Bad addiction

“Director, that can’t be true.”

If it were someone else, maybe, but Haeun knew better than anyone that Dojun wasn’t that kind of person.

The mistake was imagining herself alone in an enclosed space with him.

Afraid that Dojun might notice her improper thoughts, Haeun waved her hands frantically.

Seeing her reaction, Dojun let out a small laugh.

“If staying overnight is uncomfortable, we can leave after the rain lets up a little. You need to drive the car you brought, don’t you?”

“That’s true, but…”

“I tried driving earlier, and the heavy rain makes it too dangerous. Let’s at least have dinner before you go.”

“…Alright, I’ll do that.”

After a moment of hesitation, Haeun agreed.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes, Director.”

Following Dojun, Haeun arrived at a lounge on the top floor of a hotel.

Luckily, there were available seats, and they were quickly guided to a table.

“What do you want to eat?”

“I’ll have the same as you, Director.”

“Alright…”

Dojun pointed at the menu with his index finger and placed the order.

After the staff left, only Dojun and Haeun remained in the private room.

Since it was the first time she had been alone with him in this kind of setting, Haeun felt her hands tense up.

It was just a change of location from the office to a restaurant, yet the atmosphere felt entirely different.

‘Why does this feel so awkward?’

As she shifted her gaze toward the window, the rain-soaked city shimmered under colorful lights.

She was momentarily captivated by the beautiful night view when—

“Have you had any difficulties working as my secretary?”

Dojun suddenly asked.

‘Difficulties, huh.’

Of course, there were some.

But it wasn’t because of the work—it was because of the growing feelings she had for Dojun every time she saw him.

That was something she could never say out loud.

“There haven’t been any. Like I said earlier at the parking lot, it was truly an honor to serve you, Director. Out of everyone I’ve worked for, you were the best.”

Maybe it was because she was blinded by her feelings.

Ever since she started liking him, going to work had been exciting and enjoyable.

Now that her feelings had grown too big, the happiness sometimes turned into sadness.

And today would be the last day.

Realizing that, her mouth suddenly felt dry.

“People always criticize me for being too strict, so this is the first time I’ve heard something like that.”

“I’m not saying it just to flatter you. I really mean it.”

Seemingly pleased by her sincerity, Dojun gave a relaxed smile.

“Thank you. If I hadn’t had a competent secretary like you, I wouldn’t have made it this far. Having you as my secretary… was nice.”

Thump.

Hearing the word “nice” from him felt almost like a confession, making Haeun’s heart race.

Even though she knew it wasn’t, she couldn’t help feeling that way.

‘This is the last time, so what does it matter?’

Just for tonight, she decided to let herself enjoy this moment—without revealing her feelings.

This was the first and last time she would share a dinner like this with Dojun.

She would let herself savor the happiness within reason.

“Your food is ready.”

As she made that resolution, the staff knocked and entered.

Soon, a delicious meal was set before them, and the final touch was a glass of red wine.

The gentle floral scent rising from the glass was enough to tempt her.

“This wine is popular among women.”

“I have to drive, so I’ll just enjoy the scent.”

Haeun replied regretfully as Dojun offered her the drink.

But he shook his head.

“Driving in the rain is dangerous. It’s late, too. I’ll call someone to take you home, so have at least one sip.”

“Director, you really don’t have to go that far.”

“Consider it a gift for all your hard work as my secretary.”

“I was just doing my job, and I was paid for it, Director.”

“Then think of it as my way of thanking you for seeing me off today.”

She wanted to refuse, but it was hard to reject Dojun’s kindness.

It felt like too much, but she decided to accept it as a small reward for her one-sided feelings.

With that thought, Haeun picked up the wine glass.

“Then, I’ll gratefully accept it.”

“Good.”

As soon as Dojun spoke, Haeun brought the glass to her lips.

The floral aroma spread in her mouth, and the wine glided down her throat smoothly, bringing a sense of happiness.

‘This is so nice.’

As she savored the wine, she let her gaze wander, taking in the scenery around her.

It wasn’t just the wine—everything felt perfect at that moment.

A luxurious restaurant, delicious food and wine, a beautiful night view… and the man she liked.

Haeun smiled as she lifted her glass for another sip.

But then—

“I know what people whisper behind my back.”

“…?”

Haeun looked at Dojun, whose expression had darkened.

Her excitement quickly faded, leaving her embarrassed for getting carried away earlier.

It was the first time he had brought up something personal, so she suddenly felt solemn.

“A germophobic freak. A trashy person who treats others like filth.”

Hearing those words directly from Dojun’s mouth was unexpected.

Haeun quickly spoke up.

“Don’t take those words to heart.”

“Well, they’re not wrong. I do have an extreme aversion to being touched.”

That was something Haeun was well aware of.

Whenever he had to shake hands for business, he hid his discomfort well.

But afterward, she had seen him scrubbing his hands as if trying to erase any trace of contact.

Even so, she always believed there was a reason behind it.

Just like how she didn’t hate the rain—she feared it for her own reasons.

“The employees… I understand them.”

Dojun took a sip of his wine with an unreadable expression.

Haeun wanted to comfort him, but it felt like a boundary she shouldn’t cross.

All she could do was silently raise her glass alongside him.

“Thank you for putting up with someone as difficult as me.”

“Not at all. Director, you’ve always been someone I admire and learn from.”

“That’s nice to hear.”

Hearing Dojun call himself “difficult” made Haeun’s heart ache.

She recalled the things his staff had said behind his back.

‘Who would even date someone like that, no matter how handsome he is? Would they even be able to hold hands?’

‘Last time, I accidentally brushed against him while handing over a document, and he glared at me like I was disgusting. It was humiliating. Do I smell or something?’

Whenever those conversations happened, Haeun always defended him.

‘Regardless, he’s still our boss. If you can’t say it to his face, you shouldn’t say it behind his back either.’

She had been afraid that standing out too much would reveal her feelings.

But hearing that Dojun had been aware of those whispers, she felt glad she had spoken up for him.

Even if it meant being gossiped about herself.

“Let’s eat before the food gets cold.”

“Yes, Director. Enjoy your meal.”

Snapping out of her thoughts, Haeun picked up her fork.

She took a bite, but the food that had melted in her mouth earlier now tasted bland.

All of her focus was on Dojun.

‘Director, you must have had a hard time.’

She silently wished that, in the U.S., he would find a good secretary—someone who, even if they didn’t fully understand him, wouldn’t judge him.

‘I really do like him more than I thought.’

The realization left her feeling bittersweet.

After that, dinner continued in near silence.

As the meal ended, Haeun picked up Dojun’s suit jacket from the wall.

He furrowed his brows slightly.

“You really don’t have to.”

“It’s the last time. You bought me a nice meal—let me do this much for you.”

“…Alright, then.”

With his permission, Haeun smiled brightly and helped him into his jacket.

Looking at his broad shoulders up close, her heart fluttered.

‘Will I really be able to forget him?’

Even if he was out of sight, what if her feelings didn’t fade?

Perhaps it was the wine, but she found herself worrying over unnecessary things.

She couldn’t hide the lingering sadness in her touch as she adjusted his jacket.

“Thank you for everything, till the very end.”

As Dojun turned to face her, Haeun felt a lump in her throat.

“Director…”

“Yes, Miss Seo Haeun?”

She was about to thank him when—

Boom!

A flash of lightning split the sky, followed by a deafening thunderclap.

“Ahh!”

Startled, Haeun instinctively—

“…!”

—threw herself into Dojun’s arms.