NLFSD Chapter 54

Chapter 54

ㅌㅊC(T Ch- ssi)

Had an external schedule, so I left first. Officially, I’m considered clocked out now. I’ll be in the parking basement at 6 — come down quickly and meet me there.

That was the message Seo Taecheon had sent earlier. He had explained he’d pretend to leave on a business call but actually return to the company. But now, even at 6:20, Jiwoon was still stuck at his desk.

Sorry, I might be late.

ㅌㅊC

Still have work?

No… but the Team Leader hasn’t moved yet.

Since the new team leader hadn’t been around long, Jiwoon felt it wasn’t wise to leave too promptly. Yesterday the man had packed up past 6, but today he seemed rooted to his chair, not even glancing at the clock.

“Um… Team Leader.”

Still, Jiwoon had no choice. He mustered courage and gently created a quitting atmosphere, picking up his bag and rising halfway from his seat. Finally, Song looked up, glanced at the clock.

“Ah, already half‑past six. Go on and get off work.”

“Yes!”

“Of course!”

Assistant Manager Min and the others practically bolted. Relieved, Jiwoon texted Taecheon that he was on his way — but before he could escape, Song Team Leader called,

“Jiwoon, do you have plans tonight?”

“Ah? Yes, I do, so I’d better get going now.”

“Pity. I was going to invite you to dinner.”

“…Excuse me?”

For a moment, Jiwoon doubted his ears. Dinner on a Friday night with the team leader? There wasn’t even any close personal bond between them. Why would a mere junior like him need to go for company drinks?

“Perhaps another time. We’ll find a nice place. Just the two of us.”

…What is this supposed to mean?

Frowning slightly, Jiwoon quickly made an excuse.

“Of course, Team Leader.”

“Enjoy your weekend, then.”

“You too.”

He turned at once, heart pounding with unease, and hurried out the door. The elevator to the basement felt unbearably slow.

Come on, hurry up, hurry up—

Finally, he arrived at the parking garage. Sure enough, Taecheon’s car was waiting in its usual spot. He glanced around before running up and sliding into the passenger seat.

“Sorry I’m late.”

Flustered, he apologized. Taecheon’s expression was gentle.

“No need. But you’ll have to pay a fine.”

“Huh? What fine? Did you get a ticket on the way or something?”

Jiwoon’s eyes widened, but Taecheon only stayed silent — as though expecting something.

“Taecheon?”

“…Well? Aren’t you going to pay up?”

He tapped his own cheek with a finger.

“…Fine.”

Jiwoon glanced around one last time, then closed his eyes and leaned toward him — but suddenly warmth landed on his lips instead.

“Taecheon! Y‑you said the cheek!”

“I never said that.”

Grinning, Taecheon started the ignition.

“Let’s go.”

Jiwoon tried to glare, but ended up laughing.

Because of rush hour, it took them some time to reach the big discount mart near their neighborhood. But once inside, pushing the cart around, Jiwoon lit up with excitement. Shopping for food together to cook at camp — isn’t this exactly what a newlywed couple does? Well… we are newlyweds, aren’t we?

He smiled brightly as he examined the meat section, eyes gleaming with hunger.

“Wow, look at that marbled ribeye.”

He drooled over the high‑graded Korean beef. Their cart was already overflowing: fish‑cake soup kit, kimchi udon ingredients, marshmallows, grilling cheese, instant noodles… Could they even finish all of this in just one night and two days?

“Buy anything you want. Ribeye, tenderloin, whatever you’d like.”

“Really?”

“I won’t stop you.”

Overcome with gratitude, Jiwoon bounced on his toes as he ran to the butcher counter and returned with arms full of two‑plus‑grade beef. After checking out, they loaded boxes into the trunk. Jiwoon was practically dancing.

“We’ll burn it all tonight!”

“Indeed. And we’ll pick a bottle from the wine cellar at home.”

“Oh right, I can just grab one I like?”

“Of course. They’re all excellent. I’ll help you find something to your taste.”

“I… prefer something strong.”

As they returned to the car, Jiwoon bared a hint of mischief. Going with your spouse to an isolated, open place — it invited expectations of “adult talk.” He wasn’t ready to think deeply about intimacy yet, still torn between fear and curiosity, but figured with wine and honest conversation, maybe the road would open naturally. At least three bottles.

Back home, dinner, then packing their camping bags took them into the night. Jiwoon tried to turn in early but tossed and turned like a schoolboy before a field trip. Taecheon chuckled at the sight.

“Enjoying yourself that much?”

“Yes. Perfect weather — sitting by a campfire will be amazing.”

Rolling over toward him, Jiwoon spoke. Taecheon studied his face for a long moment, then silently pulled him into his arms.

“Sleep now. We leave early.”

Enfolded in those muscular arms, Jiwoon’s heart nearly leapt out of his chest, unable to relax. A gentle kiss touched his brow — goodnight. Jiwoon stiffened at first, then slowly let himself relax into the warmth. But the kiss did not stop there. Taecheon’s lips traced his nose, his cheek, and finally, his mouth.

The two embraced tightly, kissing deeply. Jiwoon’s hand clutched at his nape, pulling him closer, while Taecheon pressed his weight down. The heavy warmth only heightened Jiwoon’s rush of excitement.

When at last they parted for breath, lips wet, Taecheon wiped softly at his mouth.

“Why’d you stop?” Jiwoon gasped.

“As much as I want to go further, if I do you’ll faint. So let’s pause here.”

“I… I can handle it.”

“Can you? You’ll get scared again, won’t you.”

Reluctantly, Jiwoon nodded, still tugging faintly at his shirt. His heart was already close to bursting.

“Sleep. We can finish what we didn’t later.”

Taecheon chuckled low, stroking his hair and back until at last Jiwoon drifted into dreams.

The next morning, the sky was blindingly blue, the air crisp with autumn. Few things stirred the heart like setting out on a trip beneath such sky.

“Finally, we’re going!”

“You look awfully happy.”

“What, you’re not?”

“Of course I am. Look who I’m going with.”

Loading the luggage into car and trunk, Taecheon looked like the star of an outdoor fashion shoot — simple but chic jumper, jeans, plain sweatshirt. Jiwoon swallowed his admiration, tugged up his hoodie to hide his glowing grin.

World, are you watching our love? It’s this fun. You should fall in love too.

Like a marketer hyping romance itself, Jiwoon beamed endlessly.

“Get in.”

“Yes! I’ll handle the music.”

On the drive to the campground, Jiwoon played his upbeat playlist — indie pop with bright guitar strings, light and honest lyrics.

“Didn’t know this was your taste.”

“Oh, you don’t like it? I thought maybe you’d prefer orchestral…”

“No, I like it. I don’t usually hear these songs — it’s good.”

Then, softly, Taecheon began humming the chorus. His voice, naturally resonant and pleasing, carried no dissonance at all.

Wow. He even sings well? Incredible.

Jiwoon was awed anew at his husband, joining him in the chorus for a joyful, harmony‑filled drive.

Footnotes:

1. “Two‑plus (2+) grade beef” (투쁠 한우) — One of the highest possible quality grades in Korean beef certification, indicating extraordinary marbling and tenderness.