Chapter 9

Before returning to the office, Lee Jiwoon headed to the rooftop cafeteria at Ki Hyunjin’s suggestion to grab a coffee together.

“You’re having an Americano, right?”

“No. I’ll have a caramel macchiato with lots of whipped cream.”

“Do you like sweet things?”

“Yes. Especially now.”

Lee Jiwoon bought an iced macchiato with as much whipped cream as a Bbangbbare ice cream and sat by the window with Ki Hyunjin.

“After hearing the explanation, I’m even more excited. The rules sound fun.”

“Oh… do they?”

Having not listened properly, Lee Jiwoon had no appropriate response.

“Are you not into it? You didn’t seem very interested earlier.”

“Oh, no. I like it too. It’s a rare opportunity to enjoy some freedom.”

“Freedom?”

When Ki Hyunjin tilted his head in confusion, Lee Jiwoon realized he needed to change the subject quickly.

“I think I should get back. It’s a busy day for our team.”

“Alright then. See you in Jeju Island.”

Ki Hyunjin replied, leaving a lingering note in his voice, and placed his hand on Lee Jiwoon’s shoulder.

Lee Jiwoon gave a vague goodbye and headed down to the 19th floor where Marketing Team 1 was located.

However, as soon as he stepped out of the elevator, he ran into someone.

It was Seo Taecheon, dressed in a sleek suit, holding a briefcase, and accompanied by his secretary.

Lee Jiwoon almost flinched but quickly bowed his head expressionlessly.

They had an agreement to act as nothing more than a Director and an ordinary employee at the company.

Seo Taecheon also nodded slightly in response and got into the elevator with his secretary, discussing something earnestly.

Lee Jiwoon watched until the elevator doors closed and then lightly slapped his own cheek.

“What are you staring blankly at?”

Once back at his desk, Lee Jiwoon started working lifelessly.
Even while working, all he could think about was ‘Love Village.’

‘What if I get matched with someone there? We’d end up dating, right?
Wait. I’m married. Wouldn’t this be cheating? They said it would be aired on cable TV. The divorce counselor might find out!’

Although the thought seemed wrong, he reasoned it might be better for the counselor to find out.

‘If I cheat during the contemplation period, I’ll lose points. If I lose too many points, the contemplation period will be extended… If it’s extended, I can stay with the Director longer…’

“What? Is it good or bad if it gets extended?”

His thoughts became unnecessarily complicated and inconclusive.

“Let’s just work.”

Shaking his head, Lee Jiwoon began writing the progress report for new product development.

Despite his complicated feelings, quitting time arrived punctually.

As usual, Lee Jiwoon successfully executed his 007-style plan to get into Seo Taecheon’s car.

He stayed hunched in the passenger seat until they left the parking lot, afraid of being seen.

“What’s the point of that? Anyone can recognize you by your clothes and hair.”

“Still, we should try our best.”

“Hmm. Maybe we should tint the windows darker…”

Seo Taecheon murmured.

Once they were out on the road, Lee Jiwoon cautiously glanced at the driver.

Hesitating, he began to speak.

“Um, about the PR team’s project…”

“Which project? There are so many ongoing.”

Lee Jiwoon tried to recall the name of the matchmaking program.

What was it? Couple Paradise? Love Enjoy?

He couldn’t remember clearly.

“The, um, Love something project.”

“Ah, the Love Village project. The PR team leader briefed me. What’s your question?”

“Uh… Can I go there?”

Lee Jiwoon asked carefully.

The car stopped at a signal, and Seo Taecheon glanced at him.

“There’s no reason you can’t go.”

Looking at his indifferent face, Lee Jiwoon felt a pang of irritation.

He finally understood his feelings.

This man has no moral responsibility!

Despite being his spouse, legally bound, he casually suggested going to a party where singles could freely mingle.

Shouldn’t he at least pretend to dissuade him?

Feeling a rising sense of discomfort, Lee Jiwoon snorted.

“Why? Do you not want to go?”

“No? Not at all. It’s a rare chance to be free for a few days and meet new people. It’s heaven.”

“Alright then.”

Once again, Seo Taecheon responded without any emotion.

Frustrated, Lee Jiwoon turned his head sharply to look out the window.

‘Fine. If you say go, I’ll go. I’ll enjoy it to the fullest!’

Lee Jiwoon had a habit of putting his all into strange things.

Once he decided, he was determined to fully enjoy Love Village.

If there was an alpha coming on to him?

He decided to deal with it head-on.

‘I’ll enjoy myself thoroughly. I might even find an alpha. Understand?’

Grinding his teeth and shadowboxing for days, the departure day finally arrived.

Since it was Friday evening, he had plenty of time and energy.

Knowing he should pack his bags now to avoid being rushed in the morning, Lee Jiwoon found himself procrastinating.

Seo Taecheon had a buyer meeting today and said he’d be late.

So, Lee Jiwoon ate dinner alone, did the dishes, and watched some TV, and before he knew it, it was 10 PM.

‘Ah, I really need to pack now… I should be thorough this time…’

“Let’s do it later. I’m too lazy.”

Deciding to take a nap in the master bedroom, Lee Jiwoon dove into the spacious bed and rolled around.

“Ah, so comfortable.”

Absentmindedly grabbing something, he hugged it—it was the head of department’s pillow. It faintly, but distinctly, carried Seo Taecheon’s scent.

“Wow… This pillow smells surprisingly good.”

‘Should I take a closer sniff?’

Lee Jiwoon brought the pillow closer to his nose and sniffed deeply.

It was heavy and intense, yet refreshing. If they made a perfume out of this, it would sell like crazy.

As he was about to take another breath, he heard the sound of the front door opening. Jiwoon quickly threw the pillow aside and stood up.

He swiftly tidied up the bedding and opened the door to see Seo Taecheon entering the living room.

“You came out quickly. Anyone would think you were waiting for me.”

“No, it’s not like that… I was just startled when the door suddenly opened.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not a burglar.”

“I never said you were.”

Jiwoon scratched the back of his neck and headed to the sofa.

Taecheon followed and handed him a paper bag he was holding.

“What’s this?”

“It’s for you.”

“I can see that, but… Oh! It’s from the OO Hotel.”

The logo on the bag was from the same hotel where Taecheon’s mother and Jiwoon had shared a mango bingsu not long ago.

“I figured you’d already had dinner. Have this for dessert.”

Taecheon said as he headed towards the bathroom, carrying his usual sleek black robe.

Jiwoon blinked and inspected the bag multiple times.

This was the first time since they started living together that Taecheon had bought food just for him.

“What’s this about?”

Trying to calm his surprise, Jiwoon opened the bag.

Inside was the familiar mango bingsu.

“Wow.”

It was insanely delicious, but also ridiculously expensive, so he thought he’d never get to eat it again.

He had even joked about selling his soul to the devil to taste it once more before summer ended, and now here it was.

“It looks so good!”

Salivating, Jiwoon hurried to the kitchen with a bright smile he hadn’t worn in days.

He eagerly unwrapped the bingsu and placed two spoons facing each other.

As he admired the glistening mango pieces, the bathroom door opened, and Taecheon emerged in his black robe.

“Haven’t you eaten yet?”

“I was waiting for you, so we could eat together.”

“Why?”

“Well… we should eat it together!”

“I don’t really like sweets.”

“It’ll be great for the daily report!”

As Taecheon was about to head to his room, Jiwoon called out to him.

Taecheon paused, seeming to consider it, then nodded.

“Oh, right. This would make good content for that.”

With that, Taecheon sat down across from Jiwoon without even changing his clothes.

His wet hair and glistening skin, along with his partially open robe, caught Jiwoon’s eye.

“Um, please help yourself.”

‘If I keep staring at his chest, I’ll seem like a weirdo.’

Jiwoon tried to focus on the bingsu and picked up his spoon.

“Wow, this is amazing! It’s even better than before!”

Somehow, it tasted even more sweet and tangy than the one at the hotel, with smoother ice. Jiwoon’s cheeks puffed up with delight.

“Is it really that good?”

“Try it yourself!”

“Alright then.”

Taecheon took a bite.

“It is good.”

“Right? You really did well buying this.”

They quickly finished the entire bowl of bingsu.

“Oh no! I forgot to take a picture.”

Caught up in the deliciousness, Jiwoon had forgotten to take a photo, leaving only the empty plastic bowl.

Despite this, he felt genuinely happy tonight.