Madam Seo dressed slowly, pulling on her silk lingerie and then a smart fitted dress. She stood before the mirror smoothing her hair, her expression sharp, almost predatory — but with a small, satisfied curl of her lips.
"Mmm… that was exactly what I needed. My poor, neglected body feels halfway human again."
She turned to face Harin, who was perched on the sofa in one of Joon-ho's oversized shirts, cheeks still pink and legs tucked shyly underneath her.
"And now," Madam Seo purred, slipping on her heels with a graceful twist of her ankle, "I think it's time I gave my darling husband a little headache. And maybe his pretty secretaries too."
Joon-ho arched a brow. "What, you planning to take your frustrations out on them directly?"
"Oh, no, love." Madam Seo smirked, grabbing her purse. "I have every intention of letting him bury himself. That crypto nonsense he's funneling company money into? I'll be waiting — divorce papers hot and ready — the moment he trips. It's practically romantic."
She turned toward the door, paused, and gave them both a sly, amused look.
"Well. I'll get out of your lair. Don't want to interrupt the lovebirds tonight."
Harin made a tiny squeak, pulling Joon-ho's shirt tighter around herself. Her face went bright red. Madam Seo just laughed low and warm, blowing them a tiny kiss before she sauntered out the door with a click of her heels.
The apartment fell quiet. Joon-ho locked the door behind Madam Seo, then strolled over to the sofa. Harin was still sitting there, hugging a throw pillow to her chest, her eyes wide and her blush refusing to fade.
"She really… she really says anything on her mind, doesn't she?" Harin muttered.
Joon-ho only let out a lazy chuckle and dropped down next to her. He threw his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close until she was half-leaning against his chest.
"You'll get used to it."
They sat like that for a while, the TV playing softly in front of them. Some late-night entertainment segment. A flashy commercial popped on screen — bright lights, popping champagne, glittery dresses.
It was Kwon Mirae's new CF. She danced across the screen with flawless grace, that signature smile returned, brighter than it had been in months.
"Wow," Harin said, her voice almost awed. "She really bounced back after that slump. I remember how bad people were talking… but look at her now."
Joon-ho made a small sound in agreement, absent-minded fingers stroking her arm."She's tough. She wouldn't last in that industry otherwise."
Harin sighed, snuggling deeper into him."I like this," she murmured. "Just… being here. Quiet. Nothing complicated."
Joon-ho didn't reply. He just pressed a warm, gentle kiss to the top of her head, his hand tightening slightly around her shoulder. The sound of the TV filled the small space, cozy and ordinary.
Harin closed her eyes, a small, private smile on her lips. Her body still felt a little weak, still a little tender inside from everything earlier — but her heart was light. Almost glowing.
Maybe Madam Seo wasn't entirely wrong.Maybe she was one of Joon-ho's special girls.And that thought made everything feel… sweeter.