16.3

This wasn’t just about business matters; it meant Seonho had to have an excuse ready for another unexplained trip to London.

With the successful trajectory of the car subscription service, many eyes were on Seonho, some friendly, others hostile. 

The scrutiny meant he had to be cautious, guarding every action to avoid giving any reason for suspicion. The slightest slip could trigger a frenzy, like sharks to chum.

Seonho appeared free as he enjoyed his privileges, but he was equally shackled by them. These shackles, usually invisible, sprang to attention at critical moments, pulling him back with a ghostly precision.

“I have never shirked responsibility, not once. You know that better than anyone.” 

Seonho stated. And Junsu knew, indeed, that Seonho worked tirelessly.

“And you know why I’ve been working like crazy.”

This too, Junsu understood well. His ability to compensate for a disintegrated week was almost supernatural.

Watching him, Junsu realized that all Seonho had shown so far was just a hint of his potential. He was a truly frightening individual. 

This terrifying ‘superpower’ wasn’t always on display, only when Seonho was driven by a specific purpose.

Like when he needed to meet a certain woman far away in London.

Junsu opened a flight booking site on his tablet PC. He had argued sufficiently as a secretary, fulfilling his duty. 

Now, booking the flight was also his duty, the flip side of the same coin. It was best not to go, but if that wasn’t an option, then he must facilitate the trip.

His gut told him that if he didn’t send Seonho to London now, something bigger would happen that would be harder to handle. Such premonitions should be heeded; ominous hunches are rarely wrong.

Junsu turned and looked out the window. The snowflakes danced beautifully in the sunlight, so enchanting they almost seemed like flower petals.

Whenever it snowed, Seonho became sentimental and restless, which made the winter challenging for him. Junsu had been relieved with the arrival of March, yet here they were with snow swirling on a spring day.

Chaeyoon, what on earth did you do on a snowy day?

Silently, Junsu screamed as he watched the bewitchingly beautiful snowflakes drift down.

***

Cough, cough.

Chaeyoon paused her work, coughing. As she coughed, sweat beads formed on her forehead, which she wiped away with the back of her hand.

Cough, cough.

Damn, why a cold in March after all of winter?

Muttering to herself, Chaeyoon’s lips moved inside her mask.

Despite the wind blowing strongly for the past few days, it was a clear day with a bright blue sky and fluffy white clouds floating like autumn. Today was no exception.

I can’t believe I’m coughing up a cold in such nice weather.

Joan, a classmate often paired with Chaeyoon, nudged her shoulder and gestured for her to go outside.

[Are you okay?]

Joan asked, holding out a paper cup of warm water.

[Thanks.]

[Don’t push yourself too hard.]

[I was planning to call it a day and go home anyway.]

Chaeyoon could endure and finish her work because she wasn’t running a high fever or was very sick.

However, whenever Chaeyoon coughed, she felt the eyes of her colleagues in the shared workspace watching her. 

In Korea, even when sick, they admired her for her unwavering dedication to her work. However, it was different abroad. 

Whether they didn’t feel as urgent about it or deemed it natural to take a rest when ill, either way, it was another cultural difference.

Frequent coughing made her throat dry, and sometimes it even felt like her chest was tightening.

[You made the right decision. It’s more efficient to rest well and recover your condition before continuing your work.]

[You’re right.]

Quietly gathering her things, Chaeyoon left the workspace. She didn’t bother to greet her colleagues who were engrossed in their work.

After finishing the practical class on basic jewelry crafting, everyone was stressed and tense due to their final project of creating original jewelry pieces. 

Chaeyoon, who seemed to have an iron-like stamina, hadn’t realized that it might be due to stress that she caught a cold.

During the bus ride home, she had dozed off for a moment, but when she woke up and stood up, she felt a chill and her body ached. 

It seemed like I was really unwell.

“Ugh, I feel like dying.”

Chaeyoon threw her bag carelessly onto the chair and collapsed onto her bed without even changing her clothes. She had no idea how she managed to walk home from the bus stop; her mind was completely blank.

Did I have cold medicine at home? It would be better to take some painkillers and try to sleep it off.

***

Thud! Thud!

“Chaeyoon!”

She can hear Seonho’s voice. Thinking it was a dream, Chaeyoon tried to straighten her curled-up body. But her body ached and protested.

Thud! Thud!

“Open the door, Han Chaeyoon!”

The voice that she thought was part of her dream grew louder, and Chaeyoon opened her eyes. The sunlight had almost faded, making the room dim. In her groggy state, she momentarily wondered where she was.

Why do I hear Seonho”s voice?

Thud! Thud!

“Chaeyoon.”

Once again, Seonho’s voice reached her. As she fully woke up, the scenery of the room became clearer. It had been bright when she came in, but now the sun was setting.

Thinking it was just a dream, Chaeyoon didn’t initially believe Seonho’s voice was real. After all, Seonho was supposed to be in Korea. Pushing herself up, Chaeyoon opened the door to find Seonho standing right there.

“They said you were sick?” 

Seonho asked as he touched her forehead, having apparently stopped by the workshop first.

“It’s just a light cold.”

Chaeyoon coughed in response.

“I told you, didn’t I? Don’t overestimate your health and take care of yourself.”

Seonho’s eyes were fierce, but his pale face made him look like he was the one who was sick, likely due to the long flight.

“Why are you here again?”

“Business trip.”

“How come your business trips are so frequent? And always over the weekends?”

This was already the third time Seonho had come to England. The distance no longer seemed a valid excuse.

“I came because I had business. It’s a good thing I was on a business trip, what would you have done otherwise?”

“I would’ve managed on my own.”

“Let’s go.”

“Where?”

“To the hotel.”

Before Chaeyoon could argue, Seonho grabbed her hand and pulled.

“It hurts. Don’t pull me, cough. I’ll go. Just grab my bag, please.”

Seonho’s grip loosened when she mentioned she was in pain. She didn’t have the energy to resist him, and maybe, deep down, she was somewhat relieved that Seonho was there. Perhaps it was comforting not to be alone while sick.

“How sick are you exactly?” 

Seonho asked irritably as he picked up the bag she pointed at and locked the door.

“Just a bit. My stomach is a little tight from coughing. And my throat is a little sore.”

Seonho supported her as they walked to the car where Paul was already waiting. Chaeyoon was too weak even to wave, only managing a slight nod.

As soon as she settled into the back seat, her head instinctively rested against Seonho’s shoulder.

“Did you go to the hospital?”

“I’m not sick enough to go to the hospital.”

“What about medicine?”

“I think I took some cold medicine, I’m not sure.”

She couldn’t remember clearly. Seonho sharply inhaled.

He’s upset. 

I should have just said I had some.

“Really…”

“I’m sick, so stop nagging. It’s making my head hurt.”

Chaeyoon touched her forehead, preemptively complaining to stop Seonho from scolding her. Surprisingly, he didn’t say anything more.

“I want samgyetang.”

Chaeyoon murmured weakly.

“Samgyetang? You don’t even like that.”

“I don’t, but my mom used to make it for me when I was sick. Suddenly, I’m craving it. I want chicken porridge. And ginger tea with lots of honey.”

Her eyelids felt incredibly heavy, and she struggled to keep her eyes open. The seat felt like it was pulling her in deeper.

“Chaeyoon? Chaeyoon?”

Seonho gently shook Chaeyoon, but she did not respond. Slowly, her head slid from his shoulder, drooping downward. 

At that moment, a chill ran through Seonho’s heart. He immediately called Junsu.

“Arrange for a local doctor and send them to the hotel.”