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Chapter 10
Yujin’s eyes darted everywhere, searching for an escape. And it was all Kang Heejae’s fault.
Just last night, he had clung to her lips, refusing to let go until they were swollen and sore. Even now, a faint sting lingered.
She bit down on her puffy lips, trying to think of an excuse, when her younger brother narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
“Don’t tell me…”
“W-what? What’s wrong with me?”
She stuttered, flustered beyond belief. Of all times, why is Yuhyun suddenly sharp today? He never notices anything!
Trying to compose her face, Yujin yanked her hand down from her lips.
“Hey. Your lips are totally swollen.”
He pointed at her mouth with his index finger, his tone matter-of-fact.
“It’s… a side effect.”
“What?”
She blurted out the first thing that came to mind.
“The new lipstick I bought doesn’t really suit me. Whenever I wear it, they puff up like this.”
Her brother’s eyes grew wide.
“Then stop using it! Are you stupid?”
He looked genuinely alarmed, and relief washed over her. Oh, thank God. He bought it.
Yujin forced a sheepish frown.
“It’s just… the color is so pretty. Makes my face look brighter.”
“Pretty or not, you’re in pain. Honestly, sometimes I think your brain’s made of cotton. Your body’s gonna suffer if you keep this up.”
“Oh, shut up. Move, I need to shower.”
She shoved him aside and strode toward the bathroom. But then she suddenly spun back around.
“Hey, oppa.”
“What now?”
Biting her lip, she asked carefully,
“Have you ever heard of someone named Sa Eunseo?”
“Sa Eunseo?”
“Yeah. Supposedly Heejae oppa’s college classmate.”
Her brother tilted his head, repeating the name a few times under his breath. Though he’d been close to Heejae since childhood, he might not know much about his college years.
“Not sure…”
“So you don’t know her.”
“Why? Is she dating Kang Heejae or something?”
“No!”
Her answer was immediate, her face hardening.
“Geez. If it’s not true, why are you snapping?”
Just thinking about seeing Sa Eunseo near Heejae made her stomach twist. Unlike clumsy, rookie Yujin, Eunseo wore sleek office looks perfectly, excelled at her job, and radiated effortless charm. Even women couldn’t help but admire her.
No wonder I get jealous every time I see them together.
“Whatever. I’m going to shower,” she muttered, frowning as she stepped inside the bathroom.
But her thoughts lingered.
Should I ask someone else about her? Heejae said there’s nothing between them, but… every time I see them together at work, my nerves go crazy.
She sighed. I’ll look into it slowly.
For now, she needed to get ready for work.
The day rushed by in its usual whirlwind.
Over lunch, her colleague Bokyeong suggested they eat together, away from their teams. Afterward, the two sat on a bench near the office, sipping coffee.
“So… you want me to do this?”
“Yup. I heard you’re close with Team Leader Kang.”
Yujin blinked.
“And how did you hear that?”
“Everyone knows. Rumor has it you and Team Leader Kang Heejae are super close.”
The words caught her completely off guard. She glanced around nervously.
“Uh, well… I wouldn’t say super close, just…”
“They say you call him oppa.”
Her eyes flew wide.
“That’s… out already?”
If Bokyeong, from another department, had heard, then practically the whole company must know.
“Exactly. Which is why I’m asking you. You’re the only one who could actually pull this off.”
“What, no way. I’m swamped. I just got chewed out over a report again today. I swear, my mentor’s trying to kill me.”
Yujin pulled a face, half-desperate, half-miserable.
Her friend only grinned.
“I’ll buy you a meal.”
“Forget it. Just ask him yourself.”
“I tried. I interviewed other team leaders no problem, but when it came to him…”
Her cheeks flushed pink. Yujin frowned.
“Why’s your face red?”
“It’s just… he makes me nervous.”
“Nervous? Why would you be nervous?”
Bokyeong didn’t answer, and Yujin’s eyes narrowed. No way. Does she like him too?
The thought made her stomach lurch.
Bokyeong hurried on.
“Anyway, I just need you to record him after work. I’ll handle the daytime interview. You do the off-duty footage.”
“Wait—after work? Isn’t this supposed to be for company promotions?”
“Two videos. One formal interview, one vlog. That’s the plan.”
Bokyeong was part of the PR team, managing the company’s YouTube and social accounts. Unlike Yujin, who spent her days buried in reports and reprimands, Bokyeong’s work was creative, varied, and… clearly scheming.
“But why after hours?”
“Everyone’s curious about what he’s like outside the office. The team decided we should try something different. So we thought—a short behind-the-scenes vlog. Easy.”
Yujin sighed.
“So you just want to use me because I’m close to him?”
“Not use. Borrow a little help.”
“You’re unbelievable.”
“Come on, please? Think of it as doing your friend a favor. Once this goes up, the reactions will be insane. I’ll be the envy of the team!”
She nudged Yujin’s side with a mischievous grin.
Honestly, it wasn’t that hard a favor. Filming Heejae after work? That just meant spending more time with him. Not exactly a hardship.
“Fine, I’ll do it.”
“Yes! I love you!”
“Ugh, get off me.”
Bokyeong threw her arms around her, and Yujin flailed in disgust.
“I’ll give you the camera later. Just record whatever you can.”
“When?”
“This weekend would be best. That way I can edit it and post it next week. The views will be through the roof.”
Her friend was practically bouncing with excitement.
“So… what exactly am I filming?”
“Anything. His casual clothes, maybe even a glimpse of his house—”
“His house?!”
Yujin blinked. She’d never actually been there, not since he’d moved a few years back. Usually, he came to their place to visit her brother.
“I mean, even just him working at home. A relaxed vibe, you know? Like a vlog.”
This is sounding less like promotion and more like fan service, Yujin thought, shooting her friend a skeptical look.
“Please? The whole PR team is counting on this. He’s always refused interviews before, but this time he agreed. We can’t waste it.”
She sighed in defeat.
“Fine. I’ll bring something back. But at least give me some interview questions or guidelines. Don’t just shove me in unprepared.”
“Deal! I’ll write them up before the end of the day. Thanks, Yujin!”
Bokyeong practically skipped with joy.
And Yujin? She couldn’t hide the small, secret smile tugging at her lips.
Because this weekend, she’d get to spend more time with Kang Heejae.
