The day began like any other, with Seok-ho waiting silently in the hallway for Seo-yeon to emerge from her room. He stood rigid, his expression unreadable, his eyes occasionally flicking toward the clock on the wall. When the door finally opened, he straightened his posture, offering her a polite nod.

Seo-yeon stepped out, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. Her sharp eyes briefly scanned him, lingering just a second longer than usual. He was wearing the same suit again—the one she’d seen him in every day. It was clean and neatly pressed, but the thought of him always wearing the same outfit tugged at her heart. Why had she never noticed this before? The question stayed with her as they rode to the office in silence.

A Busy Day at Work

The office was its usual hive of activity. Seo-yeon buried herself in reports and meetings, her mind consumed by the endless demands of her role. Yet, she found her gaze drifting more often than she’d like. Each time she glanced at the doorway, Seok-ho was there, standing silently with his usual quiet intensity. His presence was a constant—a wall of unwavering support that she hadn’t realized she was relying on.

From her desk, her secretary’s keen eyes tracked these glances, a small frown creasing her forehead. Something had shifted between Seo-yeon and her bodyguard, though the secretary couldn’t quite put her finger on what. Her suspicion grew as she watched Seo-yeon’s glances linger.

Meanwhile, Seok-ho remained watchful. He observed the weight of Seo-yeon’s responsibilities and the weariness etched into her features. Sympathy welled up in him. He wanted to ease her burden, though he knew his role offered little opportunity to do so.

When the workday finally ended, they left the office together, the usual silence hanging between them as they returned home.

A Quiet Realization

Back at the house, Seo-yeon found herself in a casual conversation with one of the maids as they walked down the hallway.

“Do you think Seok-ho always wears the same suit?” she asked, her tone light but curious.

The maid hesitated, glancing at her cautiously. “Yes, Miss Seo-yeon. I’ve noticed that too. Maybe he doesn’t have any others.”

Seo-yeon’s heart sank. The image of Seok-ho’s stoic face and unwavering demeanor filled her mind. He never complained, never showed any signs of discomfort or need. Yet, the thought that he might be quietly struggling stirred something deep within her.

The Suit Shopping

The next morning, Seo-yeon made a decision. As they drove to work, she broke the usual silence.

“We’re going somewhere after work,” she said firmly. “Come with me.”

Seok-ho glanced at her, his curiosity evident but unspoken. He nodded without question, as always.

When the workday ended, Seo-yeon directed the driver to a high-end boutique. Stepping out of the car, she motioned for Seok-ho to follow her inside. The shop’s elegant displays gleamed under soft lighting, and Seo-yeon’s determination was evident.

“Go try on some suits,” she instructed, her voice leaving no room for argument. “You shouldn’t be wearing the same thing every day.”

Seok-ho hesitated, his brows furrowing. “I’m fine with what I have,” he said softly, but Seo-yeon’s sharp look silenced him.

“Humor me,” she said, practically dragging him toward the racks.

As he tried on different suits, Seo-yeon found herself captivated. Each outfit accentuated his broad shoulders and strong frame, and she couldn’t stop her cheeks from warming. She quickly averted her gaze whenever he caught her looking.

“You look… very good in these,” she murmured, her voice faltering slightly. “I’ll get them for you.”

Seok-ho opened his mouth to protest, but the quiet conviction in her eyes stopped him. He nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. It was the first time she’d seen him smile, and it left her momentarily breathless.

A Walk Through the Streets

Afterward, they decided to take a walk through the evening streets. The city lights sparkled above them, and the crisp night air felt refreshing. They stopped at small shops along the way, picking up trinkets and snacks, their conversations light and easy. Yet beneath the surface, both were acutely aware of the growing connection between them.

Back at the house, the secretary stood by the window, her brows knitted in worry. Turning to the driver, she asked, “Have they returned yet?”

The driver shook his head. “Not yet, ma’am. They’re still out.”

Her unease deepened. Something was happening, and she was determined to find out what.

The Heartfelt Conversation

Their walk eventually led them to a quiet park. They sat on a bench, drinks in hand, the peaceful atmosphere wrapping around them like a cocoon. Seok-ho was the first to break the silence.

“After I left school, I went back many times,” he said, his voice low. “I was hoping to see you. But you were gone. What happened?”

Seo-yeon’s gaze turned distant, her fingers tightening around her cup. “My parents called me to Europe. They wanted me to join them there. It was what I’d been waiting for, but it also meant leaving everything behind. The maids, my school, my friends…” She paused, her voice trembling. “And you.”

Seok-ho’s heart ached at her words. He reached out, his hand resting gently on her shoulder. “I understand. You didn’t have a choice.”

Their eyes met, the unspoken bond between them growing stronger. For the first time, they felt the weight of their shared history, the connection that had always been there, waiting to be rediscovered.

Cooking Dinner

Back at the house, Seok-ho decided to take charge of dinner. He moved with practiced ease in the kitchen, preparing dishes with surprising skill. Seo-yeon watched from the doorway, a small smile playing on her lips. Seeing this side of him—calm, focused, and domestic—made her chest tighten.

When dinner was served, the maids gathered around the table, their chatter filled with praise for Seok-ho’s cooking. Laughter echoed through the dining room, and for a moment, it felt like a family meal.

Seo-yeon’s gaze lingered on Seok-ho throughout the evening, her admiration for him growing with every passing second.

Thoughts Before Sleep

That night, as they lay in their respective rooms, neither could escape their thoughts. Seo-yeon’s mind replayed the day—his quiet strength, his unexpected smile, the way he had listened to her. Seok-ho’s thoughts were consumed by her laughter, her kindness, and the vulnerability she had shared.

Their hearts beat a little faster as sleep claimed them, the unspoken connection between them growing stronger with each passing moment.