"Good morning."
Yeonwoo greeted him out of habit, just as he did every morning, as he stepped into the dining room—and found that Keith was already downstairs. Relief and worry hit him simultaneously.
"Um, is your arm all right?"
After sitting down, he cautiously asked. Keith didn’t answer but glanced briefly at him and gave a small nod.
"That’s a relief. If it starts hurting, I left some painkillers in the bathroom—please be sure to take them."
It was an unnecessary addition, but he couldn’t stop himself from saying it. Keith’s gaze turned to him again. Whether it meant something or not, Yeonwoo couldn’t tell. He simply met the look in silence, waiting for Keith to speak.
Even as Charles approached and set breakfast down in front of them, Keith said nothing. Yeonwoo cleared his throat deliberately. It was a subtle nudge—but it had no effect. In the end, he lowered his gaze and picked up his fork as if nothing had happened. Only then did Keith turn his head. Yeonwoo let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Keith began eating too, but it felt half-hearted. He pushed around the scrambled eggs listlessly and soon stopped altogether. He sat staring at his plate, dazed, before finally setting the fork down.
Yeonwoo, stealing glances, ended up locking eyes with him again.
Keith kept staring at him—far more than usual. It made Yeonwoo nervous.
"Um, do you have something you want to say…?"
Unable to take it any longer, he spoke up. But Keith, without a trace of awkwardness, looked directly at him and replied.
"No."
"……"
"Nothing."
He repeated it for emphasis, then looked at Yeonwoo a moment longer before finally breaking eye contact.
"Ah, what about your breakfast—"
Yeonwoo spoke without thinking as Keith abruptly stood. Keith cut him off curtly.
"I’m done."
With that, he left the dining room. Left behind, Yeonwoo murmured vacantly.
"He needs to take his meds…"
Just then, Charles returned. As he cleared Keith’s plate, Yeonwoo addressed him.
"Um, he was prescribed antibiotics…"
"Mr. Pittman, yes. I’m aware. I’ll take care of it."
"Thank you."
Relieved, Yeonwoo bowed slightly. Charles responded in his usual flat tone.
"It’s my job. At home, it’s me. At the office, it’s you."
His eyes seemed to say, Isn’t that right? Yeonwoo nodded.
"Yes, that’s right."
He made a mental note to bring Keith’s lunchtime medication later. Charles added,
"I’ve given the lunch dose to Mr. Whitaker. Just check later to confirm he took it."
"Oh, thank you."
Yeonwoo blinked in admiration at his meticulousness.
"I need to learn from you, Charles. I almost forgot."
Charles responded plainly, like it was only natural.
"Once Yeonwoo passes ten years on the job, it’ll come naturally."
Was that meant to be encouragement? It made Yeonwoo laugh faintly. Whether he would even still be at Keith’s side ten years from now was uncertain—but outwardly, he simply nodded.
"Yes."
Charles continued.
"Mr. Pittman seems to be in poor condition. We’ll need to be careful at the office as well."
Yeonwoo remembered how Keith had stared at him—relentlessly.
"He was attacked. It’s only natural if he’s a little on edge."
Yeonwoo didn’t think Keith—or any Apex Alpha—could be so sensitive. But they were still human, after all. It wasn’t unreasonable.
"I’ll be more attentive too."
After Charles cleared the dishes, Yeonwoo finished eating alone. Later, in the foyer, Keith stared at his face again—intently—before getting into the car first.
Yeonwoo suddenly worried—had he developed trauma, just like him?
He spent the morning discreetly watching Keith for signs of change, but aside from a tendency to fixate on him more than usual during brief office visits, there was nothing outwardly different.
***
Knock knock.
He looked up at the sound. A moment later, Emma peeked her head in through the open door.
"Yeonwoo."
Yeonwoo stood to greet her with a warm smile.
"Welcome, Emma. Is there something to report?"
She walked up to his desk with her usual easy grin.
"It’s almost lunchtime. I just wanted to check if there were any instructions. Things have been busy lately."
Yeonwoo hadn’t been visiting the secretary’s office—or anywhere else in the building—for a while now, blaming his health. In truth, he was scared of leaving Keith’s side. What if he had another attack while walking around alone?
The memory of suffocating panic and blacking out returned. The fear of having another episode only made it worse. Just the thought of it left him breathless. Struggling to hide his trembling, he answered as casually as he could.
"Nothing at the moment… How’s the secretary’s office?"
"No issues there. Everything’s proceeding as instructed."
Yeonwoo had been feeling increasingly indebted to Emma lately. Before the attacks, his daily routine had included organizing tasks each morning and visiting her team directly. These days, he hadn’t done any of that. Emma now had to confirm his arrival by phone and come up herself to receive directions.
It was a hassle and his responsibility, yet she’d never once complained. On the contrary, she visited him multiple times each day to check for any changes or new instructions—always with concern, never irritation.
She had likely come now just in case there was anything he needed before she left for lunch. Yeonwoo smiled.
"Thanks, Emma. Really."
"Oh, it’s nothing. It’s my job."
That should’ve been her cue to leave. But this time, she hesitated.
Sensing something, Yeonwoo asked first.
"Is something wrong? It’s all right—go ahead and say it."
He recalled she had once come in late for an unknown reason.
He wouldn’t pry into her private life—but if she was hesitating because it was hard to bring up, then initiating the conversation himself might help. As he ran through the possibilities in his head, ready to accept whatever it was, Emma blushed slightly and handed him something.
Puzzled, he took it. She explained,
"You haven’t been eating properly lately, have you? Since you don’t leave the office..."
How had she noticed he’d been skipping lunch?
Sometimes Charles prepared something simple for him—but not always. When Charles was busy, he often forgot. Not that it was his duty, and Yeonwoo couldn’t bring himself to ask.
Today, too, he had expected to skip lunch—until Emma brought this. He didn’t know how to react at first. Sensing this, Emma quickly added,
"You don’t have to feel pressured. I just made some for myself and added another. It’s no big deal—we’re friends, right?"
She even gave him a small smile. Emma had joined the company not long after he had. She’d seen him struggle as a team leader. It was only natural they had a bond. Yeonwoo smiled back.
"Thank you. I’ll enjoy it."
Emma nodded lightly and turned to leave. But then she froze.
Yeonwoo turned as well—and met eyes with Keith, who was leaning against the doorframe.
He blinked in surprise.
How long had he been standing there?
It felt like being caught slacking off by his boss. Flustered, Yeonwoo straightened. But Keith remained expressionless, showing no reaction.
"Mr. Pittman, is there something you need?"
Yeonwoo finally collected himself and set the lunchbox down on the desk. Was it his arm? He asked with concern—but Keith remained silent. His gaze flicked toward the desk—then to Emma.
It was only then that Yeonwoo noticed it—Keith’s pheromone scent had grown stronger. He had become desensitized to the constant sweet scent that filled the office. That was probably why he hadn’t realized Keith had entered. Whatever the situation, it was clear he needed to get Emma out of here.
"Thanks again, Emma. I’ll see you later."
"Sure. I’ll head down now. Mr. Pittman, Yeonwoo."
Emma quickly bowed to both of them and hurried out of the room. The door closed behind her, and silence fell.
Yeonwoo turned awkwardly toward Keith.
Keith still hadn’t spoken. He remained standing where he was. Yeonwoo couldn’t bear the tension any longer and opened his mouth.
"Emma… noticed I haven’t been eating and got worried…"
His words trailed off, drowned by the heavy silence. Yeonwoo closed his mouth again.
And then—Keith finally spoke for the first time.
“So, you came all the way here just to give that to me?”
The sarcastic tone sounded exactly like he was saying someone like you. It offended him and also roused his pride, so Yeonwoo responded in kind.
“Mr. Pittman might find it hard to believe, but there are a few women out there who like me.”
Of course, the meaning of “like” was different.
He added that in his head, but Keith unexpectedly said something else.
“Seems like it.”
Yeonwoo doubted his own ears. He blinked blankly, but of course, Keith wasn’t going to repeat himself. It hit him late that Keith hadn’t been mocking him. He’d just been confirming it. It was Yeonwoo’s own twisted state of mind that made him interpret it the wrong way. Realizing that made him feel embarrassed. As he rushed to change the subject, Keith spoke first.
“You still haven’t been eating properly?”
The sudden topic threw Yeonwoo off.
“Ah... well, it’s fine. I had a big breakfast, and I don’t really need to eat lunch…”
“So.”
Keith cut him off.
“You haven’t eaten? Still?”
Yeonwoo hesitated, struggling to find the right words.
“It’s not always like that… Sometimes Charles packs me a sandwich, so…”
Keith’s brow furrowed. He narrowed his eyes as if to assess him.
“And if Charles doesn’t?”
Yeonwoo couldn’t answer. Keith let out a breath, short and blocked.
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
Yeonwoo lowered his gaze, flustered.
“I’m already imposing as it is, so saying something like that... That would just be asking too much. It’s not a given—it’s just a courtesy. Skipping a meal once in a while isn’t a big deal.”
He tacked on the excuse again, but Keith said nothing. The silence felt unbearable. He felt like he had to say something—anything—but nothing came to mind. He just wished Keith would leave already. But then Keith abruptly moved.
Was he leaving?
Yeonwoo tried to remember what was on the lunch schedule today, but instead, Keith unexpectedly strode toward him. Startled, Yeonwoo opened his eyes wide, and before he could even guess what was happening, Keith reached out.
Without giving him any time to anticipate it, Keith picked up the sandwich sitting on the desk.
Then threw it straight into the trash can.
“What... what are you doing?”
Yeonwoo stammered, startled. But Keith’s expression didn’t change at all. If anything, he looked annoyed as he ran a hand through his hair and said,
“Get up.”
He spoke like it was an order, then immediately started walking. In the blink of an eye, he was already standing at the door with it open. When Yeonwoo hesitated, Keith frowned like he was asking what are you doing.
“Where are you going? You have a lunch appointment.”
“I said get up.”
Keith snapped. Yeonwoo had no choice but to follow him out of the office. Was there something he needed done? Even as he rushed out, he made sure to grab his tablet and tuck it into his briefcase. While wondering what this was about, he also felt dumbfounded. To throw away something someone else had given him just like that. Emma had gone out of her way to make it for him.
He felt upset, but of course he couldn’t protest or show his displeasure to Keith. Feeling guilty toward Emma, he hurried after him and got into the car.
***
The car drove toward a predetermined destination without any explanation. Yeonwoo found himself thinking, Come to think of it, this man has never properly explained anything to me. He always had to figure things out for himself—guess, infer, deduce—try to piece together what Keith wanted.
This time, too, Keith clearly wanted something from him. Yeonwoo racked his brain, trying to figure out what it could be.
Maybe it was his arm?
On the surface, it looked fine, but it must still be uncomfortable. These days, Charles seemed to help him change clothes, which hadn’t been the case before. And wasn’t there a stitch removal appointment soon? Did anything happen that day? Hopefully the schedule had been cleared.
“Welcome.”
Recognizing Keith, the manager at the entrance greeted them with polite deference and led them to a table. Today, Keith was supposed to have lunch with a lawyer and get an update on the status of a production company undergoing acquisition.
Maybe he brought me in case there’s something to record.
As soon as he sat down, Yeonwoo opened his briefcase and took out his phone and tablet, ready to handle anything the moment instructions came. But then, suddenly, something was thrust in front of his face.
Startled, he looked up. Keith was holding out the menu. Yeonwoo blinked for a second, then hurriedly took it.
Was he supposed to choose?
Yeonwoo stared at the menu in indecision. He tried to recall the lawyer’s preferences, but nothing came to mind. If it had been Keith’s order, he would’ve felt more confident about choosing. With no other option, he lifted his head.
“Should I call the lawyer and ask?”
“For what?”
Keith looked up from across the table, his eyes on Yeonwoo. Caught off guard, Yeonwoo answered awkwardly.
“I’m not sure what she likes to eat… I thought I was supposed to order on her behalf?”
He added that cautiously—then froze. Keith was staring at him. A look Yeonwoo had never seen before. Had he said something that ridiculous?
When Yeonwoo didn’t say anything, Keith finally spoke, like he couldn’t believe it.
“I meant for you to pick your own.”
“For me?”
“Yes.”
Keith actually sounded sarcastic this time.
“Did you seriously think I dragged you all the way out here, sat you down in front of me while you’re starving, just so I could show off the food I ordered and eat it in front of you? Wow. Now I really know how you’ve been seeing me. Thanks.”
He spoke more than usual. Yeonwoo couldn’t say anything in response. That’s not what I meant, he tried to say, but it took a few seconds before he found his voice.
“It’s just… since you didn’t say anything, I assumed it was for work.”
Keith ground his teeth.
“Work or not, you still need to eat lunch, don’t you? You figure out everything else on your own—why the hell do you keep talking nonsense when it comes to this?”
The insult laced with frustration made Yeonwoo’s face burn. He couldn’t bring himself to say I never thought you’d care about whether I eat. If he did, Keith really might blow up. So he had no choice but to lower his head and apologize in a small voice.
“I’m sorry.”
But Keith’s mood had already taken a turn for the worse. The sound of him flipping through the menu with exaggerated motions made Yeonwoo flinch. He watched Keith anxiously, but Keith just kept glaring at the page. Yeonwoo hurriedly flipped through his own menu and picked something at random.
“Um… then I’ll have the salmon.”
He spoke carefully. Keith, eyes still fixed on the menu, replied,
“Appetizer?”
“Oh.”
Yeonwoo belatedly flipped back a few pages. Out of the corner of his eye, Keith’s expression seemed to soften just a little. Feeling slightly relieved, Yeonwoo opened the page with the course he’d chosen. Soon after, the waiter arrived and asked for the order. Yeonwoo pointed to the page and answered.
“I’ll have this… the soup with crayfish, and the main course, the salmon, please.”
“Of course. And for your beverage?”
Yeonwoo ordered sparkling water.
“Would you like lemon with that?”
“Yes, please.”
The waiter gave a professional smile and took the menu from him. After taking Keith’s order as well, he left. A moment later, the lawyer rushed in.
“Sorry I’m late. Traffic was a mess.”
She apologized to Keith first, then turned to Yeonwoo with a smile.
“Hi, Yeonwoo. How have you been? It’s been a while.”
“Yes, thank you. Have you been well?”
She leaned in and gave him a light, formal hug. After exchanging greetings, she took a seat and picked up the menu.
“Thanks. What did you two order? I heard the salmon’s good here.”
Keith didn’t say a word. His silence was typical, but it was still enough to make Yeonwoo feel uneasy. He answered in his place.
“I ordered the lunch course with salmon. I didn’t realize it was a popular choice.”
“It’s Cosmopolitan’s recommended dish this month. I’ll go with that too.”
She raised her hand lightly, and the waiter came back to take her order. She also added a glass of champagne. Then she looked at Keith.
“A glass won’t hurt, right?”
Not expecting an answer from him in the first place, she turned back to Yeonwoo instead.
“Salmon and champagne is the best combo. What do you think? Join me, Yeonwoo.”
“Ah, I’m still on the clock…”
“So am I.”
She smiled, brushing off his protest. Since he wasn’t driving himself, one glass should be fine. Keith didn’t stop him either. And more than anything, the champagne she ordered was vintage—Yeonwoo couldn’t help but want to try it.
It had to be delicious.