SELA - 40

“One mistake might be excusable, but a third time is definitely a fault. Yoon Sa-hee, you’ve done wrong by me. What’s the reason?”

“That… I’m sorry.”

Sa-hee bowed her head to apologize first. But that was where the problem began. She had nothing to say. She couldn’t tell him the truth, and in her panic, no excuse came to mind.

“It’s my fault. Even though I have a mouth, I have nothing to say. Truly…”

“No, speak.”

Ji-hyuk cut her off. He clearly had no intention of letting this go. Soon after, the sound of a chair being pushed back echoed, followed by Ji-hyuk’s heavy footsteps approaching. Before long, his polished shoes entered her downward gaze.

“Lift your head.”

Sa-hee’s heart raced wildly with tension. Slowly, she raised her head as he instructed.

Ji-hyuk stood right in front of her, hands tucked into his pockets. His stern face scrutinized her as if stripping her bare layer by layer.

“I’m ready to listen.”

So don’t beat around the bush—just tell me the truth. The meaning behind his words was clear, and Sa-hee squeezed her eyes shut before opening them again. She had mentally rehearsed for this moment countless times, simulating how it might play out, but reality was different. Her nerves were so frayed that her stomach churned. Still, she had to pull herself together. Stay calm and composed, Yoon Sa-hee.

“I’m just an employee, Director.”

“So?”

“If I’m given an order from above, even if it’s to die, I have to at least pretend to obey.”

“I’m listening.”

Ji-hyuk took a few steps back and leaned against the desk, watching Sa-hee.

“Madam gave the order.”

“My mother?”

“Yes. She was very concerned about your romantic affairs and marriage. That’s why she thought of doing this.”

Her preparation wasn’t anything extraordinary. It was simply laying half the truth before him—that was all.

“You’re saying my mother spread information about me to different women because she’s worried about my romantic issues? And you expect me to understand that?”

“I’m sorry.”

Ji-hyuk stared intently at Sa-hee as she bowed her head once more in apology. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the desk.

“Where did all that information come from? The details about me. My mother doesn’t know everything about me to that extent.”

“It came from me.”

“From Secretary Yoon?”

“Over time, while assisting you, I observed and learned these things. Using them like that was wrong—it’s entirely my fault…”

“That part actually pleases me.”

“What?”

Instead of lashing out at her as the culprit, Ji-hyuk’s unexpected reaction left Sa-hee bewildered. Though he still looked slightly exasperated, his lips curved into a faint smile.

“I didn’t realize you knew me so well, Yoon Sa-hee.”

“Well, I’ve served you for some time now.”

“You don’t dissect someone just by being close to them. Not like you do.”

Was that praise? Something about it pricked at her conscience, and Sa-hee bit her lip. Ji-hyuk stood up and walked over until he was right in front of her. His hand reached out to lift her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.

“Doesn’t it ever occur to you that maybe Yoon Sa-hee has loved Shin Ji-hyuk deeply, from early on?”

How had the conversation veered this way? Though bewildered, Sa-hee nodded slowly, pleased to see the hopeful look in Ji-hyuk’s eyes. After releasing her chin, he brushed her hair behind her ear and continued.

“You must have suffered a lot, loving me all alone, Secretary Yoon.”

Sa-hee smiled awkwardly. Yet Ji-hyuk, still stroking her cheek, remained unreadable. What was he thinking? Could he really have gotten over it so quickly?

“For now, I’ll endure it.”

Ah, of course. This wasn’t something that could be resolved so easily. Ji-hyuk still seemed to be grappling internally with the issue.

“The moment you walked in, I asked myself: If this person no longer looks at me, no longer comes to me, or even disappears from my sight entirely—would I be okay with that?”

“……”

“The answer was no. That’s all there is to it. My need for you outweighs my anger. By an incomparable margin.”

“I’m sorry. I’m truly sorry.”

Ji-hyuk, who had been silently observing Sa-hee as she repeatedly apologized, finally took her hand and led her back to his seat. Then, still standing, she heard him say:

“Sit down.”

“What?”

“Sit.”

To her disbelief, Ji-hyuk gestured toward his lap with a completely straight face. Sa-hee hesitated, her lips parting in shock before she managed to respond.

“This is highly inappropriate behavior, Director.”

“You’ve already gone further than this. Is there anything more improper left between us?”

“That’s not what I meant. It’s work hours.”

“It’ll only take a moment.”

A brief silence fell. Ji-hyuk looked up at Sa-hee, and she, at a loss for words, gazed back down at him. Their eyes met and tangled in the air several times.

“If you’re truly sorry, why don’t you sit?”

How underhanded. She barely held back the retort dangling on the tip of her tongue. After much deliberation, Sa-hee cautiously perched herself on his lap. As soon as she settled, Ji-hyuk’s arm naturally wrapped around her waist.

“And one more thing.”

“What now?”

“If you’re truly sorry, reconsider the first clause.”

This man was becoming increasingly…

“Why aren’t you answering?”

“It’s just…”

“Are you still resisting even now? Don’t be like that. Give me some lip service at least, Yoon Sa-hee.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“Review it positively.”

“I’ll try.”

“You’re making me feel emotional.”

Embarrassed, Sa-hee placed her hand over his arm, which was wrapped around her waist. She gently stroked it and moistened her dry lips. There was something she wanted to say. Sensing this, Ji-hyuk patiently waited.

“I’m sorry. And thank you.”

“That’s fine.”

“Want to eat something delicious tonight? My treat.”

“Delicious? Like what?”

“Anything you want. Expensive is fine too. Let’s splurge, why not.”

It was cute, her boldness. Ji-hyuk chuckled softly and stroked her waist. Her slender curves seemed to guide his hand effortlessly. His touch glided upward along her waist, lightly brushing her chest, then moving to her shoulder, neck, and finally her cheek. There was a certain heat in his touch—an almost carnal intent. In that moment, Sa-hee felt goosebumps rise across her skin. Could it be…?

“…Just to clarify, please don’t say anything like what I’m imagining.”

“How would I know what you’re imagining?”

“I’m hoping you won’t.”

“The fact that you’re willing to push yourself this far makes me excited. I’m counting on you, Yoon Sa-hee.”

In his usual crude yet characteristic manner, he was asking for her instead of dinner.

“I want to leave now.”

“Where to?”

He stopped her swiftly. As Sa-hee tried to stand, Ji-hyuk pulled her back onto his lap. The moment she sat down, he suddenly kissed her. Startled by the sudden kiss, Sa-hee’s body leaned backward, but Ji-hyuk gently pulled her closer. With one hand supporting her waist and the other cradling the back of her neck, he deepened the kiss. Eventually, Sa-hee closed her eyes.

It was an unusually sunny day. The bright sunlight streamed into the executive office, casting dancing shadows. Within that glow, the two of them lingered, savoring each other endlessly.

________________________________________

“So you’re leaving now?”

“Yes. Sorry. Things turned out this way.”

“No, you don’t have to apologize, but…”

Joo-ri stared at Sa-hee, unable to hide her bewilderment. Her friend, who had stayed over a few times, was suddenly moving out to live with someone else. It was hard not to be surprised.

“I’ll come back later to get more stuff.”

“Oh, okay.”

“I’ll visit often.”

“Right, got it.”

Sa-hee smiled at Joo-ri’s stunned reaction. It was quite sudden, wasn’t it? Joo-ri could only nod repeatedly in response.

With a suitcase packed with clothes for the time being and a bag filled with essentials, Sa-hee stepped out of the house with Joo-ri’s help. Parked in front of the building was a sleek black car, with Ji-hyuk leaning casually against it.

“Director?”

“Yes.”

“Wow.”

“What?”

“I haven’t washed my face yet.”

“Suddenly?”

“You’re so holy, so sacred. It feels like meeting a saint. Oh, hello.”

Ji-hyuk, one hand in his pocket and looking down at his phone, raised his head. Meeting his deep, abyss-like eyes, Joo-ri let out an involuntary groan. Why was he like this?

Seeing Sa-hee struggling with her heavy bags, Ji-hyuk strode over and took them from her.

“Hello.”

His voice, thick like dense fog, belatedly returned the greeting. Joo-ri, still dazed from staring at him, giggled shyly.

“Um, let me introduce you. This is my best friend, Im Joo-ri, and this is Director Shin Ji-hyuk.”

“Nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you from Sa-hee, but I didn’t know you’d be this tall and handsome. Talk to me too, haha.”

While Joo-ri spoke cheerfully, Ji-hyuk, seemingly displeased about something, raised an eyebrow at Sa-hee. Still, he maintained a polite smile in front of her friend—but Sa-hee knew better. Something had clearly irked him. What could it be? Could it be…?