TUW | CHAPTER 66

Chapter 66

You’re So Cute It’s Driving Me Crazy

“I’ll ask the vice president and let you know.

We’ll set a date soon, so don’t worry!

But why are you so curious about his house when your family home is huge and gorgeous too?”

Lee Yeon tilted her head.

Ha Yul had lived in a big, beautiful house most people could only dream of, yet she was acting as if she’d never seen a large house before.

“I’m just curious.

Besides, my best friend is Ahn Dohyun’s wife!

I’m the only one among your friends who can actually visit his house.

That’s a privilege.”

Ha Yul nodded determinedly, as if she had to make sure she enjoyed this privilege fully.

“But why do you still call him ‘Vice President’?

Doesn’t your husband mind?

It must feel like you’re still at work after you clock out.”

“He does get a little sulky about it, but I still can’t get my mouth to say anything else.

And I’m not sure what else to call him.”

“What do you mean you don’t know?

There are so many pet names!

People even make them up themselves.

Calling him ‘Vice President’ is way too stiff!

I thought you’d changed by now, but your nickname game is so outdated.”

“Outdated?

What’s wrong with ‘Vice President’?”

“Change it already.

You can’t treat him like your boss at home.

You need to add some affection and sweetness there!”

Maybe she was right.

Lee Yeon rolled her eyes, thinking it might really be time to change how she addressed him.

“I’m home.”

Lee Yeon quickly stepped inside, shivering from the chill.

Ahn Dohyun smiled quietly when he saw her come in.

He was holding his phone, seemingly on a call.

“Alright.

Hanging up.”

As soon as she arrived, he told the person on the other end to hang up and immediately walked over to her.

He cupped her face with his hands.

“It’s not even midwinter yet, so I’m fine.”

The warmth of his hands made her heart flutter.

They had only been apart for a few hours, but she was ridiculously happy to see him again.

Then again, he probably felt the same way.

“Does this look like I’m warming your face?”

“Isn’t that what it is?”

Her wide eyes blinked up at him from within his palms.

“If not that, then what?”

“I’m holding your face because you came home late and I’m scolding you.”

“That’s nonsense.”

Seeing her dumbfounded expression, Dohyun’s lips stretched into a smile.

“Lately, Yu Lee Yeon’s been getting more and more affectionate.

It’s killing me—so cute.”

She couldn’t understand what part of her he thought was being cute.

It must have been the rose-colored glasses he was wearing.

Well, she hoped they’d never come off.

“You think I was being cute?”

She was curious what kind of “cute” behavior he was even talking about.

“You’re doing it right now.

With your whole body.

You’re driving me crazy.”

So was she—just in a different way.

She couldn’t imagine what others would think if they saw this totally different side of him.

‘Oh, right.

The housewarming.’

She suddenly remembered and spoke up.

“Um… I was thinking of inviting a friend over for a little housewarming.”

She hesitated, worried it might bother him since he didn’t like social gatherings.

“Do you remember Ha Yul?”

Of course, Dohyun, who had little interest in other people, didn’t.

When he didn’t answer, she got impatient.

“The friend who was standing next to me at the event.”

“Oh, the one with the attitude problem.”

Apparently, that label stuck stronger than her actual name.

“Yes, that’s Ha Yul!

Ha.

Yul.”

“Right, Miss Ha Yul.

Isn’t she your closest friend?

Invite her.

Ask what she likes to eat and have the housekeeper make it.”

He ruffled her hair casually, then grabbed the shopping bag she brought in and started walking toward the room.

“Thanks for helping.

Those winter clothes are heavy, right?”

“Can’t we move your clothes to the first floor now?

You don’t even have that many.”

Was that a jab at her wardrobe?

Definitely sounded like it.

“I—I have plenty!

Just… most don’t fit anymore…”

“So, basically, you don’t.”

Well, technically, he wasn’t wrong.

“Maybe later.

I just love having a dressing room—it feels so luxurious!

People would be jealous if they knew.”

In truth, she just didn’t want to move the clothes.

It sounded exhausting.

After he carried the clothes upstairs to her room, Dohyun came back down and sat beside her on the sofa.

“So I can invite her?”

“I told you, yes.

Have her over, have fun, relax.

Honestly, I’d rather you be home than out somewhere.”

Hmm… suspicious.

“You’re not thinking it’s just going to be me and Ha Yul hanging out, right?

We’ll all be together.

You’re joining too.”

His eyes darted away, clearly caught.

“You do know what a housewarming is, right?”

“Of course I do.”

“Then don’t even think about running off.

You have to be there.

She’s my best friend, and I want you two to get along.”

Dohyun didn’t answer.

“But it might be awkward with just three of us.

Maybe you can invite someone too, so it feels more comfortable.

What do you think?”

He smiled at the sight of her looking up at him, waiting for his answer.

Actually, he felt the same—he wanted the people he loved to get along too, within limits.

“Perfect timing.

There’s someone I want you to meet.

You already know him.

He’s been to the office a few times.”

Lee Yeon immediately knew who he meant—Jaeha.

He was the one who’d called Ha Yul “the attitude problem” at the event, and Dohyun’s closest friend.

“Then should we invite Jaeha too?”

“He never skips things like this.

He’ll come for sure.”

“Great!

Then I’ll tell Ha Yul.

Let’s pick a date soon.”

Excited, Lee Yeon couldn’t hide her anticipation.

“Should I ask the housekeeper to make extra food?

I feel bad asking for so much.”

“She won’t mind.

It’s just four servings anyway.”

“Still…”

“It’s fine.

That’s why she’s here—to help with things like this.”

“Where did you hire her from?”

“She used to work at my family’s house.

She’s the most discreet person there.”

“I see.”

“Why?”

“Just curious.”

Lee Yeon smiled sheepishly, and Dohyun chuckled.

Everything went smoothly.

The housewarming was happening soon.

She was already planning the menu in her head.

[I’m so nervous.]

It was the third text like that from Ha Yul already.

Lee Yeon ignored it with a smile and walked over to the housekeeper.

“I’m sorry, I know japchae’s a hassle to make, but my friend insists that every housewarming has to have it.”

It was Saturday afternoon.

The house was filled with the rich scent of sesame oil.

The kitchen was busy, and the smell was mouthwatering.

“Madam, should I leave the windows closed?

The vice president really doesn’t like food smells lingering.”

Lee Yeon stayed glued to the housekeeper’s side, thrilled to finally talk to her properly.

They’d met briefly before, but never really talked.

In person, she found that Mrs. Min was even more graceful and gentle than she’d expected.

Whenever Lee Yeon tried to help, Mrs. Min refused, saying she’d get scolded by the chairman if she let the young madam get her hands dirty.

Gapsoo didn’t care either way, so Lee Yeon just stayed quiet and chatted instead.

“I’m sorry for being in the way.”

“You’re not in the way at all.”

Mrs. Min smiled kindly and went back to cooking.

“Do you see him?

The vice president’s wiggling his toes on the sofa right now.”

Lee Yeon pointed toward the living room, where Dohyun sat playing with his phone.

“That means he’s in a good mood and probably humming inside.”

Mrs. Min looked surprised.

“In a good mood?

With all this food smell?

That’s the first time I’ve seen that.”

Lee Yeon smiled faintly.

“Well, this is the first time we’ve ever had guests.”

Mrs. Min’s expression softened as she turned back to her cooking.

She began stir-frying the vegetables for the japchae.

It seemed like a good time to step aside and let her focus.

[What time will you be here?]

Lee Yeon texted Ha Yul again.

The days were shorter now; she wanted her to arrive before it got too dark.

“What time is Jaeha getting here?”

Dohyun’s moving toes suddenly froze.

Lee Yeon blinked, confused by his reaction.

Something about that question clearly rubbed him the wrong way.

“What’s wrong?”