NLFSD Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Before returning to the office, when Ki Hyunjin suggested grabbing coffee together, Jiwoon headed to the rooftop cafeteria.

“You’re going to have an Americano, right?”

“No. I want a caramel macchiato with lots of whipped cream.”

“You like sweet drinks?”

“Yes. Especially now.”

Jiwoon bought an iced macchiato with whipped cream piled as high as a Parfait ice cream and sat at a table by the window with Ki Hyunjin.

“After hearing the explanation earlier, I’m even more excited. The rules sounded fun.”

“Oh… really?”

Since he hadn’t properly listened to the explanation, Jiwoon had no good comeback.

“Jiwoon, what about you? You don’t seem very interested. You’ve looked that way since earlier.”

“Oh, no. I like it too. It’s a rare chance to enjoy some freedom.”

“Freedom, huh?”

When Ki Hyunjin tilted her head, Jiwoon suddenly changed the subject.

“I think I should get back soon. It’s a busy day for our team.”

“Alright then. See you in Jeju.”

Ki Hyunjin replied lingeringly, placing her hand on Jiwoon’s shoulder. Jiwoon roughly said goodbye and headed down to the 19th floor where Marketing Team 1 was. But as soon as he stepped out of the elevator, he ran into someone.

It was Seo Taecheon, dressed neatly in a suit, carrying a briefcase and accompanied by his secretary.

Jiwoon almost flinched instinctively, but soon bowed expressionlessly. Within the company, it was agreed not to acknowledge each other unusually and to act as if they were just the head of department and a regular employee.

Seo Taecheon nodded back and got into the elevator with his secretary. He looked serious, apparently discussing something closely with the secretary.

Jiwoon watched them until the elevator doors closed, then gave his own cheek a quick slap—not hard enough to hurt.

“What are you staring at?”

Back in the office, Jiwoon sat down at his desk and began working without spirit. Even while working, his mind was full of thoughts about “Love Village.”

What would happen if I got matched with someone there? We’d probably start dating…

Wait a minute. I’m married, isn’t this cheating? And they said this would be broadcast on cable TV. Then the divorce counselor might find out!

For a moment, he thought this was wrong, but then he thought maybe it’s better if the counselor sees it.

Look closely. If you cheat during the counseling period, you get penalty points. If you get too many penalty points, the counseling period automatically extends… and if it extends, you get to keep living with the head of department…

“What the heck. Is an extension good or bad?”

The more he thought about it, the more complicated it became, with no clear conclusion.

“Just work, just work.”

Jiwoon shook his head and started drafting the new product development progress report.

No matter how complicated his feelings, quitting time came right on schedule. Jiwoon successfully executed the “007 operation” again today, getting into Seo Taecheon’s car.

He didn’t forget to curl up in the passenger seat until leaving the parking lot, a habit born from fear of being noticed.

“What’s the point? People can recognize you by your clothes and hair anyway.”

“Well, still, I have to do my best.”

“Hmm. Maybe I should darken the tint more…”

Seo Taecheon muttered. After fully exiting the parking lot and entering the road, Jiwoon quietly glanced at the driver and hesitated before speaking.

“Um… about the PR team project.”

“What project? We have so many ongoing.”

Jiwoon tried to recall the name of the matchmaking program. What was it? Couple Paradise? Love Enjoy? He vaguely remembered but couldn’t recall clearly.

“The… Love something.”

“Ah, the Love Village project. I’m getting reports from the PR team leader. What’s your question?”

“Can I… go there?”

Jiwoon asked cautiously. The car stopped to get a signal, and Seo Taecheon stared intently at Jiwoon during the pause.

“If there’s no special reason, why wouldn’t you be allowed to go?”

Looking at his serious, almost dry face, Jiwoon inwardly felt deeply irritated. Now he thought he understood what this feeling was.

This guy has no moral responsibility!

No matter what, we’re legally married. Is it okay to tell your spouse to go to a party where singles indulge themselves without any hesitation? Even pretending to object a little would be humane.

Feeling the irritation rising, Jiwoon snorted in disdain.

“Why? You don’t want to go?”

“No? Of course I do. If I go there, I’m free for a few days and have a chance to date others. It’s heaven.”

“Alright then.”

Seo Taecheon answered again without any emotion. Jiwoon felt his irritation surge and sharply turned his head to look out the window.

Yeah. If you say have fun, what’s stopping me? I’ll enjoy it wildly like a maniac!

Jiwoon had a habit of putting energy into strange things. Once he drew the sword, he had the temperament to cut even radishes with it. So he decided to enjoy “Love Village” as much as possible. If there was an Alpha who came on to him? He’d gladly engage with them too.

I’m going to enjoy it fiercely. I might even find an Alpha to come back with, huh?! BBG. Got it?

Grinding his teeth, he shadow-boxed alone for days. Finally, the day before departure arrived.

Since it was Friday evening, he had time and energy to spare. Knowing that packing in advance would make tomorrow morning easier, Jiwoon kept opening his suitcase but kept getting distracted.

Seo Taecheon said he had a buyer meeting today and would be late. So Jiwoon ate alone, did the dishes, watched some TV, and before he knew it, it was 10 PM.

Ah, I really have to pack now… I shouldn’t be sloppy like last time, I have to pack carefully… ugh.

“I’ll just pack later since it’s a hassle.”

Jiwoon decided to take an early nap in the master bedroom. Entering the room, he dove into the vast bed and rolled around.

“Ah, comfortable and nice.”

He absentmindedly grabbed something nearby and hugged it—it was the head of department’s pillow. Faintly but distinctly, he could smell Seo Taecheon’s scent.

“Hmm… a pillow, yet it smells good.”

Should I smell it a little more closely?

Lee Jiwoon brought the pillow close to his nose and sniffed.

It was heavy and intense, yet also fresh. If they made this into a perfume and sold it, it would be a huge hit.

Just as he was about to take another breath with that thought in mind, the sound of the front door opening was heard. Lee Jiwoon threw the pillow aside and jumped up.

Quickly tidying the bedding, he opened the door and stepped out, just as Seo Taecheon was coming into the living room.

“You’re quick to come out. Someone might think I was waiting for you.”

“Oh, no. It’s not that… I was just surprised because the door suddenly opened.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not a thief.”

“I never said you were a thief, boss.”

Lee Jiwoon scratched the back of his neck and headed to the sofa. Seo Taecheon followed, handing over a paper bag in one hand.

“What’s this?”

“I’m giving it to you.”

“I know you’re giving it… huh?! It’s got the OO Hotel logo.”

It was a bag clearly stamped with the logo of the same hotel where Seo Taecheon’s mother and he had mango shaved ice not long ago.

“I thought you might have already eaten dinner. Have this for dessert.”

Saying that, Seo Taecheon headed towards the bathroom, carrying his usual glossy black robe.

Blinking several times, Lee Jiwoon examined the bag carefully.

It was the first time since they started living together that the boss had brought food separately and handed it to him.

“What’s the occasion?”

Trying to calm his surprised heart, Lee Jiwoon opened the bag. Inside was something he knew well—mango shaved ice.

“Wow.”

It was insanely delicious but also ridiculously expensive, so he never had it again. If only he could eat it once more before summer ended, he’d be willing to sell a little of his soul to the devil. And now, here it was.

“This is really going to be delicious!”

His mouth watering, Lee Jiwoon hurried to the kitchen. A bright smile appeared on his face after several days.

He carefully tore open the shaved ice packaging and placed two spoons facing each other. As he admired the brilliantly shining mango chunks, the bathroom door opened, and Seo Taecheon in his black robe appeared.

“You haven’t eaten yet?”

“I was waiting for you to come out so we could eat together.”

“Why?”

“Uh… we should eat together!”

“I’m not really into sweets.”

“It would be good to upload this to the cooling-off period diary!”

As Seo Taecheon tried to head back into the room, Lee Jiwoon stopped him. Seo Taecheon paused, seemed to think for a moment, then nodded.

“Oh, right. That would make good content to upload there.”

Without changing clothes, Seo Taecheon sat down opposite Lee Jiwoon. His damp hair and moist glowing skin, along with his chest exposed by the open robe, caught Lee Jiwoon’s eyes.

“Ahem. Please, eat.”

If I stare at his chest, I’ll look like a weirdo.

Lee Jiwoon held back his gaze from going toward the toned chest and lifted his spoon.

“Wow, this is delicious! Crazy good!”

For some reason, it tasted even more tangy and sweet than the mango shaved ice they had at the hotel, and the ice was so fine. Although the recipe shouldn’t have changed, it was oddly delicious, making Lee Jiwoon’s cheeks puff out.

“Is it that good?”

“Try it quickly!”

“Alright then.”

Seo Taecheon took a bite as well.

“It’s tasty.”

“Right? You really bought a good one.”

In no time, they finished the entire bowl of shaved ice.

“Oh?! The photo! I totally forgot to take a picture.”

Because they were so caught up in eating, only the plastic bowl was left. Lee Jiwoon frowned but could still say that tonight, he really felt good.