Bad addiction

[Flight Cancellation Notice]

“Ah.”

As soon as Haeun checked her phone, she let out a small sigh.

The flight was suddenly canceled due to heavy rain brought by a typhoon that was supposed to pass by.

In the morning, the sky was filled with dark clouds, but only a few raindrops had fallen. She thought the bad weather would stop there.

However, not long after arriving at the airport, the weather completely changed.

The sky turned dark and murky, and soon, a torrential downpour began, almost frightening in its intensity.

The unpredictable weather left them with no choice.

Since nothing would change by waiting, Haeun turned to approach Dojun.

As she stood before him, his deep black eyes met hers.

“Director, what should we do? Our flight has been canceled.”

Even though it wasn’t her fault, Haeun felt guilty.

She knew well that Dojun couldn’t stand any disruption in his schedule, even for a second.

“It’s a natural disaster, so there’s nothing we can do.”

Contrary to her concerns, Dojun was calm.

Crossing his long legs, he turned his gaze to the window.

Haeun took a small breath and secretly glanced at his profile.

Cha Dojun was a man of striking presence—tall, with sharp features, broad shoulders, and intense eyes that exuded masculine charm.

He was the second son of the Daehan Group and the director of Daehan Construction.

Over the past three years, he had made a name for himself, only to suddenly leave for the U.S.

It was an unexpected decision, leaving everyone, including Haeun, in shock.

No one knew the real reason behind his choice.

“I’ll look for a nearby hotel.”

Snapping out of her thoughts, Haeun quickly responded.

“Please do.”

As soon as Dojun answered, Haeun pulled out her phone.

However, with so many travelers stranded due to the weather, most hotels were fully booked.

She finally managed to secure a room, but she wasn’t sure if Dojun would be satisfied.

‘There’s no other choice.’

It was still better than waiting indefinitely for flights to resume.

“Director, I’ve made a reservation. Let’s move.”

Just as she was about to leave, Dojun suddenly held out his hand in front of her.

Confused, Haeun stared at it.

When she looked up, Dojun spoke.

“Give me the car key. I’ll drive.”

Haeun widened her eyes in surprise and quickly waved her hands.

“No, it’s fine! I can drive. Besides, it’s part of my job.”

“But you’re no longer my secretary as of yesterday, aren’t you?”

“That’s true, but…”

Her words trailed off.

In the past three years, she had never once seen Dojun drive himself.

It felt strange and uncomfortable, like she was doing something wrong.

But there was no way she could win against Dojun’s firm gaze.

Just imagining sitting in the passenger seat next to him made her uneasy, but in the end, she had no choice but to hand over the key.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes, Director.”

Haeun quickly followed behind Dojun as he walked ahead.

Technically, she had no reason to escort him to the airport anymore.

But she volunteered to see him off because she had learned and grown so much under his guidance.

‘It’s Director Dojun, after all.’

Before meeting him, she had worked under bosses who abused their power—dumping work on subordinates, mistreating them, and even making inappropriate comments.

She had naturally assumed that all wealthy people were the same.

So, when she first started working for Dojun, she expected no difference.

But he was unlike anyone she had ever worked for.

He took full responsibility for his work and never left a task unfinished.

Haeun couldn’t help but respect him.

And after working closely with such a perfect man…

She had developed feelings she shouldn’t have.

She had started seeing him not just as a boss, but as a man.

Of course, she had kept those feelings completely hidden to avoid any trouble.

‘This is the last time I’ll see him.’

Looking at the back of his head, she let out a small, bitter smile.

It had already been two years since she started liking him.

But their relationship was impossible, and she couldn’t even confess.

It had taken her a long time just to admit her feelings to herself.

So, when she first heard about his transfer, her initial thought was, Maybe this is for the best.

Now, knowing she wouldn’t be able to see him anymore made her sad…

‘I wanted to say goodbye at the airport, but I guess the hotel will be our last moment.’

Even though she felt regret, she decided to finish this properly.

As she got lost in thought, they arrived at the parking lot.

“Get in.”

“Thank you, Director.”

Dojun even opened the door for her, escorting her inside.

She ended up sitting in the passenger seat, but watching Dojun start the engine felt strange.

Something about it didn’t feel right.

She unbuckled her seatbelt and put it back in place.

“Director, I think I should drive after all.”

“Just enter the address in the navigation.”

“Can’t I drive?”

A tense silence filled the space.

Realizing it was a definite refusal, Haeun gave up and entered the hotel address.

The car smoothly exited the parking lot.

“The rain just won’t stop.”

As soon as they left the airport, the sound of rain hitting the car grew louder.

Dojun clicked his tongue softly and turned the steering wheel to the left.

At that moment, the sky flashed, followed by a loud boom.

Haeun flinched.

I’m scared.

She trembled slightly, her face pale with fear.

Some people had mocked her before, saying she was acting like a child.

But to her, thunder sounded just like the accident that had taken her mother’s life.

The sound of a car crash.

She hadn’t been there when it happened.

But after realizing how similar the two sounds were, rainstorms had always made her feel miserable.

If she was inside a building, it wasn’t as bad.

But the heavy rain made the drive to the hotel feel endless.

I should have suggested waiting until the rain eased up.

Even in this situation, she worried about Dojun.

She felt like she had forced him into driving in dangerous conditions.

Lost in thought, she barely noticed when they finally arrived at the hotel entrance.

Thankfully, they had made it without any accidents.

“We’re here.”

“Yes, Director.”

Haeun quickly got out and opened the trunk.

She pulled out his large suitcase, but Dojun stepped in.

“Didn’t I tell you you’re not my secretary anymore?”

“Oh…”

“I’ll do it.”

He grabbed the handle of his suitcase.

Haeun stared at him for a moment before bowing slightly.

“Then, I’ll head back now. It was an honor to work for you, Director.”

She gave him her final farewell.

But then—

“Haeun, why don’t you stay for the night?”

His unexpected suggestion made her heart flutter.

For a moment, she wanted to accept and stay by his side.

But she decided not to be greedy.

Shoving down her emotions, she shook her head.

“No, and I don’t think there are any available rooms left.”

“Then stay in mine.”

“What? Your room?”

“Yes.”

Her heart plummeted.

Dojun wasn’t the type to joke.

Even after confirming, she still couldn’t believe it.

“You look like you’re scared.”

Seeing her stunned expression, Dojun let out a small smirk.

“Why? Afraid I’ll eat you up?”