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chapter 18
After attending the party, Dain often found herself lost in thought.
Whether she was eating or drinking coffee, whenever she drifted into her thoughts, it took a while to pull herself back. So much so that Deputy Manager Kim even teased her, asking if she was perhaps dating someone.
“What should I say if Executive Director asks about Inhyeok?”
Dain struggled to find an answer, but surprisingly, the situation she had been worrying about for a week never happened. Her worries became irrelevant as Taekyung had become incredibly busy. With an important forum approaching, news only came in through articles that he was shuttling back and forth between Busan and Seoul.
“I was worrying for nothing.”
Dain let out a deep sigh as she stepped into the elevator. It was already time to leave work. Outside the window, the evening sky was dimming.
“Should I take Summer out for dinner? I want to give her something tasty…”
Dain had been so busy over the past week that even cooking had been prone to mistakes. Summer seemed to enjoy everything, but her unusually mature reactions often made Dain feel uneasy.
Just as Dain searched for a good restaurant on her phone, someone suddenly rushed into the open elevator.
“Ah! Executive Director!”
Seeing who had rushed in, Dain’s face instantly brightened. Taekyung stood there, shirt on, with his suit jacket draped over his right arm.
Their unexpected encounter drew a gentle curve to Taekyung’s eyes as he smiled. Seeing such a warm reaction made her feel that his hurried return to the office had been worthwhile.
“Long time no see.”
Taekyung straightened his disheveled tie and greeted her. She had regretted not seeing him due to his busy schedule, so meeting him like this lifted her spirits.
“I… just had the same thought. You’ve been really busy lately.”
Dain answered, seemingly mesmerized by his usual polished appearance. Seizing the moment, Taekyung whispered teasingly.
“I hear that as ‘I’ve missed you this much.’”
“Th-That’s not it.”
Hearing his joke, Dain suddenly felt a pang of embarrassment for her overly enthusiastic reaction. She awkwardly brushed her hair back, her ears peeking out slightly through her short hair, flushed pink.
“Leaving work now?”
“Yes, finally leaving on time for a change.”
“That sounds like good news for this quarter’s results.”
“Hmm… You won’t be disappointed. All my team members work hard.”
Normally, she wouldn’t have spoken so definitively, but today it felt right. Separating Sales Team 1 from the project had produced surprisingly good results. Close-knit members worked well together without friction, and the atmosphere was excellent.
“By the way, I wanted to have the meal we missed last time… I didn’t get a chance to ask you.”
Taekyung quietly asked as the elevator numbers changed. It was an appointment Dain had forgotten. Before she could respond, he added warmly:
“I hope Dain can tell me a time that works. Tonight would be fine too.”
The address “Dain” made her heart skip a beat. Startled, she opened her eyes wide to look at him, and Taekyung smiled.
“The way I used that name that day just stuck. We’ve gotten closer… and I’m more comfortable this way.”
Shadows fell across Taekyung’s chiseled face as he tilted his head.
“If you don’t like it, I’ll go back to the old way.”
Dain unconsciously shook her head. Though her heart raced each time he used her name, she felt excited at how much closer it made them.
Could any woman resist feeling flustered when a man so perfect called her by her name?
“I don’t mind.”
“So… I can keep calling you that?”
“Outside of work, yes.”
Taekyung’s smile deepened at her indirect consent, now able to make a similar suggestion himself.
“Then I’ll call you by your name too. It makes conversation easier.”
“Huh? How…?”
“You did so well calling me that day.”
Her soft voice saying “Taekyung” still lingered in his ears. Dain only nodded shyly, unsure what to say, and it wouldn’t be a problem as long as the staff didn’t notice.
“I’ll ask Director Jung to pick up Hanul like last time.”
“I didn’t mean to trouble you every time… I’m sorry.”
“It’ll be fine. Hanul will like it too.”
Taekyung was about to text Woohyun when he realized something. Judging by Dain’s restless expression, it didn’t seem she could enjoy the meal comfortably if he brought her directly. Another option would work better.
“What if we do it this way?”
Dain hesitated after hearing Taekyung’s suggestion, but eventually nodded.
It was just too enticing a proposal to refuse.
In front of a luxury apartment
Dain stood in the chilly wind. The beautifully landscaped garden looked far more magnificent than her own apartment. While admiring the surroundings, a sedan carrying Summer finally arrived.
“Auntie!”
Summer jumped out of the car and ran to Dain, holding a small balloon she probably received at kindergarten.
Soon, the driver’s side window rolled down, and Woohyun subtly nodded. Dain recognized him from afar and bowed in greeting. After he left, Dain took the balloon from Summer and moved closer.
“Director personally brought you. Did you get this balloon from kindergarten?”
“Yes! A rabbit balloon!”
Summer beamed, holding her balloon tightly and glancing around curiously at the unfamiliar luxury apartment. Her eyes sparkled with childlike wonder.
“Are we eating at Uncle Taekyung’s house today?”
“How did you know?”
“Uncle Woohyun told me earlier.”
“Oh, I see. That’s right, Uncle Taekyung invited us. When we go in, we should thank him.”
Summer nodded and asked with excitement, her voice tinged with anticipation.
“Then… is Hanul coming too?”
Before Summer arrived, Hanul had been a handful, insisting on organizing his toys. Taekyung had left work early to pick him up, leaving Summer in Woohyun’s care. Dain drove her directly to Taekyung’s house.
Though Dain could have gone to the kindergarten herself, it happened that Director Jung was nearby, so she naturally accepted his help.
“Yes.”
“Wow!”
Summer jumped up and down with joy, her laughter pure and bright. Dain fixed the slightly messy hair and asked kindly:
“Are you that happy?”
“Yes! It was fun when we all ate at the aquarium too.”
Summer’s offhand comment struck Dain painfully. Though unintentional, it revealed that Summer valued the moments spent alone with Dain, making them precious and special.
Seeing this hidden loneliness in her child made Dain’s heart ache. She hugged Summer tightly, removed her shoes at the door, and gently asked:
“Auntie, should I wear slippers?”
Summer pointed to small pink ribbon slippers left for her by Hanul, following Taekyung’s instructions.
Before Dain could answer, Hanul suddenly appeared, dressed in casual clothes. Seeing Summer, he smiled brightly.
“Hello!”
Even then, he politely bowed to greet Dain. She returned the greeting and glanced around the surprisingly spacious living room.
“Hi, Hanul. Where’s Uncle?”
“He’s in the kitchen! Um… can I play with Summer before eating?”
Hanul asked politely, and Summer’s eyes sparkled like stars, looking at Dain with anticipation.
“Of course.”
“Summer, come here! I’ll show you something amazing.”
“Something amazing? What?”
Dain agreed, and Hanul quickly grabbed Summer’s hand. She followed him with a curious look into a room filled with toys, glimpsing a dinosaur plush from the doorway.
“Taekyung, are you here?”
After the children left, Dain walked toward the kitchen. Contrary to Hanul’s words, she sensed no presence. As she wandered, a delicious aroma caught her attention.
“Huh? What’s that?”
Following the scent, Dain froze in surprise when she saw Taekyung standing in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up, cooking skillfully.
