#58

“It won’t happen.”

“Eh~. I don’t think so? Our honored guest, I’m sure you’ll come looking for me again. I guarantee it. You have that kind of face. The kind that keeps getting caught up in incidents and accidents.”

I narrowed my eyes and glared at Seo Duseok in response to his ominous jinx. My gaze must have been quite sharp, but he showed no sign of caring.

“And like I said earlier, I like our honored guest. So, I’d be a little disappointed if our connection just ended here. Not to mention, you’re quite the rare VVIP client. And, well, I do find both your looks and personality to my taste.”

As he spoke, Seo Duseok licked his lower lip lightly and stared at my face with eyes full of greed. His gaze was so blatant that pretending not to notice was nearly impossible. I let out a dry laugh.

“You crazy bastard.”

“Oh, and that foul mouth? Definitely a plus. Completely my type.”

How many times should I hit this guy? I pondered it for a moment, but then I pictured the face of Secretary Sung Yoojun who would have to clean up my mess. I already felt guilty about so many things—I didn’t want to add to his workload.

“Seo Duseok-ssi.”

“Hmm? What is it, honored guest?”

“I never thought there’d be a day when I’d have to say something like this to someone, but after seeing how you behave, I can’t help but say it.”

“What kind of words are you about to deliver with such a grand introduction?”

Seo Duseok beamed at me, eyes brimming with anticipation, eager to see how I would react to his rudeness. If someone is looking forward to something, isn’t it only right to meet their expectations?

With that thought in mind, I gestured toward the check I had left on the sofa. Then, with a smirk full of ridicule, I spat out my words.

“Take that and get lost, you perverted bastard.”

With that, I turned away without hesitation and started walking again. Behind me, Seo Duseok let out an exaggerated, gleeful laugh. What the hell was so amusing about that? I couldn’t understand his twisted way of thinking. Letting out a deep sigh, I threw open the office door.

“President.”

“Honored guest! Make sure you come back! I’ll treat you real nice! I’ll even give you big discounts!”

At the same time that Sung Yoojun called out to me with a brightened face, I heard Seo Duseok’s voice from behind. I completely ignored it and shut the office door.

“What was that just now?”

“Ignore it. Just the nonsense of a crazy person.”

Shaking my head with a weary face, I spoke, and Sung Yoojun’s eyes sharpened as he glared at the office door. If I left him like this, he might secretly ‘deal’ with Seo Duseok.

Sensing that, I slowly reached out and cupped his cheek, squeezing lightly.

“Sir?”

I didn’t use much force, but as I intended, Sung Yoojun obediently turned his head away from the office door and looked at me.

“I’m tired. Let’s go.”

“Are you very tired? Then, I’ll take you home instead of the office.”

I was about to tell him not to, but then I closed my mouth and slowly nodded. Honestly, I wasn’t in the condition to work today. Besides, I wanted to rest.

I withdrew my hand from his cheek and quietly followed behind Sung Yoojun as he hurriedly led the way.

After getting into the car he opened for me, exhaustion hit me all at once. I exhaled a low sigh and sank into the seat when I suddenly felt something pressing against my thigh.

Frowning slightly, I looked down and saw something caught under my leg. It was my smartphone, still connected to the portable battery I had left in the car earlier. The one I got from Lee Gaon.

I carefully picked up the phone along with the battery pack. Looking at the battery—shaped like a smiling puppy—I recalled the shy expression on Lee Gaon’s face when he handed it to me this morning. And with that thought, I also remembered the other members of Tartarus, who were likely still busy following their packed schedule.

“Secretary Sung.”

“Yes.”

“Could you find out what the kids are doing right now?”

“I’ll contact Manager Ahn right away.”

Sung Yoojun, who had just started the car and was adjusting the heater, quickly took out his phone from his pocket and began tapping at the screen.

“They’re currently in a studio, doing a photoshoot.”

I was worried they might be too busy to respond, but I was relieved to get an answer faster than expected. I quietly mulled over the information before slowly speaking up.

“Would it…… be okay if I dropped by for a bit?”

“Excuse me?”

“I just…… want to see them. Would that be a problem?”

Would it be rude to visit them while they were working? Feeling dejected at the thought, I lowered my gaze. Then, Sung Yoojun spoke in a hurried voice.

“Of course not. If that’s what you want, you can go anywhere you wish. I’ll take you there immediately. It’s close by, so we’ll arrive soon.”

With that, he promptly started driving. I stared at his back for a moment before lowering my gaze again, my fingers unconsciously fiddling with the puppy-shaped battery pack still in my hands.

They’re such kind kids. Why does ‘Goo Won’ in the game hate them so much? What happened between them?

No—if something did happen, shouldn’t Tartarus also remember it? But I had never seen any sign of that from them.

A hatred known only to the one who harbors it.

I tapped my fingers against the battery pack and bit the inside of my lip.

“Sir, we’ve arrived.”

By the time I snapped out of my thoughts, we had already reached our destination, and Sung Yoojun had parked the car. He opened the backseat door for me. I quickly stepped out and followed him inside.

The place we arrived at was a studio on the third floor of a building. The space was bustling with staff and equipment, making it quite chaotic. Even so, spotting Tartarus was incredibly easy. It was only natural—after all, they were right in the middle of the studio, having their group photos taken.

With all the spotlights directed at them, it would’ve been more surprising if I hadn’t noticed them immediately.

I quietly observed Tartarus as they focused on their shoot. Now five years into their debut, they looked incredibly skilled at striking poses.

“I’ll request a break and bring Tartarus over.”

“No. Don’t. It’s okay. Just seeing them from here is enough.”

I hadn’t come to talk to them. I just wanted to see their faces. That wish was fulfilled, so that was enough. I’d watch for a little longer, then leave.

That was my plan.

But as I watched, Nam Yisol suddenly turned to switch poses and locked eyes with me.

“Huh?”

He widened his eyes in surprise, making a small noise of curiosity. Naturally, the rest of Tartarus, who had been focused on their photoshoot, turned their heads to follow his gaze.

“President?”

“Huh? It really is the president.”

As the members murmured in recognition, I slowly raised my hand and waved. Then, I lifted my index finger to my lips.

Shh.

Understanding my clear intent, the Tartarus members obediently shut their mouths. Then, without further fuss, they turned back and refocused on their shoot.

They were such good kids.

Why do they have to be hated for no reason? Why do they have to be doomed to misfortune?

Watching them, I felt a sudden surge of frustration. This world was too unfair.

I bit down on my already battered inner lip, trying to suppress my emotions. That was when I felt someone’s piercing gaze.

I looked up to see Lee Gaon staring at me. His face was filled with concern, as if he had immediately noticed something was wrong.

To reassure him, I gave him a faint smile, then pulled out the battery pack from my pocket and lightly shook it before placing it on a nearby table.

“What’s that?”

“It’s the portable battery Gaon-ssi lent me. Since I’m here, I figured I should return it.”

I pointed to the battery on the table and mouthed, ‘Returning it’. Then, without another word, I turned and left the studio.