Midnight Interview

A few days later, Jungyoon visited the Royal Peak Hotel again.Although it was somewhat less crowded than on the weekend, the nature of the hotel ensured a steady stream of guests. A mechanical fountain, set up for the summer season, sent streams of water into the air, while dazzling sunlight poured into the lobby through the massive glass windows.Sophisticated sculptures placed throughout the space, large ornamental plants, elegantly flowing background music, and even the murmurs of people gathering all blended seamlessly into the refined atmosphere of Royal Peak, without the slightest hint of discord.Seo Jungyoon stepped into the lobby and briefly scanned his surroundings, looking for the person he was scheduled to meet. They had never seen each other before and had only exchanged a few brief text messages.However, his concerns proved unnecessary as the person in question found him immediately. A woman in a charcoal gray business suit with a sleek bob cut walked straight toward him and greeted him.“Hello, are you perhaps Writer Seo Jungyoon?”“Yes, that’s me.”“It’s a pleasure to meet you. This is our first time meeting in person. I’m Kim Hyemin, manager of Royal Peak Hotel’s PR team.”“Hello, I’m Seo Jungyoon.”He grasped the small hand extended to him and exchanged a handshake. It was surprising that Manager Kim Hyemin had recognized him so easily, which prompted him to ask indirectly.“You must have a keen eye. I was worried about how I would find you.”“I’m fairly quick-witted, but having a description of your appearance helped.”“…What kind of description?”“That you look like someone straight out of a Renoir painting.”Jungyoon had no idea how to respond to that. He could only rub his face awkwardly, wondering who on earth had said such a thing.“It’s a compliment, Writer Seo.”“Thank you.”With a practiced ease, she dispelled the awkwardness with a smile. It was clear that her ability to maintain a polite and professional demeanor while also making others feel at ease was one of her strengths.They moved together to the hotel lounge. Located on the first floor, the space exuded luxury with its deep wood tones dominating the decor. The wide spacing between tables made it an ideal setting for private conversations.“Do you have any other questions?”Manager Kim spread out documents related to the promotion neatly on the table. They contained the same information Jungyoon had already read dozens of times over the weekend.The plan was simple—he would stay one night in a designated hotel room and use the related services. Of course, the PR team had already selected the room and services in advance. His task was to experience everything and write about it.The problem was that Jungyoon had never written a promotional piece before. If it were fiction, that would be one thing, but advertising for a corporation driven by capitalism was fundamentally outside his realm. No matter how personal and essay-like the piece might be, in the end, it would still serve as an advertisement.“To be honest, I’m worried. I don’t know how to write embellished content.”“You can be as honest as you like, even if it’s negative.”“Your PR team won’t like that.”“We’re confident enough to accept it. If there are uncomfortable aspects, we have to acknowledge them. That’s also the stance of our CEO—he doesn’t want to publish nothing but praise while covering up any flaws.”Kim Hyemin assured him that he had full creative freedom. Then, interlacing her fingers and resting her chin on them, she briefly set aside business matters and introduced a different topic.“One of my favorite films is Summertime. It’s about a novelist who stays long-term at a hotel in the south of France. The cinematography is stunning. Every time I see the protagonist enjoying the tranquility of the hotel, I find myself wanting to visit, even though it doesn’t exist in real life.”“Isn’t that film rated R?”“It’s a little racy, isn’t it?”Kim Hyemin scrunched up her nose and laughed.“I think your writing will leave the same impression as Summertime. Rather than a promotional piece filled only with praise, a heartfelt account resonates more deeply with people. Someone will read your words and imagine experiencing what you did, thinking, ‘I want to live like that, too.’ Unlike the movie, our hotel actually exists, so they can make that imagination a reality.”“You have a way with words.”“It’s how I make a living.”Caught off guard by her wit, Jungyoon couldn’t help but laugh. After that, the worries that had been weighing on his mind evaporated, leaving him feeling noticeably lighter.“Alright, I’ll write freely without pressure.”“I’ll be looking forward to it, Writer Seo!”From there, their discussion shifted to the hotel services. Once the topic turned to her field of expertise, Kim Hyemin became even more animated. She did most of the talking, while Jungyoon focused on listening and nodding occasionally.By the time their coffees had cooled to a lukewarm temperature, a man in casual attire hurried toward their table.“I’m so sorry! I’m really late.”“Oh my, how can you be late on a day like this!”“The car broke down on the way, I couldn’t help it. Please overlook it just this once.”The man seemed familiar with Manager Kim Hyemin. He was carrying a heavy crossbody bag with a famous camera brand logo on it, which caught the eye. Ah, a photographer. Jungyoon recognized his identity even before being introduced.“Author, this is Mr. Kibek who will be assisting with the shoot. Mr. Kibek, this is Author Seo Jungyoon.”“Hello.”“Nice to meet you. I’m photographer Kibek.”They exchanged a firm handshake. Having handled heavy equipment for a long time, Kibek’s hands were rough. His forearms, exposed beneath the short sleeves, were covered in tattoos of unknown meaning. Compared to the neat Manager Kim Hyemin, he definitely exuded a free-spirited vibe.“Shall we head up then?”Manager Kim Hyemin, who had neatly gathered the documents on the table, stood up first, pulling back her chair.Jungyoon also stood up after grabbing their bag. Photographer Kibek took out his camera, almost his personal belonging, and closely followed the two.Click!Jungyoon turned his head at the sound of the shutter. He had just entered the room and was putting down his bag.Meeting Kibek’s gaze, who was lowering the camera he was holding to his face, Jungyoon felt an inexplicable sense of embarrassment despite photography being Kibek’s main job. Kibek offered a non-excuse.“Just a test. The lighting is good.”“Do you have to take pictures of the room too?”“No, the room has already been photographed. And your face won’t appear at all, so you don’t have to worry.”Although Seo Jungyoon nodded in agreement, he still felt awkward facing the camera and rubbed his arm for no reason while looking around the room.Room 604. Premier Room. Compared to the Presidential Room visited a few days ago, it was endlessly smaller, but Jungyoon rather liked this size. The furniture, arranged with just the essentials, and the minimalist interior provided a cozy atmosphere.“Mr. Kibek, let’s leave the author alone to rest now. Author, feel free to use the minibar as you wish, and if you need anything, please request it from the front desk at any time.”“Yes, I understand.”“See you at six.”With that, they parted, promising to meet later. As soon as the two left, the room became quiet.It was the first alone time in hours. Only then did Jungyoon relax his tense shoulders and began to leisurely explore the room.He opened the balcony window first. As the photographer said, the lighting was dazzlingly good. The crispy sunlight quickly warmed his skin, making him feel slightly hot. It was amazing that a breeze was blowing even in summer.Jungyoon gazed at the distant Han River. The calmly flowing river didn’t have any flashy beauty, but the sunlight reflecting off the blue waves gave a sense of peace. It was a different view from the nightscape seen previously.It was only three o’clock, and there was plenty of time until the next appointment.Jungyoon went back inside the room, opened his bag, and took out his laptop, phone, and a bottle of water from the minibar. He returned to the balcony with these items.The rattan sofa was long enough to stretch out both legs while sitting. With its plush cushions, it seemed suitable for sitting for a long time.After leaning back comfortably, he opened his laptop on his thighs. As always, he began to transfer his thoughts into writing.What he wrote on the blank Word document was more than mere notes; the sentences were beautifully composed. Seo Jungyoon recorded his impressions of entering the room for the first time and the scenery and feelings spread out before his eyes now.Although he would refine the content several times after returning home, he thought it better to capture his immediate thoughts in writing rather than recalling them later.As he filled the page, sweat began to form on Jungyoon’s forehead. Although he didn’t usually feel the heat, summer was still summer.He quenched his thirst with the water he had placed beside him. As the cold water flowed down his throat, the heat eased somewhat. Having finished his writing, he felt idle again. As soon as he closed his laptop, the thoughts he had tried to suppress resurfaced.Jungyoon picked up his silent phone. He hadn’t heard from Jaehyuk all weekend. It seemed his mood was thoroughly spoiled.It wasn’t something worth fighting over….Feeling equally upset, Jungyoon hadn’t contacted first either. But now that he was at the hotel, he couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling. At least, he should inform Jaehyuk that he was here. Not anyone else, but Jaehyuk.Finally, he unlocked his phone and found Jaehyuk’s name in the call log. Would he answer during work hours?As he listened to the monotonous ringing, his heart began to tremble for some reason.— Hello.Soon, a familiar voice came through. Jungyoon swallowed the saliva pooled in his mouth and spoke with a trembling voice. He felt nervous anew.“Hyung, are you busy?”— Ah, a bit.“I have something to say. I’m at a hotel right now….”— Jungyoon, sorry, but can I call you later? I’m dealing with something and can’t talk now.“Okay. Sorry to bother you.”— I’ll call you.The call ended briefly. Jungyoon let out a heavy sigh as he looked at the call log that didn’t even last 30 seconds.Rather than feeling relieved, he felt drained. Jaehyuk’s voice was still subdued. Whether it was because of the busy work or lingering annoyance, he couldn’t tell.“…….”After a moment of contemplation, Jungyoon lowered his legs from the sofa. Moving to the bedroom, he roughly threw the laptop on the bed and grabbed his wallet and room key.He wanted to quickly fill the gap of frustrating emotions before more time passed. He thought it was uncharacteristic of himself as he left the room.He headed straight to the office building behind the Royal Peak Hotel. Maybe because he’d been there once before, it felt much less unfamiliar. Seo Jungyoon entered the café in the lobby on the first floor.The main customers of the café, quite spacious, were mostly company employees. As it was well past lunchtime, the interior was rather quiet.Seo Jungyoon looked around the showcase next to the counter, lost in thought. Since he had come all the way to Jaehyuk’s company, he thought it would be nice to bring some gifts for his department colleagues.At that moment, he noticed Levain cookies the size of his palm. Those would be perfect for sharing with everyone.“May I take your order?”“One iced americano, and two of each kind of cookie over there, please.”“Shall I gift-wrap the cookies for you?”“Yes, please. I’ll drink the coffee here.”The café staff said it would take about ten minutes to wrap the cookies. Jungyoon agreed and waited briefly at the front. As he passed the time watching the coffee being prepared, an iced americano filled with ice and a small piece of madeleine came out shortly.“Your iced americano is ready.”He stood still, unsure if it was his order, and the staff, with a smile, politely handed over the tray.“It’s on the house. Freshly baked, so please try it.”“Oh, thank you.”“I’ll bring the cookies to you once they’re ready.”Responding to the staff’s kindness with a bow, he took the tray. Although there were many empty seats, he deliberately chose the most secluded corner.Jungyoon stirred the straw, melting the ice, and took a sip of the coffee. The low acidity and rich nuttiness were just to Jaehyuk’s liking.He planned to leave the cookies at the front desk. Although he wasn’t bad at talking, it felt a bit awkward to offer words of reconciliation directly. But Jaehyuk, knowing his personality well, would surely understand the meaning behind the gift.How much time had passed? The coffee in the cup had reduced by about one-third, and the café staff were busy wrapping the cookies while attending to occasional customers.Jungyoon enjoyed the moderate noise and the quiet afternoon, taking out his phone. He was writing a message for Jaehyuk in the memo app.The sound of jingling bells accompanied the entrance of a customer. Since people frequently came and went, he didn’t pay much attention.“Seona, what do you want to drink?”A familiar voice was heard. Jungyoon, unconsciously, put down his phone and looked ahead.“An iced vanilla latte! Sir, I also want a cookie.”“If you’re going to do that, you should eat a proper meal. You barely ate a spoonful of lunch, claiming to diet, and now you want cookies. What’s the logic?”“I ate less lunch so I could have dessert!”Jaehyuk’s low voice and the bubbly voice of the newcomer engaged in a friendly conversation.From where he sat, Jungyoon could only see their backs, but he was sure it was Kang Jaehyuk, and the person next to him was likely the new employee he had mentioned.Whether because of her playful nature or youth, the newbie interacted with Jaehyuk without hesitation, linking arms and dragging him towards the showcase.“Oh no, sir! There are only a few cookies left. The yellow cheese cookies are all gone! That’s what I wanted the most!”“Think of it as fate.”Jaehyuk laughed, throwing out a playful jab. It was a bright laugh, unimaginable from the voice he had during the call earlier.Jaehyuk, who claimed to be busy, was at the café with the newbie.Well, that could happen. How could one work all the time? A break to clear one’s mind is natural.Jungyoon tidied up his seat and stood up. Just then, he saw the staff tying the ribbon on the gift box, indicating that the wrapping was complete.He walked past the two while carrying the tray. While the newbie still gazed wistfully at the showcase, Kang Jaehyuk immediately recognized Seo Jungyoon.“Jung…yoon.”His voice was almost a groan.“The wrapping is done, right?”“Yes, sir. Thank you for waiting.”Jungyoon received the cookie box while engaging in a casual conversation. Without hesitation, he handed the box to Jaehyuk.“It’s a good thing we met. Take it.”“…”“I bought it for you, Hyung.”His expression, as if he had seen a ghost, was amusing. Such a reaction was really unnecessary. He wasn’t caught in an affair or anything like that. Jungyoon’s face broke into a slight bitter smile.The newbie watched the scene with wide eyes.Jungyoon gave her a brief nod. The newbie responded by bowing her head and smiling brightly. That smile was directed towards Jaehyuk.“Do you know this person, sir?”“Oh? Oh. …Someone I know.”Introducing him merely as someone he knew didn’t evoke any particular emotions. Terms like lover, sweetheart, or beloved were difficult to apply to their relationship from the start.“Enjoy it together. I bought plenty. You might find the cheese cookie you wanted.”“Wow! Thank you!”Jungyoon couldn’t help but laugh at her pure joy. Meanwhile, Jaehyuk, still with a stiff face, looked at Seo Jungyoon. His anxious gaze was probing Jungyoon’s inner thoughts.“Seona, take this and go up first. I’ll bring the coffee.”“Yes!”The newbie quickly embraced the box and answered. Leaving Kang Jaehyuk and Seo Jungyoon behind, her departing figure from the café exuded youthful freshness. Perhaps it was due to her naturally lively personality.Jaehyuk, holding Jungyoon’s wrist, moved to a more secluded spot in the café. His face was still stiff with surprise. It wasn’t a smile, nor a frown—an odd expression.“What happened? Without any notice.”His voice was lowered, almost a whisper. The grip on his wrist was painful, causing a tingling sensation. Jungyoon tried to pull his right arm, but Jaehyuk didn’t let go.“You said you were busy. I just planned to leave a gift.”“…”“I’m staying at a hotel because of work. I came to tell you that too.”Jungyoon let out a breathy laugh.“I shouldn’t have come.”Sweat had formed on Jaehyuk’s palm holding Jungyoon’s wrist. It was evident how flustered he was.“You don’t have any weird misunderstandings, right? The person earlier was the one I mentioned last time…”“Misunderstanding? What misunderstanding.”Jungyoon cut off Jaehyuk’s hurried words with a calm face.“Is this a situation where I should misunderstand?”“…No. It’s not like that.”“Wouldn’t we look even stranger right now?”Only then did Jaehyuk release his wrist. His head turned busily, conscious of his surroundings. Right, this was the company.“Next time, tell me before you come. At least give me time to prepare.”“Don’t worry, I won’t come again.”“Why are you so sharp?”“…”“What… Seo Jungyoon. Are you jealous?”Jungyoon couldn’t believe it and let out a sigh that was close to a groan. He looked at Jaehyuk with an open mouth. The face that had been stiff was now relaxed. It was the Jaehyuk he always knew.The bond built over a long time was powerful. Even during crises, their relationship quickly mended with a small trigger.“Wow, Seo Jungyoon gets jealous too, huh? See, it’s not nice, is it? Now you know how I felt?”“And this is the same as that?”“What’s the difference? Feeling like someone else has taken your place, and just imagining it makes you lose your mind. It’s all the same.”A smile spread across Jaehyuk’s face. He bent down and whispered in Jungyoon’s ear.“I like seeing our Jungyoon jealous. I should use this more often if I want your attention.”“Stop talking nonsense.”“See, even now your lips are pouting. You have no idea how cute you look. Your expression becomes so dynamic when you’re jealous.”If he could, he would have bitten those white cheeks until they were covered in saliva. But, mindful of the eyes watching, Jaehyuk had to suppress his regret and stand upright again.He tapped Jungyoon’s shoulder. To others, it would seem like a casual, brotherly gesture.“Do well at work. Sorry for not keeping in touch. I’ve been really busy and needed some time to clear my head. I’ll make sure to keep in touch from now on.”“Whatever.”Jungyoon brushed his hand off his shoulder and turned away. Conscious of Jaehyuk’s earlier comment about his pout, he tightened his lips and glared.“I’m leaving.”“Make sure to keep your phone with you!”Jaehyuk cupped his hands around his mouth like a megaphone and shouted at Jungyoon’s back as he left the café. Watching Jungyoon walk away from the company, he couldn’t stop smiling.Returning to the hotel, Seo Jungyoon threw his belongings carelessly and collapsed onto the bed. He felt exhausted and didn’t want to do anything.He stared at the immaculate ceiling, reminiscing about the earlier events.Seeing Jaehyuk with a woman would have seemed normal to anyone. Even casually linking arms was something they couldn’t do in public. The envy and resentment he felt surged again.“Ha, it’s ridiculous. Really.”Jungyoon let out a laugh that sounded like a sigh. Just as Jaehyuk had said, he must have been jealous. To erase the unpleasant emotion, he decided to sleep. His sharp mind quickly severed the thoughts and sought refuge in sleep.ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁After a nap, Seo Jungyoon headed to the restaurant floor at 6 PM, the agreed time. The hotel had already arranged the dinner. In front of the luxurious Korean fine dining restaurant, he met Kibek again.“There should be a reservation under Seo Jungyoon.”The staff member checking the reservation list smiled sweetly and asked for a moment. A man who seemed much higher in rank appeared and greeted Seo Jungyoon and Kibek with a bow. The man, exuding a kind atmosphere, introduced himself as the manager.“I’ll guide you to your seats.”With polite guidance, they moved deep inside the restaurant. Only after entering a quiet private room did Seo Jungyoon feel relieved.Thank goodness. He had been worried about drawing attention, especially since the meal involved a camera.“The meal will be prepared shortly. What would you like to drink?”The manager handed over a cream-colored leaflet menu. This too was naturally part of the provided package. After scanning the list, Seo Jungyoon tilted his head and asked.“Could you recommend something?”“How about distilled spirits? This soju, brewed by a master in Damyang, has a subtle pine scent and pairs well with the food. It’s a bit strong but has a smooth finish and minimal hangover.”“I’ll have that.”“I’ll prepare it right away.”While waiting for dinner to be set, Jungyoon glanced out the window. Being on a high floor, the night view was excellent. Leaning on his chin, he gazed outside as Kibek, who had been standing in the corner, took out his equipment.The sound of the shutter echoed in the quiet room, prompting Jungyoon to turn his head. Despite looking, the shutter sound didn’t stop.Jungyoon asked for confirmation.“Mr. Kibek, you’re sure my face won’t be shown.”“Yes, even if it’s in the frame, I’ll crop it out during editing.”Kibek shrugged and checked the test shot he had just taken. He readjusted the settings to match the indoor lighting and pressed the shutter again. This time, seeming satisfied with the result, a smile appeared on his face.“But it’s a bit of a waste. You have a photogenic face.”Jungyoon responded with a smile instead of words. At that moment, the sliding door opened, and the servers entered one after another.Neatly arranged dishes were placed on the table. Following them, a woman in slightly different attire entered. The sommelier badge on her collar caught the eye.After showing the ceramic bottle to Jungyoon, she skillfully opened the cap. As she poured the drink into the jade-colored cup, the unique yeast aroma of distilled spirits and the subtle pine scent filled the air.Kibek seized the moment to capture this scene with his camera. The enthusiastic burst of shots made Jungyoon smile quietly.“Should I… pose or something?”“No, that’s too artificial. Just relax and eat, and I’ll take care of the photos.”“You know, this isn’t comfortable at all.”In response to his light-hearted joke, Kibek nodded and replied, “I know, I know. Think of me as invisible.”Kibek continued taking photos. He captured shots over Jungyoon’s shoulder, focusing on the plates or his chopstick movements.He didn’t miss Jungyoon drinking soju either. As Jungyoon gulped down a drink, Kibek also licked his lips as if craving a taste.Jungyoon put down his cup and called Kibek.“Let’s eat together before it gets cold. It’s strange eating alone.”The place opposite was set for Kibek as well. Having missed the right timing, the table was filled with plates from appetizers to main courses.“Shall we?”Finally, Kibek reluctantly put down his camera. The delicious aroma had been teasing his stomach for a while.He quickly sat down. He pushed his heavy camera gear far on the table and picked up his chopsticks. His eyes darted quickly over the plates, deciding what to eat first.Meanwhile, Jungyoon poured a drink into Kibek’s cup as well. They clinked their glasses lightly, sharing a toast. Kibek downed the strong soju in one go, scrunching his nose and forehead in admiration.“Wow, expensive liquor has a different scent, indeed.”“Right.”They continued their meal, filling each other’s glasses. To break the initial awkwardness, they talked about various topics like age, where they lived, and when they started photography.To their surprise, they were both 28 years old. Although they hadn’t yet dropped the formalities, addressing each other as Author and Mr. Kibek, their conversation became more comfortable. Maybe it was the alcohol or the shared freelancer experience.“Do you have a lover, Author?”At the unexpected question, Jungyoon paused. He scratched the sauce on the plate aimlessly before answering.“Yes, I do. How about you, Mr. Kibek?”“I do. She’s 22 and super cute. Would you like to see a picture I took?”Kibek proudly showed a photo of his girlfriend saved as his phone wallpaper. The girl, smiling brightly with her eyes crinkled, had a cute face as he described. Given his profession, even phone-taken photos were impressive, full of loving emotion.“She’s pretty. You two look great together.”“How about you, Author? Do you have any photos to show? I’m really curious.”Kibek, surprised to know the usually quiet and aloof Seo Jungyoon had a lover, was very curious. At his repeated request, Jungyoon smiled faintly and shook his head.“I rarely take photos.”Although there were photos of Jaehyuk on his phone, he couldn’t openly show them saying, “This is my lover.” Such moments always left him feeling at a loss for words as if he had committed a sin.“How long have you been together?”“Eight years.”“Wow,” Gibaek exclaimed in admiration before nodding his head. To him, Seo Jungyoon seemed more suited to a slow, enduring kind of love like an ondol rather than a boiling, passionate one.“Having dated that long, you must be getting ready for marriage soon.”“Hmm.”“Why, aren’t you sure?”When Jungyoon gave a lukewarm response, Gibaek refilled an empty glass with liquor, feeling awkward about probing into someone else’s personal matters.“I have quite a few friends who’ve been dating for seven or eight years. They all say it’s around that time when you start to think seriously.”“About what?”“Whether to marry this person or to break up. It’s kind of the moment that decides.”“…”“Once you go into double digits for years, it does feel burdensome. After such a long time, you feel like you have to take responsibility for this person, don’t you? And by then, you’ve probably made up your mind whether it’s okay to get married or not.”Jungyoon exhaled a breath like a sigh. He finished the remaining liquor in his glass and fell into thought for a moment.“I haven’t thought about marriage, but I’ve always assumed we’d be together for life. I’ve never even considered the option of breaking up.”“Oh, then you’ll do it eventually. It’s natural not to think about marriage at your age.”After a few drinks, Gibaek’s tone became more lively. Realizing this, he quickly quenched his thirst with water and pushed the liquor glass far away.There was a knock, and servers entered with the final dessert and tea for palate cleansing.Gibaek picked up his camera and pulled his chair back. Having enjoyed the luxury enough, it was time to return to work.After the meal, they moved to the rooftop. Above, lights twinkled like stars, and plush linen sofas were lined up on the stepped wooden floor.For safety, there was a railing that came up to waist height, but even that looked like an elegant piece of decor.After being shown to their seats, Jungyoon leaned back into the sofa, sinking into it naturally. When he tilted his head back, the pitch-black night sky filled his view. It was a summer night, just warm enough to be charming.He heard that the rooftop bar, designed to enjoy drinks and simple snacks, only operates from 8 PM to around midnight. They invite musicians for performances during the summer, and today was the first day of such events.Musicians with saxophones, violins, double basses, and jazz drums entered, setting up on the green grass. They took a moment to tune their instruments.Then, a smooth, flowing jazz performance began, enhancing the charm of the summer rooftop even more.As the music started, more people came in. Here and there, people like Jungyoon were comfortably seated on the sofas. Servers in dark brown suits moved around, handing out small plates with complimentary champagne and chocolate. One was placed in front of Jungyoon as well.Although full, since this was part of the job, Jungyoon tasted the champagne. Leaning against the plush sofa, a cool breeze came from somewhere. With the perfect weather, champagne, and jazz, it was quite a romantic time.Gibaek must be taking photos somewhere far away. They had already said their goodbyes, knowing he would leave after the event.Jungyoon sipped his champagne a few more times before setting down the glass and pulling out a notebook from his bag. Still nestled into the soft cushions, he organized his thoughts and soon began to write.As one song ended, another began seamlessly. With the flowing music as background, Jungyoon’s pen moved. He jotted down his current feelings while half-listening to the music.While he was deeply focused, there was a sound from the empty sofa next to him, as someone sank into it. Jungyoon, looking over unconsciously, quickly straightened up.The man who appeared at this late hour seemed to have come straight from work, dressed in a formal suit.His solid body was clad in a three-piece suit like armor, even in midsummer, without a drop of sweat or any sign of heat. He carried an air of elegance, as if such formal attire was natural, everyday.“Did you just get off work?”“Yes.”To Jungyoon’s hesitant question, he gave a brief answer. Yoon Taerim’s eyes were fixed on the musicians.Observing him, Jungyoon felt awkward and tense, his back and shoulders stiffening. He couldn’t even lean back comfortably on the sofa anymore.Yoon Taerim sensed Jungyoon’s discomfort without even looking at him. Crossing his legs comfortably, he said casually,“You don’t need to worry about me. I’m not here to monitor the author.”“I am… worried.”“I can’t help with that part. I’m just here to see how the rooftop opening is going on the first day. I’ll stay for a while, so please enjoy yourself as you like, Seo Jungyoon.”Afterward, Yoon Taerim sank deeper into the sofa with his arms crossed.With his gaze fixed ahead, Seo Jungyoon let out a long breath, slowly relaxing his tense back.Amid the silence between them, the music continued. Eventually, champagne was set in front of Yoon Taerim as well.Yoon Taerim took a sip, his expression subtle.“That will do.”His low voice was clear. Since there were no others nearby, Jungyoon assumed it was directed at him, responding awkwardly,“Is that so? I think it’s fine.”“Not with the chocolate.”Then, as Yoon Taerim raised his left hand slightly, an employee waiting nearby rushed over and stood beside him, hands folded respectfully like a student about to be graded.Yoon Taerim quietly gave instructions to the employee. The employee bowed and left, soon returning with a tall, slender glass and an unopened bottle of champagne.The employee opened the bottle quietly and poured the champagne into a new glass. The gold bubbles popping looked very refreshing. Yoon Taerim tasted it and nodded. Only then did the employee’s face lose its worry, showing a faint smile.“Change all of them.”“Yes, sir.”The servers immediately began to execute the order, moving silently around, busy explaining to the guests as they served new champagne.Soon, new champagne was placed in front of Seo Jungyoon as well.Looking at the new glass, Jungyoon’s eyes drifted to the ice bucket between his and Yoon Taerim’s seats. Although not an expert in champagne, he recognized the well-known brand.“Try it, it should be better than the last one.”Yoon Taerim suggested gently. Jungyoon cautiously brought the glass to his lips. As he let the champagne flow into his mouth, Yoon Taerim’s attention remained on the jazz band.Looking straight ahead, he asked as if he had eyes on the side of his head,“Is it good?”Jungyoon savored the taste lingering on his tongue. The lemon and peach flavors mixed with the popping carbonation made it much fresher and lighter than before.“Yes. This is good too.”“From now on, this will be the standard, so keep that in mind.”Yoon Taerim, who had been staring ahead the entire time, turned his head slightly. When his gaze landed on the notebook open on Jungyoon’s lap, Jungyoon understood the gesture and nodded.“But… isn’t this too expensive to give away for free?”Yoon Taerim burst into laughter.“As I felt last time, it seems Author Seo Jungyoon is concerned about my wallet.”His low, resonant laugh mixed with the contrabass melodies and reached Jungyoon’s ears. Feeling a bit ticklish, Jungyoon gently rubbed his left earlobe.“The previous one was actually more expensive.”“I see.”In the ice bucket, the ice clinked and melted. The two, who had stopped talking, continued to listen to the music seriously.A cool breeze blew. Despite the tropical night, the rooftop on a high floor was quite cool.The pleasant breeze occasionally rustled Jungyoon’s bangs. As his tension eased, he returned to his comfortable posture.Enjoying leisure in the city was quite romantic.He adjusted his pen and began jotting down a few words in the notebook when a strong gust blew again. Jungyoon suddenly recognized a familiar scent in the wind. The secretive, seductive scent of sandalwood. He remembered this scent. It was undoubtedly Yoon Taerim’s perfume.The same scent had filled the room the day he first met him, and even in the enclosed study. It was a scent that suited Yoon Taerim well.Though Jungyoon didn’t prefer perfumes, he realized anew that a fragrance that suits someone well can make one think of the person just by smelling it.Lost in thought, his pen had momentarily stopped but started moving again. The slight sound of the pen tip scratching against the paper was very faint, and Jungyoon’s movements were minimal.Soon, the performance ended, and the sound of the microphone tapping was heard. A woman, seemingly the leader of the performers, smiled and began speaking.After a short introduction, she engaged in small talk. Her witty words drew scattered laughter from the audience. As the atmosphere relaxed, a few guests requested songs.During this time, there was a stir beside him. Turning his head, Jungyoon saw Yoon Taerim tidying up his attire, preparing to leave.Recognizing the signs of departure, Seo Jungyoon also put down his notebook and pen and got up from his seat.“No need to stand.”“…….”“See you on Wednesday.”With a brief farewell, he left first. Thus, Jungyoon had to bid him farewell in an awkward posture. He then plopped down on the sofa and let out a weary sigh.The time Yoon Taerim stayed wasn’t even ten minutes, but it felt like a storm had passed.Only after the rooftop performance ended did Jungyoon return to his room. He left a short message for Jaehyuk and took a shower.After roughly drying his hair and changing into comfortable clothes, he lay on the bed and talked to Jaehyuk on the phone for about an hour. They exchanged mundane conversations about how strange and long the day had been.After that, nothing special happened. The next morning, he woke up late around 10 AM and ordered breakfast via room service. The only preparation for checkout was putting his few belongings back into his bag.As he stepped out of his room with his luggage, Manager Kim Hyemin, whom he had met the day before, was standing at the door as if she had been waiting. She greeted him warmly, asking if he had slept well, and helped with his checkout.They talked about the manuscript and arranged their next meeting before parting with a promise to meet again.Stepping out of the hotel, the bright summer sunlight poured down. Jungyoon smiled with satisfaction, relieved that he had successfully completed the unfamiliar schedule.Just then, a taxi pulled up in front of the hotel lobby. After waiting for the passenger inside to get out, he quickly got into the back seat, and the taxi driver greeted him cheerfully.“Where would you like to go, sir?”It was a leisurely weekday afternoon. It would be nice to pass the time aimlessly at a familiar bookstore or visit an art gallery.Gazing blankly out the window, Jungyoon made up his mind and slightly bit his lip. He wanted to write quickly.“To Buam-dong, please.”ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁Seo Jungyoon became almost entirely immersed in his workspace for several days.He finished the essay manuscript, which had about a week left before the deadline, in a day and sent it to Manager Kim Hyemin. After that, he focused solely on his novel.Post-it notes covered the whiteboard he had taken out after a long time. Like someone solving a difficult math problem, he added more writing to the board with a marker whenever an idea struck him.Soon, the large whiteboard was filled with branches extending from the main character, marked in a round circle. The rough outline had taken shape.Jungyoon put down the marker and sat on the wheeled office chair. Leaning back, he admired the character sheet he had created. The tingling in his palms signaled that he had made something good. His eagerness to write was a testament to that.As he slowly rotated the chair back to his desk, the phone rang. It was Jaehyuk.“Hey.”— What are you doing? Busy?“Working.”— Did you have lunch?Jungyoon glanced at the clock on the wall. It was already past three.“Not yet.”— Thought so. I ordered your usual sandwich. It should arrive in about ten minutes.“You don’t have to do that.”It had been a while since they had seen each other due to being busy. This call must have been made in his spare time. Although he felt gratitude and guilt for Jaehyuk taking care of his meals amid his busy schedule, Jungyoon responded gruffly.— Today’s Wednesday.“Yeah.”— Are you going?Though the object was omitted, Jungyoon knew what he meant.Since their heated argument on the day of the first interview with Yoon Taerim, neither Jaehyuk nor Jungyoon had brought up the topic. But time flowed as it was meant to, and Wednesday had come again. After a long silence, he replied.“I have to.”— …….Jaehyuk remained silent for a while. It sounded like he had stepped out to smoke, as deep breaths resembling sighs could be heard.Waiting for a response, Jungyoon fidgeted with his fingertips. He nervously pried open the tender skin inside his neatly trimmed nails.— Okay, I can’t insist any longer. I won’t be stubborn anymore.Jaehyuk unexpectedly conceded a step. His voice, tinged with complexity, lingered in Jungyoon’s ears, leaving him bewildered.— But make sure it’s a hit. After going through all this, I won’t tolerate a dull novel.“…I’ll try.”— If this one becomes a bestseller too, I might just quit my job and live as Assistant Seo Jungyoon’s helper or something.“What are you talking about.”