Chapter Text
Friday came and in a blink of an eye and as if time doubled, it was almost one month since Seonghwa started working with Ateez Holdings. A lot happened to say the least but the still newbie secretary was rather adjusting well if you would ask him.
Seonghwa now has a new morning routine at the company as he starts his day earlier than the others, except San and Wooyoung who he discovered to be devoted to their work despite how they fool around most of the time. The duo can be seen organising documents and answering calls at the reception desk by the time Seonghwa enters the office at 8 AM, an ice americano in hand. He never fails to greet the younger males, the two greeting rather enthusiastically as he walks pass their quarters and towards his own desk. Other employees are already seated on their desk when he arrives so he receives and gives more greetings before he can actually place the coffee for his boss inside the superior's office.
At 8:30 AM, Hongjoong would be walking inside, sometimes Yunho would be with him but most of the time, the Director arrives earlier despite the continuous "rumor" San had told him that the taller is not a morning person. Seonghwa had looked at Yunho one morning when he remembered San telling him that but the perfect face the taller male has when he walked in the office with a gentle smile on his face made San's story almost unbelievable.
His day will start after Hongjoong enters his office, not before he greets Seonghwa and thanks him for the coffee that he expects to be on his table by now. Seonghwa will smile shyly before muttering a soft your welcome, his cheeks will feel warmer but he doesn't really mind such.
His boss will call him from time to time for errands and documents to be delivered or picked up from different departments and just like that his day's work will officially start. It had been hectic but to sum it up, things are going smoothly.
Lunch came and trio, Seonghwa, San and Wooyoung, are heading to the company cafeteria where they had became usual costumers. As usual, San is chattering away while Wooyoung was trying to tell Seonghwa the story about the cat he saw on his way home yesterday. The story continued until they have successfully ordered their foods (San occasionally butting in to ask the others what they'll be getting since Wooyoung was still busy describing how cute the kitten was to the equally occupied Seonghwa who surprisingly was listening intently) and finally settled at their table to eat.
"It was so cute I almost picked it up and carry it home." Wooyoung tells, picking a meat from his plate before chewing on it and continued his story. "But its owner came when I finally decided to take it." he pouted after, looking defeated as he projected his disappointed to the innocent kimchi in front of him.
"You almost took some else's cat." San pointed out, chopsticks in the air between him and his friend as he points it accusingly to the still sulking employee. Seonghwa just laughed softly and observed the two as he try to finish his food peacefully.
"Oh, isn't that Hongjoong?" San then suddenly tells, Wooyoung telling him to address their friend correctly when in work but nonetheless calls Yunho who was walking behind their boss. The taller heard and wave at them, patting Hongjoong in the shoulder beforehand pointing at the direction of the trio as they crossed the short distance from the elevator towards the table and offered their greetings.
"You want to join us for lunch?" San asked, already on the move to make space for his two friends to seat but Yunho declined.
"We have a business meeting to attend." He tells. "We'll probably have lunch there." he added but took an egg roll from Wooyoung's plate nonetheless, the latter complaining as he saw.
The three nodded in understanding. Seonghwa offered to walk them to the lobby but Hongjoong told him it was not needed and he should finish his lunch. "Besides, Yunho is with me." he adds seeing how Seonghwa looked a little off when he declined his help. That had been the usual scenario between them and tje Secretary takes no offense whatsoever whenever his boss declines, his face just shows his emotions faster than his brain so he can't filter it real time.
The two then excused themselves when Yunho suggested that they should be going or else traffic will catch up on them.
"Hongjoong looks different nowadays." Wooyoung starts, eyes still on their friends who left a few seconds ago. "He looks a lot better."
"You mean he looks ugly before?" Yeosang then suddenly chirp from the back, the three jumping almost at the same time as the assistant manager looks at them with his statute like face. "Hello."
"Can you please announce your presence normally?" Wooyoung complains, hands on his chest as he feels his erratic heartbeat due to Yeosang's sudden arrival.
The assistant director looked at his friend nonchalantly before setting his tray on the table commenting on how he won't die from heart attack just because he suddenly decided to show up.
"You'll never know."Wooyoung argues.
"Believe me, I know." Yeosang assures. "Beside, you'll probably die faster if Hongjoong hears you calling him ugly."
"Hey, you called him ugly. What I was saying is that, he doesn't frown as much as before and his mood is better during mornings right San?" the talkative staffs tells them. Seonghwa just stared, taking his head with visual memories of their boss from jis first day at work up to the present.
"He does look calmer." he tells them.
"I think it's because of Seonghwa." San adds, looking pointedly at Seonghwa who only stared back in confusion.
"Me? He askes, three heads nodding in unison to answer him. The Secretary waved his hands dismissively at this as he recounts how he ended up upsetting his boss the first days he was working with him.
"But he accepted you nonetheless. If it would be just another person, you'll be out before you can even explain yourself." Yeosang supplies, mouth chewing soft at the chicken from his plate. The duo nods in support, telling stories about pass secretaries that never last an hour or so.
" I just got lucky. "Seonghwa says, laughing a little as he thinks how he was able to survive if Hongjoong was as savage as his friends had told him.
"Then you got pretty lucky if you're still here after a month. "San points out, smirking a little as the Secretary looked at him with a questioning look on his face.
They didn't talk further than that, San and Wooyoung getting distracted at how tall Yunho was when standing next to Hongjoong which was followed by endless laughing and shrieking from the two. Yeosang excused himself first after that and that's when the three also decided its time to go back to work.
It was around 3PM when Yunho walked in the office following Hongjoong who went directly towards the Secretary's desk. He was wearing a grey suit, Seonghwa just noticed, as he approached the table with calm strides.
"Secretary Park, I hope you're free tomorrow." He tells, placing the folder he was carrying above the desk. Seonghwa collected the documents as he rake the virtual planner in his head. It's actually his younger brother's 6th birthday but he nodded nonetheless.
"Good. I need you to accompany me to a day trip to Busan." Hongjoong explains. "We leave at 6AM sharp."
Seonghwa nods, contemplating whether it was okay to ask his boss what time they'll be back in Seoul but the latter notice the discomfort on his Secretary's face so he asked him what was wrong. "Nothing sir. I was just wondering what time we'll be back." he says hesitantly.
Hongjoong looked at him for a moment before glancing at the fancy watch on his left wrist. "Maybe around 5PM at most." he then tells the Secretary, adding that they can be back earlier if the meeting ends early and if traffic don't act up.
"Do you have a prior appointment?" Hongjoong asked, eyeing at how Seonghwa avoided his eyes. "You can decline if so."
Seonghwa shook his head. Not that his brother's birthday was enough reason to skip for not to mention a job he secured only for a month or so but still, in the back of his head, this annual celebration is quite special especially for Seonghwa and his family.
"It's Seonghwa's little brothers birthday tomorrow boss." San then tells, walking from tje front desk with a few papers in hand which he hands Yunho. Seonghwa looks surprised as San explain how he mentioned it earlier during lunch. "Seowon is very cute, yes." he adds, squishing his own cheeks as he explains how fluffy and soft his Co-worker's brother might be.
"Is that so?" Hongjoong asked. Seonghwa doesn't know what to say but he tries to ease the situation nonetheless. He made a mental note to scold San, if he has the guts that is.
"It's okay sir. I can join them for dinner once we finish work." he assures, already organising the documents his boss handed him earlier. Hongjoong looked a little weird as he glanced up, tje CEO sporting a complex expression as he tilts his head to his right thinking.
"Okay then. I'll pick you up at your place tomorrow." He finally said before disappearing inside his office. Seonghwa bows before heaving a sigh as he drops to his chair. He needs to tell his mom about this sudden appointment which he is sure will upset Seowon but he can't help it. The Secretary made sure he buys the lego set his brother had been wanting since last month to compensate.
Hongjoong indeed picked him up the next day. It was around 6 am when he heard a honk outside his rooftop apartment and the Secretary was greeted by a sleek looking red car which brand he doesn't remember. The car's window was rolled down when he was descending and his boss waved at him coolly to which he exchanged with a bow upon arrival.
"I could drive us there sir." he presents, not yet buckling the seat belt when he was told to get inside the passenger's seat in case his boss changes his mind. The latter had offered to drive them from Seoul to Busan to which Hongjoong declined even after he told the boss he has a license and would be very careful not to get into accident or scape his expensive car yet the slightly shorter male dismissed it, of course after reassuring Seonghwa that he knows the Secretary can do as much but he prefers driving on his own.
"Buckle up Secretary Park, you know I won't change my mind." Hongjoong tells him, looking at the seat belt that was still lying idle on either side of his Secretary. Seonghwa just looked at him, a pout on his lips that the CEO doubt the taller even knows was there. He decided to reach for the seat belt when the Secretary didn't move an inch after. He removes the one around his waste before leaning toward Seonghwa who visibly flinched when he saw Hongjoong hands grabbing the other end of the safety device.
The CEO was indeed shorter, his heeled shoes covering for his lack of height whenever he walks around the office all head high while the long coat he always wears acting like a cape to add more to the aura his boss already have, yet Seonghwa notice that he has a very nice build. The secretary observed as how the veins in his arms is prominent, running down his wrist while a few reached the back of his hand like graceful stretched of vines adoring his boss's hand. He was wearing a black button up, sleeves rolled until his upper arm and it was almost too beautiful if you ask Seonghwa.
A 'click' was then heard and the train of thought that was already running wild inside Seonghwa's mind was cut, thankfully, to the Secretary's relief.
"Ready?" he hears Hongjoong ask, a hand on the stirring wheel as he looks at Seonghwa expectantly.
Seonghwa cleared his throat as if a lump formed there while his boss was strapping him safely before nodding. "Yes sir."
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They arrived at Busan after three hours of drive, stopping by a pit stop twice for restroom breaks and for them to stretch their limbs a little. The sun was up when they finally went back to the road, en route to the place their business partner decided to meet. There was no sign of any storm whatsoever the morning news had warned earlier so Seonghwa was internally thankful.
Hongjoong had been silent for most of the ride, answering calls from time to time which are mostly work related. It made Seonghwa wonder if their boss has an actual weekend if he continues entertaining work related calls during Saturdays.
His phone rang 10 minutes after and he sees his mother's name on his screen when he fished the phone out from his jacket's inside pocket. He sees Hongjoong looked at him before telling the Secretary it was okayt to answer the call "Hello, mom?"
"Seonghwa-ya, sorry for calling I know your working right now." He hear his mother apologise. "It's just Seowon won't stop bothering me to call you." she added, voice laced with mock disappointment as she is probably looking ar his younger brother with stern eyes.
Seonghwa chuckled a little, shaking his head as he tells his mom to hand the phone to the"naughty brat".
"What do you want birthday boy?" he asked, teasing a little as he hears his younger brother huff airy.
"Mom said you're going out of town." His brother tells and he can hear the pout his probably sporting right now. "Are you not going to my birthday party?"
"Hmm, let me think about it first." Seonghwa continues to tease laughing a little when he heard his brother dramatically grasp from the other line.
Hongjoong observes the exchange from the corner of his eyes, seeing how Seonghwa's cheeks rise and his eyes disappear when he smiles while talking to his brother. In the month Seonghwa worked in the office, the CEO started remembering small habits his Secretary have. He smiles widely whenever he sees him, greets politely before looking at him wide round eyes waiting for any order.
Hongjoong also noticed how clean and organised Seonghwa. Whenever he passed by hos desk outside, the Secretary is either cleaning or wiping. Sometimes he even saw him tackling the pantry and organise the foods by type and arrange the cluttered shelve.
Seonghwa also has a nice body. His proportion looking perfectly nice for his lean body one will have no hard time mistaking him for a model in first glance.
He then hears the Secretary assure his brother he'll be home in the afternoon and will be there just in time for dinner. A gleeful "Yay" was then faintly heard before Seonghwa chuckle again, eye and lips curling beautifully and Hongjoong almost beat a red light after realising what he just thought about.
Seonghwa made a surprised noise when the car abruptly stopped , looking at his boss worriedly before telling his mom he needs to go. "I'll see you later." he tells them before pocketing the phone again.
"Sorry for talking in the phone for too long sir." he starts.
Hongjoong looks a little surprised as well before he shook his head. "No it's okay. It's just, I didn't saw the light changing."
"Do you want me to drive?" Seonghwa asked, already taking his belt to switch sides with his boss. Hongjoong looked at him for a brief moment before nodding. The CEO sees Seonghwa smile again and he knows its better to cool his head first in the passenger seat before he drives both of them into a tree because Seonghwa's presence was literally starting to drive him crazy.
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After working together with Hongjoong for over a month now, Seonghwa still finds himself amazed at how the CEO carries himself when it comes to business. The young boss was wearing no suit, only a black button up shirt tucked in his black pants. The outfit was tied together with his black belt with silver buckle and his signature heeled shoes. It was semi-casual at most, sleeves rolled just around his elbow exposing the veins Seonghwa was having a hard time avoiding and his rolex watch that screams "young and rich". All in all, Hongjoong looks respectable despite the lack of his usual long coat as he greets their business partner with a handshake and a slight bow. Seonghwa follows close behind, wearing a casual outfit(white v-neck shirt under his black oversized blazer tucked inside his denim pants) to which Hongjoong gave an approving nod earlier this morning.
The two superiors decided to reserve a decent size conference hall, their respective secretaries walking behind them as they walked toward the room. Changbin, as the rather smiley lad introduced himself a while ago was talking softly, making sure that his boss, Bang Chan as he tells, will not hear.
"So you're friends with our CEO too?" Seonghwa asked as the other Secretary mentioned he is friend with Wooyoung since University as the two was studying at the same department back then.
Changbin shook his head, his hand waving in front of his face as he mutters a low "I wish."
Turns out he was not in the circle of the childhood friends and only met Hongjoong once or twice coincidentally during work since their bosses are long time business partners. Stay Inc., as Changbin continues to supply Seonghwa with needed information had been rivals with Ateez Holdings for a very long time not until the new blood took over and formed an unexpected alliance.
"It's a twist no one saw coming but so far it had been beneficial."
They weren't able to talk any further as they arrived at the hall after a minute or so of walking down the long halls of the hotel.
Business started from there on as the two bosses exchanged documents, their respective secretaries going back and forth to give and receive the same. Seonghwa observes how Hongjoong would frown a little, nose coming to a short scrunch whenever he sees something he doesn't like in the document he was reading. He lowered his glasses at some point and continues discussing with Bang Chan who was equally serious as the young boss.
"Seems like TBZ corp. is still a pain in the ass." Hongjoong comments as he hands Seonghwa the last of the papers he was reading. He saw Bang Chan grimace before nodding slowly, the other CEO already closing the folder in front of him before he leans forward and rest his head above his clasp hands.
"The company didn't change even when the only son inherited the leadership. Same blood really runs on their family I guess." Bang Chan continue, shrugging his shoulder as he sighs. "Well I guess we can end here." he then suggested, looking at his expensive looking watch before ordering his Secretary to get their car ready.
Seonghwa glance at his own watch seeing it was only a few minutes pass eleven which means the meeting ended earlier than planned. He internally thanked God as he mentally calculates his estimated arrival in Seoul. He sees Hongjoong stand up and did the same, offering to get their own transportation ready. The CEO nods before turning back to Bang Chan, exchanging small talks as they wait for their respective Secretary.
Changbin met him halfway the door though to Seonghwa's surprise. He looks at the other confused before he hear him announce that it was raining heavily outside. Seonghwa's eyes doubled as he looked at the window for the first time since they entered and indeed it was raining. Not just simple raining, there was wind and thunder, the sky looking heavy and dark he questioned why didn't he noticed it in the first place. Was he too engrossed with observing his boss all throughout the meeting he missed it?
"The hotel staff mentioned local officials announced that its not safe to travel. Its literally zero visibility because of the rain and wind." Changbin supplies, walking next to his bosses whole contemplated for a moment.
"Is that so?" Bang Chan ponders, hand coming to his chin as he thinks.
"We can drive to your residence sir as its not that far."Changbin tells aa if reading the worry his boss was thinking about. "But it would be hard to drive long distance, specifically to Seoul." he adds, looking at Seonghwa this time who in turn looked at Hongjoong.
"Um, boss how about us?" he asked. Hongjoong looked at him for a moment, eyebrows creasing a little as he thinks.
"Is there any possibility for the rain to stop?" Hongjoong asked, this time his attention directed to Changbin who shook his head slowly.
"I'm sorry sir but the hotel staffs mentioned that this storm will probably last until tomorrow." he sadly answered. "Some areas are already flooded as of this moment."
Seonghwa hears Hongjoong sigh, his own being drowned by the loud sound of rain and thunder outside.
"Secretary Park, are you okay to stay until tomorrow?" Hongjoong then asked him. "We can arrange for another mode of transport to get back to Seoul tonight."
"No, no, no that won't be necessary sir." he declines, taken aback with his Boss's suggestion. Despite how appealing it may sound, he would rather not imply and trouble his boss. Besides, it's dangerous to travel in this kind of weather whatever mode of transportation his boss might get. Also, he can just go home early tomorrow and make it up to his brother who will most likely be mad at him for a few minutes but would eventually understand why he can't celebrate his birthday together this year.
Seonghwa walks down the halls together with Changbin who looks are him worriedly. "I'm okay." he then tells when the other Secretary asked whether he was feeling alright. He's just a little sad that's all. He never skips his brother's birthday every year and despite how hard he tries to feel okay and rationalised the situation, he just can't help to feel a little down and the way the rain keeps pouring loudly outside is not helping.
They reached the front desk in no time, a bunch of people already crowding the hotel lobby as they walked towards the hurdle that formed in front of their destination. Changbin helped him through the crowd, spotting the staff he talked with earlier who entertained them first despite the protest of the other costumers.
"Your room is ready sir." the young lady tells them, acting nonchalant about the displease stares she's getting for letting them skip the line. Changbin assures him it was fine and their Bosses are VIPs anyways thus they always get this kinda of treatment. "I would like to apologise that we were only able to secure one suite since we had a sudden rush of costumers as you can see."she then informs the two gesturing at the people surrounding them. Seonghwa receives the key card, after which they made their ways back to the conference room where Hongjoong and Bang Chan were waiting.
"Only one room is available sir."He tells Hongjoong."I can find another accommodation if you're not comfortable sharing—"
The CEO cut his sentence off as he raised his hand to motion the Secretary to stop. Seonghwa immediately closed his mouth eyeing as how his Boss bid his goodbye to Bang Chan who apologised for the situation as if he can do anything about it.
Seonghwa had offered walking them to the lobby but Bang Chan waved his offer off, telling him it was not necessary and that they should probably hurry up and get some rest. He bowed as they walked away before he followed his own boss towards the room they'll share for the night.
The room was big, it was huge and Seonghwa has to stop himself from uttering a loud "wow" when they entered the suite that was reserved for them. There was a big living room in the center, a long sofa hogging the space opposite the giant flat screen tv hanging in the wall. The floor to ceiling window was looking over the city and it looked extra gloomy from where they were standing. Across the living room is a decent size kitchen and dining complete with appliances. In the opposite end was the bedroom, a big king size bed placed in the center of the well carpeted floor.
Hongjoong walks in first, placing his small duffle bag down the sofa as he scans the room before giving it an approving nod. He sat down the sofa, runs a hand on the smooth surface before leaning against the backrest and sigh in relief. It was a long day and the weather was not cooperating. The CEO was also feelingta little anxious about what Bang Chan today him earlier but he decided he'll deal with it once they're back in Seoul, right now, he has to deal with the man who was standing in front of the door looking lost and confused.
"What are you doing there Secretary Park?" he asked to which the said Secretary twitched in response. "Come in and put your bag down." he tells. Seonghwa hesitated for a moment before he stepped inside the living room, placings his small bag down on the floor next to the chair he settled his self on.
"I think there are extra sleeping clothes provided by the hotel." Hongjoong announces, pointing at the closet across the bathroom down the hall. Seonghwa followed and nodded in understanding, standing up to retrieve them together with a bathrobe and towel. His boss nods in approval before meeting him, taking the clothes from his arm before announcing he'll be taking a bath first. "You can order food through room service so we can it after." he adds and with that he disappeared to the bathroom.
Seonghwa eyed as his boss walked off, noticing at how he doesn't look exactly well. The Secretary tried to brush it off, not wanting to be nosy. He thinks Hongjoong might be just tired since they'll been busy since this early morning and it's understandable so he walks towards the telephone and was about to dial front deskt when he light suddenly went out. The room meet total darkness and the only light coming from the cracking thunder outside was not enough to illuminate the huge space. Seonghwa tried to search for his bag which he spots by his feet, not after he crawls and pat the carpeted surface for a while, fishing out his phone before he used it as a makeshift flashlight.
The electricity didn't came back for a minute or so nor was the emergency lights thus the secretary thinks the power had been completely cut off. Silence then covered the room, the loud rain outside filling the void when it started pouring again after a few minutes. The Secretary contemplated to walk towards the bathroom thinking that he should give his boss assistance but he didn't want to overstepped his boundaries so he waited and sat at the sofa which felt wrong to begin with.
The city was in total darkness as he overlooks through the wide window in their room. The storm might have gone bad if it's affecting such wide area. He flips his phone and send a message in response to his mother who asked if he is fine since it seems like news reports about the situation in Busan had reached Seoul. He hurriedly sent a reply telling her he was okay and he'll be back by tomorrow before looking at the direction of the bathroom. Hongjoong haven't stepped out yet and quite some time had passed. Seonghwa hesitate but he didn't want to end up with a dead or injured boss so he decided to check on him.
"Sir? Are you alright?" he calls, walking carefully towards the bathroom, the silence answering his call was almost terrifying. He stopped in front of the door, knocking before calling out again. No response was heard, only the soundtrack of rain and thunder answering to his query so he called again. "Sir? Do you need help?" No answer came and at this point Seonghwa felt a chill run his spine as fear overtook his senses. He held the knob not really knowing whether it was alright to go in and he was about to leave it be when his ear caught a faint sound coming from the inside.
It was almost inaudible that Seonghwa thought he was imaging but when a soft sob came again, he was already opening the door and ran inside the big bathroom. There was no one by the sink so Seonghwa walked a little further and there in the bathtub was Hongjoong, sitting as he hugs his knees near his chest, the faucet's sound joining with the small hiccups he was producing. The CEO was still wearing his pants but his black button up was already off. Seonghwa tried so hard not to stare and hurriedly retrieved the bathrobe hanging beside the tub.
Hongjoong flinched as Seonghwa covered his body, looking at the Secretary as if it was the first time he saw the man. His eyes were a little puffy which gave away the fact that he had been crying.
"Are you alright sir?" Seonghwa asked, kneeling beside the CEO who instantly looked a lot his actual size. His eyes were looking at him with emotions he can't really comprehend but Seonghwa was certain that his boss was scared. His lips tremble a little as he bites at the lower one, a quiver passing through it when the thunder strike, a sudden light coming from the window of the bathroom as if a picture was taken with the flash on. Hongjoong cowered, head wrapped by his hands as if he was afraid something big is falling from the ceiling.
Seonghwa was dumbfounded. His boss was afraid of lighting, of the thunder or of the darkness even and yet he was looking all good during the meeting. How well can this guy hide his feelings? His emotions or was he just too good of a CEO he didn't let his fear sip out during business hours but still, to someone like Seonghwa who grew up having been told that it was okay to lean on others and let them in your deepest fears if you need them, it was a total absurdity. Rich people really have it tough huh.
He turns off the faucet and grabbed the towel nearby before he starts patting off some of the water from his Boss's hair. Hongjoong raised his head slowly, looking at how Seonghwa carefully wrapped the garment around his shoulder, over the bathrobe be previously placed there. The Secretary looked at him once, smiled before rubbing comforting circles at his back.
Hongjoong felt a chill run his spine, a flash of images from his memories clouding his senses as he pushed the hand that was resting at his back in a sudden motion. Seonghwa stumbles back but didn't fall as he balanced his self with a good arm as another clap of thunder came. The CEO startes at him, surprised that he felt terrible at his actions.
"I—" he starts, wrapping the garment around him securely as he felt the coldness enveloping him. He can't really looked at the Secretary but he sees him move closer again through his peripherals. He felt vulnerable, the most he ever been if you asked him yet when Seonghwa placed a hesitant hand on his arm, he didn't care. All he felt was the warmth from his skin coming contact to his own.
"I'm not really good at trust and all that kind of shit." he continues a sarcastic laugh leaving his mouth, the vulgarity of his language not bothering him the slightest. "Let's just say, I'm a mountain that is hard to be moved." and indeed he is. After everything, building a wall around his feet was his way of telling people not to get close, not to bother as he doesn't have room for new friends, or for comforting words and warm smile. He was contented with the people he have before and yet, Seonghwa came like a new ray of sunshine.
He is everything he tries to avoid; welcoming eyes, wide smile, warm presence. The Secretary screams of good childhood and loving family, something he grew not believing in yet here he was, spilling his guts, a fraction of it without hesitation.
Hongjoong looks at Seonghwa now and as he expects, the Secretary was sporting a soft smile. He sighs, as if he understood the years of regret and bad decisions Hongjoong never told him, before patting Hongjoong's arm.
"Then, I'll slowly carry the stones beneath your feet." he starts.
"That way, you'll feel lighter when I finally reach you."