Chapter 40.2

Chapter 40.2

Chulhyun took Heeju’s bowl. As he casually slurped up what was left of someone else’s food, far behind his shoulder, Gukhyun came into view.

He stood up from the table while conversing with Kwon Soo-ah. Her gaze followed him up. Then the two walked out side by side.

“Does it bother you?”

Chulhyun, who had slurped up the noodles, wiped his mouth with a tissue.

“Don’t worry. Our Executive Director’s the type who keeps business and pleasure strictly separate.”

“You’ve got some here too.”

When Heeju pointed to her own cheek, Chulhyun wiped the other side with a napkin. He reached for his cola can, only to find it empty. Heeju slid her own can across the table and said in a flat tone,

“So Kwon Soo-ah is the ‘business,’ and I’m the ‘personal’ side?”

“Isn’t that how it is?”

Chulhyun popped the tab on the new can with a crisp snap and looked at her.

“That’s what I figured.”

“I’m just the Executive Director’s doctor.”

“Mm. I see.”

Chulhyun tapped the can with his fingertip. He seemed lost in thought for a moment, staring into space before meeting Heeju’s eyes again.

“Well, that’s a relief.”

“……”

“Honestly, having someone like you next to the Executive Director doesn’t really look like the best picture.”

“……”

“To be straight, I didn’t like it.”

His narrow, sharp eyes fixed on her. She wondered absently if he’d tattooed that weasel on his back because he really did look like one. She broke the silence.

“You’re very direct.”

At that, Chulhyun scratched his cheek with a sheepish look.

“Hey, don’t get me wrong. I didn’t mean I don’t like you, Ko Heeju.”

“I won’t take it that way. Did you finish?”

Heeju slipped her coat over her arm and rose from her seat. Cheolhyeon hurried up too, blurting,

“You are taking it the wrong way, huh? You’re kinda mad right now, aren’t you?”

“No. Why would I be? You didn’t say you hated me.”

“Wow… your tone just got ice cold.”

“My tone’s always the same.”

“Then look me in the eye and say that.”

“Why make such a big deal of it? No.”

After putting on her coat, Heeju headed for the door. Chulhyun strode quickly after her, closing the distance until he was right at her side, muttering just loud enough for her to hear.

“You’re sulking, admit it.”

“Think whatever you want.”

“Come on, say it while looking me in the eye.”

Pressed by his persistence, Heeju came to an abrupt stop. She drew in a long breath, like swallowing down irritation, then exhaled. Facing him directly, she said,

“I’m not sulking. Satisfied?”

She shot him a brief glare, then started walking again. Chulhun’s eyes followed her retreating back, and he let out a short, scoffing laugh.

“Guess I’m starting to get why Gang-ah gets so worked up.”

From a distance, Yunam watched the whole exchange in silence.

***

“Contact Gang-ah once you’re done here.”

Chulhyun parked the car in front of the research institute building. Compared to the car Sungang drove, it was more subdued and drew less attention. Heeju unbuckled her seatbelt and said.

“Yes, thank you for the ride.”

“It’s not something to thank me for.”

Chulhyun wrinkled his nose mischievously and smiled. It was a habitual polite remark, but it wasn’t exactly wrong. Whether it was Lee Chulhyun or Kang Sungang, both were assigned by Kwon Gukhyun to keep tabs on Heeju.

Thinking that way made it a bit unpleasant, but since she had no intention of running away anyway, it was easier to think of them not as a watchdog but as chauffeurs. Chauffeurs who came running at a call and didn’t charge taxi fares—how convenient was that?

“Don’t wander around alone. If possible, don’t even leave the research institute building.”

The nagging was a bonus.

“I told you earlier, right? There’s something important today. It’s a sensitive time, so you never know when some crazy bastard might pop up out of nowhere.”

It sounded like concern, but the tone was no different from a threat.

“To begin with, I don’t understand why he’d allow you to go out on a day like this. Strange how the Executive Director goes soft only with you. That’s exactly what I don’t like. Not you, Ko Heeju, but that.”

“…Still going on about that?”

“Yeah, ‘cause you really look pissed this time, Ms. Ko Heeju.”

Chulhyun leaned his arm on the steering wheel with a mischievous expression.

“I don’t want to be disliked by hyung-nim’s beloved personal physician.”

“Goodbye.”

Deciding there was no need to respond further, Heeju bowed lightly and stepped out of the car. From the window, Chulhyun grinned before smoothly driving off.