The next day, Soo-ji leaned over the hotel balcony, letting the warm morning breeze brush against her cheeks as the distant hum of traffic mingled with the soft, yearning notes of a viola playing somewhere below. It felt comforting, but a tiny prickle along her neck reminded her she was being watched.
She didn't even need to look back to know it was Seo-jun, hovering in silent vigilance like the dutiful shadow he was.
Before she could turn, a familiar voice called out, cutting through the moment.
"Ms. Kim!" a cheerful voice rang out.
Soo-ji turned to see Mr. Jun jogging up, waving like an excited puppy. She waved back with a bright smile.
"How are you feeling today, Ms. Kim?" he asked, hands on his hips as he caught his breath.
"I'm feeling much better," she replied, warmth in her voice.
"You gave us quite the scare yesterday, you know. I thought you wouldn't pull through," Mr. Jun said, his eyes crinkling with concern.
Soo-ji let out a soft laugh, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Well, thanks to you, I'm standing here today. I wanted to thank you personally. You were so cool yesterday," she teased, her eyes twinkling.
Mr. Jun tried to hide his growing grin, pushing his hair back with practiced nonchalance. "I didn't do that much."
"You're kidding, right? You were aura farming like a main character in an action drama. My eyes were blurry, but I could feel every punch you threw," she giggled. "I lost count!"
Mr. Jun chuckled, adjusting his suit with exaggerated pride. "It was nothing, really."
"Oh, and that moment you glared at those thugs and said—" she dropped her voice, mimicking him dramatically, "'Leave before I change my mind.' It was so cool!" She squealed, hugging herself from the memory.
"You're only going to keep feeding his pride" a low voice cut in, calm but teasing.
Soo-ji turned to see Do-yoon appearing like a ghost in black, hands in pockets, his dark eyes amused.
"How are you feeling today, Ms. Kim?" he asked.
"Good morning, Mr. Do-yoon. I'm doing much better," she replied politely.
"Good morning, Mr. Do-yoon," Mr. Jun added, giving a respectful bow, immediately regaining his composure.
"Are you heading somewhere?" Do-yoon asked, eyes flicking to Soo-ji, ignoring Mr. Jun entirely.
"Well, I was planning to see Grandpa. I troubled him too much yesterday," she admitted.
"We'll drop you off. We're going that way," Do-yoon said in his usual cool tone, though his words were considerate.
"Thank you, Mr. Do-yoon!" Soo-ji beamed, but then her eyes widened as she turned to Seo-jun. "Wait, does that mean I don't have to go with Mr. Seo-jun today?"
"Certainly not," a voice answered before Do-yoon could, cool and cutting.
Tae-hyun appeared, his presence immediately draining the room's light like a cloud covering the sun. Soo-ji's excitement fizzled, her shoulders slumping.
"Never mind," she muttered, pouting. "I'll just go by myself then."
"We're already late. Let's go," Tae-hyun said, checking his watch.
He isn't even going to insist, she thought bitterly, expecting at least a tiny argument.
Tae-hyun glanced at Seo-jun. "Don't take your eyes off her. She's slippery."
Then his cold gaze flicked to Soo-ji. "Ms. Kim, please try to be less difficult today."
He walked off before she could retort.
"Me? Difficult?" Soo-ji scoffed under her breath.
"Goodbye, Ms. Kim," Mr. Jun called, waving as he jogged to catch up with the others.
Soo-ji waved back before turning to Seo-jun, crossing her arms. "So…"
"The car is ready, ma'am," Seo-jun said, bowing with mechanical politeness.
"Ugh, can you just call me Soo-ji? 'Ma'am' makes me feel like I'm eighty," she groaned.
"My apologies, ma'am, but I can't," he replied with a stiff nod.
---
A short while later, Soo-ji lounged in Grandpa Hee's sun-drenched relaxation room at the mansion, sipping a tropical smoothie, the scent of mango and pineapple sweetening the air. Seo-jun stood behind her, as immovable as ever.
Grandpa Hee shuffled in, laughter already bubbling on his lips. "Am I hallucinating, or is that my Soo-ji up this early?" he teased.
"Grandpa!" Soo-ji jumped up.
"Sit, sit," he waved her down, lowering himself into the armchair with a sigh. "How are you feeling now, my girl?"
"I've never felt stronger," Soo-ji replied confidently.
"You didn't have to drag yourself all the way here, you know. You should have slept in," he scolded gently.
"It's boring there," Soo-ji whined. "And Seo-jun's not exactly fun company."
Grandpa Hee's eyes twinkled. "It's no fun, is it?"
Soo-ji leaned in, lowering her voice. "Your grandsons are terrible entertainers. They didn't inherit your fun genes."
"Oh, my poor Soo-ji," Grandpa Hee sighed dramatically. "What can I do for you, hmm?"
She perked up immediately. "You could ask Mr. Tae-hyun to remove the restriction banner on me. I have to go everywhere with Mr. Seo-jun, and it's no fun," she complained, ignoring the looming shadow behind her.
Grandpa Hee clicked his tongue, shaking his head. "I can't do that."
"Why not?!" Soo-ji's shoulders slumped.
"It's for your safety, sweetheart. I have nothing against you," he said gently.
"But Grandpa—" she tried.
"Soo-ji." Grandpa Hee took her hand, squeezing it softly. "I fear this might be the best decision Tae-hyun has ever made in his entire life."
Soo-ji pouted, unconvinced.
Grandpa Hee's gaze shot to Seo-jun. "You!" he barked.
"Yes, sir!" Seo-jun straightened instantly.
"Sir? What am I, a government official? It's Grandpa to you!" Grandpa Hee scolded with mock outrage.
"My apologies, Grandpa," Seo-jun corrected himself quickly.
"Now, listen well. This is an order: you are not allowed to let my granddaughter get bored, not for a single second, or else..." Grandpa Hee narrowed his eyes.
"Yes, Grandpa. I will do my best to keep her entertained," Seo-jun replied, bowing again.
Grandpa Hee turned back to Soo-ji, eyebrows raised. "Happy now?"
Soo-ji's grin was instant, brightening the whole room. "Yes!"
"Perfect." Grandpa Hee stood, brushing off his knees. "Now that you're in a good mood, let's have lunch."
"Oh, before I forget…" She pulled out a small, neatly wrapped box. "Happy birthday, Grandpa."
Grandpa Hee blinked, surprised. "Soo-ji…"
"It's nothing big," she said quickly, cheeks warm, "just… something I thought you'd like."
His eyes softened as he took the box. "You're something else, you know that?"
Soo-ji grinned. "Did you think I would forget?".
Grandpa Hee smiled as he patted her hair softly "thank you soo-ji!" He echoed.
"Grandpa it's really nothing much" she insisted.
Grandpa Hee chuckled, tucking the gift under his arm. "Let's go eat, before I faint and embarrass myself."
Soo-ji laughed, linking her arm with his as they stepped out, Seo-jun quietly following behind.