MM 52

A familiar vehicle was just pulling into the massive parking lot. Yu-young let out a small “Oh.”

“That’s my parents’ car. They got here at the perfect time.”

“It looks like my side has arrived as well.”

Now that he thought about it, a sleek luxury sedan was also pulling in behind the car Do-won and Yu-young were in. Instinctively, Yu-young tensed his back.

As he checked the rearview mirror and turned the wheel to park, Do-won naturally reached for Yu-young’s hand and held it.

“Don’t be too nervous. It’s fine. We’ve already met them once before.”

“I’m not nervous.”

“Your hand is cold.”

Yu-young closed his mouth as he looked at Do-won’s faint smile. After a few kisses and conspiring together, it seemed Do-won had come to understand his inner thoughts to some degree. So there was no point in pretending. Yu-young lowered his gaze with a short sigh.

“…To be honest, I’m a little nervous.”

“What’s making you the most nervous? My mother?”

“Well… yeah. If I’m being completely honest… that’s right. My parents probably think I went to your house and was just showered with love. But…”

There was no way he couldn’t be worried. But as Yu-young trailed off, Do-won tightened his grip and pulled his hand slightly.

“It won’t be as bad as last time. My father likely told her to hold her tongue after that. From what I could tell, he was quite fond of you. That’s probably why this meeting was arranged. It’ll be much different from when we first met.”

“Oh… If that’s the case, that’s a relief.”

“And if something does happen—”

Click.

The moment Yu-young heard the sound, he realized his seatbelt had loosened. Do-won had reached over to unbuckle it for him. His neck and ear were suddenly right in front of Yu-young’s eyes, and the pleasant scent wafting from his sharply defined jaw made Yu-young’s heart race for a second.

“I’ll grab your hand and pull you out of there.”

It was hard to tell if he was joking or serious, but Do-won gave a slight smile as he spoke.

“Let’s get out.”

At the calm suggestion, Yu-young nodded.

That reassuring tone, which he had always found dependable, carried weight. It had a way of making the listener feel at ease before they even realized it. Feeling noticeably lighter, Yu-young followed Do-won, handed the car over to the valet, and headed for the entrance. His parents had already arrived and were waiting.

“Oh, you’re here, Team Leader Choi! Yu-young, you too.”

“Good evening, sir. It’s nice to see you again.”

“Oh, I can’t tell you how glad I am! Let’s head inside. What about the chairman?”

“Ah, he’s just arriving now.”

Do-won lifted the corner of his mouth and shifted his gaze toward the parking lot. Everyone naturally followed his line of sight toward the entrance.

Do-won’s father was the first to break into a broad smile and call out.

“President Han! We meet again. How was the drive?”

“Oh, President Choi! Good to see you. Have you been well?”

As expected, since they had already met once before, the two fathers exchanged greetings with an easy familiarity. After shaking hands in the warm atmosphere, Do-won’s father introduced his wife, who had been standing behind him, to Yu-young’s family.

“This is my wife.”

“It’s such a pleasure to finally meet you. I’m Yu-young’s mother.”

“Yes, hello. I’ve heard a lot about you from Do-won.”

Do-won’s mother still had the same cold expression as before, but she maintained a polite facade as she exchanged greetings.

Once the introductions were finished, the group followed the staff member to their reserved room.

The restaurant, housed in a quiet annex, featured spacious, private dining rooms. As they walked down the long corridor, doors were spaced intermittently, giving the place a refined and exclusive feel.

When they stepped into their reserved room, Yu-young’s eyes widened.

He had been to places like this since he was young, but this particular restaurant, which Do-won had reserved, felt especially elegant and sophisticated.

The traditional low dining table in the center of the spacious room was neatly set, and through the large glass windows, a beautifully landscaped garden was visible. The decor, featuring ceramics and furniture by renowned artists, created an atmosphere reminiscent of dining in a serene nobleman’s residence.

Once everyone was seated, the head chef entered the dining room right on cue.

It was a renowned chef who had overseen the food styling for a recently aired historical drama.

“Good evening, President Choi. It’s been a while.”

“Ah, Chef Kang. Please take extra care of us tonight. This is an important occasion.”

Do-won’s father greeted the chef with a warm smile, and the chef gave a small bow before stepping out.

After the staff confirmed the prearranged course menu and left, only Yu-young and Do-won’s families remained in the room.

The first to speak was Yu-young’s father.

“Haha, it feels quite different meeting like this again. It’s a whole new experience compared to when I last met you, President Choi.”

“I agree. Being here with our children makes this even more special.”

As the two fathers exchanged warm pleasantries, Yu-young’s mother glanced around, her eyes gleaming as she busily observed the atmosphere.

Before long, her attention turned directly to Do-won’s mother, who sat silently with an unreadable expression.

“The presidents must have met before. Hoho, Yu-young’s father loves golf, you know. I heard they played all day?”

“I heard the same.”

Unlike Yu-young’s mother, whose face was flushed with excitement and unable to hide her delight, Do-won’s mother responded with graceful composure, though her words were extremely brief. As she silently sipped her tea, Yu-young’s mother, realizing she had no reason to continue the conversation, looked a bit awkward.

Seeing that made Yu-young’s heart ache a little. Just as he was about to speak to his mother, Do-won spoke first.

“The trip must have been tiring. Mother, did you have breakfast?”

At his effortless use of ‘Mother’ and the gentle way he asked, both women’s expressions shifted in surprise. Of course, Yu-young’s mother looked delighted, while Do-won’s mother appeared more appalled.

“Oh my, oh my. Team Leader Choi—no, Team Leader, thank you for asking. Yes, I had breakfast. The roads weren’t too bad either.”

“I was worried there might be traffic since it’s Saturday.”

“My goodness… How polite you are. Hoho. You must be proud, having such a reliable and kind son.”

“…Ah, yes. Do-won does have a considerate side.”

Do-won’s mother’s face grew even colder, but at least the moment that nearly left Yu-young’s mother embarrassed passed without incident.

Meanwhile, the fathers had already shifted the conversation to business, and drinks were beginning to be exchanged naturally.

“We will now serve the appetizer course.”

At the sound of a knock, the staff entered the room. Soon, large, bowl-like dishes were placed on the table. The plates were filled with delicately arranged dried fruits and vegetables, alongside a refreshing fruit-based drink designed to stimulate the appetite.

Do-won’s father spoke in a composed tone as he recommended the dish.

“Please try it. I’ve visited this place several times for business and have become a regular. I hope you’ll find it to your liking.”

“Oh my, even the plates are beautiful, and the presentation is stunning. My eyes are being spoiled first. The taste is so clean and refined as well.”

As Yu-young’s mother responded warmly, Do-won’s father’s expression softened even further.

Soon, the main courses began arriving one by one, colorful dishes elegantly arranged, further enriching the already pleasant atmosphere.

On the surface, everything was going smoothly. However, Yu-young couldn’t shake a faint sense of discomfort. He found himself repeatedly rubbing his hands unconsciously. They felt cold and clammy, leaving him uneasy.

What’s wrong with me? Am I having indigestion? But my stomach doesn’t hurt… Am I just too nervous?

“Excuse me… I need to step out for a moment.”

“Go ahead.”

Quickly leaving the room, Yu-young walked down the long hallway toward the restroom.

It didn’t seem to be a stomach issue, so what was the problem? Tilting his head in confusion, he stood in front of the mirror, straightening his clothes and examining his reflection. His face looked pale. Clenching his hands, he pressed his fingers together.

“Am I about to get sick? Ugh… I haven’t even eaten properly.”

“Are you feeling unwell?”

At that moment, Do-won suddenly appeared at the restroom entrance. He must have followed right after him.

Completely caught off guard, Yu-young flinched and instinctively hid his hands.

“Oh—Team Leader? Why did you come out?”

“Let me see your hands. You were rubbing them back in the room too.”

Do-won reached out and took Yu-young’s hands almost by force as he tried to hide them. His brows immediately furrowed upon feeling their damp, icy surface.

“Your hands are freezing. Are you alright? Do you need to go to the hospital?”

“No…! It’s nothing that serious! I think I just got a little nervous.”

“What’s there to be so nervous about? That’s not like you.”

Do-won let out a wry smile but continued to knead Yu-young’s hands gently. The pressure was just enough to be comforting.

As Yu-young stood still, watching him silently, he realized something.

Do-won wasn’t just looking at him—he was carefully checking his condition. His usual composed expression was subtly creased with concern.

It was a look Yu-young was beginning to grow accustomed to after the few kisses they had shared, yet at the same time, it felt new.

Strangely, this kind of touch felt more unfamiliar and ticklish than a kiss.

If their previous kisses were merely a fusion of pheromones, then what did it mean when Do-won, wearing such an expression, was now holding his hands like this?