By Zephyria 
As dawn broke, the official business trip duties began. Kwon Young-je had left early in the morning. The only way Hui-won had helped was by preparing a strong coffee for him the moment he woke up.
He would surely handle everything well. Since Hui-won knew exactly how meticulous Kwon Young-je was regarding his work, there was no need for concern. He would be surrounded by capable staff, and everyone would have made thorough preparations for this trip. Kwon Young-je had even warned him not to worry about work matters.
“…….”
But does it work that way? While Hui-won’s body remained at home, his mind was entirely focused on Kwon Young-je. Even now, he was secretly exchanging messages with Secretary Lee.
A short while ago, Secretary Lee had shared Kwon Young-je’s timetable for the day. The schedule was calculated down to the travel time, leaving not a single gap. If things were delayed even slightly, the subsequent schedule would collapse… it was a hellish schedule that required absolute tension.
According to the itinerary, he should have finished the morning inspection and be on his way to Quintexa. Secretary Lee was sending messages as if she were on the verge of tears.
Secretary’s Office_Lee Gyuna:
There’s a problem with the hotel where the inspector is staying. It seems rusty water is coming out of the taps.
Did you request a room change?
Secretary’s Office_Lee Gyuna:
They say it’s fully booked, so there are no replacement rooms. I think we need to find another hotel… but it’s dawn in Korea right now, so I can’t get a follow-up.
General Manager, I also have to look into Quintexa’s requests right now ㅠㅠ
Secretary Lee’s mental state was collapsing in real-time. It was understandable. Assisting Kwon Young-je alone would be overwhelming.
No matter how thoroughly one prepares, unexpected situations are bound to occur during overseas business trips. Habits are truly scary. Before he knew it, Hui-won had rolled up his sleeves and stepped in as if it were his own job.
I’ll handle the hotel. I’ll support you from the back, so Secretary Lee, just focus on assisting him. Don’t tell the Vice President that I’m helping.
Secretary’s Office_Lee Gyuna:
Thank you! You’re the only one, General Manager!!
Secretary Lee sent the guest information via message. Hui-won became obsessed with finding a hotel of the same grade nearby and fortunately secured a place not far away. Once he sent the reservation status, Secretary Lee asked for help with other tasks as if she had been waiting.
“She’s really putting me to work.”
Hui-won let out a hollow laugh and corrected his slouching posture. Having something to do after a long time, his body moved instinctively according to old memories. His eyes sparkled as he entered a state of deep concentration.
The day’s schedule finally ended after 11 PM. Only after receiving a text from Kwon Young-je saying he was heading home did Hui-won close his laptop and stretch vigorously. His whole body felt stiff from working for the first time in a while.
He hid the laptop out of sight for now, gathered the empty mugs lined up on the dining table, and finished the dishes. After showering, as he sat blankly on the sofa, he heard something like a car sound from outside.
Standing up and peeking out the window, he saw a sedan stopped in front of the house. He saw the rear door open and Kwon Young-je stepping out. Hui-won immediately ran to the front door.
Since the door swung open before the bell was even rung, Kwon Young-je looked momentarily bewildered.
“Welcome back.”
“…….”
He suddenly pulled Hui-won into an embrace. The breath pouring over the nape of his neck was heavy.
“…I’m back.”
“Was it that exhausting?”
“I don’t know, just… I’m touched that you came out to greet me.”
The fact that Hui-won would welcome him after his workday, that he was smiling in front of him… it was because he had missed all these small, trivial things.
“It’s not a big deal.”
“That’s what I mean.”
“You worked hard.”
Hui-won wasn’t unaware of his feelings. Every time he entered an empty house, every time he fell asleep lonely, Kwon Young-je must have felt incredibly empty. His heart ached thinking about the void the man must have felt due to his absence.
The only thing he could do right now was offer simple comfort. He silently patted his back and hugged Kwon Young-je with his whole body.
The next day, and the day after, Kwon Young-je continued to handle his busy schedule. Just as he said he wouldn’t even have time to see his face, he left the house at dawn and returned late at night. He had truly become a person who only came home to sleep.
Because the schedule was excessive, he became visibly exhausted as the days passed. He heard that on the third day, there was a mistake bordering on an accident. However, he didn’t show any sign of it in front of Hui-won. Hui-won simply repeated the cycle of seeing him off and welcoming him back, hugging Kwon Young-je in silence. All while keeping the fact that he was supporting from behind a secret.
“Still, you just have to endure today.”
The morning of the fourth day arrived. Hui-won spoke as he handed over coffee brewed stronger than the day before.
“The end is finally coming.”
“You know you brought this hardship upon yourself.”
Kwon Young-je only smiled and drank the coffee. His face was etched with fatigue, but armed in a formal suit from head to toe, he looked exactly like Vice President Kwon Young-je—the kind of man who wouldn’t bleed a single drop even if pricked.
“What do you want to do while you’re resting? Have you thought of anything?”
“I’m going to go on a date with you.”
When he casually uttered such cringeworthy words in that appearance, Hui-won paused for a moment. At that, Kwon Young-je smiled and set the mug down beside him. Sitting on the sofa with his legs crossed, he slowly stood up and pulled Hui-won by the waist into an embrace.
“The schedule ends at five.”
“…….”
“Don’t help with work today; just get ready for our date.”
He seemed to know that Hui-won had been secretly supporting from behind. Well, he had to be quick-witted. Hui-won burst into a hollow laugh.
“Let’s have dinner. I’ll make a reservation.”
“Then I’ll go nearby to match the time.”
“Perfect.”
Leaving a simple goodbye, saying he’d see him later, he turned away first. The sedan had been waiting outside for a while. Secretary Lee, who was also outside, looked exhausted to the extreme. The dark shadows hanging under her eyes were indescribably pitiful.
Since it was true that he was excited about the time they would spend together, Hui-won finished preparing for the date early. When he got off the taxi, it was only two in the afternoon. He wondered if he was being too excited.
The city center, densely packed with a forest of buildings, was actually familiar. Perhaps because it was a landscape he had seen every time he came on business trips, Hui-won began to wander around, recalling old memories.
After looking around here and there like a tourist, he stopped in front of a shop. Hui-won couldn’t take his eyes off the baby clothes beyond the show window. After standing there for a long time, he made a big decision and opened the door to enter.
[Welcome. This is Tiny Bell.]
He responded to the clerk’s friendly greeting with a nod and quietly looked around the interior.
From cute toys to clothing and furniture, the store was like a space for fairies. Hui-won spent a long time in the section where newborn supplies were gathered. The tiny items gave Hui-won a mixture of affection and loneliness.
They were things he no longer needed, but he wanted to give them as a gift to Eric, who would soon become a father. As he picked things according to his preference, a woman who appeared to be the manager soon followed him to assist with his shopping.
[Customer, we provide a delivery service for those who purchase over $1,000. Would you happen to need it?]
[I was actually wondering how I’d carry this, so that’s great.]
“One moment,” Hui-won asked for understanding and contacted Eric. When he mentioned the gift and asked where it should be delivered, Eric recited the address in a voice that was both grateful and embarrassed.
“I picked these according to my own taste, so if you don’t like them, you can exchange them. I’ll tell the store.”
“It’s not so grand that you should feel burdened.”
“I’ll ask him.”
Hui-won ended the call with a smile. After giving the clerk Eric’s address and completing the payment with his personal card, a call came in at the perfect timing.
“Yes.”
“I’m shopping nearby. Is your work finished?”
“Some baby clothes and a few newborn supplies. I’m giving them as a gift to Eric. I’m all done buying.”
Kwon Young-je didn’t respond even after hearing. Hui-won checked his phone for a moment, wondering if the call had been disconnected. That couldn’t be; the call timer was running normally.
“Hello?”
“Okay, I’ll just be at a cafe, so take your time with work.”
“I know what you’re worried about, but I’m fine, so don’t worry.”
His heart was surprisingly peaceful. Peaceful enough to smile even in front of baby clothes. Hui-won just wanted to confirm. Only now could he finally let out a relieved sigh.
Leaving the store, he went to the cafe where he was supposed to meet Kwon Young-je and took a seat first. Although it was a bit hot, the weather was very sunny, so he intentionally sat on the terrace. With a glass of Moscato wine in front of him, Hui-won sank into serious thought about what he and Kwon Young-je would do moving forward.
He obviously wouldn’t be into sightseeing. Should they just go on a gourmet food tour? While sipping the wine and listing famous nearby places via the internet, he suddenly heard the sound of a chair scraping.
“…….”
Looking up, he saw a stranger sitting in the empty seat opposite him. Hui-won blinked, looking puzzled.
[Nice to meet you.]
The man greeted him first with a fresh, eye-smiling grin. He was a typical Caucasian, perhaps just over twenty years old, and confidence and vigor overflowed from his entire body. And so did Alpha pheromones.
Since he was clearly a stranger, Hui-won searched his memory and asked.
[…Do I know you?]
[No, but I want to get to know you.]
The answer was so bold. Hui-won let out a chuckle, finding the situation absurd.
As if Hui-won’s laugh wasn’t seen as a rejection, the young man crossed his arms and crossed his legs. He was radiating charm in his own way.
[I saw you were alone. You look bored.]
[I’m not bored.]
[Want to have dinner together? My treat.]
[I have someone I’m supposed to have dinner with.]
Hui-won intentionally held the wine glass with his left hand. It was a tactful rejection. However, the young man didn’t even glance at the wedding ring and just stared intently at Hui-won’s face.
[How old are you?]
[Probably older than you.]
[I like older people.]
[Please leave now.]
[What do you do for a living?]
For some reason, he wasn’t listening at all. Hui-won looked at the man in disbelief. When the young man winked, Hui-won burst into laughter out of sheer absurdity.
At that moment, a shadow fell over Hui-won’s face. Kwon Young-je, who had appeared at some point, was standing there with one leg bent, his hand resting on the back of the chair Hui-won was sitting in.
“You’re here already? You said you’d be late.”
“How could I get any work done when I was worried?”
He gripped Hui-won’s chin and lightly sucked his lips. Not only that, he liberally coated Hui-won’s entire body with his own pheromones. He was publicly declaring that Hui-won belonged to him.
By the time their lips parted, the Alpha who had been flirting was already gone. Hui-won quietly bit his saliva-moistened lip. He hadn’t done anything wrong, but he found himself walking on eggshells. That was how unusual the look in Kwon Young-je’s eyes was as he gazed at him.
“Who told you to dress up like this?”