Chapter 18: Chapter 18

Baek Ihyeon.

With his fair, spotless complexion contrasting against jet-black hair, a broad forehead, thick eyebrows, and bright, clear eyes, he gave off an impression of intelligence and composure. Currently a deputy manager in the Construction Support Division, he also happened to be Suin’s senior from high school.

Yes.

He was the former student council president who had once been the target of Seo Jaehee’s baseless jealousy.

"Deputy Manager."

"There’s no one else around. Just call me like you used to."

"Alright, oppa."

He was the one person Suin still called oppa, a habit from her school days when he was the student council president.

In her social circle, he was the only one with that title.

"Why do you look so grumpy and out of it? Something wrong?"

"No, just taking a break."

Her connection with Ihyeon had ended when he graduated from high school but was rekindled three years ago when he transferred from Daehan Group to Hyesung Group.

"Here, drink this."

"Isn’t this yours?"

"I’m giving it to the person who looks like their insides are about to boil over."

"Thanks. You’re the best, oppa."

Ihyeon, still mischievous like a playful boy, was a source of comfort for Suin.

Personally, he was a kind older brother figure; professionally, he was a dependable colleague.

"You always say that but never actually treat me to a meal."

"I’ll buy you one. No, two meals."

The cold Americano soothed the fire in her chest as Suin took a long sip.

Seeing her exhale a fresh, contented breath, Ihyeon teased gently.

"Make sure to stick to that promise. You’re not the Chairwoman’s secretary anymore, so you should have some free time now, right?"

"How’d you know?"

"How could I not? Seo Jaehee’s mere presence has the entire company buzzing."

"That’s true."

"Since I joined this company, I’ve never seen the female staff this excited. Even our department head came in with makeup on today."

"Because the Executive Director is attending the department head meeting?"

"Exactly."

"They’re really into it, huh?"

Watching Ihyeon scowl slightly, Suin couldn’t help but chuckle.

Seo Jaehee’s arrival had transformed Hyesung Group into a veritable festival.

Whenever the female staff found a spare moment, they’d gather in groups to gush over him, their laughter and chatter filling the air.

As if they’d understand the struggles of dealing with him.

Suddenly, Suin found herself wondering.

What does it feel like for Seo Jaehee, living under everyone’s gaze?

***

"So, what’s Seo Jaehee like?"

Since Jaehee was already the topic of conversation, Ihyeon decided to probe further.

"He’s busy, as you’d expect."

Suin’s expression remained neutral.

Her tone was dry, almost mechanical.

"He hasn’t been in the role long, so he’s spending his days making his mark across the company. Today, he’s in department head meetings all day."

"You’re awfully respectful."

"He’s my superior."

"Of course, you’re always the consummate professional, Lee Suin."

The deliberate emotional detachment in her tone left Ihyeon uneasy.

It was understandable.

Both in the past and now, Suin and Seo Jaehee were his most challenging dilemma.

Raised under the strict discipline of his parents, Ihyeon had never so much as considered rebelling. He was the ideal student.

Even during the height of his hormonal teenage years, he had never been distracted by girls. But when he became a sophomore in high school, that changed.

Because of one person.

"Hey, hey! Do you know Lee Suin, the freshman?"

"Of course, I do. She’s gorgeous."

From the moment she entered Hyesung High, Suin became a hot topic among the male students.

Some said she was beautiful, others called her sexy, and some found her elegance unmatched. Opinions varied, but one thing was clear: Suin was extraordinary.

Not only was she stunning, but she was also intelligent, capable of leading and making sound decisions. She became the freshman class president and secured first place in the school rankings starting from the first midterm exams.

"A relentless perfectionist," Ihyeon had initially thought, wary of her as a competitor.

But his time working alongside her in student council dispelled his misconceptions.

Suin’s drive came from an innate passion and sense of responsibility, not from arrogance or selfish ambition.

Unlike himself, who was shaped by his parents’ expectations, Suin was genuine in her pursuits. Ihyeon, though her senior, found himself admiring her and gradually grew fond of her.

"Wow, Ihyeon, you’re in your final year and still the student council president? Shouldn’t you be focusing solely on exams?"

"I can handle it," he’d reply confidently, even as he defied his mother’s objections to continue in the role—because it meant being close to Suin.

But he never confessed his feelings.

Suin was never alone; Seo Jaehee was always by her side.

"Baek Ihyeon. Stay away from Suin, or I’ll kill you."

That was the kind of irrational threat Jaehee would throw his way.@@novelbin@@

"Seo Jaehee, I’m your senior. Don’t push your luck," Ihyeon would retort, though even he struggled to approach Suin.

When Jaehee left for the U.S., the opportunity finally presented itself, but Ihyeon didn’t take it.

He told himself it was because he was a senior preparing for college. His future had to come first.

The opportunity he had missed back then was finally here.

And now, Seo Jaehee—

That troublesome punk—

Had returned.

Not only had he come back, but he’d placed himself far too close to Suin.

"What do you think of him?"

Ihyeon wanted to voice his true feelings but instead asked cautiously.

Suin glanced at him, her expression making it clear she found the question odd. Sensing the awkwardness, he quickly added,

"Seo Jaehee used to bother you so much back in the day."

"That was when we were teenagers."

"Old habits die hard. What if he’s still the same?"

"Seo Jaehee is thirty now. He’s the future head of Hyesung Group. He doesn’t have the luxury to waste his energy on silly things."

"Still, if he acts up like he used to, let me know. I’ll straighten him out."

"You will?"

"Trust me. I’ve been working out lately."

Ihyeon flexed his arm, showing off his biceps through the white shirt sleeve, and Suin couldn’t help but laugh.

"Reassuring," she said with a smile.

Seeing her laugh, even briefly, eased some of Ihyeon’s worries.

Suin was recognized not just for her exceptional beauty but also as a highly competent employee within Hyesung Group. She was often cited as the senior most admired by new recruits.

Even male employees frequently confessed their feelings to her, but she always turned them down coldly.

She made it clear that she avoided workplace relationships, knowing they could interfere with her job.

That knowledge had kept Ihyeon from confessing, too.

Surely, the same would apply to Seo Jaehee.

After all, he was her boss.

There was no way Suin would form a personal relationship with her superior.

"I should get going."

"Suin."

As her laughter faded and she stood to leave, Ihyeon stopped her with an excuse he had prepared.

"I need to ask your mom something."

"My mom?"

"Yeah. For the company’s anniversary this year, we’re planning food truck events at the construction sites. For dessert, I want to recommend your mom’s macarons."

"Really?"

"Yeah. If she’s okay with it."

"She’d be thrilled."

"Can you check with her? If she agrees, I’ll stop by and go over the details with her."

"Alright. Thanks."

Suin nodded and left the relaxation garden.

Ihyeon remained rooted in place, watching her retreating figure.

Regret welled up inside him.

I should’ve confessed back then.

***

Meeting after meeting, and more meetings still.

After hours of moving from one conference room to another, sitting through endless discussions, and greeting countless employees, Jaehee was sick to his stomach.

"Executive Director, you’ve worked hard."

The sight of Kwon Jongin’s eager face waiting for him only made things worse.

Damn you, Lee Suin.

Silently cursing the woman who had stuck him with this overly enthusiastic assistant, Jaehee headed toward the Chairwoman’s office for the final item on his schedule—dinner with Vice Chairman Kim Suncheol.

Bzzz.

As he approached the elevator, Jongin’s phone vibrated.

Noticing the caller ID, Jongin excused himself.

"It’s Director Oh Daehwi."

"Take the call," Jaehee said, turning his back to gaze out the glass wall at the sunset beyond.

"Really? Where did you hear that?"

At the same time, the elevator opened, and a group of female employees stepped out, chatting animatedly.

"I heard it from Manager Jeong earlier. Apparently, the rumor’s already all over the place."

"I didn’t know."

"Me neither. I just found out, too."

Jaehee idly watched the reddish sky, letting their chatter drift in and out of his attention.

"And who’s Lee Suin supposedly seeing?"

What?

His head whipped around.

"I didn’t catch the name."

"Why not?"

"Manager Jeong didn’t know for sure. Said they heard it secondhand."

The women, oblivious to the intensity of the glare directed at their backs, continued their conversation.

"Must be someone in the company, right?"

"Of course. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be rumors."

"Think it’s just gossip?"

"No, apparently someone saw them having a secret date in the relaxation garden."

"Oh my gosh, I’m dying to know. Who’s the lucky guy the oh-so-dignified Lee Suin is seeing?"

I’m dying to know too.

Which bastard is it.