A Day of Hard Work

The morning sun spilled into the office through tall glass windows as Seo-yeon stepped inside, her heels clicking against the polished floors. Seok-ho followed behind her, his gaze sharp and watchful. The weight of a looming project deadline had the entire office abuzz with energy, papers rustling and keyboards clacking as employees hustled to meet expectations.

Seo-yeon’s desk was already piled high with documents. Her shoulders tensed as she dove into the work, focusing intently on the tasks before her. Yet, amidst the chaos, she felt a strange sense of reassurance. Every time she glanced up, her eyes met Seok-ho’s. He stood nearby, ever vigilant, his steady presence grounding her.

Unspoken glances passed between them throughout the day, subtle yet charged with meaning. For Seo-yeon, his quiet support was like an anchor, and for the first time in a long while, she felt less alone.

The Late Night at the Office

As the clock ticked closer to midnight, the office had emptied, save for a few key staff. Seo-yeon sat in the conference room with her team, brainstorming ways to expedite the project. Her exhaustion was evident—dark circles under her eyes, her movements slower than usual.

Seok-ho noticed. Without a word, he left the room and returned moments later, placing an energy drink on the table beside her. Seo-yeon’s eyes softened as she looked up at him, offering a small, grateful smile.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

The secretary, who remained nearby, observed the interaction closely. Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly as she watched Seo-yeon’s lingering gaze on Seok-ho. Something was shifting, and it didn’t escape her notice.

As the hours dragged on, Seo-yeon eventually dismissed the remaining staff. “Go home,” she said firmly to her secretary. “It’s too late. I’ll handle the rest.”

Reluctantly, the secretary left, leaving Seo-yeon and Seok-ho alone in the office.

Alone Time and Growing Feelings

The silence of the late-night office wrapped around them like a cocoon. Seok-ho stepped forward, helping Seo-yeon organize her work. As they moved side by side, their proximity felt intimate, their exchanges more personal. Lighthearted conversations broke the stillness, punctuated by soft laughter.

Eventually, they decided to unwind. Seo-yeon suggested grabbing drinks, and they found themselves at a quiet bar. Seok-ho kept his intake minimal, but Seo-yeon, perhaps overwhelmed by stress, drank more than usual.

By the time they headed home, she was visibly tipsy. Seok-ho helped her into the car, his touch gentle yet firm. “Lean back,” he instructed, securing her seatbelt with care.

Drunk and Tender Moments

At Seo-yeon’s house, Seok-ho carried her inside, her weight light in his strong arms. She murmured his name softly, her breath warm against his neck. The maids, peeking from the hallway, exchanged knowing smiles before retreating.

He placed her carefully on her bed, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. Seo-yeon stirred, her lips parting as if to speak, but sleep claimed her before she could. Seok-ho stood there for a moment, his emotions swirling. The sight of her vulnerability stirred something deep within him—a fierce protectiveness, tinged with affection.

Quietly, he slipped out of the room and into his own quarters.

The Morning After

The next morning, Seo-yeon woke to a dull headache but found herself tucked neatly under her blanket. At the breakfast table, the maids teased her.

“You were quite drunk last night, ma’am,” one said with a grin.

Seo-yeon flushed. “Was I?” she asked, her voice faint. Her eyes darted to Seok-ho, who sat across the room. He met her gaze briefly, a flicker of amusement in his expression, before looking away.

The atmosphere was light, and yet, something lingered in the air between them—a warmth that neither dared to address.

The Secretary’s Suspicion

Back at the office, the project deadline was finally met. The tension of the past week began to ease, and Seo-yeon found herself spending more time with Seok-ho. They walked together during breaks, their laughter softer, their conversations deeper.

The secretary, ever observant, noticed. Her suspicion deepened as she watched Seo-yeon and Seok-ho interact. Their glances lingered too long, their voices held an unfamiliar gentleness. Something was undoubtedly unfolding between them.

Uncovering the Truth

Meanwhile, Seok-ho’s focus shifted to the lingering threat from the past. He tracked down one of the assailant’s associates, using subtle tactics to extract information. The truth he uncovered was alarming—the attack on Seo-yeon had been orchestrated by someone else, a shadowy figure manipulating events from behind the scenes.

The revelation hardened Seok-ho’s resolve. Whoever was targeting Seo-yeon had an agenda, and he would stop at nothing to protect her.

The Hero’s Dedication

Seok-ho spent the next evening at the gym, his punches landing on the heavy bag with unrelenting force. Each strike was fueled by his determination to safeguard Seo-yeon, his mind replaying the threats she’d faced. He pushed himself harder, sweat dripping down his face as he trained.

“I won’t let anything happen to her,” he muttered to himself, his fists clenching tightly.

The Heroine’s Concern

Back at the house, Seo-yeon paced her room, glancing at the clock. Seok-ho hadn’t returned yet, and unease crept into her thoughts.

“Have you seen Seok-ho?” she asked one of the maids.

The maid shook her head. “No, ma’am. He’s not back yet.”

Seo-yeon’s worry deepened. She’d grown used to his constant presence, his unwavering support. The thought of him facing danger alone unsettled her.

Sitting by the window, she stared into the night, her mind filled with questions. What was Seok-ho hiding? And why did the thought of losing him feel like losing a part of herself?