108

After a quick lunch, Do-won and Sun-hyung returned to Do-won’s company.

Do-won had offered to drop him off somewhere more convenient, saying there was no need to come all the way back with him, but Sun-hyung had declined with a smile.

How obvious.

He was just uncomfortable at the thought of running into that omega.

Keeping his usual pleasant expression, Sun-hyung sneered internally.

The company building loomed closer, and with it, the resentment within him surged again. SC wasn’t a small company by any means, but why had Do-won insisted on working here when he could have simply taken a position at his father’s massive corporation?

Every one of Do-won’s choices felt like a rejection of him, and it made Sun-hyung sick to his stomach.

Near the convenience store by the company, he decided to begin the plan he had prepared. He had already scouted the location in advance.

“Ah… Do-won, ah… hold on. Stop the car for a second.”

“What?”

Startled, Do-won widened his eyes and glanced at him. Without even thinking, he pulled the car over to the right.

Sun-hyung clutched Do-won’s forearm, his face twisted in discomfort.

“Ugh… I think I ate too fast earlier. I feel sick.”

“What? Then we should go to the hospital.”

“No, it’s still lunchtime. They won’t see patients now anyway.”

He gestured toward the convenience store right next to the car.

“Can you grab me some digestive medicine? The green one—I find it works best for me.”

“You’re in pain. Are you sure that’s enough?”

“Yeah… I’ll be fine. This happens a lot these days. I’ll take it and rest at home, so please just get it for me.”

Do-won nodded, his face still serious, and stepped out of the car.

The moment he was far enough away, Sun-hyung swiftly pulled out the item he had prepared from his bag.

He wasn’t able to sit in the passenger seat because of that damn omega, which was inconvenient, but it didn’t matter.

With practiced efficiency, he removed the car’s black box memory chip and replaced it with an empty one.

Luckily, Do-won wasn’t the type to change cars frequently, so he was still using the same model. Sun-hyung had prepared memory chips for multiple brands just in case, but there was no need for extras.

He tucked the original chip into his bag just as Do-won exited the convenience store.

The lunch rush meant the place had been packed with office workers, forcing Do-won to wait at the register—another factor Sun-hyung had accounted for.

As Do-won approached, Sun-hyung furrowed his brows slightly, clutching his stomach again.

“Are you sure this will help?”

Do-won got back in the car, handing him the medicine.

Idiot.

Internally scoffing, Sun-hyung accepted the bottle-shaped medicine with a grateful smile.

“Thanks. I’ve been stressed lately, so this happens often, but this usually helps.”

“Alright. I’ll call a cab for you. Go home and rest.”

“Yeah, I will.”

Sun-hyung nodded obediently.

Do-won hailed a taxi on the spot, and Sun-hyung got in, watching as Do-won’s car faded into the distance with a quiet smile.

…

“Let’s wrap up here. Good work, everyone.”

“Thank you!”

“Good job, everyone.”

At 8:30 PM, Do-won’s team stood up in unison at his command.

Glancing outside at the dark night, he searched for Yu-young among the bustling employees.

As expected, Yu-young was still lingering at his desk, slowly packing up.

It was a stark contrast to the others, who had already grabbed their bags and put on their jackets.

Do-won couldn’t help but smile, recalling how Yu-young had deliberately slowed his pace earlier at lunch, hoping to stay with him.

As the office emptied out, Yu-young finally spoke in a small voice.

“Team leader, are you leaving now?”

“I am, but I have something to take care of on the way. Go ahead and have dinner.”

“Ah… okay.”

His disappointment was written all over his face.

It was unbearably endearing.

Was he really that let down just because they couldn’t leave together?

Suppressing a chuckle, Do-won handed him his car key.

Yu-young’s lowered eyes widened in surprise.

“Huh? But how will you get home?”

“I have another way. Don’t worry about it.”

“…Alright.”

Nodding reluctantly, Yu-young glanced toward the office entrance, where the last few employees were stepping into the elevator.

Taking advantage of the moment, Do-won quickly reached out and stroked his soft, pale cheek.

Yu-young hesitated before speaking again.

“Do you have dinner plans?”

“…Not exactly. Just need to pick something up.”

“Oh…”

He nodded, still looking unconvinced.

Understandable. Do-won’s explanation had been vague.

But Yu-young must have decided not to push further because he simply picked up his coat and bowed slightly.

“See you later, Team Leader.”

“Yeah. I won’t be too late. Maybe an hour, hour and a half.”

“Oh, really? Okay then.”

His face instantly brightened, and Do-won couldn’t help but smile along with him.

“See you later.”

“Yes, Team Leader. You have to come back soon, okay? I’ll be waiting.”

Even after being given the car key, he still hesitated to leave, waiting for Do-won’s reassurance.

Finding it adorable, Do-won simply nodded.

He walked Yu-young to the elevator, watching him wave until the doors closed.

Then, he turned back into the office and pulled out his phone.

“It’s been a while, Chief Manager Yoo. Are you almost here?”

—Ah! Team Leader Choi, hello. Yes, I’m parked in front of your company now.

“I’m coming down.”

Hanging up, Do-won pulled on his coat over his jacket and closed the office door behind him.

When he stepped outside, as Yoo had said, a black sedan was waiting with its hazard lights on. Sliding into the car naturally, Do-won gave a small smile.

“Sorry for the late hour. I hardly have time outside of dinner these days.”

“Oh, no! It feels like it’s been ages, Team Leader.”

Chief Manager Yoo, who had always worked with his family’s long-standing private boutique, greeted him warmly.

She gave the driver the address, and the car smoothly pulled away from the curb.

“By the way, I almost died of excitement! Congratulations on your wedding, Team Leader!”

“Haha. Thank you.”

“To think you’re getting married! I never thought I’d see the day… unbelievable!”

While Yoo continued to chatter excitedly, the car made its way to the boutique.

It wasn’t far, but traffic had delayed them.

Despite being outside business hours, the boutique was brightly lit—clearly prepared in advance for Do-won’s visit.

Unlocking the door, Yoo ushered him inside.

The two-story boutique was filled with high-end clothing and jewelry.

“Since it’s Team Leader Choi’s wedding band, I put in extra effort.”

“How did you manage to prepare this so quickly?”

“Haha, well, the owner heard about your wedding earlier and started looking into options just in case. We figured you’d be stopping by soon.”

Impressed by her foresight, Do-won gave a small nod.

Yoo led him to a display case, where several rings were laid out.

“I pre-selected some. See anything you like? Once you choose, we can custom-make it to fit. It’ll take some time, though.”

“This one looks nice… and this one too.”

“Right? You have the best taste, as always, Team Leader.”

They exchanged remarks as Do-won carefully picked out a wedding band.

Ideally, he would have come with Yu-young to choose together, but he wanted to prepare this as a surprise.

It was because of something he had said offhandedly right after their contract marriage.

“Wouldn’t a ring be something you choose with someone you love?”

Even thinking about it now made him scoff.

It was, without a doubt, the most regrettable thing he had ever said.

What had Yu-young thought when he heard that?

No… whether it was then or now, Yu-young probably hadn’t given it much thought.

The only one dwelling on it was him.

Either way, he wanted to take responsibility for his words.

Because the only person he wanted to share a ring with was the one waiting for him at home right now.

“May I ask who your spouse is, Team Leader Choi?”

It was the second time he’d heard that question today.

Answering Sun-hyung earlier had been uncomfortable, but this time, it felt different.

Yoo was genuinely happy for him, celebrating his marriage and carefully preparing the wedding band.

Clearing his throat, Do-won spoke slowly.

“Someone good. Cute. Speaks their mind clearly. Considerate… that kind of person.”

“Oh my, oh my….”

Realizing he had said more than he intended, Do-won trailed off.

Yoo, meanwhile, was blushing, clapping her hands in delight.

“You’re so sweet! I’ve never seen you make that expression before, Mr. Choi.”

“…….”

Composing himself, Do-won smoothly changed the subject before she could gush any further.

“Well then, I’ll leave it to you. Let me know when it’s ready.”

“Of course! I’ll be in touch soon. And again, congratulations!”

“Thank you.”

Leaving the boutique, Do-won stepped into the waiting car.

His long-time family driver greeted him with a warm congratulations.

With a faint smile in his voice, Do-won replied, “Thank you,” and gazed out at the dark cityscape.

He hoped the rings would be ready soon.