“I thought it would suit you, but this is even better than I imagined. It’s like the suit finally found its true owner.”
Alexander, resting his chin in one hand, was practically in awe. He showered Yeon Yiseo with praise to a degree that was almost embarrassing. The suits Yiseo had worn up until now hadn’t exactly been cheap or shoddy, but compared to the one he had on now, the difference was stark.
It moved comfortably with his body and emphasized his posture, but Yiseo still found Alexander’s reaction a little excessive. He turned in front of the full-length mirror, checking himself from various angles.
Thanks to Alexander’s compliments, it did feel like the suit was a great fit. But knowing a Tom Ford suit cost a month or two of his salary made it hard to accept it easily. Even if their relationship had changed, this wasn’t the kind of gift he could casually receive. It felt far too extravagant.
“Let’s go with this one, then.”
But when Alexander spoke with a smile, Yiseo had no choice but to agree.
“Thank you. I’ll wear it well.”
“You’re very welcome. I’m just glad you’re wearing it.”
Alexander responded with a warm smile.
While Yiseo changed out of the suit, Alexander also finished getting ready. When he came out of the dressing room in a three-piece suit, Yiseo couldn’t help but stare. The deep navy suit highlighted his broad shoulders and narrow waist perfectly.
Yiseo had thought today’s suit looked good on him, but Alexander truly looked like he was born to wear suits. He was standing there, staring without realizing it, until Alexander silently approached and stood right in front of him. It was only then that he snapped out of it.
“Sorry.”
Flustered, Yiseo quickly apologized, making Alexander laugh.
“No need. But… do I look weird?”
“No, not at all. It suits you so well… I just stared a little too much. Sorry about that.”
“It’s fine. Keep looking. I never really understood why people enjoy being admired, but I think I’m starting to get it now.”
Alexander spoke gently, making sure Yiseo wouldn’t feel self-conscious. He wrapped both arms around Yiseo’s waist and pulled him into an embrace. Their foreheads touched, and though the whispered words were embarrassingly intimate, Yiseo didn’t feel like pulling away. The warmth through the suit felt good.
After a soft kiss, Yiseo reluctantly pulled away, clearly not wanting to let go, and Alexander made another offer.
“It’d be more convenient if you came with me in my car.”
Even in the elevator, Alexander pressed again as if he couldn’t give up on the idea, but Yiseo responded firmly.
“It’s really fine. You make me out to be too fragile, Alex.”
Yiseo glanced at the floor indicator. There was still a brief moment left. He leaned in and gave Alexander a quick kiss.
“Have a good day at work.”
Alexander looked slightly startled, then furrowed his brows just a little.
“…I want to take you to Amangiri right now.”
He sighed as he said it. The Amangiri he mentioned was a private resort in Utah that Yiseo had vaguely heard of back when he was at Dymine. Either way, it was completely impossible at the moment.
When the elevator arrived at the first floor, Yiseo stepped back from Alexander.
“Then I’ll see you at the office.”
He exited and waved through the closing doors, seeing Alexander’s reluctant expression. To be honest, Yiseo wanted to stay with him too. Who wouldn’t want to spend time with someone who treated them so kindly? But reality didn’t allow it.
Maybe it was thanks to the massage Alexander had given him, but Yiseo felt much better than he had when he woke up that morning. He told himself to push through another day and headed to work.
Though yesterday had been a monumental day for Yiseo, it’s not like the world had turned upside down or everything was bathed in pink. His heart still floated in the clouds, but as he went through the motions of a normal workday, he started to wonder if everything that happened had just been a dream. That lingering soreness in his body reminded him that it was all very real.
When his fluttering heart had finally calmed a little, a document requiring Alexander’s seal coincidentally ended up in his hands. Normally, he wouldn’t be the one to deliver something so important to the CEO, but since Paul had something else urgent to deal with, he entrusted the relatively simple task to Yiseo.
“The CEO’s already aware, so just drop the file off. Thanks, I’m counting on you.”
“Okay, I got it.”
It should’ve been nothing out of the ordinary, but for some reason, Yiseo felt self-conscious. Holding the file, he did his best to keep a neutral expression as he stood in front of the CEO’s office and knocked.
No matter how much he told himself not to, he couldn’t help but wonder—Will he look happy to see me? What kind of expression will he make?
Cautiously opening the door, he saw Alexander with his back turned, speaking on the phone. The wave of disappointment he felt made it obvious just how much he’d been expecting. He chuckled inwardly at himself, thinking this whole situation felt like a skit.
Alexander turned his chair slightly and held out a hand as if to ask for the document, but didn’t look in Yiseo’s direction. Since he was clearly in the middle of work, Yiseo quietly handed over the file without saying anything. Alexander mouthed a silent “thank you” without interrupting his call.
The fact that Alexander hadn’t recognized him while he himself had been quietly watching made the moment feel oddly amusing. Yiseo considered telling him later—but for now, he figured this was the end of the little encounter and started to leave.
But just then, Alexander finally turned his eyes toward him—and their gazes locked.
Alexander froze. He didn’t even blink as he stared at Yiseo like he was trying to decide if what he saw was real. Yiseo was about to gesture “go ahead with your call” and walk away, but stopped when Alexander quickly excused himself from the conversation and ended the call.
He set down the receiver and immediately rushed over.
“Yiseo? What’s going on?”
“Wasn’t that a work call? Are you sure it’s okay to hang up like that?”
“That’s not the point right now. …Wow. I was just wondering how I could get you to come to my office. I can’t believe this.”
Alexander beamed with unfiltered joy and pulled Yiseo into a tight hug. The pressure was a little intense, but it felt warm and comforting. Yiseo wanted to lean into the scent of his pheromones, but this was still the office, so he kept the urge to himself. Not that he would’ve said anything even if they weren’t at work.
Closing his eyes, Yiseo hugged Alexander back. Still, he figured it was about time to go. He wanted to stay like that longer, but Ellie was just outside. As the front desk receptionist, she might find it odd if he lingered too long.
“I should get going now.”
“…Yeah, I guess you should.”
Alexander sounded reluctant—and so was Yiseo.
“But we’ll see each other after work again.”
“Ah, actually, I’m planning to head home after work today.”
“…What? Home? Why?”
Alexander looked completely blindsided, blinking in disbelief. His reaction left Yiseo puzzled.
“I need to change clothes.”
“We have clothes at my place, too.”
“I had no choice this morning, but I’ve got my own clothes at home.”
To Yiseo, it was the natural decision. But apparently, Alexander had assumed they’d be going back to his place together. He seemed ready to insist but stopped, likely realizing Yiseo wasn’t going to change his mind. Compared to how elated he was earlier, the slump in his mood was obvious.
“Well, I should get going. I’ve already stayed too long. Take care.”
“…Alright. Got it. You too, Yiseo.”
Maybe it was just his imagination, but Alexander looked visibly deflated—even though he was smiling. Yiseo felt the urge to just say let’s go together, but that wouldn’t be right. He didn’t even have anything to wear tomorrow. Sure, there were suits Alexander had set aside for him, but accepting them without hesitation was a whole different matter. Alexander might not mind, but Yiseo certainly did.
As he left, he instinctively glanced at Ellie’s desk, but she was busy, typing away and focused on the lower monitor. He wondered if he was just overthinking things and felt a little awkward. Still, as he stepped out, Alexander’s expression stuck in his mind and made him feel guilty.
Even so, he figured it was better than dealing with rumors. He went back to his desk, reassuring himself that he’d made the right call. That evening, he got a call from Seo Eunwoo.
***
Once home, Yiseo carefully took off the suit and hung it neatly on the garment rack to prevent any creases. Somehow, it felt too out of place in his modest home—just one expensive suit standing out like it didn’t belong.
After a shower, he sank into the sofa. It was smaller than Alexander’s, but being in his own space finally made him feel like he could relax. As he sipped a glass of water, his phone started ringing. The screen showed Seo Eunwoo’s name.
“Eunwoo?”
—Ah, Yiseo. I had a free moment, so I thought I’d call.
“Yeah. Did something happen? I was worried since I didn’t hear from you.”
—Mm… sorry about that. It was the middle of the night, so I didn’t want to wake you. It’s nothing major… well, I guess it is something, but it’s only a big deal to me.
Yiseo tilted his head toward the phone, puzzled by Eunwoo’s cryptic tone.
