Meanwhile, Hyun-seong observed Yi-soo with a grin, his hand methodically moving over the polished mahogany desk.
“I must admit, I got paid more than most senior lawyers. It was a privilege,” Tae-jun remarked casually.
Yi-soo couldn’t suppress her surprise. “Other lawyers’ secretaries must have been tight-lipped,” she quipped, gesturing towards her sealed lips.
“Indeed,” Hyun-seong affirmed, his tone tinged with amusement. “Big law firms do tend to rake in substantial profits.”
Her mind swirled with the realization of the wealth involved, contrasting sharply with her perception of a public prosecutor’s role. “So, everyone was clamoring to join Yoon & Kang for that reason… I see,” she murmured to herself.
In the midst of their banter, Tae-jun produced a sleek black nameplate from a nearby box, its golden letters gleaming under the office lights. “Speaking of which… how about some Chinese takeout for dinner later? It’s a moving day tradition, you know. I know a great spot nearby.”
Yi-soo hesitated, glancing apologetically at Hyun-seong. “Actually, I have a prior engagement. With someone,” she confessed, nodding towards him. Hyun-seong, caught off guard, furrowed his brow in confusion.
“I’ve made a reservation at a restaurant to mark the office move… I’m sorry, Secretary Kang,” he explained.
“It’s alright… I suppose I’ll just indulge in jjajangmyeon alone,” Tae-jun sighed, visibly disappointed as he slouched onto the sofa.
“Should we invite him along? He’ll be quite forlorn eating alone,” Hyun-seong suggested, a faint smile playing on his lips.
But Yi-soo knew it wasn’t feasible to include him in her plans. Awkwardly scratching her cheek, she offered a compromise. “Well… today’s a bit complicated. How about the three of us have dinner next week? My treat, Secretary Kang.”
“Is that a promise, Prosecutor? I’ll eagerly anticipate it,” Tae-jun replied with a hopeful smile.
“I heard you’re fond of seafood, so let’s go for omakase. You can have whatever you desire,” Yi-soo promised.
“In that case, I’ll eagerly await it,” Tae-jun agreed with renewed enthusiasm.
Having meticulously tidied his desk, Hyun-seong reclined in his luxurious leather chair, its comfort seemingly justifying its hefty price tag. “Why so secretive about where you’re going? Is it a place you have to go alone?” he whispered.
Yi-soo hesitated, her expression betraying a hint of mystery. “Yes, it’s something I can’t divulge at the moment,” she replied cryptically.
Interrupting her reverie, Yi-soo suddenly clapped her hands, a spark of realization lighting up her eyes.
“Oh! I almost forgot. I have a little something for you, Mr. Hyun-seong.”
“A gift?” Hyun-seong’s curiosity piqued.
“Yes. A framed pressed clover. Thought it would add a nice touch to your desk.”
From her bag, she retrieved a small frame containing a pressed clover, its three delicate leaves carefully preserved.
“It’s not extravagant, but I wanted to give you something meaningful,” she explained.
“A three-leaf clover,” Hyun-seong observed, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
“I debated between this and a four-leaf clover, but I figured I’d rather wish for your happiness every day than just luck. That’s the sentiment behind it,” Yi-soo elaborated, her smile warm and genuine.
She placed the frame next to his nameplate, the contrast between the natural simplicity of the clover and the office’s polished elegance oddly charming.
Hyun-seong remained silent, his gaze lingering on the clover with a mix of emotions swirling in his eyes.
“Do you not like it?” Yi-soo asked, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.
Without a word, Hyun-seong rose from his chair and enveloped Yi-soo in a gentle embrace, surprising her with the sudden display of affection.
“Hyun-seong?” she murmured, taken aback.
“You’re my happiness, Seo Yi-soo,” he whispered softly.
Yi-soo’s heart swelled with warmth. “You too,” she replied, returning the embrace.
At that moment, they shared a silent understanding, a recognition of the significance of everyday joys over fleeting luck.
Meanwhile, Tae-jun, observing the scene with a mixture of amusement and disbelief, interjected with a wry smile.
“Um, if you two could save the affection for when I’m not here… Well, never mind. I’ll just leave and have a smoke.”
With an embarrassed smile, Yi-soo shook her head, but Hyun-seong disregarded Tae-jun’s jest and pressed a tender kiss to her cheek.
“You’re dining with me, right? We should get going,” he insisted.
“Of course. Did you make any reservations?” Yi-soo inquired, trying to steer the conversation away from their intimate moment.
“Um, not exactly. It’s a bit impromptu,” Hyun-seong admitted sheepishly.
Their exchange was interrupted by an awkward silence, and Yi-soo couldn’t help but roll her eyes, avoiding Hyun-seong’s gaze.
At this rate, their plans might be foiled before they even began.
“I hope everything goes smoothly,” Yi-soo muttered to herself.