Chapter 84: Drunk on the Road

I couldn’t wrap my head around it. It wasn’t some hand-crafted Italian diamond-studded vacuum… Anyway, if Ji An said so, fine. The world’s full of people wasting money in weird ways.

A few days later, Ji An kept her promise.

She took us to a sashimi restaurant. The only baffling part: Do Yoon was invited too.

“Why’re you here?”

He looked genuinely hurt.

“Don’t want me here?”

Not unwanted, but… I looked troubled, whispering.

“She’s treating. Don’t burden her.”

Recalling her tough family from the novel, I spoke. But Ji An, sharp-eared, waved it off.

“No, I’m thrilled the Director’s here. I owed him a meal anyway.”

Do Yoon flashed a rare triumphant smile at me.

“See?”

“…”

Fine, the leads want to date—my meddling was uncalled for. Of course they’d be happy. Damn. This mere supporting character dared worry.

Thankfully, a private room kept it quiet. Ji An studied the menu, then let Sun Woo order the “manager’s special.”

At this franchise, appetizers—skidashi—came out flashy before sashimi. Not ultra-luxe, but above average.

Meaning: not cheap enough for careless corporate spending. Plus several bottles of soju jacked the price. Too expensive…

“Ji An-ssi, sure you’re okay?”

Do Yoon answered before her.

“Don’t worry, hyung. Ji An-ssi’s loaded. Could treat ten times.”

Cutting in again.

Ji An blushed slightly, nodding.

“Really fine. I always get treated—wanted to return the favor.”

Ah Young and Sun Woo gave thumbs-up. Ah Young’s fine, but why’s HR’s Sun Woo always tagging along? Frowning, Do Yoon whispered.

“Stop thinking about Bae Ji An-ssi so much. Makes me jealous.”

My jaw dropped. Blatant now… Didn’t expect him to openly admit feelings for her and warn me. Personality shift from the novel?!

“…Got it.”

Grimacing, I downed a shot of soju, no side dish. Mood soured; liquor stuck to my tongue.

Food and drink vanished fast. Others demolished sashimi; I annihilated alcohol. Do Yoon and Ji An looked way closer than pre-sports day.

Every time they laughed facing each other, I chugged to ease the burn.

Practically a solo drinking penalty game: eye contact—drink; passing food—drink; soft smile—drink…

Do Yoon kept urging me to slow down, worried, but I ignored. Half-lidded, I slurred.

“…Worry about Ji An-ssi.”

He stared, dumbfounded. Normally scary, but tipsy heat made me fearless. Alcohol’s power.

Two hours later, stuffed, we stumbled out. I wobbled; Ah Young teased.

“Seung Hyun-ssi, okay? Get home?”

I enunciated.

“Of course. I live closest.”

“You seem drunk. Not near the office.”

“…I’ll take hyung. Don’t worry.”

Do Yoon hooked my arm, standing like a crutch. I shook my head—booze reeked from my hair.

“No, you take Ji An-ssi.”

His thick brows twitched. Ji An waved.

“I called a taxi. You two go first.”

“No… Do Yoon should take Ji An-ssi…”

He scoffed, amused, then wrapped an arm around my waist.

“We’re off. Great meal.”

“Get home safe, see you tomorrow.”

I bowed drowsily; they waved. Nearly face-planted bowing, but Do Yoon steadied me. I zombie-shuffled, leaning on him. He scolded.

“Why drink so much? Walk properly.”

“I wanted to. No alcohol allergy.”

He shut up. Remembered the cucumber sandwich fiasco? I’d aimed for it—pleased he caught on. Emboldened, I shoved free when his grip loosened.

“Not even drunk. Stop overreacting.”

“Hyung, careful.”

“Totally fine.”

I marched straight, following sidewalk lines. No issue—until the blocks ended.

Half-zoned, staring ahead like a robot, I ended up in the middle of the road. Where am I?

“Hyung!”

Do Yoon’s panicked yell behind me.

Then—a car barreling from afar. Headlights flashed, horn blaring BEEEP!

No time to blink. Speeding past regulation limits, it grazed my nose. Faster, a vise-like grip yanked my collar.

Next instant, I tumbled on asphalt, wrapped in Do Yoon’s arms. Dull impacts jolted my body—mind snapped awake like hit by a boulder. He shouted.

“You okay?!”

Soul nearly left me.

Almost hit-and-run dead. Sobering, my body froze cold.

Do Yoon checked me frantically, relieved at no wounds, then exploded.

“Nearly died! Why run into traffic?! See the red light?!”

“I-I didn’t…”

Honestly missed it. Didn’t know I was this drunk. He roared.

“Why never take care of yourself since kids?! Cucumbers, booze—no caution!”

I hung my head.

“…Sorry.”

“What if you got hit?! Want me to watch you die?!”

Maybe reincarnated in another world. But I knew I was wrong, so no snark. Sitting on cold asphalt, I looked up at raging Do Yoon. Unintended, but my face turned pitiful—brows drooping.

“…Haa.”

He faltered, exhaling deeply from his core. Looked like he wanted to smack me but held back for “hyung.”

“Get up.”

Embarrassed, I muttered.

“…Think I sprained my ankle.”

His eyes bulged. Then a baffled sigh. What a mess, he must’ve thought. Mortifying.

Instantly, he hoisted me onto his back. I flailed at the royal treatment.

“N-No… Fine. Just support…”

“Shh, stay still. Drunk guy might dash into traffic again. Hurt more, and I won’t let it slide.”

Never dashed. But I buried my face in his back, silent.

His back was Pacific-wide. Each arm shift, shoulder blades and muscles pressed my face and chest. Inhaling, his scent filled me.

…When did he get this big?

Suddenly felt like a stranger, not my brother. April night breeze—cool yet mild; budding magnolias; flashing neons; passersby staring… Heart tickled oddly. I squirmed.

“Why?”

“J-Just. Put me down. I can walk.”

“Hyung, seriously…”

He sounded mad but soon set me on a bus stop bench. Glared fiercely.

“Stay put. Don’t move.”

He dashed to the pharmacy behind, returning with water, bandages, ice pack. Knelt, removing my shoe. I panicked.

“It’s fine! Not that hurt.”

“I said stay still. Drink this.”

His commanding tone scared me. And—crazily—thrilled me a bit.