IT - 35

35. Lovers Only in Bed

As autumn deepened, so did the bond between the two. Since becoming intimate, they no longer cared about time or place—whenever their eyes met or even a slight touch occurred during the day, they inevitably sought each other out for passionate encounters.

Only lovers in bed—that had been Ji-soo’s initial condition.

By day, he remained her prickly boss whom she hesitated to approach; by night, he transformed into someone who shared scorching heat with her. Those moments on the bed made her feel as though she fully possessed Cha Tae-ha—a rare sensation. She loved how all her complicated worries and lingering anxieties vanished amidst their entangled breaths.

If I didn’t have this, how would I have endured?

The merger of the media production team into the PR planning department meant facing Eun-ho as her direct superior daily—an inconvenience. Her mother’s upcoming restaurant opening also weighed heavily on her mind, especially since Yoo-ri’s assistance played a significant role in it. Regardless of intentions, Yoo-ri appeared outwardly as one of Ae-ran’s most cherished benefactors. Every chance she got, Ae-ran praised Yoo-ri to Ji-soo, making Yoo-ri’s successful marriage a matter of great importance.

Rumors circulated that the engagement was repeatedly postponed and might be skipped entirely, proceeding straight to the wedding ceremony sometime before winter. Hee-kyung mentioned whispers predicting next spring or perhaps May. If true, then there wouldn’t be room for “spring” in their relationship anymore.

“Hnn... Ahh.”

Tae-ha grabbed Ji-soo’s chin and bit fiercely into her neck. The tender skin helplessly succumbed to his teeth. The sharp pain mingled with thrilling pleasure, sending shivers down her delicate shoulders.

“We agreed not to leave marks where others could see them.”

“This is punishment for letting your thoughts wander elsewhere.”

He often said things like this—claiming he couldn’t guess what she was thinking, assuming it wasn’t positive—and stopped asking further questions.

Just when he seemed to give her freedom, glimpses of vulnerability drew him back fiercely, just as now.

“Ugh… Go slower. It hurts.”

“With you pinned beneath me, struggling to breathe properly, explain what exactly you’re thinking about.”

Without waiting for an explanation, he began thrusting more savagely. His question hadn’t been aimed at eliciting answers—it was merely another way to claim her fully dilated gaze, which belonged solely to him as she approached climax.

What does she think about while living like this? Lately, Ji-soo frequently asked herself the same question.

Even amidst a schedule too packed for a single cup of tea, whenever her mind found a moment’s rest, Tae-ha invariably filled the void. So often did he occupy her thoughts that she sometimes mistook him as the true master of her mind—not Han Ji-soo.

Unaware that these intrusive thoughts revolved around himself, he growled, “You drifted off again?”

After pulling out, Ji-soo gasped for air, her damp pants scattering across the studio apartment bed.

“I wish this moment could last forever, but half of me hopes it passes quickly.”

Her delayed response came after Tae-ha had already dressed impeccably in his suit and tie, returning to the bedroom.

In the meantime, Ji-soo wiped away traces of their encounter using the towel he left behind. Tae-ha, obsessively neat, disliked her bathing afterward, despite his meticulous cleanliness. When Ji-soo arrived first at the studio, she’d shower and wait for him. After their nightly meetings ended, only then would she step into the bathroom.

Today, with a long business trip ahead, Tae-ha placed a towel on the bedside drawer from the start. Thus, instead of waiting for him to leave, Ji-soo rose immediately to clean herself.

“Do you need anything?”

Taesung Group was aggressively expanding its overseas operations, and Tae-ha bore the responsibility of overseeing decisions across subsidiaries. Balancing domestic and international branches often kept him abroad for extended periods.

Each night before departure followed the same pattern: intense passion, followed by his habitual inquiry—”Do you need anything?”

“No.”

Striding confidently toward the bed, Tae-ha draped his tie around his neck and held it out casually to Ji-soo. Despite her small, doll-like hands, she moved swiftly and skillfully, tying knots that made him look impeccable. All thanks to her expertise.

Though Tae-ha cherished every moment spent with Ji-soo, he particularly relished this post-coital phase when she shyly avoided eye contact, trying to steady her ragged breath. Being so close he could see the fine downy hairs on her flushed cheeks thrilled him.

“It’s a ten-day trip. Take your time deciding, and tell me on the last day.”

“Okay.”

She smiled softly as she finished knotting his tie. As her hand moved to withdraw, he caught it gently.

“Don’t brush me off. Tell me what you want.”

They both knew full well she wouldn’t follow through, just as she always did.

“I don’t need anything.”

“Bags, shoes, perfume, jewelry… What else? Hairpins, stockings—from head to toe, name everything you use. It’s not that difficult, so why do you keep skipping this?”

Ji-soo already received more than enough from Tae-ha. Besides, she feared she wouldn’t be able to discard gifts chosen with her in mind once their relationship ended. She wanted no remnants of their shared moments—no memories, no objects—to avoid future heartache.

“Then bring me something edible. Cookies or chocolates.”

“You don’t even like sweets. Stop dodging the topic.”

Checking his heavy wristwatch, Tae-ha shoved his hands into his pockets and leaned against the wall, a lazy yet seductive smile spreading across his face.

“Aren’t you supposed to leave soon?”

Tae-ha considered mentioning details about ongoing legal proceedings handled by his personal attorney but decided against it. Unsure how Ji-soo, content with their current arrangement, might react, he hesitated to reveal his plans.

“I’ve got 20 minutes to spare. Right now, I’m contemplating how best to spend this time efficiently with you.”

What they could do together was obvious. Their relationship revolved solely around intimacy—they never dated publicly due to prying eyes. This penthouse studio served as their exclusive sanctuary, valid only within its confines.

Ji-soo shrugged awkwardly. “I can’t today. You need rest for the long flight…”

She trailed off as Tae-ha’s hand cupped the nape of her neck, pulling her gently closer. His tongue soothingly licked the soft flesh of her lips, as if apologizing for earlier bites.

Expecting him to ravage her until the car arrived downstairs, she was surprised when his lips withdrew sooner than anticipated.

“Whenever you see me, is this all you think about? Pretending to be so innocent, yet secretly lighting up.”

“Didn’t you say you liked that about me?”

Ji-soo blinked innocently, playing along. Perhaps she didn’t realize how much such responses excited him.

Tae-ha gazed intently. True to her words, Ji-soo was refreshingly honest about her desires, which pleased him immensely.

Contrary to their agreement that any lie was permissible in bed, Ji-soo remained unadorned in the throes of ecstasy. Owning her genuine self filled him with pride—a childish satisfaction that made him smirk.

“Stay here for the ten days while I’m gone. Alone.”

Located near the Han River with scenic views and a nearby park, the luxurious studio apartment offered comfort and privacy. Accessible via a private elevator reserved solely for the penthouse, it allowed discreet comings and goings—a primary reason Tae-ha chose it.

Despite its opulence, Ji-soo felt overwhelmed by the extravagant space. Designed purely for comfortable sleep, she rarely ventured beyond the master bedroom, avoiding the kitchen, study, or music room altogether.

She barely knew how many rooms existed or the overall size of the place—only utilizing the largest bedroom upon entering.

“My place is more comfortable.”

“This isn’t comfortable for me.”

“That’s why we come here.”

Concerned about being discovered, Ji-soo found frequent hotel visits burdensome. Hence, Tae-ha proposed the studio apartment, intending eventually to settle her here permanently.

If she insisted on returning to her ghostly home, he’d find ways to dissuade her.

“Have a safe trip.”

Her demure farewell unexpectedly shattered his self-control. Confused, Ji-soo slowly retreated to the opposite side of the bed.

Both bewildered by their bodies’ reactions, Tae-ha grabbed her ankle and pulled her back forcefully.

“Where did you learn this nasty habit of dodging answers?”

With a stern expression, Tae-ha playfully tapped her lips with his finger.

“Someone bland taught me. And I clearly said no—I don’t think ignoring my words pleases you.”

Ji-soo aptly used formal titles when referring to their bed-only lover dynamic.

Presenting logical arguments, she rendered Tae-ha chuckling. Just then, his phone vibrated in his pocket, likely signaling the driver’s arrival downstairs.

Reluctantly rising from the bed, Tae-ha resolved to devise a pretext to bring Ji-soo along on future trips. Staying behind caused unbearable thirst.

Before reaching the ground floor, an idea struck him—a decent solution indeed.