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Chapter 16
Eun-seo was the sociable type, and she had gotten along fairly well with the Corporate Planning team.
She joked around with them sometimes, greeted them when passing by, and now—she was sitting right next to Hee-jae, drinking.
But where was Im Yoo-jin?
She had stepped out just a few minutes ago, saying she’d get some fresh air, but since then Hee-jae’s attention had been fixed entirely on the door.
Unable to bear even that short absence, he finally stood up.
“Where are you going?”
Eun-seo immediately lifted her head from a conversation with the team when she saw him rise.
“Restroom.”
Hee-jae flashed a faint smile and slipped away. He waited a few minutes outside the restroom, leaning against the wall, until another thought crossed his mind:
She said she was going to cool off… maybe she went outside already.
He pressed the elevator button and rode it down to the first floor.
As he walked along the corridor, a familiar figure caught his eye—the back of her small head, framed by the night lights.
“Found you.”
Yoo-jin was standing outside the building. He moved toward her—until he noticed another man standing right beside her.
He stopped mid-stride.
“Obedient girl.”
“Oh, come on. Stop treating me like a kid.”
Hee-jae’s eyes sharpened.
What the hell? Who’s this bastard?
The man’s hand brushed over Yoo-jin’s hair, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Yoo-jin grimaced in distaste, yet the guy looked delighted.
A newcomer, perhaps? Someone who’d joined this hiring round? Whoever he was, he seemed too damn familiar with her.
Hee-jae’s eyes narrowed to slits.
“What are you doing tomorrow?”
The man’s voice reached him over the night breeze.
“Nothing much. Why?”
“Then let’s hang out. Go for a drive maybe?”
Yoo-jin hesitated, her brows faintly knitting. That alone was enough to grind his patience thin.
Before she could even answer, the man pushed again.
“Come on. Let’s take a drive.”
That was enough.
“I’m afraid Ms. Im Yoo-jin won’t be available tomorrow.”
Both Yoo-jin and the man turned in unison.
Recognizing him instantly, the man stiffened and bowed.
“Good evening, Team Leader.”
“And you are…?”
His tone was sharper than intended.
“Ah, I’m Sung Min-chan, just joined HR Planning this round.”
“Ah. HR team. Nice to meet you.”
He extended his hand. Min-chan took it carefully, while Yoo-jin stood between them, her face taut with unease.
“Seems you and Ms. Im are rather close.”
“Yes, among the new hires I’d say we’re close.”
“She’s someone I value a lot.”
“Ah. A valued colleague, is it?”
Hee-jae’s voice was laced with dry irony. Even if the kid was only answering out of respect, the way he claimed closeness grated on him.
“Why are you out here, Team Leader?”
“Thought I’d have a smoke. And happened to see Yoo-jin.”
Smoke? Since when does he smoke? Yoo-jin’s eyes widened.
He didn’t stop there.
“Also, the interview we scheduled for Sunday—moved up to tomorrow. Just so you know.”
“What?”
Her eyes rounded even more, but before she could question him—
“Too bad. Yoo-jin will be busy working tomorrow. Shame for you.”
“Ah, it’s fine. We’ll hang out next weekend instead.”
Despite his disappointment, Min-chan smiled gently at Yoo-jin.
She leaned closer, whispering urgently:
“Go inside first. Please. Quickly.”
She tugged at Hee-jae’s sleeve. Reluctantly, he followed.
They stepped into the elevator. The doors slid shut, and Yoo-jin’s simmering glare cut into him.
“What was that?”
He only looked down at her coolly, one hand shoved in his pocket.
“What did I do?”
“The interview schedule changed?”
“Mm. You didn’t know?”
“When? How does the main participant not even get told?”
“You know now.”
She was speechless.
“What’s wrong—are you upset you couldn’t sneak off with him?”
“…No…”
The elevator chimed. Doors opened. He strode out without a backward glance.
“Be right back. Need the restroom.”
“Wow, Team Leader Kang…”
All Yoo-jin could do was let out a hollow laugh at his arrogant retreating back. The whole situation was absurd.
Back at the table, Eun-seo had already returned to her team. The atmosphere had settled into easy chatter and laughter. Yoo-jin, determined to ignore Hee-jae, joined her teammates, talking about nothing in particular.
But the alcohol was catching up with her.
“Whew…”
Maybe she’d drunk too much. The fatigue of the week hit her like a wave.
“Yoo-jin, are you okay? You look drunk.”
“I’m fineee. I can handle my liquor, really.”
Her slurred voice made Do-hee laugh.
“Time’s flown. I should head out.”
“You’re leaving, Manager?”
“Yes. Best not stay out past midnight. Team Leader, I’ll take my leave.”
“Shall we wrap it up here then? Anyone want to stay longer?”
No one objected.
“Alright, let’s call it a night.”
Chairs scraped back. Everyone prepared to leave.
“Yoo-jin, will you be alright?”
“I’ll take her.”
Min-chan shot to his feet, approaching.
“She’ll be fine with me. We live nearby. I’ll see her into a cab—”
“No need for that.”
Hee-jae’s voice cut through, sharp and final. Heads turned.
“Her brother asked me to take her home. Don’t worry, everyone.”
“Oh, really? I see.”
He smiled faintly, taking Yoo-jin’s bag straight from her hands before she could protest. And just like that, he steered her out.
“See you Monday, Team Leader.”
“Good night, Mr. Yong-gun.”
Once the last teammate’s cab pulled away, only the two of them remained.
“Give it back.”
Her tone was petulant as she reached for her bag.
Boyfriend or what? Why’s he acting like this?
“I can carry my own bag, thanks. I’m not drunk.”
“Then fix your slurring. Come on. I called a chauffeur.”
“I said I’ll take a taxi. You don’t need to escort me.”
Snatching her bag back, she gave him a perfunctory bow.
“Goodnight, Team Leader.”
She turned, wobbling unsteadily on her heels.
“Honestly, Im Yoo-jin—you’re still as reckless as ever.”
Clicking his tongue, he caught up in a few long strides. Then, without hesitation—
He wrapped his hand around her small one, holding her tight.
