IBS - Chapter 14

As someone who had often cleaned up Han Sol’s messes, both with and for Han Jinheon, he harbored negative feelings towards Han Sol. He was reluctant. 

But the mention of a bonus changed things. Especially since this month, of all months, he had more than a few unexpected expenses piling up.

Song Hyeon-oh found himself unable to refuse, and Han Jinheon gave him a look that said, 'I knew you would. 

He was a strangely cunning man. He’d said Song could refuse if he wanted, but he knew his employee needed the money, making it impossible to say no.

“Don’t worry. You see him every morning, Secretary Song, you know he’s not as aggressive as he used to be.”

“Yes, he has seemed that way.”

“You’ll see for yourself today. It’s like the poison has drained out of him. he’s become quite gentle.”

“Gentle… To be honest, sir, I find that hard to believe.”

Although he usually trusted Han Jinheon’s words without much thought, he was skeptical this time. He thought back to Han Sol. Whenever he’d visited the mansion, Han Sol had indeed seemed docile. But what if that was only an act he put on in front of Han Jinheon? He couldn’t shake the suspicion, even if it made him seem stubborn.

Han Jinheon agreed that it was understandable, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“I was the same at first. Even while seeing it with my own eyes, I wondered what was going on. Repentance is a powerful thing.”

“Is Han Sol-ssi truly reflecting on his actions?”

“It’s questionable, but for now, it seems so.”

Back when Han Sol was constantly causing trouble, just looking at his venomous expression was exhausting. Trying to have a conversation to discipline him was infuriating. Whenever he anticipated another clash, a sigh would escape him before anything even happened.

But over the past month, he’d really settled down. It wasn’t just that the poison had drained away. Looking at his dazed face made Jinheon want to poke at him first. 

There was no need for discipline or confrontation. Since Han Sol no longer tried to fight, Jinheon even felt like teasing him.

'At first, I thought it was just another way of messing with me.' But he’d blush every time Jinheon saw him, even though it wasn’t the first or second time they’d seen each other’s bodies. He’d yelp if you poked him with a needless comment. He seemed ready to snap back, only to become dejected in an instant.

When he’d suddenly offered to make breakfast, Jinheon had been suspicious, thinking it was a ploy to mess with him, but he also understood. Han Sol was a lonely person.

He was the type to eat breakfast, so he must have hated eating alone. Back at the main house, or when his actions were less restricted, there would have always been someone by his side. Han Jinheon, in his own broad generosity, made sure to eat dinner with him as much as possible, even if lunch was unavoidably separate.

“It’s like seeing him when he first came to the main house. He looks rather cute.”

Watching Han Sol be mindful of his reactions was more stimulating than his constant defiance and screaming.

Furthermore, that unexpected aegyo were intriguing. He was so cute, in fact, that the thought of other Alphas having seen it first made Jinheon’s stomach twist. He was clearly aware of how pretty he was when he acted that way. Which, of course, made him feel like a sly little fox again.

“That is even more unbelievable, sir.”

Song Hyeon-oh had never once found Han Sol cute. Considering all he’d done, he didn’t think he ever could. If Jinheon had asked if he was pretty, it would be different. 'In the end, he’s family, his younger brother, so of course he’s biased,' Secretary Song concluded, replying that he understood.

“I will go to Han Sol-ssi today. Please just give him a call beforehand.”

As soon as Secretary Song bowed and left the office, Han Jinheon reached for his phone. Just in case, he opened a location tracking app to check on Han Sol. After confirming he was quietly at home, he opened the CCTV app to check for any signs of entry or exit.

'See, he’s quiet. He’s gentle. That’s enough to be seen as cute.'

Han Jinheon idly stroked his chin and dialed Han Sol’s number. After a short ring, he listened intently to the voice that answered.

—Hello…?

Judging by the sleepy voice, he must’ve been napping. The old Han Sol wouldn’t be napping at this hour, he’d be out and about, full of restless energy. It was fair to say his life had become much more relaxed.

“It’s Hyung. I’m going to be late tonight.”

***

Secretary Song arrived—a man with short, dark brown hair, a sharp and sensitive-looking face, and semi-rimless glasses that added to his intellectual charm. Because Han Jinheon had an appointment, he had come to have dinner with me in his stead.

I had repeatedly told Han Jinheon through our call that it wasn’t necessary, but it was no use. He’d insisted, asking, “Don’t you hate eating alone?” and sent him anyway. 

I don’t mind eating alone, but the original owner of this body must have. I can’t follow every little preference of his, so I’ll have to tell Han Jinheon later that I’m fine eating by myself now.

Anyway, Secretary Song had arrived at the mansion with a premium Hanwoo beef set in his hands. He said he hadn’t known what to get, so he’d bought it under Han Jinheon’s instruction. 

While Secretary Song made me uncomfortable, the Hanwoo certainly did not. The sight of the secretary made my mouth go dry, but the sight of the beef made it water.

Entering the kitchen, Secretary Song asked me bluntly. His gaze was sharp, but his voice was soft.

“I’m just following the executive director’s orders, but will you be comfortable having dinner with me, Han Sol-ssi?”

“Huh? O-of course…!”

Ha ha. I laughed awkwardly and scratched the back of my head. I couldn’t possibly tell someone who had come all this way that I preferred to eat alone. And besides, I was the one who wanted to ask the question. 'Secretary Song, are "you" okay with eating with me?'

I had never had a proper conversation with Song Hyeon-oh. From what I could tell, Han Sol and the secretary were mere acquaintances, not particularly close. The problem was, even among acquaintances, there’s the question of like or dislike, and I couldn't yet figure it out.

'This man has an unshakable poker face. I have no idea what he’s thinking or how he’s feeling.'

“That’s a relief, then. You never much liked sharing a table with me, after all.”

Oh, for heaven’s sake. I thought he was just asking because it was awkward, but it turns out Han Sol had been rude. In this day and age, who avoids sharing a table? 'Han Sol, were you crazy?'

“Um… Secretary Song Hyeon-oh.”

It was rare to call the secretary by his name. It was even rarer to address him with his full name and title. It felt like the very first time, and I chose my words carefully.

“I was careless. The things I said and did… they were all pathetic. I don’t know if these words alone can earn your forgiveness, but I want to sincerely apologize to you. I’m sorry.”

I bowed my head, conveying my apology. There was no immediate reaction, so I couldn't stop myself from sneaking a peek. Secretary Song’s face was as impassive as a professional mask. Only his well-polished glasses gleamed.

“Are you sincerely apologizing?”

I hesitated before saying yes. The word “sincere” made me pause.

I couldn’t say it was one hundred percent sincere. After all, I wasn’t the one who had told him I didn’t want to share a table. I was simply apologizing humbly in the hope of making my future life more comfortable.

In that moment, the answer to the long-unanswered question of Secretary Song’s feelings toward me finally became clear. He did not like me. Given Han Sol’s past actions, it was impossible for him to like me.

'Can I ever earn this man’s goodwill?'

“I am sincerely apologizing…”

“Is that so? Then I will trust that you are sincere.”

Did he sense even a sliver of sincerity from me? Or was he just brushing it off?

Secretary Song placed the Hanwoo he’d brought onto the table. He took off his thick jacket and folded it neatly over an island counter. Rolling up his sleeves, he surveyed the area and spoke.

“The Executive Director did mention it. He said that the Han Sol-ssi of today is very gentle.”

“Hyung did?”

So he was looking out for me, even while pretending not to. A warmth spread through my chest. It’s nice to hear such things directly, but sometimes hearing them through a third party can be even more moving.

“And I don’t know if you’ll welcome this, but he also said you were cute.”

“What? H-hyung did…? About me?”

Startled, the warmth I felt was replaced by a flutter of excitement. My heart immediately felt soft and fuzzy.

Han Jinheon thought Han Sol was cute? He said i was cute?

I told myself there was no reason to be overly happy. He might find me cute because he felt sorry for me. He might think I was cute because I was pitiful but also obedient and gentle.

That’s what it was. Like a rain-soaked puppy…

Secretary Song grilled the Hanwoo himself. Even though I offered to do it since I was younger, he wouldn’t have it. Insisting he was more comfortable doing it, Secretary Song didn’t let go of the tongs.

Thanks to him, I ate the top-grade Hanwoo deliciously and comfortably. I felt bad for him being so busy with the grilling that I even tried to make him a lettuce wrap, but it somehow ended up in my own mouth. His defenses were formidable.

The atmosphere slowly quieted. The only thing filling the space between us was the savory sizzle of meat on the grill. After stealing several glances at Secretary Song, I cautiously asked a question. The topic was Cha Seonmin.

I had been so shocked earlier when I heard from Han Jinheon that he was going to meet Cha Seonmin. As a transmigrator, I felt a pang of remorse. I had been so busy just living as Han Sol that I hadn’t even thought about how far the plot had progressed.

Then again, I probably wouldn’t have known even if I had thought about it. I never finished the novel.

“I heard Hyung went to see the actor, Cha Seonmin?”

“That’s correct. It was an appointment made a month ago, so it seems he had to go.”

“Had to go…?”

'He’s going to see Cha Seonmin, so why say he ‘had to go’? If you make a promise, of course you should go!'

“Secretary Song… You know I’m always stuck in the mansion. I don’t know much, so could you tell me a little?”

“About what?”

“Hyung’s relationship with Actor Cha. Hyung likes him, doesn’t he…?”