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The small spark he carelessly threw ignited a fierce reaction inside of him, causing it to flare up. His heart, which was unsteadily tossing and turning, felt just as heated as the fire that had sparked in his face.

Yu-young raised his gaze and looked at him. Do-won’s expression was still as difficult to read as usual, but the deep gaze with which he looked at him was incredibly serious. The playful air that had been present throughout the drive was now completely gone.

What’s with that? Why is he saying things like that? And why is he looking at me with that expression…

Just a moment ago, Yu-young had decided not to be affected by every little thing he said, but now, he found himself trembling as he nervously wiggled his fingers.

“…W-What does that mean? Why…”

The words barely came out, stuck in his throat.

“What does it matter if I’m drunk and with Yoon-seok? What does that have to do with you, Team Leader?”

Do-won didn’t answer. Facing him, staring at him like he might suck him in, Yu-young couldn’t help but swallow his saliva. Despite sitting calmly, Do-won’s eyes no longer carried the usual confident, relaxed air. Instead, there was a slowly simmering intensity in them.

Could he be jealous of Yoon-seok?

That fleeting thought that crossed his mind was something Yu-young had already dismissed earlier, thinking it made no sense. However, given the situation, he couldn’t help but consider it again.

But that’s ridiculous. Why would someone as accomplished as Do-won feel jealousy over Yoon-seok? Just because we had a drink together? That thought made no sense from every angle.

If that wasn’t it, then why on earth would Do-won be angry in this situation? Even Yu-young, who wasn’t very perceptive in these matters, could tell that it wasn’t simply because he didn’t like seeing his housemate drunk.

Then why? Why on earth? Could it be that this violates the terms of the contract?

Lost in thought, Yu-young shook his head internally. When Do-won had first handed him the contract, it clearly stated “no interference with each other’s private lives.” So there was no reason for him to be upset about who Yu-young drank with. He concluded that it was fine and then spoke.

“As long as it’s not violating the contract, it shouldn’t be a big deal, right? There’s no reason for you to be upset.”

In response to Yu-young’s bold question, Do-won let out a small chuckle. It sounded a little lonely.

“Han Yu-young is right. I know there’s no problem. Whoever you drink with outside of work is your freedom, and I have no right to interfere, whether as a team leader or a contract partner.”

“Then, why…?”

Yu-young, seeing Do-won carefully choose his words, impulsively blurted out.

“Team Leader, I’d really appreciate it if you could be honest with me about your feelings.”

“……”

“As you said earlier, we’re a couple, aren’t we?”

A brief look of surprise crossed Do-won’s face, which was smiling just a moment ago. Then, he let out a small laugh, as if surrendering.

“Yes, we are. You’re using my words against me, huh?”

“It’s just… I know what your face looks like when you’re drunk, so that’s why.”

Is he trying to tease me again, like last time when I grabbed his collar and cursed at him while drunk? However, what Do-won said next was completely different.

“When you’re drunk, your pheromones really get intense. Did you know that? You can’t even control your body, and you cling to people.”

‘……’

What in the world is he talking about? Yu-young, unable to grasp it all at once, opened his mouth slightly and furrowed his brow. He could only sit there, dumbfounded, listening to Do-won’s words.

“Thinking about you, all defenseless, being helped by Yoon-seok…”

‘……’

“I got angry..”

Do-won’s tone, though clear and neutral, carried a weight far different from his words. His honest expression about his feelings stirred something inside Yu-young once again.

“……”

Yu-young had no idea how to respond to him. Just as he was about to speak with no clear words, “Team Leader, I…” Do-won let out a self-deprecating smile, and his next words were almost like a mutter.

“Maybe I’m the one who keeps trying to break the contract terms.”

“…What?”

“Let’s go.”

Leaving that remark behind, Do-won opened the car door and got out. As Yu-young watched his back as he locked the car and walked toward the elevator, he could only move his lips, unable to say anything more.

His mind was already a jumbled mess, and it was impossible for him to think any further today. Deciding to take a shower and rest early, Yu-young bowed his head slightly toward Do-won, offering a good night. Do-won also gave the same greeting. Once they exchanged pleasantries and Yu-young entered his room, the two spaces in the house were completely separated.

…

“Alright, everyone, line up in two rows and board! Please hand your luggage here.”

Ju-Yeon’s energetic voice echoed through the portable speaker. The digital signboards on the three tour buses displayed the words “[SC Company, Management Planning Teams 1 and 2].”

The weather was perfect for the workshop. It was chilly with November setting in, but the sunlight was warm enough. Before leaving in the morning, Do-won had called him over and wrapped a scarf around his neck, and Yu-young felt grateful for it now.

“You’ll catch a cold. Dress warmly before you leave.”

The cold voice that had spoken those words now carried a warmth only Yu-young could feel. Do-won’s attentiveness, which he usually showed by fixing Yu-young’s clothes, had become a daily routine when they went to work in the mornings.

He would sometimes touch his hair or, as today, wrap a scarf around his neck. If the collar was loose, he would tighten it, and when everything was set just right, he would gently brush Yu-young’s forehead and cheeks.

He wasn’t a child, so there was no reason for him to just accept these touches. But honestly, he didn’t want to refuse them. So, he accepted Do-won’s care every morning without resistance.

It felt nice, and warm. His touch.

‘…I wonder when he’s going to come.’

Yu-young, burying his nose and mouth in the warm scarf, looked around anxiously before boarding the bus. He had gone back to the office a moment ago to grab something, but hadn’t returned yet. Though he knew the bus wouldn’t depart without Do-won, he still felt nervous for no reason. But since he had no excuse to wait for him, Yu-young slowly boarded the bus.

“Oh, Yu-young! You’re on? Should we check the numbers?”

“I’ll do it!”

As Manager Yoo spoke, Yoon-seok raised his hand and stood up energetically. Counting the numbers with his fingers, Yoon-seok showed two fingers.

“There are two people missing.”

“Oh, it’s Team Leader and Assistant Manager Kim Ju-yeon. Oh, there they are!”

Do-won, who had quickly run over, boarded the bus. His eyes scanned the interior quickly, and immediately, they landed on the seat next to Yu-young. He naturally sat beside him. At the same time, Assistant Manager Kim Ju-yeon, the last one to board, took a seat next to Yoon-seok.

“Alright, let’s go!”

After another quick count, Ju-yeon cheerfully called out, and the bus soon set off. Standing between the moving buses, Ju-yeon held up a schedule and began a brief briefing.

“Hello, can everyone hear me well from the back?”

“Yes!”

“I’m Assistant Manager Kim Ju-yeon, your guide to Sokcho (city in South Korea) where we’ll be holding the workshop. Please take good care of me!”

“Wow!”

Cheerful applause and cheers filled the air. Ju-yeon smiled as she continued explaining.

“Our expected arrival time is around 11:40. We’ll have a simple lunch when we get off the bus, and the menu will be mulhoe and stone pot abalone rice. After finishing lunch by 1 PM, we’ll head to the resort, and right after settling in, we’ll gather in the auditorium.”

As Ju-yeon continued, Yu-young glanced sideways. He tried to go about it naturally, but it was hard not to be conscious of it. This was the first time he was riding a bus like this with him, and not driving.

He couldn’t help but steal a glance at Do-won, whose face remained unchanged as he looked at his tablet. Come to think of it, Do-won was still working even here.

‘Ugh, this workaholic…’

Hadn’t he stayed up late working last night too? Yu-young clicked his tongue inwardly but couldn’t help but glance at Do-won’s face again. It only took a second for his earlobes to turn red.

Taking a sharp breath, Yu-young turned his head quickly. He decided not to think about it, not to worry… Taking a deep breath, he took out his wireless earbuds as soon as Ju-yeon’s explanation ended. He thought it might be better to listen to some music while riding.

Just then, a soft voice from beside him called out.

“Han Yu-young.”