TPG 4

Compared to his own insignificant self, Han Soo-hyeok was someone who seemed capable of resolving any difficulty with ease. That’s why Si-woo was all the more pleased to be able to watch over him.

Opening his eyes, he was met with the stark room—a reminder of reality. Perhaps because his mood had improved, it felt less bleak than before.

Along with that came a surge of determination.

“Since it’s the second time, let’s prepare more perfectly than the first.”

In the past, he hadn’t been able to get a proper job because he had to hide his true identity. He’d worked at a small place that had taken his circumstances into consideration, but he didn’t want to do that anymore. Asking Han Soo-hyeok for a job had changed his mind. Instead of running away, he would find a way to become independent from his father with dignity.

***

The next morning, contrary to his expectation of becoming the youngest office worker, Han Soo-hyeok made a bombshell announcement.

“From today, you’ll be my secretary.”

“Secretary?”

Si-woo’s voice trembled, wondering if he’d heard correctly. Han Soo-hyeok nodded calmly.

“A secretary…”

His heart fluttered at the unexpected words.

“It seems best to keep you by my side. If there’s a place you were hoping for, let me know.”

By his side… A thrill spread through him, warming his fingertips. Just knowing that someone who knew his shortcomings better than anyone else was by his side was a comfort.

However, there was also a reason for hesitation. It was the weight that came with the title of secretary.

He had seen the secretary who always moved flawlessly and seemingly indifferently by his father’s side. It wasn’t just simple office assistance; even managing a schedule came with considerable responsibility. A single mistake wasn’t tolerated, and sending even one approval document incorrectly could shake the entire organization. Could he really step into such an area without any preparation?

“What if I get in the way of important work?”

The tremor in his voice reflected his wavering heart due to the pressure. A response came that made such worries seem insignificant.

“Just think about working hard.”

It sounded curt, but the tone was quite affectionate. In fact, Han Soo-hyeok was wearing a relaxed smile.

“If you’re really anxious, trust me.”

His playful tone made Si-woo burst into laughter without realizing it. Although he hadn’t seen him many times, he felt like he had discovered a different side of the stern man who had helped him in the restroom.

I have to work hard.

He vowed inwardly. Han Soo-hyeok’s smile lingered in his mind, and even though the position of secretary was a heavy one, he felt like he could accomplish something.

He was wondering what to say when his attention was drawn to the necktie he was holding. He only realized later that he had worn Han Soo-hyeok’s necktie home yesterday. He had even found a box to put it in and return it, but he liked the feel of it in his hands, so he ended up bringing it with him.

“This.”

Han Soo-hyeok quietly looked down at the necktie Si-woo hesitantly held out. He raised his eyebrows slightly, scanning the hesitation, and finally reached out and picked up the necktie. As a sense of emptiness permeated the fingertips where the necktie had disappeared, Si-woo’s body trembled in the chilling air.

“And you?”

“Uh… just a moment.”

As he fumbled in his bag to take out his necktie, he heard Han Soo-hyeok’s voice.

“You only brought it to have me do it for you?”

“No. That’s not what I meant to do…”

It wasn’t that he hadn’t worn it on purpose, but it had been sloppy, so he was going to redo it. But it seemed that Han Soo-hyeok had misunderstood, making it a very awkward situation. He unconsciously stroked his bare neck, feeling like he was making excuses.

“Come here.”

Han Soo-hyeok reached out his hand again. Yesterday, he had been so surprised by the sudden event that he froze, but today his body tensed up. A large hand that could cover his face approached, and the strong woody scent of pheromones flowed on the breeze. His heart pounded as Soo-hyeok’s fingers brushed against his shirt collar.

“Ugh…”

Startled, Si-woo took a step back.

“Are you okay?”

His face flushed at Han Soo-hyeok’s whispering voice. The stimulation from the unpredictable made him cover the tip of his nose with the back of his hand and turn his head away.

“…”

“…”

In the awkward silence, he cleared his throat and said,

“I can do it now.”

“Okay.”

Han Soo-hyeok withdrew his outstretched hand and turned away.

That was a surprise.

It might not be a big deal, but he was conscious of it. He awkwardly rubbed his neck and followed Han Soo-hyeok. Soo-hyeok opened the back door and turned to look at him.

“You’re not thinking of going separately, are you?”

That was actually what he was thinking. Time had returned, and he was still unable to escape his father’s grasp—and Kim In-soo was waiting for him.

As he glanced at Kim In-soo instead of answering, Han Soo-hyeok turned his body to the side. Then, still looking at him, he wrapped his arm around Si-woo’s shoulders. The touch, suddenly so close, made him wonder if Han Soo-hyeok’s sense of distance had always been like this.

“You wouldn’t want to spread the rumor that the secretary who’s starting work today is the son of a chaebol, would you?”

His voice in Si-woo’s ear was so deep, or perhaps it was because the pheromones were still so strong that they were giving him a headache, that he couldn’t come to his senses. A feeling of embarrassment rose in his throat, and he stammered out a word.

“Of course not…”

“That’s why I came to pick you up. Get in.”

Han Soo-hyeok closed the back door and opened the passenger seat door. Then he pushed Si-woo in and walked around the hood to the driver’s seat. As the waiting driver got out, Soo-hyeok got in and grabbed the steering wheel.

“You’re going to drive yourself?”

“This is more comfortable.”

Han Soo-hyeok started the car. Si-woo saw Kim In-soo hesitating and then going into the house in the side mirror.

“Thank you.”

“As your hyung, I’ll ask. If you can’t get married this time, will you go on another blind date?”

It was a question with some certainty.

“Yes.”

“And you want to get married?”

“I…”

The words didn’t come easily. Marriage had been the only way to achieve freedom. If he could escape from his father, it didn’t matter who the partner was. So he was going to have a wedding with the next Alpha after Han Soo-hyeok—but that Alpha had also threatened to imprison him.

It hadn’t taken long to realize that it would be just another prison—not love, nor salvation. Now, all that remained was the desperation to find another way rather than living bound by the name of marriage.

“I don’t want to get married.”

“Same here.”

The reasons were different, but they both didn’t want to get married.

Han Soo-hyeok rested his elbow on the window frame and lightly rubbed his finger against his lips. Si-woo blankly stared at his profile. He vividly remembered the image of him holding the hand of the man he was going to marry and walking slowly.

He’s not mine.

That’s why he was trying to give up, but suddenly one thought came to mind. There was a way to avoid getting married and going on blind dates.

“Hyung.”

The worry of whether he should say this filled his head. Should I say it? Would it be rude? Should I say it? Should I not?

“If you want to say something, say it.”

“Let’s get engaged.”

At his words, Han Soo-hyeok’s hand wavered for a moment. The speed slowed as the pressure on the accelerator pedal he was lightly pressing on lessened. He let out a low cough at the sound of the honking. His slightly raised shoulders and the unconsciously hardened jawline revealed how flustered he was.

“…We don’t do that between brothers.”

“You told me to say it.”

“I didn’t know you were going to say ‘let’s get engaged.’”

“I thought it might be a good idea for both of us.”

Han Soo-hyeok silently turned the steering wheel and parked on the side of the road. Then he turned to face Si-woo and held up his index finger.

“Choose one. Are you going to be my secretary, or are you going to be my fiancé?”

“Are you really going to get engaged to me?”

He had said it with the courage to be rejected, so he was even more surprised—and happy. It felt like he and Han Soo-hyeok were already in some kind of relationship, and his heart was pounding.

“Of course, I feel like I’m already inextricably linked to Hyung just by being hired.”

He said it lightly as a joke, but he meant it. That’s why he had asked for the absurd job and never backed down—but if engagement was added on top of that, it would be the icing on the cake.

“Si-woo.”

“It’s the first time you’ve called me by my name.”

“What I mean is, you can’t do both.”

Han Soo-hyeok corrected the essence of the question.

“I want to do both.”

He couldn’t let go of either one.

Engagement could fill the parts that employment alone couldn’t.

It’s the best way to avoid going on blind dates.

“I think we need to change locations.”

“Where are we going?”

“Have you eaten?”

Han Soo-hyeok looked forward again.

***

Si-woo slowly scanned the surroundings.

The faded yellow wallpaper was covered in smudged handprints, the peeling linoleum floor was stained with the traces of time, and the worn-out wooden chairs were marked with different marks. In one corner, the steam rising from the tteokbokki pot and the savory smell of frying oil mingled strangely.

The place Han Soo-hyeok had deliberately chosen for their conversation was a small and simple snack bar. It was shabby, but not unfamiliar.

“It was hard to find a better place.”

“It’s okay. It’s cozy and nice.”

Closing his eyes and inhaling, the warmth of the fish cake broth permeated deep into his lungs. The scenery of the small shop on a quiet country road where he had lived until just yesterday—that is, before he came back to life—came to mind. He opened his eyes with a smile that formed on its own.

“The fish cake broth is warm too.”

It was a much more comfortable morning than with an Americano.

“I’m glad you think so. Now tell me, do you like me?”