"Eclipse of the Heart"

Episode 10: Growing Closer

Next Morning

The sun rose bright and warm over the Anderson home. Yoon Soo-bini came downstairs freshly dressed, and found his family already at the breakfast table.

“Good morning,” he greeted them with a lighter heart after yesterday’s incident.

“Morning, son,” his father said, passing him a cup of tea. “I’m glad everything turned out right at work. Always remember: honesty will always clear your name.”

His mother placed a plate of pancakes and fruit in front of him. “Just stay careful and calm. We are proud of how you handled it.”

Little Yoon Soo-ah swung her legs happily. “Big brother, you are like a hero now! Those bad people got what they deserved!”

Everyone laughed. Soon after, his father left for his office, and his mother walked Yoon Soo-ah to the school bus. Yoon Soo-bin finished his meal, grabbed his bag, and headed out — feeling more confident than before.

At the Office

When Yoon Soo-bin arrived, the atmosphere felt different. The earlier coldness and whispers had faded; now most people looked at him with respect mixed with caution. They had all seen what happened to those who tried to harm him — and everyone understood clearly: Yoon Soo-bin was protected by Mr. Lee Tae-min himself.

Mr. Hale came over with a warm smile. “Good morning, Yoon Soo-bin. I heard what happened yesterday. I’m glad you were proven innocent — and I’m not surprised the boss stood by you.”

“Thank you, Mr. Hale. It was a big relief,” Yoon Soo-bin replied.

“Just keep being yourself,” Hale said. “No one will dare cause you trouble again now.”

A little while later, Yoon Soo-bin received a call from the top floor. “Mr. Yoon Soo-bin, Mr. Lee Tae-min requests your presence in his office.”

He made his way up, knocked gently, and entered. Lee Tae-min was standing by the large window, looking over the city. He turned around when he heard the door open.

“Good morning, sir,” Yoon Soo-bin said.

“Come in,” Lee Tae-min motioned him to sit. “Today we have no major meetings. I want you to go through these new project files and tell me what you think. I value your fresh perspective.”

Yoon Soo-bin eyes widened slightly. “Me? But I’m still new, sir — I might miss something important.”

“Then ask,” Lee Tae-min said simply, walking closer and leaning against the desk beside him. “I am here. There is no need to fear making mistakes in front of me.”

As Yoon Soo-bin began reading through the documents, Lee Tae-min stood nearby, watching him quietly. He noticed how Yoon Soo-bin bit his lip when focusing, how his fingers traced the lines of text carefully, and how his brow furrowed when he tried to understand a difficult part. To Lee Tae-min, every small gesture felt strangely attractive.

When Yoon Soo-bin hesitated over a complex section, Lee Tae-min leaned in, his voice low and calm as he explained it. “See this clause? It means we keep full control of supply chains, not the other party.”

Yoon Soo-bin turned his head slightly to listen — and suddenly their faces were only inches apart. His breath hitched, and his cheeks flushed pink. He quickly looked back at the paper, his heart beating faster.

Lee Tae-min noticed it, and a small, satisfied smile appeared. He liked seeing that reaction — it meant Yoon Soo-bin was becoming aware of him, not just as a scary boss, but as someone close.

Lunchtime

As usual, Lee Tae-min brought his own meal and insisted Yoon Soo-bin join him in his private lounge. No one else was allowed inside, giving them a quiet, undisturbed space.

“Tell me about your family,” Lee Tae-min said suddenly as they ate. “You mentioned you have a younger sister?”

Yoon Soo-bin relaxed a little, happy to talk about the people he loved. “Yes, her name is Yoon Soo-ah — she’s eight years old, very lively and loves drawing. My father works in a small accounting firm, and my mother stays home. We live a simple, quiet life.”

Lee Tae-min listened closely, memorizing every detail. “Simple lives are often the happiest,” he said softly. “You grew up in warmth and kindness — that is why you are so gentle.”

Yoon Soo-bin looked up, surprised. “And you, sir? What was your home like growing up?”

For a moment, Lee Tae-min expression turned distant and cold, as if remembering something dark. “Nothing like yours. My life was rules, power, and responsibility — no warmth, no laughter, no one asking how I felt.”

Seeing the sadness hidden in his eyes, Yoon Soo-bin spoke gently. “That sounds very lonely… but you are not alone now, sir. You have your company and people who work for you.”

Lee Tae-min stared straight into his eyes. “It is not the same. But maybe… things can change now.”

Yoon Soo-bin didn’t fully understand the meaning, but he felt a strange pull — a feeling that between them, something new was slowly growing.

Evening

On the drive home, Lee Tae-min stopped the car for a moment before reaching Yoon Soo-bin gate. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, sleek mobile phone, placing it in Yoon Soo-bin hand.

“This is for you,” he said. “A direct line only to me. If you ever face any problem — at work, on the road, anywhere — call me immediately. No matter what time it is.”

Yoon Soo-bin held the phone, feeling its weight. “Sir… this is too much. I can’t accept such an expensive gift.”

“You can and you will,” Lee Tae-min said firmly but gently. “Consider it part of your work. And remember — no matter where you are, I want to know you are safe.”

Yoon Soo-bin nodded slowly, his heart filled with a mix of confusion and warmth. “Thank you… Lee Tae-min.”

It was the first time he called him by his first name without adding “sir.”

Elian’s eyes lit up, brighter than ever before. “Say it again.”

“Lee Tae-min,” Yoon Soo-bin repeated softly, looking down shyly.

Lee Tae-min reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Yoon Soo-bin face — his touch warm and gentle, nothing like the savage reputation everyone knew.

“Go inside now,” he whispered. “Rest well, Yoon Soo-bin.”

As Yoon Soo-bin walked toward his house, Lee Tae-min watched him go, his heart feeling fuller than it ever had before. He knew one thing for sure — this sweet, gentle boy had already wrapped himself around Lee Tae-min cold, savage heart.