NLFSD Chapter 67

Chapter 67

“So you’re saying that handkerchief is what led you here, Jiwoon?”

“Yes. Honestly, if it weren’t for that incident… given how terrible the job market was back then, I would’ve just taken the first offer that came along.”

“I see, so that’s how it was.”

“But once that happened, I thought — no, I had to work for Seohwa Hotel Group. If such kind people worked there, then surely I could be happy working there too.”

Seo Taecheon was silent for a moment, simply gazing at him softly.

“So that’s why I’m fine with staying at the Seongnam Hotel this time. Not that I’d recognize that staff member — I couldn’t even see their face properly. I had my head down, sobbing so hard.”

“…They’re probably working well somewhere, I’d imagine.”

“Right? Someone that outstanding, they must be.”

Jiwoon grinned, and Taecheon brushed back his hair gently as he asked,

“Shall I bring you some coffee?”

“Yes, please!”

Whether by talent or nature, Taecheon even brewed excellent coffee. The moka‑pot coffee he made not only woke you up but also made the whole day feel blissful.

“Wait just a moment.”

Sunlight streamed into the kitchen, and the rich aroma of coffee filled the air. Before long, Jiwoon had completely forgotten the strange dream that had bothered him last night.

Leaving earlier than Taecheon, Jiwoon took the subway and arrived at the office ahead of schedule. That was fine — except that only one other person was there already.

“Goot‑mwaahning, Assistant Lee.”

“Good morning.”

“Mm, good.”

Did he just say “Good MWAH‑ning”? That accent is way too forced.

Still simmering from yesterday evening’s annoyance with him, Jiwoon dreaded being alone with Song Team Leader. He fixed his gaze on the office calendar to avoid meeting the sticky, lingering stare. Tomorrow was Friday — the long‑awaited Let’s World night opening.

Just think about that, Jiwoon. Sure, it won’t be just the two of you, but still, you’ll be at the amusement park together with Taecheon‑C. Just thinking about it is already exciting.

He was psyching himself up when, thankfully, Min Assistant Manager entered.

“Good morning.”

“Welcome, Ms. Min.”

“Good morning, Team Leader, Assistant Lee.”

She sat down at her desk, humming, fiddling with her phone. Soon she pulled up a video and shoved it in Jiwoon’s direction.

“Look at this—it’s the fireworks display they’re doing at Let’s World.”

The video was an official promo clip, showcasing the dazzling nightly fireworks edited beautifully.

“Wow, this is amazing.”

“We’ll see it ourselves tomorrow! Isn’t that exciting?”

Min beamed and kept the video playing — until suddenly, onscreen loomed the face of Sook‑ryeo‑Doong‑i, full screen.

“Oh? Advertisement. Ugh, it always cuts in like this. Thirty seconds ad before you can continue, so annoying.”

She groaned, while Jiwoon froze, forcing an uneasy smile.

Sook‑ryeo‑Doong‑i, why pop up now of all times!

[“Think once, twice, thrice more~ Reflect and love again, dear honey~ darling, I love you so much!”]

The cheesy jingle rang out as the big sage‑green cartoon head with its tiny stick body danced. Left and right, caricatures of an Alpha and an Omega clapped hands with silly choreography.

“What is this ad…? Says it’s a Ministry of Family Health campaign. Pre‑Divorce Reflection Program… Six months to fall in love again before splitting? What the heck.”

Her curiosity unnerved Jiwoon. There was nothing good that could come of her learning about the Reflection Program. He scrambled to deflect.

“Can’t you skip ads? Anyway, I can’t wait for the amusement park. I wanna ride everything that drops from high places. Viking ship, roller coasters — all my favorites! What about you, Ms. Min?”

He tried to distract her, but it failed. She kept frowning at the ad screen.

“Wait a sec… this green mascot — I’ve seen it somewhere before.”

“…Huh?”

“Looks familiar. Today’s the first I’m seeing this ad, but… when would I ever have seen a divorce reflection mascot?”

She had recognized Sook‑ryeo‑Doong‑i. Jiwoon broke into a sweat. Twice before she had eyed his mascotted pens. Surely she wouldn’t connect this to him?

“Ah, you know how government mascots always look the same — big head, round design, tacky colors. Haha, nothing special.”

“Ah! Got it. The pen!”

Damn. She remembered.

His vision swam as he forced a faint smile. Just act calm. Say you picked it up randomly, or a friend gave it to you.

“Your pen mascot — it’s this guy.”

“…Is it?”

“Where’d you get it? Not sold in stores, surely.”

“Uh… really? I think I… found it somewhere. Just lying around. On the street. At Gangnam Station? No wait, Apgujeong maybe? Haha. No — a friend gave it. Yes. Oh that friend, by the way—”

He spewed excuses, but acting wasn’t his talent. His eyes lost focus, his hands fluttered aimlessly, words stumbling out in jumbled syllables.

Watching him, Min felt something odd. He looked like a man hiding something.

Why so flustered over a pen? He keeps changing his story. It’s not like he’s divorced — he’s single. And I could’ve sworn he’s gotten closer with the Director…

“…Found it. Definitely found it.”

“But you said a friend gave it.”

“Ah! Right, a friend…!”

Finally, unable to stomach more awkward denial, she dropped the subject — but silently, suspicion took root.

By afternoon, an intranet notice arrived:

Mandatory ID or company card at Let’s World entry. Employees may bring family, friends, or partners inside.

“Wow, awesome.”

“Can’t wait!”

“Ugh, but then my boyfriend’s face will be public to coworkers. Hate that.”

“Still, a free private park day! I’m in.”

Colleagues chatted eagerly while Jiwoon quietly typed on his phone.

Breakfast was so delicious, thank you ♥

ㅌㅊC: I’ll make it again tomorrow.

Oh my god. Too good! And tomorrow’s the amusement park trip too. Can I even deserve to be this happy?

Jiwoon fought down the tune trying to escape his throat as he pondered what to wear tomorrow.

The weather’s cold, so a coat, but I’ll be moving a lot… maybe the hoodie Taecheon bought me last time?

Then, a thought struck. What about matching couple items? After all, it’s an amusement park date.

Shoes? Hats? No, not his style. Finally, he turned to the internet for inspiration. Searching SNS for “Let’s World,” he saw countless photos: people with animal headbands — giraffe, bunny, puppy, cat.

That’s it. A couple headband.

Excited, like a composer struck by muse, Jiwoon researched the park’s popular options. Animal ears were trendy, but his heart was captured by the “angel and devil” set. White halo hovering above, black horns cheekily perched.

Perfect. I’ll be the angel, Taecheon‑C the devil. White suits me, black suits him.

He memorized several shops selling them.

I wish tomorrow would come faster. Even if we can’t hold hands openly, being in the crowd together, riding coasters and Viking ships… Taecheon will love it too. He’s fearless — he’ll ride everything.

With growing excitement, Jiwoon carried his fantasies of tomorrow.