Secretary Gwanggong's Survival Diary-Chapter 64

"But why don’t you eat it a bit more deliciously? Today, it seems like the fun of watching you eat is a little lacking."

Ah, of course. I shouldn’t have expected anything more. The look in Yoon Taeo’s eyes, shining with some kind of anticipation, triggers the urge to finish my meal quickly. Strangely, I feel like acting out, like a mischievous child.

"Eat it. Enjoy it."

But, of course, life doesn’t go the way I want it to. Yoon Taeo’s already low voice drops another half-step, and a threatening tone follows. No, that’s definitely a threat. A magical threat that even stirs up an appetite that I didn’t have before.

"...I think it’s wild-caught. The eggs are large, so maybe it has a more satisfying chew? To be honest, abalone steamed like this can sometimes taste off, so it’s hard to eat..."

Even though I didn’t ask, the abalone stew evaluation comes out naturally. But even if there’s a lot of food, it’s just too much. After the food I’ve already eaten, having to finish the abalone stew on my own makes me so full I feel like it might come back up. Still, I force myself to finish the last piece and smile triumphantly. Naturally, I have to add my tasting opinions, playing with my mouth in between bites.

"Really, it’s fun feeding Kim Secretary."

What a strange person. Why does he enjoy watching others eat so much? Yoon Taeo barely ate more than bird feed, but he spent an even longer time watching me eat. Now, even though he hasn’t really eaten, he still has a surprisingly satisfied look on his face.

"Did you enjoy it? Dessert... um...?"

Maybe it's because it’s a restaurant that isn’t very popular. After we finished eating, Choi Hyunjin, who had been watching us from afar, quickly approached with something in hand. However, as he was getting closer to the table, his steps suddenly faltered.

"CEO...!"

Choi Hyunjin, who was quickly falling, thankfully didn’t hit the floor. The sound of “clink” echoed as the plate and cup he was holding shattered in all directions, but Yoon Taeo’s hand was there, holding him up.

"Thank you, thank you...."

Why does he always bring accidents with him when he shows up like this? I know it’s part of his character setting, but it’s still an impressive ability.

"Are you okay? Your suit..."

This time, the situation wasn’t as good. Thankfully, Choi Hyunjin was fine, but Yoon Taeo’s suit was covered in some unknown liquid. On his suit, of all things, the one that doesn’t even tolerate a speck of dust.

"Sigh... Really, it’s always something."

"I’m sorry. I... I’m really sorry. What do I do about this...?"

I instinctively moved to offer a handkerchief, but I hesitated. Before I could, Choi Hyunjin stepped forward. In a hurry, he used his apron to vigorously wipe the liquid off Yoon Taeo’s suit. ...What is this? This was supposed to be my job.

But despite the effort, the stains wouldn’t come off. The water marks only became more pronounced, and Choi Hyunjin looked increasingly panicked.

"Stop. It’s fine. Just back off."

"But I’ll try to wipe it off ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) just a little more..."

"I said stop, it’s unpleasant."

"Huh? ...Unpleasant...?"

The mood shifted quickly, and it seemed like things were getting tense.

"You’ve been saying some harsh things lately."

"I don’t think someone who keeps making ridiculous mistakes is in any position to talk."

"...I apologized for that, but you don’t have to be this harsh!"

Things were really getting intense. Choi Hyunjin seemed like his head was about to explode at Yoon Taeo’s usual arrogant tone, and Yoon Taeo looked even more irritated by Choi Hyunjin’s attitude. Fearing that things might escalate, I stepped between them and stood facing Choi Hyunjin, who was the one I could still manage to stop.

"Are you hurt? It’s fine, so go ahead and leave."

"But how...?"

His face flushed red. He looked like a small dog that didn’t know its own size, especially when he was going up against Yoon Taeo. He was still huffing, unable to calm down.

"We’re going. The meal’s finished."

Yoon Taeo also started walking, as if it didn’t matter to him.

"Wait a second!"

Just when I wanted everything to end, Choi Hyunjin grabbed Yoon Taeo’s arm, halting his steps.

"Sigh."

It seems like the patience of this irritating person was about to run out. Yoon Taeo sighed heavily and turned around.

"...I’m really sorry. About your clothes... making them a mess..."

Unexpectedly, those words came out. I thought Yoon Taeo would keep raising his voice, but Choi Hyunjin offered a sincere apology, which actually sounded genuine.

"...I said it’s fine. So just stop."

And Yoon Taeo, strangely enough, responded differently. Had he ever been this forgiving toward someone before? To forgive someone who was rude to him and ruined his clothes so easily? I guess their relationship really can’t be helped. There seemed to be some unspoken understanding between the two of them as their eyes met.

"Get the tea."

"Wait a second..."

Choi Hyunjin dashed off after settling the bill, quickly putting on his green vest and hat again. Well... it seems like a uniform for valet parking. It was kind of cute that he didn’t forget to wear it.

"CEO... are you really okay?"

"If I wasn’t, what would you do? It’s just an accident."

Just an accident...? I remembered the time when Yoon Taeo had been drinking alone at the hotel lounge. A staff member had spilled a drink on him, and the glass had crashed down on the person’s head. He wasn’t in a good mood that day, but still, how was it that a person like him was calling today just an accident? Well... at least I didn’t have to deal with the aftermath, which was a relief.

Vroom!

While we exchanged a few words while waiting for the car, a familiar SUV approached, coming toward us at an alarming speed. It seemed like a collision was inevitable. Could we avoid it? Would it be hard?

"What, what are you doing...!"

I was hesitating, not knowing what to do when time seemed to slow down for a moment, and Yoon Taeo moved. He grabbed my arm and pulled me into his embrace. My vision went dark, enveloped in warmth.

Bang!

The loud sound could have been a reflexive reaction. I found myself instinctively clutching his waist. His hand pulled me closer, holding me even more tightly. I buried my face in his chest, and after what seemed like a long time, I realized there was no pain.

"Are you okay?"

"...I think so..."

I felt the hand that had been holding my neck and back drop away, and I pulled my face out.

"Why are you so scared? At least pretend to protect me, Kim Secretary."

...Strange. Maybe it was because I was so close to his face, or maybe it was because of the near-accident. My heart was still racing, unable to calm down.

"Aren’t you hurt?"

"Isn’t it obvious?"

Yoon Taeo smiled as though mocking me, and my chest tightened even more uncomfortably. ...This isn’t fair. No matter how much of the protagonist he is, Yoon Taeo seems to have everything.

"You seem really surprised. Your face has gone all red."

"No, it’s...!"

It would be a lie to say I wasn’t surprised. But... how does a person’s face turn red? Isn’t it supposed to turn pale...? That’s not what’s important now. Yoon Taeo’s hand reached out to touch my red face, as if checking my temperature. He lifted my bangs, and his hand stroked my forehead and palm, touching and pulling away repeatedly.

"You might have a fever."

"That... let’s look at the car first...!"

My vision was still blocked. Our distance was too close, and all I could see was Yoon Taeo’s well-built chest and face.

"...I wish you would let go of my hand and talk first."

...This is just too much. How is he built like this? I found myself gripping his waist tightly again. At his words, I quickly released my hand and put some space between us.

"Car, the car...!"

I tried to change the subject, but when I looked up, I felt dizzy. Yoon Taeo’s black SUV had crashed into the entrance of the restaurant building. The crash sound I’d heard earlier wasn’t a mistake.

"There must be someone inside...!"

As soon as I remembered who had been driving the car, a more intense feeling of dread flooded me. Choi Hyunjin, the Beta protagonist of this drama. The one who will lead the story to its end. What would happen if he died...? What about this world...? What about me?! As I was about to rush to the car, Yoon Taeo grabbed my wrist.

"I’ll go. Stay here."

He shoved me back and walked toward the driver’s seat. The car door opened, and I heard a soft sound before Yoon Taeo appeared again, holding something in his hand.

"CEO! What are you doing... don’t grab people like that!"

He had grabbed Choi Hyunjin by the back of his neck like a piece of trash, but fortunately, he didn’t seem to be injured.

"Cough, cough..."

But he didn’t look too good. Choi Hyunjin, held by the back of his neck, looked pitiful, his face now streaked with clear tears.

"What are you crying for?"

...Sorry, but I agree with Yoon Taeo this time.

"How, how do I... how do I compensate... sniff..."

How is it that accidents just keep happening whenever he takes a step? I had been worried about his safety earlier, but now I realize that was unnecessary. He’s the protagonist of the drama, so he’s not going to die easily... Wait, does the protagonist never die...?

"Why don’t you shout something like last time? You were talking about informal speech and all."

"I... I’m actually unlicensed... sniff..."

Oh... He doesn’t have a license...?

"That’s something the police will love to hear."

But something’s off. Why does Yoon Taeo not seem... upset hearing Choi Hyunjin’s tearful voice...? Even though his own car was wrecked, why does he seem fine?