NFS 1.12

“By chance, we had an employee who volunteered at your shelter. Does there need to be a more special or significant reason?”

Joo Seung-ha didn’t avoid Seo Ahn-jae’s direct gaze as the other man replied slowly.

“Yes. If there was, you wouldn’t have called us within just a day’s notice, as if it were an order.”

“Then you shouldn’t have come.”

The atmosphere grew even colder. Even Secretary Choi, who rarely got flustered, rolled his eyes and glanced at Seo Ahn-jae. While he wasn’t a warm person, this was the first time he’d been like this toward outside guests. While even the employees were anxious about Seo Ahn-jae’s response, surprisingly, the shelter guest didn’t bat an eye and calmly replied.

“I’m curious about the amazing conditions you’re offering.”

“Depends on the circumstances.”

When Seo Ahn-jae bluntly stated this with a blank expression on his face, Joo Seung-ha twisted his lips.

“Depending on the circumstances…you’ll give us an enormous amount of money if we behave? Like 10 billion won?”

Though Joo Seung-ha was openly sarcastic, Seo Ahn-jae wasn’t bothered by any of this at all. He simply filled his eyes with mockery.

“Mr. Joo Seung-ha, does money make everything okay for you?”

“…”

Even though Joo Seung-ha knew others would find his silence strange, he couldn’t open his mouth. He hadn’t really regretted what happened seven years ago. Though he had bought Seo Ahn-jae with money, he had subconsciously justified it because it was done for love. And Seo Ahn-jae had accepted it too. But Seo Ahn-jae’s attack suddenly overwhelmed Joo Seung-ha with enough shame to make him nauseous. Seo Ahn-jae stared at him expressionlessly for a while before turning to Jjang Nuna.

“The sponsorship I’m thinking of isn’t just about money.”

Jjang Nuna looked at Joo Seung-ha once before steadying her subdued voice.

“Then what kind of sponsorship are you thinking of?”

“Practical help. Since you have your own jobs, running a shelter involves many complicated and bothersome tasks. Tax issues are complex, and there are many reports that need to be filed on time, making you anxious about missing them. Finding emergency transport volunteers whenever you need vehicles, finding veterinarians who can come to the shelter for check-ups when animals are sick—it’s all work.”

Some people looked at him in surprise, as his words showed knowledge of shelter operations. Seo Ahn-jae lowered his eyes to his tablet again, quickly swiping through screens to check something.

“You post about the shelter daily on social media? The design is good too.”

Only then did the others realize he must have been checking the shelter’s social media regularly. Jjang Nuna, who had been internally putting up walls following Joo Seung-ha’s sharp attitude, broke into a shy smile at his compliment.

“Thank you. I work in design.”

“You’re very skilled.” Seo Ahn-jae gave another compliment before moving on.

“Even though you could take a day off, you post about the shelter every day—you must have a strong sense of responsibility. But hasn’t that responsibility been weighing down on your shoulders? Even if you don’t show others what to do, it makes it seem like you’re scared of making mistakes as the main representative.”

There was no warmth in Seo Ahn-jae’s voice. He was presenting his opinion professionally like in any other meeting, but as it turned out it made him sound more genuine. He added while looking straight at Jjang Nuna, “You can let it go now. I’ll make that possible.”

Joo Seung-ha felt Jjang Nuna hold her breath beside him. Though she didn’t show her emotional response, her eyes trembled slightly as she looked at Seo Ahn-jae. Joo Seung-ha realized that Seo Ahn-jae, who had only seen her for 10 minutes, had better understood her struggles than he had despite being by her side for so long. He felt terrible. From being sharp since morning due to his prejudice against Seo Ahn-jae to taking out his frustration on Jjang Nuna.

All his minor words and actions today were embarrassing. But what felt worse was Jjang Nuna’s gaze toward Seo Ahn-jae. She now trusted him and wanted to make this opportunity happen. Joo Seung-ha realized his feelings weren’t important anymore. He was so focused on watching Jjang Nuna with a heavy heart that he didn’t seem to notice Seo Ahn-jae looking at him with displeasure.

“We’ll t-think…no, we’ll discuss it and let you know.”

When Jjang Nuna answered with a slightly flushed face, Seo Ahn-jae shifted his eyes to her. Jjang Nuna felt his gaze was cold for a moment, but his low voice still sounded pleasant to her ears.

“Yes.”

As he stood up after his brief response, others also started to rise, thinking the meeting was over. But Seo Ahn-jae, who had been standing briefly while saying something to Secretary Choi, suddenly turned to Joo Seung-ha.

“Stay for dinner.”

Everyone turned to look at Joo Seung-ha with wide eyes at the other man’s casual tone as if he were speaking to a friend. Joo Seung-ha froze just as he was standing up, and seeing him like that, Seo Ahn-jae twisted one corner of his mouth.

“Haven’t you told them about our relationship?”

What relationship? Joo Seung-ha barely swallowed his desire to ask this along with some curses. What was he doing, acting cold throughout the meeting and now pulling this stunt? He was angry, but first, he had to briefly explain to Jjang Nuna and Dallae’s Mom, who were both staring at him in surprise.

“He’s my senior from school. We weren’t close at all.”

“High school?” At Jjang Nuna’s question, Joo Seung-ha shook his head, and she made a knowing sound.

“The university you quit.”

As Joo Seung-ha was responding, “That’s right,” Seo Ahn-jae’s slow voice could be heard.

“I remember us being quite close.”

Joo Seung-ha turned irritated eyes toward him. He wanted to say something, but there was amusement in that steady gaze. As if he would easily spill everything about their relationship if provoked. Joo Seung-ha took a deep breath and replied calmly.

“I wonder about that. In my memory, we just exchanged a few words at school. Since you were so popular, senior, you might feel close to everyone.”

Joo Seung-ha watched him anxiously, but fortunately, instead of acting crazy, he politely suggested to Jjang Nuna, “You two should stay for dinner, too. Our company cafeteria serves dinner and it’s quite good.”

As Jjang Nuna and Dallae’s Mom exchanged glances wondering what to do, Seo Ahn-jae added, “I’d also like to hear more details about the shelter.”

“Yes, then…”

Jjang Nuna was about to accept but glanced at Joo Seung-ha.

“Are you okay for time?”

No, I’m not. He wanted to answer that way, but her earlier reaction to Seo Ahn-jae’s proposal suppressed his desire. He just wanted to let Jjang Nuna do whatever she wanted.

“I don’t mind.”

When Joo Seung-ha spoke softly, Jjang Nuna nodded to Seo Ahn-jae with an excited smile on her face.

“We’re all available.”

“Ah, the CEO will follow after a brief phone call. We should go down to the cafeteria first and wait.”

Jinwon quickly explained at the elevator hall and then excused himself, “Would you like to go down first? I need to use the restroom briefly.”

“Oh, I need to go too.”

Dallae’s Mom chimed in, and Jang-yi quickly joined in,”Me too. Sunny, you go down first.”

As the three people who had been tense during the short meeting rushed to the restroom, Joo Seung-ha blankly watched where they disappeared before pressing the elevator button. While checking which of the eight elevators was coming up, he heard footsteps approaching. It turned out to be Seo Ahn-jae.

Joo Seung-ha turned his head to confirm it was him, then returned to watching the elevator. He could feel him standing beside him but deliberately didn’t look. Fortunately, an elevator arrived immediately and its doors opened. Their footsteps—tap, tap—moved into the empty elevator. After Seo Ahn-jae pressed the button and the doors closed, Joo Seung-ha burst out with the question he’d been holding back the entire time.

“You said you’d give me a month’s time?”

“I did.”

Seo Ahn-jae replied casually while checking messages on his smartphone, adding, “You think hard about it. I’ll work on my own schemes.”

“Schemes,” Joo Seung-ha muttered this word in disbelief and stared at Seo Ahn-jae. He couldn’t understand. His every action was spelling out ‘You’re worthless’ just like seven years ago. His tone was the same too. Yet his mind was filled with schemes on how to get Joo Seung-ha.

“That’s quite an elaborate scheme you’re working on.”

“It only seems elaborate to you.”

“…”

“What? Are you upset?”

Seo Ahn-jae asked while checking his smartphone again. Joo Seung-ha openly nodded his head.

“Yes. Honestly.”

“Still, don’t show it.”

“Why should I do that?”

Seo Ahn-jae was slow to answer as he continued reading messages on his smartphone. Watching his eyebrow furrow slightly, Joo Seung-ha guessed something about work was bothering him. Seven years ago, he had learned all of Seo Ahn-jae’s small habits while tirelessly watching him work at the hotel.

He had no intention of denying that he had loved him that much, but it was deflating that he still remembered such things like that. On the other hand, it seemed fortunate too. Even if he hadn’t fallen in love then, he would have definitely fallen for him no matter how they met. That was how charming the other man was. But falling for this type once was enough.

“The reason why you should do that is because you need to look good to me.”

Seo Ahn-jae lifted his expressionless face and spoke matter-of-factly.

“There are plenty of shelters we could collaborate with for the event. Many more desperate places waiting for such a good opportunity to come their way. But if you, as a representative, act rudely, there’s no reason to choose you. You should be trying to use your connection with me, offering bribes, and doing everything possible to make this happen. If you have nothing to give, use your special skills to pay with your body. If not that, then strip and dance in front of me. But you won’t do that, will you?”

“…”

“Right, seeing your attitude makes me not want to do it.”

Seo Ahn-jae’s smartphone screen lit up again. He lowered his eyes to the message notification. He was still cold and unpleasant as ever. And his words sounded like a threat. Even knowing this, strangely, the anger wasn’t great. Right now, Joo Seung-ha was more concerned about Jjang Nuna, whose eyes had wavered at Seo Ahn-jae’s words in the conference room.

Whatever his intentions were in starting this, even Joo Seung-ha’s desire to avoid getting involved with Seo Ahn-jae was suppressed by his feelings for Jjang Nuna. If this collaboration really happened, it would be a great help to both the shelter and Jjang Nuna. Funnily enough, Seo Ahn-jae was someone who always kept his word.

Seven years ago too, he had fulfilled everything according to the money received, albeit like a jerk. If it wasn’t because of Seo Ahn-jae, he would have offered bribes to make this happen, as the other man had suggested. But he had no bribes to give. And he certainly couldn’t do a strip show. But what about something else? A question suddenly came out of Joo Seung-ha’s mouth.

“What about driving?”

He looked up as if to say ‘what?’ At that moment the elevator doors opened, and Joo Seung-ha closed his mouth. The cafeteria was in the basement, but the doors opened on the first floor. Through the opening doors, people waiting to get on could be seen. But Seo Ahn-jae reached out and pressed the close button.

“Take the next one.”

When the doors closed, Seo Ahn-jae stared directly at Joo Seung-ha.

“Continue.”

Joo Seung-ha opened his mouth while looking at the closed doors in bewilderment.

“I’ll drive for you. Use me as your chauffeur.”

He expected a sneer from Seo Ahn-jae. Being CEO of such a good company, he surely had a driver, and would only go to high-end bars where he wouldn’t need to call a substitute driver. But even when the elevator doors opened at the basement cafeteria, he just stood still, staring at Joo Seung-ha.

“Isn’t this our floor?”

Only at Joo Seung-ha’s question did he step out while asking, “Chauffeur. You speak as if you’ve done it before?”

“Yes, there was a period where I’ve worked as a driver.”

Seo Ahn-jae stopped walking, but Joo Seung-ha moved forward while adding conditions, “Only after 8 p.m., ten times.”

He heard slow footsteps following behind him. Where’s the cafeteria? As Joo Seung-ha looked around, Seo Ahn-jae grabbed his arm and pulled him to one side. His grip was quite painful, making Joo Seung-ha look up at him. Not releasing the arm until they reached the cafeteria entrance, he muttered, “Ten times. Not bad.”

Joo Seung-ha had continued working as a substitute driver even for several years after military service and getting his current job. Thanks to that, he knew Seoul and Gyeonggi-do roads thoroughly, which helped a lot in sales. It was evidence of his hard work so he could say it proudly, but it was somewhat embarrassing that driving was all he could think of when Seo Ahn-jae told him to offer something he was good at as a bribe.

***

What I’m good at…Joo Seung-ha pondered this while he was busily cutting the overgrown grass behind the kennel with a scythe. He should be good at everything dog-related. Just as this thought occurred to him, his eyes met with Chapssali, the white dog inside the kennel.

Chapssali was hiding behind the doghouse inside the cage, showing only half his eyes while watching Joo Seung-ha warily. Even after long exposure to volunteers, many dogs remained untamed like this. Though he’d known Chapssali for years, the dog still wouldn’t come close to him. Joo Seung-ha reached his hand into the cage.

“Chapssali, come here.”

Chapssali didn’t move, showing even more wariness in his eyes. Joo Seung-ha waved his hand several more times, but Chapssali remained unmoved. Ah, I guess I’m not even good with dogs. Feeling somewhat dejected, he finished cutting the grass and went to the shelter where Jjang Nuna and the staff were gathered in deep conversation. They were so focused that they didn’t even notice Joo Seung-ha walking up to them. He assumed they were discussing the Million collaboration, but what he heard was different.

“He’s so tall! When he stood up from his chair, it was like he kept growing endlessly until he almost touched the ceiling. I’m telling you, he’s fully 2 meters! And he’s incredibly handsome. He’s like a different species from Korean men.”

They were talking about Seo Ahn-jae. Joo Seung-ha looked at them with incredulous eyes, but the listeners were all just expressing amazement even at the theory of Seo Ahn-jae being a 2-meter-tall different species.

“Oh, and his voice is just amazing! When we ate together in the cafeteria, he was asking us various things about the shelter work, and wow, my heart was fluttering so much I could barely eat.”

Dallae’s Mom, who had cleaned her plate praising the company cafeteria food, encouraged Jjang Nuna’s exaggeration.

“Isn’t he coming to the shelter? Let’s invite him, why not?”

“We want to see him too.”

The listeners stamped their feet like high school girls. Meeting Seo Ahn-jae seemed more important to them than the Million collaboration itself. As Joo Seung-ha stared at them blankly, Kyung-tak, a man in his mid-30s who had recently become staff after being a regular volunteer, approached him. He blurted out, “They say he has thick hair too.”

Who? He didn’t need to ask to know. Joo Seung-ha tried not to look at Kyung-tak’s slightly broad forehead while changing the subject.

“Anyone who helps the shelter is good.”

“Right. Just a few days ago, we were all seriously worried about having to move, but suddenly things turned around. Did you hear? The landowner’s representative contacted us saying they’ll give us a long-term contract if we just resolve the illegal construction facilities.”

“Ah, yes,” Joo Seung-ha mumbled in response while stroking Baekseol’s back as the dog brushed past his legs, clearly showing his affection toward shelter staff members.

“But isn’t it strange? The landowner’s name is the same as Million’s CEO’s. Seo Ahn-jae.”