NLFSD Chapter 52

Chapter 52

After a lively shopping session with the manager, Lee Jiwoon and Seo Taecheon left the department store with a grand send‑off.

“I’ll wear it well. Really, thank you.”

Even in the car, Jiwoon clutched the shopping bag tightly to his chest.

“Why not put it in the back seat? You’ll be uncomfortable.”

“I can’t bear to let it out of my hands — it’s a gift from my Taecheon. I want to hold it all the way home.”

“…Hm. That makes something a bit difficult, then.”

“Huh? What is?”

Jiwoon glanced at Taecheon turning the ignition and asked.

“I’d like some compensation, since I gave you something.”

“Ah, really? What do you want?”

It wasn’t enough just to thank him with words, was it? Jiwoon immediately felt guilty. He was excited to receive gifts, but hadn’t thought about giving anything back. Foolish of him.

“Uh… but, um… this coat combined with the clothes must’ve cost…”

Right. He’d just been given an expensive coat. He couldn’t possibly repay that with nothing. Wait — how much was even left in his bank account? Didn’t his card bill wipe it out the other day?

“I can see what you’re calculating.”

“Eh? No, I was just… um… thinking how much I could afford to give back…”

Taecheon paused before starting the car. He looked straight at Jiwoon.

“It’s not material.”

“Huh? Then…?”

“There are other ways lovers show gratitude to each other, wouldn’t you say?”

At his mixture of seriousness and teasing, Jiwoon finally got it. Heat rushed to his face.

“Ah… yes. Then… maybe…”

“Will you pay generously, then?”

The car was dark, the underground garage empty. Just the two of them, and nothing to interrupt them.

“T‑then excuse me…”

Jiwoon closed his eyes and leaned slowly toward Taecheon’s face. He left the lightest peck on his cheek, then opened his eyes timidly.

“…That’s it?”

“Huh?”

“That’s not nearly enough.”

“Ah…”

“This won’t do. I’ll collect the rest once we’re home.”

Putting on a mock stern voice, Taecheon pretended to scold him. The fake seriousness was so funny Jiwoon burst out laughing.

“Yes, then let’s hurry home, Taecheon.”

Overjoyed, Jiwoon felt like exploding into dance. His mood was soaring, almost euphoric. Wait. Wasn’t this man supposed to have never dated before? How can someone allegedly inexperienced toy with my heart like this?!

Inside, he screamed with giddy happiness.

“Next Saturday at noon departure and Sunday return — perfect. No vacation request needed.”

Marking [Shameless Reconciliation Camp] on his calendar, Jiwoon counted the days: one week left. He was so eager, the wait was frustrating.

How funny am I. Before, just hearing the Reflection app’s assignments made me panic — now I can’t wait for them.

“What’s that day, Jiwoon?”

It was Assistant Manager Min, sipping coffee at the next desk, pointing at the circled date.

“Ah…?”

“You have weekend plans, don’t you?”

Indeed, Jiwoon had circled it in thick black marker until nearly puncturing the page.

“Oh, uh… it’s a friend’s wedding. I didn’t want to forget.”

“I see. It’s not that friend, right?”

“Huh? Who?”

“You know — your ‘friend’s friend’s friend.’ The one you asked me for relationship advice about.”

Oops. Right — that “friend” was just code for himself. And he was now actually getting married… maybe next spring. But of course, he couldn’t announce that now — unless he wanted every coworker’s scrutiny.

“N‑no, not that friend. Another one.”

“Oh, I see. No good news about that one yet?”

“Um… things are… going very well, I hear.”

“Really?”

“Yep. Very well.”

“Maybe it’ll go all the way to marriage.”

“Haha. Maybe so.”

Speaking of marriage… what’s Taecheon‑C doing now? Should I send him a message?

He fiddled with his phone, then set it down and opened the company messenger instead. Scanning the organizational chart, he found: [Head of Marketing Division: Seo Taecheon] — online.

Private messenger is nice, but today… let’s spice things up with the company platform. That’s the thrill of office romance — scary it might be seen, but that’s the fun of it.

He giggled inwardly, buzzing with anticipation.

How should I start? Maybe just a simple, “What are you doing?” Nah, too stiff. I need something playful but not obvious…

While revising possible messages over and over, he failed to notice the Director’s office open.

“Director.”

“Good afternoon.”

At the unexpected appearance of Seo Taecheon, Jiwoon panicked, closing the chat window and sitting perfectly straight. His coworkers also scrambled into “busy” poses: slamming keyboards, picking up fake phone calls.

“Oh, Director, what brings you here?”

The department head rushed to his side. Team Leader Song — newly arrived, jacket adjusted — bowed politely.

“I just have a brief word for Marketing Team 1.”

Taecheon’s low voice filled the room as his eyes scanned the team.

“I know it’s been difficult to focus amidst the recent confusion. But to build a stronger Marketing Division, this was necessary. Forget the disorder, and devote yourselves to the work ahead.”

He was commanding, dignified, impressive. Jiwoon suddenly remembered anew — beyond being “darling” or “Taecheon‑C,” this man was the Director, the heir to the group.

“I know the lack of handover has been tough. But stay strong.”

“Yes, Director.”

Song bowed again. With that, the manager, Song, and Taecheon headed back toward the executive office. Passing Jiwoon’s desk naturally in the process, Taecheon brushed scented air past him, his navy tie held by a subtle sparkling pin.

God, he’s so handsome. I want to scream it out, but office romance means I can’t.

Jiwoon wrestled with his urge, forcing calm breaths. Then suddenly — Taecheon reached down and tapped his phone. The screen lit up.

What? Is he… telling me to check it?

Once the executives vanished into the office, Jiwoon hastily unlocked the screen — and nearly fainted.

On his company messenger, Taecheon had sent an unbearably adorable Sook‑ryeo‑Doong‑i emoji.

[“Cheer up today too. I love you, darling.”]

Jiwoon’s heart flopped like a fish out of water.