NLFSD Chapter 64

Chapter 64

After what felt like an endless string of kisses, Seo Taecheon’s hand slid beneath Jiwoon’s clothes as he murmured close to his lips.

“You still feel hot.”

“Ah…”

The mix of ticklish warmth and electric shivers left Jiwoon spilling incoherent sounds. He wanted to say something but another deep kiss sealed his mouth shut again.

“Looks like your cycle hasn’t ended yet.”

“…I think you’re right.”

He could sense it himself — the heavy heat churning through his body with nowhere to go, his heart racing unevenly. The pheromones pouring from the Alpha in front of him felt unbearably enticing, leaving his thighs damp.

“We’ll have to soothe it.”

“…Then please, Taecheon… help me.”

Their lips found each other again.

The next day, Jiwoon went to work in perfect condition. Thanks to Taecheon’s thorough “assistance,” he had discharged all his pheromones and come out clear.

“Assistant Lee, are you alright now?”

Song Team Leader came over before Jiwoon was even seated, fussing obviously.

“Yes, sir. I rested well, thanks for your concern.”

“Good, good. Was it the flu?”

“Ah, yes. A common cold.”

He could never admit it was a heat cycle, so he used a humble excuse.

“How about we get porridge together at lunch?”

“What? No, that’s not necessary. I might still be contagious. Another time, perhaps.”

The team leader’s excessive kindness weighed on Jiwoon, yet Song didn’t let up – offering to buy medicine, inviting him for coffee, telling him to speak up if he felt unwell.

“Really, I’m fine. Please don’t worry.”

After deflecting him, Jiwoon sat down. Even with one day of leave, work felt dreadful. Booting up programs, opening Excel sheets — all he could really think about was Seo Taecheon.

What’s my Taecheon‑C doing now? We parted at the parking lot just ten minutes ago and I already miss him…

Twirling his Sook‑ryeo‑Doong‑i pen, he sighed. At that moment, the doors to the Director’s office flew open, and Taecheon stepped out with Secretary Kim. The department head sprang like a coil, bowing.

“Director, safe travels.”

He was clearly heading out somewhere that morning, secretary in tow. Jiwoon tried not to stare but sneaked glances anyway — and in an instant, their eyes met. Jiwoon jerked his gaze down, flustered. In the office, they had agreed never to acknowledge each other; the risk made his heart pound.

No one noticed us locking eyes, right? In dramas someone always does…!

Dropping his head, he pretended to work. Just then his phone buzzed quietly — a message from ㅌㅊC.

ㅌㅊC

Headed out for external business. Might not be back mid‑day. Don’t overdo it — leave early if you need to.

Jiwoon’s cheeks ached with the smile he couldn’t contain. Even busy, still caring for me. What husband could be sweeter? This marriage was the best idea ever! To the public officer who mistakenly registered us—thank you. I’d invite you to our wedding if I could.

Maybe they’d been meant to fall in love from the very beginning, destined halves that only realized it late.

Jiwoon laughed to himself, lost in thought — until a voice called.

“Assistant Lee.”

“Ah, yes?”

Turning, Jiwoon froze. Deputy Manager Ki Hyunjin was standing there, holding a paper bag, expression serious yet overly earnest.

“What… what brings you here?”

“I heard you were sick.”

“Ah… yes.”

Since that messy Love Village confession incident, the two had been left awkward and distant. Hyunjin felt hurt and wanted to restore their closeness, so he came today, thinking a gift would help.

“Are you doing better?”

“Yes, I’m fine!”

Jiwoon forced a cheerful tone. But Hyunjin placed a hand on his shoulder, pity in his face.

“W‑what are you doing?”

“Take this.”

“Hm? Is this medicine?”

He peeked inside, expecting cold pills — only to find a bag full of chocolates. Clearly, Hyunjin remembered Jiwoon’s fondness for sweets.

“What’s all this… you really didn’t have to.”

“Just accept it, Jiwoon.”

Like a confession on Valentine’s Day, Hyunjin’s cheeks reddened. Alarmed, Jiwoon waved it back.

“No, seriously, I’m fine. You should have it.”

While they squabbled lightly, Song Team Leader suddenly stood, inserting himself.

“Deputy Manager Ki? Looks like you’ve got business with our Assistant Lee. Care to explain it to me?”

His voice carried the weight of authority, veiled turf‑defense.

“I heard he was sick and just dropped by.”

Hyunjin wasn’t oblivious to the undertone but remained undeterred — he was a stubborn Alpha where Jiwoon was concerned.

“Well, I was his first mentor when he joined. Of course I should check in.”

“And yet now I am his team leader. Isn’t it my job to look after him?”

The sparks flew invisibly between them.

“Ha! Why see it that way? Jiwoon, eat the chocolates. Get your strength back.”

Hyunjin gripped both his shoulders, leaning close enough that his breath tickled Jiwoon’s ear. Jiwoon shivered and inched back. Song Team Leader clicked his tongue.

“Enough pestering. Assistant Lee, come with me. Let’s head to the rooftop café.”

Jiwoon reeled. Seriously?! I just want to reply to Taecheon‑C’s message!

Although he screamed internally, neither man seemed like they would yield.

Then Assistant Manager Min stood up abruptly.

“Song Team Leader! You’ve got a phone call.”

“Ah, really? Alright.”

Shooting Hyunjin a glare, Song grumbled back to his seat.

“Let’s focus on work, shall we?”

As if he hadn’t just started the whole commotion, he sat tall and warning. Jiwoon was left exasperated.

“Then Jiwoon, think of me while you eat these!”

Before Jiwoon could stop him, Hyunjin shoved the bag against his chest and fled back to his team. Left holding the sweets, Jiwoon sighed heavily, eyes sliding toward Song Team Leader.

Hyunjin, fine, he’d always been like that. But Song… too suspicious. From insisting on visiting his house to openly sparring with Hyunjin, it was undeniable now: the new Team Leader was watching him closely.

Not yet a direct confession, but still. Should he nip this now, or wait? But acting defensive before a declaration might make himself look strange. And making things awkward with a supervisor newly assigned — whom he’d likely be working with for over a year — could only backfire.

Anyway, come spring, Taecheon‑C and I will announce everything and hold our wedding. It’ll sort itself then.

For now, he pulled out his phone. Better answer quickly.

Hang in there too, Taecheon.

He hesitated — should he write “I love you”? His fingers shook. Why does this make me so nervous? After a gulp of breath, he shook his head.

No. Save those words to speak aloud, face‑to‑face.

He settled on sending only “Hang in there” and closed his phone gently.

“…Huh? The line’s dead. I don’t hear anyone now.”

Meanwhile, Song Team Leader tapped the receiver, frowning at Min.

“Strange. Call must have cut off. Who was it?”

“Uh… who knows? They didn’t say.”

Smiling awkwardly, Min covered smoothly. Jiwoon realized instantly — the call had never existed. She had staged it to help him.

Leaning under the partition, he mouthed thank you. Min winked back.

“I should pay her back.”

He held out Hyunjin’s chocolate bag. She shook her head firmly. Eating it could stir more drama.

“Oh by the way, you didn’t hear since you were out yesterday.”

“Hear what?”

“We signed a new partnership with Let’s World! To celebrate, the company’s giving us a full staff theme park day!”

Beaming, she announced the news.

Note:

• “Let’s World”: A fictional amusement/theme park, patterned after real‑life major Korean theme parks, often used in novels for company retreats or promotional events.