Unhealthy older brother’s friend

A fine layer of ash settled on Jae’s small crown, and fatigue filled his eyes. Even as he lifted his glass to drink, his gaze remained unwavering.

His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. Still thirsty, he refilled his glass. Though his exhaustion had long surpassed its limit, his mind felt clearer.

The phone lying on the table vibrated. He answered on speakerphone.
“Speak.”
• “Sir, Kang Jinman, Lee Sugang, and Choi Jinpyo are all gathered at ‘Baekhwa.’ Other executives are arriving one by one.”

The caller was Chief Kim. The names he mentioned were all those who had opposed Jae during the meeting.

The old men who tried to gaslight their young CEO.

“So, how do you all plan to take responsibility for this situation?”

These old men were still living in luxury, even while the company was suffering losses.

“Responsibility? Former CEO Kwon Mintae already admitted the deficit and stepped down. How is this our fault?”

“Sir, since you recently returned to Korea, you may not be aware, but Taeseong Department Store’s sales had already been declining before CEO Kwon took over. How could we have stopped other stores from rising?”

“Didn’t you take this position to take responsibility?”

After the chaotic morning executive meeting, Jae had ordered Chief Kim to keep an eye on key figures.

And now, they were all gathered at ‘Baekhwa.’

Baekhwa was a private venue often used by high-ranking politicians and businessmen. It was known for keeping any dirty dealings behind closed doors.

Would they really spend that much money just to plot against him?
• “Sir, you know they’re all Kwon Tae-min’s people.”

His half-brother and former CEO, Kwon Tae-min.

These were the same people who had begged Chairman Kwon to reconsider putting Jae in charge.

Tae-min must have already pleaded his case, only to be ignored. So now, he sent the old men on his behalf.

Jae smirked coldly. As expected, their actions were entirely predictable.

“They’re in such a rush to get rid of me.”

Jae flicked open his Zippo lighter, then closed it again. He repeated the motion, his large hand cradling a small head that was leaning against him. The weight was light. Too light.

Click. Click.

The crisp sound echoed at regular intervals. On the third click, the lighter snapped shut completely. His thoughts were organized.

“Prepare the operation.”

Chief Kim, understanding the meaning, gave a short reply: “Understood.”

Jae had already given them chances. His patience had run out.

Ending the call, he glanced down at the small, unmoving head in his hand. Her flushed cheeks and the pink hue spreading down to her neck caught his eye.

He had already drunk nearly half a bottle, yet he still felt thirsty.

Maybe it was because of the sudden arrival of spring, or the heat from the afternoon meeting that hadn’t cooled yet.

”…”

Jae looked down at the sleeping Seohye and recalled their encounter in the hotel lobby.

Large, deer-like eyes filled with caution.

Her pale face, betraying a hint of confusion, had not welcomed his kindness.

She hadn’t recognized him at first. But the moment realization struck, her gaze had trembled. That reaction had stirred something in him.

It was both nostalgic and oddly satisfying.

“Congratulations on your graduation, Jae-oppa.”

A bright smile on a girl with flushed cheeks, bundled up against the cold.

That same girl, once in a stiff school uniform, had now matured into a woman—so much so that he barely recognized her at first.

Bzz. Bzz.

A dull sound from the table pulled his attention.

[Deputy Manager Ahn Heeseok]

The screen lit up with a saved contact name.

This was the call Seohye had refused to answer earlier.

So, this was the guy.

Jae recalled a past conversation with Minwook, who had mentioned that Seohye had a boyfriend.

Minwook, like any typical older brother, had grumbled about it but also seemed resigned, saying they were serious—maybe even considering marriage.

Jae had felt something strange at the time. A feeling he hadn’t quite understood.

With a swipe, he rejected the call.

Even if Seohye had seen the call, she would have done the same.

Jae continued drinking for a while longer, staring at the deeply asleep Seohye.

⸻

Some time later, he entered a hotel suite.

Still wearing his shoes, he walked into the bedroom, his gaze landing on a pale face.

Seohye was deeply asleep, unaware of anything.

“Hmm.”

She let out a small sound as her head tilted toward his broad chest.

Looking at her delicate features, Jae had a fleeting thought.

How did such fine features fit on such a small face?

Maybe his exhaustion was making him think nonsense.

But he had wondered this ever since he first saw her.

A quiet chuckle escaped his lips.

He gently laid her on the bed and was about to stand when—

Her small, pale hand clutched his arm.

His body froze.

Her flushed face, trembling eyelashes, and lips bitten slightly in sleep—all of it held his gaze.

A faint scent of her makeup lingered in the air.

He stared at her for a long time.

For the first time in a while, something flickered in his usually cold eyes.

At the café earlier, he had simply been glad to see her.

Now, that pure sentiment had twisted into something much darker.

Maybe it had started in the car.

Or perhaps, from the moment he first saw her in the lobby.

A desire he should never feel for his friend’s little sister.

Damn it.

He swallowed back a curse.

The moment their lips met, all reason disappeared.

He rarely reacted to anything. Yet, this?

This made his entire body burn.

Shit.

She was too sweet.

So sweet he wanted more.

“Mmm. Haa.”

Her lips parted slightly as she sighed against his mouth.

Like spring air—soft, intoxicating.

That was when his body, clouded with desire, turned ice cold.

Seohye was still asleep.

She didn’t even realize what was happening.

Jae forced himself to pull away.

Her lips, now slightly smudged with lipstick, were pink and inviting.

He ran his fingers over his own lips, feeling a strange sense of regret.

What the hell was he thinking?

With a sigh, he stood up.

But then, her disheveled clothing caught his eye.

The beige cardigan slightly open, revealing a white blouse beneath. And beneath that—smooth, fair skin.

His jaw tightened.

Silently, he pulled the sheet up to cover her and turned away.

Of all days, today was the most exhausting.

Yet his body burned hotter than ever.