Penta Ent. | JungHo ✅

40

~Time skip: 2 weeks~

I never did learn who Jinho had started to like that night, but ever since then he had been acting strange. I didn't want to jump to conclusions, but I couldn't help but notice certain signs. But, it simply could've been someone else in the area or my wishful thinking. "Jungwoo." "Huh?" "Lock the door." I walked over then locked it. "Now what?" "Come." I peered over his shoulder as he looked at various dishes online. "Oh. Did you want to try something new?" "Yeah." "Well, just let me know and-" "Let's make it together." I looked down at him as he continued to scroll.

"This one sounds good." "So you want to try making this?" "Together with you, yes." My heart fluttered slightly at the thought. "My place or yours?" "I have a bigger kitchen." "Then it's settled." I walked back over to the door then heard him call my name. "Would tonight be okay?" "Yeah, of course." I turned the knob and found myself face to face with Maerin. "You're in my way." She bumped me out of the way then planted herself by Jinho's side. I quickly left to avoid seizing Maerin by the neck.

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"Just when I think everything is chill, Maerin appears!" I continued to rant to Ten who silently listened and drank his coffee. "Mhm." "And she touched his arm. It wasn't even necessary!" "Mhm." I frowned as he seemed pretty unresponsive. "Are you tired of me?" "No, just trying to show I'm still listening." "Try harder." He placed his cup down then leaned forward. "So, what are you going to do? Just sit here and complain while she gets handsy with your husband?" My jaw dropped slightly and I felt heat rising to my cheeks. "He's not my husband. We're not even a thing..." I pawed at the dangling key as I hid my tinted face.

"God you're so cute." He pinched my cheek then sighed. "Either way, don't let Maerin get the upper hand, especially since you don't know if Maerin is the person he likes or not." "I know...but would he really tell me if I just ask?" Ten shrugged then took a sip from his cup. I held the key in between my fingers then felt a smile creep onto my face. "Key to his life huh..." Hearing that made it seem more special than the last time he presented it to me.

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"J-Mr. Jo." I had almost called him casually in front of another person. "Is it important?" I looked at the both of them then shook my head. "No. It can wait." I quietly stepped out then checked over what I had written down. All I needed was his confirmation for tomorrow's meetings. "You can head in now." "Sorry if I made you hurry." I watched her walk away then headed back inside. "So, what is it?" "Just came in to confirm that we're still attending those meetings tomorrow." "Oh! Yes. I had almost forgotten and you just reminded me." I quietly watched as he searched his drawers.

"Say, Jinho..." He sat up then looked at me. I suddenly lost my confidence in asking the question. "It's nothing. Just wanted to know if you had all the ingredients for tonight." "I believe so. I don't exactly remember what's in my fridge these days...Shall we stop by a supermarket on the way?" "Yeah, that's fine." He went back to searching his drawers. Maybe it was better if I didn't know. They did say ignorance was bliss. "Jungwoo, do you mind checking those filing cabinets? I'm looking for white papers with gold lining on it." "Right away."

We searched for the papers in silence. "They're not in here..." I closed the last drawer then looked at Jinho. "Of course not." "Huh?" I could see the shame and embarrassment on his face. "They were on my desk the whole time..." "Really...?" He moved a binder and revealed the papers he was looking for. "I apologize." I shook my head and assured him it wasn't a problem. It was my job to assist him after all. "Well, I say we can head out early." "Are you sure?" "Yep. We can do the rest of this from home." "If you say so..."

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I closed the door behind me then walked to the kitchen with a bag in hand. "Ah, it was a good idea to go shopping." I looked behind me and saw him dumping out a few containers. "You just let it sit in there?" "When you're a CEO, you hardly have time to monitor your fridge." I grimaced as I started to set up. "Hire someone." He didn't respond. "Don't tell me you can't-" "Then should I hire you for this as well?" The knife in my hand clattered onto the surface. "Jungwoo?" "You surprised me with such a joke..." I weakly laughed as I picked up the knife. "Yeah, a joke..."

We worked mostly in silence, simply waiting for the other to speak up. "Hey, Woo..." "Hm?" "Hypothetically speaking, if I wasn't joking about earlier, would you do it?" I leaned against the counter as I thought about it. It really was a no brainer, but it'd expose me if I gave an honest response. "I don't see why not. Unless you don't plan to pay me, then that changes my stance." I eyed him in my peripheral vision for any noticeable changes in his expression. There weren't any. "I see. Well, while we wait, shall we finish up what I brought home?" "Of course." I sat down at the table then decided to stop cowering and finally ask him.