#55

“Gaon-ssi, make sure you don’t overwork yourself with your schedule. And if you ever feel unwell, please let me know right away. The same goes if President Lee Yongjun or anyone else tries to bother you—tell me immediately.”

“Haha, alright. I promise I’ll tell you if anything happens.”

As Lee Gaon nodded with a gentle smile, I reached out and ruffled his hair. He responded by rubbing his head against my hand, much like an affectionate and well-behaved puppy. The sight of it warmed my heart.

Just then, the door leading to the parking lot opened, and Secretary Sung Yoojun stepped inside.

“President.”

“Ah, Secretary Sung, you’re back. If everything is ready, shall we head out right away?”

“Aren’t you planning to have breakfast?”

The moment I withdrew my hand from Lee Gaon’s hair and spoke, a disgruntled question came in response.

“No, I don’t feel like eating today. I’m in a hurry.”

I gazed at Secretary Sung Yoojun with pleading eyes, silently asking him to let it slide just this once. He let out a deep sigh before nodding.

“Understood. Let’s depart immediately.”

Thankfully, it seemed there wouldn’t be a drawn-out argument over breakfast today. Relieved, I followed Sung Yoojun back down to the parking lot, making sure to bid Lee Gaon farewell once again before leaving.

Once we reached the parking lot, I got into the car that Sung Yoojun held open for me. As soon as I was seated, the car set off. I connected my phone to the portable battery Lee Gaon had given me and placed it neatly on the seat. Then, I retrieved the envelope from my jacket pocket and held it tightly in my hand.

“How long will it take to get there?”

“I estimate about 40 minutes. Since it’s rush hour, it may take a bit longer, but I will do my best to arrive within the expected time.”

A generous 40 minutes. Hearing that, I couldn’t suppress my excitement. In just 40 minutes, I might uncover a clue about how to return to my original world.

Trying to calm my racing heart, I clenched and unclenched my hands, but the nervousness made them feel even colder. As I struggled to steady myself, Sung Yoojun spoke quietly.

“Are you alright?”

He must have been watching me through the rearview mirror.

Alright? How could I possibly be alright?!

I was anything but fine. My trembling hands, which refused to stop shaking no matter how much I tried to relax, were proof of that. But I couldn’t bring myself to admit it, so I simply nodded.

“Yes, I’m fine.”

The voice that escaped my lips sounded calmer than I had expected, but unfortunately, that didn’t seem to convince Sung Yoojun.

“You always say you’re fine, even when you clearly aren’t. I have no idea what I’m supposed to do.”

His voice was steady, yet filled with concern. His sincerity made my shoulders flinch. Memories of all the times I had avoided explaining myself properly, yet he had let it slide, flashed through my mind. If I were in his position, being left in the dark like that, I would have felt incredibly frustrated.

……I suddenly felt like a terrible person. No, I wasn’t just feeling guilty—I was guilty.

“……I’m sorry.”

The weight of my conscience pressing down on me, I barely managed to squeeze out an apology. But, as always, Secretary Sung Yoojun was far too understanding. He simply shook his head lightly.

“It’s alright. I’m sure you have your reasons for not telling me everything. But your condition doesn’t seem normal, so of course, I can’t help but worry.”

……What a genuinely kind person.

Secretary Sung Yoojun was truly, truly a kind man.

For a moment, I almost felt as if I could see a halo shining behind him. I found myself unable to meet his gaze, so I lowered my head. That’s when I saw the envelope clutched tightly in my hands.

If I found a way to return to my original world today…… would this be the last time I see Secretary Sung Yoojun?

Not just him, but also Tartarus, Manager Ahn Siwon, and Team Leader Seohee? Would I be leaving them all behind?

And what would happen to this body once I was gone? Would the original Goo Won come back?

……But didn’t he hate Tartarus?

At that thought, a chill ran down my spine, as if all the blood had drained from my body.

If the Goo Won who despised Tartarus returned…… what would he do?

I didn’t need to think hard to find the answer. It was obvious. He had gone so far as to establish an entire entertainment company just to torment them. If he came back, he would undoubtedly do the same.

With trembling hands, I crushed the envelope in my grip. Already crumpled, it was now completely ruined beyond repair. At the same time, the car came to a stop in a quiet alleyway.

“Sir, we’ve arrived.”

“Ah…… Right.”

At Sung Yoojun’s words, I hurriedly opened the car door and stepped out. As he moved to exit the driver’s seat and open the door for me, he shot me a startled look.

“Sir?”

“I’ll go in alone. Please wait here.”

“What? But—”

“Please, just wait here.”

I raised my hand, blocking him from approaching. I didn’t want him to hear the conversation I was about to have inside.

Sung Yoojun paused for a moment but then, instead of stopping, he took determined strides toward me.

“No.”

“……What?”

“I absolutely cannot allow that.”

It was the first time Sung Yoojun had ever outright refused a request from me. Standing just a single step away, he looked down at me with unwavering determination.

“The person inside is willing to do anything for money. His reputation is not good. Please let me accompany you.”

“Secretary Sung—”

“I won’t go inside. I’ll just wait by the door. Please.”

His voice was desperate, nearly pleading. After a long moment of hesitation, I reluctantly nodded.

Even though I had made it very clear that I didn’t want him there, Sung Yoojun let out a visible sigh of relief at my reluctant permission. For some reason, that reaction made me incredibly uneasy. It felt as if I were doing something terribly cruel to him.

No, it wasn’t just a feeling—it was the truth.

Gnawing at the inside of my cheek with guilt, I squeezed my eyes shut for a moment before turning to face the building.

“The second floor, huh?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Looking at the sign on the second-floor window that read ‘Errand Service Center’, I muttered, and Sung Yoojun promptly confirmed.

Taking a deep breath to relax my tense body, I stepped into the building. Since it was only one floor up, I reached the door of the errand center in no time.

“I’ll be back. Please stay here.”

“……Understood. If anything happens, call for me immediately. I’ll come in right away.”

I nodded at his firm instructions before slowly pushing the door open.

“Excuse me.”

A quiet greeting slipped from my lips as I stepped inside. The interior was much cleaner and more organized than I had expected. After scanning my surroundings from the entrance, I took a few more steps forward.

That’s when a slick voice rang out.

“Oh my, look who we have here. A very important guest has graced my humble little place.”

Turning toward the voice, I saw a man seated in an office chair.

Slicked-back hair. A floral shirt with its buttons undone. A gaudy, yellow-gold necklace gleaming under the light. Everything about him screamed shady.

This must be Seo Duseok.

“Wow~ I heard you’d show up the morning after receiving the letter, and you really came right on time. You’re here to have a chat with me, right? Take a seat.”

He gestured toward the office sofa with his chin.

A chin gesture? Seriously?

His complete lack of basic manners irritated me, but since I was the one who needed something, I chose to let it slide. Without a word, I walked over and sat down.

As soon as I took my seat, Seo Duseok got up from his office chair and sauntered over.

“This…… Did you send it?”

Holding up the envelope, I asked without delay. A sly grin spread across his face.

“Of course. Who else would’ve sent it?”

“Did you—”

“Oh, yeah. That’s right. You’re the one who requested this yourself.”

Before I could even finish my sentence, Seo Duseok cut me off, making proper conversation impossible. I frowned in irritation.