My patented distraction technique works and I’m saved. Eunkyung turns out to be one of seven kids, and she’s going to a big family get-together in Busan. She becomes quite animated, and I realize I haven’t spoken to any women my own age since Kiseop left for Monaco. Absently I wonder how Kiseop is . . . and Ellison. I must remember to ask Soohyun if he’s heard from him. Oh, and Alexander, Kiseop’s older brother will be back next Tuesday, and he’ll be staying in our apartment. I can’t imagine Soohyun is going to be happy about that. My earlier encounter with strange Ghost Guy slips further from my mind. During my conversation with Eunkyung, Kevin hands me another beer.

“Thanks,” I smile at him.

Eunkyung is very easy to talk to—she likes to talk—and before I know it, I am on my third beer, courtesy of one of the girls from finance. When Kevin and Dongho leave, Jaeseop joins Eunkyung and me. Where is Soohyun? One of the finance girls engages Eunkyung in conversation which left me alone with Jaeseop.

“Hoon, think you made the right decision coming here?”

Jaeseop’s voice is soft, and he’s standing a bit too close. But I’ve noticed that he has a tendency to do this with everyone, even at the office. My subconscious narrows his eyes. You’re reading too much into this, he admonishes me.

“I’ve enjoyed myself this week, thank you, Jaeseop. Yes, I think I made the right decision.”

“You’re a very hardworking guy, Hoon. You’ll go far.”

I blush. “Thank you,” I mutter, because I don’t know what else to say.

“Do you live far?”

“The Myeungdong district.”

“Not far from me.” Smiling, he moves even closer and leans against the bar, effectively trapping me. “Do you have any plans this weekend?”

“Well . . . um—”

I feel him before I see him. It’s as if my whole body is highly attuned to his presence. It relaxes and ignites at the same time—a weird, internal duality—and I sense that strange pulsing electricity. Soohyun drapes his arm around my shoulder in a seemingly casual display of affection—but I know differently. He is staking a claim, and on this occasion, it’s very welcome. Softly he kisses my hair.

“Hello, baby,” he murmurs.

I can’t help but feel relieved, safe, and excited with his arm around me. He draws me to his side, and I glance up at him while he stares at Jaeseop, his expression impassive. Turning his attention to me, he gives me a brief crooked smile followed by a swift kiss. He’s wearing his navy pinstriped jacket over jeans and an open white shirt. He looks edible. Jaeseop shuffles back uncomfortably.

“Jaeseop, this is Soohyun,” I mumble apologetically. Why am I apologizing? “Soohyun, Jaeseop.”

“I’m the boyfriend,” Soohyun says with a small, cool smile that doesn’t reach his eyes as he shakes Jaeseop’s hand.

I glance up at Jaeseop who is mentally assessing the fine specimen of manhood in front of him.

“I’m the boss,” Jaeseop replies arrogantly. “Hoon did mention an ex-boyfriend.”

Oh, . You don’t want to play this game with Fifty.

“Well, no longer ex,” Soohyun replies calmly. “Come on, baby, time to go.”

“Please, stay and join us for a drink,” Jaeseop says smoothly.

I don’t think that’s a good idea. Why is this so uncomfortable? I glance at Eunkyung, who is, of course staring, open-mouthed and with frankly carnal appreciation at Soohyun. When will I stop caring about the effect he has on other people especially women?

“We have plans,” Soohyun replies with his enigmatic smile.

We do? And a frisson of anticipation runs through my body.

“Another time, perhaps,” he adds. “Come,” he says to me as he takes my hand.

“See you Monday.” I smile at Jaeseop, Eunkyung, and the girls from finance, trying hard to ignore Jaeseop’s less-than pleased expression, and follow Soohyun out of the door. Kibum is at the wheel of the Audi waiting at the curb.

“Why did that feel like a pissing contest?” I ask Soohyun as he opens the car door for me.

“Because it was,” he murmurs and gives me his enigmatic smile then shuts my door.

“Hello, Kibum hyung,” I say and our eyes meet in the review mirror.

“Mr. Yeo,” Kibum acknowledges with a genial smile.