Chapter 94: The Shadows Behind the Glass

Dinner was almost over, and Hyun-woo glanced between Hyun-jin and Seung-hyuk.

It felt like the right moment to quietly excuse himself.

But somehow, that was easier said than done.

“Hyung, isn’t this ice cream really good?”

“Uh… yeah.”

“You don’t like sweets, right? Want to trade with mine?”

“Ah, sure…”

With both of them talking nonstop on either side, there wasn’t a single break in the conversation.

Hyun-woo blinked, unable to find a chance to stand up.

Were they… keeping him here on purpose?

It almost felt like it.

But that couldn’t be.

Maybe Seung-hyuk, since he knew the plan, but Hyun-jin? No way.

“I’m really happy to be with you today, hyung.”

“You little…”

Right.

Hyun-jin was just happy to spend time with him, that was all.

Hyun-woo chuckled softly at her flushed, bright face.

Still, he thought, it was a good idea to take her somewhere nice for her birthday.

Seeing her this cheerful made him smile too.

Outside, the sun had already set, and the sky was deep with night.

He’d specifically asked Jung-hoon to book a place with a beautiful night view — and indeed, it was stunning.

The city lights shimmered like tiny jewels, buildings clustered together like toys glowing against the dark.

Beyond them, the Han River reflected the rainbow-colored lights of the bridges — a breathtaking view.

“……!”

For a moment, Hyun-woo just stared blankly at the sight — until a thought jolted him.

This was the kind of view couples were supposed to enjoy together.

He didn’t belong here.

Snapping out of it, Hyun-woo turned his head.

“Hyung, the atmosphere’s great. Should we order a bottle of wine? My treat.”

“Wine?”

“What wine? Hyun-woo hyung shouldn’t drink.”

“It’s just to set the mood.”

“……”

The two began bickering again — over wine this time.

Wine, huh.

It was true that nothing set the mood like a good bottle.

He should’ve thought of it first.

Clicking his tongue, Hyun-woo finally said,

“It’s fine. Order one.”

“Whoa, really?”

“Yeah. But I’m paying, so don’t get cheeky.”

“……”

Hyun-jin pouted, but her eyes still sparkled.

They ended up ordering a bottle of red wine.

And just like that, Hyun-woo lost his timing again — feeling obligated to stay for at least one glass.

Just one glass. Then I’ll quietly leave.

He told himself firmly.

He couldn’t afford to get dragged into their pace again.

Soon, the server returned with the wine and a small platter of appetizers — cheese and cured meats neatly arranged.

The staff briefly explained how to enjoy them, but Hyun-woo wasn’t really listening.

He had no intention of drinking much anyway.

“Let’s toast first!”

“Sure.”

Hyun-jin’s cheerful voice rang out as she raised her glass.

Hyun-woo followed immediately, while Seung-hyuk lifted his a moment later.

Clink.

Three glasses chimed together with a crisp sound.

They all took a sip.

“Mmm…”

As expected from something expensive, the wine was excellent.

No harsh bitterness, a smooth finish, and a gentle aroma that lingered pleasantly.

So this was why people spent money on fine wine.

Hyun-woo nodded, convinced.

“Hyung, don’t drink too much.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know.”

Annoyed by Seung-hyuk’s constant nagging, Hyun-woo frowned.

He’d just started to enjoy himself, and of course, the brat had to ruin it.

Clicking his tongue, Hyun-woo took another sip — not out of defiance, but simply because it was that good.

“Hyung, this wine’s great, right?”

“Yeah, it is.”

“Should we buy a bottle to take home?”

“To drink at home?”

“Yeah, let’s have some on the weekend too.”

“You planning to celebrate your birthday all weekend?”

“Haha, caught me.”

Hyun-woo laughed with her and kept sipping.

The more he drank, the looser their talk became — silly, meaningless chatter filling the air.

His pale cheeks were now faintly flushed.

“Hyung, that’s enough now.”

“Ah… come on.”

“No complaining.”

“……”

Finally, Seung-hyuk reached over and took his glass away.

Hyun-woo glared at him but Seung-hyuk didn’t budge.

Seriously, what a killjoy.

It wasn’t like he was drunk.

Pouting inwardly, Hyun-woo muttered under his breath.

“Fine, whatever.”

Shaking his head, he stood up.

Hyun-jin, who had been quietly sipping her own wine, looked up in surprise.

“Hyung, where are you going?”

“Bathroom.”

He answered curtly and turned around.

He hadn’t planned to get up just yet, but now seemed as good a time as any.

Yet, the moment he started walking, the room tilted slightly.

His head spun faintly.

Had he really drunk that much?

He stopped for a second to steady himself.

“Hyung, are you okay?”

“You sure you can go alone?”

“I’m fine, don’t fuss.”

He waved them off when they started to rise.

It was just a brief spell of dizziness — no big deal.

And indeed, after a few steps, his vision cleared.

Of course he wasn’t that drunk.

“Phew…”

In the restroom, he turned on the faucet and rinsed his hands.

Then he splashed cold water on his face.

The cool sting woke him up instantly.

Only then did he realize he was a little tipsy after all.

Normally, a single glass of wine wouldn’t do that — but after that mess with Cha Kwon-oh, his tolerance had clearly dropped.

Damn useless bastard.

Hyun-woo gritted his teeth, remembering that shameless face.

He hadn’t seen him around lately, which was a relief — but the mere thought of him still soured his mood.

“Son of a b*tch.”

Cursing under his breath helped a little.

He took a deep breath in front of the mirror.

At least, things had worked out.

If he just left from here instead of going back to the room, it would be perfect.

Since he’d been drinking, he’d call for a driver.

He reached into his pocket for his phone.

Ah, right.

He still needed to tell the staff to bring in the cake and bouquet.

He’d planned that as the final surprise.

Stopping mid-scroll on the app, he suddenly looked up.

“Damn it.”

If he left now, Seung-hyuk would definitely mess up the event.

That guy couldn’t be trusted.

Hyun-woo bit his lip in frustration.

Fine, then.

He’d have to quietly find a staff member, give instructions, and leave without running into them.

It was a simple plan — or so he told himself.

He rubbed his temple, feeling the dull throb in his head.

No, he could do this.

It wasn’t that hard.

Repeating it in his mind, Hyun-woo turned around—

“……!”

“Well, look who it is.

Director Joo.”

Kwon-oh stood there, eyes dark and sharp, blocking the way.

Hyun-woo froze in shock and instinctively took a step back.

Why… why was Cha Kwon-oh here?

His eyes widened as he stared at the man in front of him.

“Why are you— I mean, what do you want with me?”

“What do I want?”

“……”

Kwon-oh let out a dry, mocking laugh through his nose.

That dangerous glint in his eyes made Hyun-woo’s throat tighten.

He tried to act calm, but he knew perfectly well why Kwon-oh was angry.

Kwon-oh believed — firmly — that the attack on L&S headquarters had been Seung-hyuk’s doing.

And worse, that Hyun-woo was the one who had ordered it.

Sure, Seung-hyuk had done it.

But Hyun-woo had never told him to.

Not once.

It was completely unfair.

“Do we really need a reason to meet, Director Joo?”

“As far as I know… yes.”

“Ha.”

A sharp, bitter laugh escaped Kwon-oh.

He was clearly furious.

That single twitch in his eyebrow — Hyun-woo knew it well.

It meant Kwon-oh was very angry.

Not that he wanted to remember, but before the regression, Hyun-woo had once screwed him badly in a business deal.

Kwon-oh’s grudges were legendary.

Dealing with him afterward had been exhausting.

So, seeing that look again now… definitely not a good sign.

Hyun-woo instinctively stiffened, feeling the threat in the air.

When Kwon-oh was like this, there was no predicting what he might do.

“I’ve been holding back, Director Joo.”

“……”

“I’ll warn you once.

Keep crossing me — and you’ll regret it.”

Kwon-oh’s glare burned with fury.

Hyun-woo felt his breath catch, unable to speak.

There was no point pretending to be brave in front of a mad dog ready to bite.

So he did the only thing he could — he swallowed hard.