IWDAR Chapter 20

“What do kids these days like?” 

 

Do-hoon, sitting in the passenger seat and checking tomorrow’s schedule, glanced at the rearview mirror. 

 

Tae-uk, the very person who had uttered the strange question a moment ago, was leisurely sitting with his chin resting on his hand, gazing out the window. His demeanor, unlike his usual self, seemed deeply contemplative, making Do-hoon feel a chill down his spine.

 

“……Since they’re young, wouldn’t they like sweet things? I heard about a famous French bakery brand newly opened at the intersection ahead.”

 

At Do-hoon’s diligent answer, Tae-uk chuckled softly. 

 

“Twenty is the age to enjoy snacks.”

 

“…….” 

 

Do-hoon scanned the schedule displayed on his tablet with a complicated expression. He knew very well the reason behind Tae-uk’s uncharacteristic talk about snacks.

 

‘He seems unusually happy these days.’

 

Mo Tae-uk had lived a life of constant vigilance. 

 

While the ordinary Dohun couldn’t feel it, Tae-uk had been seeing hallucinations since childhood and had faced life-threatening situations several times due to their torment. 

 

As he grew older, he became accustomed to it all, and with the help of a Buddhist monk and the Chairman, things weren’t as precarious as before. Still, the atmosphere around him remained sharp and tense.

 

Because of Tae-uk’s situation, when Chairman Mo Nak-hyun chose a secretary to assist his grandson, he excluded work-related abilities and prioritized physical capabilities above all else. 

 

Choi Do-hoon, who had long been called a human weapon from doing dirty work, sometimes felt incredibly small in front of Mo Tae-uk. Like a civilian facing a tiger.

 

“Let’s stop by the bakery Secretary Choi had mentioned.” 

 

“Yes, sir.” 

 

As the chauffeur, who had been driving silently, replied, Tae-uk leaned back against the seat with a satisfied look.

 

True to its reputation, the dessert shop, boasting exorbitant prices for its palm-sized treats, was packed with people. 

 

Do-hoon, barely squeezing his large frame inside, purchased one of each type of dessert displayed in the showcase. 

 

Holding two trays brimming with sweet-smelling treats, Do-hoon glanced around with a strange expression. The sounds of laughter and chatter filled the air. Friends, lovers, and families wore happy, carefree expressions.

 

Choi Do-hoon had lived a life akin to a fighting dog. The man, whose life had been full of hardship since childhood, caught the eye of Mo Nak-hyun while rolling around the rough world. 

 

Do-hoon’s life, taken in by the man who was excessively healthy for his age, flowed in a completely different direction from then on. He received a formal education and learned how to properly use his fists, which he had only known how to instinctively clench. 

 

Everything was for the benefit of Mo Tae-uk, the cherished eldest grandson of the Mo family. Having always been distanced from such a dainty atmosphere, Do-hoon felt his cheeks flush involuntarily. 

 

‘This is the first time I’ve run this kind of errand in the nearly 20 years I’ve been serving the young master.’

 

Whether he knew or didn’t know Do-hoon’s embarrassment, Tae-uk, who thanked him for his efforts, carried the lovely pastel-colored boxes and headed inside his residence. Thinking that the soft boxes, resembling the colors of spring, looked just like someone.

 

Tae-uk, who had left the main family home early on, had a mansion not far from his office where he lived and worked, taking care of his meals and lodging there. 

 

Since he didn’t spend much time at home, only the servers managing the building usually frequented the residence. At this hour, the house should be dark except for the garden lights, but today, a bright light shone from the large window installed on one side of the living room. 

 

Tae-uk, gazing at the brightness for a moment, walked deep along the long garden and reached the front door.

 

After the fingerprint recognition, he opened the door and stepped inside. 

 

“W-Welcome back, CEO Mo.” 

 

Tae-uk couldn’t help but smile at Han Wooyoung’s awkward greeting. Wooyoung seemed momentarily flustered by Tae-uk’s smile but then mirrored his expression, his lips curving upwards, embarrassed.

 

｡ﾟ•┈꒰ა ♡ ໒꒱┈•  ｡ﾟ

 

Mo Tae-uk didn’t abruptly propose cohabitation to Han Wooyoung. Conversations, as always, followed a certain progression and evolved. 

 

After their encounter at the Korean restaurant and after spending some more time, Wooyoung was finally able to completely organize his thoughts. Since he already had the business card he received from Do-hoon, Tae-uk’s secretary, conveying his decision to Mo Tae-uk wasn’t difficult.

 

The exclusive contract he received directly from Mo Tae-uk clearly stated the contract amount. Upon seeing the amount, Wooyoung was stunned. It was six times what he had received at Lilac Entertainment.

 

“Since your debut is confirmed upon contract signing, the contract amount is set higher than average. From the agency’s perspective, consider it a show of sincerity.”

 

Wooyoung had already subtly confirmed with Soohee that the cost of living in this life wasn’t much different from his previous one. Whether it was a goshiwon or a one-room apartment, with that amount, he could easily handle the deposit.

 

(T/N: A type of very small, low-cost housing in South Korea, often used by students studying for exams.)

 

“Are you dissatisfied with the amount?” 

 

Tae-uk, misinterpreting Wooyoung’s pleasantly shocked expression, inquired.

 

Dissatisfied?! Wooyoung vigorously shook his hands. 

 

“No, not at all. It’s more than enough for me. Rather, I wonder if I should accept this even though you’ve even taken care of the contract termination fee…”

 

“That contract was unfair from the start. Finding loopholes and nullifying it wasn’t a problem. Don’t worry about it.” 

 

The fact that he had gone through the trouble of finding the loopholes and nullified it was something to be grateful for…

 

“If there are any clauses you’d like to add or modify, feel free to speak up. This is your last chance before the official contract signing.” 

 

Tae-uk said playfully. Even if it was a joke, Wooyoung felt humbled by the level of accommodation he was receiving.

 

“There’s nothing more I want to add. I’ve thoroughly reviewed the contract period and activity-related clauses.”

 

“Good. Then I’ll prepare the final contract with these terms. It would be best to finalize the official contract as soon as possible. When would be a good time for you?”

 

“Anytime is fine with me. Whenever you call…”

 

“Then let’s do it next Monday.”

 

“Yes… Please let me know the time, and I’ll adjust my schedule.”

 

“It’s alright. I’ll send someone, so don’t bother moving and just come comfortably. Is noon okay?”

 

“Yes… Thank you.” 

 

Tae-uk gazed for a moment at Wooyoung’s clean nape as he bowed and his slightly reddened eyes. 

 

“You haven’t had lunch yet, have you? Let’s eat together.”

 

Wooyoung, who had been flusteredly responding as the next meeting place and time were decided in an instant, closed his mouth. Tae-uk, checking the time, looked at the silent Wooyoung.

 

“Um, I’m so sorry, but I have a prior engagement afterwards….” 

 

Soohee, knowing that Tae-uk and Wooyoung were meeting about the contract today, had repeatedly urged Wooyoung, 

 

‘If there’s anything different, even slightly, between the copy you saw that day and the contract you’ll check today, don’t just think about it, ask! Do you understand? No matter how big the agency is, the situation is completely different from a typical trainee contract, so you can’t let your guard down!’

 

Overwhelmed with worry, she not only nagged but also personally escorted Wooyoung to the meeting point, making sure the person picking him up was a genuine employee of ON Entertainment. She couldn’t take her eyes off the CEO’s face when she realized Mo Tae-uk himself was the one who came to pick him up……

 

“Then it can’t be helped. Let’s go. I’ll take you to your appointment.”

 

“You don’t have to……”

 

“I’m worried about leaving someone without a phone alone.” 

 

Even as he said this, Tae-uk was aware that he was talking nonsense. 

 

Unless Wooyoung was an idiot, he wouldn’t get lost, would he? 

 

The problem was that looking at his innocent face, he seemed like a child left by the water. 

 

(T/N: It means someone is naive, innocent, vulnerable, and easily taken advantage of, much like a small child left unsupervised near a potentially dangerous body of water.)

 

‘It’s not like I had pure intentions bringing the contract myself today.’ 

 

Tae-uk’s eyes, concealing a self-deprecating smile, calmly scanned the surroundings. As expected, he saw nothing.

 

“Then, would the place where you picked me up today be alright?”

 

“……You mean Han Wooyoung’s house?”

 

“It’s not my house, but… Yes, that’s right.”

 

“…….”

 

“I-If it’s too far and inconvenient…”

 

“I was meaning to ask, where are you staying at the moment?”