"Eclipse of the Heart"

Episode 6: Unspoken Boundaries

The next morning, Yoon Soo-bin arrived at work earlier than usual, still thinking about the ride home and Lee Tae-min strange kindness. He went straight to the top floor as ordered, standing outside the large office door and taking a deep breath before knocking.

“Come in.”

Lee Tae-min was already seated behind his desk, looking over documents. When he saw Yoon Soo-bin enter, his expression softened just enough to be noticeable only to himself.

“Good morning, sir,” Yoon Soo-bin said politely, keeping his distance.

“Good morning,” Lee Tae-min replied, gesturing to the chair in front of him. “Sit. Today you will assist me directly with the client meeting. No need to be nervous — just listen and learn.”

Yoon Soo-bin nodded, though his hands still rested lightly on his knees, feeling the weight of being so close to the man everyone feared.

Later that morning, they walked together to the conference hall. Every employee they passed bowed their heads and hurried aside, too afraid to even look directly at Yoon Soo-bin. But as they watched him walk beside Yoon Soo-bin, their eyes widened in surprise — never before had anyone been allowed to stay so near to their cold, ruthless boss.

During the meeting, Lee Tae-min spoke firmly and sharply, making demands that left the other party agreeing immediately. Yet whenever Yoon Soo-bin leaned forward to take notes, Lee Tae-min would pause just a little, his tone softening slightly, or glance over to make sure Kai was following along.

Once the meeting ended, the room emptied quickly, leaving only the two of them.

“You did well,” Elian said, turning to Yoon Soo-bin. “You pay attention. That’s a good quality.”

“Thank you, sir. I learned a lot,” Yoon Soo-bin replied, a small, shy smile appearing on his face.

Seeing that smile, Lee Tae-min chest tightened again — that same strange, warm feeling he had never felt before. He reached out slowly, as if wanting to touch Yoon Soo-bin face, but stopped himself just in time, clenching his hand into a fist at his side instead. He could not rush this; he wanted Yoon Soo-bin to get used to his presence first.

Back at Yoon Soo-bin desk, things grew more complicated. A few colleagues began to treat him differently — some were cold and distant out of jealousy, while others grew overly friendly, hoping to gain favor through him. Yoon Soo-bin felt confused and uncomfortable, not understanding why everyone was acting this way.

At lunchtime, he sat alone in the break room, picking at his food. Suddenly, the door opened and Lee Tae-min walked in, ignoring the stares of everyone else. He pulled a chair right next to Kai and sat down.

“Eating alone?” Lee Tae-min asked, opening the box he had brought. “Share this. It’s better than what the cafeteria serves.”

Yoon Soo-bin looked around, seeing all eyes fixed on them, and felt his face grow warm. “Sir… people are watching.”

“Let them watch,” Lee Tae-min said simply, his voice low and steady. “From now on, you eat with me. No exceptions.”

There was no room for argument. Yoon Soo-bin could only nod quietly as they ate together, while whispers spread across the room like wildfire.

By evening, as Yoon Soo-bin packed his things to leave, Lee Tae-min was already waiting by the exit with his car. This time, he did not even ask — he just opened the door and gestured for Yoon Soo-bin to get in.

On the drive, Lee Tae-min spoke more than usual, asking small questions about Soo-bin family, his favorite foods, and how he spent his free time. Soo-bin answered honestly, though still keeping a respectful distance.

When they reached Yoon Soo-bin gate, Lee Tae-min stopped the car but did not let him leave right away.

“Soo-bin,” he said, using his first name for the first time, “you don’t need to fear me so much. I will never hurt you.”

Yoon Soo-bin looked up, surprised by the words. He wanted to believe them, but the memory of that first sight — the cold, dangerous aura — still lingered in his mind.

“Thank you, sir,” he said softly, stepping out.

As Yoon Soo-bin walked inside his house, Lee Tae-min sat in the car, watching the light turn on in Kai’s window. His eyes turned dark and determined.

You may still be careful around me now… but soon, you will learn that no one else in this world can protect or love you the way I will.