NLFSD Chapter 53

Chapter 53

That stoic, seemingly flawless man had slipped in an adorable emoji like that?

And to think he didn’t show a single hint of it outwardly…!

Taecheon‑C, you’re too cool! That’s unfair play!!

Jiwoon clenched his fists in secret, thrilled.

I can’t lose. I’ll go all out — cheesy, but sincere.

He frantically searched the emoji tab and pulled out a giant Sook‑ryeo‑Doong‑i.

[“I’m happy because I have you ♥”]

It was a little over the top, but nothing expressed affection like that, so Jiwoon hit send without hesitation.

The more you wait for something, the duller ordinary days feel.

Counting down to the weekend camping trip, Jiwoon found each day as slow as a snail, almost unbearable.

Still, he coaxed himself along: just one more workday, just one more, and powered through the week.

The new team leader was very different from the last: full of drive, pushing his subordinates hard for efficiency, even backing them into corners work‑wise.

Compared to the corrupt “boomer boss” they’d had before, Jiwoon thought this was an improvement — but the real issue was how the new team leader kept staring at him at every opportunity. It wasn’t something you could make a fuss about or act offended by, but the subtle attention became a quiet source of stress.

No matter — survive today, and tomorrow he’d be off to camp with Taecheon‑C! Just picturing it filled him with joy.

He stared so hard at the weekend printed in blue and red on his desk calendar that it seemed he’d put a hole through it.

After work today, he and Taecheon had planned to shop for camp ingredients. What fruit should they buy? What barbecue items? They said camping meal kits nowadays were pretty good — maybe they could grab those.

He dreamed of a lavish camp meal, mouth watering at the thought.

When he was young, the family was too poor, and once grown, he’d always been too busy working part‑time jobs during time off from school to attend club trips or outings. He had never once experienced a real campsite. The closest memory was barbecuing at a company workshop — that was it.

Now I get to go camping with my lover — no, my husband.

There would be recreation sessions, candle‑making, campfires… The supervisor had said they’d prepare all the equipment and tents, so only personal items and food were needed.

As long as I bring food for Taecheon‑C and me, the day will be perfect. Just thinking about it excites me.

Chuckling to himself, he suddenly noticed the team leader, Song, glance at him and check his watch before standing up.

“Let’s have lunch together, everyone. I’ve felt bad not treating you since I arrived.”

“Lunch meeting together? Sounds good.”

Assistant Manager Min flashed an OK sign. The team, who normally subsisted on boring cafeteria menus, looked delighted at the chance to go out.

“My treat. How about sushi?”

Song Team Leader singled out Jiwoon in asking.

“Me? Uh… I’m fine, but how about everyone else—”

Why ask me of all people?

He wanted to snap back, but with a superior, he could only awkwardly push the question to the group.

“I like sushi.”

“Me too.”

Deputy Manager Park, Manager Kim, and Chief Choi all chimed in.

“Great. I’ll reserve somewhere nearby. Let’s head out at noon.”

“Wow, you’re the best, Team Leader.”

“Thank you.”

The workers cheered at the thought of a free lunch.

After a busy morning of work, noon struck, and Song led them downstairs. At the reserved sushi restaurant, the staff greeted them warmly.

“Your private room is ready, please come right in.”

As everyone settled, Jiwoon stealthily opened his phone to message Taecheon. He browsed the emojis. Fortunately, the Sook‑ryeo‑Doong‑i pack included absolutely everything — even one for ‘Enjoy your meal.’

[“Chew well, darling.”]

He pressed send and smiled. Once cringe‑inducing, Sook‑ryeo‑Doong‑i now looked irresistibly cute.

Sook, sook, sook~ ryeo, ryeo, ryeo~ Think once more about reflection~

Almost without realizing, he hummed the silly Reflection campaign jingle.

“Jiwoon, do you have something good going on lately?”

“Hm? Me?”

“You look glowing. Isn’t there something?”

Assistant Manager Min narrowed her eyes behind her sharp glasses. Startled, Jiwoon shook his head.

“N‑no, nothing. Just… bored.”

“Hmph. If you say so. Anyway, you’re going to your friend’s wedding this weekend, right? Out of town? You’ll be busy.”

“Ah, yes! Gangwon province.”

“That’s far. Forecast says the weather will be nice, lots of people on outings. Be careful about traffic.”

“That’s true. Perfect date weather,” said Deputy Manager Park.

The atmosphere was light and chatty.

“You have a girlfriend then, Deputy Manager Park?” Song Team Leader asked.

“Yes, we’re dating with marriage in mind.”

“Oh. I see. Then, let’s see… Managers are married, that makes Deputy Park, Assistant Manager Min, and me single. And Jiwoon — you’re unmarried, right?”

Song looked directly across at him.

“Ah, me?”

“Yes. You’re listed as single, correct?”

Since he’d never turned in a family registry showing his accidental marriage registration, company records still marked him as single. Jiwoon laughed awkwardly and nodded.

“That’s right.”

“Do you have a partner?”

What am I supposed to answer?! I have both a boyfriend and a husband…

Flustered, he tilted his head, unsure how to respond.

“…Maybe?”

“Meaning you do? Or don’t?”

“Ah — I don’t. No.”

Better to pretend I have neither. Of course I can’t admit to a spouse, and saying I have a lover is just as messy.

“Really? I thought you’d be taken by now.”

“Huh?”

“Didn’t think people at work would leave you alone.”

Song gave him a greasy smile. Though good‑looking in a way, there was something oily about him that repelled Jiwoon.

“Eat up.”

Song pushed a plate of tempura shrimp across to Jiwoon.

“Um, sorry — I have a shellfish allergy.”

He hadn’t bothered to mention it during the reservation since he could just avoid shrimp sushi. But having hot fried shrimp shoved suddenly his way turned him off.

“Someone else take this — I really can’t.”

“It’s delicious. Just one bite.”

“No, I really can’t.”

Whether insistence or “concern,” the pressure made him tense. At that point, Min interjected.

“Team Leader, Jiwoon once got rushed to the ER from shrimp. It’s no joke. Don’t treat allergies lightly.”

Her playful tone eased the moment. Song relented, saying pity it was wasted, and ate Jiwoon’s portion himself.

No, really — I did once get hospitalized that way. My grandfather had to carry me kilometers when we couldn’t even find a taxi.

Thinking back, Jiwoon’s heart softened and tightened. It had been a chilly season like this… Memories of his grandparents rose vividly.

Then his phone buzzed quietly. He checked it under the table.

From ㅌㅊC:

[Eat well. Don’t rush or you’ll get indigestion.]

Such a short, simple message — yet Jiwoon’s mood cleared instantly, like blue skies after rain.

I’ll eat well, minus shrimp. Don’t worry, I chew thoroughly now — after that time I pricked my hand and learned my lesson.

He texted back, smiling faintly.

Unnoticed, Song was watching him keenly, having caught the smiles he aimed at his phone. His gaze sharpened.

Hmm… look at this omega.

Stroking his chin, Team Leader Song stared as though sizing Jiwoon up.