#21

Secretary Sung Yoojun left a light farewell and entered a room located on one side of the first floor. Watching his retreating figure, I turned toward my room the moment he closed the door.

For some reason, I felt extremely exhausted. Well, I did have a lot on my plate today. As soon as I entered my room, I went straight to the bathroom and started filling the bathtub with warm water. While waiting for it to fill, I undressed, shedding the clothes that clung tightly to my body, and took a quick shower.

“Haa……”

Soaking in the warm water after finishing my shower felt like pure bliss. Nothing in the world could compare to this. Just a little longer, then I’ll get out. That was my intention, but as I leaned against the tub, enjoying the soothing warmth, my eyelids grew heavy.

I shouldn’t fall asleep in the tub. It’s dangerous…… That thought briefly crossed my mind, but the drowsiness washing over me was impossible to fight. In the end, I found myself nodding off, my head resting against the edge of the tub.

“Sir. Sir, are you in there?”

How long had I dozed off? I struggled to open my heavy eyelids at the sound of Secretary Sung Yoojun’s voice coming from outside the door.

“Sir, are you alright? Please answer me, sir.”

His voice sounded urgent as he knocked repeatedly on the door, calling for me. Blinking blankly at the now-cold water surrounding me, I gradually regained my senses. Finally, I managed to respond to the still-calling Sung Yoojun.

“Yes, I’m alright.”

Having just woken up, my voice was rough and low, not the most pleasant sound. Clearing my throat lightly, I stepped out of the tub, grabbed a bathrobe, and put it on before opening the bathroom door.

Standing just outside was Sung Yoojun, dressed in a light shirt and pants.

“Did you fall asleep in the bathtub?”

After quickly scanning the situation inside, his gaze landed on the still-full tub as he questioned me. I nodded without hesitation.

“That’s dangerous. And if the water cools, you might catch a cold.”

His face hardened as he sternly scolded me. Despite the firmness of his words, his hand, which gently cupped my chilled cheek, was careful and warm. Instinctively, I leaned into his touch.

“Sorry. I guess I was more tired than I thought.”

“What would have happened if I hadn’t come? Please don’t let this happen again.”

“I’ll be more careful from now on.”

Seeing me accept his advice so obediently, Sung Yoojun let out a small sigh before carefully guiding me to sit down in a chair.

“I’ll dry your hair for you.”

“I can do it myself……”

“I’ll dry it for you.”

His firm tone left no room for argument, so I wisely chose to remain silent.

Sung Yoojun retrieved a hairdryer from a drawer and started drying my hair. He adjusted the heat so it wouldn’t be too hot, his fingers gently ruffling through my damp locks. The careful touch made me drowsy again, so I hurriedly opened my mouth to fight off sleep.

“But why did you come to my room in the first place?”

“I had an urgent report to deliver, but no matter how many times I knocked, there was no response. I had no choice but to enter. I apologize for doing so without permission.”

“No, no, it’s fine. It’s my fault for falling asleep in the bath. You were just worried about me, so there’s no need to apologize. But what’s the urgent matter?”

Sung Yoojun turned off the hairdryer before speaking.

“There was an intruder in the suite where Tartarus was staying. Specifically, in Nam Yisol-ssi’s room.”

……What? I quickly turned to face Sung Yoojun, my expression filled with shock.

“What about Yisol-ssi?”

“Fortunately, Yisol-ssi reacted quickly and subdued the intruder without issue. But given what happened, I don’t think we can let the members stay there any longer.”

“You’re right. That’s not an option. We have to move them somewhere safer, with better security. But where……”

I trailed off, deep in thought.

According to what Nam Yisol mentioned earlier, Haje Hotel was one of the top three hotels in South Korea and ranked among the world’s top ten. Its facilities, services, and security were top-class. And yet, that very hotel had been breached……

I absentmindedly touched my lips with my fingers as I thought. A place as safe as Haje Hotel—or safer. Somewhere the members could rest comfortably. Somewhere I could personally ensure their protection.

Only one place came to mind.

“My house…… seems like the only option.”

“Yes. Among all possible choices, this is the best one.”

“……Do you think the members will be okay with it?”

From my perspective, this was the safest place for Tartarus right now. The house had plenty of rooms, ample space, and decent security. They wouldn’t be uncomfortable staying here.

But that was just my opinion. Who would actually want to live in the same house as their company’s president? It was common knowledge that keeping a healthy distance from one’s boss was best.

“They said they’re fine with it.”

“What?”

“I anticipated that you would suggest bringing them here, so I checked with the members first. I told Manager Ahn to bring them here if they agreed.”

“And they said yes?”

“Yes. They all agreed and are on their way now. I apologize for making this decision without consulting you. It’s late, and I couldn’t risk leaving them there.”

Sung Yoojun bowed apologetically, but I looked at him in surprise.

There was no need for him to apologize. If I had responded to his calls earlier, he would have consulted me first. This situation was entirely my fault for falling asleep in the bathtub. In a difficult situation, he had simply done what was best.

“No, you handled everything very well. Thanks to you, the members can arrive and rest sooner. That’s a relief.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

It wasn’t about being understanding—he had simply done the right thing. But before I could say that, his gentle hands resumed drying my hair, and I reflexively closed my mouth.

“We’ll need to set up the second floor for them, so I’ll go ahead and prepare it. In the meantime, you should change.”

I glanced down at my bathrobe. Clearly, it wasn’t appropriate attire for greeting guests.

“You’re right. I should get dressed.”

“Sir.”

“Yes?”

“There’s no need to dress up just because we have guests. Pajamas are fine.”

I flinched. He had caught me—because I had indeed been planning to wear casual but presentable clothes.

“But it’s only polite……”

“You were tired enough to fall asleep in the bath. Just greet them and then get some rest.”

“……Alright.”

“And there’s no need to come upstairs to help with the setup once you’re dressed. The housekeeper keeps everything clean, so there won’t be much to do.”

Once again, he saw right through me. Feeling slightly defeated, I nodded.

“You make it seem like you can read my mind.”

“You’re just easy to read.”

Ah, I’d heard that before—from Cheon. A pang of nostalgia hit me.

“This is only the second time I’ve been told that.”

“Only the second? You must have been surrounded by oblivious people. It’s obvious.”

His voice was calm, but there was warmth in it—a quiet comfort. It seemed I hadn’t hidden my emotions well.

Silently thanking him for his kindness, I stood up. I needed to be ready before the members arrived.

Noticing my intention, Sung Yoojun, who had been standing close, stepped back to give me space.

“Then I’ll head upstairs.”

“Alright. Thank you.”

Once he left, I went to the dressing room and put on a navy silk pajama set. After a brief hesitation in front of the mirror, I threw on an ivory cardigan.

This should be fine……

At that moment, the doorbell rang.