A Busy Day at the Office

Seok-ho accompanied Seo-yeon to her office, his presence as steady and dependable as ever. Ensuring her schedule was in order, he confirmed her meetings and made sure she had everything she needed for the day.

"I'll be back later," he told her, his tone firm yet gentle. "But if anything comes up, just call the secretary. I'll be meeting someone."

Seo-yeon nodded, her trust in him implicit. With a final glance at her, Seok-ho left, his mind already racing with thoughts about finding the person behind the assault on Seo-yeon.

Searching for Answers

Seok-ho spent the morning chasing leads, meeting with friends of the deceased employee, hoping to uncover a thread of information. Yet, each conversation ended in frustration. The mastermind behind the attack remained elusive.

Exhausted and disheartened, he sought solace with his own friends. Their laughter and easy banter were a brief reprieve.

In the middle of their conversation, Seok-ho’s phone rang. It was Seo-yeon.

"Where are you? Come, let’s eat something," she said, her voice a sweet balm to his frayed nerves.

His friends teased him, their grins wide. Ignoring them, he whispered into the phone, "I’ll be right there," before making his way back to her.

A Waited Meal

When Seok-ho arrived at Seo-yeon’s office, he found her waiting, her fatigue evident. She’d held off on lunch, hoping to share it with him. Now, late afternoon shadows stretched across the room, and her stomach growled audibly.

"You should’ve eaten," he scolded lightly, guilt flickering in his eyes. "Or at least called me sooner."

Seo-yeon brushed off his concern with a smile. "It’s fine. I wasn’t that hungry." But another loud growl betrayed her words, making her blush deeply.

Seok-ho chuckled and set to ensuring she ate properly. As she took her first bite, she noticed the tension in his expression.

"What’s bothering you?" she asked softly, her gaze searching his.

He forced a faint smile, deflecting her concern. "It’s nothing. Don’t worry."

But the heaviness lingered, unspoken but undeniable.

The Secretary's Return

As they sat together, enjoying the quiet moment, the secretary knocked hesitantly before entering.

"I’m sorry," she stammered. "I’ll come back later."

Seo-yeon waved her in. "It’s fine. What’s the matter?"

After a brief exchange, the secretary left, leaving Seo-yeon and Seok-ho alone once more. The interruption didn’t break the comfortable silence, though the unspoken tension between them remained.

A Date Night to Remember

That evening, sensing Seok-ho’s unease, Seo-yeon suggested they go out. Together, they wandered through the lively city streets, the festive atmosphere lifting their spirits. They played games, danced under twinkling lights, and laughed as they tried street food.

As they walked, Seo-yeon grew contemplative. "You know," she began softly, "I’ve always been curious about you. Back in school, I noticed you. You were so intelligent, so handsome. Everyone admired you, and… even then, I felt something for you."

Her confession took Seok-ho by surprise. He stopped walking, his eyes locking with hers. Seo-yeon’s voice wavered but carried a deep sincerity.

"I think… I loved you back then too," she admitted.

Moved, Seok-ho stood frozen for a moment. Then, without hesitation, Seo-yeon stepped closer, wrapping her arms around him.

"I love you," she said again, her voice unwavering.

As if on cue, snow began to fall, soft and silent, blanketing the city in a pristine white. The world seemed to hold its breath, the moment suspended in the magic of the season.

Seok-ho, his emotions raw and unguarded, held her close. "I love you too," he whispered, his voice steady and sure.

The snow fell heavier, their embrace illuminated by the glow of the city lights. Together, they stood as the world around them faded into the quiet beauty of the first snowfall.