A First

As the two women, Hei-ran and Ji-eun, exited the spa area, the steamy ambience giving way to a sense of rejuvenation, Ji-eun couldn't help but lavish praise on how their skin felt smoother than ever. They were both glowing with post-massage bliss, their bodies relaxed and their spirits lifted.

Dae-hyun and Seo-jin, who had also just left the sauna, greeted them with warm smiles. Dae-hyun, in his usual charming manner, couldn't resist offering compliments.

"You two look positively radiant," he said, his eyes twinkling.

"How do I look?" Ji-eun took a step closer to Seo-jin, her voice almost a whisper as she asked him.

Seo-jin's gaze softened as he studied Ji-eun. Her skin looked incredibly smooth and silky. He couldn't help but be captivated by her beauty.

"You look stunning," he replied, his words genuine.

As Ji-eun and Seo-jin declared their intentions to return to the lounge, Hei-ran and Dae-hyun were left standing together, momentarily alone in the bustling surroundings of Therme Erding.

"Let's go, my handsome gentleman. I'd love to get back to the lounge," Ji-eun flashed a playful smile as she said to Seo-jin.

"Absolutely, my lady," Seo-jin, equally smitten by Ji-eun's charm, nodded with enthusiasm.

As they walked away, hand in hand, Hei-ran and Dae-hyun exchanged a glance. It was clear that they needed to address the events of the previous night, the unspoken tension hanging between them.

Dae-hyun, ever the gentleman, broke the silence. His voice was gentle and inviting as he suggested.

"Shall we find a cosy spot at the cafe by the spa area, Hei-ran? I'd love to buy us a drink."

"That sounds nice, Dae-hyun," Hei-ran, relieved that he had taken the initiative, nodded in agreement.

With a shared understanding, they headed to the cafe, anticipation and curiosity lingering in the air. It was time to unravel the mysteries of that fateful night.

As they settled into a cosy corner, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air, Hei-ran couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and anticipation. This was the moment when the truth would be revealed, and she braced herself for whatever might come to light.

The cafe by the spa area provided a serene backdrop to what was about to unfold. Dae-hyun, as a man, felt it was his responsibility to broach the topic first. He cleared his throat, his gaze focused on Hei-ran.

"Hei-ran," he began, his voice carrying a hint of seriousness. "I think it's time I explained what happened that night."

Hei-ran listened intently, her eyes fixed on him.

"It was me who came to your room. I was the one who partially finished your report and brought you painkillers and water. I just wanted to help, but I realize now that it might have come across differently, even creepy," Dae-hyun continued and then paused, a touch of regret in his eyes. "I'm truly sorry if it caused you any distress or confusion."

Hei-ran, however, surprised Dae-hyun with her response. Instead of anger or frustration, her expression shifted to one of relief and even happiness.

"You have no idea, Dae-hyun," she admitted, her voice softening. "How relieved I am to know it was you. There's only one question that's been haunting me since that night, and I have to ask..."

"What is it?" Dae-hyun, now the one caught off guard, raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

"Why?" Hei-ran's question hung in the air, heavy with meaning.

Dae-hyun pondered her question, his gaze drifting away for a moment. He had several possible answers, each more revealing than the last. Was it because of duty, friendship, or something more profound?

And then, he decided to take the plunge, to confess what he had been grappling with since that night.

"Hei-ran, the truth is... I think I might have fallen in love with you," he looked back at Hei-ran, his expression a mix of vulnerability and determination.

Hei-ran sat there, frozen in disbelief. The man who was usually cheerful, the one who often teased and made her laugh, had just confessed his feelings for her. It was a revelation that she hadn't anticipated, and it left her momentarily speechless.

Hei-ran, still caught off guard by Dae-hyun's confession, blinked in astonishment. She couldn't fathom how someone could fall in love with her so quickly, especially given their brief acquaintance of less than a week.

"Why?" she asked again, her voice soft but insistent this time. "Why did you fall in love with me? We barely know each other. We've only met because of work, and it's been less than a week."

"Well, they say love at first sight, right?" Dae-hyun chuckled a hint of playfulness in his eyes.

Hei-ran didn't respond, somewhat prompting Dae-hyun to elaborate further on his feelings. He spoke earnestly, explaining what had drawn him to her in such a short time.

"Hei-ran, it's not just about the time we've spent together," he began. "It's about the person you are. In this world, I've encountered so many people who are lazy, who coast through life, smooching off other people's work and talking behind their backs. It's made me suspicious of people in general. But you, Hei-ran, you're different."

He continued, his gaze unwavering as he spoke of his admiration for her.

"Even when you fell ill, you took the blame upon yourself, even though IAPC had already forgiven you. And when you're given a task, no matter how challenging, you don't seek help or push the work onto others. You take it upon yourself to complete it, no matter how hard it is. That kind of dedication and work ethic, Hei-ran, it's rare to find. It's what drew me to you."

Hei-ran sat in silence, absorbing his words. She had never seen herself in such a light, and hearing Dae-hyun's perspective was both surprising and touching. It was a unique confession, one that spoke of admiration for her character rather than just physical attraction.

Dae-hyun, sensing Hei-ran's unease, decided to break the heavy silence that had settled between them. He cleared his throat and spoke softly.

"Hei-ran, I'm sorry if I came on too strongly with what I just said. I didn't mean to disrupt our relationship or make things awkward between us."

Hei-ran looked at him, her expression a mix of emotions. She appreciated his honesty, but it had indeed taken her by surprise. She didn't want to jeopardize their working relationship either.

"Let's just forget about what I said for now, okay? We're here to enjoy this evening at Therme Erding. That's what matters. We can focus on that," Dae-hyun continued.

Hei-ran nodded, her thoughts still muddled with the unexpected confession. They finished their coffee, and as they walked back to the lounge, Dae-hyun tried to engage in some small talk, but Hei-ran's responses were brief, her mind clearly preoccupied. Dae-hyun couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for having brought this up, and he silently cursed himself for potentially complicating their working relationship.

"I guess this is it," Dae-hyun said as they stopped by the lounge they had gotten from IAPC. "I see you later for dinner then."

As Dae-hyun bid farewell to Hei-ran, she did the same while they stood before their respective lounge entrances.

"See you later for dinner," she said with a small smile.

Dae-hyun nodded and echoed the same sentiment before she turned to enter the women's lounge. However, before she could go inside, something made her glance back at Dae-hyun. He was still standing there, his hand covering his mouth, lost in deep thought.

Worry gnawed at Hei-ran as she watched him from a distance. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was bothering him. Without giving it a second thought, she called out to him.

"Dae-hyun?"

There was no response. Dae-hyun remained motionless, his gaze fixed on something unseen. Concerned, Hei-ran decided to approach him, her footsteps quick but quiet.

"Dae-hyun, is everything okay?" she asked softly as she reached his side. Her eyes followed his line of sight, trying to understand what had captured his attention.

And then, she saw it—the shocking sight through the window into the lounge where Seo-jin and Ji-eun were engaged in an intimate moment. Ji-eun was crawling on the bed while Seo-jin was pounding her from behind. They were having sex, that was certain.

Hei-ran's eyes widened, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she quickly averted her gaze. Dae-hyun, too, seemed taken aback by the unexpected scene, his face reddening with embarrassment. He stammered out an apology, struggling to find words to explain the situation.

"I-I'm so sorry, Hei-ran. I had no idea they'd be... I mean, I didn't expect..."

Hei-ran waved a hand, her voice barely above a mumble.

"It's fine," she managed, trying to suppress the embarrassment that threatened to overwhelm her. "Let's just... forget this ever happened."

Dae-hyun nodded in agreement, his expression reflecting a mixture of shock and embarrassment. They both turned away from the scene and Hei-ran decided to bring Dae-hyun to Ji-eun and her lounge, eager to put the unexpected sight behind them.