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chapter 40
It had started raining heavily since night. Though there were occasional lulls, the sound of raindrops hitting the windows was thick and dullly resonant.
Yeon-woo, having experienced all kinds of harsh weather since living in Haedo, didn’t feel particularly tired or irritated by it. After all, in Haedo, on days when the sea winds were strong, waves would surge even over the breakwaters.
However, Yeon-woo’s superior looked utterly sleep-deprived.
After nine in the morning, Yeon-woo approached Jeong-ha’s room and lowered her eyes at the sight of his prickly expression. Somehow, today it looked like a disaster would ensue if she made a wrong move.
“There’s a luncheon with Mayor Yedun and his wife today. You were asked to arrive at their residence around eleven,” she said.
“Residence, huh? I wonder what kind of secrets would make them summon me all the way to their house.”
The remark carried a hint of mockery. Though spoken softly and as a murmur, Yeon-woo could feel the sharp edge hidden within it.
It was when Jeong-ha, finally wearing his suit jacket, exhaled quietly that something caught Yeon-woo’s eye.
“…Director, your tie is a little crooked.”
Unfortunately, since it was a house and not a hotel, the only place he could check in the mirror was the bathroom.
Yeon-woo, sensing his hesitation, added,
“May I adjust it for you?”
“…Alright.”
His voice was low, as if probing through a cavern.
Taking a step closer, Yeon-woo reached out her hand. Her fingertips trembled slightly.
It was her first time touching a man’s tie. Of course, Director Won had mentioned that clothing adjustments might be necessary, so she had practiced a few times at home, but still…
Yeon-woo’s delicate fingers grasped the smooth tie and carefully pressed and pulled it to adjust its shape.
Jeong-ha’s gaze followed the small head moving back and forth in front of him as she concentrated on the task.
“Your hair is down today.”
“…Pardon?”
“Your hair.”
Jeong-ha gestured with his chin, and Yeon-woo hurriedly grabbed her loose hair. Thinking back, she had always kept her hair tied in front of him since they reunited.
She had no idea Jeong-ha was paying attention to such details, and she was greatly embarrassed.
“Shall I tie it?”
“…No.”
Jeong-ha chuckled lightly at the woman who seemed ready to flip her whole self over at the slightest critique. She simply had her hair down, and that was enough to poke at his attention—not because it annoyed or bothered him, but because it gave him a sense of déjà vu, like he had seen this once before.
“Seoyeon-woo, indeed.”
Jeong-ha’s hand moved toward her neck. Startled by the sudden approach, Yeon-woo’s eyes widened, shrinking under the strange warmth and sensation on her skin.
“Your hair is caught in the necklace.”
It was both ticklish and warm enough to make her reflexively move. Heat pooled inside her navel from the sensation.
Jeong-ha’s experienced hands smoothed her hair and withdrew. The area around her nape that had been touched tingled sharply.
It was an irritating sensation.
“…Thank you.”
Murmuring gratitude through her small lips, Yeon-woo didn’t lift her head. Only her lightly flushed cheeks and long lashes were visible.
Jeong-ha silently gazed at her and then slowly lowered his head, as if to examine the expression beneath her flushed cheeks and lashes more closely.
The sight of her reddened cheeks and trembling full lips gave the illusion of sweetness in the air.
“You should finish what you started.”
Only then did Yeon-woo realize she had unconsciously let go of the tie. At the low murmur in her ear, she hurriedly resumed adjusting it.
Finally, when she looked up slightly, she met Jeong-ha’s unwavering, deep gaze.
“…….”
“…….”
Their warm breaths mingled in the narrow space where even the air felt unable to enter. Yeon-woo felt the heat growing in that gaze, and reluctantly stopped adjusting the tie.
“All done?”
“Yes, Director.”
Yeon-woo forced a small, awkward smile. It was better than before, but far from perfect.
However, Jeong-ha, seemingly unconcerned, checked his wristwatch.
“Then, let’s go.”
Only then did Yeon-woo notice his gaze had shifted away, and she exhaled deeply.
The mansion where the mayor and his wife lived had fully paved roads leading up to it. Considering the cracks in rural asphalt roads, it was a rather costly touch.
The house itself was beautiful—not too large, modest, with a well-kept garden. Anyone would probably want to live in a house like that at least once.
It certainly drew more attention than the countless apartments in Gangnam.
As they parked in front of the yard and got out, the mayor and his wife, seemingly knowing in advance, came out to greet them.
“Welcome, Director Woo.”
“It’s been three months since we last met, hasn’t it?”
“That’s right. Time flies. It’s already summer. This is my wife.”
The mayor’s face was friendlier than expected, and he seemed to have a kind, gentle heart. He was closer in age to a grandfather who might have a grandchild than an uncle.
Next to him, his wife smiled, her perm subtle but neat.
“I assumed, since you’re called Director, that you’d be older. But such a handsome young man arrived—I was surprised.”
She was skilled at giving polite, unobtrusive greetings.
“Not bad,” Yeon-woo thought, quietly stepping back.
“Who’s this?”
“My secretary,” Jeong-ha replied.
“Oh my, I’ve never seen such a pretty person. I thought you brought a celebrity along.”
The mayor’s wife’s eyes sparkled at Yeon-woo. Initially, Yeon-woo had planned to wait in the car while they had lunch. But before she could react, her hand was grabbed.
“You’re unmarried, right, young lady?”
“…Yes, I am.”
“You and Director Woo are quite the pair. I guess Seun Construction only hires such pretty and talented people.”
“Ha ha…”
Yeon-woo sent Jeong-ha desperate signals with her face, but he simply smirked. Was she reacting because he called her pretty?
She wanted to silently ask for clarification, but it would have been useless.
“Since it’s just the two of you discussing business, why don’t we have coffee separately? I bought some really good beans when the mayor and I went on our trip last time. Is that alright, Director Woo?”
“Yes, that’s fine.”
It felt like the talkative wife was tossing her to him like a toy. Realizing there was no escaping this situation, Yeon-woo gave an awkward smile and replied,
“Then, excuse me.”
“Oh my, come inside! Let’s eat first.”
Following the bubbly wife, Yeon-woo creaked inside. Behind her, she could hear the mayor whispering to Jeong-ha, “My wife’s a bit eccentric…” but Jeong-ha gave no reply, his face carrying a faint smile.
