Chapter 8.7

Min-kyung went into the bathroom quickly, turning on the water on blast, and washed her hands. She looked at herself in the mirror and saw that the excitement hadn't subsided, and her face was still red. She pressed her flushed cheeks with the back of her cold hands.

'Did you sleep with him?' When Lee Seop asked her this question, his eyes flashed as if they would explode. At that moment, she felt a wet heat spread over her chest and her back as if she had been doused in hot water. She felt like she was suddenly going to collapse, Min-kyung held tightly to the edge of the sink to support herself.

By the time she returned to the restaurant, Min-kyung felt like she was totally drunk on the wine she never had a sip of. Her head was pounding with a headache.

Fortunately, the social mask was found after Lee Seop spoke to her in the hall. He smiled as he offered and filled Ji-hoo and Hyunseong's glasses. The three complimented CEO Min's taste in wine and exchanged light-hearted jokes. While the three of them finished the three bottles of wine, Lee Seop was the one who drank the most.

The dinner had seemed like it would end in a mess, but somehow, it had proceeded as they had planned. By the time Lee Seop rose from his seat, it was as if the men had all become close friends.

Min-kyung stood by the main entrance of the hotel, waiting for Lee Seop, who had stopped by the bathroom. She didn't want to think about how poorly the evening could've gone and only remembered the good ending. The thought subconsciously brought her a smile, and the group's conversation continued outside.

"Min-kyung, do you want to ride with me? I'm calling a taxi." Hyunseong asked her in a low voice.

She shook her head and responded, "No, I have to take the Executive Director home."

"Isn't your work done? You don't look too well…"

Before Hyunseong could finish, Ji-hoo lightly tapped his arm and then bowed. "Sir."

Surprised by the loud voice, Hyunseong quickly turned his head towards Ji-hoo.

"Executive Director, thank you again for taking the time out of your day to meet."

"What's with the pretense? I am grateful for the evening. I enjoyed the wine together." Lee Seop answered as he approached putting his arm around Ji-hoo's shoulder then patted him on the back.

"Then let's get going, our designated driver is here," Ji-hoo said as he pointed to the waiting car. Hyunseong nodded in response without a second thought and got into the car.

After, Min-kyung climbed into Lee Seop's car and wrapped her hands around the steering wheel. She looked anxiously around the cab's interior, wondering if she'd be able to drive it well. Lee Seop slid into the passenger seat, ignoring the hotel staff that had opened the back door.

"Sir?"

"Please..."

"Yes, this is your favorite car, I will drive very carefully."

As he put on his seatbelt, he let out a deep breath like a machine releasing air. "Deputy Kang, you are sharp and smart. You'll follow the laws strictly… That's enough."

Lee Seop leaned his head back and closed his eyes, "Please park on the 3rd basement level in area D."

After speaking, with eyes still closed, he closed his mouth and tilted his head towards the window. Min-kyung couldn't see his face clearly and thought he had fallen asleep.