CH 63

“What’s wrong with me these days? Do I have nobody to rely on? Of all people…” Yoonshin’s face turned red in embarrassment as he looked around his surroundings. It was then that Secretary Tak appeared from around the corner. Yoonshin’s heart raced like he was caught red-handed while doing something bad. He cooled his rosy cheeks with the back of his hands and walked toward the secretary.

“Oh, Secretary Tak, why are you out here?” Yoonshin asked.

“Why do you have nobody to rely on? What’s the matter?”

“No, it’s nothing. I was talking to myself.”

“Let it be me.”

“I’m grateful for your words.” Yoonshin managed to smile, genuinely appreciative, and Secretary Tak smiled back.

Then, Secretary Tak said, “Based on how things are moving, it seems like it’ll soon be over. The other side just can’t compete.”

“It seemed like that was the case.”

“Oh, right. Senior Attorney Song asked if we wanted to have dinner with her since we’re already out. I already asked Senior Attorney Kang, but I forgot to ask you. Will you be free? If you are, I can make the reservation.”

“I wouldn’t be intruding on the three of you, right?”

“Nah. Me aside, Attorney Kang doesn’t have feelings of attachments like that. Besides, if you’re going to talk about intruding on people, I would be the intruder. Three lawyers and I’m the only secretary. Is there anything you want to eat?”

“I’m fine with anything.”

“That’s the hardest answer to cater to.” Perhaps Secretary Tak wasn’t satisfied with that answer because he wrinkled his brows. Then, nodding in understanding, he turned around. Yoonshin returned to the courtroom, leaving behind Secretary Tak, who was on the phone. Upon returning to his seat, he watched Sehun talking to his client at the plaintiff’s table.

Perhaps Sehun felt the dogged stare because he glanced back at Yoonshin while the other lawyer was examining their witness. But seeing Yoonshin sitting limply with only his eyes gleaming at him, Sehun furrowed his brows.

His face was usually as rational as a mathematical equation, but it now mixed with emotions like an impurity. His face was written with ‘What’s your problem?’

Yoonshin couldn’t bring himself to answer his silent question and averted his eyes first.

* * *

The dinner that Yoonshin expected to end at the first restaurant continued at a second location. Thanks to Attorney Song calling over a couple of other lawyers who were still at the firm, the party grew in size. The private room of the extravagant bar was lively and bustling.

This was Yoonshin’s first time attending something reminiscent of a firm dinner and was taken aback by it. Before Yoonshin’s eyes, the people—who always carried themselves rigidly in their suits and were buried in work—were having a good time. Regardless of age and position, they were all engrossed in enjoying the drinking party.

Throughout all of this, Sehun tolerated his conversation with Mihee in a slightly quieter atmosphere, but he seemed a bit too tired to bear the rest. He slipped out to the terrace smoking area in the middle with a cigarette between his lips. He was patting his jacket pockets when Yoonshin, who followed him out, quickly pulled out a disposable lighter. “Here, a light.”

Sehun looked down at Yoonshin for a moment, who glided out next to him before he leaned down to let Yoonshin light his cigarette. His red lips barely clamped onto the filter.

“If you have something to say, just say it.”

“Do you usually stick around at dinners like this? I thought you’d leave soon, but I didn’t expect you to stay.”

“If you’re asking me why I’m not dicking out like usual…”

“I didn’t ask in such a vulgar way. What do you see me as?”