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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 21
Chapter Title: Because I Want to Get Close to You
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Do-hyun couldn’t figure out why two people who looked nothing alike seemed to overlap in his mind.
Since Yi Yeon had gone to her parents’ house over the weekend and returned late at night, it wasn’t until Monday that Do-hyun sat in his office, stealing glances at her while searching for their commonalities.
Looking at her like this, her eyes seemed similar when she smiled.
When she smiled, her eyelids didn’t fully close, and her eyes sparkled like little beads rolling between them. The clear, sharp gaze unique to Yi Yeon that drew one’s attention was visible in that woman too, making it hard for him to look away for a moment.
Her voice seemed a bit similar too.
Above all, the scent that clung to Yi Yeon emanated from that unfamiliar woman as well.
There was something else strange. That woman called Soon-doong seemed to know who he was. It was odd how she had looked startled right from the moment their eyes met.
Maybe she just knew of me.
That day, Do-hyun received a text from Hee-ra and thought he should head home, so he tried to leave early.
[Oppa, where are you? They said you’re at the event hall? How come I can’t see you?]
Meeting Hee-ra at that hour would only delay his return home.
More than that, he was worried about Yi Yeon alone at home. Had she eaten? What did she eat? What was she doing right now? All his attention was focused on someone at home.
The way she urgently grabbed him, naturally calling him Vice President as he said he was going home—it didn’t feel unfamiliar.
Yeah, it was nonsense. Since it didn’t make sense, he tried hard not to pay it any mind.
When Do-hyun arrived home, Yi Yeon was resting comfortably there.
Do-hyun glanced briefly at Yi Yeon, who was properly seated at her desk.
That was when he caught sight of a man’s back slinking toward Yi Yeon.
Do-hyun couldn’t help but fix his fleeting gaze on the two of them.
The man approaching Yi Yeon leaned his elbow on the desk, thrusting his face close to hers as he moved his mouth.
“What the hell is that guy?”
At first, Yi Yeon’s lips, which hadn’t moved, curled up toward the sky after just a few words from the guy.
Seeing that made a wave of displeasure wash over him.
Do-hyun felt uncomfortable watching the intimate scene unfolding before his eyes. Something boiled up inside him. He didn’t know what this hot, stuffy feeling was, but it felt like it would explode right over his head any second.
Where did this fox bastard roll in from?
Young men generally had low ranks, so they felt uncomfortable on the floor where executives like Do-hyun worked. They rarely came up, let alone look at Yi Yeon with eyes like that and strike up a conversation.
So what was with this guy?
Those highly irritating eyes, that smiling mouth directed at Yi Yeon—he wanted to tear it to shreds.
He was the epitome of a flirty guy with fox-like eyes that vanished and stretched wide when he smiled.
The exact look he hated most. Acting all coy like that.
And yet Secretary Yu smiled prettily back at him.
Huh? Smiling? That fox chattering away, and she smiles right along?
Secretary Yu, I’m disappointed. Was her smile that cheap? Showing those pretty half-moon eyes to any guy?
Do-hyun wondered if he should buy an eyepatch or something. To cover up those eyes.
Do-hyun wasn’t even aware of the thoughts running through his mind right now. He was just glaring at the two of them with rage-filled eyes.
In truth, Yi Yeon was the same as always.
It was only natural for a secretary to greet visitors from partner companies or other departments.
Why did that smile, which never bothered him before, grate on him so much today?
She was smiling back at that fox flashing eye smiles and lip smiles.
As if she didn’t even consider the possibility that he might be watching from beyond the glass door of his office.
‘He’s a newbie, right?’
New hires fresh out of onboarding were like that—full of passion, full of curiosity.
But why was he overflowing with eye smiles? So annoying.
Do-hyun wanted to somehow break the rhythm between those two.
Deciding he needed to talk to Yi Yeon, he closed the approval window he’d been reviewing and opened the chat with her.
[Secretary Yu. Don’t smile like that…….]
“What the hell am I typing?”
Do-hyun quickly deleted what he’d written.
[Secretary Yu, come in for a sec.]
He hit enter and peeked out, but Yi Yeon hadn’t even read his message. Her computer screen was ignored as she kept her head turned toward that fox-faced guy.
Should he call? But that felt too childish.
Thinking it’d be faster to just go out there, Do-hyun slowly made his way to the office entrance.
* * *
“Hello, Secretary Yu.”
Yi Yeon, who’d been organizing the day’s schedule, looked up following the voice.
It was Ji-hu who had come calling first thing Monday morning. He looked down at her with a face full of the bright newbie smile.
Ji-hu didn’t seem to recognize Yi Yeon.
She’d been worried he might figure it out if he heard her name.
But it looked like she could set that worry aside for now.
Since he didn’t recognize her, there was no reason to act like she knew him first. She decided to treat him like any other company employee and gave a faint smile in response.
“Yes, hello.”
Still, to be safe, Yi Yeon lowered her voice as much as possible.
“Good morning.”
Ji-hu’s eyes stayed round and uncreased, as if he hadn’t even smiled with them yet.
“Do you have business to report to the Vice President?”
Yi Yeon cut him off, unwilling to indulge chit-chat from Ji-hu, who seemed to have no real purpose.
“No, I came to see you, Secretary Yu.”
What?
Yi Yeon, who’d been responding half-heartedly, paused and looked straight up at Ji-hu. He leaned on the desk, meeting her gaze without flinching.
“Me?”
“Yes, because I want to get close to you. I heard we’re the same age.”
How long had it even been since he started, and he was already hearing about her?
It had to be Assistant Manager Kang Yeon-jeong.
She had a mouth light as a feather, spilling other people’s stories without a second thought.
“You’d normally think better of wanting to get close to me.”
“Good thing, then. No competition.”
Yi Yeon gave Ji-hu a sidelong glance. Him suddenly showing up wanting to get close—it was too out of the blue.
“It’s not good to come on so strong to just anyone this soon after starting.”
“I’m not asking her out or anything. Just want to be friends with you, Secretary Yu. What’s the problem with that?”
True, people don’t change their stripes. Ji-hu was just like before.
His appearance, his personality—exactly like the Ji-hu from back when they were close.
Even the way he spoke so smoothly, leaving no room for retort. And his complete lack of tact.
Well, I don’t want to be friends with you!
“There’s no problem with just thinking you want to get close.”
Yi Yeon figured there was no need to keep bickering and tried to wrap it up.
“Don’t you like watching movies?”
And now movies? Ji-hu showed no signs of leaving.
“Do people hate movies? I even go alone sometimes.”
At Yi Yeon’s words, Ji-hu’s lips curved up. He must have liked her answer.
“There’s a new SF movie out. Want to go see it together?”
SF was Yi Yeon’s absolute favorite genre. Back in college, she’d go see them alone whenever one came out, and sometimes with friends too.
Was he really clueless, or was this deliberate? It made her suspicious.
“Why SF out of all the genres? I hate SF movies the most.”
Yi Yeon tested him. If Ji-hu recognized her, it’d just get tiring.
“Huh? You don’t like them? Most girls do. If not, we can watch something else. I’m fine with any genre. Even horror!”
Ji-hu didn’t show even a hint of fluster, flashing a light smile as he passed the test perfectly.
“He’s the new hire who just came in.”
Just then, a savior’s voice rang out. Do-hyun was leaning against the office door, watching the two of them. She had no idea when he’d come out.
Perfect timing!
He even nailed the timing.
“Yes! Hello, sir. I’m Eom Ji-hu!”
Confirming the voice’s owner, Ji-hu straightened his back and bowed deeply before standing up.
Yi Yeon, who’d been sitting, also slid off her chair at Do-hyun’s appearance.
“If you’re done, I’m taking Secretary Yu now.”
“Ah…… Yes, sir!”
Even if he had more to say, Ji-hu got the hint that it was over and headed back to his seat.
“Why’d that guy ask you to go see a movie?”
He must have overheard the conversation with Ji-hu.
Was it his imagination, or did Do-hyun’s gaze feel sharp?
Well, there was no reason for Do-hyun to get upset just because Ji-hu mentioned a movie.
“Who knows? Ji-hu must like movies.”
“So he can watch alone. Why drag Secretary Yu along?”
“He said he wants to get close to me. Said we’re the same age.”
“Typical nonsense from guys.”
Do-hyun’s eyebrow twitched. Clearly displeased, he swept back hair that wasn’t even falling over his forehead.
“Pardon?”
She hadn’t caught Do-hyun’s mutter.
Gaysol?
“You like movies too, Secretary Yu?”
“Yes, I go alone sometimes, eat popcorn, and relieve stress.”
Do-hyun gave her a look like ‘You too?’ before stepping right up to her desk.
“It’s been a while since we ate together…….”
That was true. She’d been at her parents’ house this weekend too, so quite some time had passed since their last meal.
“If you want to have dinner and catch a movie…… we could go together.”
Yi Yeon’s eyes widened like full moons. She was genuinely shocked by Do-hyun’s words.
Him suggesting they go see a movie together?
‘Going to a movie with the Vice President?’
Yi Yeon had to clutch her heart, which pounded like it would leap out of her chest.
Her eyelids fluttered rapidly.
Do-hyun let out a soft puff of air as he watched her blinking nonstop. A gentle smile spread across his lips.
Ahem. Clearing his throat lowly, Do-hyun spoke.
“Just curious what genre you like, Secretary Yu.”
So, you could just ask, but you’re saying we should go together?
The uncontrollable fluttering wouldn’t settle down.
