Chapter 36

At the mention of Jeju Island, Haji recalled the photos of places that were trending as good travel destinations these days. Though it seemed unlikely she would go there hers 

“I got a Jeju Island plane ticket recently, but there’s not much time left. About a week?”

“You should go soon then?”

“I don’t think I can go because of an important project.”

Having a ticket but not being able to go…

She felt her situation was similar to Hyeseong’s, who was busy with work. 

“That’s too bad.”

“I can’t go, but couldn’t you go, Haji-ssi?”

“Pardon?” 

But Hyeseong smiled at Haji and rummaged through his bag to take something out.

“I don’t think I can use it anyway, and Sehee-ssi said she’s too busy studying to travel these days.”

“Still……”

“How about you go instead of me?”

It seemed Hyeseong had intended to bring this up from the start. Haji was taken aback by the sudden suggestion.

“I went to Jeju Island when I was young, but I don’t remember because it’s been so long……”

“Then this is even better, right? Take this opportunity to go.” 

Jeju Island, huh. 

Haji hesitated to take the ticket Hyeseong was handing her.

Seeing this, Hyeseong seemed to have a sudden thought and added: 

“Ah, there’s only one ticket. Is that okay?”

“Pardon?”

“I thought you might need to go with your partner.”

“No, it’s fine. I don’t have a partner anyway.” 

Haji denied Hyeseong’s misunderstanding and took the ticket. Thinking of Seojin, it was an impulsive action. 

“Is that so? Then that’s good. Have fun there on my behalf, Haji-ssi.”

“…… Ah. Yes.” 

Haji nodded while looking at the ticket in her hand for a moment. 

Right, since it’s come to this, let’s go on a short trip. 

She thought it was a good idea. It would have been hard to face Seojin at home with these emotions anyway. 

Even if it might be called avoidance, she really wanted to take a rest. For herself, who had been through a lot.

***

Two days later, on Friday, Haji came to work with a large suitcase.

“Boss, is it today?”

“Yes, please take care of the closing today and until Monday.”

“Don’t worry. Just rest well and come back!” 

Haji felt relieved seeing Sehee speak so confidently.

Haji, who was planning to leave in the afternoon, intended to go straight to the airport from the cafe. Since she had planned a long schedule from Friday to Monday, she was half excited and half worried.

“Please take care of things, Woobae-ssi.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Woobae, with his stiff manner of speaking, put his feet together as if saluting. Haji smiled slightly at that sight. 

It was her first time going on such a long trip since becoming an adult, and her first time going alone.

“Let’s just relax and enjoy.”

She made a promise to herself. To reward herself for the hard times she had been through. 

To not worry or think about anything for a while.

***

At that time, Seojin was so busy he didn’t even have time to eat.

“Let’s go in this way.” 

He walked around the construction site where the framework was complete, comparing it with the floor plan and checking various details. Nick, the site manager, and the Jeju resort coordinator followed him, busy checking things. 

“The interior of this airport branch resort should be constructed to suit a business hotel, while keeping similar internal facilities to the Seogwipo branch.”

“Yes, so we’ve looked into more static interior design companies for this construction work. We plan to follow up with a list selected from the construction companies we sent earlier.”

“Proceed with that.” 

As the Jeju Island resort construction was confirmed, the employees who had arrived earlier were surprised at Seojin’s pace and gasped for breath. Their plans to work at a leisurely pace with the long schedule ahead had disappeared with Seojin’s arrival.

“Didn’t they say Director Matthew was coming?”

“That’s what I heard too……” 

The employees following Seojin from behind looked for Matthew. It was natural to miss Matthew’s smooth way of working after following the rigid CEO.

Seojin, who was talking with Nick while looking at the site, suddenly turned around.

“Is there no one in charge of this part?”

“I’ll explain that part!” 

The whispering employees barely had time to chat before one raised his hand in response to Seojin’s sharp question. 

It was a natural order for directors and above to come and look around together after the Jeju Island resort construction entered its middle stage, to set the future direction.

However, rumors had been circulating that the CEO was pushing forward with the large-scale housing construction project in Seoul, so they thought the CEO would never come.

“How many hours has it been since 6 AM?”

“Yeah, and he didn’t even eat when we had lunch.”

The clock was already pointing towards 3. The employees shook their heads watching Seojin, who had been working for 9 long hours. 

The employees chasing after Seojin were now almost running to keep up. Just as rough breaths were about to escape their mouths, Seojin stopped walking. 

“Let’s stop here for today.”

A cheer almost involuntarily escaped their mouths. They had nearly died trying to keep up with the stamina of that iron-like CEO. 

“Everyone go home and let’s meet tomorrow at the same time we came today.” 

The employees’ mouths gaped at Seojin’s words. As if not seeing the employees’ reactions, Seojin had already walked far away alone.

“Team leader, it’s not this urgent, right? We’re still at the exterior wall stage……”

“I think so too, but……” 

Nick looked at Seojin’s back at the employees’ pleas. Having worked with him since overseas, he knew his style well.

He couldn’t question the CEO who had firmly stated a few days ago that his business trip period would be only 4 days. They just had to finish everything within four days.

“Let’s endure for just four days.” 

The site manager and internal managers who came on the business trip sighed. 

Nick gave an apologetic smile to the managers. He knew Seojin would force the schedule no matter what anyone said.

“Something’s a bit different though?” 

I should see him separately.

As a friend.

***

Haji, who had arrived in Jeju Island, took a deep breath at the airport. 

“Wow, this is nice.”

A smile naturally appeared at Jeju’s natural scenery and the warm temperature enveloping her body.

“Is the bus that way?”

Haji moved her steps to find the limousine.

The ticket Hyeseong gave her was a package that included not only the flight but also the resort reservation. Thanks to that, all reservations were smooth.

“I didn’t tell Sunbae……” 

Will he worry? 

The two people, who had been in a cold war for several days, hadn’t talked during that time. It was partly because Haji had unilaterally avoided him, but also because Seojin kept coming home late. 

“It seems he didn’t even come home yesterday.” 

The night before, Haji had tried to tell Seojin that she wouldn’t be home for a few days, but couldn’t because he had stayed out overnight. 

“I should at least send a text when I arrive.” 

In case he might worry.

With the thought of texting Seojin as soon as she arrived at the resort, Haji got on the resort limousine.

Soon after, the limousine that arrived in Seogwipo took her to the entrance of the resort.

“Thank you.” 

Haji, who had received her suitcase, greeted and entered the resort. 

“Wow, I said it was nice, but it’s even better than the photos.”

The Laonhilljo Resort, which was said to be in the top 10 beautiful buildings selected overseas, had an even more diverse atmosphere when seen in person. From the entrance of the resort that gave off a strong vacation vibe to the interior design.

“Can I help you check in?”

“Yes, Ahn Haji.”

It was when she turned around after checking in and receiving the card.

“Huh?”

Haji thought she saw a familiar figure and turned her head towards where she had just passed.

“That can’t be, right?” 

There’s no way Sunbae would be here. 

Thinking it was her imagination, Haji erased the thought and got on the elevator. And then she took out her phone. With the intention of texting Seojin.

She felt someone else get on the elevator after she got on, but she didn’t pay much attention. She was only thinking about sending the text.

Tap tap, her fingertips hit the screen.

[Sunbae, I won’t be home until Monday.]

Hmm, is this too cold?

Deleting the message she had written, Haji rewrote it several times before finally completing and sending the message.

[I’m on a trip. I don’t think I’ll be home until Monday. Don’t worry.]

This should be fine.

As she was checking the sent message and thinking it was appropriate enough, that’s when she felt the presence of the person next to her getting closer.

“Isn’t that sent too late?”

Huh?

A familiar voice……?

Haji quickly turned her head towards the voice coming from beside her.

“Huh?”

Haji’s eyes widened. The person she had just been agonizing over texting was right in front of her. 

“Why? Why are you here Sunbae?”

She almost screamed in surprise but barely suppressed it as she asked Seojin. Unlike her, the man had a calm expression.

“I came for work.”

“Work?”

“Business trip. Laonhilljo Resort Jeju Branch 2.”

It was surprising enough to meet like this, but what followed was even more surprising. To think they were building a second branch of this resort that foreign media had been paying attention to.

“When did you arrive?”

“This morning.”

“Ah, so that’s why you didn’t……”

“Come home. I was busy preparing for the business trip.” 

Haji, who had been nodding unconsciously, soon cleared her mind. Remembering that she was in a cold war with him.

In fact, not seeing his face or talking for several days had dulled her angry emotions a bit. But soon, remembering the lie he had told, her expression turned serious.

“I’m not curious.”

“That’s disappointing.”

“……” 

The two people who got off the elevator came out to an open outdoor area.

Private accommodations were lined up like a village. The outer walls of the private houses were painted with traditional Korean patterns, and the connected path gave a European feel.

It seemed like it wouldn’t match, but the beautiful trees and colors around blended well, eliciting admiration.

Haji glanced at Seojin. It was hard to believe this person had created this.

“Do you like it?”

“Well, it’s a bit pretty.”

“I’m glad.”

Haji spoke nonchalantly. In truth, she was so impressed by its beauty that she almost let out a gasp, but she held it back.

“This way. That key is for this private cottage.”

Seeing the key in Haji’s hand, Seojin naturally guided her to the private cottage, as if he knew the place like the back of his hand.

“Thank you. I’ll head in.”

After a brief thank you, Haji opened the door to her private cottage.