IT - 31

31. Mealtime

Why did the neighborhoods where Han Ji-soo lived always feel so eerily similar, even after moving?

There weren’t even proper streetlights—beyond the entrance of the alley, darkness blanketed everything like a sprawling shadow. The dim surroundings blurred the boundaries between walls and pavement, making it impossible to tell what lurked nearby. It was the kind of place where someone could easily hide in the shadows and suddenly appear without warning—a perilous path indeed.

So she walked this road alone every day? Just as frustration born from unease was about to explode into anger, Ji-soo broke the tension first.

“Let me out here. I have to climb stairs, so the car can’t go any further.”

Suppressing the urge to turn the car around, Tae-ha parked at the foot of the stairs. When he turned off the engine, an oppressive silence settled over them, pressing down on their shoulders like a weight.

Noticing the sudden chill emanating from Tae-ha, Ji-soo cautiously unbuckled her seatbelt. But the faint clicking sound in the quiet interior effectively drew his attention.

“Thank you for driving me home. Please drive safely on your way back.”

“Han Ji-soo.”

His low voice spun her around before she could grab the door handle. In the darkened car, her clear eyes sparkled like fine stars embedded in the night sky.

He had wanted to whisk her away without persuasion, refusing to let her set foot in this neighborhood. But seeing her cry or resist would have been harder than suppressing the boiling rage threatening to erupt within him.

“Lock your doors carefully. If you get scared in the middle of the night, call me.”

Tae-ha’s uncharacteristically warm farewell clashed with the icy aura he’d exuded moments ago, prompting Ji-soo to stifle a laugh. His words were hilariously mismatched, yet oddly endearing.

“You’re the scariest one, especially at night.”

As Ji-soo’s sparkling eyes softened into crescent shapes, Tae-ha found himself wanting to ignore his earlier sensible intentions and beautiful motives.

“When did you call me mealtime?”

Realizing there was no point denying it, Ji-soo nodded humbly. If both her hands were uninjured, she might have wrestled the spoon away from him earlier. Blaming herself for ruining today’s planning meeting and monopolizing his evening, she figured being called “mealtime” was a fair trade-off.

“Well, I’ll be going now.”

“Ji-soo.”

She turned back toward Tae-ha just as she opened the door. Her heart thudded erratically at the tenderness in his voice.

“If anything seems strange—if you notice suspicious people loitering or find your door open—call me immediately. No matter how trivial it seems, anything that feels off, okay?”

“Are you sure? You won’t scold me for waking you up tomorrow?”

Unable to bear the serious mood or Tae-ha’s sincerity surfacing, Ji-soo lightened the moment with a well-placed joke and a bright smile meant to reassure him. Unfortunately, it had the opposite effect.

Tae-ha was experiencing for the first time how anxiety and impatience could drive someone mad or send their thoughts spiraling elsewhere—like calculating how many streetlights needed to be installed in this alley.

“What would it take for you to come live with me?”

A bizarre plea, knowing full well she’d refuse.

“I’m too tired tonight. I just want to rest. Besides, I’m injured.”

“You know what I mean. Why pretend not to understand?”

That’s why she pretended—he knew his words made no sense. Sitting neatly in the silent car, Ji-soo smiled, revealing her straight teeth.

Here we go again—her mischievous tactic of deflecting attention with a pretty smile. And yet, he kept falling for it every single time.

“I have terrible sleeping habits. I talk in my sleep, grind my teeth, snore, and sometimes wake up abruptly to wander around aimlessly.”

“I’m honored you think of me so much, but don’t worry—I don’t plan on letting you sleep. By the time you collapse, you’ll be too exhausted to stand, let alone walk.”

The sweet cohabitation proposal morphed unexpectedly into a threat of exhaustion. Chuckling awkwardly, Ji-soo pushed the car door open forcefully.

“As expected, Director, you’re truly mealtime.”

Tae-ha liked her spirited retort. Nodding in acknowledgment, he watched as she finally closed the car door.

The headlights stayed on, illuminating her until she reached the top of the stairs. Even after entering her home and being enveloped in complete darkness, the lingering warmth of Tae-ha’s presence remained etched in her chest long after.

---

Every year, Taesung Group’s anniversary celebration honored the late chairman while presenting future visions or unveiling new business strategies. This year, however, artistic elements were added to create a festive atmosphere.

Instead of the usual conference attended only by executives and industry experts, a talk concert and charity auction were held, with proceeds going toward good causes.

Ji-soo was responsible for introducing music, artwork, and artists during the second segment. As the first part of the ceremony concluded, she headed to the waiting room with her prepared outfit. Though slightly hungry, nervousness left her unable to eat anything.

“Miss Han Ji-soo?”

Someone stopped her just as she entered the waiting room. A sharply dressed man approached, holding a box. She looked at him questioningly, wondering about its contents and intent.

“It’s the emcee’s outfit for Part 2. Please sign here to confirm receipt.”

Though participants typically prepared their own outfits, Ji-soo signed the tablet since leaving a stranger backstage wasn’t an option.

The box, surprisingly light despite its size, should have raised suspicions. Yet, Ji-soo didn’t brace herself for what lay inside.

Opening the box revealed a pale blue chiffon dress. The flowing fabric felt soft as water. As she lifted it, marveling at its fluidity, Ji-soo’s face flushed red.

The translucent skirt exposed her thighs entirely, but the plunging neckline and bare shoulders accentuated by delicate straps made the dress scandalously revealing.

Only then did Ji-soo recall the sender’s face. How petty to exact revenge this way.

While preparing for the anniversary event, Tae-ha relentlessly teased her daily, insisting on visiting for “mealtime.” Even during grueling business trips where he barely slept, pestering Ji-soo remained a priority.

<-I’ll see how grand this anniversary turns out. If I’m impressed, I’ll send you a gift.>

Knowing how much he enjoyed seeing her flustered, Ji-soo briefly considered wearing the dress defiantly. But standing before the mirror, her confidence wavered.

Though she’d never thought her chest small, the embroidered white flowers emphasized cleavage that now appeared unusually modest. The daring side slit revealed her thighs starkly. There was no doubt this provocative dress was deliberately chosen.

Buzz. Her phone vibrated softly on the vanity.

[Liked it? Wear a cardigan if you’re unsure.]

Even the accompanying cardigan, resembling dragonfly wings, was seductive enough to spark wilder imaginings. Suppressing irritation, Ji-soo typed out a reply.

[Don’t fall in love because it’s pretty.]

She could almost hear Tae-ha’s chuckle echoing through the empty waiting room.

“Maybe I should’ve stuck with the outfit I brought…”

No matter how hard she scrutinized it, the dress seemed devoid of practicality. Fiddling with the hem, Ji-soo stood up.

---

Ae-ran, dressed to impress for the occasion, entered Ruby Hall at Hera Hotel, where Taesung Group’s anniversary event was held. The banquet hall buzzed with dignified conversations among women enjoying food and drinks, while inside awaited the main event stage.

Their gazes shifted toward Ae-ran, surprise quickly turning to disdain.

Beneath her golden skirt, black fishnet stockings paired with dangerously high heels caught attention. Her revealing top, flaunting her voluptuous figure, only deepened their disapproval.

“If there’s someone specific you’re looking for, I can assist,” offered the hall manager who approached Ae-ran. Though her attire suggested she might have wandered into the wrong venue, the invitation in her hand—issued by the hotel under Taesung Group’s request for SVIP guests and their acquaintances—prevented outright dismissal.

“Oh, I’m looking for…”

Ae-ran intended to locate Yoo-ri independently. Scanning the area outside the main hall, her eyes landed on the screen broadcasting Part 2 of the event.

“That’s my daughter, Han Ji-soo.”

“I see. Once Part 2 concludes, I’ll escort you to Miss Han Ji-soo.”

The manager eyed Ae-ran skeptically before disappearing into the crowd. Left alone, Ae-ran roamed freely, sampling food within the confines of her tight waistband.

“Isn’t delaying the engagement announcement reason enough aside from another woman?”

“So Kang Yoo-ri shows up today, flexing her shoulders. ‘Hands off, he’s mine!’”

Holding wine and fruit, Ae-ran sat down, eavesdropping on whispers behind a pillar.

“Look at her face—she screams trouble. Could she be the rumored woman?”

“No way. Too tacky. Even if she throws herself at men for money, does showing off like that earn her anything?”

“Poor thing. Flirting so hard—does Cha Tae-ha even care? Kyaa!”

Ae-ran hurled her wine glass and plate of fruit at the three gossiping women, hitting them squarely.