TMP Chapter 4: Don’t Be So Guarded

When Haewon didn’t respond, the children turned their curious eyes to Jungsook instead. But she was just as tight-lipped.

“Did you all finish your homework? Only those who have can come in.”

The children let out little sounds of protest before pouting and closing the door. Watching her adorable younger siblings, a gentle smile spread across Haewon’s lips. She worried that once she got busier, she wouldn’t be able to see them as often.

“Director, you’re too strict.”

“Do you think I do this for no reason? I don’t want anyone finding fault with the kids just because they come from Bobaewon.”

It was a strange thing. No matter how much they tried to hide it, the fact that the children lived in a shelter always managed to surface. That was why Jungsook was extra strict. If kids from a facility made a mistake, the consequences always seemed twice as severe. She constantly worried about that.

“You don’t have to worry. No one’s ever found fault with me.”

“That’s only because you’re Haewon. You’ve always been a model student.”

“What are you talking about? If anything, I’ve given you more trouble.”

Like all shelters, Bobaewon required its residents to leave when they turned 19 and graduated from high school. Even if they wanted to stay longer, they couldn’t because there was no additional support.

And yet, Haewon had remained at Bobaewon all this time. When she had tried to leave to avoid being a burden, Jungsook had stopped her. In return, Haewon had agreed to contribute to the household expenses. Jungsook had refused at first, but Haewon had firmly insisted, half-threatening to leave if she wasn’t allowed to help.

Luckily, there was a tutoring service that only hired S University students, making it easy for her to earn enough to cover her share.

“Director, here’s this month’s household expenses.”

Haewon placed an envelope of cash in front of Jungsook. Bank transfers would have been more convenient, but then the money would have been recorded as donations, reducing the shelter’s government funding.

“I put in a little more than last month.”

“What?”

Surprised, Jungsook opened the envelope. It was more than just “a little” extra.

“I heard Wonyeong wants to learn how to swim. Please use this for his lessons.”

Jungsook stared at the envelope in silence.

“Is it really okay for me to take this? You must have a lot to prepare before starting your new job.”

“I don’t. The chairwoman already took care of everything.”

Haewon had visited the apartment yesterday to get familiar with the location, and she had been speechless when she saw the dressing room.

The wardrobe was fully stocked with clothes for every season, along with shoes, bags, and accessories—everything she might need. Even more unsettling was that everything was in her exact size.

The entire apartment was perfectly furnished, as if someone had already been living there. All she had to do was move in.

It felt like her debts were piling up, but she kept those thoughts to herself in front of Jungsook.

“Haewon, she’s someone you should be incredibly grateful to. But don’t overthink it. Just accept it with gratitude. Understand?”

Despite her efforts to hide her feelings, Jungsook saw right through her with just one look at her heavy expression.

“Yes, I understand. But to me, you’re the person I’m most grateful for.”

“What nonsense. I should be the one thanking you.”

With a wistful look in her eyes, Jungsook patted Haewon’s hand, reminiscing about everything they had been through. To her, Haewon was like a daughter. The years they had spent relying on and confiding in each other had been a dream-like happiness.

“I’m truly blessed to have met you.”

Haewon had been the first child Jungsook had taken in, and her affection for her was deeper than words could express. Haewon still called her “Director,” but deep down, she thought of her as a mother.

“Oh, right! Here’s a little present from me.”

Jungsook handed Haewon a small box, which she had somehow prepared in advance. Inside was a scented candle.

“Light it whenever you think of me. Just like this flame, I’ll always be by your side.”

A lump rose in Haewon’s throat, but she swallowed it down and nodded quietly.

“At this rate, I’ll burn through the candle in no time.”

She had a feeling she would end up lighting it every day—because she would always think of the director.

Haewon gently embraced Jungsook. The warm, comforting scent of a mother filled her heart completely. As she took her first steps into the world, Jungsook was the steadfast family she could always rely on.

 

✼ ✼ ✼

 

Early Morning

Haewon woke up in the officetel bed. The sunlight filtering through the curtains was already scorching, making her wonder just how hot the day would get.

She poured cereal into a bowl of milk for a quick breakfast before hurrying out for work.

Samwoo Group, where she was set to work, was a 15-minute walk from the officetel.

Perhaps due to her habit of always arriving early for school, she was the first to arrive at the office as well.

Manager Lee Haewon.

Haewon ran her fingers over the nameplate on her desk. Unlike most lawyers who joined as assistant managers, she had been given the exceptional title of Manager through a special hire.

Standing in front of her designated desk for a moment, she then set down her bag and took in her surroundings.

Beyond the transparent partition, by the window, was the most prestigious seat—reserved for Executive Director Jo Yunho, the team leader. The other desks were arranged in partitions according to rank.

“Who are you?”

A sharp voice startled Haewon from behind.

She turned around to see a woman with a rather stern expression looking straight at her.

Assistant Manager Jung Sujin, Legal Team.

Haewon quickly glanced at the woman’s ID badge to confirm her department and name.

“Hello, I’m Lee Haewon.”

“Oh, so you’re the new manager.”

Even though Haewon was technically her superior, Sujin’s clipped tone didn’t go unnoticed.

She’s not happy about this, huh. Haewon had a pretty good idea why.

Special hires in the legal team weren’t unusual, but being directly appointed as a manager was. It was obvious that Chairwoman Cha Myeonghee’s influence had played a role in this decision.

Haewon was well aware that this was something she would have to deal with. She had always proven herself through ability, no matter how much scrutiny she faced. It wouldn’t be easy, but if she gave it everything, she could make it happen.

But that was one thing—this was another.

She wasn’t about to start off at a disadvantage. Especially not to an assistant manager. Clearly, this woman didn’t know how Haewon had survived all these years.

“Assistant Manager Jung, I’m still unfamiliar with the office layout. Would you mind giving me a quick tour?”

Sujin’s face visibly twisted. But since Haewon was her superior and the request wasn’t unreasonable, she had no grounds to refuse.

“…Follow me.”

Sujin tossed her bag onto her desk and walked ahead. Haewon swallowed her amusement and followed behind.

Despite her initial nerves, the first day passed quietly.

All the executives, including Kangwoo, had accompanied the president on a visit to a provincial factory, which meant there were no major disturbances.

Because of that, Haewon’s welcome party had also been postponed until the next day.

“Well then.”

Sujin, now more relaxed—whether due to her personality or the passage of time—threw out another curt farewell before leaving.

Not wanting to waste energy on petty interactions, Haewon ignored her and exited the office. She didn’t want to get worked up over trivial matters.

Outside, the sun was still up, as expected of summer. It was too hot to walk, but also too short a distance to justify taking the subway.

She decided to walk.

On the way, she stopped by a convenience store and grabbed a can of beer. She wanted to buy more, but as a newcomer, she figured she should hold back for now.

She needed to stay focused until she got the hang of things.

With the beer and a bag of snacks swinging in her hand, she strolled leisurely as the sky gradually turned pink with the setting sun.

Just as she was nearing the officetel—

She heard footsteps behind her, perfectly in sync with her own.

Someone’s following me.

There was no need to check; there was no one in front of her.

Maybe I’m just imagining things?

To test her suspicion, she slowed down. The person behind her slowed down too.

She sped up. The footsteps behind her quickened as well.

A stalker?

Gripping her phone tightly in her pocket, ready to call for help, Haewon swiftly turned around and shouted—

“Who are you?!”

Her jaw dropped when she saw the person following her.

It was Kangwoo—his tie loosened, casually trailing behind her.

“Wow, I never knew you had such a loud voice. My heart almost stopped,” he teased, dramatically clutching his chest.

His playful grin made him look like a mischievous child.

Haewon wasn’t the only one startled.

She hadn’t expected to see him here. There was no reason for her to feel guilty, but without thinking, she subtly hid the plastic bag behind her back.

“Why are you here, Executive Director?”

“I was on my way home.”

The faint dark circles under his eyes and his slightly disheveled outfit, now that the tension had eased, made it clear—he really was just coming home from work.

“You should’ve said something from the start. Why did you keep following me so suspiciously and scaring people?”

“I told you, didn’t I? I’m shy.”

Shy?

That word felt laughably out of place coming from him. Instead of responding, Haewon turned her gaze away, staring into the distance. The city buildings, bathed in the glow of the setting sun, were preparing to embrace the darkness.

“But what’s that you’re hiding behind your back?”

“…What?”

“If it’s illegal, I’ll pretend I didn’t see anything.”

“It’s just beer.”

Haewon pulled the plastic bag forward and snapped back at him.

“Perfect timing. I was just thinking a cold beer would be nice.”

“Sorry, but as you can see, I only bought one…”

“Lee Haewon.”

Kangwoo cut her off before she could finish.

His usual playful expression vanished in an instant, replaced by something serious—too serious.

Watching as her lips slowly pressed together, he spoke in a quiet, steady voice.

“Don’t put up walls. The more you do, the more I’ll want to tear them down.”

His dark eyes locked onto hers.

Haewon gripped the plastic bag tightly.

For some reason, the crinkling sound of the bag echoed like thunder in her heart.