17.3

It was true that the times she had spent with him so far had been enjoyable and happy. If she only considered that, she had no regrets.

“If we continue like this, you know as well as I do that a dark and rugged future lies ahead. Being drunk on these sweet emotions and pretending not to see that is just avoidance.”

“People can’t only do what they like in life. But they can endure the things they dislike to do what they love. The rough path I walk with you isn’t gloomy. The fierce battles I must fight for a future with you are merely sport to me.”

“That sport isn’t the kind I like.”

Seonho laughed out loud as Chaeyoon frowned. Even in this situation, his low laughter was pleasant to hear, which was insane in its own right.

“You might not like it, but once you start, you tend to give it your all. And you do it exceptionally well.”

At that, Chaeyoon groaned. It was an unspoken acceptance. She didn’t want to, but once she started, she was known to throw her whole self into it.

“You know what I’m grateful for?” 

Seonho asked.

“What?”

Chaeyoon replied, her voice a mixture of curiosity and exhaustion.

“That there’s never been a better time to fall in love. If I had loved you when I was younger and less capable, I would have been utterly helpless. But now, it’s different. I’ll find ways to minimize all the concerns you have. Will you trust me?” 

Seonho’s lips touched Chaeyoon’s hand gently, sealing his promise.

Yeah, if anyone could find a way, it would be Seonho. Perhaps he already had a plan in motion.

“I’ll think about it.”

“That’s enough for me. I’ll wait.”

A gleam of joy twinkled in Seonho’s eyes. Chaeyoon watched him smile warmly and wondered if this was how it was always meant to be. 

According to the original scenario, I should never see him again.

Yet, why did I feel so relieved?

Realizing she no longer had to hide her feelings, her heart felt as light as a feather.

Can I say now that I want to see you? That I want you?

“There’s something I need to warn you about.”

“Tell me.”

“I’m greedy. It’s all or nothing for me. Once I set my mind to something, I hold on and never let go. That’s why I’m cautious and don’t take chances easily. Can you handle someone like me?”

“It’s precisely because you’re like that, that no one else but me can handle you.”

Seonho’s confidence was infuriatingly charming. That was another side effect of this bizarre cold, perhaps.

“If we can’t find a compromise with your family, you might end up like Joo-eun, having to give up everything.”

“Of course. Do you think I would have approached you without being prepared for that?”

It’s not as simple as it sounds, though. Chaeyoon’s reluctance to get involved with a wealthy family stems from knowing that they don’t just say “do as you wish” when someone tries to walk away.

They obstruct, push you to the edge, and wear you down physically and emotionally until you’re frayed. They make you so miserable that, out of love, you give up on each other to save one another from further pain. That’s how it usually went.

She understood why. It was to protect their world, to control it, because allowing just one person in would be a hole, a threat to tear it down.

Chaeyoon sighed.

What is love, really? Why can’t it go smoothly? Why is there no compromise?

You end up loving someone you don’t want to love, someone you’re not supposed to love. Whether you’re in love or not, it’s hard either way. 

The idea that one can simply love ordinarily feels almost miraculous.

“At least you can take care of me like Seokhyun, right?”

Chaeyoon smiled slightly at the subsequent question. Her heavily sunken heart felt lighter.

“I may not be as capable as Seokhyun-oppa, but I can at least feed you. If that doesn’t work out, we can run off to the countryside and live self-sufficiently. That’s actually one of the items on my bucket list.”

“Haha, self-sufficiently? That’s a really fresh idea.”

Seonho burst out laughing.

“Yawn.”

Whether it was the medicine or the release of tension, sleepiness overtook her.

“I want to sleep.”

“Alright.”

Seonho pulled the sheets over Chaeyoon, tucking her in gently.

As Chaeyoon closed her eyes, she allowed herself to consider, for the first time, what life might be like if she and Seonho overcame all obstacles and married.

A smile crept onto her face unwittingly.

Soon, she was asleep. Seonho finally relaxed, showered, and changed into comfortable clothes. He was too nervous to do anything until Chaeyoon settled down.

After a light snack and a cup of coffee, he returned to the bed where Chaeyoon lay softly breathing. Lying down beside her, Seonho grinned.

“Self-sufficiency? You said you’d think about it, but that almost sounds like you’ve already made up your mind.”

He chuckled, recalling their earlier conversation.

I love that you’re greedy, Chaeyoon. I love that you want all of me.

He savored her words slowly, like how one relishes a fine wine.

I’m the same. I’m greedy too. I want all of you. I’ll hold on to you and never let go. Can you handle that? You’d better be prepared.

Seonho gently wrapped his arms around Chaeyoon, careful not to wake her. It felt as if he held the whole world in his arms.

But then a thought crossed his mind, dampening the warm glow of affection. He hoped this euphoria wouldn’t be dismissed as mere delirium from her illness once she recovered.

This doubt made Seonho look at Chaeyoon with a slightly wary expression, even as he held her close. The complexity of emotions—hope, fear, love, and uncertainty—twined tightly around his heart.

***

“Please, come in.”

Said the secretary as if she had been expecting Junsu.

Before opening the door to the executive office, Junsu checked to ensure his tie was straight, a habitual action when he felt nervous. 

It had been a while since he was last summoned by the Vice Chairwoman. He needed to be sharp.

Junsu steadied his breathing before entering the office.

“You wanted to see me?”

Junsu greeted Seonkyung respectfully. Seonho was quite good-looking and he resembled his mother, which meant that Seonkyung was quite glamorous herself. 

She was a far cry from the image of a stiff businesswoman that usually came to mind. Even in her late 50s, she was sophisticated and sexy without being over the top, which attracted men’s attention.

Those in the know were aware that Chairman Yoon was jealous and resentful of her superior appearance and capabilities.

Junsu found it difficult to understand. Chairman Yoon had a mistress who was far less attractive and accomplished than his wife. Fortunately, Seonkyung didn’t seem to blink an eye or appear unhappy, which spared Junsu from feeling pity for her.

Both were peculiar in their ways.

“You were in Korea, I see.” 

Seonkyung started, skipping formalities with a lazy smile.

“Yes.” 

Junsu replied succinctly.

“I thought you might have gone to London with Seonho.”

Junsu sighed inwardly. He knew a day like this would come.

Of course, as a capable secretary, Junsu was prepared for this conversation, though that didn’t stop his nerves.

“It was the weekend, ma’am. Everyone spends their weekends as they please.”

“Is it personal? My intuition says it’s a woman issue. Is it serious?”

“I’m not privy to all personal details. Team Leader Yoon is an adult, after all.”

“Junsu, let’s not do this. Why be so formal suddenly? I may not have raised you, but I held you a few times when you were a baby, and I watched you grow up.”

Seonkyung smirked, lifting one side of her lip. 

It was her choice to keep Junsu at Seonho’s side. For times like this.

“Since Team Leader Yoon joined the company, he doesn’t tell me everything like he used to. If you’re curious, I suggest you ask him directly.”

“Ha ha ha, that’s funny. So, you’re all grown up now? Of course, it’s natural. I’m getting older, and so, you’re growing up. When did you all become so mature?”

Seonkyung looked at Junsu with a nostalgic gaze.

“But Junsu, you shouldn’t be doing this with me.”

“It’s always Team Leader Yoon who makes the choice.”

“So, you’re Seonho’s man now?” 

Seonkyung smiled as if watching a child’s play.

“No, ma’am. It means the responsibility belongs to the one who makes the choice.”

“Ha ha ha, you learned well from your father. That crafty attitude.”

“It’s a family motto, ma’am. ‘Always have an escape route.’”

Junsu offered a simple smile.

“Ah, I’ve attached too perfect a person to Seonho. My oversight.”

Seonkyung sighed heavily.

“It’s thanks to your keen eye for people, Vice Chairwoman.”

“You might outdo your father in success. You’re better at flattery than he was.”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

“Alright, you can go. I’ll find out for myself. What could be so difficult about it?”

Seonkyung snorted humorously and waved her hand dismissively, signaling Junsu to leave.

Their protesting because they’ve all grown up was cute. I’m also satisfied that Seonho has definitely made his people his own.

“Vice Chairwoman, if you don’t mind, I would like to say something.”

“Go ahead.”

“Anything that involves Seonho, don’t do it arbitrarily, and be sure to talk to Seonho first.”

After saying this, Junsu bowed and walked out the door he had come in.

Staring at the closed door, Seonkyung was lost in thought for a moment. It was clear that Junsu had given a hint, but she couldn’t quite grasp what the hint was about.

“What are you doing, Yoon Seonho, what are you up to?”