RB 70

Secretary Hong remained silent for a moment, his mind blank. The question had caught him completely off guard.

But he quickly regained his usual impassive expression. Slowly tracing the contours of his lips, he began to describe the ideal type he knew Yeorok preferred.

“You prefer beautiful people, right? Like everyone else. But the Chairman has high standards.”

“I suppose that’s true?”

The answer was so cliched that Eunho felt a slight deflation. Without realizing it, he even let out a sigh.

“If I had to pinpoint it, she’d be closer to a gentle-looking beauty. A face with a delicate, refined appearance…”

Secretary Hong added that detail. Then, with a gaze bordering on scrutiny, he studied Eunho sitting across from him.

The face before him matched the description of a delicate beauty, but Sim Eunho was hopelessly unsuitable as Choi Yeorok’s ideal type. He was undeniably pretty, but he was undeniably a man. No matter how thin he was, his build wasn’t one that could be mistaken for a woman’s.

Moreover, Choi Yeorok was someone who had never once experienced love in his entire life. To him, relationships were nothing more than an act of excretion. Even that was entirely confined to the opposite sex.

“The Chairman… has never been with men. Frankly, I’m surprised he even has a relationship with Sim Eunho-ssi.”

“…I know.”

Eunho looked even more dejected than before. His drooping eyelashes cast gloomy shadows. Where had the sparkle in his eyes gone? His face truly reflected his emotions instantly.

Yeorok had mentioned that Sim Eunho seemed to like him. Honestly, Secretary Hong had thought it was a hasty judgment. But meeting the person himself made it clear. There was no way to miss it now.

“……”

Secretary Hong’s concerns deepened. He was now the only person aware of their relationship.

It might be presumptuous, but if he offered guidance, perhaps it could bring some progress to their slow and incomplete physical connection. It could help Yeorok. Once convinced, he finally offered his advice after much deliberation.

“He doesn’t care for timid people. Being too aggressive is bad, but tiptoeing around and being overly cautious is even worse.”

Even in his gloom, Eunho diligently jotted down Secretary Hong’s words. The model student’s habits hadn’t faded.

[Don’t be overly cautious. Don’t be timid. Be proactive.]

Suddenly, he recalled the last time he’d fallen asleep on the floor and gotten scolded. He’d wondered then why he’d received such harsh words… Now he finally understood completely.

“The Chairman appreciates intelligent people, regardless of gender. Make good use of what you’ve learned. Applying it practically is even better.”

“As expected, Secretary Hong knows the Chairman well.”

Every word echoed advice he’d heard from Yeorok before, making it resonate even deeper. After diligently finishing his notes, Eunho quietly stared at Secretary Hong. As if he’d entrusted his future to this man.

Secretary Hong met Eunho’s eyes without a word. His uniquely cynical gaze began to scrutinize Eunho’s features, one by one. Soon, he let out a short sigh.

“Your face… it really is too identical. Would you mind smiling for me?”

Eunho awkwardly bared his teeth. Naturally, such a forced smile was worse than not smiling at all.

“……”

“…Is it no good?”

“Yes, it seems you’ll need a lot of practice.”

Secretary Hong downed his cold coffee in one gulp. Glancing at his wristwatch as if unwilling to linger, he quietly pulled back his chair and stood up.

“This is just my personal opinion, but Sim Eunho’s face might be a disadvantage. At least when you’re alone with the Chairman, try to frequently show differences from Choi Yoonho.”

The main point was that if he could manage a cheerful smile, he might appear slightly different from Choi Yoonho. Secretary Hong, seeming to feel his task was complete, quickly stepped out.

Left alone, Eunho tried to stretch the stiff corners of his mouth with his fingers. Smiles are all the same, after all, what was so awkward about that?

At least he’d obtained valuable intelligence. Eunho clutched his notebook to his chest. Since arriving at the officetel, he’d increasingly fallen out of Yeorok’s favor, leaving him perpetually deflated.

He sincerely wished to redeem himself and restore their former rapport. Surely he could earn praise, at the very least. Clutching this petty hope, Eunho let out a hollow laugh.

The next evening, Yeorok arrived, carrying the chill of the cold wind with him.

“Sim Eunho-ssi. Let me see your mouth.”

The moment he entered, he checked Eunho’s mouth first. Fortunately, thanks to Eunho’s diligent application of medication, the condition had improved significantly.

“It’s much better now.”

He tapped Eunho’s cheek lightly. Receiving praise for doing nothing felt like winning the lottery.

Eunho clenched and unclenched the hand hidden behind his back. Seizing the moment, he blurted out a question.

“Chairman, have you eaten yet?”

Yeorok halted mid-step. Turning his face slightly to the side, he fixed Eunho with an intense stare.

It wasn’t unusual for Sim Eunho to ask about his well-being, yet today felt different somehow. It was likely because Eunho met his gaze directly and didn’t hesitate in his words. This unexpected demeanor prompted a quick reply.

“Yes, I have.”

“Would you like some coffee? Or whiskey?”

“What… are you taking orders now?”

The sudden request was nothing short of absurd. Yeorok responded dryly, as usual. But Eunho showed no sign of being deterred. This, too, felt like a change.

“Well, since it’s evening, whiskey would be better than coffee. I’ll bring you a glass.”

Eunho ran off to the kitchen without another word.

“……”

What did he eat wrong? Yeorok can’t fathom why he’s acting like someone who just woke up after a day of slumber. Yeolok followed him into the kitchen. He could see Eunho rummaging around in front of the cupboard.

Yeorok settled at the cold bar. He tossed his jacket aside, crossed his arms leisurely, and watched the suspicious figure as if he was keeping vigil.

After setting out the glass, Eunho opened the freezer door. When a heavy whiskey bottle slid out, Yeorok couldn’t help but let out a hollow laugh.

“Where did you learn that?”

“……”

“Sim Eunho-ssi, can’t you hear me?”

“Secretary Hong… taught me yesterday.”

Ah, Yeorok sighed. Only now did he understand the reason for the sudden change in attitude. Had he taken some secret lecture behind his back? Then again, there was no one quite like Hong Namyeong when it came to being a top-tier instructor.

His leaning posture relaxed further. Yeorok now watched Eunho’s movements with ease. Though to the person under scrutiny, it still felt like surveillance.

Eunho carefully poured the liquor. The sound of it splashing began, and immediately a stiff voice came from behind.

“Only half.”

“…Yes.”

He respectfully presented the half-filled cup as requested. Yeorok picked it up without hesitation, as if it were a tribute offering.

His tie had loosened slightly, and his shirt collar was open. Yeorok’s disheveled appearance was becoming quite familiar. To Eunho, even this felt like a reward, knowing it was a sight not everyone could see.

Eunho watched the slow movement of Yeorok’s prominently protruding Adam’s apple as if it were a spectacle.

“How is it?”

“Just cold liquor. What’s so different about it?”

“Ah… I suppose you’re right.”

Eunho gathered his hands below his navel and smiled awkwardly. Perhaps because he smiled, Yeorok’s gaze wouldn’t leave his face. Seizing the moment, Eunho lifted his eyes slightly, attempting to meet Yeorok’s.

A subtle tension melted away in their exchanged glances. Though Eunho hadn’t taken a single sip, his head felt dizzy. Yet he refused to show any sign of nervousness. This alone was a huge step forward.

“What? Are you planning to watch me until I finish it all?”

Yeorok’s lips curved into a smirk. Even with that clear mockery, he looked so damn handsome it was dangerous.

Eunho took a step forward as if he was spellbound. The hand that had been waiting quietly slid up to Yeorok’s waistband. After a moment’s hesitation, his fingertips began to wander over the front of his pants. Click. The buckle released.

“Chairman, my mouth sore are almost gone.”

Eunho was squeezing every last drop of courage from himself. His eyes, pleading for permission, met the silent man’s gaze.

In the silence, the zipper slid down. Simultaneously, Eunho knelt down. Through the narrow opening, he drew out the heavy, fleshy mass.

Without hesitation, Eunho took Yeorok’s tip into his mouth. As he wet it with his tongue like a brushstroke, the smooth glans became coated in thin saliva, turning an even deeper crimson.

In that instant, Yeorok tilted his head back. A chuckle escaped his lips involuntarily.

“Ha, never expected to get devoured the moment I arrived.”

He swallowed a sip of liquor alongside this self-deprecating mutter. Setting down his glass, he gripped the far end of the island bar with empty hands. His head tilted as his gaze lowered.

He couldn’t believe what he was seeing: Eunho eagerly sucking his cock, and his own cock slowly hardening in response. Yet the dizzying sensation was undeniably real.

Yeolok closed his eyes and exhaled slowly.