Episode 10
As soon as his introduction ended, everyone bowed to greet him.
The department heads of marketing stepped forward to shake hands and introduce themselves one by one. They carefully polished their speech to leave a good impression.
He accepted their greetings with an indifferent expression.
As soon as the team leaders were done, the assistant managers lined up to greet him. As if by silent rule, everyone waited their turn.
Even though Jae-hyun found the process tedious, he politely nodded his head to each greeting. Then suddenly, his head turned in this direction, and Lee Hon quickly lowered hers.
Right. Let’s not greet him.
Once the assistant managers were finished, the section chiefs began moving up quickly. Seo Min-jung tilted her head, noticing Lee Hon crouched awkwardly behind her desk.
“What the? Aren’t you going to greet him?”
“I’m… not feeling well. I was going to take a day off.”
“What are you talking about?”
Lee Hon almost collapsed behind her chair. After the section chiefs were done, Myung Jae-hyun suddenly raised his hand.
“I think that’s enough. Let’s wrap this up.”
“Yes, sir.”
The assistant managers looked disappointed, especially Min-seong, who couldn’t stop fidgeting with excitement. As the group greeting ended, Executive Director Yoon Mi-ryeong continued.
“Since Executive Director Myung doesn’t have a secretary assigned yet, we need someone to assist with his tasks for the next couple of months. Has any department volunteered?”
As if fate were playing a cruel joke, Manager Choi Ki-hyung, who had just been adjusting his tie in the corner, suddenly shot his hand up. With a bold voice, he exclaimed,
“Yes, Executive Director Yoon! Our Team 1 has agreed to take on the task!”
Other department heads all looked regretful at the missed opportunity.
“Is that so? Then has someone been designated already?”
“Ah… well, yes, but due to an urgent outside meeting, they’re currently away—”
Choi Ki-hyung trailed off, looking flustered. Deputy Manager Seo Min-jung suddenly raised her hand like she was giving an announcement.
“Manager Choi, Director Yoon! If it’s alright, I’d like to volunteer! I promise I’ll assist the executive with utmost sincerity. I’m confident no one can do it better than me!”
Yoon Mi-ryeong smiled with her eyes and nodded.
“That’s nice… but I’d prefer someone else.”
The blunt rejection made Min-jung flinch in embarrassment.
Lee Hon, who was shaking behind her chair, felt her heart nearly leap out of her chest. She was terrified they might choose her.
I should just get out of here.
She peeked over the desk to assess the situation.
None of the senior staff were paying attention anymore—only Manager Choi stood awkwardly up front, wiping his sweat. Myung Jae-hyun looked uninterested, staring at the floor.
She quietly began tiptoeing toward the exit. But just then, Assistant Manager Kang Ki-seop walked into the office.
If he saw her sneaking out, everyone’s attention would turn to her.
Just as she was turning around in a wide circle, Choi Ki-hyung exclaimed in relief,
“Ah! There he is—Assistant Manager Kang!”
He sounded so thrilled it was as if his soul escaped his body.
The sudden shout made Lee Hon trip. Her legs tangled, and she stumbled sideways.
The loud crash drew everyone’s attention. All eyes were now on her.
“Who is that?”
“What’s going on?”
Her face turned crimson. She quickly picked herself up and stood straight, bowing deeply.
Too flustered to meet anyone’s eyes, she brushed imaginary dust off her pants.
“I-I’m sorry.”
“Section Chief Jeong, what are you doing?”
She couldn’t even look at the people in front of her—just stared at the floor as if trying to bore a hole in it.
The entire marketing team and all the executives were now staring. And among them—she could feel it—was Myung Jae-hyun’s gaze, burning against her skin.
Seriously… what an absolute disaster.
Clack, clack.
The sound of dress shoes approached. Soon, a pair of black loafers stood in front of her. Without looking up, she could see a hand reach out toward her.
Even without seeing the face, she knew exactly whose hand it was.
Lee Hon kept her head down, refusing to take it. Manager Choi commented dryly,
“Section Chief Jeong, what are you doing?”
Taking a deep breath, she slowly raised her head.
“Can I ask your name?”
Myung Jae-hyun asked as if he were meeting her for the first time.
“I believe I’ve greeted all the section chiefs, but I don’t recall getting yours.”
Liar.
Both Kang Ki-seop and other section chiefs had skipped the greeting too, but he was only pointing her out. She awkwardly wiped her sweaty hand on her pants and hesitated before shaking his hand.
It had been five whole years.
She had met Myung Jae-hyun when she was twenty.
She had left him when she was twenty-three.
Now at twenty-eight, she was facing him again.
“Hello, sir. I’m Section Chief Jeong Lee Hon from Marketing Team 1. It’s a pleasure.”
Their eyes met as their hands shook. When she tried to pull her hand away, he gripped it tighter. Her eyes widened in surprise.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like Section Chief Jeong to temporarily assist with my tasks.”
…What?
Manager Choi quickly jumped in.
“Of course! That’s a great idea!”
“Sounds good to me,” added Director Yoon Mi-ryeong, now completely on board.
Myung Jae-hyun lifted the corner of his lips in amusement.
“Looking forward to working with you, Section Chief Jeong.”
As soon as he finished speaking, loud applause erupted around the office. But Lee Hon heard none of it.
Why…?
Why him? Why now?
Of all people, she was chosen to be his temporary assistant.
And as if that wasn’t enough, his assigned seat was directly across from hers.
If he didn’t lower the blinds, they’d be face to face all day.
In the past, he used to sit facing away from her, so it had never been this uncomfortable.
Sighing deeply, she rubbed her throbbing forehead.
After that one awkward handshake, he hadn’t left his office once. She peeked at him over the monitor—he was expressionless, staring at the screen.
Damn it.
As she grumbled and pulled at her hair, Seo Min-jung scooted her chair closer.
“Section Chief, I’m so jealous. How does it feel?”
How does it feel? Like I want to die and bury my face in a plate.
“But you know, it’s strange.”
Min-seong rubbed her chin thoughtfully.
“Why did he specifically pick you? Out of all the section chiefs?”
Lee Hon’s shoulders stiffened. She looked at Seo Min-jung as the woman kept speculating like a detective.
“It’s just so odd. You didn’t notice, but I swear his eyes changed instantly.”
“Really? You sure you’re not imagining it?”
“I’m sure. It was like… seeing a lost lover he never forgot—”
“What are you talking about?!”
Lee Hon snapped instinctively. Seo Min-jung blinked, then nodded slowly.
“Yeah, no way. You two don’t have anything in common.”
Relieved, Lee Hon sighed and turned her head—only to meet Myung Jae-hyun’s eyes. She quickly looked away, startled.
“What’s with all the noise this morning? Are you doing pansori or something?”
Kang Ki-seop dropped a stack of handover documents on her desk with a thud. It was an overwhelming amount.
“Sorry, Section Chief. Guess it’s all yours now.”
He grinned, happy to dump the work on her.
“What were you two talking about?”
“Oh, just wondering why the director picked Section Chief Jeong.”
Just when she thought the topic had passed, they were back at it.
Like a soul mate in crime, Kang Ki-seop also rubbed his chin and squinted, glancing between Lee Hon and Myung Jae-hyun.
His expression changed as he made some mental connection. Then he clapped and laughed, making Lee Hon’s face harden.
“I knew it! Right, Section Chief?”
“W-What are you talking about?”
“At Millusso. That time—”
She jumped up and covered his mouth before he could finish. Unfortunately, Myung Jae-hyun was once again looking their way. Their eyes met, and her face twitched.
She gave an awkward smile and whispered like a ventriloquist.
“Assistant Manager Kang. Can we step outside?”
Removing her hand from his mouth, she led him out.
Once they were far enough from the office, she turned abruptly. Kang Ki-seop flinched.
“Wh-What? Did I do something wrong?”
“Don’t ever tell anyone about what happened.”
“What? That you stared at Executive Director Myung like you were hypnotized? Or how you ran out like a tragic heroine?”
“Assistant Manager Kang!”
He burst into laughter, looking like he’d just won the jackpot.
Lee Hon glared, gritting her teeth.
“If you keep it up, I’ll start spilling everything too.”
“Like what? I’m perfect. No weaknesses.”
“Really? But I know one. That you have a thing for Deputy Manager Seo Min-jung—”
He quickly covered her mouth with his hand. His hand was so big it covered almost her whole face.
Passing employees glanced at the two of them suspiciously.
“W-What are you doing? Are you crazy?”
Instead of answering, she gave a mischievous smile. He lowered his hand and scowled.
“Ugh, damn it. Of all people, I had to get caught by Jeong Lee Hon.”
“So let’s keep each other’s secrets.”
“Fine, fine. But seriously… what’s the deal with you two? If you were crying over him, it must be complicated.”
Just then, they heard voices from behind.
“Good morning, Director.”
They turned to see Myung Jae-hyun standing there, hands in his pockets, staring silently at them.
Flustered, the two straightened up and bowed slightly. Without a word, he turned and walked away.
Her heart began to pound again.
Lee Hon let out a long, trembling breath.
