episode_0022

“Ugh….”

The new team leader waits for my response, looking extremely embarrassed. If he really liked me as the team leader claimed, then all the torment I endured until now was just to seek attention—

“My way of appealing must have been completely wrong….”

Was this what they call tsundere? No, it was far from that. There was no dere, just tsun tsun tsun tsun. At least, that’s how I remember it.

If he had pulled a stunt like that on me right before my divorce with Nayoung, I might have even considered reciprocating. But back then, not only was I uninterested in him, but I wasn’t interested in anyone else either.

Of course, the new team leader is attractive. It’s just that he lacks a bit in fashion sense; his face isn’t ugly at all. Glasses suit him well, and there’s nothing to fault about his appearance.

However, I’ve never once thought of the new team leader in romantic terms. That’s why I agreed to accompany him on this business trip. He’s someone I can maintain a professional relationship with.

I sighed and placed a hand on the new team leader’s shoulder.

“I’m sorry.”

I said as kindly as possible. The team leader flinched.

Even if he were to confess his feelings for me out of the blue, I couldn’t accept them. Unless there was some form of apology for all the torment he caused me, which I highly doubted, all I had were unpleasant memories, making it impossible for me to reciprocate any feelings, even if I wanted to.

“I-I understand… I’m not good enough for you….”

“Sigh… I’m not saying you’re a bad person. It wasn’t pleasant, though.”

“Well then……”

“I may say this, but I’ve never once felt romantic feelings towards you, not even now.”

“……”

It’s not that he’s a bad person. It’s just that… it’s a matter of his emotional expression being distorted in such a way that it has left a negative impression on those around him. It’s not fair to label him as bad. This is something that can be corrected.

It’s simply a personal preference.

And… if he knew about my personal life, who knows what he might say next.

“Maybe I’m just not meant for love…. To spend my whole life alone like this….”

The new team leader’s voice trembled. Well… given the blatant rejection and the cold treatment he received, it’s natural for him to feel this way, but perhaps it was too harsh.

“No. You’ll be able to find someone.”

“Even when good people like the director reject me…?”

“……”

“I know. People don’t think highly of me. That’s why I can’t even talk to my team members… You’re the only one who treats me with respect….”

He seems to be very aware of his reputation. Yet, this level of self-awareness isn’t severe. Most individuals of this sort are unaware of their own faults.

The real villains consider themselves martyrs, spewing nonsensical arguments without engaging their brains, tearing others down to satisfy their egos.

They’re different from straightforward craftsmen. Those people may have skills and charm, but these individuals can’t even do their own work and push it onto others. Just thinking about it makes me angry.

Anyway, there’s still hope for the new team leader.

“I’m not such a great person. And people can change anytime.”

“How so? Please tell me.”

“Well… it’s a long story… Are you okay with that?”

“Yes. Please go ahead.”

About two hours later. I rambled on to the new team leader about various things. From how to dress properly, to ways to catch someone’s eye, and even unnecessary advice as a senior of three years in life.

I felt a bit like an old fogey, but I considered it payback for all I had endured.

“Thank you so much for today….”

“Oh, I feel like I’ve rambled on unnecessarily….”

“Well, sometimes we need to hear such advice.”

“Haha……”

So it was just advice… darn it. Even if you consciously try not to become an old fogey, it naturally seeps in.

“Then, see you tomorrow, Director.”

“Yes. See you tomorrow.”

The team leader had said he would come to the parking lot to meet me, but I stopped him. It’s already evening, and it would be impolite to make him come back and forth.

“Ugh….”

Of all times, it’s quitting time. And it takes 30 minutes just to get from Yeoksam to one station. If I can manage to get to Sillim, I might be able to escape somehow, but it seems like I’ll be extremely late.

I should call Yuhee to let her know I’ll be late—

“10 missed calls.”

Oh no.

—

“N, I’m here….”

I couldn’t see Yuhee anywhere. Dinner wasn’t prepared, and the door was firmly locked. It was past 9 PM, and the house was pitch dark.

*Knock, knock.*

Summoning my courage, I knocked on the door, but there was still no response. Helplessly, I entered my room and lay down on the bed.

“Darn it.”

Today, there’s no signal. Even though we’ve stopped engaging in such behavior and talking more, there was still complete silence coming from her room.

She couldn’t possibly be sleeping; she must be really angry.

Until I left today, everything seemed fine, but now it feels like we’re back to square one because of my carelessness.

“Sigh….”

It feels like the tower I built towards Yuhee is crumbling, making me sigh involuntarily. Reporting any issues at work is basic common sense, something I failed to do even with my family.

Will things become awkward like this? Should I just consider it a one-night memory? Will yesterday become a thing of the past? Is there no hope for a proper relationship with Yuhee in the future?

“It’s such a waste.”

Just as one gets angry when something precious is taken away, one becomes sad when it disappears. If it’s something valuable, even more so.

I don’t want to end things with Yuhee like this.

We had finally gotten closer through that incident. If we drift apart again, we may never get close again.

…I can’t just sit idly by.

*Knock, knock.*

I knocked on Yuhee’s door once again.

I should proceed as usual. Whether she listens or not, I always talk to Yuhee. There’s nothing different about the situation now.

“Yuhee.”

Still, there was no sound from inside. Nevertheless, I spoke.

“I’m sorry for not answering your calls. I was preoccupied with counseling, and got stuck in heavy traffic due to a car accident… Oh, that person lives in Yeoksam. Anyway, I was stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic for an hour…. I’m sorry. I’ll answer next time no matter what happens…”

So please forgive me. Yuhee.

“….”

I’ve said my piece. Whether I am forgiven or not, I am content. As long as Yuhee sleeps well, that’s enough for me—

“Why are you making such a fuss?”

“Yuhee…”

Yuhee suddenly opened the door and came out. Her neatly cut straight bangs and slightly disheveled but flowing hair caught my eye.

Yuhee blinked as if the light was blinding her, looking at me.

“Ugh….”

“Were you sleeping?”

“Yeah. I fell asleep waiting for Dad. I forgot about dinner. I’ll do it now.”

“You don’t have to bother—”

“Hurry up and wash. Your feet smell.”

“Sorry….”

Realizing it was all my misunderstanding, I felt my face flush. Hurriedly, I went into the bathroom before Yuhee could notice.

“Phew… I’m such an idiot.”

But seeing Yuhee’s faint smile before going in made me feel a bit embarrassed but not too much.

—

“Manager.”

“Yes?”

The next day. Chief Choi called me to a secluded place from early morning. He had a serious expression, as if he had something important to say.

“Are you two dating?”

“What? With whom?”

“With whom, you ask. With Team Leader Shin.”

“Oh~ No. Why?”

“Well, you see, some people saw you and Team Leader Shin together yesterday. Did you come here yesterday?”

I never thought anyone would see us at Yeoksam on a weekend… No, at least give us Sundays off.

People are the same way. They believe only what they see and exaggerate it. It’s not fun. That’s why I dislike tabloid reporters.

“Sigh… It’s not like that. I just went to see how he’s living in his suit.”

“But he seems so different now?”

“Different?”

“Yes. He seems more vibrant… Maybe because of the director—”

“I didn’t do anything.”

“I thought you might say something…”

“Do you want a resignation letter?”

“Sorry.”

“Anyway, it’s not like that… I’ll handle it myself.”

“Okay.”

I felt uneasy for no reason. Even though the situation with the person concerned was neatly resolved, others around me were making a fuss.

Upon returning to the office, a familiar scent tickled my nose.

“Hello, Director.”

“….”

Even if people change, some changes are too drastic. From someone uptight and closed off, she transformed into a vibrant and cheerful team leader.

She had rolled up her white shirt halfway, exuding a fresh vibe, and wore a slightly split shirring skirt that reached above her knees. Unlike her usual stuffy black stockings, she wore slightly sheer black ones, accentuating her sexy curves even more.

Above all, that smile wasn’t the kind that appears in just a day.

“Hello… there.”

“Thursday. Counting on you.”

“Oh, yes….”

As the new team leader passed by, her fragrance enveloped me, and an inexplicable sense of unease ran down my spine.