JiHo looked across the table at Yoo SangHoon, unsure of how to respond to what he had just been told.

 "She's a kind girl, JiHo," Yoo SangHoon told him after taking a sip of tea. "I do apologize for the bit of deception for you to meet her. You don't have to take your relationship any further than a professional arrangement. I would simply like to know she has someone to rely upon when I'm gone. You'd be a bodyguard for her, if nothing more. Is this something you can do for me?"

 JiHo found it difficult to speak as one bombshell after another was dropped, the least important of which was the revelation the concert was her idea to help a bullied teen. More surprising and unexpected was learning the arrangement for her to become his driver was the first step in putting them together on a more personal level.

 Even more shocking was discovering the man who sat before him, the man who helped his career and took him under his wing after his family was murdered, only had months to live. 

 "How does she feel about all of this?" he asked softly, trying to maintain his composure.  

 "She doesn't know, and I'd like to keep it that way," Yoo SangHoon replied. "I've told her I don't believe I will live to see another birthday, but nothing about my doctor's conclusion. That's the only reason she agreed to go. We spent this morning shopping for a gown. We'll spend this afternoon shopping for anything else she needs.

 She's never had this experience as she lost both of her parents at such a young age. Her uncle was busy trying to keep her from depression over their death, loneliness here, and every time she was harassed for her lineage. He spent every day teaching her life skills but didn't consider she needed to learn to be a proper young woman, too. This may be my last gift to her.

 As for the rest, I would never tell her I've behaved as a matchmaker. I think it would hurt her. She knows I know she would do anything to make me happy as gratitude for helping her. She would go along with this just to please me. She knows I know she would, so she would feel betrayed and taken advantage of. I would never want her to feel such a thing.

 Yesterday was the death anniversary of her uncle," he revealed. "I've never mentioned it to her that I know how much she struggles with it. When I learned of the concert, I was overjoyed. I thought it would help her through the weekend. I'm certain it did to a degree.

 When she picked me up for our shopping this morning, I could see she hadn't slept well. Did you notice when you saw her?"

 JiHo nodded. "I asked if she had slept and she gave me a glance as if it was a strange thing to ask. She was as polite as ever and wore a bright smile as she said she had a full night's rest. I didn't pursue the truth. If someone lies about the way they're feeling, it's because they don't wish to speak of it. I respect that."

 "You'll be attending the masquerade, won't you?" Yoo SangHoon asked.

 "I do every year, seonsaengnim," JiHo replied. "Are you asking because she'll be there this time?"

 "Perhaps," Yoo SangHoon said with a small chuckle. "I hope this masquerade will help her since everyone will be in masks," he added. "I want her to relax and enjoy herself without feeling she has to behave professionally with her clients. You know, she struggles with anxiety."

 JiHo nodded as he again considered their closeness.

 "I believe she's here for you," Yoo SangHoon announced as he motioned toward the window of the restaurant.

 They watched her sedan drive past until it reached the front pick up area.

 "You leave first," Yoo SangHoon instructed. "She doesn't know I was your lunch meeting. I don't want her to be suspicious and ask questions. She's, also, not to know what I've told you about my health. No part of this meeting is to be disclosed. Can I count on you, JiHo?"

 "Of course, seonsaengnim," he answered firmly. "You know you always can."

 "Good, good," Yoo SangHoon replied.

 He stood with JiHo and shared a short bow before JiHo headed for the door.