Corporate Cupid

Chapter 14: Realizations and Reconciliations

Hari pulled away from the kiss, her heart pounding. She looked into Wonho's eyes, a mix of emotions swirling within her. "We should pretend this never happened," she whispered, stepping back to create some distance.

Wonho's eyebrows furrowed. "Pretend it never happened?" he echoed, clearly puzzled.

"It's just... a mistake," Hari insisted, her gaze dropping to the ground. "I got caught up in the moment."

He sighed softly. "If that's what you want."

After work, Hari found herself sitting beside Wonho in his car. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken words. She took a deep breath. "About earlier... I really think it's best if we forget about it."

Wonho glanced at her, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "You know, it's not fair."

"What isn't?" she asked, confused.

"You kissed me and now you're saying it was a mistake. I think you owe me," he teased.

Hari felt her cheeks warm. "Owe you? What do you mean?"

He leaned back, feigning deep thought. "Well, you could start by buying me dinner."

Relieved that he was taking it lightly, she nodded. "Alright, dinner it is."

They agreed to meet at a restaurant that evening. As they sat down, Hari's eyes widened at the elegant setting. Course after course was served, each dish more extravagant than the last. Hari began to worry about the bill, discreetly calculating the total in her head.

Noticing her discomfort, Wonho leaned in. "Is everything okay?"

She forced a smile. "Yes, of course."

By the end of the meal, as the waiter presented the check, Hari reached for her wallet. "I said I'd pay."

Wonho gently placed his hand over hers. "I invited you here knowing it was beyond what you'd planned. I'll take care of it."

"But—"

He shook his head. "Consider this a small repayment. What I want from you is much bigger."

She looked at him quizzically. "What do you mean?"

He gave a mysterious smile. "You'll find out."

Meanwhile, Yuna decided to surprise Woozi with a homemade dinner. She spent hours preparing, wanting everything to be perfect. When Woozi arrived, she presented the spread proudly. "I made all your favorites!"

He took a bite and tried to maintain a neutral expression. "It's... interesting."

Yuna's face fell. "Be honest."

He hesitated. "Well, it's a bit salty, and the rice is undercooked."

Her shoulders slumped. "I wanted it to be perfect."

He reached out, touching her hand gently. "I appreciate the effort. Maybe next time, we can cook together?"

Feeling slightly better, she nodded.

A few days later, Woozi suggested a hiking trip. "I have a surprise for you," he said.

Yuna agreed, though she wasn't thrilled about hiking. As they walked, she vented about Wonho. "He's so frustrating sometimes."

Woozi defended his friend. "He's not that bad once you get to know him."

They argued, and in frustration, Yuna decided to head back. "Fine, you stay. I'm going back."

"Wait, you don't know the way," Woozi called after her.

"I'll figure it out!" she snapped.

Soon, Yuna realized she was lost. The forest seemed to close in around her, and as she hurried, she tripped over a root, twisting her ankle. Pain shot through her leg.