By Zephyria 
“But… No, I’m sorry.”
Secretary Han seemed to have more to add, but he must have decided it wasn’t his place, and promptly shut his mouth.
After that, all procedures from check-in to security flowed smoothly, like water. It was just that no one readily opened their mouth. However, Seo Baek-han didn’t bother trying to lighten the mood, as he was rather pleased with the uncomfortable silence.
Even so, some of the secretaries seemed to have lingering regrets, constantly glancing back. But Seo Baek-han resisted, straining his nape to the point of aching, trying not to look back even unconsciously. He knew he must look aloof, keeping his head fixed while only slightly lowering his eyes.
Looking at the clear sky beyond the wide windows unique to airports, and realizing that Joo Tae-hyun wasn’t there… he felt like he might impulsively run out.
Even now, he flickers before my eyes like this…
“Ah, Director. We just received a call from the White House.”
From the White House? What business would they have contacting me, especially on my departure day?
“They say they’ll provide a waiting room for official use to the Director.”
The faces of the secretaries, who had been on edge worrying that someone might recognize them, as the airport was relatively quiet due to the off-season, brightened up. But Seo Baek-han wasn’t thrilled. It was his long-standing habit to be suspicious of favors. Joo Tae-hyun was the only one who had ever shown him kindness without expecting anything in return.
“I appreciate it, but… wouldn’t it be better to decline?”
I’m not a diplomat, nor did I come with official credentials as a special envoy. Even if Prince Lee, no, the new Crown Prince’s request was involved, that’s just an external excuse.
However, Secretary Nam and the other secretaries repeatedly urged Seo Baek-han, saying that the other side must have made the offer after various calculations, and that it would be troublesome if they refused rashly and caused unnecessary resentment.
“Could there be documents inside the waiting room that I need to review?”
“Ah, I hadn’t thought of that… but there’s a possibility.”
“Director, we just received a reply. It’s as you said, Director.”
“Hmm, does it say the document cannot be taken out?”
“Yes, it does.”
It probably doesn’t contain anything that important anyway. But Seo Baek-han didn’t add anything more and nodded, saying he understood. The American side had gone to the trouble of making up a plausible excuse and showing consideration, so rejecting them outright might make him a target of dislike. Since the Korean Empire had the upper hand in the shifter-related agreement, he didn’t want to cause trouble over trivial matters.
…No, this is just an excuse.
Seo Baek-han smiled bitterly.
Even amidst the debate over whether to go to the lounge or the VIP rest area, he was thinking of Joo Tae-hyun.
His last memory at the Incheon Airport lounge wasn’t very pleasant, but it wasn’t without memorable moments.
‘Hyung, I think people keep taking pictures.’
It was early in their marriage, before he was about to leave for Singapore to attend a conference. He was already used to the attention in public places, but Joo Tae-hyun would freeze awkwardly in front of cameras back then.
‘I know. It feels like if one person starts talking to us, a whole crowd will gather.’
‘Should I just take off my mask?’
‘Hmm. If it’s really uncomfortable, should we just look around until boarding time?’
Joo Tae-hyun only slightly raised his eyebrows at his suggestion that it might be better to blend into the crowd since the airport was large. It was much later that he realized that he made that expression when he was shy but happy. And also…
Stop it.
Seo Baek-han neatly folded the coat he was wearing, draped it over his arm, and moved as the airport staff guided him.
Even if he prettily packages them as memories, the essence is just lingering attachment and regret. Indulging in his emotions like this would be disrespectful to Joo Tae-hyun, who had given him the most perfect farewell in the world.
“This way.”
The crowd parted like the Red Sea whenever the guides passed by. He had expected they wouldn’t be ordinary employees, but they might be higher in rank than he had anticipated. They might not even be airport staff.
“It’s smaller than the area for top-tier VIPs, but you shouldn’t experience any discomfort while resting.”
“I can only be grateful for your kindness.”
“You’re welcome. Ah, if you open the leather case on the table, you’ll find the document you’re looking for. After you’ve reviewed it, please call a staff member, and we’ll shred it on the spot.”
“Thank you.”
Still, wouldn’t it be okay to work hard and think about Joo Tae-hyun in secret? Reliving memories that he didn’t even realize were precious at the time, endlessly sinking into them… that would be a kind of punishment he could give to his pathetic self.
“Then, please work comfortably. I’ll start by reviewing this document.”
“Yes, Director.”
The secretaries, sitting around the wide table, exchanged jokes about how there was nothing to eat and that they should have gone to the lounge instead. This, too, was their way of trying to lift his spirits.
“Should I go out and buy something to eat? I saw a place selling hamburgers and donuts on the way here.”
“Oh, no. I’m sick of hamburgers now…”
“Yeah. I don’t want to even look at hamburgers, pizza… or anything like that for a while.”
He returned a moderately smiling, moderately humorous response. Only then did the secretaries seem relieved and laugh heartily. Seo Baek-han also rummaged through the documents with a fabricated smile.
“Ah, I just received a message. Chief Eunuch Jeong says he’ll come to the airport in person.”
“Yes? Suddenly? Does that mean we have to go straight to the palace?”
But that was short-lived. The secretaries were racking their brains to coordinate the ever-changing schedule, and Seo Baek-han frowned at the unexpectedly heavy content.
It was absurd that they were starting this nonsense only now that he was returning home.
He had expected some resistance from the American pharmaceutical company, but he didn’t think they would be this aggressive. Well, even if that’s the case with the company, what are they going to do if the government just stands by and does nothing?
It’s not like they’re scrapping the existing drug because it’s problematic, they’re just improving the dirty switch. Since it was something started for public purposes, he didn’t intend to consider patents or monopolies… but if they’re being inconsiderate like this to appease their own companies, then there’s no need to receive help from other countries.
“Are there CCTV cameras here?”
“Yes, I believe there are no blind spots. Is something the matter?”
Then it seems like it can’t be recorded in photos or videos either. Seo Baek-han stared at the five or so reports filled with small print before letting out a deep sigh.
“I have no choice but to memorize it all.”
“Is it… bad content? If you need to protest-.”
“It’s also a document that shouldn’t officially exist, and it’s a typical showy tantrum, so I don’t think it’s something I should get involved in. Contact Lotus Flower Palace first.”
He said that, but it seemed like a relief to have something to focus on.
As he tapped the table with his index finger and stared at the document, the voices of the secretaries gradually faded away. Only the sound of keyboards and message vibration alerts echoed in the quiet waiting room.
And, suddenly.
“What’s going on outside?”
He could sense the presence of several people beyond the door. The heavy thud of boots was ominous, more than just people passing by.
“It seems like something’s happening… I’ll go check.”
As he faintly heard the voices of the staff outside sounding troubled, all the secretaries stood up. Even though they were dressed in plain clothes, the fact that this commotion was happening despite the bodyguards guarding the outside was not a good sign.
Moreover, Seo Baek-han had been attacked with both a knife and a gun in a short period, so it was only natural for the secretaries to be overly vigilant.
“Should we wait and see what’s going on for now?”
“But, Director.”
“If our bodyguards couldn’t stop them, it means they’re bigger shots than we thought.”
Seo Baek-han stood up from his seat with a somewhat rebellious attitude. Of course, all the bodyguards would be replaced as soon as they arrived at Pyongyang Airport.
“No, I know who you are… Yes… We’ll report separately…”
The employees’ troubled voices were heard intermittently as the automatic door repeatedly opened and closed. The secretaries, who had been glaring sharply, gradually showed puzzled expressions. It didn’t take long for their sharp vigilance to turn into doubt, and then surprise.
“Um, Director. Maybe…”
Secretary Han swallowed hard and glanced at Seo Baek-han.
“It seems, outside… that…”
Even though they were thinking the same thing, no one readily spoke.
Seo Baek-han stood there, leaning against the table in a crooked posture. No, he was frozen.