Chapter 37: Fears of Solitude and New Beginnings

A heavy sadness settled on Do Yoon’s face as he recalled his past. Instinctively, I grabbed his hand. Now nearly my height, he buried his face in my shoulder and said.

“I don’t want to be alone.”

I hadn’t known about this. My heart ached. Even if I got him a great house, it was pointless if being alone brought back bad memories. The house was already in my name—I could rent it out. Gently rubbing his back, I said cautiously.

“But my company’s… kinda far from your school. It’s probably an hour by bus, even after checking routes…”

Do Yoon wrapped his arms lightly around my waist.

“That doesn’t matter. I just want to live with you.”

“Huh?”

“…Don’t leave me alone. It’s scary.”

I thought our little clingy one would grow up at twenty, but apparently not. I chuckled.

“When will our baby grow up?”

He stayed silent for a moment, then murmured softly.

“…I don’t know.”

I browsed Haewon Electronics’ website, checking out appliances. The house was mostly set, but Do Yoon moving in made me antsy. Besides adding a bed, I worried we’d need more for two. With work starting in January, I had less than a week to settle into the new place.

I shoved my laptop at Do Yoon.

“Look at this. What do you think? With all the fine dust, a big air purifier might be nice. And a robot vacuum—this new one’s got good reviews. Cute ladybug design, right?”

“If you like it, I like it,” Do Yoon said, smiling.

That made me think harder. The site’s virtual interior themes were so slick, time flew. The color options—green, beige—were all new to me, someone who’d never shopped like this. Everything was fascinating.

Haewon Electronics, industry leader! Thinking of Do Yoon eventually becoming its head made my chest swell.

But Seung Hee, across the living room, frowned at my appliance obsession.

“Why are you picking everything yourself? Mr. Seo will handle it.”

“It’s for me and Do Yoon, so I want to choose.”

She clicked her tongue.

“What is this, a wedding registry? You’ve been staring at the same stuff for hours.”

“Wedding registry? Can that get us a discount? You wouldn’t know, being in trading.”

“Jerk.”

She stormed off, annoyed for some reason. Seung Hee, born too rich, doesn’t get the fun of picking things out.

Do Yoon, lukewarm until now, suddenly got excited, sharing his taste for simple white appliances. Giggling, we ordered a few more. He insisted on a big bed, so I upgraded mine to king-size.

The apartment was perfect. Not brand-new, but the company proximity was key. The largest room became my bedroom, the next for Do Yoon. One spare was a closet, another his study—ideal. My desk went in the living room for the open space and stunning night-view balcony.

Do Yoon was overjoyed entering the place.

“I can’t believe I’m living here with you.”

It’s nice, but not like the main house. Still, his happiness warmed me. The distance to his school nagged me, but living away from adults seemed best for him. I smiled.

“Would’ve been cooler with a Han River view, huh?”

“I don’t care. It’s close to your company. You must be nervous for work tomorrow.”

“Well…”

Honestly, I was a bit nervous. My first big corporate job brought excitement and fear. Step one of my plan was underway. Shrugging nonchalantly, I said.

“All companies are the same. Don’t you meet your classmates before orientation? Back in my day, we had early retreats to bond.”

“Really?”

I froze, realizing I’d referenced my past life. “Choi Seung Hyun” went to an American university. Quickly, I corrected.

“Not me—friends who went to Korean colleges said that. Two-night trips, senior-junior drinks…”

Do Yoon, uninterested, shook his head with a smile.

“Guess they don’t do that anymore. Haven’t heard anything.”

“Really?”

I tilted my head. That can’t be right…

In the novel, Do Yoon’s network grows in college. In high school, most of Y High bullied or ignored him, indirectly enabled by “Choi Seung Hyun.” I stopped Won Cheol’s antics in Do Yoon’s sophomore year, but the peer dynamics didn’t change much. Thankfully, Do Yoon didn’t care to befriend them.

I was excited for his S University start for another reason: it’s where he makes real friends. Those connections, especially, become crucial when he leads Haewon Group.

The first person he must meet is Hwang Yeon Seok, aka “Chief Secretary Hwang.” A same-year classmate, they bond at freshman orientation over a talent show dance. Yeon Seok, unaware of Do Yoon’s chaebol status, is shocked later. But that’s not the point—he’s the bridge in Do Yoon’s love life, offering advice to fix his fumbles with Bae Ji An, a key ally.

If Do Yoon’s the sweet potato, Yeon Seok’s the soda, balancing him out. Fans online said they’d date Yeon Seok but marry Do Yoon. Not a heartthrob but decent-looking, charming, and relatable, Yeon Seok’s the “normal but popular” type. He even ends up with Ji An’s friend by the end. A must-meet for Do Yoon’s smooth romance. I mused.

“It’s only January, so maybe later. If you get invites, go—don’t skip. Got it?”

Do Yoon stared, lips pouting.

“You want me to go? I’d be gone for days.”

“You’re asking about everything. Should I decide for you?”

I teased. But he just stared, unamused. Embarrassed, I nodded.

“Meeting friends early is good. Go. Especially orientation or retreats—don’t miss those. Get along with your classmates.”

“…Fine,” he said curtly.

He’s oddly annoyed by social stuff. As I zoned out, he propped his chin, looking at me.

“I’m more excited for your work.”

“Why?”

“You really wanted this job. I hope it’s a good place. Introduce me to your team later—I’m curious.”

His guardian-like tone made me laugh.

“When did you grow up to worry about my social life?”

He grabbed my hand, pressed it to his cheek, and rubbed like a puppy.

“I do worry.”

“Ugh, gross!”

I rubbed his face with my big hand. He giggled, grabbed my hand, and nibbled it. When I yanked it back and ran, he chased me, hugging me tightly from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder.

“If there’s anyone prettier than me at work, report them. Got it?”

“What?”

“They’re not human.”

I was floored.

“Choi Do Yoon, you’re too cocky about your looks. You’ll get flak for that.”

“But it’s not wrong.”

“…”

Sometimes the truth stings more. Turning, I saw him grin up close. I tweaked his nose.