RB 100

Choi Yeorok was so busy he couldn’t catch his breath. Meetings with shareholders who had voting rights and with the heads of Haegang Group’s affiliates became frequent. He also needed to handle the external duties he already had. Just like he warned, it became hard to even see his face at home.

When the trust ended, Yeorok would get all the shares Chairman Choi left behind. It meant he’d become the official owner who led Haegang.

After Chairman Choi passed away, the position of Haegang’s head had remained empty for years. It was because the will said they should handle the official succession process after seven years. Two weeks later, they’d reach the promised seven years.

They needed a board resolution to confirm the new head, but it was just a formality. No one doubted Chairman Choi Yeorok’s qualifications. The only thing anyone could nitpick was his young age, and that was it.

Yeorok understood that point, so he paid more attention to managing his image. He met people in the journalism field often. He broke up his already busy schedule and worked hard to solidify his position.

With the trust’s expiration just two weeks away, a chaotic atmosphere permeated the Haegang headquarters building. The existing chairman’s office was undergoing renovations to accommodate its new owner. The furnit ure inside was clean and sophisticated at firs t glance, a metaphor for the youthful nature of the person who would occupy this space.

Rumors were circulating that a major reorganization was imminent. Hong Namyeong’s name was also included in recent personnel changes. The position had already been decided upon. It was a move befitting someone close to Yeorok.

Ahn Jaehwan has been busy preparing for the opening of his new clinic. His clinic’s sign is scheduled to go up in downtown Gangnam, Seoul, soon.

Seo Taehwa was notified to vacate the annex within three months. The requested cash and officetel ownership transter had already been completed.

Seo Taehwa accepted his situation more easily than expected. But he couldn’t hide his gloomy expression. He forced himself to speak calmly and said he couldn’t help it because he’d spent years in this place. He felt so wronged and furious that he was on the verge of getting sick from anger, but he clenched his teeth and hid it whenever he stood in front of Yeorok.

Eunho, too, was having a busy days. After dinner, as was his routine, he went to the ma nsion. He spent some leisurely time reading in the study, and at eleven o’clock at night, he headed to Yeorok’s bedroom.

After washing and changing into my pajamas, he sat back on the bed and finished the book he was reading. He tried his best to hold out until Yeorok came home. There were countle ss instances where he fell asleep.

‎

In the dead of night, a rustling sound was heard. Then a heavy body collapsed onto the bed.

Eunho woke up and telt for the presence t hat was crushing him. Yeorok, who must have just washed, he smelled like cold air and clean water. Instead of checking what time it was, he hugged his cold body. He gave his warmth to the tired Yeorok.

Yeorok, too, seemed familiar with Eunho’s head, cradling it against his chest. He felt no guilt for waking him. Since he couldn’t see his face or talk to him any other time, he continued to chat with Eunho even though it was past 3 a.m.

“Chairman, what time do you need to leave tomorrow?”

“Around eight in the morning. And it’s not tomorrow, it’s already today.”

“It looks like you lost weight.”

“Sim Eunho, you gained a bit. Your cheeks have gotten chubby.”

Their hands moved like they were feeling each other out. Eunho woke up completely. He didn’t want to repeat the stupid act of falling asleep next to the busy Choi Yeorok.

“The doctor said he’ll hold a party on the day his clinic opens. Chairman, you’ll be able to make time that day, right?”

“I’ll see.”

“Taehwa-hyung said he can’t go. He said he’s going on an overseas trip. Hyung hasn’t looked good lately. He looks bad enough that I’m worried.”

“Aren’t you paying too much attention to every little thing other people do? How about giving that attention to me?”

He harshly remarked. Eunho glanced up and examined Yeorok’s mood. His face, devoid of any smile, was simply stunning, beyond compare.

Eunho snuggled into his embrace, burying his nose in his hard collarbone and taking a deep breath.

“I’ve always pay attention to the chairman.”

He heard a soft snort above his head. The arm wrapped around his back tightened its grip. The already close proximity had vanished, leaving him with nothing but warmth.

“Sim Eunho’s birthday is coming up soon too.”

He murmured like he just remembered it. Eunho’s birthday was coming up. By some twist of fate, even Sim Eunho’s birthday was close to Choi Yunho’s.

“What do you want?”

Yeorok asked, gently stroking Eunho’s crown. Perhaps feeling the touch, Eunho breathed languidly against Yeorok’s neck.

“The chairman.”

“That’s a big request.”

“All I need is the chairman.”

“You already have that, so tell me something else.”

No matter how hard he thought, nothing came to mind. He really only needed Choi Yeorok. Eunho hugged him tightly to prove his words were sincere, his soft hair tickling Yeorok’s neck.

He got better at showing affection. Sim Eunho no longer hesitated or held back when he expressed his feelings. Yeorok welcomed the change. He hugged the warm body tight and kissed his head that smelled like the same shampoo as his.

“Should we go on a trip together?”

“…What?”

“Nice in France is good. The weather’s nice, the beach is good to look at, and there are a lot of places Sim Eunho likes to visit.”

“You’re busy.”

“When the trust ends, let’s go. I’ll take a week or so off.”

Eunho released his arms and moved around a bit. He pulled out his phone from under his pillow and searched for “Nice, France.” Just a few photos popped up online, and his an ticipation intensified.

He couldn’t believe he’s going to a place like this with Choi Yeorok. He felt like his heart is going to explode with excitement. He was excited about his first trip to Europe, but he was even more excited by the prospect of securing a week of Yeorok’s time. “I’m so happy,” Eunho muttered. Even in the darkness, his eyes sparkled.

It was already past 3 a.m. Yeorok rested his head comfortably on the pillow. He glanced at Eunho, his face still flushed with excitement. He covered Eunho’s eyelids with his palm.

“Go to sleep first. Sleep and think about it t omorrow.”

“…Yes. Good night.”

Even though he said that, he couldn’t fall asleep. His heart probably would keep pounding until dawn.

***

“Do you know the contact for the person in charge at Eunjung Hospital?”

Secretary Hong looked at the rearview mirror. Yeorok’s reflection in the small mirror was no different than usual. Even his tone was grave.

With such a grueling schedule, he probably couldn’t even get enough sleep, yet his face glowed. It was a stark contrast to Secretary Hong’s sallow complexion.

“…Seo Taehwa would know.”

While Yeorok merely confirmed things, Seo Tae-hwa was responsible for all communication with the mental hospital. He handled everything from hospital contact to admission procedures and even the smallest details. It’s no exaggeration to say he trusted him with his meticulousness.

Yeorok immediately dialed the number. After a brief wait, he heard Seo Taehwa’s voice.

“I’d like to cancel my hospitalization reservation for Choi Yoonho. Give me the contact information for the person in charge.

–If you want to cancel it, you need to go there yourself. Do you have time?

Yeorok already knew where the hospital was. It was in a remote rural area where he couldn’t use trains or planes. A one way drive took over three hours. Even so, he couldn’t leave the matter alone. Yeorok wanted to handle it as fast as possible.

“I’ll take care of that. Just give me the contact.”

–I know your schedule’s tight. I’ll go instead.

Seo Taehwa said it like it wasn’t a big deal.

Yeorok felt bothered. He pressed his thumb against his forehead and adjusted his phone. Normally he’d leave it to Seo Taehwa, but he didn’t feel like doing that now.

–Write me one delegation form.

“Forget it. I’ll tell Secretary Hong to go.”

-You don’t trust me? Don’t you find it funny that you’re excluding me now?

A dejected laugh came from beyond the speakers. It seemed to imply that Yeorok was distancing himself from him after using him.

–Hey, I have a conscience. The amount I received from you was so big, I’m just trying to save some shame. I also wanted Eunho not to be sent to a mental hospital. I just wan t to make things right before I leave.”

“……”

–What exactly makes you not trust me? You’ll check all the documents anyway.

Seo Taehwa, unable to contain his anger, began to complain. The loud noise made the lines on Yeorok’s forehead deepen and he sighed.

“Give the contact to Secretary Hong and stop here.”

He ended the call.

He didn’t want to waste more energy fighting with Seo Taehwa. Seo Taehwa desperately tried to hide it, but Yeorok knew he still had feelings for him. They couldn’t let anything get messier.

Yeorok looked down at the phone after the call ended, then put it beside him without any expression. His face reflected on the black screen looked unusually blank.