Chapter 90: Your Share

Hm…?

His unexpected answer threw me off.

It felt a bit different from the original Bae Jian.

Jian didn’t go out of her way to be nice; guys just flocked to her anyway.

Pretty, with that somehow-story-filled gaze that triggered everyone’s protective instincts—that was the setup.

But after the nasty office affair rumor, original Jian deliberately distanced herself from male colleagues….

I tilted my head.

“What about someone good at sports? Like shot put.”

“You good at shot put, hyung?”

“No?”

“Then not really.”

Why ask me about his type?

Then Doyoon clapped like remembering something.

“Oh right, and super oblivious too.”

“Why like that?”

“Exactly.”

I frowned slightly.

He didn’t seem serious about the question.

But then he looked at me and added.

“And looks-wise, someone who looks a bit… lewd.”

Instantly, I knocked one chopstick off the table.

Clang—metal hit the floor loudly.

Luckily nothing broke, but I fumbled to pick it up and set it aside.

“Ah, s-sorry.”

Hearing “lewd face” immediately flashed back to Doyoon kissing me.

Embarrassed and wronged.

Why am I the only one anxious?

If anything, I deserve an apology.

And it wasn’t just the kiss.

He rolled up my shirt and….

Then Doyoon asked again.

“So hyung’s type? Big eyes, cat-like girl?”

I flinched like a student caught daydreaming dirty thoughts.

Shook my head fast.

“No, actually I’m more puppy person.”

Doyoon looked surprised.

Then grinned wide.

“Do I look like a puppy or a cat?”

“…You’re just human.”

“…Too mean.”

He genuinely seemed sulky, making me chuckle without thinking.

Body grew huge, but acting like that—not cute at all.

He said cautiously.

“Today… when you said let’s eat together going forward, I was so happy.

Thought you were really mad back then.”

My hand picking side dishes paused mid-air.

I replied casually.

“Just no one to eat with.”

“…Hyung, you asked back then. Why I suddenly left.”

My chest dropped.

Didn’t expect him to bring it up first.

Too shocked for expression control, eyes wavering at him.

Doyoon serious.

“Can’t tell why yet.

But someday, definitely will.”

Brief silence.

I dumbly asked.

“Uh… when?”

He smiled faintly.

Strange calm face.

“When you like me a bit more.”

I blanked slightly.

How much more do I need to like you here.

Few days later, rare summons to the family home.

Grandfather, mid-80s, increasingly wheelchair-bound.

Grateful he still doted on me despite frailty.

After Ria engagement broke, cousins probed for weaknesses—but Grandfather’s clear favoritism silenced them.

Unmatched ally.

But today, out of nowhere.

“Seunghyun, you’ve suffered much.

Must’ve resented me a lot.”

Hm…? What?

I blinked; he continued.

“Personal troubles too, but I was distracted—didn’t care for you enough.”

No idea.

Engagement 8 months ago resolved fine.

I shook head immediately.

“No, I know best how well you treat me.”

Grandfather smiled pleased.

“Stop suffering—switch companies.”

“What?”

“Took time preparing.

Hard starting from scratch, so work with my picks, learn.”

I tensed.

This again?

“Grandfather, my current…”

“…Seunghyun, pretenses have limits.”

Rarely cutting me off, I shut up.

Heard cousins whined recently.

They fawn for more; my stiffness displeased him.

I answered quietly.

“What I have is enough. More than.”

“People need some greed.”

“Plenty greedy others.”

“They’re impatient, can’t endure. None measure up.”

I sighed.

Somehow, hiding identity and grinding from bottom earned big points.

“You know without Koryo Ilbo, E&M needs more time to grow bigger.

I know you like it, but work’s about learning.

Learn best at better places to grow big.”

“Grandfather, Haewon Electronics thriving—I know.

But for better, pro manager starting fresh better than clueless me?

Company thriving is what matters.”

Suddenly, mild Grandfather scowled, snapped.

“Nonsense!

Think I lived this for others’ kids?”

“……”

Speechless.

Knew his nature, but chest chilled.

Almost forgot his affection had reasons.

“…Your father has many flaws in my eyes.

But eldest has eldest’s role.”

Birth order in management? Whatever.

I’m second, not first.

But Grandfather’s word was law.

If he says Choi Seunghyun eldest, I am.

No logic in absolute power.

“I’m old—preparing future.

Father dislikes you, but can’t defy me.”

“……”

“Sudden Haewon Electronics move causes backlash—so gain experience there while I’m alive, then promote up.”

“…Doyoon’s there too.”

“He’s smart, but supports hyung.”

Absurd.

“Grandfather, sorry—but you plugged him as E&M director, now what?

You know he’s way above me?”

First time Grandfather faltered.

Awkward coughs.

“That… he demanded E&M immediately, so told his mom handle—didn’t think she’d allow.”

“……”

So Seunghee was right.

Doyoon really got Mother’s approval.

Grandfather’s words suggest he bet she wouldn’t, but can’t backtrack for face.

Typical nitpicker.

I tongue-clicked inwardly.

‘How did Doyoon persuade Mother? True male lead power?’

Shin Mi-seon always wary of Doyoon, open hostility since high school.

Her accepting him as my superior— what happened?

‘Ask?’

Imagined Doyoon: ‘Sorry, hyung. Later.’

Nah, Doyoon out.

Too many secrets post-growth.

Better ask Mother.

She returns from Italy aunt’s—will ask then.

Silent in thought, Grandfather soothed.

“But months without complaint showed your big brother capacity.”

Doubtful….

As eldest grandson, even if I trashed company, he’d defend—then ship Doyoon elsewhere.

“Seunghee has bigger capacity.”

“I know you look out for her.”

“……”

“But giving you doesn’t take from her.

She understands.”

So that’s why Seunghee’s odd tteokbokki talk.

Nodded at wrong part.

Grandfather looked at me.

“Just have what’s yours.”

Mine…

Rolled the word in my mouth.

But what’s fated to be taken—brief hold just hurts more.