The next morning, Jihyun was already dressed and sitting at the dining table when Minjoon joined him.
"What's going on?"
Minjoon asked as he sat down.
"I still don't understand how you suddenly got interested in these types of events. Or are you after something, Jihyun?"
Jihyun shook his head.
"Hyung, why can't you think positively about me, even once?"
"Because you never do anything positively," Minjoon shot back.
Jihyun slumped in his chair, half-laying with a pout, staying that way for a good five minutes.
When Minjoon finished his breakfast, he wiped his mouth and stood.
"Get up. You're not a child anymore. Dad will be waiting."
Jihyun didn't move.
"Fine, don't. I'm leaving," Minjoon said, walking away.
At that, Jihyun jumped up and followed after him.
At the new product launch event a collaboration between Kang and Han companies directors, investors, and researchers filled the hall to examine the product's quality.
Jihyun sat quietly in his seat while Mr. Han gave his speech.
After a moment, he stood up, not realizing he had passed right by Taewon, who glared at him sharply.
Jihyun didn't notice, instead making his way to the snack table.
He grabbed a plate and began piling food. Meanwhile, Minji approached Taewon.
"Sir, there's something in the speech. Can I…"
Taewon got up, taking his phone.
"Show me."
He leaned slightly, pointing something out on the screen.
Jihyun, who had just stuffed a muffin into his mouth, noticed the scene.
His eyes flicked to the young employee gazing intently at Taewon.
"So this is the one he's dating,"
Jihyun muttered under his breath.
"Poor girl. She's beautiful too."
Curious, he stepped closer without letting them notice.
Taewon and Minji soon moved backstage to check the file.
Jihyun quickly placed his plate aside, mouth full of muffin, and grabbed a marshmallow in his hand as he hurried after them.
Behind the door, Taewon told Minji,
"Check this line. I told you, you should be careful. Go find that file it'll be in the car."
She nodded and left.
From the other side of the door, Jihyun scoffed to himself.
"He's pretending like he cares. What a hypocrite. He used to say the same to me
be careful.'"
He popped the marshmallow into his mouth, cheeks full, lost in bitter thoughts.
Just then, Taewon stepped out, not noticing Jihyun standing there. Distracted by his phone, he bumped straight into him.
Jihyun stumbled backward, almost hitting the glass table behind him.
Instinctively, Taewon grabbed the back of his head to protect him.
In the process, his own hand slammed against the sharp corner of the glass, splitting his skin open.
Blood poured immediately.
Meanwhile, Jihyun, with his mouth stuffed full, began choking. His face turned red as his throat struggled to clear.
Taewon froze for a moment before realizing who it was.
"Jihyun"
He quickly turned, patting Jihyun's back with his uninjured hand, pulling the water bottle from Minji who had just returned and holding it to Jihyun's lips.
"Drink. Slowly,"
Taewon ordered firmly, rubbing his back until Jihyun swallowed and caught his breath.
Jihyun finally inhaled, his red eyes lifting to meet Taewon's.
Then his gaze dropped to Taewon's hand blood dripping heavily down his wrist.
Before he could say anything, Minji's sharp voice cut through.
"Sir! Your hand!"
Taewon stood quickly. "I'm fine."
Staff rushed in with towels. They wrapped his bleeding hand and escorted him away.
Jihyun remained on the floor, still breathless, watching silently as Taewon disappeared backstage.