#22.

For Park Min-ah, the only joy that helped her endure the tough daily grind at work was meeting Lee-han. On her way home from work, she happily bought beer and snacks to eat with Lee-han and headed to the management office.

But the moment she opened the door and stepped inside, a chilling aura greeted her. Lee-han was in a serious conversation with Han Su-jin.

,I’m sorry, it seems like I’m interrupting. I’ll come back later.”

Just as a flustered Park Min-ah was about to quickly close the door, a sharp voice stopped her.

,Wait a minute. Park Min-ah-ssi, come over here for a moment.”

Scanning her with cold eyes, Han Su-jin pointed to an item on the desk.

,Isn’t this Park Min-ah-ssi’s item?”

Park Min-ah’s eyes widened. What was on the desk was none other than the cat food bowl that had been confiscated from her.

,Th-that’s mine… I used to use it, but it was confiscated. It’s not mine now.”

Lee-han cast a dark look at Park Min-ah, who was clearly flustered. His eyes showed a mix of disappointment and suspicion.

Han Su-jin glared sharply and said.

,Confiscated item? Then how is it here?”

,Well… it seems someone took it out of the storage room.”

At Lee-han’s answer, Han Su-jin smirked and glared at Park Min-ah.

,What, so you’re helping Park Min-ah-ssi by saying it’s not her stuff? What’s that you’re carrying now? Don’t tell me you’re trying to get on the superintendent’s good side? How dare you even lie…”

,That’s not it! Don’t misunderstand!”

A flustered Park Min-ah hid the bag in her hand behind her back and made excuses. But Han Su-jin’s cold gaze didn’t soften.

Lee-han sighed heavily and approached Han Su-jin.

,I’ll look into it and resolve it. For now, please go back.”

,Hmph, it’s obvious what’ll happen anyway. Do as you please.”

Speaking in a frigid tone, Han Su-jin left the office, leaving behind a blatantly condescending look at Park Min-ah.

The door closed, leaving Lee-han and Park Min-ah alone in the space. But the usual friendliness was nowhere to be found.

,Explain yourself. What’s going on?”

At Lee-han’s cold voice, Park Min-ah opened her mouth pleadingly.

,I don’t know either. It’s definitely not my item… Someone must have done this on purpose.”

,Someone? Who would have a reason to frame you like this?”

,Th-that’s…”

Tears began to well up in Park Min-ah’s eyes as she hesitated to answer. Her voice choked with injustice and embarrassment.

Lee-han, who had been silently watching her for a while, finally shook his head. He opened his mouth in a heavy tone.

,Min-ah-ssi, I just hope my judgment wasn’t wrong. But as it stands…”

,Superintendent-nim, please believe me. I really…”

,Go. It’s best if you go back for today.”

Lee-han cut her off firmly. Tears streamed down Park Min-ah’s face, filled with despair.

Park Min-ah’s back view as she trudged across the floor. The sound of the management office door closing behind her echoed with a *kung*.

The despair that no one believed her crushed her. Into the darkness where even sunlight didn’t reach, Park Min-ah’s narrow shoulders gradually drooped.

–

Park Min-ah had to spend difficult days without meeting Lee-han for several days. As she trudged home from work, immersed in sorrow and sadness, a familiar figure approached her. When she looked up, Lee-han, whom she had missed so much, was standing there.

,Min-ah-ssi, let’s go to the management office for a moment.”

A heavy, subdued voice. Park Min-ah nodded as if drawn by him. Like a prisoner, she followed Lee-han to the management office.

Inside the office, a solemn silence flowed. Park Min-ah kept silent, bowing her head like a criminal. Lee-han approached her and opened his mouth.

,Do you know what’s going on right now? It almost became a big deal.”

Park Min-ah’s shoulders shrank at Lee-han’s words, which sounded like a threat.

,I really didn’t do anything wrong… Please believe me.”

,That’s not important. Anyway, I covered up the cat food issue, so don’t worry about that.”

Park Min-ah finally let out a sigh of relief. But her face turned pale at Lee-han’s next words.

,The problem is the rumors. There’s talk going around that you seduced me and that’s why this happened.”

,Yes? No, I definitely didn’t intend to…”

,I know, but rumors are just rumors. What’s important is what will happen to me if these rumors get into the company.”

Park Min-ah repeatedly apologized in a voice trembling like an aspen. Lee-han wore a subtle expression at her fearful appearance.

,I’ll have to find a way to resolve this issue over the weekend. Go back for today.”

At Lee-han’s words, Park Min-ah weakly left the management office. Hot tears streamed down her face as she trudged along.

What was all this? It was just overwhelming. But all she could do was shed tears of belated regret. Deep despair was evident in Park Min-ah’s appearance as she trudged home with a heavy heart.

Watching her back as she walked away from the management office window, a smile appeared on Lee-han’s lips.

–

Han Su-jin and Lee-han’s hot skin became intertwined. Desire was boiling in their appearance as they explored each other’s lips and shared a deep kiss. Lee-han’s rough hands explored Han Su-jin’s body, and she responded passionately to him.

,*Heueup*… *Haeuk*…”

Han Su-jin let out a suppressed moan as Lee-han’s tongue stimulated her neck. Their movements gradually quickened, and the heat rose. The climax was approaching.

,I’m going to… *Aaaah*!”

Han Su-jin screamed when the tension reached its peak. At the same time, her legs tightly wrapped around Lee-han’s waist. Soon, Han Su-jin’s body trembled greatly from the pleasure that washed over her like a wave.

,*Heueu*…”

Lee-han’s waist convulsed greatly for the last time, and a moan escaped from his mouth along with heavy breathing.

Having reached their climax, they lay side by side on the bed, breathing heavily. Their hearts were pounding, and sticky sweat clung to each other’s skin. After a moment of silence, Han Su-jin asked Lee-han.

,But what exactly are you doing to Min-ah-ssi?.”

,Well, I don’t think it’s something you need to know in detail. It’s just something I’m doing in my own way.”

Lee-han retorted grumbling. At his words, Han Su-jin sat up. She opened her mouth calmly as she arranged her disheveled hair.

,I have no intention of interfering in your affairs. But our contract can’t have any problems.”

Feeling the gaze from behind, Lee-han smiled softly. He raised his languid body, hugged Han Su-jin’s waist, and whispered softly.

,Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it. By the way…”

Lee-han asked as he buried his lips in Han Su-jin’s neck.

,How are you getting along with your husband? I mean, your marital relationship.”

,Hmph!”

Han Su-jin snorted and pushed away Lee-han’s hand. Her coldly cooled voice echoed in the room.

,That’s none of your business. Don’t cross the line.”

,Okay, okay. I just said I’m glad you two seem to be getting along well…”

Lee-han chuckled and grabbed Han Su-jin’s ample breasts. At that moment, the flames of ecstasy began to flare up again.

The two soon became passionately intertwined again. Bodies burning with desire became one, undulating like waves. A suffocating vortex of lovemaking swallowed them.

—

The sound of the doorbell ringing broke the tranquility of the weekend. Park Min-ah was startled and huddled up, burying her face in the pillow. Wiping away the tears that had formed in her eyes, she quietly held her breath.

,Could it be the neighborhood association president again? Please don’t let it be…’

Park Min-ah trembled in fear. The doorbell rang persistently a few more times, but soon fell silent.

,It seems to have finally quieted down…’

Just as she was about to let out a sigh of relief, another sound was heard. Someone was knocking on the front door and calling her name.

,Min-ah-ssi, it’s me. Can you open the door?”

Park Min-ah’s heart sank at that voice. It was Lee-han.

Hesitating, she got up without realizing it and ran to the front door. With trembling hands, she grabbed the doorknob and slowly opened the door.

,Superintendent-nim… What’s going on?”

Lee-han stood before her with a slightly flushed face. With a vague smile, he said.

,Can I come in? I have something to talk about.”

She couldn’t give any answer. Park Min-ah just flung the door wide open and let Lee-han inside.

Park Min-ah and Lee-han sat side by side on the living room sofa. Breaking the silence, Lee-han spoke first.

,Min-ah-ssi, about that matter. I’ve taken care of everything, so don’t worry.”

,Really…? Thank you, Superintendent-nim. I feel like I’m going to live because of you.”

Park Min-ah, her eyes reddened, bowed her head. Tears of relief streamed down her cheeks.

,There, there, it’s okay now. Stop crying.”

Lee-han came and sat next to her. Lee-han put his hand on her shoulder to comfort Park Min-ah, who was sobbing. Feeling the warmth of his touch, Park Min-ah looked up at Lee-han.

Moist eyes, faint breath. Before they knew it, the two’s faces were getting closer. As if possessed by something, Park Min-ah kissed Lee-han.

A soft and warm sensation. Lee-han, who had been stiff as if surprised at first, soon responded to Park Min-ah. Slowly and carefully, they intertwined their lips and explored each other.

,*Heueup*…”

A sigh that leaked out unconsciously. Just as Park Min-ah was becoming ecstatic with the deepening kiss, Lee-han’s hand reached into her collar.

,Ah, no!”

Park Min-ah flinched in surprise and pulled away. With a face full of embarrassment, she muttered.

,I-I’m sorry, Superintendent-nim. I’m not ready yet…”

,Ah…”

Lee-han sighed coldly. He stared at Park Min-ah with eyes full of disappointment.

,I’m sorry. I made a mistake..”

Lee-han’s voice as he apologized was frigid.

,Wa-wait, please listen to me…”

,I’ll be going now.”

Rejecting Park Min-ah’s pleas, Lee-han opened the front door and disappeared. Watching his back, Park Min-ah fell into despair.

,It’s my fault, Superintendent-nim…”

Only silence echoed. It’s my fault for pushing him away. With that regret, Park Min-ah couldn’t hold back the tears that burst out and collapsed on the sofa.

—

Park Min-ah was walking through the apartment complex in a depressed mood. She had cried at home all day yesterday, and now she was out of food and felt hungry. As she sighed and moved her feet, a couple suddenly caught her eye coming from the front.

,Oh, that woman looks familiar…’

After thinking about it carefully, it was Han Su-jin, the neighborhood association president who had created that awkward situation a few days ago. A flustered Park Min-ah quickly lowered her head and tried to avoid her, but their eyes had already met, and Han Su-jin seemed to have recognized her as well.

Han Su-jin looked surprised, and soon whispered something to the man next to her. Then she approached Park Min-ah.

,Hello, Min-ah-ssi. Do you have a moment?”

Park Min-ah nodded hesitantly. Han Su-jin stared at her for a moment, then carefully opened her mouth.

,About what happened last time… I think I went too far. The superintendent-nim looked into it in detail, and said that Min-ah-ssi was actually misunderstood. I’m really sorry.”

Park Min-ah was flustered by the unexpected apology. Lee-han’s words came to mind.

,He said he had taken care of everything…’

Although a corner of her heart was uneasy, Park Min-ah forced a smile.

,Ah, it’s okay. I think I was too sensitive too. Thank you for understanding.”

Han Su-jin, smiling, apologized once again.

,I was a little careless with my words back then.”

Park Min-ah’s face hardened for a moment. She bit her lip and replied.

,Yes. It’s okay.”

,I’m sorry. The superintendent-nim went around in person and told everyone that wasn’t the case.”

Han Su-jin bowed her head and apologized. Park Min-ah hurriedly accepted the apology.

,No, it’s okay, Neighborhood Association President-nim.”

,Yes, thank you for accepting it. Then I’ll be going now…”

,Ah, yes, please go in carefully.”

Han Su-jin greeted Park Min-ah and returned to her husband with complicated feelings. Superficially, she apologized as instructed by Lee-han, but deep down she didn’t feel any remorse. But when she noticed that Lee-han was showing interest in Park Min-ah, a strange feeling arose in Han Su-jin’s heart.

,I can’t be the only one who suffers what I went through because of that man.’

Han Su-jin gritted her teeth. She had unwillingly succumbed to Lee-han. It was because of the fear that she would lose her husband if she didn’t comply with his demands. Han Su-jin thought that Park Min-ah should face the same desperate moment. As if she couldn’t be the only one who was unhappy, a dark feeling was smoldering in her heart. She smiled bitterly at the thought that if she helped Lee-han in this way, Park Min-ah would also be bound by the same shackles as her.

Park Tae-young looked at her expression and asked.

,What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

,No, it’s nothing. I just had some concerns about the neighborhood association.”

Han Su-jin answered with a bitter smile. Soon, she linked arms with Park Tae-young and put on a bright expression.

,Honey, there’s a young woman named Park Min-ah living in our complex. I saw her a few days ago, and you know…”

,Park Min-ah? That’s the first time I’ve heard that name?”

When Park Tae-young made a puzzled expression, Han Su-jin continued to explain.

,Yeah, you probably haven’t seen her? Anyway, that young woman seems to be getting along well with Lee-han-ssi at our management office these days. To my eyes, the atmosphere between them is unusual.”

,Oh my, really? Then is a couple being born in our complex?”

Park Tae-young retorted playfully at Han Su-jin’s words. Watching Park Tae-young burst into laughter, saying that the two seemed to be developing into lovers, Han Su-jin laughed along with him.

,Well, I don’t know yet, but they seem to get along well. Just like when we were dating.”

,Haha, it reminds me of our dating days. We should be a good role model for new lovers, shouldn’t we?”

The two continued their pleasant conversation and walked with their arms linked. Throughout their walk home in an affectionate manner, a subtle smile lingered on Han Su-jin’s lips. Park Tae-young still doesn’t know anything. He is just regarding the deep intentions contained in Han Su-jin’s words as a pleasant piece of gossip, unaware of her relationship with Lee-han. Unlike Han Su-jin’s bitter inner thoughts, it was just a peaceful moment in everyday life for Park Tae-young.

Han Su-jin’s inner self, writhing with anxiety, jealousy, and a desire for revenge. Even in the conversation with her husband, her heart was intricately entangled.