By Zephyria 
“Welcome, Director Han. I have been waiting for you after receiving your call. I have prepared a seat for you inside.”
Han Seung-jae walked past the welcoming manager.
The manager’s gaze then shifted toward Seo Yi-kyung. Facing the man who wore a bright, professional smile, Seo Yi-kyung gave a light nod of greeting and followed after Han Seung-jae. He wasn’t the type of person to ignore someone smiling like Han Seung-jae.
The cold wind seeped through the sleeves of his coat. As Seo Yi-kyung adjusted his sleeves, the clear voice of an employee echoed behind him.
“I’m sorry. All the prepared ingredients for today have been exhausted.”
As if drawn by the sound, Seo Yi-kyung glanced back. The employee was politely explaining the situation while blocking people from entering. Looking forward again, Seo Yi-kyung took in the serene scenery of the Ivory Pavilion at a single glance. Even when he had come here with Seon-yu during the day, there had been many people coming and going…
Especially since today was the weekend. Moreover, it was just past 7 PM. The interior of the Ivory Pavilion, which should have been bustling with people, was filled with silence.
Since the pavilion was located outdoors, a chilly breeze swept through. Around them, the only people present were the staff greeting the two men.
“I will show you the way.”
Perhaps because a reservation had been made in advance, the staff greeted him politely even without Han Seung-jae saying anything specific.
Soft music flowed through the interior. However, as Seo Yi-kyung walked upon the red carpet, the sight of the empty interior seemed to make his body tense up even more. The atmosphere was entirely different from when he had come with Jin Seon-yu. He said he had made a reservation, but it looked as if he had rented out the entire Ivory Pavilion.
Guided by the staff, they arrived at an inner area where tableware was set upon a long table. As Seo Yi-kyung approached, a staff member reached out with both hands. After hesitating for a moment, Seo Yi-kyung unbuttoned his coat and handed it over to the waiting employee.
Dressed in a suit, Seo Yi-kyung sat in the chair pulled out for him by the staff. As he sat, the draft of wind caused the flame of the candlestick on the table to flicker. Subsequently, the staff member who had taken Han Seung-jae’s outerwear withdrew.
The manager, who approached Han Seung-jae seated opposite him, spoke with the same bright smile as before.
“As you requested, we have prepared everything so that you may taste the dishes cooked right here.”
“I see. I’m looking forward to it.”
Han Seung-jae answered without even looking at the manager. Furthermore, contrary to his words of anticipation, his expression showed none of it. Even when he attended gatherings consisting only of Alphas, he usually just drank a few glasses of alcohol and left. His gaze, naturally devoid of interest in food, was fixed steadily on Seo Yi-kyung sitting in front of him.
“Ah, I have prepared the alcohol you usually drink, but if there is something else you desire, I will bring it for you immediately.”
“The alcohol is fine.”
What taste could it possibly have if I eat alone? As Han Seung-jae spoke those words, Seo Yi-kyung suddenly locked eyes with him and felt his mouth go dry.
“Is that so.”
Haha, the manager let out a laugh as if to brush off the situation and moved away from the table. It didn’t matter to him whether Han Seung-jae drank or not. After all, he had been paid more than double the revenue he would have earned throughout the evening, and staying in Han Seung-jae’s good graces was the most important thing.
“Hmm.”
Han Seung-jae let out a low, meaningful hum in his throat. Seo Yi-kyung felt his fingertips grow stiff just from that. It was perhaps a relief that his hands were resting on his thighs under the table where Han Seung-jae couldn’t see. And for good reason—Seo Yi-kyung had not worn the clothes Butler Do had recommended.
—Director Han will be wearing this suit.
Butler Do had even predicted what Han Seung-jae would wear.
—This suit would be best.
Showing the clothes Han Seung-jae would wear, Butler Do had neatly laid out a cream-colored suit, a tie, and shoes. However, Seo Yi-kyung had shaken his head.
—If I wear a tie as well, won’t it look like I’m overdressed?
Moreover, Seo Yi-kyung spent most of his time painting at home and enjoyed wearing comfortable clothes. Han Seung-jae likely knew this well. So, if he wore a tie meticulously, how would he look in Han Seung-jae’s eyes? He might think that Yi-kyung had dressed up specifically with him in mind. Just imagining it made his ears turn red, and a wave of embarrassment surged, making his neck feel hot. His face burned.
—Then, shall we leave out the tie? How about this shirt?
In the end, as a compromise, what Butler Do showed Seo Yi-kyung was a silk shirt.
Seo Yi-kyung put on the clothes and stood before the full-length mirror. He didn’t have to wear a tie, and the fabric, which draped according to the lines of his body, made it easy to move. Furthermore, the material that lightly covered his stomach ensured he felt no discomfort or awkwardness. However, that also meant the fabric was thin.
He hadn’t felt it while wearing the coat, but now that he had taken off his outerwear and was sitting across from Han Seung-jae, Seo Yi-kyung was overwhelmed by the feeling that he was practically naked. To that extent, Han Seung-jae’s appreciative gaze remained fixed entirely on him.
“…….”
Maybe he should have followed Butler Do’s advice. Just as the butler said, Han Seung-jae was wearing a suit with a deep color and sharp lines. Seo Yi-kyung moved his hand from his thigh and gripped the water glass. The transparent diamond cufflinks fastened to his sleeves sparkled.
Seo Yi-kyung’s ringed fingers curled. He desperately wanted to drink, but because Han Seung-jae was watching, his body naturally stiffened and froze. Soon, the cheek where Han Seung-jae’s gaze landed felt ticklish.
‘Is there something on my face?’
In the dressing room, after getting dressed, Seo Yi-kyung had stood before the full-length mirror for a long time, meticulously checking his face and hands. He had checked several times to ensure no traces of paint remained before leaving. And yet… was there somewhere he had failed to check?
“Director Han, it is an honor to meet you.”
Just then, a chef dressed in a pristine white uniform approached the table. Seo Yi-kyung barely managed to turn his head away from Han Seung-jae. His reddish lips parted slightly as a long sigh of relief escaped.
“Then, I shall begin the cooking.”
A large piece of meat was placed upon a massive platter that had been invisible until now due to his nervousness. The crimson meat still showed its grain. The chef began to move his hands skillfully.
Seo Yi-kyung forgot to even blink. He had eaten here a few times, but seeing a chef perform the cooking directly before his eyes was a novel experience. He hadn’t even seen this in the original novel. When Han Seung-jae attended Alpha gatherings, he originally had no interest in food and only focused on drinking.
Whoosh—
In an instant, bright red flames erupted, covering and sweeping over the meat. Sizzle, the alcohol poured onto the grill vanished quickly.
As the chef’s dazzling movements continued, the bloodiness disappeared from the meat, and it turned a delicious golden brown. Seo Yi-kyung became entranced by the sight, losing himself in it. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he instinctively swallowed.
Realizing he had swallowed his saliva while forgetting that Han Seung-jae was right in front of him, Seo Yi-kyung’s cheeks flushed. Perhaps it was due to the heat from the flashy fire show happening nearby.
Seo Yi-kyung took a sip of water to moisten his dry lips. While doing so, he consciously turned his head to check on Han Seung-jae. A deep gaze seemed to linger on the chef before slowly shifting toward Seo Yi-kyung. Because of that, Seo Yi-kyung dropped the glass he was holding.
As the glass tipped over, the water inside spilled.
“……!”
As a startled Seo Yi-kyung looked down at the table, he felt the presence of a staff member approaching. Having been watching the table, the employee rushed over and cleared the fallen glass. Then, he examined the clothes Seo Yi-kyung was wearing. His side and suit pants were soaked.
“Are you alright?”
“Ah, yes. I’m fine.”
His hand had simply slipped, and he had dropped the glass. Moreover, since it was just water, the traces would disappear without a mark given time. Seo Yi-kyung lightly brushed his suit pants and shook off the water on his fingertips.
“It happened because of my mistake…”
Just then, a dark-colored suit jacket was draped over Seo Yi-kyung’s shoulders. The scent of white musk wafted from the incoming breeze. It belonged to Han Seung-jae, who had circled back to the table.
Because of the carpet, the sound of the chair being pushed back with weight by Han Seung-jae was completely silent. Thus, Seo Yi-kyung didn’t realize he was there until he was standing right behind him.
“Are you wet?”
Seo Yi-kyung’s shoulders flinched. Han Seung-jae’s low voice penetrated his ear. If he turned his head, their faces would almost touch. Han Seung-jae slowly stroked Seo Yi-kyung’s side with his large hand.