Chapter 6

Jung Hee-do.

Jung Hee-do, an executive director at Lukin, grew up alongside Seung-eon since childhood.

He knew exactly what kind of family Seung-eon came from, and he himself had been raised in a similarly prominent household.

Was there ever a time they were apart, not attending the same elementary, middle, high school, and even college?

‘No, I don’t think so.’

From Kang Seung-eon’s memory, it was safe to say never.

So when Jung Hee-do, who had shared such a long and intertwined history with Seung-eon, suddenly announced that he’d be joining Lukin once Seung-eon became its CEO, it wasn’t just surprising—it was downright baffling.

After all, Jung Hee-do’s grandfather was the founder of Jeonghae Ocean, a renowned shipping company.

During their school days, Hee-do had always said he would eventually join Jeonghae Ocean and succeed his grandfather. That’s why Seung-eon couldn’t quite understand why he’d now choose to help him instead.

“You… sure about this?”
“Sure about what?”
“I mean, there are plenty of places that would hire you. And you’re already at your grandfather’s company…”
“Kang Seung-eon. Don’t you need me?”
“Huh?”
“Seems like you might.”

With a completely nonchalant expression, Hee-do could still say something that struck straight through Seung-eon’s heart. He was one of the very few people Seung-eon truly trusted in this world.

Maybe that’s why—

【Refused HG Executive Director Kang Joo-hee’s repeated offers to join HG Headquarters and stayed loyal to Lukin.】

Maybe that’s why, even when tempted by Seung-eon’s aunt, Hee-do didn’t waver and stayed with Lukin.

As Seung-eon stared at Jung Hee-do, who confidently topped the list of the three “boyfriend candidates” prepared by Secretary Chu, a wry smile crept across his face.

‘Well, it’s not like it’s been that long since we last saw each other.’

“CEO Kang. Wait a sec.”
“Huh? Why?”
“Isn’t it Woo-jin’s birthday tomorrow?”
“Oh, you remembered?”
“Here.”
“What’s this?”
“A gift for Woo-jin. I wanted to give it myself, but I’m going on a business trip tomorrow. Can you pass it on?”
“Thanks. I’m curious what’s inside. Can I open it…?”
“Nope. It’s Woo-jin’s gift. He has to open it.”

The last memory Seung-eon had of Jung Hee-do was him handing over a big shopping bag containing a present for Woo-jin.

Hee-do had watched Woo-jin grow from a newborn into an elementary school kid, so of course he wouldn’t overlook the boy’s birthday.

Now that he thought about it… did he ever give Woo-jin that gift?

As Seung-eon retraced the long history between him and Jung Hee-do, he began to wonder: could they have ever crossed the line beyond friendship?

Sure, their relationship was deeper than ordinary friends and closer than even some family ties.

If anything ever happened to Hee-do, Seung-eon would’ve done anything—just like he had the past six months—for his sake. Without hesitation.

But still… that was just because he worried for a friend. It wasn’t because of any romantic feelings.

“Secretary Chu said…”

It was then.

Deep in thought, Seung-eon didn’t notice that Hee-do had set down his coffee cup and was staring directly at him.

Startled by the deep voice, Seung-eon looked up. Hee-do was already staring right at him.

“CEO Kang, you woke up a month ago, didn’t you?”

Ah.

“You even hid it from me?”

His expression revealed a tinge of hurt.

Oops.

Seung-eon didn’t know what to say.

“Only I should know that the CEO’s memory isn’t complete.”

Back when the topic of memory loss came up, Secretary Chu had spoken in a tone so firm it was almost threatening.

Normally, Seung-eon would’ve brushed it off with something like, “Why should I?” But he didn’t object this time.

The reason was simple:

‘It made sense.’

Even if spending half a year unconscious was inevitable, the fact that he had lost all memory from his late 32 to age 33—if that ever got out—could cause serious issues.

In fact, the fewer people who knew about his amnesia, the better.

Even if it was someone as close and loyal as Jung Hee-do, who’d protected Lukin from his greedy aunt.

So, Seung-eon had kept it under wraps, only announcing his return a week after finishing rehab.

According to Secretary Chu, that was when Hee-do had found out too.

Their 30-year friendship might have been strained because of it. Seeing Hee-do unable to hide his disappointment, Seung-eon gave an awkward smile.

“Yeah… Sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”

Hee-do stared at him in silence for a while.

Just as Seung-eon was about to explain himself further—

“It’s fine.”

Hee-do spoke first.

“I’m sure you had your reasons. I forgive you.”

He said it so casually, Seung-eon was left wide-eyed.

‘If it were me, I wouldn’t have let it go so easily.’

Would Seung-eon have reacted the same if the roles were reversed?

“Hey! You kept that from me? Is that all our friendship means to you?”

Yeah, if it were Seung-eon, he probably would’ve exploded the moment they met.

But Hee-do just quietly accepted his decision—and even forgave him. Seung-eon, swept up in conflicting emotions, watched him silently pick up his coffee again.

‘Jung Hee-do.’

Sharp eyes without double eyelids, thin lips pressed tight, a straight nose on pale skin. Always neatly dressed, tidy hair—almost too proper for a businessman, but there he was, sipping coffee across from him.

‘If we go by looks alone… it’s not impossible.’

Hee-do was definitely good-looking. A well-dressed, handsome man.

And the fact that he’d endured Seung-eon’s fiery personality for over 30 years? That took serious patience. Most people would’ve run away long ago.

Jung Hee-do.

If they hadn’t been lifelong friends…

And if Seung-eon didn’t have that damned condition…

If there had been even a tiny sliver of romantic feeling between them—could they have crossed the line?

“That reminds me.”

Lost in thought, Seung-eon suddenly spoke.

“Secretary Chu said you deserve a big reward.”

“Chu did?”

“Yeah. Said you worked your butt off while I was gone and that I should never forget it. Told me to repay that debt properly.”

Hee-do chuckled softly.

“…I’ll have to thank Secretary Chu. For giving me the chance to get some credit. But honestly, you had the harder time.”

He really was a good person.

He knew how to be humble and give credit to others.

Seung-eon smiled.

“Hee-do, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask.”

“What is it?”

He didn’t like beating around the bush.

If he was curious, he asked. That was the right thing to do.

After nodding firmly, Seung-eon asked Hee-do directly:

“How many girlfriends have you had?”

Hee-do looked completely blindsided—maybe he’d expected a question about work. If he’d been drinking his coffee, he probably would’ve spat it out.

Seeing that reaction, Seung-eon continued.

“It’s weird. We’ve known each other for 30 years, but I can’t remember any girls you’ve dated. Was I that oblivious?”

“…”

“What’s your type?”

“…”

“Why are you looking at me like that? I’m just genuinely curious.”

Seung-eon shook his head.

Possibility.

Even if he didn’t believe it, now that he had to accept the idea that he might have a secret boyfriend, he had to investigate.

If Hee-do really had been that boyfriend—shouldn’t he figure it out now?

Could there have been something more than conversation between them? Sweet words, kisses… even intimacy?

Was it really possible?

Staring at Hee-do, who didn’t respond, Seung-eon thought,

‘Are you my boyfriend?’

If they had been secretly dating behind Secretary Chu’s back, surely there would be some reaction by now—

“The hospital…”

Huh?

“You said you were just discharged. Was it from a psych ward?”

The sharp jab pierced his ears.

Snorting in disbelief, Hee-do scowled. Seung-eon burst into laughter.

‘That’s the Hee-do I know!’

“So, you dragged me out for coffee just to ask something that ridiculous?”

Still chuckling, Seung-eon replied:

“Hey, come on. I didn’t ask you to sleep with me. I just asked your type. No need to be so dramatic!”

“What? Sleep with you…? Ha. Never mind. Are you feeling okay?”

Finally getting around to asking about his health, Seung-eon shrugged.

“Never better. More importantly, let’s make some time soon. I owe you a nice meal.”

Promising to work harder as CEO and flashing a thumbs-up, Seung-eon stood up from his seat.

“Thanks for everything, Director Jung.”

With this conversation, he could confidently cross Hee-do’s name off the secret lover list.

Right?

Candidate #1: Jung Hee-do
Boyfriend Possibility: 0%

Just as Seung-eon crossed out Jung Hee-do’s name and turned away feeling lighthearted—

“I could do it.”

Seung-eon stopped mid-step.

Turning around in disbelief, he saw Hee-do staring straight at him.

“If you wanted… I could sleep with you.”