JD 34

“What, what?!”

Geowong shouted in shock. People nearby turned to look at the two of them with strange expressions, and Hakyung quickly brought a finger to his lips.

“Shh! Sir, people are going to hear us!”

No, the problem wasn’t people overhearing them right now—it was what Hakyung had said. That was what was really shocking…!

Geowong blinked slowly, replying only in his head. Hakyung seemed to realize he might’ve gone too far and added quickly,

“I mean… I just thought maybe, possibly, it could be…”

Of course, he’d felt the firmness against his backside when they kissed while drunk, so he wasn’t completely impotent… But still, only holding hands and sleeping? For two nights? That was basically mocking a full-grown river dolphin.

While Hakyung grumbled to himself, Geowong looked increasingly troubled.

“That’s not it, but—Lord Muheon is… special. Ah, but before that, can I ask you something?”

“Huh? Oh, yes, go ahead.”

“You and Lord Muheon… you harbor feelings for each other, right?”

“Harbor feelings…?”

Hakyung went blank for a moment at the weighty phrase, then nodded fervently. The company dorm was a fancy traditional house, and now even the way Geowong talked sounded way cooler than just saying “we’re dating.”

Liking the way it sounded, Hakyung happily repeated it.

“Yes! Me and the boss—we harbor feelings for each other. We’re dating!”

“I… I see…”

Geowong let out a strained groan in his head. He knew Lord Muheon’s personality well. The idea that he’d start dating someone this quickly had never even crossed his mind.

Was this just how charming this little river dolphin was…?

To Geowong, who still saw Hakyung as a clueless kid, he couldn’t even begin to imagine what about him Muheon had fallen for.

He had a vague idea, sure, but now that he’d heard it straight from Hakyung’s mouth, the shock left him momentarily speechless.

“Why are you putting your hands on another man?”

A chilly voice suddenly cut between them. It was Muheon. He didn’t forget to grab the small hand that was still holding onto Geowong’s arm, either.

The two of them, who’d been whispering about things Muheon wasn’t supposed to hear, both jolted like startled cats.

“B-Boss? Why are you out here?”

“Because I had a feeling you’d be up to something.”

“Me?! I didn’t do anyth—”

Feeling guilty, Hakyung put on a fake act, while Geowong turned his head awkwardly and let out a stream of coughs.

As Muheon silently stared at the suspicious duo, he leaned in and whispered into Hakyung’s ear.

“I’m not impotent.”

“Wha—?!”

The low voice sliding into his ear was sweet and sexy, but the content hit hard. He had definitely made sure Muheon wasn’t nearby—so how the hell did he know?! Hakyung’s eyes trembled, completely out of focus.

Muheon wrapped an arm around his waist and added another line.

“I’m just holding back.”

Hit by the blunt confession, Hakyung started hiccupping. Muheon chuckled at the adorably honest reaction and led him toward the snack bar.

As Hakyung followed behind, he turned to glance back at Geowong, his face full of pure indignation.

What the hell is this special thing supposed to mean?!

Hakyung devoured the seasoned baby potatoes and hot bar they bought at the rest stop, then fell asleep the moment he got into the car. Muheon once again had him lying with his head in his lap.

Geowong and Sang-oh, glancing at them through the rearview mirror, looked uncomfortable—but Muheon seemed to be enjoying taking care of his little river dolphin, gently stroking his chubby cheek.

As Muheon let the soft feel of Hakyung’s cheek stick to his fingers and curled his lips in satisfaction, he noticed Hakyung’s phone hanging off the edge of the seat, as if it had fallen out of his pocket.

It looked like it might get left behind, so Muheon picked it up to put it aside. Just then, the phone buzzed repeatedly.

010-64xx-34xx

You seriously not answering? Want to die?

010-62xx-37xx

Is this how you repay someone who saved your life? You crazy bastard!

010-22xx-82xx

So you don’t care what happens to your siblings at school? Fine, let’s see what happens LOL

Muheon frowned at the texts, the senders’ intentions painfully obvious. He tapped reply, typed in the company’s address, then deleted the messages.

He intended to sever them cleanly—so they could never cling to Hakyung again.

***

Meanwhile, Hakyung, blissfully unaware of what had happened while he napped on Muheon’s lap, returned to the dorm in top condition.

During the three days he’d been away, the staff at the company had apparently missed his dazzling Excel skills so much that they were calling for him from every corner. As Hakyung dutifully responded to each one, he glanced at the office.

The boss really needed to see how amazing he was at this… But the door stayed stubbornly shut like always, which left him more than a little disappointed.

The river dolphin, eager to show off for his partner, grew sulky. Even so, his fingers danced across the keyboard like a model employee.

His only comfort came from the snacks his coworkers gave him—ocean-themed ones, no less.

The same Hakyung who once claimed sea snacks tasted too fishy? That guy was long gone. Now, he eagerly awaited the treats passed down from his hyungs.

Today’s best was chocolate filled with sea salt.

“Aww, this is really delicious!”

“Right? This chocolate is made by my little sister, and it’s been popular on SNS lately! Have you seen my sister’s SNS, Hakyung?”

“No, I don’t use SNS…”

Hakyung flinched as SNS notifications came in unexpectedly. Without realizing, Kim Taeyoung’s face appeared in his mind.

He had already turned off his phone because of the continuous text messages. Anyway, he thought it would be fine since there was no way anyone could find out where he worked. He planned to turn it on only when contacting his grandmother.

He hoped that with time, Taeyoung’s wild emotions would subside, and he could have a proper conversation. But he knew better than anyone that it was a futile hope.

Trying to soothe his bitter heart with chocolate while working, the door to the office, which was always locked, suddenly opened.

“Uh…?”

Hakyung’s gaze landed on Muheon, who had just stepped out of the office. But something about the man’s appearance felt off.

Quickly saving his work, Hakyung rushed to stand in front of Muheon. His narrowed eyes clearly conveyed his discomfort. As soon as Muheon stepped out of the office, he was caught by Hakyung, who raised an eyebrow.

“Why?”

“Boss, where are you going dressed like this? Are you going to charm someone?”

Hakyung’s eyes darted up and down Muheon, noticing his unusually neat appearance. His black suit, which accentuated the man’s broad shoulders and long legs, made Hakyung both fall for him again and feel uneasy.

Seeing the anxiety radiating from Hakyung, Muheon let out a small chuckle and shrugged.

Even his mischievous look was somehow attractive, which was a problem. Hakyung, completely smitten, would probably think Muheon looked great even walking around in his underwear.

“I’m just going to meet someone for a bit. Keep up the good work. Don’t let this mess up your focus.”

Muheon swiped the chocolate from the corner of Hakyung’s lips with his finger, bringing it to his own mouth. His signature ‘nonchalant affection’ move.

As Hakyung melted in response, his lips curled upward.

“I’m going.”

“Okay…”

By the time Hakyung snapped out of his daze, Muheon was already gone. It felt as if he had sent the man away in a trance, like a ghost. He pouted briefly before returning to his desk.

Naturally, his coworkers surrounded him. The shock of seeing the sweet scene between him and Muheon just now was still fresh.

Not daring to ask Muheon himself, they couldn’t help but swarm around Hakyung.

“What’s going on, Hakyung? Why are you so close to the boss?”

“Wait, seriously? The boss… kissed Hakyung’s lips…?”

Overwhelmed with questions, Hakyung gave an awkward smile. He had been so distracted by Muheon’s sharp and stylish appearance that he had forgotten they were at work.

They say office romances are best kept secret, right…?

They had already caught on to their suspicious vibe on the very first day. It was quite embarrassing to let slip how much he liked the boss.

***

While Hakyung tried to suppress his nervousness amidst all the attention, Muheon was face-to-face with Kim Taeyoung, whose temper was boiling over.

“What the hell? Why are you here? Where’s Hakyung?”

“That’s none of your business.”

Muheon replied briefly, his gaze shifting to Kim Taeyoung. From his dark eyes, a chilling coldness radiated.