Chapter 14 - Please Just Have Dinner Together

Heerak furrowed his brows. He could tell straight away that the man before him was more nervous than he made himself out to be. He could admit that he said some childish things out of annoyance, but he didn’t intend to suffocate the other man under pressure. Not only did the executive director from his workplace push to meet with him one-on-one in a closed space, but that director also went on an angry rampage—anyone would react like Doseon.

Heerak clicked his tongue and thought for a moment.

Heerak lifted his right arm from Doseon’s shoulder. He brought up his index finger and thumbs to Doseon’s cheeks and pinched it lightly.

“It would’ve been nice if you answered my secretary like this.”

Oh, this again.

The small smile that he caught a glimpse of a few minutes ago flashed by Doseon’s face again. That smile was so tantalizing.

“Now that I’ve brought it up, let’s go right now. I can’t wait until tomorrow.”

“I’m sorry. That’s a bit difficult for me, Director.”

Heerak looked like he wanted to ask if Doseon was turning him down again. As he met the displeased eyes, Doseon hesitated before speaking again.

“I have been waiting here since I came to work. I still have work today.”

Heerak scoffed.

“So what? Of all people, I invited you out. Nobody will speak up against it.”

“That’s why I’ll be in a tight position.”

Heerak laughed lightly.

He could understand where Doseon was coming from. He knew very well that he was putting Doseon in a difficult position. He didn’t want to ignore that, but he also didn’t want to retreat now.

Heerak whispered quietly.

“But I’m really hungry now. I got so angry from being turned down three times that I barely ate anything for lunch. I thought I was going to get an upset stomach, for real.”

“Once again, I’m really sorry.”

Heerak grabbed the other man’s shoulders to prevent him from bowing down again. Doseon threw a surprised look his way, and Heerak met his eyes firmly.

“Come with me. Let’s go eat.”

Doseon could only blink wordlessly. Heerak also said nothing more. He stared at the other man’s composed face.

The silent room was soon filled with Heerak’s laughter. He could not help but laugh after seeing the other man nod.

***

It was too late to turn back when he came to the realization.

Before he knew it, the power imbalance in their relationship seemed to have reversed.

Heerak seemed overeager to have dinner with Doseon, even though sitting at the table was more of a means to start negotiation, not to eat. It was too late for him to correct his actions, so he tried to erase this from his head.

He was sure that the reason nobody was on the eighth floor, where the VIP room was located, was by virtue of his trusty secretary. Heerak could act more recklessly because there were no watchful eyes. Thanks to that, he could pull the reluctant Doseon by his wrist and safely make it to the basement parking garage.

It was 4:00 in the afternoon.

It was a bit early for dinner. He successfully pushed Doseon into the passenger seat and thought it would be nice to take a drive around the block to pass the time.

Heerak peeked to his side. Doseon was staring straight ahead with a rigid face. His shoulders and neck were always upright from good posture, but now they felt like they were frozen.

This whole time, Heerak couldn’t control his pheromones from getting worked up after Seokchan’s call. The dense scent that he exuded in his anger lingered in the car.

He realized once again that Doseon was indeed a beta. If he were an omega, he would already be gasping and wetting himself, but Doseon retained his signature expressionless face. He was completely free from the effects of superdominant pheromones. It still felt fascinating and fresh that a beta was sitting beside him in his car.

“Now that I think about it,” Heerak cleared his throat and spoke. He could feel Doseon turn his head slightly in his direction. “I thought work starts at 6:00 p.m. for you.”

“Yes, you’re right.”

“Did you come in early because of me? I feel bad now.”

Doseon was reluctant to reply. Heerak motioned with his chin as if to press on and Doseon finally moved his lips.

“Secretary Min said otherwise he would come to my house.”

“What’s that now? Ahaha! Why?”

“As soon as I turned down the invitation, Secretary Min said that he couldn’t be considerate anymore… and that he would kneel and beg in front of my house if he needed to.”

Seokchan really tried everything.

Heerak smiled wryly and gripped his handle harder.

“I was extremely surprised.”

“True, I would be too.”

“I told Secretary Min that he didn’t need to, that I’d meet him in person. I asked where he was, and he said he was at Hodie, so I said I would go there.”

In any case, Seokchan’s desperate pleas were heard. It was thanks to Seokchan that this beta was sitting next to him. Heerak decided that he would treat his secretary for his hard work with a nice meal or alcohol.

“What kind of food do you like? Is there anything you want to eat?”

“I’m fine with anything.”

“What about things you dislike or avoid?”

“I’m happy with eating whatever you want.”

Heerak burst out into laughter. Doseon gave him a puzzled look, but Heerak paid no mind. The smile on Heerak’s lips lingered for a while.

It seemed like he was just very unlucky that day.

The atmosphere was too formal, even considering the power imbalance between an executive director and an employee. Sternness and hardness dripped from Doseon’s face and tone.

This was probably just this man’s personality. Since a person’s character did not change so suddenly, Doseon most likely kept up this tough attitude that night as well.

What was it? What compelled him to sleep with this kind of person?

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