To Carry a Torch | KTH ✅

Chapter 7: Caught in a Lie

Lily's POV 🌺

"Hana, over here!" I call out when I see her enter the kitchenette.

"Hey, you two! I'm so happy to see both of you!" Hana replies, and I see her eyes brighten.

Poor Hana; I know the staff is super cautious around her, keeping their distance. It can be challenging to not only be Jin's girlfriend but also in Human Resources. Not many people want to talk to her because of it, but Yeona seems thrilled to see Hana as well, and that pleases me to no end! I pat the seat next to me and then give Hana a side hug when she settles down to remind her that her friends love and support her.

"Yeona was just telling me about her day since Tae was rushed off to a meeting," I explain.

"Oh, they already called him into that meeting, huh? The situation must be escalating if management shifted their schedule to deal with it," Hana utters as if she's forgotten we are in the room with her, lost in her thoughts.

"Hana, is Tae going to be okay?" Yeona asks with a forlorn look. 

My heart sings seeing Yeona's authentic reaction; I can already tell she cares about Tae's well-being, and that makes me happy.

"Ugh, it's partly an issue that my Human Resources team is trying to help with along with our Legal team. I can't tell you anything else. Just know he will need us to support him through this, but he won't be able to talk about it," Hana trails off with a sad look as she stirs the noodles in her bowl. Hana holds everyone's secrets, and that's a big burden on her kind heart. She really is one of the kindest human beings on the planet.

"Say no more, Hana. That's all I need to know. He has my support," Yeona replies simply and immediately drops the subject, and I'm just so impressed with her. "I never need Tae's personal details. I'll stand up for him every time," she adds.

We nod in agreement while thoughtfully chewing, but Yeona's words resonate with me. She really seems to care about our Taehyung, which thrills me. We change the subject to resume talking about our days and what we have been up to lately at work. 

Finally, I find my "in" and make my move after talking about how I plan little lunch dates with Yoongi when he is available on the days I'm working in the BH building. "So, Yeona, are you dating anyone?"

I feel Hana stifle a giggle as she lightly kicks me under the table, and I have to stop myself from laughing at her gesture. She knows that Tae isn't the only undercover matchmaker in this group of friends.

Yeona shakes her head "no" and admits she lives with her mother, casually mentioning it is complicated, so she doesn't date. The way she avoids the details raises a red flag inside me. It reminds me of how I used to avoid details when I was growing up so I wouldn't have to explain that I was basically raising myself throughout my childhood. Goosebumps rise up on my arms. I could be wrong, but something in my gut is telling me something is off there.

"Regardless if Tae can join us, the three of us should hang out more often. Hana and I are having drinks with my friend Jae and some of my staff this Friday at a bar my business partner owns. Yeona, do you want to come out with us?" I ask carefully as I try to gauge her reaction.

"You are so kind, but my mom just needs a lot of help. So, I really don't have the time to go out after work. Please know I think you are both wonderful, though; in a perfect world, I would be there," Yeona answers carefully with a casual smile plastered on her face, but the line feels rehearsed.

I can tell Yeona is well versed in having to avoid plans, and then I notice a small look pass between Yeona and Hana before Yeona looks down at her lunch, avoiding eye contact.