WOP Ch 3.3

Perhaps there is a magnetic attraction between people. Even if you try to run away, the connection remains, and you find yourself back at the starting line. Just seeing each other’s faces brings a flood of unspeakable memories and longing. Even a simple question like “Are you okay?” or “Are you feeling sick?” couldn’t escape his lips.

He should have changed hospitals, but he couldn’t bring himself to tell Lim Dohyun, who cared for him so much. Now, he regretted it. Ha Joyoon fell silent, his complex emotions hidden. Kang Taejung, noticing Ha Joyoon’s inner turmoil, stood up, his face filled with concern.

“From afar, I thought it was you, but you looked strange…,” Kang Taejung explained, his breath ragged from running.

Even though it was a short distance, his heart pounded from sprinting. His entire body throbbed, and his heart wouldn’t slow down.

He had been returning from an off-site meeting when he spotted Ha Joyoon leaving the hospital’s back door. At first, he thought he was seeing things, but he knew he couldn’t mistake Ha Joyoon. Seeing him collapse on the sidewalk, Kang Taejung rushed over without thinking.

The hospital and Ha Joyoon—the combination made his head spin. It was as if some genetic programming kicked in, and he sprinted towards Ha Joyoon, thinking only of reaching him faster.

Only after stopping Ha Joyoon did Kang Taejung finally meet his gaze, now devoid of the warmth it once held.

“Are you okay? You’re sweating a lot.”

“…..”

“Let’s go to the hospital. Can you stand up?”

“…..”

“Huh?”

Ha Joyoon’s silence frustrated Kang Taejung. His voice trembled as he repeated his questions. A moment later, Ha Joyoon’s cold hand touched Kang Taejung’s wrist.

“I’m fine.”

Ha Joyoon’s hand pushed Kang Taejung’s away mechanically. The sight of it made Kang Taejung’s eyes widen in shock. Ha Joyoon, unaware of Kang Taejung’s state, stepped back, pressing his forehead to ease a sudden headache. He cleared his throat and spoke, trying to sound calm despite his discomfort.

“I… I didn’t come looking for you.”

Kang Taejung’s outstretched arm froze at Ha Joyoon’s words. Confused, he asked, “What?”

Ha Joyoon took another step back, his autumn-like eyes gazing at Kang Taejung. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke calmly.

“I didn’t come to your company. I work at this hospital.”

“…Yoon—ah.”

“I’ve been working here for a few months. So, don’t misunderstand.”

“…..”

“I won’t bother you anymore…”

“What are you talking about? Why are you saying this?”

“Just…”

Ha Joyoon trailed off, forcing a smile that looked painfully sad. Kang Taejung couldn’t understand why Ha Joyoon was acting this way. The hand Ha Joyoon had pushed away felt like it had been torn from his body, the pain unbearable. He struggled to breathe, feeling overwhelmed.

“You seemed burdened by my visits.”

“…..”

“I thought you might misunderstand and think I came looking for you again…”

Kang Taejung barely caught his breath. He had avoided Ha Joyoon, finding his visits and calls burdensome. He lacked the courage to face Ha Joyoon and end their relationship properly, acting cowardly. Ha Joyoon knew this, having seen Kang Taejung’s feelings so clearly. What did I say to you? Memories from just a few months ago felt distant and hazy, as if someone had forcibly erased them.

“I’m truly sorry for back then.”

“…..”

“I didn’t know what to do. I knew I was bothering you, but I wanted to see you and talk to you… And that led me to make the worst choices. I saw that you hated it and were struggling, but I couldn’t stop…”

“…Yoon—ah.”

“I’m really sorry… I’m sorry, Taejung.”

As Ha Joyoon’s apologies continued, Kang Taejung’s face contorted with emotion. He couldn’t imagine how he looked to Ha Joyoon, who was desperately trying to explain himself. Kang Taejung didn’t know how to react to Ha Joyoon’s fear and discomfort.

He had cut ties to survive, cruelly discarding memories and feelings. He knew he had no right to feel sad. But his body moved on its own, driven by emotions beyond his control. Before he could finish his sentence, a loud ringtone interrupted them. Startled, Ha Joyoon pulled out his phone from his bag, his expression darkening as he saw the name on the screen.

“Taejung, just a moment…”

Ha Joyoon sighed and answered the call, forgetting about Kang Taejung for a moment.

— Why haven’t you been answering?

Shin Kwonjoo’s irritated voice made Ha Joyoon flinch as if he were right beside him. His ears rang from the harsh tone. Shin Kwonjoo was clearly angry about being ignored. Ha Joyoon hurriedly responded, momentarily forgetting about Kang Taejung.

“Sunbae…”

— What are you doing right now? I clearly told you to contact me before you went to the hospital today.

“It’s not like that…”

A voice suppressing extreme emotion leaked through the phone. Feeling the real anger, Ha Joyoon unconsciously gripped his cellphone tighter. Their relationship had been on the verge of breaking, like a thread about to snap. He was well aware that Shin Kwonjoo was eagerly waiting for an opportunity to talk. When he was still hesitating about what to do, Shin Kwonjoo unexpectedly spoke.

— The hospital.

“Yes?”

— I know you checked the appointment time with your family, so don’t even think about lying. Come down to the central lobby now.

“Oh…”

He wanted to respond properly, but his mind was completely blank due to shock. Him at the hospital? Why? Various questions tangled together in a mess. If he had come this far, neither lies nor avoidance would work anymore. Nor was he someone who would tolerate it.

Ha Joyoon turned around in panic. Since he hadn’t been out for long, he thought he could pretend to come down from another ward… but what about ignoring the calls? As time passed, Joyoon’s expression grew more perplexed. After wiping his dry cheeks a few times, he continued to speak to the person waiting for his response.

“It’s not over yet. I’m in the middle of rehabilitation.”

— …….

The sounds of cars on the road and the wind clearly indicated he was outside, but he still made up some excuse. Even though Shin Kwonjoo must have known it was a lie, he listened quietly to the transparent excuse. Ha Joyoon paused, listening to Shin Kwonjoo’s silence. An indescribable, strange air flowed between them.

“It’ll be over soon. I’ll come down, so wait in the lobby.”

— Don’t even think about avoiding it.

His voice, sharp like a blade, lacked the usual composure. If he were in front of him right now, Shin Kwonjoo seemed ready to bind him. Ha Joyoon’s expression subtly contorted as he listened silently. This wasn’t good.

“…I won’t.”

His dry lips, unable to form words, opened and closed repeatedly.

Why go this far? His unspoken thoughts drifted in the air. With a pained expression, Ha Joyoon ended the call after a brief “wait” response.

As he hurriedly turned towards the hospital, he paused for a moment. Ah. Joyoon sighed briefly. Turning his head, he saw Kang Taejung standing a few steps away with a stunned expression.

“Taejung…”

An involuntary, weary groan escaped him. Ha Joyoon was just as surprised to have momentarily forgotten Kang Taejung’s existence. Kang Taejung still stood there, not having moved an inch from where he was. After a brief hesitation, Ha Joyoon, unable to overcome the awkwardness, spoke up.

“I have to go back.”

“…Where?”

A question immediately followed. Ha Joyoon swallowed hard, not expecting an answer.

“To the hospital.”

“Why.”

Taejung’s direct confrontation was unfamiliar. From a step away, Joyoon recalled Kang Taejung’s behavior over the past few months – avoiding him, wanting to forget, wanting to move on, now becoming someone else’s lover.

Remembering Seo Youngwoo’s face from last month made his heart ache heavily. Although he had avoided direct encounters since then, it was still quite a shock, and even now, the unpleasant feelings hadn’t faded. It was still hard to imagine them together without any sense of discord. And…

“There’s someone waiting for me. He knows I’m here.”

“Oh…”

Kang Taejung stood there with his mouth slightly open, as if lost for words, staring ahead. Seeing this, Ha Joyoon gave a bitter smile. The eyes that once held the warmth of spring breeze now seemed dark and cold. He couldn’t remember the last time he saw him smile. However, these feelings would be eroded and worn away by time, like wind and water, eventually changing shape and diminishing. Just as they had over the past five years.

Yoon-ah. A quiet, almost fading voice came out.

“If it’s not urgent… can we talk for a bit?”

Kang Taejung averted his gaze, seemingly embarrassed by his own words. He didn’t even know what he wanted to talk about, but at that moment, his instinct was screaming to hold onto the person trying to leave. Seeing this, Ha Joyoon gave a short laugh before checking the time and shaking his head.

“He has a bad temper, so no…”

At the rejection, a shadow fell over Taejung’s eyes.

“Do you come to the hospital often?”

Kang Taejung, who had been hesitating, asked. He was trying to buy time with these feeble tactics. Ha Joyoon, who had been looking far towards the ward, shook his head again.

“No, just occasionally.”

“You said the rehab wasn’t over.”

“Yeah. They told me I need to do more.”

With the calm response, Kang Taejung felt a sudden surge of anxiety. Seeing Ha Joyoon, who neither took good care of himself now nor in the past, was painful. Why hasn’t he changed? Why is he still like this? Why do you neglect yourself so much? His frustrated heart was about to drive him mad. Yet, he couldn’t pinpoint who exactly his anger was directed at. His heart, charred black, raised its voice.

“Why do you do this!”

The tone mixed with heat brought a faint question to the surface of Joyoon’s calm eyes. Taejung’s fierce tone and distorted expression seemed genuinely angry. Ha Joyoon found Kang Taejung, who showed interest and concern for him, unfamiliar. He had grown accustomed to Taejung’s neglect and coldness over the past few months.

With his head slightly tilted, Joyoon looked at Kang Taejung, who was glaring at him with pain, as if he found it strange. After a long silence, Kang Taejung opened his mouth with a stiff face.

“Why do you abuse your body like this? You should focus more on treatment than work.”

“…”

“What will you do if something really goes wrong? It’s not too late to work after you’re better.”

The longer he spoke, the more his deep voice trembled, making it seem like he genuinely cared. But Ha Joyoon knew it wasn’t true and didn’t want to be fooled anymore. He didn’t want to dwell on the past, expecting and being disappointed, hurting himself further.

Ha Joyoon weakly smiled and touched his disheveled hair. A sense of cleanliness enveloped him. 

“Taejung, Taejung,” he called softly, taking a cautious step forward to gently grasp Kang Taejung’s tense arm.

“Taejung… I’m doing well with my rehab. I’m taking my medication properly. I’m not neglecting myself or living in chaos, contrary to what you might think. I don’t have a habit of abusing my body.”

“Yoon—ah.”

“Hearing you say that makes me feel strange. But I’m also grateful for your concern…”

“…..”

Kang Taejung was the one feeling anxious at Ha Joyoon’s awkward smile. After their reunion, he had been so focused on his own pain that he hadn’t considered Ha Joyoon’s health. It was a miracle that Ha Joyoon had returned, and he shouldn’t be in a normal state.

Taejung didn’t know what expression he was making or what he was saying. He only felt a sense of unease from Ha Joyoon’s distant attitude and couldn’t calm his heightened senses.

“Yoon—ah, you…”

He wanted to ask why Ha Joyoon looked so pale and if he was really okay, but the words caught in his throat as Ha Joyoon stepped back, looking startled. Kang Taejung’s face contorted with frustration.

At that moment, Ha Joyoon’s phone rang. His expressionless face lit up briefly as he checked the caller ID. Kang Taejung noticed this fleeting moment.

Ha Joyoon, forgetting to answer his phone, hurriedly spoke, “I’m sorry.”

“…..”

“I really have to go. He hates waiting, so I need to hurry.”

With that, Ha Joyoon turned and quickly walked away. It happened so fast that Kang Taejung could only call out, “Yoon—ah,” but his voice was lost in the wind. Ha Joyoon’s retreating figure showed no sign of lingering emotion, leaving Kang Taejung standing alone, overwhelmed by inexplicable feelings.

Someone is waiting for him.

Someone is waiting…

Kang Taejung raised a trembling hand to his chest, feeling an intense pressure as if his bones and organs were being crushed. He gasped for breath, but it wouldn’t come easily. The familiar pain and suffering he had endured for the past five years while waiting for Ha Joyoon’s return felt like hell. He felt as if he were in the midst of hellfire.

For the past 10 minutes, an uncomfortable silence had filled the car. The air inside reflected Shin Kwonjoo’s mood, cold and sharp. Ha Joyoon glanced at him but quickly looked away, feeling the intense gaze. He habitually rubbed his arms and fumbled with the seatbelt, signaling Shin Kwonjoo to start driving.

Shin Kwonjoo let out a harsh laugh and pressed the red button on the seatbelt, retracting it with a sharp click. The childish struggle over the seatbelt continued for a while.

“I’d like to hear your reason,” Shin Kwonjoo demanded coldly.

“Are you going to say nothing?” he pressed, not giving Ha Joyoon a chance to respond. But Ha Joyoon truly didn’t know what to say or how to explain.

“I don’t know what to say…”

Shin Kwonjoo ran a hand through his hair in frustration and loosened his tie. He reached for his cigarette pack but gave up and cursed under his breath.

“Why are you avoiding me?” he asked, his voice tense with anger. Ha Joyoon looked at him silently, trying to calm his breathing.

“You’ve been ignoring me for days, pretending not to notice me, looking like you have something to say but not saying a word, and avoiding my calls.”

“…..”

“Do you think I’m stupid enough not to notice?”

“Sunbae…”

“Tell me what you want from me.”

Shin Kwonjoo’s patience snapped, and he raised his voice. Ha Joyoon struggled to find the right words, knowing that anything he said would only provoke Shin Kwonjoo further. He had always found it difficult to express himself clearly.

“But I’ve never refused when you wanted to be intimate…”

“…What did you say?”

Shin Kwonjoo’s face darkened with anger. He had been growing increasingly frustrated with Ha Joyoon’s avoidance over the past few days. Ha Joyoon, seemingly oblivious to the tension, continued speaking as if genuinely confused.

“Sunbae and I are just partners… Isn’t that enough?”

“…What?”

Shin Kwonjoo was at a loss for words, his anger boiling over at Ha Joyoon’s nonchalant attitude. He had been seriously considering what to do about Ha Joyoon’s behavior, and this response only fueled his frustration.

“But…”

Despite the tense atmosphere, Ha Joyoon continued, seemingly unaware of the danger he was in.

“Sunbae and I are just partners… Isn’t that enough?”

“…What?”

“I’ve been going through a lot because of my personal issues…”

Recalling the emotional turmoil that had kept him awake for months, Ha Joyoon spoke softly to Shin Kwonjoo, who looked puzzled.

“I also caused you inconvenience because I couldn’t control my emotions.”

“…”

Shin Kwonjoo, who was about to argue, suddenly fell silent. His gaze, narrowed as he looked at Joyoon, was ambiguous. Rubbing his neck awkwardly, Ha Joyoon cautiously revealed a part of his feelings.

“I shouldn’t have done that, but I think I leaned on you emotionally without knowing it. In doing so, I crossed some lines. The rules you laid out when you first proposed this… I want to follow them properly now.”

December. The year would soon be over. Rumors had been circulating that the young department head’s future would be decided within the next three or four months. Although Ha Joyoon usually paid no attention to others’ gossip, he found it strangely hard to ignore rumors related to Shin Kwonjoo. Despite his desire to avoid them, his eyes and ears were already collecting information about him.

Three or four months at most. That was the time left between him and Shin Kwonjoo. If so, it would be right to gradually sort out their relationship according to that timeline. Although it wasn’t really a relationship that needed sorting out… But Shin Kwonjoo would want that too.

However, contrary to Joyoon’s expectations, Shin Kwonjoo’s expression, as he listened to the excuses, became more and more distorted, as if he’d been caught off guard.

“I won’t cling to you until you leave.”

In truth, he wanted to say that it had been comforting. That although you didn’t intend it, your appropriate indifference, coldness, and clumsy dual kindness were exactly what he needed at that time. But knowing that all those words would only bring emotional baggage and discomfort to someone about to leave, Ha Joyoon chose to keep silent.

“I think I’ve been too emotional about our relationship… I shouldn’t have done that, but I didn’t know how since it was my first time. Please forget about the times I’ve behaved disgracefully.”

Collecting his wavering emotions, Ha Joyoon calmly shared his thoughts. Shin Kwonjoo’s eyes, which had been silent, suddenly flashed with coldness. His expression changed by the moment, seemingly displeased. Ha Joyoon, unfamiliar with recognizing such subtle changes, quietly touched his chest.

Perhaps, aside from Kang Taejung and his family, he was the person he had collided with the most. Maybe the recent months of physical closeness made him feel closer, even if it wasn’t real emotion. An inexplicable pain pressed heavily on his heart. It was a familiar yet strange feeling. Thinking it wasn’t good, Joyoon slightly furrowed his brows.

“Do you think you can just decide things unilaterally?”

“Sunbae.”

“Was it all because of some trivial reason? Ha Joyoon, you really think too much.”

The man, who had been listening quietly unlike his usual self, crossed his arms with his customary arrogant expression. There was no trace of the anxiety that had been there moments before as he snorted dismissively. Before Ha Joyoon could be taken aback by the sudden shift in atmosphere, Shin Kwonjoo adeptly pulled on the loose seatbelt. Click. The belt crossed Joyoon’s body at a speed matching when it was released.

“That’s enough.”

Shin Kwonjoo said with determination. His gaze was firm, indicating he wouldn’t hear any more.

“If it’s such a nonsensical reason, then I won’t bother with it. I’ve grown accustomed to how Ha Joyoon thinks and acts; it’s not new to me.”

“Sunbae.”

“Whether you show emotion, cling on, or behave disgracefully, I’ll deal with what I need to accept or reject on my own terms.”

“…”

“So, stop avoiding people in such a clumsy way. I don’t want to see someone go mad.”

The man sighed deeply, roughly running his hand through his hair. He looked more nervous and tired than usual, yet there was also a sense of relief. However, watching him like this didn’t ease Ha Joyoon’s heart.

What on earth is he talking about?

It sounded like a command wrapped in an invitation, or an invitation mimicking a command…

Holding onto the seatbelt that restrained him, Ha Joyoon stared blankly at Shin Kwonjoo. His gaze was fierce like a blade, piercing through. It was an eye filled with unspoken sensations, yet one that never allowed its inner self to be exposed.

“Perhaps…”

“What nonsense are you about to spout now?”

He frowned, showing displeasure.

His expressions and movements were the same as before, but unlike then, Joyoon couldn’t ask questions freely.

“…No, nothing.”

“You’re getting more and more ridiculous.”

“…”

His lips, which had opened and closed several times, finally closed without uttering a word.

“Have you eaten?”

“No.”

“Let’s go eat.”

With an answer that didn’t please him, Shin Kwonjoo started the car with a sigh. The heavy sound of the engine starting resonated softly within the previously silent car.

“I’m not that hungry.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard Ha Joyoon say he’s hungry. Just eat.”

“…Okay.”

With a curt reply, Shin Kwonjoo shifted into drive and stepped on the accelerator. The car carrying the two of them slid quietly out of the parking lot.

The scenery outside the window changed abruptly from the dark, enclosed curtain. The faces of both men, faintly reflected in the car window, were each lost in their own thoughts, wearing different expressions. Not long after they got onto the road, the car stopped at a traffic light.

Shin Kwonjoo, who had been looking straight ahead with an expressionless face, finally spoke.

“Let’s go to your next appointment together.”

“…”

“Don’t come and go secretly like this anymore.”

“…Yes.”

His fingertips trembled. As he pressed his forehead, the cool breeze from outside flowed into the car as the window rolled down. He glanced at Shin Kwonjoo, who remained still, staring straight ahead, as if nothing had happened. Who was breaking the barrier between them? A sudden curiosity struck him.

Despite his tightly closed lips, a hidden emotion had crept into his heart, quietly knocking. Unable to name this feeling, Ha Joyoon closed his eyes and chose to ignore it.

His steps towards the room were heavier and more labored than usual, as if he might collapse at any moment. He stumbled and finally slumped against a wall, unable to reach his destination. The minimally furnished studio apartment felt empty, as if no one lived there. With the lights off, the only illumination came from the faint moonlight filtering through the clouds. His eyes, gazing at the small patch of moonlight, seemed lifeless, unable to surface from the depths of his sorrow.

Kang Taejung leaned against the wall, one leg stretched out, and bowed his head deeply. A chilling sensation spread from the top of his head down to his face, neck, and entire body. The monster of suppressed memories and emotions gripped his throat and shoulders tightly. His head slowly dropped until it rested on his awkwardly bent knee.

It felt like an eternity had passed. He slowly blinked his heavy eyelids. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, the outlines of objects in the room began to emerge. Yet, his gaze remained unfocused, wavering aimlessly.

‘Don’t misunderstand. I won’t bother you anymore…’

‘Someone is waiting for him.’

The words echoed in his mind, along with the face and expression of the person who had spoken them. Every delicate feature was etched in his memory.

He was no longer the one waiting for Ha Joyoon. He had given up that position by his own will and decision.

Yet, he had followed Ha Joyoon without thinking, driven by an unconscious impulse. Before he knew it, he was watching Ha Joyoon and the man he didn’t want to keep waiting. Though they were only a few meters apart, the subtle tension between them was palpable.

He pressed his hand to his forehead, his furrowed brow refusing to relax. Amidst the waves of pain and anxiety, Kang Taejung recalled the face of the man he had seen earlier that day. It was the same man who had spoken with Ha Joyoon outside his house. Though some time had passed, his striking presence was unforgettable. The fierce gaze with which the man had looked at Ha Joyoon was familiar—it was the same way Kang Taejung used to look at him.

A bitter laugh escaped him. He was familiar with that gaze because it was how he used to look at Ha Joyoon—with a hungry, possessive intensity. Even with the few photos they had together, Kang Taejung’s eyes always held that same desperate longing.

Taejung laughed at the absurdity of his past desires and desperation. The more he thought about it, the more it suffocated him.

How shameless and pathetic he was. How could he dare to feel this way? His laughter echoed in the cold night air, dissolving into nothingness. His broad shoulders shook with the effort of holding back his emotions.

Their relationship was over. They could never go back to being lovers or friends. He had ended it, and he had to take responsibility for that decision. He had cruelly cast Ha Joyoon aside, so he had no right to look back or regret it. He had to face his reality and bear the consequences of his actions. He shouldn’t have followed Ha Joyoon.

Buzz— Buzz—

His phone vibrated in his pocket. It could be a friend, a colleague, or Seo Youngwoo. Many people cared about him, unlike Ha Joyoon, who had only opened his heart to Kang Taejung.

Over the past five years, despite his hellish pain, Kang Taejung had been supported by those who loved Ha Joyoon. They had helped him in countless ways, offering comfort and assistance whenever he needed it. Suddenly, he felt overwhelmed by guilt for the pain he had caused Ha Joyoon, who had to bear the burden of their separation alone.

Buzz— Buzz—

The vibrations grew more frequent, but he had no desire to check his phone. He knew that one name would be missing from the list of callers—now, and forever. He had made sure of that.

Kang Taejung stood up, leaning against the cold wall. The room remained dark and chilly, reflecting his inner turmoil. His eyes gleamed with a painful intensity as he stared into the distance. A box sat unopened in the corner, containing memories he couldn’t yet face.

Not yet, he told himself. Not yet. He couldn’t bear to see the contents of the box or confirm Ha Joyoon’s feelings and decisions. His lips trembled with the effort of holding back his pain.

The office buzzed with activity, but there was an unusual tension in the air. Ha Joyoon and Nam Hyunwoo noticed it as soon as they entered.

“What’s going on?” Ha Joyoon asked, looking around the office.

Nam Hyunwoo also sensed the strange atmosphere and walked over to a group of colleagues huddled together. “Why is the mood so weird today?” he asked.

One of the employees, who had been engrossed in a heated discussion, turned to them. “Hyunwoo, Joyoon, you’re back?”

“We just got in. What’s happening?” Nam Hyunwoo asked.

Ha Joyoon followed silently, but his breath caught as he heard the colleague’s next words.

“The director’s wife came in this afternoon.”

“Really?”

“She was stunning. Everyone was surprised. They thought she was a celebrity.”

“Oh—.”

With his mouth wide open, Nam Hyunwoo turned his gaze towards Shin Kwonjoo’s office. Following him, Ha Joyoon’s head gently turned as well. The window with the solid wood blinds fully drawn blocked any light or even the sound of footsteps, perfectly isolating the inside from the outside. It was like a window mirroring someone’s heart that wouldn’t allow any further approach.

Pulling his gaze away from the window, Joyoon leaned against the partition, absently chewing on his lips. His eyes, lost in thought, indicated that at that moment, he was completely detached from this space, immersed in his own world.

“They’re both still in his office, and it was like a picture.”

“I guess you need to be good-looking to be with someone like that…”

“It’s fine. We have Ha Joyoon.”

At the mention of his name out of context, Ha Joyoon’s eyes, which had been dazed, sparkled for a moment. Some employees, seeing his bewildered look, playfully rolled their eyes with a mischievous smile.

“Ha Joyoon and the director standing together would make a picture too.”

“Ah.”

At this unexpected comment, a faint flame spread across Joyoon’s small face. Although the banter continued for a while, the lack of an enthusiastic response from Ha Joyoon soon shifted the conversation back to Shin Kwonjoo.

“What did she come to the company for?”

“Who knows. It must be something personal; has he ever told us about such things? But the director’s expression was fierce when she arrived, making us think they might fight. But after an hour, there wasn’t even a peep, so maybe that was just his normal look.”

“Ha ha, can you say that in front of the director?”

“I’d have to hand in my resignation.”

Amidst the silly jokes and laughter, Ha Joyoon realized he wasn’t part of the conversation at all. Even trying to understand the reason felt foolish.

Suddenly, he remembered Shin Kwonjoo’s wedding ring, which he never took off. The cold metallic sensation he always felt when Shin Kwonjoo would touch his head or body came back to him.

A bitter smile spread between his tightly closed lips. Shin Kwonjoo had said he was divorced for a long time and had no lingering feelings or regrets. Only the parties involved know the direction and depth of a relationship. Hadn’t he learned through his own experience that a broken relationship could persist because one of them still had feelings?

Even while pressing on his forehead which was getting feverish, Joyoon didn’t leave the group. It would have been impossible for him in the past, when he didn’t think lightly of social interactions. Even now, it wasn’t entirely comfortable, but he still chimed in appropriately and made gestures fitting the situation, not dropping out of the conversation. His efforts to keep his intentions and feelings hidden were quite substantial, though the reasons might seem somewhat ridiculous. While laughing and chatting with his mouth, all his attention was directed towards Shin Kwonjoo’s office across the way.

Click.

As soon as the office door opened, the gathered people dispersed in a hurry. The man coming out caught the change in the atmosphere, casting his usual cold, indifferent gaze towards the lively office.

“Why is it so noisy?”

“Sorry.”

Only then did the employees rush back to their seats.

“Seems like everyone has a lot of free time.”

His cold, emotionless eyes slowly scanned the office, stopping abruptly at one point. The gaze that met his was indifferent and bland. It was so calm and composed that the passion and outbursts he had once directed at Joyoon seemed like a dream.

Ha Joyoon slightly tilted his head, looking straight at Shin Kwonjoo, who was watching him. His face was relaxed and very composed, as if to say, “What does this have to do with you?” There was not a hint of hesitation, evidenced by the slightly curved corners of his eyes and a faint, mask-like smile.

And then, right behind him, a woman with wavy hair appeared. Her distinct features were so beautiful that even Joyoon, who had little interest in others’ appearances, found his gaze momentarily captured. Her unyielding, sleek eyes were full of confidence that wasn’t hidden. Thinking she was strikingly similar to Shin Kwonjoo, Ha Joyoon took in the unnamed woman’s image bit by bit.

After giving Ha Joyoon a brief glance, Shin Kwonjoo walked with large strides towards the editor’s partition with an expressionless face. Despite feeling the curious eyes on him, he showed no change in expression, only lifting one eyebrow slightly, which was his only reaction. The heavy sound of his shoes hitting the floor was like the sound of pounding on a heart.

“How did the contact with the United News go?”

“They said they’d send an official reply by this afternoon, but there’s been no contact yet.”

“Hmm.” He nodded briefly after taking a light breath.

“Okay. I won’t be returning to the office today, so if there’s anything urgent, contact me separately.”

“Understood.”

After giving some brief work instructions and schedule to the editor, Shin Kwonjoo escorted the woman out of the office. His hand, lightly on her slender waist, indicated he was quite familiar with her.

As if the brief eye contact had been a lie, they disappeared in an instant. As soon as the sound of them entering the elevator was heard, the office, which had been quiet as a mouse, started buzzing with the voices of the employees.

“Wow— Did you see that? Did you see that?”

“They’re like a celebrity couple for real…”

“Now I understand why he kept her hidden all this time…”

They had simply left. Yet, the pressure that had felt like a tight grip around the heart vanished in an instant. From the moment Shin Kwonjoo left his office to when he entered the elevator, Ha Joyoon was thoroughly excluded from his sphere.

Like someone who had forgotten how to breathe, Joyoon rubbed his chest, exhaling. He still felt stifled. He kept tilting his head in confusion at his body’s strange reaction, taking deep breaths.

Phew.

Only then did his body, which had been as stiff as a fossil, start to loosen up little by little. Along with this, he could feel the throbbing throughout his body as if blood was flowing again. It was a bizarre experience, but it was a sense of déjà vu so familiar it hurt. He had definitely felt this symptom before.

Kang Taejung, Seo Youngwoo.

…The jealousy in their eyes as they looked at each other.

Jealousy….

“You’re crazy…”

A low laugh escaped involuntarily.

His eyelids fluttered uncontrollably. His confused eyes wandered aimlessly, having lost direction.

Damn it.

Struggling to maintain his composure, Joyoon took a hesitant step back. His initial reaction was akin to fear.

That afternoon, Ha Joyoon sent a message to Shin Kwonjoo for the first time. The brief message asked if they could meet over the weekend, and a reply arrived a few hours later.

“Come to the studio apartment.”

The message was typical of Shin Kwonjoo, no different from any other he sent. Ha Joyoon stared at his phone for a long time, alternating between smiling and pausing. He found his foolish emotions amusing. How ridiculous and pathetic they were, like sand that leaves no trace. And because of that, he knew he had to end it.

And so, his phone remained silent for the rest of the night.

“What’s so funny?”

His eyes, which had been scanning the message, moved quietly. The woman sitting with her legs crossed, dressed in a brown tweed suit, smiled. Despite her sarcastic tone, her appearance exuded a classic elegance.

“I’m going to dive into the screen.”

“Nonsense.”

“Do you know what your face looks like?”

Despite the mocking tone, Shin Kwonjoo remained unfazed and continued typing his reply. He didn’t usually read too much into messages, but this one was unexpected. The content was even more so. Not bad. In fact, his mood was unusually good.

Ignoring his response, Seon-yeong’s expression sharpened. Her delicate features turned fierce in an instant.

“Are you ignoring me?”

Her tone was blatantly sarcastic. Shin Kwonjoo, annoyed, walked towards her with firm steps.

“Keep it reasonable. I have no intention of indulging your tantrums.”

He paused, his hand resting on a messy pile of documents. In an instant, any semblance of compromise vanished, replaced by a cold sneer.

“Who is it? Someone you’re seeing?”

“…..”

“When did you start seeing them? Before the divorce? Were you cheating on me?”

His hand, which had been writing on the documents, paused briefly. His straight eyebrows furrowed in annoyance. Seon-yeong, noticing his reaction, continued her interrogation.

“How desperate were you to rush and call me like this?”

Despite his silence, she persisted. Once his spouse on paper, she was now interrogating him. Shin Kwonjoo, visibly annoyed, avoided answering.

“Stop drinking and review the documents properly. I need to hand them over to you.”

She glared at him even more fiercely as he tried to change the subject.

“I asked you, who is it? How desperate were you to rush the divorce proceedings in Korea?”

“You need to correct your phrasing. The application was submitted long ago; the delay was due to differences in procedures between U.S. and Korean courts. You know this.”

“Are you having an office affair?”

“Where did that come from?”

Her rapid-fire questions continued, and his calm demeanor faltered. A crack appeared in his composed expression, but she was too consumed by her emotions to notice.

“Is that why you didn’t want me to go to the office? Why you tried to kick me out? Why you brought me to the studio apartment, which you said was off-limits?”

“I don’t need to answer that.”

“…I hope you’re miserable.”

“I’m not particularly happy, so that’s good enough.”

“You’re good with words.”

“Just review the documents.”

At his curt command, Seon-yeong sulkily began examining the documents. Her outburst was more of a one-sided rant, not expecting a response. Whether her accusations were true or not, it no longer mattered. She knew it was just petty jealousy.

“Do you think I’ll be satisfied with just this? I need to dig deeper.”

Her spiteful words finally drew a laugh from Shin Kwonjoo. He smiled calmly and took her glass away.

“You have nothing to be dissatisfied about. Why are you acting like this?”

“I hate you too much.”

“Mind your own business and take care of your lover.”

“What?”

“You seem to have forgotten. The reason for the divorce was you.”

Her sharp retort hung in the air, and the conversation paused. She ran a hand through her hair in frustration before finally responding.

“…You were the cause.”

“Everything speaks through results.”

There was no emotion left in his eyes, which maintained their composure.

“Right. You were always like that. I forgot. What did I expect from a man who treated marriage like a contract? But remember this. Even if the paperwork is done, we’re still a couple in official settings. You were the one who proposed this, so you won’t say something different now, no matter how many lovers I have or who I’m involved with.”

His hand, which had been gathering documents, paused. The man’s previously relaxed demeanor changed instantly. His dark pupils, which had been staring at something on the table beyond the papers, glittered like glass beads. Though he was adept at hiding his expressions, traces of his contemplation occasionally showed through. Shin Kwonjoo, who habitually tapped the edge of the paper with his finger, slowly nodded.

“…Right.”

With his succinct response, Seonyoung, briefly looking at her former spouse, gave a twisted smile before she began to examine the documents in front of her. Between the picture-perfect couple, there was nothing but the silence they hid from each other and the harsh sound of the pen.