PIA 48

It was a course he had somewhat prepared himself for. It wasn’t something that could be resolved with medication, as it was a common-sense issue that could even be found in books. Ji-an expected the doctor to respond that way, but it was disappointing. Now, every time he met Jeong Hee-seo, he would have to sing the national anthem. But if even the national anthem loses its effect, what could he do?

A natural method would be better.

He liked just imagining it too. Since Jeong Hee-seo is a kind of sexual fantasy Alpha, having his first experience with him wouldn’t be a bad choice either.

“Still, people have principles. This is practically a dine-and-dash, a dimension-crossing dine-and-dash. How can one be forgiven for doing such a thing?”

“You don’t look good. Young master.”

Ji-an turned around in surprise at being called ‘Young master.’ Before he knew it, driver Kim had approached him and offered a cold, sweet chocolate drink. Ji-an took a long sip, feeling refreshed as the sweetness filled his mouth and his thinking became clear.

“Thank you.”

Driver Kim probably wasn’t doing it out of any special affection for Ji-an, but because his mother had instructed him to take care of Ji-an. Ji-an hadn’t forgotten that driver Kim had ratted him out to his grandmother about going to Woo-seok’s house. That’s why Ji-an had only briefly greeted him.

“This might be rude to say, but… You’ve changed a lot. In the past, you would have scolded me for melting the ice, but you’ve never said thank you.”

Driver Kim struck up an unexpected conversation.

“Did I… I guess I was in puberty back then. I’m sorry.”

“Oh no. I didn’t mean to hear you say something like that… Haha. You just seemed a bit gloomy lately. I wanted to say I hope you won’t be like that.”

Driver Kim said those words and handed Ji-an some candy. Apparently whenever ‘Seo Ji-an’ was in a bad mood, driver Kim would give him sweets like this.

“…”

Why was this person suddenly acting like this? Was this also part of the device for plot development? Ji-an, who had doubts for a moment, changed his mind as he grabbed the round candy in his palm.

“Thank you for taking care of me.”

Perhaps even a trash-like character like Seo Ji-an wasn’t just some insignificant child in the eyes of an adult like driver Kim. He was also thankful that driver Kim was tolerant of all of Seo Ji-an’s rude behavior so far. He was truly an adult.

“Oh no, it’s nothing. The young madam worries a lot, so cheer up. You’re not completely alone, you know.”

Both Ji-an’s mother and driver Kim were people, not just characters. And the same was true of Jeong Hee-seo. Ji-an suddenly felt a heaviness in his chest. He felt guilty even thinking about his relationship with Jeong Hee-seo using the playful word ‘dine-and-dash.’

* * *

Driver Kim’s slight kindness and concern weren’t intended to make Ji-an feel depressed, but he couldn’t help but feel gloomy. It was a combination of various circumstances. He felt even more guilty for constantly trying to escape and think about the situations lightly.

Perhaps because of that, Ji-an ended up dozing off briefly while riding in the backseat. The gentle breeze coming through the slightly opened window, coupled with the soft rocking motion of the luxury sedan, made for a cozy cradle without needing an actual one.

“…”

When Ji-an opened his eyes after sleeping for a while, it was natural that he did not immediately grasp reality. The soft fabric touching his cheek, the large hand he was clutching tightly, the dampness around his mouth from drooling…

“You’re awake?”

Ji-an sat up with a bewildered expression and wiped his moist mouth with the back of his hand. His other hand was still being held by Jeong Hee-seo. Or was it that he was holding onto Jeong Hee-seo’s hand? It was hard to tell, as their fingers were intertwined.

Jeong Hee-seo raised his free left hand and looked at the watch on his wrist.

“I was just about to wake you up since it’s time, but I think your belly clock is truly a marvel of science.”

Blink blink. Ji-an blinked slowly.

Jeong Hee-seo lifted the hand that was being held and rubbed Ji-an’s forehead with the back of his hand. He was still holding Ji-an’s hand. Ji-an had just woken up and the body temperature on the back of his hand was warm.

“Come to your senses and wake up. Let’s go eat.”

“I didn’t wake up because I was hungry… ”

Ji-an tried protesting with his slowly returning senses, but Jeong Hee-seo just chuckled.

As Ji-an followed behind Jeong Hee-seo walking ahead after getting out of the car, his mind gradually cleared. Only then did the embarrassment of drooling while leaning on Jeong Hee-seo’s shoulder and the sense of betrayal towards driver Kim come flooding back.

“What about Driver Kim?”

“I told him to have a meal and take a break.”

“How did you know I was here?”

“That’s a secret.”

Ugh. Ji-an, who was looking up at Jeong Hee-seo, made a strange sound out of annoyance. He wasn’t even the protagonist, so why was he acting like he deserved special treatment? Bathed in the sunlight filtering through the branches, Jeong Hee-seo casually used his cheat code.

Had Jeong Hee-seo discussed this beforehand with driver Kim? The park where the car was parked was near Jeong Hee-seo’s company. It was the beginning of summer, when the spring breeze had faded away, and the season when the shadows of the leaves became distinct under the intense sunlight. Instead of holding Ji-an’s hand, Jeong Hee-seo matched his stride and stood next to him.

“Have you thought about it?”

“But you know I don’t need to earn money, right?”

He expected the conversation to be about a job as soon as they met. Even though he knew most conversations flowed according to Jeong Hee-seo’s intentions, Ji-an decided to put up a fight first.

“I’m not planning on paying you either.”

This was an unexpected response. Ji-an stood up and took a step forward. When he showed a frowning expression, Jeong Hee-seo continued speaking as if he had been waiting.

“I’m working as your meal assistant so you can eat comfortably, so it’s only natural for you to repay me with your body. Did you really think I was going to hire you and pay you?”

As soon as he finished speaking, what was presented in front of Ji-an was an electronic contract displayed on his cell phone.

Huh, really. Ji-an let out a long snort in disbelief. Just like last time with the meal contract which he had forcibly taken, Jeong Hee-seo was being outrageously high-handed as ever.

“You were more calculating than I thought, Hyung-nim.”

“I’m a businessman.”

“But you know I’m not the type of talent you’re looking for, right? I can’t do anything. I can’t even speak English. The premise of repaying you with my body doesn’t stand at all.”

“Being confident can act as a plus in the job market.”

He wasn’t getting through to him. Ji-an narrowed his eyes. Jeong Hee-seo’s relentless insistence made him feel slightly intimidated.

Perhaps he intended to give Ji-an a job that required no skills like English or work processing abilities. Thinking that, Ji-an felt a slight sense of dread.

For a moment, the shadow cast by the backlighting made Jeong Hee-seo’s face look momentarily as frightening as the boss of a criminal organization. As he lifted the corners of his mouth into a smirk, that feeling only intensified.

Ji-an asked, trembling slightly in fear.

“What are you going to make me do?”

Jeong Hee-seo looked down at Ji-an, whose eyes were moving in anxiously. After staring into Ji-an’s eyes for a while, as if reading something there, Jeong Hee-seo burst out laughing.

“What are you moving your eyes for as if you know what I’m going to ask you to do? What kind of wild imagination do you have, Seo Ji-an?”

“…”

“You’re overthinking it.”

Thwack, he flicked Ji-an’s forehead. For a moment, stars seemed to flash before his eyes. Feeling unjust, Ji-an covered his forehead with his hand. Wait, what was that, a cannonball or something?

“Hey, you told me to pay back with my body first.”

“Hey¹?”

Ji-an quickly stepped back to avoid another flick coming his way. Jeong Hee-seo did not pursue him as Ji-an retreated quickly, perhaps feeling a bit embarrassed by his own flashy gestures. Instead, he covered his mouth with his hand and pretended to ignore Ji-an.

As Ji-an walked away fluttering with a sense of victory, the path came to an end and a large tree appeared, casting a nice shade. Secretary Yoon was waiting for them on the bench below it.

“I brought it as you instructed, Sir. Hello, Mr. Ji-an.”

The rattan basket held out by Secretary Yoon contained several sandwiches and healthy colored juice bottles. Ji-an quickly erased his excitement and received his greeting with a shy expression.

“Hello. Um, is this my meal by any chance? I’m really sorry. I didn’t know… I received it from Secretary Yoon… I didn’t know I was supposed to eat it like this.”

Ji-an was devastated because he felt like he had asked an employee of a successful large company to do a lowly chore. There would have been an uproar if it had been Jeong Hee-seo receiving such treatment.

“That’s for Mr. Ji-an to accept the internship. It will be more convenient for me if he continues to have meals near the General Manager from now on, won’t it?”

Ha… Haha. Ji-an laughed awkwardly.

After Secretary Yoon left the lunch box and disappeared, adamantly refusing to join them, Ji-an ended up having an untimely picnic with Jeong Hee-seo.

“You’ve been quite unexpected lately, Hyung-nim.”

“How so.”

The taste of this healthy-looking juice was actually better than expected, causing his eyes to widen as he spoke.

“You have a low-key romantic side. Having a picnic lunch outside like this. Your public image doesn’t match this at all.”

“What kind of image do I give off?”

“Hmm… Like not eating at all and only drinking water.”

“Is that even a human?”

“Or you seem like someone who only eats omakase. I noticed you weren’t familiar with hamburgers last time. Having a packed picnic lunch with sandwiches outdoors is… anyway, it’s a twist.”

Ji-an laughed as he ate his sandwich. The shade under the tree was cool and dark due to the bright sun. Jeong Hee-seo’s scent tickled Ji-an’s nose whenever the breeze blew.