EPISODE 005
926 Words
As usual, Joonho and Eunha returned to their work after lunch. Keep quiet. Don't talk. Joonho had a tonne of paperwork to go over that day instead of any meetings. He sat behind his desk, occasionally typing and leafing through papers. Eunha was across the room, working on her own projects while keeping her head down.
The door was knocked on.
Joonho said, "Come in," without even raising his gaze. He thought it was one of his employees.
Min-jun waved as she walked in, grinning broadly.
"How are you, Eunha?" He spoke in a kind and lighthearted tone.
Eunha raised her head and grinned softly. Yes, I'm all right. How about you?
Joonho got up from his chair and hurried over to block Min-jun's view before Min-jun could respond.
"Go back to work," he said icily to Eunha.
Eunha blinked at him, obviously irritated, but remained silent. Returning to her computer, she sat down. Her boss was him. She was not afforded the luxury of arguing with him.
Then, with an angry whisper, "What the hell are you doing here?" Joonho took Min-jun by the arm and led him to the door.
Min-jun said naively, as if surprised Joonho would be upset, "I just wanted to see my friends." Joonho, however, was wiser. Min-jun wasn't just here for a friendly visit, and he knew exactly why. Eunha was liked by Min-jun. Every time they spoke, Joonho could see it in his eyes.
Indeed, we don't have much time for sporadic visits. Joonho tried to sound courteous when he said, "You should go back," but it was obvious that he wanted him to leave.
Without even waiting for a response, Joonho turned and left the office.
Min-jun, however, stayed. He immediately re-entered behind him.
"Joonho, I didn't come here to speak with you. Eunha is the reason I came. Therefore, you really can't stop me.
Joonho gritted his teeth and tried to speak quietly as he said, "She's my wife." "And no, I will not permit it."
Perplexed, Eunha raised her head from her desk. Although she could hear them, she was unable to understand what they were discussing. She didn't ask, though. She was aware that they had been close friends for a very long time. Perhaps this was just another of their strange quarrels.
"Do you have a moment, Eunha?" Min-jun spoke louder, obviously attempting to attract her attention while simultaneously annoying his friend.
She said, "Yeah, I'm not too busy," and got to her feet.
Joonho snapped at that.
"I'll give you something if you have nothing to do," he stated firmly. This isn't a coffee shop; it's an office. Workers never get up from their desks to socialise with friends.
Min-jun had no intention of escalating the situation.
"All right, all right. I'll hold off until she's finished. We can then have a conversation.
Without a word, Eunha took a seat once more. She tapped her keyboard more quickly than normal. She was obviously annoyed. Sitting opposite her, with his chin resting on his hands, Min-jun smiled placidly as he observed her work.
Joonho was infuriated by that.
He made an effort to ignore it and continue working. However, Joonho's eyes always flitted up whenever Min-jun joked and Eunha grinned. He detested it. Only when she smiled at him did he enjoy seeing her smile. Not another person.
He was aware that Min-jun had vowed not to offend Eunha in any way. Nevertheless, Joonho was frightened. What if she felt the same way about him?
Min-jun eventually departed after roughly half an hour. Eunha nodded briefly as he waved good-bye. Joonho exhaled deeply.
Excellent.
The remainder of the day was spent working quietly. They gathered their belongings and made their way to the car when it was time to depart.
As usual, Eunha took the back seat, close to the window. She remained silent. She continued to watch the streets outside as they passed. She appeared extremely worn out. Joonho took notice.
He looked at her. His mind flashed back to Min-jun's face.
What makes her smile so readily for him?
He swivelled around and gently grasped her hand in his. She gave him a startled look.
Then he pulled her onto his lap without saying a word.
"What are you doing?" Her eyes spoke louder than words.
She didn't, however, leave. Confused, she simply gazed into his eyes.
Holding her close, he put his arms around her waist.
"Jagiya, are you tired?" His tone was gentle, almost charming.
She blinked.
He grinned, the genuine kind, not the one he wore to meetings. He appeared to be content.
He then gave her a cheek kiss. Warm. Kind.
Her heart pounded. Her hands did not move. Her mind was at a loss for ideas.
Is this authentic? Is he being serious?
He gave her another kiss. On the lips this time. Only a moment. But enough to freeze her.
As if nothing odd had happened, he asked, "Want your favourite ice cream?"
Slowly, she nodded.
Gazing ahead, he instructed the driver to halt at a*****e.
Everything was spinning inside her head.
What is he doing? He never behaves this way. Not in public. Not in private, either. Why now?
She remained silent. Her fingers, however, curled slightly around his shirt.
Joonho held her as if he would never let go, resting his chin on her shoulder. Perhaps he didn't.
However, he was aware.
She was still not in love with him.
Today, she made someone else laugh.
Not him.
Perhaps she would never.
- Writer
