NLFSD Chapter 69

Chapter 69

“I’m a sworn bachelor, remember…! D‑doing romance? What nonsense!”

“Right? That’s so you. You never date, Jiwoon. Always turn down blind dates.”

Kang Hee‑joo linked arms with him, pulling him along, while the other classmates laughed loudly, joking that Jiwoon was a lifelong bachelor who’d never marry. Jiwoon forced an empty laugh, soulless.

Transportation to Let’s World had been arranged by the park — shuttle buses for general employees, while executives of Team Leader rank and above would travel by separate vehicles.

“So it’s just staff together, huh.”

“Of course. I’d rather take the subway than ride with old suits.”

As chatter swirled, Jiwoon found himself sighing with nostalgia over last summer’s workshop. Then, by whim of fate, he’d been paired to share a seat with Seo Taecheon. At the time, it had seemed awkward, even irritating — but now, looking back, it was golden, almost predestined.

That was sweet time. Back then I was annoyed, but maybe it was fate all along.

Lost in misty memory, he was jolted as Song Team Leader suddenly climbed aboard.

“Assistant Lee, so you were here.”

“Uh… Team Leader? Weren’t executives supposed to travel by private cars with the board?”

“Haha, I could have. But I wanted to ride with you, so I skipped it.”

“…What?”

“Kang Hee‑joo, excuse me. Slide over. I’ll take the seat by Assistant Lee.”

“Uh, wait, sir—”

Song moved to dislodge her, heavy‑handedly. Though dumbfounded, Hee‑joo scowled and yielded — after all, he was her superior. Jiwoon braced for torment at being trapped beside him, when suddenly another figure appeared.

“Oh! Assistant Lee!”

“Manager Ki…”

“Perfect! Open seat next to you.”

With a grin, Deputy Manager Ki Hyunjin plopped himself down quickly, disarming Song’s attempt. For an instant, Song’s eyes shot daggers.

“Che.”

Displeased, Song retreated a row back. Jiwoon sighed, massaging his temple, and politely turned to Hyunjin.

“Sorry, could you please switch with Hee‑joo again?”

“Eh?”

“I’m begging you. Please.”

For all his clumsy forwardness, Hyunjin’s feelings for Jiwoon were genuine. Seeing him plead sincerely, his heart softened, and he surrendered the seat back to Hee‑joo.

Thanks to that, Jiwoon enjoyed a peaceful ride to Let’s World. As they disembarked, he quickly leaned toward Hee‑joo.

“Sorry, could you go play with the others first? I need to take care of something.”

“Go? Where to? We’re supposed to stick together.”

“Sorry! I’ll catch up soon!”

The moment the bus stopped, Jiwoon bolted down its steps, ignoring Song and Hyunjin calling after him. He charged straight to the admissions gate emblazoned: “Welcome, Seohwa Hotel Group Employees — Enjoy a Wonderful Night!”

Flashing his staff ID, he received a wristband, the attendant smiling kindly.

“Enjoy your visit.”

“Thank you!”

He dashed through the gate as if chased, sprinting to the headband store.

“Headbands! Please!”

“Yes sir, which type are you looking for?”

The part‑timer guided him to the display.

“Angel and devil, you have those?”

“Actually, only one of each left.”

“Really? Then both, please — now!”

“Of course.”

She handed him the angel halo and devil horns. In person they were sturdier and cuter than expected.

Yes! Got them. Now just to crown Taecheon‑C.

Slipping on the angel halo himself, Jiwoon messaged.

Did you arrive? I’m already inside.

ㅌㅊC:

Meeting briefly with Let’s World executives. Won’t take long.

Ah, so he’s in a business meeting. Shouldn’t disturb that…

When you’re free, can we meet by the carousel? I have something to give you.

Moments later the reply came, promising he’d come soon.

Jiwoon stuffed the devil horns into his pocket, hopping gleefully. At the carousel, there was barely anyone — all staff clearly rushed toward roller‑coasters and thrill rides, not slow ones.

After twenty minutes, a lone figure approached — Seo Taecheon. No one else.

“Here! Over here!”

“Did you wait long?”

Striding towards him with a model’s walk, smile brilliant, Taecheon seemed to come with background music. Jiwoon clasped his mouth as if dazzled.

Hey, Let’s World mascot statue, see that? That’s my husband. That man is mine. We’re married. We just didn’t hold the ceremony yet…!

He stomped his feet with pride, boasting at an immobile badger statue.

“What is this?”

Standing before him, Taecheon flicked the angel halo on his head with amusement.

“Cute, right?”

“Do you need to ask?”

“They say amusement parks are for this sort of thing.”

Tapping the halo to bounce it, Jiwoon grinned. Laughing aloud, Taecheon shook his head.

“But why here alone? Not riding with the others. Saw the juniors at Viking earlier.”

“Because I wanted to do something with you.”

“With me? What’s that?”

“Well… could you wear this?”

Jiwoon pulled the devil horns from his pocket. Taecheon’s eyes widened.

“This…”

“Couple headbands. We can’t walk around together, but at least secretly match. I thought it’d be fun. Is it… too much?”

Suddenly worried it might embarrass him in front of executives, Jiwoon faltered. Yet Taecheon’s answer stunned him.

“How are you so adorable?”

“…What?”

“Put it on me. Yourself.”

“…Really?”

“Yes. I’ve never worn such a thing. Better if you do it.”

He agreed! He really agreed!

Resisting a cheer, Jiwoon beamed from ear to ear, tiptoeing up. Taecheon lowered himself so their eyes met. Jiwoon carefully placed the horns, brushing hair smooth. To his surprise, Taecheon looked genuinely charming, even cute — words impossible for such a formidable man.

“It suits you perfectly.”

“Does it?”

“Yes! Look.”

Using his phone’s screen as a mirror, Jiwoon showed him. Taecheon chuckled.

“Shall we take a photo? To remember this.”

“Really?”

“Such a special look deserves to be kept.”

“I want that too! Let’s.”

Snapping a selfie, both smiled wide.

“Let’s meet later again when we can. We shouldn’t stick conspicuously.”

“You’re right. I’ll rejoin the directors now.”

With both wearing couple headbands, lingering together would be risky. Jiwoon returned to his friends, promising to text often.

Taecheon strode back to the executives. Seeing him from afar, Manager Kim rubbed his eyes.

“D‑Director…!”

Are those… horns?!

Both Let’s World and Seohwa staff gaped. A moment ago he was the epitome of charisma, yet now he stood crowned with devil spikes.

“These are Let’s World merchandise. Since we’re here, I wished to relax and fully experience the park — to better understand it.”

“Such profound thought!”

The Let’s World CEO nodded, impressed. Quick to recover, Manager Kim leapt forth.

“I’ll wear one too! At once!”

He sprinted straight to the gift shop. Seeing him, other executives sparked with competitive fire. Chance to flatter the boss. I won’t lose either…

Soon a mob of suits stormed the souvenir shop — only to find all the cute types sold out by young employees. Left were rejects: pig ears, insect antennae.