Ch.316316. Pillow Talk Litigation

“Oh, I forgot to ask earlier… How’s the job training going, husband?”

“It’s moderately difficult, I guess. Not too easy, not too hard.”

“Hmm… I see.”

Hwa Nabi stretched out her words as she nuzzled her nose bridge against my chest. It was like an affectionate cat showing its charm, and as I stroked her hair, my heart suddenly fluttered.

The way she suddenly attacks when I’m off guard… she’s truly a woman I can’t let my guard down around…

“Ah, right. Speaking of work, Nabi, it’s already been three years since we got married, hasn’t it?”

“Yes, that’s right. But why bring that up?”

“When I mentioned it to the people in my department, nobody believed me. So I told them we already have two children, and even showed them photos, but they laughed and said I was joking around with pictures of my niece and nephew.”

“Didn’t you show them photos of me too?”

“Of course I showed them pictures of you with the kids. But they still didn’t believe me, asking if they were my niece and nephew while laughing.”

“…Hmmmm.”

Hwa Nabi, who had been nuzzling her nose bridge against me, suddenly stopped moving. I could hear her purring breath. Still burying her face against my chest, she inhaled and exhaled, blowing hot breath.

This was her characteristic rough breathing that she often showed when something displeased her. Was there something in what I just said that bothered her?

As I gently stroked the back of her head, about to ask, Hwa Nabi hugged my torso tightly and quietly closed her eyes. It seemed like she was trying to fall asleep.

“Going to sleep?”

“…Husband.”

“Yes, I’m listening.”

“Don’t you go to company dinners?”

“I’ve been invited a few times, but I declined them all.”

“Why?”

“Obviously because I wanted to come home quickly to see our family.”

I was trying to score points with that answer. It shows how devoted I am to my family, right? I thought Hwa Nabi would be touched, but surprisingly, she narrowed her eyes and tapped my arm.

“Tsk, why didn’t you go?”

“Is this really something to click your tongue about…?”

I didn’t expect criticism instead of praise. Feeling wronged, I meekly protested, but my opinion was naturally ignored. Clicking her tongue, Hwa Nabi placed her finger on my abs and drew what looked like a character.

This movement… it looks like the character for “straight.” But why are there only four strokes?

“What did you write? ‘Straight’?”

“No, I was marking the number four.”

“Really? What does that mean?”

“The number of times I came while you were holding ba… mmph.”

“…Don’t say such things where the kids might hear.”

Although we’ve been using separate bedrooms since the children became deep sleepers, I’m still afraid they might hear our conversation. Hearing this kind of talk would be bad for their emotional development.

Hwa Nabi, whose lips I had covered, mumbled for a moment before turning her head to break free.

“Oh, whatever. Anyway, husband, next time there’s a company dinner, you must go. Understood?”

“But then I’ll be home two or three hours late. Is that okay?”

“Yes, it’s fine. It’s fine, but if you do go, please let me know where you’re going and what time.”

“Sure, that’s no problem…”

I was going to do that anyway, so it doesn’t matter. I nodded, and with that, Hwa Nabi closed her eyes again.

“Husband.”

“Yes?”

“Shall we make it to five times before sleeping?”

“…”

*

“Nabi. Sorry, I might be late today.”

“Ah, is it because of that company dinner you mentioned before? The one to celebrate your joining the company?”

“Yes, that’s right. You remembered well.”

“It’s about you, not someone else. Of course I remember.”

I always feel that Hwa Nabi speaks so beautifully. Thanks to that, even the same words seem twice as cute coming from her.

Feeling moved while preparing for work, I approached Hwa Nabi and gave her a light hug. She might have been surprised by the sudden embrace, but she didn’t pull away and hugged me back.

“Oh, husband, your tie is crooked.”

“Huh? Where?”

“Hold still for a moment.”

Hwa Nabi reached behind my neck. She seemed to be retying my tie, and because of that, our distance became so close that our lips would meet if either of us moved slightly.

I wonder if she secretly applies lip balm, because her lips always look so moist. If I moved just a little and gave her a light kiss, would Hwa Nabi get angry about what I was doing so early in the morning? Or would she respond with a faint smile as if she couldn’t help it?

As I became very curious and moved my face closer, Hwa Nabi patted my chest. She had finished fixing my tie.

“There, all done.”

“Thanks.”

Swallowing my disappointment, I straightened my posture. It was a rare good opportunity, but it couldn’t be helped.

“You seem to have woken up a bit late today. You’re not going to be late, are you?”

“No, there’s plenty of time. It only takes 30 minutes by car anyway.”

“Is that so? Then we can continue when you get back.”

“Continue what?”

As I checked my appearance in the mirror, I felt a soft touch on my left cheek. Hwa Nabi had kissed my cheek.

The sudden skinship made me feel both flustered and pleased. With these complex emotions, I looked at Hwa Nabi, who winked cutely at me and whispered.

“You looked like you wanted it.”

“…Can you handle it?”

“Hmm, handle what?”

“If we continue when I get back, can you handle it?”

“Huh, what exactly are you planning to do?”

You probably know better than I do. I gently caressed Hwa Nabi’s shoulder, then slowly moved my hand downward. She didn’t avoid my hand, but rather gave me a provocative look as if challenging me to try if I could.

Getting more excited, I thought I still had time and could get more serious…

-Creak.

“Dad, are you going to work?”

“…Oh, my daughter. You’re already awake? You could sleep a bit more.”

“Yeah, but I woke up because I need to pee. Mom, I need the bathroom.”

“O-our Woohee. You woke up because you need to use the bathroom…?”

Startled as if caught committing a crime, we jumped apart and pretended to be doing something else. Hwa Nabi quickly picked up Woohee, and I pretended to adjust my clothes while looking in the mirror.

“Dad, have a good day.”

“Yes, Woohee, listen to your mom. Take good care of Woocheon too, okay?”

“Yeah, I’m not a baby anymore.”

“…Heh, that’s right. Woohee is a grown-up now. Nabi, I should get going.”

“Ah, yes. Have a good day.”

After saying goodbye, I went to the entrance. I put on my shoes and checked the time on my wristwatch. There’s still plenty of time. I could leisurely have a cup of coffee before going in.

“By the way, husband. Where is the dinner today?”

“Hmm… You know that big meat restaurant near my company? We saw it together once when we were on a date.”

“The place with the really long line? The one with lots of people?”

“Yes, that’s where we’re going.”

“Ah, I see. Alright. Have a good day, really.”

“Yeah, see you this evening.”

“…Yes, see you this evening.”

The way she stretched her words at the end sounded somewhat meaningful, but I didn’t think much of it and left the house. My destination was, of course, our company. The physical distance isn’t far, but during rush hour, the traffic is endlessly congested.

Seeing how even short distances get so jammed, the term “commuting hell” isn’t an exaggeration. On a day like today, packed with people, the only consolation is that the weather is gradually getting warmer. It’s sometimes even sweaty outside, which is surprisingly warm for February.

I bought an Americano at a coffee shop near the company and took the employee elevator. I thought no one would be there since I came out quite early, but I saw a familiar face.

“Team leader, good morning.”

“Yes, good morning to you too, Siwoo. But you came really early?”

“I thought the traffic would be bad if I left later, so I just came early.”

“Is that so? Well, it’s better to come a bit early than to be late. Siwoo, you’re so wise. This might seem trivial, but all these little things are reflected in your personnel evaluation. Young people these days lack initiative, but our Siwoo…”

Ah, here we go again. The team leader’s TMI. I’m now used to his common repertoire, starting with “young people these days” and flowing into political talk. I just nodded and smiled appropriately while the elevator went up.

-Ding.

We arrived at the 11th floor where our department is located. The team leader got off first, and I followed. From here, I could be free. The team leader would go straight to his seat, but I needed to stop by the pantry first.

The reason is nothing special. I check if there’s any coffee or supplies missing before the deputy managers arrive, and if there is, I restock them. It’s like a fate that all office rookies must fulfill.

“Team leader, I’ll stop by the pantry first.”

“Yes, good work, Siwoo.”

After parting with the team leader, I headed to the pantry. The first things to check are the coffee mix reserves and A4 paper for the copier. Those two items are like the soul of office workers. It’s not an exaggeration—without them, work can’t be done.

“There’s enough paper…”

Next is the coffee mix. The kettle and coffee are inside the pantry. I slowly stood up from my kneeling position.

But then, thud.

“Siwoo.”

Someone grabbed my shoulder just as I was getting up. Startled, I reflexively turned around and saw an unexpected face.

“Oh, hyung?”

“Yes, it’s me.”

“If you’re here, you should make some noise. You startled me…”

I thought some intruder had snuck into the company. As I shuddered, he quietly laughed. Glancing at him, I noticed he was carrying a bunch of documents, apparently having come in the middle of work.

“You’re working hard so early in the morning.”

“You too, Siwoo. I heard you come in early without anyone asking, and leave the latest?”

“Well, that’s because… I’m lacking, so I need to work harder.”

“Working hard is good, but don’t stand out too much. You might make others dislike you. Everything in this world is best done in moderation.”

“I appreciate the advice, but you don’t follow it yourself.”

“Siwoo. There are two types of people in a company. One is the person others have to accommodate, and the other is the person who has to accommodate others.”

“Are you saying you’re the former?”

“Yes, because I have the ability to be.”

“…”

It’s a bit annoying, but I can’t argue with that. After all, he has demonstrated abilities that make comparing him to me unfair.

What was it again? I vaguely heard he secured the Singapore construction project, which was the company’s biggest achievement since its founding.

“If you’re going to stand out, do it decisively. If you can’t, then blend in decisively. Got it?”

“Okay, I’ll think about it. But did you really come all the way here this morning just to tell me that?”

“No. Of course I came for something else. Here, take this.”

“What is it?”

“Your military exemption documents.”

“…Huh?”