NLFSD Chapter 65

Chapter 65

“Let’s World? That amusement park?”

“Yep! They’re closing the park for a night session just for employees and their families. Isn’t that amazing?”

“Wait, really?”

Jiwoon nearly jumped out of his seat. He had heard that large conglomerates sometimes rented out entire theme parks for internal welfare events, but never imagined it would happen in his own company.

“This Friday night. They had to book in a rush, so the date is close, but who cares? I’m so excited.”

“Me too.”

Having only been raised by his grandparents, Jiwoon had no childhood memories of amusement parks. Growing up in the countryside, even school excursions never left the province; he had scarcely been to Seoul before university.

So the idea of a private company event at a night‑open amusement park seemed like a dream, something he had always wanted to experience—extraordinary and precious.

“So is it just our department going?”

“Of course not! All of HQ! Everyone’s attending.”

“Seriously?”

Jiwoon’s eyes widened. That meant Seo Taecheon would be there too. It wouldn’t be a cozy date just the two of them, but even exchanging secret glances in the crowd would be thrilling.

That’s the beauty of an office romance, isn’t it?

Excited at the thought, Jiwoon grabbed his calendar.

“This Friday, did you say? That’s the day after tomorrow!”

“Yep. Can’t wait.”

Picking up his Sook‑ryeo‑Doong‑i pen, Jiwoon drew a big star on the date. The little green‑faced character head wobbled as he did, catching Assistant Manager Min’s eyes.

“That character… where have I seen it?” she thought. Not exactly popular, but oddly familiar. That round sage‑colored face… should she ask?

“Assistant Lee.”

“Yes, ma’am?”

“What’s the name of that pen character? Looks familiar, but I can’t place it.”

Oh no. She recognizes it?

Jiwoon didn’t realize. Lately a Reflection Program public campaign was flooding TV—cutesy jingles featuring the Sook‑ryeo‑Doong‑i character dancing in cheesy choreography, reminding couples to “think twice before divorce.” Its videos were racking up views. But Jiwoon never watched TV, so he had no idea.

“Uh… this….”

“Looks so familiar.”

“It’s just some random pen I bought… no name.”

“Hmm. Cute, though.”

Min said casually, turning back. Jiwoon sighed in relief, vowing to hide the pen properly next time.

…And now that he thought of it — the week after next.

That weekend marked his grandmother’s passing. His grandfather and grandmother had both suffered an accident on the same day, dying just two days apart. They were enshrined together in the same columbarium, and on every death anniversary he visited, seeking comfort.

So winter creeping in naturally brought their memory back.

But this year felt different. If someone asked him now whether he was lonely — he could finally and firmly say no. Thanks to Seo Taecheon, who stood by his side. Because of him, every day was full of laughter, fun, absurdity… and above all, happiness.

I want to bring Taecheon this year. To introduce him: “Grandmother, Grandfather, I somehow got married, and it’s actually going well.” Yes, that’s what I want to say.

Smiling softly, Jiwoon circled the memorial date with his black pen. It would no longer be a bleak annual visit — this time, it could be warm and comforting.

That evening, with Taecheon away on business, Jiwoon had to return home by public transport. Wrapping his scarf and coat, he bid coworkers farewell.

“Good night, everyone. See you tomorrow.”

“Wait, Assistant Lee.”

Song Team Leader rose, calling him back.

“Yes, sir?”

“Let’s talk a moment.”

“Ah… about what?”

Suspicious, Jiwoon barely hid a frown, donning his professional smile.

“Coffee?”

“I really should get home for dinner…”

“Hungry? Then we should eat.”

“No, actually, my household has this strict no dinner outside rule…! So dinner wouldn’t work.”

“Then just coffee. There’s a terrace café right by here.”

His insistence pressed Jiwoon into reluctant agreement.

“…Then just one cup.”

“Good. Just coffee, then I’ll let you go.”

Anyone else might have thought his warm smile charming for such a handsome man — but to Jiwoon, it was only tiresome.

He said Taecheon will be late tonight. One hour won’t hurt. I’ll endure and then go home.

Glancing at his watch to set a personal limit, Jiwoon didn’t notice Song’s eyes on it. The wristwatch wasn’t ordinary; it was a rare special edition worth nearly a full year’s salary. Jiwoon had no idea — it had been a gift from Taecheon, assumed merely “a bit fancy.”

“Let’s head to the garage.”

“Sir, I thought you meant the café right nearby?”

“It’s cold. Let’s drive.”

Insisting, he guided Jiwoon to the parking basement. His real motive: flaunt his imported sedan. Though bought on a strained loan, it was his pride.

But for Jiwoon — who rode daily in rotation among Taecheon’s Maybachs — it was unimpressive. Just another car.

He’s not impressed? Must be even richer… maybe they have nicer cars at home.

Song convinced himself happily, misreading the indifference as allure. To him, Jiwoon felt only more attractive for his unbothered attitude.

At the café, coffee cups in hand, Song launched into incessant chatter. He boasted: which university he attended, what district he lived in, how his house’s market value was soaring, his stock profits poised to explode.

“Ah… I see.”

“My stocks will soon hit their upper limit! Do you realize how much profit that will be?”

“Not really.”

“What? After I explained so much? Here, let me go over it again—”

For over thirty minutes, unsolicited stock talk flowed. Jiwoon, trapped, gave halfhearted yes, yes… reactions, lowering his gaze in boredom. Then, suddenly, Song leaned in close.

“Assistant Lee. You know what?”

“Pardon?”

“You’re… mysterious.”

Mysterious? What nonsense is this.

For down‑to‑earth Jiwoon, the word was laughable.

“What do you mean?”

“You won’t tell me where you live, don’t share much… and that’s strangely attractive.”

“…Me? Attractive?”

“Yes.”

Annoyance rising, Jiwoon downed his now‑cold coffee and hurriedly packed his things.

“I really should be going — curfew, you see.”

“Oh? Then I’ll drive you.”

Song snatched his keys, jumping up.

“No, I can go alone.”

“Just let me take you to your neighborhood, at least?”

He was desperate to discover Jiwoon’s address. But Jiwoon refused — all he wanted was to shake him off and go home to Taecheon.

“I’ll take my leave. Thank you!”

Practically bolting, Jiwoon fled the café. Watching him go, Song smiled with slick confidence.

Most Omegas fluster when I approach. They say I’m more handsome than other Alphas. Yet Assistant Lee eludes my charms… Interesting. Harder to win only makes me want him more. The tougher the flower, the sweeter the possession.

Amused at his own imagined drama, Song chuckled smugly.