A Madman in Love

Chapter 18

Baek Ihyeon.

With his fair, spotless complexion contrasting against jet-black hair, a broad forehead, thick eyebrows, and bright, clear eyes, he gave off an impression of intelligence and composure. Currently a deputy manager in the Construction Support Division, he also happened to be Suin’s senior from high school.

Yes.@@@@

He was the former student council president who had once been the target of Seo Jaehee’s baseless jealousy.

"Deputy Manager."

"There’s no one else around. Just call me like you used to."

"Alright, oppa."

He was the one person Suin still called oppa, a habit from her school days when he was the student council president.

In her social circle, he was the only one with that title.

"Why do you look so grumpy and out of it? Something wrong?"

"No, just taking a break."

Her connection with Ihyeon had ended when he graduated from high school but was rekindled three years ago when he transferred from Daehan Group to Hyesung Group.

"Here, drink this."

"Isn’t this yours?"

"I’m giving it to the person who looks like their insides are about to boil over."

"Thanks. You’re the best, oppa."

Ihyeon, still mischievous like a playful boy, was a source of comfort for Suin.

Personally, he was a kind older brother figure; professionally, he was a dependable colleague.

"You always say that but never actually treat me to a meal."

"I’ll buy you one. No, two meals."

The cold Americano soothed the fire in her chest as Suin took a long sip.

Seeing her exhale a fresh, contented breath, Ihyeon teased gently.

"Make sure to stick to that promise. You’re not the Chairwoman’s secretary anymore, so you should have some free time now, right?"

"How’d you know?"

"How could I not? Seo Jaehee’s mere presence has the entire company buzzing."

"That’s true."

"Since I joined this company, I’ve never seen the female staff this excited. Even our department head came in with makeup on today."

"Because the Executive Director is attending the department head meeting?"

"Exactly."

"They’re really into it, huh?"

Watching Ihyeon scowl slightly, Suin couldn’t help but chuckle.

Seo Jaehee’s arrival had transformed Hyesung Group into a veritable festival.

Whenever the female staff found a spare moment, they’d gather in groups to gush over him, their laughter and chatter filling the air.

As if they’d understand the struggles of dealing with him.

Suddenly, Suin found herself wondering.

What does it feel like for Seo Jaehee, living under everyone’s gaze?

***

"So, what’s Seo Jaehee like?"

Since Jaehee was already the topic of conversation, Ihyeon decided to probe further.

"He’s busy, as you’d expect."

Suin’s expression remained neutral.

Her tone was dry, almost mechanical.

"He hasn’t been in the role long, so he’s spending his days making his mark across the company. Today, he’s in department head meetings all day."

"You’re awfully respectful."

"He’s my superior."

"Of course, you’re always the consummate professional, Lee Suin."

"I should get going."

"Suin."

As her laughter faded and she stood to leave, Ihyeon stopped her with an excuse he had prepared.

"I need to ask your mom something."

"My mom?"

"Yeah. For the company’s anniversary this year, we’re planning food truck events at the construction sites. For dessert, I want to recommend your mom’s macarons."

"Really?"

"Yeah. If she’s okay with it."

"She’d be thrilled."

"Can you check with her? If she agrees, I’ll stop by and go over the details with her."

"Alright. Thanks."

Suin nodded and left the relaxation garden.

Ihyeon remained rooted in place, watching her retreating figure.

Regret welled up inside him.

I should’ve confessed back then.

***

Meeting after meeting, and more meetings still.

After hours of moving from one conference room to another, sitting through endless discussions, and greeting countless employees, Jaehee was sick to his stomach.

"Executive Director, you’ve worked hard."

The sight of Kwon Jongin’s eager face waiting for him only made things worse.

Damn you, Lee Suin.

Silently cursing the woman who had stuck him with this overly enthusiastic assistant, Jaehee headed toward the Chairwoman’s office for the final item on his schedule—dinner with Vice Chairman Kim Suncheol.

Bzzz.

As he approached the elevator, Jongin’s phone vibrated.

Noticing the caller ID, Jongin excused himself.

"It’s Director Oh Daehwi."

"Take the call," Jaehee said, turning his back to gaze out the glass wall at the sunset beyond.

"Really? Where did you hear that?"

At the same time, the elevator opened, and a group of female employees stepped out, chatting animatedly.

"I heard it from Manager Jeong earlier. Apparently, the rumor’s already all over the place."

"I didn’t know."

"Me neither. I just found out, too."

Jaehee idly watched the reddish sky, letting their chatter drift in and out of his attention.

"And who’s Lee Suin supposedly seeing?"

What?

His head whipped around.

"I didn’t catch the name."

"Why not?"

"Manager Jeong didn’t know for sure. Said they heard it secondhand."

The women, oblivious to the intensity of the glare directed at their backs, continued their conversation.

"Must be someone in the company, right?"

"Of course. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be rumors."

"Think it’s just gossip?"

"No, apparently someone saw them having a secret date in the relaxation garden."

"Oh my gosh, I’m dying to know. Who’s the lucky guy the oh-so-dignified Lee Suin is seeing?"

I’m dying to know too.

Which bastard is it.