“Really? I remember leaving on time. 6 o’clock isn’t that early,” replied Jin-won.
“Seems like you must have a reason to leave early.”
“Oh, yes. Come to think of it… there is one.”
Hyun-seong gazed straight ahead as Jin-won’s thin lips formed a line.
“I’ve found a girl I like.”
Despite the monotone delivery, that solitary phrase carried an irresistibly potent impact. The hand clutching the fountain pen tightened abruptly.
Hyun-seong, typically adept at concealing his emotions better than most, struggled to maintain his poker face. The muscles around his mouth twitched ever so slightly.
Dropping his gaze, he honed in on Jin-won’s neck. As expected, two distinct dots were visible on the left side, mirroring what he had observed just a few days prior. His once serene irises now simmered with icy anger. It wasn’t merely the alignment of those dots that confirmed his suspicions.
Familiarity with the horrors associated with a man named Kang Jin-won naturally led Hyun-seong to a chilling revelation. Like pieces of a puzzle falling into place, the scattered fragments coalesced.
Staring at Jin-won with eyes brimming with cold disdain, Hyun-seong issued a succinct command.
“Get out.”
It was an unequivocal dismissal. Jin-won, wearing a face that defied easy interpretation, dutifully exited the office.
Once Jin-won exited, Hyun-seong swiftly pressed the speed dial for number 2 on his phone. After a few rings, a familiar voice resonated through the speaker.
“Yes, why, Attorney.”
“Investigate Kang Jin-won thoroughly. I’m almost certain.”
“…Alright. I’ll report to you personally tomorrow.”
After concluding the call, Hyun-seong raised his head, fixating on the imposing ceiling. This was no adversary to be taken lightly.
His mind churned in turmoil. His father’s sudden collapse into a coma, the untimely demise of the former Yoon & Kang secretary, and now even Seo Yi-soo’s sister, Baek Su-jeong—each incident woven together by a crimson thread. How many undisclosed atrocities had been committed? It felt immeasurable.
“Crazy bastard…”
Muttering curses, Hyun-seong shielded his eyes with his forearm. In an instant, the bright light was eclipsed, plunging the room into darkness. Justice must be served in the proper measure.
***
“You seem exhausted. Did something happen at work today?”
“A bit. I’ll fill you in on the details tomorrow.”
Inside the steam-filled bathroom, a delicate lavender scent filled the air and mingled with the water. As Yi-soo moved, the bathwater, tinted with a soothing purple hue, rippled gently. The spacious bathtub allowed both of them to luxuriously stretch out and unwind.
Droplets of water formed on the tips of Yi-soo’s slender fingers, creating round beads that fell with a soft, melodic sound. Hyun-seong, brushing back his damp bangs, cast affectionate eyes upon Yi-soo.
“Come up here and sit.”
“…On your thigh?”
“Yes.”
While it seemed likely that Jin-won was behind the incidents, concrete evidence had yet to be collected. Tae-jun, diligently investigating the corruption cases, would compile and present all the evidence tomorrow. Hyun-seong hesitated to disturb Yi-soo in her current state.
“Um…”
After hesitating momentarily, Yi-soo lifted her body. Carefully, she straddled his firm thigh and turned to face Hyun-seong.
Naturally, his arms enveloped her, drawing her into a close embrace. To maintain a modest distance from the water’s opacity and his lower region, she adjusted her position, settling closer to his knees.
Despite their numerous intimate moments, Yi-soo couldn’t shake off the embarrassment, which, to Hyun-seong, only added to her charm. Unintentionally, he released a gentle laugh, all the while pulling her waist nearer.
Soon, he nestled his face against her pristine shoulder, their bodies molding together. Her supple bre*sts pressed against his upper torso, and as he inhaled deeply, a sweet fragrance permeated the air, blending seamlessly with the floral notes.
“Seo Yi-soo.”
“Yeah?”
“I don’t think I can imagine my life without you now.”
Another heartfelt confession spilled from Hyun-seong’s lips, devoid of rational contemplation. The words, unburdened by hesitation, sent a tingling sensation to Yi-soo’s ears.
Yi-soo endeavored to soothe her loudly pounding heart, struggling to maintain composure in the face of Hyun-seong’s unabashed sincerity that sent waves of excitement through her. His candidness ignited an uncontrollable flutter in her chest.
His arms around her waist tightened slightly, and as Yi-soo gently nodded, she ran her fingers through his short hair. At that moment, she resolved not to conceal her emotions any longer.
“…Me too,” she admitted softly.
Hyun-seong, his lips previously pressed against Yi-soo’s slender neck, lifted his head slightly. Their eyes locked, and they plunged into a deep, meaningful gaze. It was as if he aimed to encapsulate only her within the depths of his pupils, a connection more profound and sensual than any physical caress.
Amidst this intimate exchange, the rhythmic sound of water droplets echoed in the background. Each drop, falling from the shower, created small and large ripples on the surface of the purple-tinted water.