My Lover Ran Away

Episode 3

“If it’s too much, you don’t have to do this. I’m really fine. We can go on a trip after all the busy work is done.”

“No, today is our anniversary…”

“Alright. Then I’ll stay up and wait for you, so take your time finishing work and come over.”

—

For just a brief moment, as she caught her breath, Seoyeon thought of Taeyoung’s smiling face, and without realizing it, the corners of her lips curled up.

Taeyoung was kind, thoughtful, and handsome, exuding an air of sophistication like a British actor. He was the kind of man who seemed too good to be true in real life.

Even after a year, she still couldn’t believe how someone like him had become her lover.

The orphanage director used to click her tongue and say, “Why does this child have such a hard life?” But now, Seoyeon wondered if all the hardships she had endured were meant to lead her to a man like Taeyoung.

“Seoyeon, what do you want to order?”

“…”

“Seoyeon?”

“Ah, yes.”

“Sorry for interrupting your focus. Everyone’s ordering late-night snacks. What about you?”

Seoyeon had already told her team leader that she had an important appointment today and needed to finish her work quickly.

“I’m fine, thank you.”

“Alright then.”

With Seoyeon’s response, the rest of the PR team began discussing the menu.

They had chicken yesterday, and it was too heavy. But late-night snacks are meant to be chicken. If not chicken, what about pig’s trotters with cold noodles? Or chicken feet with rice balls? Maybe something light like dessert and fruit?

The team members scrolled through delivery apps, carefully deliberating over the menu.

Just as they were complaining about the lack of fresh options, the door to the PR team’s office opened, and a strikingly handsome man walked in, carrying bags in both hands.

“I thought you might be hungry, so I brought some snacks.”

Seoyeon looked up from her monitor at the familiar voice. It was an automatic reaction.

The tall, handsome man, who could easily pass for a model, was none other than her boyfriend, Kwon Taeyoung.

Just his presence seemed to brighten the gloomy office, weighed down by overtime.

Seoyeon blinked in surprise at Taeyoung’s sudden appearance.

Their office romance was a secret, so she couldn’t openly show her delight in front of others.

While Seoyeon nervously glanced around, gauging the reactions of her teammates, Taeyoung placed the bags on the large table in the center of the office.

“Oh my, Team Leader Kwon! What brings you here?”

“I was on my way home after finishing overtime, but I saw the lights on in the PR team’s office and couldn’t just leave.”

“Wow… The HR team and PR team are on different floors, though.”

“Different floors, but we’re all part of the same company. It’s easy to see which departments are busy.”

His charming smile elicited smiles from the female employees in the room.

Taeyoung stood out wherever he went. While his stoic expression made him seem unapproachable, he blended seamlessly with others when it came to work.

As his girlfriend, it made her uneasy, but she had decided not to fret since Taeyoung wasn’t the type to easily give his attention to others.

“Of course, the PR team and HR team. We’re all one family.”

The PR team leader’s eyes lit up, clearly pleased with Taeyoung. He clapped his hands to get everyone’s attention.

“Alright, let’s eat. Team Leader Kwon even brought snacks, so let’s enjoy them together.”

The desserts Taeyoung brought were from a famous shop, and the female employees’ smiles grew even wider. He had brought a variety of food—chicken, pizza, bread, fruit—enough to satisfy the entire PR team.

“Seoyeon, why don’t you join us?”

The team leader called out to Seoyeon, who was peeking over her partition like a mole.

The team leader seemed concerned, given that a team leader from another department had brought snacks.

Understanding his intentions, Seoyeon hesitantly got up and made her way to the table.

The only seat left was next to Taeyoung. It was clear he had come to see her, but she couldn’t even give him a welcoming smile, which made her heart ache.

She carefully pulled out the chair and sat down beside him.

Under the table, Taeyoung immediately took her hand.

Just the feel of his large hand holding hers made her want to smile. It was a secret, playful touch that made her heart flutter, as if she might sneeze from the ticklish sensation.

Taeyoung’s warm, large hand gave her a feeling she had never experienced before.

It was comforting, serene, exciting, cozy, and happy—like walking on a warm spring day with a big cotton candy in hand, or the light tickle of a feather brushing against her nose.

Her heart felt ticklish, and a sweet taste filled her mouth.

“Would you like a sandwich?”

“A sandwich?”

Just last week, she had mentioned in passing that she wanted to try the sandwiches from a shop near the office. Now, there it was, right in front of her.

Unlike the other opened packages, the sandwich was untouched.

Taeyoung had skillfully hidden it behind other wrappers to ensure it reached her safely.

“Thank you.”

“Enjoy.”

As the team members began eating, Taeyoung subtly unwrapped the sandwich for her under the table. He could have used both hands to unwrap it faster, but he didn’t let go of her hand for even a moment.

“…I’ll enjoy it.”

The thought that he had gone out of his way to bring all this food just for her made her heart swell, and her nose tingled. Receiving such love was a first for her, and it made her feel both happy and overwhelmed.

“It’s so delicious.”

Her voice trembled slightly as she took a bite of the sandwich.

—

After finishing overtime.

“Yoon Seoyeon.”

“Yes, Team Leader.”

The PR team leader, looking exhausted, called out to Seoyeon as they entered the elevator together. Seoyeon and another employee were on their way home.

“Take my car. I’ll drop you off. Manager Yoon is heading the same way, so you can ride together.”

Caught off guard by the unexpected offer, Seoyeon was momentarily speechless. She wasn’t good at lying, so she struggled to come up with an excuse.

“Ah, right. You said you had an important appointment today.”

The team leader seemed to remember just then.

At that moment, the elevator doors opened on the first floor. Seoyeon inwardly cheered and quickly bowed.

“Yes, taking a taxi is more convenient for me. Thank you for the offer, Team Leader. Have a good night, and stay safe.”

As she stepped out of the elevator, Seoyeon hurried across the lobby.

She was so happy, running toward Taeyoung, who was waiting in the car, that she couldn’t stop smiling.

Taeyoung’s car was parked a short distance from the company’s underground parking entrance.

He was leaning against the car, watching the path she would take. The sight was so striking, like something out of a photoshoot, that she paused to catch her breath.

“Seoyeon.”

Taeyoung straightened up and flashed her a dazzling smile when he saw her.

As if reading her mind, he opened his arms.

Without hesitation, Seoyeon ran into his embrace.

Her heart felt like it might burst.

As she nestled into Taeyoung’s arms, she caught the refreshing scent that could cool even the hottest summer day. When she looked up, unable to hide her smile, Taeyoung leaned down and gave her a light peck.

*Mwah.*

Their lips parted quickly, but Seoyeon glanced around nervously.

She loved kissing Taeyoung, but they were near the company, and she worried someone might see them.

But Taeyoung, unfazed, cupped her face and made her look at him. Then he pressed his lips firmly against hers again.

“Ah, I thought I’d die from missing you.”