Chapter 83
After her call with Sua ended, Suyeon turned her head and saw her reflection in the mirror.
In the mirror, Suyeon's face wore a deeply troubled expression.
*What do I do now...?*
Her mind was as complex as her expression.
Until now, the option of Hojin leaving her side had never even crossed her mind.
She had no idea how to act.
What if Hojin left because he wanted to create a unique game, just like when he left ND Soft and joined the Company?
What if another lucky Game Company CEO, like a second or third version of herself, came in and took Hojin away at an opportune moment?
She knew this was an extremely low-probability assumption, but...
She couldn't feel at ease, because even back in his ND Soft days, Hojin had given up a successful director position.
Perhaps due to this anxiety, Suyeon bit her nails unconsciously.
She eventually ruffled her hair, then huffed and stood up.
Her personality wasn't one to mope in a corner and wallow in self-pity.
She knew that moping around alone for days wouldn't yield any answers.
To find a solution, she needed information.
Therefore, it seemed necessary to get information from the person closest to Hojin.
The RA Studio Office.
As it was an unremarkable weekday afternoon, the Office had a relaxed atmosphere.
Suyeon came down to the office.
Suyeon approached one of the Team Members who was walking around, forcing a wry smile at the changed atmosphere her appearance had caused.
As the Office atmosphere quieted with Suyeon's arrival, the designated Team Member stiffened, as if sensing his or her fate.
Wondering what to call her, Suyeon glanced at the team member's employee ID and saw the name Yun Eunhye.
Eunhye-ssi?
Ah, yes. Yes?
I didn't come here specifically to see you, Eunhye-ssi, so relax. Could I ask you something?
Yes, yes! Ask me anything.
Do you happen to know where the Director is right now?
In response to Suyeon's question, Eunhye pointed towards the Director's Office and replied.
The Director's Office. I haven't seen him leave this afternoon, so he should be there.
Really? Then, has the Director's mood seemed strange recently, or has he looked like he's been *deep in thought* a lot?
Hmm... I haven't really seen the Director much, but I don't think so?
Just in case, Suyeon observed Eunhye a little longer, but Eunhye's expression suggested nothing out of the ordinary had happened.
Alright, thanks for answering. Get back to *work*.
Th-thank you.
Finishing the conversation, Suyeon left Eunhye, who was bowing her head, and headed towards the Art Team.
The person closest to Hojin who could provide valid information was important.
In Suyeon's opinion, the person who best fit this description was Lee Yerin, who had transferred to her company along with Hojin.
The atmosphere in the Art Team when Suyeon arrived was similar to when she first came down to the Office.
The bustling team office had fallen silent.
Suyeon ignored the gazes that were once again fixed upon her and approached Yerin.
Yerin-ssi?
Oh, CEO! What brings you here?
Yerin, with her sharp, cat-like features, greeted her with a rare *Surprised Expression* at Suyeon's sudden appearance.
I have a few things, and I also have something to ask you, Yerin-ssi.
At Suyeon's words, Yerin pointed to herself and asked again.
Me?
Yes.
Ah, yes. Ask me anything.
It's a bit awkward to talk here... If you don't have an *Urgent Matter*, how about a cup of coffee?
Sounds good. Just a moment then.
Yerin saved her current *Work* and followed Suyeon out.
After walking for about five minutes, the two arrived at a private cafe outside the company building.
It was a cafe that had recently received good reviews for separating its spaces to ensure customer *privacy*.
The two settled into a secluded corner.
Suyeon was the first to speak.
This is the first time we've met like this, isn't it? We haven't met since your interview.
Yes, it is.
Suyeon watched Yerin nod with a calm expression and asked.
First of all, I apologize for coming to you so abruptly. You understand, don't you, Yerin-ssi?
Of course.
Alright, then... to be direct, Yerin-ssi, what's your relationship with Hojin-ssi like? Are you close?
At Suyeon's sudden question, Yerin choked on her *Americano*.
Cough, cough. Yes, yes...?
Suyeon handed Yerin a few tissues and asked again.
You transferred to our Company because Hojin-ssi recommended you, and you've continued to <F1>work</F1> on the same team as Hojin-ssi ever since. So I wondered if you were close.
Uh, well... if by 'close' the CEO means physically close, then... maybe?
In truth, as far as Yerin knew, she was indeed the one who spent the most time with Hojin.
Really? Then... have you ever recently felt like he was deep in thought or seemed troubled while working with Hojin-ssi?
Yerin looked at Suyeon's question with a peculiar look for a moment.
It was because Suyeon's question itself had a peculiar undertone.
Taken at face value, it was just a *boss* asking about a subordinate out of concern.
But interpreted differently, it could easily carry a far more serious implication.
*Was there some kind of incident between the CEO and Senior...?*
Though Yerin felt a slight suspicion, it wasn't the atmosphere to ask, so she could only cautiously shake her head.
I haven't really felt anything like that... Oh.
As she was speaking, a memory suddenly flashed through Yerin's mind.
Now that I think about it, there was something.
Suyeon flinched at Yerin's answer, but fortunately, Yerin was lost in thought and didn't notice.
It wasn't long ago, maybe about a week, but I've occasionally seen Senior pondering while looking at a business card or his Smartphone screen.
You didn't see what kind of business card it was?
I usually don't get close enough to identify the business card. I didn't see it clearly... Oh.
Did something click?
No, not exactly. But I think I know where *Senior* received that business card.
Really? Where is it?
Seeing Suyeon's troubled expression, Yerin thought, *'There's definitely something going on,'* and spoke.
I've been going to the *Gym* with *Senior* lately. If he received a business card, it was probably then.
Gym?
Yes. Usually, after a workout, we <F1>shower</F1>. The <F1>Senior</F1> comes out earlier than me, and I've seen him a few times talking to people from the <F1>Industry</F1> during that short period.
...Are you sure?
Probably...?
So that's it...
Suyeon fell deeply in thought at Yerin's words for a moment.
Seeing her *deep in thought* with a straw in her mouth, Yerin felt a strange sensation.
It was as if Suyeon's image in Yerin's mind had changed significantly.
Before today, she had strongly felt like a career woman completely immersed in *work*, a reliable supporter of the company.
But now, she was someone who swayed with her emotions, and though it might be a bit rude to think so, she definitely seemed more endearing.
At the sight of Suyeon, Yerin found herself speaking *involuntarily*.
CEO, would you like me to help you?
***
*The next day, during lunchtime*
Following Yerin's advice to help her, Suyeon visited a gym.
It was *K Gym*, located not far from the *EnsonGT company building*.
It was one of the *Gyms* Suyeon used to frequent.
I haven't been able to come often lately because I've been so busy...
Thanks to this, she was able to get help from the employees who recognized her with just a brief explanation of the situation.
With the *Employee*'s help, she hid in a *vantage point* that offered a clear view of the *entrance* but wasn't easily visible from it. About five minutes later...
Hojin appeared at the *Gym entrance*, his hair still slightly damp, as if he had just finished his *shower*.
*Good...
Yerin, who had said she went to the *Gym* with Hojin, was nowhere to be seen, seemingly taking longer as she had mentioned yesterday.
As a result of the observing only of Hojin.
No particular peculiarities were observed in Hojin's behavior.
He looked at his *smartphone*, occasionally doing simple stretches as if his muscles were tight.
Then, if a *Team Member* called, he would answer it, and that was it.
*Is today a bust...?*
She hadn't expected to get information immediately, but the thought of returning empty-handed left her feeling disappointed.
Just as she was about to stand up, feeling her legs go numb from sitting in the same spot for so long,
A man approaching Hojin entered her line of sight.
He was dressed in a neat suit and had a slender build.
If she looked closely, even his hands were free of calluses.
By all appearances, he wasn't the type of man who frequented gyms.
This meant... he visited the gym with a purpose.
As if to prove Suyeon's prediction correct, the man approached Hojin, exchanged a few words, and then handed him a business card.
Seeing this, Suyeon finally had to admit it.
Sua's words were not empty threats.
The reality she had been ignoring was unfolding right before her eyes.
Suyeon stared intently at the business card Hojin had received.
She could tell just by his expression.
That business card was no mere formality.
Suyeon took in the sight, then slowly rose from her seat.
I can't let him be taken like this.
It was time to confront Hojin directly.