NLFSD Chapter 18

Chapter 18

 

Could it be me? Or Omega No. 3? Or maybe someone completely different…?

I want to know the result already. But at the same time, I don’t want to know it at all.

As he was tormented by conflicting emotions and breaking out in cold sweat, the staff urged everyone to step outside. Lee Jiwoon swallowed hard and stepped into the backyard.

The twenty participants facing each other looked solemn and serious. Jiwoon stood in his place with his hands clasped behind his back, trying to regulate his increasingly shallow breaths.

When Seo Taecheon comes, I should make eye contact and greet him. But I don’t have the courage. And what if he chooses another Omega right in front of my eyes—how am I supposed to keep a straight face?

His heart kept trembling as time passed steadily. But something felt off. Seo Taecheon’s spot was empty, yet the staff turned on the recording light to begin filming.

Huh…? Taecheon isn’t here—why are we starting?

“Excuse me. Alpha No. 1 isn’t here yet.”

When Jiwoon raised his hand and asked, the assistant director replied with a startled expression.

“Oh, right. I forgot to make the announcement. Alpha No. 1 had to return to Seoul urgently due to work and won’t be participating in the final selection.”

“What?”

Jiwoon blurted it out before he could stop himself.

“He did say he hopes to see you at the office. Now, let’s proceed with Alpha No. 2 making the first final confession.”

Jiwoon felt empty. All the anxiety about who Seo Taecheon would choose, all the turmoil he went through alone, and all the wondering of what he would do if, by chance, Taecheon chose him—it all crumbled into nothing.

Just like that, any way of knowing his heart disappeared.

Because Jiwoon didn’t have the courage to ask Seo Taecheon directly, “Who were you going to choose?”

“Alpha No. 2, please make your selection.”

The assistant director handed the mic to Ki Hyunjin.

“I have unwavering devotion. Omega No. 1! Please be my Omega!”

Assistant Manager Ki shouted like someone who had just reached a mountaintop. It was a rather embarrassing act, but Jiwoon, whose mind had gone blank, felt no emotion from it at all.

“I’m sorry, Alpha No. 2.”

“Ah…”

A collective sigh filled the room. Ki Hyunjin clutched his head and sank to the ground. Jiwoon lowered his eyes and gave a slight bow.

“I… will not choose anyone.”

And so, the chaotic Love Village project came to an end. On the flight back, Jiwoon stared blankly out the window.

What kind of riches was I hoping to find by going on a dating show, only to come back having rediscovered the charm of a husband I might divorce? A husband who doesn’t even seem interested in me. I know it’s pointless to dwell on him, but that handsome robot just won’t leave my head.

“…”

When Jiwoon arrived home, he opened the front door and stepped inside. As expected, Seo Taecheon was nowhere to be seen, and the empty house greeted him instead.

Is he at the office? I guess something urgent came up if he had to return so suddenly yesterday.

Wait. Why do I care so much? Jiwoon, stop.

Jiwoon shook his head, trying to scatter the attention that kept drifting toward Seo Taecheon. Just then, his phone rang loudly. The caller was none other than Seo Taecheon.

Geez. Did he somehow sense I was thinking about him?

“Ahem. Hello.”

—Did you arrive safely?

“Yes. I’m already home.”

—Nothing unusual happened?

Unusual… I mean, things happened. Mostly because of you.

“Nothing.”

Still, since he hadn’t ended up becoming a couple with anyone in the end, Jiwoon answered in the most neutral tone possible.

“I’ll be late for dinner tonight, so I called to let you know. Eat without me.”

“Oh, okay. Got it.”

The call ended abruptly. His voice was extremely businesslike, and his tone formal. But that low, deep voice—it had a strangely fluttering effect on the heart.

“Why does even his voice have to sound so good…”

As Jiwoon let out a sigh, the phone rang again.

Another call?

Thinking it was Seo Taecheon again, he picked up the phone—but it wasn’t. It was Seo Taecheon’s mother calling.

“Oh? Mother.”

—It’s me. Are you with Taecheon?

“No. I think he’s at the office right now.”

—Really? He’s not answering my calls. Then, where are you?

“I’m at home.”

—That’s perfect. I have something to give you. I’ll stop by.

At Choi Younghee’s words, Jiwoon said okay. After agreeing on a rough time, it was less than thirty minutes before she called again.

—You can come out now.

“Yes. I’ll be right there.”

When he opened the gate and stepped out, a luxurious sedan was parked out front. Choi Younghee rolled down the driver’s side window and motioned to him. For a moment, she hesitated over what to call Jiwoon.

Daughter-in-law? Son-in-law? No, they aren’t officially married. But calling him “you” or “hey” feels weird too… Ah, whatever.

“Ji… Jiwoon!”

“Yes, Mother. Hello.”

Jiwoon quickly trotted over and gave a polite bow. His warm and affectionate demeanor made Mrs. Choi feel a little awkward for no reason.

“Help me get something from the back seat.”

“Yes.”

Mrs. Choi and Jiwoon opened the backseat door. Inside was a box of herbal medicine.

“Oh, is this medicine?”

“Yes. It’s Taecheon’s. Please make sure he takes one packet a day.”

“Ah, understood.”

“It’s good for his health, so remind him not to forget… And wait a second.”

Mrs. Choi opened the passenger seat door. This time, she brought out a paper bag. Inside was a mango bingsu from OO Hotel.

“Huh… What’s this?”

“There was a special sale on the way here. I bought it on impulse, but I’m worried it might melt. Just take it.”

With a cold expression, Mrs. Choi handed the bingsu to Jiwoon.

“Thank you!”

He had already been craving something cold to soothe his uneasy stomach, so this was perfect. Looks like this summer, he’s got bingsu luck in abundance.

As she watched Jiwoon smiling brightly, Mrs. Choi did her best to suppress the twitching corners of her mouth.

“Well then, I’ll be going.”

“Yes. Take care!”

Lee Jiwoon waved eagerly behind Choi’s car as it drove away.

Once back inside the house, he unwrapped the shaved ice and snapped a photo first. After fully savoring the always-fantastic visuals, he smashed the ice vigorously with a large spoon and scooped it into his mouth almost like he was drinking it.

As expected, hotel mango shaved ice tasted heavenly. Ah, so sweet, so sweet.

After completely emptying the bowl, Lee Jiwoon patted his stomach and leaned back against the sofa. Then his gaze landed on the box of herbal medicine he’d placed on the table.

“Hm… it doesn’t say what kind of medicine it is.”

He peeked inside. Though he couldn’t tell what kind of extract it was, there were dozens of individually wrapped pouches inside.

“She said it’s good for the body, right?”

The packaging looked formal, and even the box was luxurious, making him think it might’ve come from a famous oriental medicine clinic.

…Wouldn’t hurt to try one, would it?

Isn’t the reason I’ve been so stressed lately all because of the director? Then if I think of this as compensation for taking the delivery, shouldn’t I be allowed to have just one pouch?

Convincing himself with all his might, Lee Jiwoon quietly pulled out one pouch. He tore open the package, which featured caricatures of the Ten Longevity Symbols and a complex mix of Chinese characters. The moment he brought it to his mouth, a strong scent of something “good for the body” wafted out.

And that wasn’t all. The moment he swallowed a sip, his eyes popped open. The characteristic bitterness of herbal medicine was minimal, and the rich, healthy flavor poured out. It slid down his throat without any resistance, and Jiwoon couldn’t help but marvel.

This is amazing. Could this be what the emperors of old used to drink?

Maybe it was just his imagination, but he suddenly felt a tiger-like energy welling up and his previously fatigued body strengthening. After finishing the pouch with great satisfaction, Lee Jiwoon moved on to destroy the evidence.

“Let’s see… where should I throw this away so it’s perfectly hidden?”

He found a black plastic bag, stuffed the trash inside, and tied it tightly shut. Then he placed it in the trash can, and not a trace was visible.

“Between a married couple, this much sharing is totally fine.”

He carefully sealed the box of herbal medicine and placed it inside the refrigerator.

“Nice. Time to rest now.”

After a light stretch, Jiwoon headed to the bathroom.

Seo Taecheon only arrived home close to midnight. A sudden issue had prompted the board of directors to be summoned, but thankfully the matter had been settled for now.

However, traveling from Jeju to Gimpo by night flight, then going straight to the Gangnam office while receiving real-time reports and giving orders had caused him immense stress.

“Hoo.”

He entered the house after pressing the door code, immediately loosening his tie and taking off his jacket. He assumed Lee Jiwoon would naturally be asleep in the bedroom. But to his surprise, Jiwoon was lying on the sofa with his eyes closed.

“…Oh? You’re back.”

He sat up with a start.

“Yes. I’m late.”

“Did you eat?”

“I did. What about you?”

“I ate too.”

After that brief exchange, silence fell between them. Unable to bear the awkwardness, Jiwoon spoke first.

“Um, in Jeju…”

But he quickly clamped his mouth shut.

What are you doing, Lee Jiwoon? Were you about to say, “I didn’t choose anyone in Jeju”? And what were you going to do with that statement?

He had almost blurted out the issue that had dominated his thoughts all day. Alarmed by that realization, he quickly bit his lip.