Chapter 97: The Lunatic Who Finally Held Him Again

After that day, Hae-jin hounded Kim Jung-mi almost daily. She held out stubbornly—until reports reached her of his frequent, deliberate meetings with opposition politicians. Then she called first.

—Fine. I lost. They say it’ll take about a month to wrap things up on their end. You can wait that long, can’t you?

“I’ve wasted too much time already. Make it as fast as possible.”

—A month. No sooner.

Hae-jin’s heart soared at the thought of finally seeing Lee Chae— but suspicion lingered. A month was plenty for her to scheme again. He pushed harder on purpose.

“Fine. One month starting today. If it’s even a day late, I’ll come get him myself. You know that.”

—You…

Her voice shook—rage vivid in his mind. He hung up without goodbye, collapsed over his desk, hand clutching his pounding chest.

“I’m finally going to see Lee Chae.”

The words felt foreign in his own voice.

Heart squeezed; breath caught. Three years apart for the most absurd reason— days that felt like death. World gray, sounds noise, sleep impossible.

He’d endured only for this moment.

The month of waiting— he prepared to welcome Lee Chae home.

Built him an office. Cleaned the house they’d live in. Drafted a contract tailored to Lee Chae’s love of clarity.

…And then what?

Everything perfect— yet he paced, scanning for anything missing.

“Three years of waiting, and I can’t handle one month.”

Muttered to himself, laughed foolishly— then panicked he might vanish again— then relief: finally together.

Emotions swung wildly daily. No peaceful moment in that month.

Today— the day.

Hae-jin paced his office, overwhelmed. Meditation failed; forced work—nothing registered.

Mind full: How to greet him?

Cry “I missed you so much”? Lee Chae always melted at weakness— maybe he’d regret leaving, promise never again.

Or mature? Gentle shoulder stroke: I know why you left. Your love moved me—I built power so no one can separate us.

He’d smile softly, hug him.

Or scare him? Demand why he left, pin him so he’d never dare again.

Countless scenarios— reality impossible to grasp.

Sigh—gaze out window.

Knock. Door opened.

Footsteps closer. Familiar scent filled air.

Lee Chae.

He felt him— but couldn’t turn.

Time stretched. Finally—trembling voice.

“Um…”

Hae-jin snapped awake.

Fists clenched, he turned slowly.

There— Lee Chae, thinner than photos, standing.

Breath through parted lips, blinking eyes, still heartbreakingly beautiful…

Mind blank.

All rehearsed choices—gone. Heart screamed run, hold, never let go— body frozen.

Get it together. First meeting in years—look cool.

Forced business smile—Legion-honed mask.

“Welcome back.”

Lee Chae’s lips parted slightly.

…What?

Expression—not welcoming. Unfamiliar. Mind raced: Cooled off in three years? Or was everything before fake?

Knew it wasn’t— but unwarm gaze unbearable. Carefully held patience snapped.

He stepped back deliberately—widening distance.

“Running away fun?”

Drew finger along nameplate: Representative Cha Hae-jin. Grinned, craving praise.

But Lee Chae’s eyes darted nervously—no smile.

What’s wrong?

Unease grew. Long separation—feelings faded? If so…

Unthinkable words escaped.

“Guy who used to drool at sight of me— must’ve enjoyed freedom.”

Childish whine: please say no.

Lee Chae’s blank face hardened— like pushing Hae-jin away long ago. Denying their love. Heart tore.

Hallucinating? My Chae wouldn’t…

He’d been harsh—Lee Chae should snap back. Like old times.

Step closer to read expression. Lee Chae flinched, retreated.

First meeting in years—this?

Needed his voice—anything.

“Ha… still ridiculously pretty.”

Lee Chae flared.

“Representative, get a grip. This is a business meeting. And I’m no longer your exclusive guide.”

What? Not my guide? Then who are you?

Absurd—laughed. Wanted to grab thin wrist, pin to desk, bite lying lips.

But instinct stopped him— Lee Chae hated force.

Whined when wronged. Mustn’t be hated.

Self-soothed— but when Lee Chae turned to leave, last thread snapped.

Grabbed wrist. Lee Chae struggled—Hae-jin locked waist, immovable.

Lee Chae glared resentfully. Distance in eyes—fear of losing him again. Arm tightened.

“Formal speech from Jung Lee Chae… Would be nice during guiding too.”

Lips trembled—then closed.

Scold me for mean words. Why silent?

Stranger-like detachment—panic.

“No escape anywhere now. Headquarters can’t protect you. So stay quiet, guide me.”

Plea: If you can’t love—stay as guide.

But Lee Chae’s face twisted—shocked at “no protection.”

“Shocked face. Didn’t think geezers would shield you forever? Poor thing. Guess you’ll guide only me lifelong.”

Body in arms trembled. Heart vibration felt.

Missed touch, scent from hugged blanket nightly, unique reactions only from Lee Chae…

Everything screamed mine.

But Lee Chae— still distant.

Hae-jin’s grip loosened slightly— voice soft, broken.

“Chae-ya… why are you looking at me like that?”

No answer.

The lunatic held his guide— but felt him slipping away.

Reunion— not joy. Fear.

Something terribly wrong.