* * *

Looking up in shock, he met Beom Sinje’s guilty gaze.

“What are you doing?”

Ignoring the question, Beom Sinje slipped the phone into his pocket.

“Hey, Beom Sinje?”

“Yeo Giwon is just talking nonsense. Don’t pay attention to him.”

It happened just as Doyoung was about to say something, baffled by the strange way Beom Sinje was acting.

Knock knock.

The sound of someone knocking on the door interrupted the moment, and a staff member returned with the food.

The conversation naturally got pushed aside for later.

“Was it Yeo Giwon who told you about this restaurant?”

As soon as the staff skillfully arranged the food and left, Doyoung asked the question as if he’d been waiting.

Although Beom Sinje appeared calmer than before, he still couldn’t meet Doyoung’s eyes.

“So it was him, huh.”

What on earth did the two of them talk about that led them to a place like this?

‘Well, that’s one thing, but what’s with that reaction? He’s actually kind of cute.’

Moments like this remind Doyoung that Beom Sinje is still in his twenties.

‘Yeah. It’s not just the reliable hero version of Beom Sinje that exists.’

After all, when Doyoung first realized he had been transmigrated into the novel, it was this side of Beom Sinje he wanted to protect.

“I don’t know what’s going on here, but either way, I’ll enjoy the food.”

If Doyoung had to guess, it probably went something like this: since Doyoung had been staying home to recover and hadn’t been to the company, Yeo Giwon must have nagged Beom Sinje that he needed to eat something expensive and delicious.

The two of them probably argued over what food to get, which led to this situation.

Doyoung’s guess was mostly right. The only difference was one small detail.

‘Yeo Giwon, you little brat. I told you not to contact my brother.’

Even as Beom Sinje tried to play it cool, he couldn’t help but let out a sigh inwardly. The whole thing started when Yeo Giwon caught him browsing restaurants on his monitor at work.

“Hm? A restaurant? Who are you meeting? And why are you the one looking this up?”

Even as Doyoung tried to make sense of the situation, Beom Sinje sat across from him, secretly wishing Yeo Giwon hadn’t meddled.

“Mind your own business.”

“What’s up? Huh? Who are you meeting that you’re going to a place like this? Hmm? Such a classy, high-end spot? Wait, are you going on a date or something?”

Yeo Giwon, who had been lazily scrolling through the list displayed on the screen, suddenly shot him a sly, knowing look.

“Don’t tell me… you’re looking for a place to take Hyung?”

That must have hit the mark.

Though Beom Sinje didn’t say a word, Yeo Giwon didn’t miss the slight twitch of his hand on the mouse.

“What the heck, I was worried for nothing. You’ve got more initiative than I thought, Beom Sinje. In that case, you shouldn’t be looking at just these places. You need somewhere fancier, with a great view and even better food. Hang on, I’ll ask someone for you.”

Before Sinje could stop him, Yeo Giwon whipped out his phone and dialed someone without hesitation.

“Hey, it’s me, Hunter Jang Jihye. What’s up? You’re not busy, right? Nothing major, just wondering—remember that fancy restaurant you said was perfect for special occasions? Yeah, that one.”

While Sinje listened in silence, he waited for the conversation to end.

Not that he expected much. He had no intention of denying that he was having lunch with Doyoung.

He just figured that Jang Jihye, who seemed to know a lot of great places, would point them to a decent restaurant.

“Oh? Really? It’s that famous? Wouldn’t it be hard to get a reservation? Hang on.”

Pausing the call, Yeo Giwon turned to Sinje.

“When are you going?”

“Today.”

He answered without hesitation, not out of any particular intention, but simply because he’d been asked.

Still, Sinje found himself straining to catch every word of the ongoing conversation.

“Hmm… Oh, well, that’s for the one making the reservation to figure out.”

Glancing slyly at Sinje, Yeo Giwon made sure to keep his involvement anonymous, though he couldn’t resist a little mental grumble about how underappreciated his efforts were.

‘I’ll just sneak a text to Doyoung later.’

Imagining how Doyoung might react brought a mischievous smirk to his face as he double-checked the restaurant information Jang Jihye provided.

“So, it’s supposed to have the best atmosphere, food, and service, right?”

-“That’s what I’m saying. But wait, who’s going? Is it Chunho’s Guild Master ? Why? Entertaining an important guest? Don’t tell me it’s the ATE Pharma CEO visiting again?”

Her voice carried a mix of curiosity and anticipation.

After the MOU, ATE Pharma’s reputation within the guild had soared, particularly that of its CEO, Hunter Sarah Choi—a charismatic, successful figure who had also generously supported the guild during their last S-rank dungeon mission.

“No, nothing like that. Anyway, thanks.”

Yeo Giwon thanked her and hung up.

“You heard her, right? It’s super popular, so it might be tough to get a same-day reservation. Still, give it a shot. If you say you’re the Chunho Guild Master, they might make it happen.”

Grinning, Yeo Giwon handed over the restaurant’s contact information.

Sinje immediately opened his messenger to confirm the details.

“What are you waiting for? Call them and check if they’ve got a spot.”

“Team Leader Yeo Giwon, aren’t you busy? Maybe it’s time for you to leave.”

“Oh, so that’s how it is, huh?”

Despite his sarcastic tone, Yeo Giwon shrugged with a chuckle and stepped back.

“Fine, enjoy your fancy meal with Hyung. Just make sure to tell me how it was, got it?”

Not that it mattered—if Sinje didn’t share, he’d just ask Hyung himself later.

But Yeo Giwon didn’t say that part aloud. As soon as he left, Sinje made the call.

“This is Beom Sinje, Guild Master of Chunho Guild.”

Following Yeo Giwon’s advice, he introduced himself right away.

“I’d like to make a reservation for an important meeting. Could you accommodate us?”

After a brief pause, the manager politely responded that they’d check and call back.

Eventually, Sinje secured the exact time slot he wanted.

-Thank you for your service and dedication to public safety, Guild Master. It’s an honor to have you dine with us. We’ll look forward to your visit.

For the first time, Sinje felt genuine satisfaction about being a Guild Master—likely because he’d get to see Doyoung enjoying the meal.

“Does the food suit your taste?”

“Oh, it’s good. The view is nice too. This must’ve been tough to reserve. How’d you manage it?”

“Just handled it,” Sinje replied casually.

Doyoung recalled some exaggerated internet comments and smirked.

“People say you’re perfect for the role of ‘Head of Operations.’ Watching you now, I kinda see it.”

“Head of Operations?”

Sinje looked puzzled, prompting Doyoung to give him a knowing smile.

“Yeah. A lead character, dressed sharply in a suit, working hard, and exuding charisma. Maybe the guild uniform gives off that vibe.”

Sinje glanced down at his black shirt and pants.

He didn’t see it, but if Doyoung thought so, it probably wasn’t a bad thing.

“So, what brought this on? Why’d you bring me to a place like this?”

Doyoung’s question seemed casual, not expecting an answer.

“I wanted to treat you to something nice.”

Surprisingly, Sinje answered earnestly.

“Huh? What’s this? You’re finally acknowledging how much I’ve been through?”

“I know you’ve worked hard in the dungeons—getting caught up in things, taking hits for the team, even fighting bosses and getting injured.”

Why say that now, of all times?

“Cough! Cough, cough!”

“Are you okay?”

Sinje quickly handed over a glass of water and his handkerchief.

Doyoung sipped the water and dabbed at his mouth, trying to calm his racing heart.

Sinje’s gaze lingered on him the entire time, though Doyoung didn’t notice.

‘Why am I like this? He didn’t even say anything extraordinary.’

It was all factual—dungeons, injuries, and hardships.

Nothing more.

Yet it stirred memories Doyoung had buried, ones he didn’t want to confront.

“Sorry, Hyung. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“I wasn’t startled.”

He instinctively denied it, steadying himself as he looked up.

Sinje’s calm demeanor betrayed no ulterior motive.

‘Damn…’

That only made the memories resurface more vividly.

As if that weren’t bad enough…

‘Is something wrong with me?’

A peculiar warmth began rising from below. It was maddening.

‘This is ridiculous.’

And he had to endure this for a week? Worse, why did it always happen in front of Sinje?

“Excuse me, I need to the bathroom for a moment.”

Deciding he had to leave the table and sort himself out, Doyoung rose calmly, aiming for the restroom—or maybe the rooftop.

Just as he turned to leave, a hand caught his wrist.

* * *