“Why wouldn’t it be possible? I’m the CEO of this company, and I’m the one offering. Do you need someone else’s permission?”
“That’s not what I meant… but really, I’m fine.”
Taking time off work because of the CEO’s generosity? That wasn’t something he could accept. He was too worried about how it would look to other employees. He didn’t want that kind of special treatment. Seeing that Yeon Yiseo wasn’t going to back down, Alexander offered a different suggestion.
“Then come rest in my office during lunch. There are too many people in the break room—it’s hard to get real rest there.”
It was an awkward situation. Rejecting one offer after another wasn’t exactly easy. But that didn’t mean he could accept something that just wasn’t feasible. He went to the company cafeteria with the others every day—what excuse could he use to skip that?
Would he have to lie and say he was eating out, then sneak back in just to sleep in the CEO’s office? Just to get a bit of rest? Honestly, it made more sense to stay in his own office and nap there alone.
Alexander’s thoughtfulness was appreciated, but it just wasn’t worth the trouble. Even if he felt a bit of regret, it was what it was.
“No, it’s… I do appreciate the offer, but I’m really fine.”
His tone came out firmer than he meant. Why do I sound so cold? Yeon Yiseo was a little dismayed at himself. He could’ve said the same thing in a more agreeable tone, but somehow, his voice had come out oddly distant.
Watching Alexander smile wryly, Yeon Yiseo felt even more unsure of what to do.
“Not many people have your sense of discretion, Yeon Yiseo.”
Thankfully, it didn’t seem like Alexander had picked up on his internal fluster.
“I’ll take that as a compliment. But, sir, weren’t you in the middle of working? I feel like I might’ve gotten in the way.”
“It’s alright. I stepped out for a breath of fresh air. Being in the same place for too long gets tiring. But I’m glad I did—I ran into you, and it cleared my head. Two birds with one stone.”
Nodding in agreement, Yeon Yiseo suddenly realized something in Alexander’s words and asked as he moved to leave.
“You said ‘too long’… How long have you been at the office?”
Alexander didn’t answer—just smiled quietly. That evasive reaction made it clear to Yeon Yiseo: he’d likely been here for quite a while.
“There was an urgent matter I had to take care of. I haven’t been here nonstop, of course.”
“Did you get any sleep?”
“Hm, just enough.”
Alexander dodged the question, brushing it off lightly.
“Oh! Good morning, Mr. CEO! Didn’t expect to see you again so soon after Saturday. It’s great that you’re such a hard worker, but you’ve got to take some breaks too, you know.”
A middle-aged security guard on patrol called out a cheerful greeting. For just a second, a look of discomfort flickered across Alexander’s face. Seeing that, and how his eyes shifted to Yeon Yiseo as if gauging his reaction, it was clear he’d been found out.
“Good morning, Michael.”
And thanks for announcing it for me, he added under his breath, almost like a quiet mutter.
Alexander turned back to Yeon Yiseo with a sheepish smile, raising his eyebrows like a mischievous kid caught red-handed.
Maybe it was because he was an extreme-dominant Alpha, but Alexander didn’t look tired. His clean-shaven face gave off the impression that he was just fine—but if you looked closely, there was a subtle trace of fatigue.
“What kind of project would… no, more importantly, are you really saying you didn’t sleep?”
Even if Yeon Yiseo asked what kind of project it was, his own clearance level meant he wouldn’t be told anything important anyway. Better to ask a question that might actually get a straight answer.
“Well, while working, I just happened to come across a few things I needed to take care of. I got about an hour of sleep, give or take.”
“…An hour.”
Yeon Yiseo echoed his words, frowning.
“That’s not nearly enough rest.”
Even if Alexander was an extreme-dominant Alpha, there’s no way running on just one hour of sleep was okay. For a Beta, that was basically the equivalent of sleeping three hours at most.
“I really think you should be the one getting some rest, sir.”
“I’d like to, believe me.”
And as if on cue, the sky lit up with a sudden flash, followed by a thunderclap so loud it shook the air.
Yeon Yiseo’s mouth opened slightly in surprise. He now understood why Alexander couldn’t sleep alone. That look on Alexander’s face—it was like he wanted to say something but was holding back.
He should’ve said no. He knew that. But the words just wouldn’t come out.
“…Then, would you like me to stay with you for a bit?”
“You wouldn’t mind?”
Alexander responded immediately, almost before Yeon Yiseo could finish asking.
“Yes. …If you’re okay with me staying just until it’s time for work, that is.”
“Perfect. In that case, no need for us to keep talking out here.”
Alexander looked pleased as he replied.
The door had been left slightly ajar—probably from when Alexander stepped out. Yeon Yiseo had never seen his office before. He’d never been inside. He’d expected it to be big, of course, but he hadn’t imagined this.
One wall was fitted with a tall vertical wood-panel art wall. A dark wooden desk stood proudly in the center, exuding authority. But what really stole the attention was what lay beyond the transparent glass windows on the opposite side—a garden.
It was only visible from the CEO’s office, structured in a way that created a sense of privacy. Dozens of dawn redwood trees made it feel more like stepping into a forest. Though the trees weren’t tall yet, their youth was obvious. There was even a staircase that led directly out into the garden. Judging by the rain pelting the glass, the ceiling must be completely open above that area.
“…I didn’t know this existed.”
“It’s your first time here, isn’t it? The garden starts all the way from the first floor. The trees grow fast and taller than the building, so I didn’t install a roof. But on days like this… I do regret it a little.”
Alexander spoke lightly, as if trying to mask some awkwardness, but when another loud rumble of thunder echoed from outside, he fell silent. Then he reached his hand out toward Yeon Yiseo.
“Would you mind taking off your jacket? If we hang it in the styler, it’ll be dry before your shift starts.”
“Of course. Just let me know where it is, and I’ll handle it.”
Responding as he shrugged off his jacket, Yeon Yiseo followed Alexander’s instructions. Knowing that it was pointless to argue with his stubbornness, Alexander smiled and opened the styler for him. He hung Yeon Yiseo’s jacket next to his own suit coat.
Another boom of thunder sounded—this one even louder than before. Instinctively, Yeon Yiseo glanced at Alexander, and their eyes locked.
“The bed’s over here. It’s a bit cramped, though.”
Trying to break the silence, Alexander led him to a section off to the side. Like the secret door to the secretary’s office, the wall disguised another entryway.
Inside was a room set up like a small private space. Lighting was installed both on the ceiling and near the base of the walls. When the ceiling light was turned off, the subtle glow from below gave the room a warm, cozy feel. The air didn’t feel stuffy, which meant it probably had a dedicated ventilation system.
How cramped the space felt depended on your standards, but for Yeon Yiseo, it was plenty spacious. When he’d been apartment hunting, some of the places he’d considered were even smaller than this “cramped” room.
The space contained just a bed, a side table, and a coat rack. But that made sense—there was no need to furnish it with anything else, since the main office already had everything Alexander needed.
The bed, which Alexander had said was comfortable enough to sleep on, looked even bigger than the super single Yeon Yiseo used. It was probably a king-size. He thought of Alexander’s height and figured that made sense. This was likely the only person who used this bed. Compared to the bed at Alexander’s actual home, this one probably did feel small.
On the side table sat an analog-style desk clock, designed like an oversized watch movement. The hexagonal wooden stand it sat on was also custom-carved, with the Audemars Piguet logo engraved in gold lettering.
Even though it looked like an ordinary clock, it was obvious that it cost about as much as—or even more than—Yeon Yiseo’s yearly salary.
The bed was neatly made with calm, neutral-colored bedding, though it was slightly rumpled. Maybe Alexander had slept here, just as he claimed. Noticing how Yeon Yiseo’s gaze lingered on the bed, Alexander spoke.
“Just so you know—I’ve never invited anyone else in here. And I get the bedding washed once a week.”
