NLFSD Chapter 70

Chapter 70

“I’ve got to buy something, at least.”

Executives jostled with each other, ending up with ridiculous headbands — odd styles, not even cute — worn proudly all the same.

Meanwhile, regular staff wandering the park soon spotted Seo Taecheon with devil horns on his head. Female employees gasped, but then squealed that it unexpectedly suited him, that he looked cute and even sexy in that way.

Before long it was hard to find anyone without a headband — directors, team leaders, even the Managing Director himself. The only exception was Team Leader Song, hesitant because he’d spent ages styling his hair that morning and feared ruining the look. Yet seeing his superior and peers wearing goofy ears while strolling about, he wavered.

Hmm. I can’t be the only one not “in trend.” Better buy something too.

Casting about, his eyes froze on Jiwoon, walking around in his angel halo headband.

Oh. That’s it. Angel’s match is, of course… the devil. I’ll get horns, call it a couple’s headband, suggest we hang out, maybe take a selfie together. Haha.

With impure intent, Song marched straight to the gift shop.

“Sorry, the devil horns are sold out,” the part‑timer explained.

“What? Really?”

“Yes, there was only one pair from the start, and now they’re gone.”

“Tch… Well show me something similar, then.”

“There’s not really anything close. This is all we’ve got.”

Damn it. None left in angel/devil themes either.

Scanning irritably, Song spotted a goblin‑horn headband: a crude single spike jutting from the middle. Hideous — but perhaps “similar enough” to devil horns. His rationalization was quick.

“Alright. I’ll take this one.”

Jiwoon, meanwhile, had already ridden the Viking with friends, screaming at the very back row, then tried roller‑coasters until his throat was raw. Cathartic shouts released built‑up stress. Laughing, munching cotton candy, they marched to watch the parade.

…I need to see Taecheon, even for a moment. Hours apart already feels too long.

Whipping out his phone, he typed quickly.

Where are you? I’m near the haunted house.

The reply came soon.

ㅌㅊC: I’m nearby. Shall we go in together? In the dark, no one will recognize us.

Perfect! If we enter staggered, no suspicion.

ㅌㅊC: On my way.

Yes! Haunted house date with him. I’m not scared of ghosts at all, but I’ll act like it — maybe cling to him so he holds me close.

Grinning at the thought, Jiwoon slipped into the adjacent food court to moisten his dry throat. Studying the menu board, he heard a voice behind:

“Assistant Lee!”

“…Team… Leader.”

“Haha! Found you.”

Song appeared — hair lacquered stiff, and now crowned absurdly with the goblin horn. He looked bizarre. Jiwoon forced a polite smile, figuring he too had succumbed to “festive spirit.”

“Like my headband? It matches yours.”

“…What?”

“Angels and goblins — meant to be, right?”

What bullshit is this? No one pairs angels with goblins. I matched with my Taecheon, you idiot.

Anger rose, but Jiwoon held his mask as any corporate survivor would.

“Ah… very nice.”

“Right? Then let me buy you a drink.”

“No need.”

He cut him off coldly. After all, staff wristbands allowed free drinks.

“Come on, let me.”

“Really, I insist. Just scanning my wristband suffices. I appreciate the thought.”

“Then next time, let’s do dinner and coffee instead?”

The leap of logic stunned Jiwoon; Song smirked, congratulating himself on his “bait.”

But Jiwoon’s phone buzzed with salvation.

ㅌㅊC: I’m inside the haunted house already, at the first Dracula statue on the right. Where are you?

Damn. He’s already in there. I can’t waste time with this guy.

“Excuse me, I have to go.”

Leaving Song, Jiwoon hurried to the haunted house, flashed his wristband at the staffer, and went in.

“Lee! Don’t just leave me!”

Song barreled after. Jiwoon quickened his steps, annoyed. You’re not part of this. Don’t ruin my moment with Taecheon.

Inside, it was pitch‑dark. Jiwoon lowered his phone light and quickly messaged:

I’m in. Where exactly?

ㅌㅊC: Enter, turn right. I’m at the Dracula statue.

Got it. On my way.

Then came a slick voice right behind:

“Assistant Lee, you there?”

Song again. Determined to lose him, Jiwoon stomped loudly forward.

“Yes! Wait up for me, haha!”

Wait my ass. Suppressing curses, Jiwoon charged straight, then at one moment suddenly veered right, hiding in silence. Song blustered right past at a run.

Finally shook him. But now I have to circle back…

He retraced, ignoring jump‑scares from werewolves, grim reapers, and ghouls. Brave enough, he didn’t scream. The only thing on his mind:

Taecheon’s waiting. Ghosts don’t matter. I must get to him fast.

He picked up speed — when suddenly he collided with someone in the dark.

Ghost?

But his nose filled with a scent achingly familiar.

“…Taecheon!”

Even unseen, he knew.

“Were you lost?”

“No, just… handled something. Sorry I’m late.”

They whispered, locking eyes through the dark.

“It’s good to meet here like this.”

“I love it too.”

Jiwoon’s smile gleamed brighter than any light.

“There’s a deserted corner over there. Shall we?”

“Yes. Let’s.”

Clasping his firm hand, Jiwoon let himself be guided. Faintly in the distance, Song’s anguished shrieks echoed — ignored.

“It really is empty here. But… why here?” Jiwoon whispered.

No answer. Instead, Taecheon wrapped his waist, bent down, and kissed him.

In absolute darkness, lips collided, wet and heated. With sight stripped away, Jiwoon’s other senses surged awake; the kiss felt rawer, more intense than ever. His chest drummed fit to burst.

“…Taecheon.”

Their mouths parted briefly before fusing again, fiercer than fire. Taecheon’s grip encased his back and waist. Jiwoon closed his eyes, memorizing every brush of his lips.

“Next time, let’s come just the two of us,” Taecheon murmured when at last they pulled away.

“…Just us?”

“Yes. No one else.”

“Let’s do that.”

Jiwoon giggled, pecking his cheek.

Who knew haunted houses could be this fun? But perhaps what thrilled him wasn’t the “amusement park” at all — but the secret, exhilarating affair itself. Meeting in hidden corners, snatching kisses, then parting casually: the delicious clandestine flavor of office romance.