The cold night faded, and the warmth of morning sunlight spilled through the window. Yuwon slowly opened his eyes. As he sat up on the bed, the memories of last night flooded his mind, heavy and impossible to ignore.
Trying to push the thoughts away, he got ready like usual and left for work.
He took a long breath as he stepped into the office building, silently praying for a normal day. But as soon as he walked in, he noticed something was off. The air felt tense. The entire staff was gathered, whispering and exchanging looks of shock.
Yuwon blinked, confused, and headed to his seat.
Just then, Lee Jiha rushed over to him.
Lee Jiha (anxious): "Yuwon! Did you hear about it?!"
Yuwon (confused): "Hear what?"
Jiha hesitated for a second, then finally dropped the bombshell.
Lee Jiha (shocked): "The company… it's been sold."
Yuwon (stunned): "What?!"
Jiha (nodding quickly): "Yes. But thank God—the new boss doesn't want to change the staff. So we're all safe… except—"
She hesitated again.
Yuwon: "Except what?"
Lee Jiha: "Except Manager Min… he got fired."
Yuwon froze. His heart skipped a beat.
He didn't need anyone to tell him who was behind this.
He already knew.
Lee Jiha (concerned): "Yuwon, what about you? How are you feeling now? You took a leave yesterday."
Yuwon (softly): "I'm okay… I think."
He tried to offer a reassuring smile, but even he could hear the doubt in his own voice.
Yuwon (quietly): "I should call Manager Min."
Jiha (nodding): "Yes, you should. Yesterday, he looked so pale. He didn't say a word during work—just sat there, lost in his thoughts."
She hesitated before asking, her voice dropping lower.
Jiha: "Yuwon… are you and Manager Min in a relationship now?"
Yuwon froze.
He looked at Jiha but didn't answer right away. His mind spun with thoughts. If I say yes… it might drag Min even deeper into my mess. He's already lost his job because of me…
Jiha (pressing): "Yuwon? What are you thinking? Answer me."
Yuwon (finally): "No… we're not."
He lowered his gaze, hiding the guilt in his eyes.
I can't let him get involved anymore. He's already been hurt enough.
Yuwon (gently): "I'll call him later…"
Jiha (sighing): "Ohh… poor Manager Min."
She walked away, her shoulders heavy with sympathy.
Yuwon sat down at his desk, his eyes fixed on nothing in particular. His thoughts refused to settle.
What happened… and what's going to happen now?
The entire office staff gathered near the front as footsteps echoed through the hallway. A tall, perfectly dressed man stepped forward, exuding an air of elegance and authority. With a calm smile, he looked over the employees.
Jin (gracefully): "Hello, everyone. I'm Jin—your new manager. I hope we all get along well."
The staff bowed respectfully, murmuring greetings and nods of acknowledgment.
Moments later, the usual work hustle resumed, but the atmosphere still buzzed with curiosity and murmurs.
Jin (smiling): "Also, I have an announcement. Tonight, the company has arranged a grand dinner for all staff. The boss will be attending and would like to meet everyone personally."
Excited chatter broke out.
Staff A (whispering): "Whoa, that's amazing."
Staff B (grinning): "Yeah, that's really cool. I'm starting to think he's an awesome boss."
Staff C: "He's got taste. A dinner for the whole staff? Impressive."
As the excitement simmered into focused work, Jin's eyes calmly scanned the floor and landed on one person in particular.
Jin (politely): "Mr. Yuwon, may I have a moment of your time?"
Yuwon blinked, then nodded quietly.
Yuwon: "Of course."
The rest of the team settled into their routines as Jin and Yuwon stepped aside for a private conversation.
Yuwon: "Yes, Manager Jin. What did you want to talk to me about?"
Jin offered a polite bow, his expression as calm as ever.
Jin: "Mr. Yuwon, the boss is waiting for you in the car. Please, come with me."
Yuwon froze. His eyes widened in shock.
Yuwon: "Wait... what? Manager Jin, what are you talking about?"
Jin (gently but firmly): "Please, sir. This way."
Still confused, Yuwon followed him out of the building. His heart raced with uncertainty as they stepped outside. A sleek black car was parked just beyond the entrance.
Jin walked ahead, swiftly opening the door.
Jin: "Please, Mr. Yuwon."
Yuwon let out a sigh and hesitantly stepped inside the car.
As the door closed behind him, Yuwon's gaze met with the person already seated inside.
It was Tae.
Their eyes locked in a tense silence. Yuwon's breath caught the moment he noticed a faint redness still lingering on Tae's cheek—the mark of the slap from last night. Guilt stabbed through him instantly.
Tae, however, wore a soft smile.
Tae: "Hello, Hyung."
Yuwon swallowed hard, his voice barely coming out.
Yuwon: "Tae..."
Yuwon's eyes locked on the faint red mark still visible on Tae's cheek. His voice came out in a quiet murmur.
Yuwon: "I'm sorry, Tae... does it still hurt?"
Tae smiled, tilting his head slightly toward him.
Tae: "If you kiss it, then it'll be alright."
Yuwon looked at him, hesitation flickering in his eyes. But before he could say anything, Tae slipped an arm around his waist and gently pulled him closer, their bodies nearly touching.
Tae (softly): "Hyung... you hit me. Now it's your responsibility. Take responsibility—kiss me."
Yuwon tried to pull back, lips parting to protest, but Tae was already too close. The warmth of his breath lingered near Yuwon's skin. After a tense second, Yuwon gave in, leaning forward to press a soft, remorseful kiss against Tae's cheek.
But Tae wasn't done.
The moment Yuwon pulled back, Tae cupped his face with both hands and leaned in. His lips met Yuwon's with a deep, passionate kiss, full of hunger and buried emotion. Yuwon's eyes fluttered shut as the world around them faded. Just for a moment, there was no pain, no guilt—only their shared warmth and the intensity of the kiss that locked them together.