was more than physical fatigue; my thoughts weighed me down.

I considered making a coffee to boost my energy, but just as I got up, my boss entered the room. I abandoned my coffee plans and returned to my seat.

My boss cleared his throat, indicating he had something important to say.

“The representatives from the Royal Group will be visiting later, so please make sure to behave appropriately.”

I nodded in response.

“Our potential growth is heavily dependent on this, so it’s crucial that everything goes smoothly.”

Again, I acknowledged his words with a curt, “Yes.”

The Royal Group seemed like a big deal, and my confident uncle was basking in the satisfaction of our hard work finally paying off. He couldn’t hide his delight, and I could hear his hollow, triumphant laughter.

This project involved the Royal Group providing the capital while Gaon contributed the technology. They were building a Hanok hotel, and there had been recent news that it was the first of its kind in Korea. It was then that I realized the significance of it – the first Hanok hotel in Korea.

It would have been impressive to be part of such an endeavor. As the boss headed to the president’s office and the whole office buzzed with excitement, I also found myself caught up in the commotion. Despite having cleaning staff, I was called back and forth for various tasks, often related to urgent matters.

I prepared the conference room with tea and refreshments and carefully arranged photocopied documents on the table. I ensured that several tablets were charged and double-checked to make sure everything was in order for the upcoming meeting.

I was wiping sweat from my forehead after placing the tablets on the table when the news of the Royal Group’s arrival reached the office. Despite the fact that I had no direct involvement in this matter, I couldn’t help but feel nervous.

The boss and Sooyin seemed to be particularly excited and elated. It was evident in their behavior. The boss was practically bouncing with enthusiasm as he welcomed the Royal Group. Meanwhile, Sooyin wore an extraordinarily happy expression, one that I had never seen on her face before. My tightly sealed lips began to part as I observed her behavior.

Then, as I watched Sooyin greet a tall and handsome man from the Royal Group with a warm smile, a pang of hurt welled up within me. That smile on his face was unmistakable, and it cut deeper than I had anticipated.

I clasped my hands together on the desk, trying to steady my shaking hands as I heard a co-worker exclaim, “He’s so handsome!”

As the women in the office continued to swoon over his looks, commenting on his handsome face and broad shoulders, I remained the lone observer who didn’t participate in the conversation. He seemed to be taking in the entire office, his gaze sweeping from left to right.

“…….”

As I locked eyes with him for that brief moment, my expression was clearly awkward, but it seemed he didn’t take much notice of me. There was a strange mix of emotions within me as I watched him enter the conference room.

Knowing the man was the president of the Royal Group, I couldn’t deny that he was successful and well-liked. I wanted to congratulate him, but I also felt he didn’t deserve my congratulations. A complex swirl of emotions washed over me as I continued to observe the unfolding events.

I shrugged, not feeling particularly interested in my own weight at the moment. Despite her teasing, Miho seemed concerned about my well-being, which I appreciated. We continued to chat while enjoying our drinks and the grilled meat.

The evening was slowly passing by, and I couldn’t help but think about the events of the day, especially the unexpected encounter with the president of the Royal Group, which had left me feeling a mix of emotions.

As I enjoyed the grilled meat and the company of my friend Miho, I couldn’t help but wonder how the day might have turned out if I hadn’t gone out. There were mixed feelings about the encounter with Han Se-hyuk, which had stirred up old emotions and regrets.

With each piece of grilled meat, I felt a little more relaxed, and I began to appreciate the simple pleasure of being in the company of a good friend. Miho’s laughter and conversation helped to distract me from the lingering thoughts about the past and the choices I had made.

Miho’s playful teasing helped lighten my mood, and I couldn’t help but laugh. It was nice to have a friend who could make me smile even when I was lost in my thoughts.

Despite the laughter, a sense of unease still lingered in my heart. I realized that seeing Han Se-hyuk again had brought up feelings I had buried for years. I knew I had to confront these emotions and come to terms with my past choices, but it wouldn’t be easy.

As the evening went on, I continued to enjoy our time together, grateful for the distraction and support of my friend.

As the night wore on, I enjoyed the time spent with Miho, even if it provided only temporary relief from the turmoil within me. I couldn’t share the depth of my emotions or the complexities of my past, but being with a friend who cared made me appreciate the moments of laughter and connection.

While I had realized the gravity of my past actions, I knew that confronting my past and making amends would be a difficult journey. It was a long road ahead, but the first step was acknowledging my mistakes and regrets.

Miho’s concern for my well-being was evident as she tried to keep me from drinking too much. The allure of alcohol, my desire to escape my thoughts, and the lingering pain from the past made it a difficult battle.

As much as I craved that temporary numbness, having a friend who cared for me and stopped me from self-destructive behavior was a blessing. I might not have been able to confide in her about the true source of my distress, but I knew I had someone looking out for me in those dark moments.

Miho’s question about my dad brought me back to reality. I realized that my father was still in the hospital, and I hadn’t visited him in a while. Guilt welled up inside me as I thought about how I had been preoccupied with my own issues.

I knew I needed to make more time for my dad, and Miho’s question was a stark reminder of my responsibilities. The rain served as a cleansing force, both for my body and my conscience, making me reflect on the priorities in my life.

I waved back to Miho, a genuine smile on my face as I entered the house. Her warmth and friendship were a comforting presence in my life. Despite the turbulence and uncertainties I was facing, moments like these with a true friend reminded me of the value of genuine connections.

Inside the house, I quickly changed out of my wet clothes and made my way to the room where my father was resting. It was time for me to fulfill my responsibilities as a daughter and be there for my family, just as Miho had reminded me.

I nodded towards Miho, and she signaled for me to get inside. An old, dank smell assaulted my nostrils, a scent I had become accustomed to—the unmistakable odor of the boxing ring. I proceeded to light the fragrant candle on my dressing table and desk. Miho had taken steps to obscure the windows since moving in, citing the increasing world’s uncertainty and the fear of what might be lurking outside.

Fortunately, that wasn’t a concern I had to contend with. I discarded my wet clothing on the floor, dragged the futon I had pushed aside to the room’s center, and settled down. The idea of a shower loomed, but I lacked the motivation. In fact, I lacked the will to do anything at all. So, I simply lay there and closed my eyes. I thought I might drift off to sleep, but after some restless tossing and turning, I eventually reopened my eyes.

I repeated the process of closing and reopening my eyes, fixating on the vibrant ceiling tiles. All of a sudden, a laugh escaped my lips. I yearned for him, a longing that felt irrational but undeniable.

I rolled over and huddled into a fetal position, tears streaming down my cheeks. I chastised myself, reminding me not to be too selfish and to make amends for allowing him to leave once again today.

* * * * * * * * *

The constant vibration left me feeling impressed, but its persistence soon became impossible to ignore. It was far too early to be heading to work, and there was no reason for the company to be calling me at this hour. Reluctantly, I decided to open my eyes to assess whether I should answer the call.

As my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I spotted my phone lying on the floor at a distance. I stretched my arm out, but it fell just short of reaching it, so I pushed myself up to retrieve it. My hand trembled slightly as I picked up the phone, and my head throbbed in response. Clutching my throbbing head, I glanced at the screen.

“Huh?”

The caller ID displayed the name of the hospital where my dad had been receiving treatment. A sudden dryness gripped my mouth.

“Hello?” I stammered.

“This is the hospital, and you’re Cha In-gi’s guardian, right?” The voice on the other end inquired.

“Yes,” I answered with a quiver in my voice, feeling a shiver run down my spine. A call from the hospital at 3 a.m. was the last thing I had expected.

“What’s wrong with Dad?” I asked, my voice filled with concern and anxiety.

The caregiver left to take a quick shower, and during that time, the person I was caring for attempted to go to the bathroom on their own but ended up falling. I was so taken aback that I found myself momentarily at a loss for words.

“Um, so, so, is he okay?” I finally managed to ask.

“He hit his head, and that’s why I’m calling. Your mom isn’t answering her phone either…” The caregiver’s voice conveyed their concern.

“I’m coming right now,” I assured, my heart sinking as the mention of a head injury stirred worries about the person’s previous stroke, fearing the situation could worsen.

“Please, please, please. Please tell me it’s nothing.” With a sense of urgency, I hastily put on some clothes, grabbed my wallet and phone, and rushed out of the house.

Moments later, I found myself seated in a chair outside the hospital room, burying my face in my hands, overwhelmed by anxiety and fear.

“After the procedure…”

Fortunately, my dad managed to undergo the necessary medical procedure. The challenge that remained was the outstanding bill, and I was in a tight spot because the hospital insisted they couldn’t proceed with the treatment until the bill was settled.

No matter how I pondered the situation, it seemed like the only viable solution. So, early in the morning, I contacted the landlady, offering my apologies for the inconvenience and explaining the predicament. I pleaded with her to allow me to vacate the house.

Fortunately, she informed me that she had received some money the previous day and was willing to provide it in advance. I assured her that I would retrieve my belongings that day.

All I possessed were some clothes, and the generous landlady offered to support me until I found a new place to live. However, I felt too embarrassed to face her.

My mind was racing as I had a lot to sort out. I attempted to call my mom, but she didn’t answer, leaving me with a sigh of frustration. When the time came for the landlady to provide the money, I checked my bank account and saw that 5 million won had been deposited.

I promptly transferred the money to the account number provided by the hospital’s accounting department and then reached out to the office.

However, my phone calls went unanswered. When I tried calling Sooyin, all I could hear was a woman’s voice on her voicemail. Left with no other option, I decided to contact my maternal uncle.

As I explained the situation to my uncle, informing him about my dad’s collapse and the delay it would cause for work, he suggested that we discuss it at his office. I rose from my seat and made my way to his office.

At the hospital clinic, I informed them that I had paid the required amount and emphasized the urgency of my dad’s procedure. They scheduled the procedure for the following day. When I glanced at the clock, it was already 11:00. Despite feeling hungover and queasy, I had no time to eat.

I managed to get some water from the dispenser and took a few sips. Fidgeting with my phone, I finally decided to make a call.

“Hello?”

“It’s me.”

“I know. Why?” came the response on the other end.

“…How did things go yesterday?” I found it hard to bring up the request for my friend to look after my belongings, so I changed the topic.

Sensing her hesitation, Miho probed further, asking what was troubling me.

“…Dad got hurt…” I eventually explained the situation and asked if she could take care of my luggage. I expressed my gratitude multiple times, and Miho graciously agreed to assist.

I thanked her once more when she mentioned that she had many reasons to be grateful for her friends. She assured me she would come over later in the evening to pick up my luggage.

With my immediate concerns addressed, my steps felt lighter than they had just moments ago. I still needed to find a place to stay, but I was grateful that my dad had received the necessary procedure and that his injuries weren’t too severe.

Lunchtime had already passed, and I took a final glance at my dad’s face before stepping into the hospital room to leave for work. Even though my uncle had granted me permission, I felt the urgency to get to the office.

I made the decision to forgo lunch and simply washed my face and brushed my teeth before heading to work. When I arrived at the office, I checked the time, and it was already past 1:00.

As I opened the office door and walked in, I was met with a surprised call from Ms. Kim. I stared wide-eyed, followed by Sooyin, the company’s vice president.

“Ms. Cha Se-yeon!”

“Ms. Cha, do you have any concept of time?” Sooyin asked, her tone stern.

“What?” I stammered, feeling the collective gaze of the office staff upon me.

“What time do you think you should come to work?”

“I… um…”

“If you plan to arrive at work like this, you might as well resign right now!” Sooyin’s words left me speechless. She had attempted to secure permission for me to arrive late, but it hadn’t been approved.

“This is exactly why… Tsk,” she muttered in frustration.

I glanced back and forth between the teasing Ms. Kim and Sooyin, then cast my eyes downward. I quickly understood that discussing the matter with the boss wasn’t worth it, especially considering there were missed calls on her phone as well.

I assumed that the boss’s deliberate omission of mentioning my situation meant that she had been informed but was choosing to feign ignorance.

“I’m sorry,” I began, but the response I received was not what I had expected.

“Is that the posture of an apologist?” Sooyin’s tone made me wonder if she expected me to kneel.

She had mentioned that she didn’t touch such cases anymore, and as the day wore on, her voice grew more agitated. The office was bustling with activity, and I maintained a stoic expression. I was no longer embarrassed, having already passed the point of shedding tears over the situation.

“It won’t happen again, I’m so, so sorry,” I added, nearly bowing my head. My hair cascaded forward, and it seemed like she was attempting to provoke a reaction from me. However, when I received no response, I began to wonder if my silence only fueled her anger.

The abrupt silence in the room felt peculiar, so I straightened my posture, flicked my hair back, and gazed at both of them.

“……?”

I tried to force a slight smile, but their faces had turned noticeably pale. Sooyin, in particular, looked particularly rigid. It was apparent that they were staring past me, and I turned slowly to see what had caught their attention.

“Ah….” I stammered. Sooyin tapped me on the shoulder and blocked my way.

“Mr. Han, why are you here?”

“Yeah.”

“You surprised me by showing up unannounced, ho-ho,” she said with a forced laugh, while I glared at the back of her head. My heart sank, and suddenly, I felt my cheeks flush. He didn’t even acknowledge me, and this wasn’t the first time it had happened. Each time, it didn’t affect me, but I couldn’t understand why I was feeling so embarrassed. I couldn’t bring myself to lift my head, even though I thought I had grown accustomed to being ignored.

“Se yeon Cha, get to work,” she instructed, bringing my focus back to the task at hand.

“It’s…” Ms. Kim’s words snapped me back to reality. Once I settled at my desk, a tidal wave of work engulfed me. I promptly got up to make copies and shred papers, diving into my tasks with determination.    

“Ms. Se-yeon, can you get some drinks in the conference room?” Mr. Park’s request prompted me to set aside my papers and head towards the restroom. If it was a conference room, that’s where he’d be.

Carrying coffee and drinks, I knocked on the conference room door.

“Come in.”

Upon hearing Sooyin’s voice, I opened the door but froze in my tracks as I heard her laughter. I tightened my grip on the tray, my heart sinking as I saw him smiling at her. I bit my lip hard, concealing my emotions as best as I could, and set the drinks on the table. For a brief moment, I felt his gaze on me, but I stubbornly avoided turning my head.

Since he wasn’t going to smile at me anyway, I decided not to look. I offered a slight bow and exited the room. As soon as I stepped out, my breathing became heavy.

In moments like these, it’s best to keep the mind occupied to make time pass quickly. The harder you work, the more restful your sleep. Most importantly, I couldn’t afford to dwell on thoughts of him.

I’d already broken up with him, six years ago. It shouldn’t be my concern whether he smiled or not.  I forced myself to stop my eyes from wandering to the conference room.

I continued to work diligently. On my way home from the office, I suddenly realized that I hadn’t eaten a single meal all day. The only thing I’d consumed was a large cup of coffee.

Finally feeling hunger pangs, I made a stop at the supermarket. I picked up a drink for my landlady and grabbed two bags of instant noodles for myself.

“What time is it? It’s so late!” I muttered to myself.

“Hey,” a voice called out.

I couldn’t help but laugh when I saw Miho waiting outside my house. True friends were truly a blessing.

“Have you had dinner?” I asked her.

“Have you even eaten?” she retorted.

“I’ll whip up some ramen,” Miho offered.

I squinted at her as she playfully tapped my nose for only purchasing two bags of noodles.

“You don’t need much; pack light. I’ve got plenty of food at home,” she reassured me.

“……Thanks, buddy,” I expressed my gratitude.

Miho responded with a nod and a smile, and I found myself bowing to her again and again. As I made my way down the stairs, I felt a sense of weariness washing over me. The day had been incredibly long, and I had lost count of how many times I had bowed to people.

By the time we finished packing and prepared to leave, it was already 9 p.m.

“I thought we were just going to eat ramen. I haven’t had a proper meal,” I complained.

With Miho, I could reveal a side of me that I wouldn’t show to just anyone. She protested and fussed, and in my frustration, I flicked a finger at her forehead.

“Ouch!” she exclaimed.

“I told you I made bulgogi and kimchi stew for you to come over. Hey, hey, hey! Let go of me!” I playfully scolded her while standing behind her and giving her a tight hug around the waist, urging her to release her grip.

“Thank you, Miho, thank you so much,” I expressed my gratitude, and then I apologized for needing her help repeatedly.

“Just say you’re sorry, and I’ll kick you out,” she responded.

“……Yes,” I chuckled.

“Come on, let’s go. I’m starving!”

We loaded up the trunk of Miho’s car, and as soon as I settled into the passenger seat and fastened my seatbelt, the car pulled away.

“Bye,” I said, feeling a tinge of sadness as I left the place I had called home for two years. I was grateful to have found a good landlord.

* * * * * * *

“Sooyin is calling,” Miho informed me.

“Oh, yeah,” I replied, only just becoming aware of the incoming call. I had just received the news that my dad’s procedure had gone well, and I reached for the phone to answer the call. However, the call abruptly disconnected at the same moment.

I slid my cell phone into my pocket, hoping that Sooyin would call back if it was something urgent. The office was buzzing with activity, primarily focused on the construction of the Hanok Hotel.

Today involved a lot of photocopying, cleaning, and running errands, leaving me exhausted. Still, I found solace in the knowledge that my dad’s procedure had gone well.

Last night, I had relished two hearty bowls of rice, complemented by the kimchi stew and bulgogi that Miho had prepared. It left me feeling rejuvenated. Whenever I had a spare moment, I used my cell phone to search for a place to stay.

Regardless of how much I looked, the only option I could find within my remaining budget was the gown. Miho had kindly offered me to stay at her place, but I couldn’t bring myself to accept the offer.

Tomorrow, I would have to visit a few places for accommodation. Suddenly, the office door swung open, and Sooyin made her entrance. While I was relieved that she didn’t have to go to work today, my heart skipped a beat as soon as she appeared.

She gave me a brief glance before heading into the department head’s office. It took me a moment to grasp why she had hurried to work.

“Thank you,” I said, placing my drink on the conference room table and pausing for a moment.

She expressed her gratitude as if we had never met before. Caught off guard and feeling awkward, I stammered in embarrassment. He responded with a faint, chilly smile.

“Ms. Oh, Se-yeon, where are the documents for the various licensing procedures?”

“Oh, give me a moment. I’ll find them for you,” I replied, trying to collect myself.

Se-yeon promptly rose, opened the door, and hurried out. He set his tablet on the table and then turned to leave.

“Meet me in the underground parking lot after work,” he instructed in his commanding, gravelly voice. I was so taken aback by this unexpected interaction that I stood there with my mouth slightly agape.

When I failed to respond, appearing somewhat dumbfounded, he locked eyes with me.

“Get out,” he ordered, and I promptly exited the room.

Feeling like a complete fool, I stormed out of his office without offering a response. Se-yeon seemed taken aback as he took the papers and entered the conference room, and then he headed out to the parking lot.

Even as I sat at my desk, his words kept echoing in my head. I tried to shake my head to clear my thoughts, but it proved futile. I had to see my dad’s face today…

I was supposed to prepare dinner, and I couldn’t think of anything to say to him. He had asked me to meet him in the underground parking lot, so I contemplated leaving work without actually going there.

Suddenly, the entire company seemed to be working overtime, but I left the office on time. It wasn’t a surprise, considering that I wasn’t a full-time employee and the company didn’t require my presence.

The mere thought of him waiting in the underground parking lot quickened my heartbeat. I dashed out of the office, glancing around nervously, but the honk of a car horn nearly made me jump.

A black car’s window slowly rolled down.

“I told you to go to the underground parking lot, didn’t I?” Han Se-hyuk asked, clearly irritated about something.