The conversation with Mr. Philip finally wrapped up, polite laughter echoing as glasses clinked in the resort lounge. Joon-hyuk offered a measured smile, but his mind wasn't on solar car batteries anymore — it was on the faint sound of laughter drifting from the nearby café terrace.
Without another word, he excused himself and walked out. The evening air was cool, tinged with the scent of roasted coffee and pine from the hills surrounding the resort. When he stepped inside the café, his eyes immediately found her.
Hye-rin sat by the window, a soft glow from the hanging light brushing her features. She laughed at something Min-jae said, her eyes crinkling, her posture relaxed — lighter than he'd seen her in weeks.
Something hot and sharp twisted low in Joon-hyuk's chest.
"Mr. Choi." His voice cut through the easy chatter, smooth but unmistakably edged. "What are you doing here?"
Min-jae didn't flinch. "Business," he said casually, setting his cup down. "Our company's in talks with the U.S. investors to provide security tech for their expansion. I thought I'd join the discussion."
Joon-hyuk's jaw tightened, the polite smile on his lips never reaching his eyes. "I see. How convenient."
"Or fate," Min-jae replied lightly, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "We seem to run into each other often these days."
Hye-rin felt the tension sharpen like glass between them. "We were just—"
"Leaving," Joon-hyuk cut in smoothly.
Before she could react, he reached out and took her hand — firm, steady, but not rough. The warmth of his touch startled her, and her heart tripped over itself. Se-hee stood quickly, blinking between them in confusion.
Min-jae stayed seated, calm as ever. "Take care, Hye-rin," he said, his tone polite but his gaze lingering for a beat too long.
She turned back slightly, caught between embarrassment and something she didn't want to name.
Joon-hyuk didn't look back. He didn't need to. The air between the two men had already drawn its line — invisible, sharp, and dangerously personal.