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“It’s clear that something is happening, but not knowing what makes it awkward to intervene.”

The unexpected individuals who broke the awkward stalemate were truly those I never saw coming.

No one, not me, the Senior, or even Chae-rim, ever anticipated that the headquarters would step in of all places.

From our perspective, it was understandable—except for a brief period years ago when the association chairmen from various branches were summoned, the headquarters had maintained silence.

Who would have guessed that they would suddenly change their stance like this?

And yet, to think what they would announce was a new technology.

While new technology is great, there are plenty of urgent matters that need addressing, which left me inwardly dumbfounded, but on the other hand, it sparked an odd sense of anticipation.

After all, the fact that they were pushing for this at such a time meant the new technology was no ordinary thing.

So here we were, gathered in front of the TV for what felt like the first time.

I had no clue what the headquarters was planning to announce, but it was essential to figure it out quickly if we were to devise any plans.

Thus, despite everyone being busy with their own schedules, we managed to gather together, and oddly enough, it turned out to be Yoonseo’s day off today.

While we were exchanging various speculations about the announcement, she seemed disinterested but perhaps had developed a curiosity as she listened in.

Now, with the announcement time fast approaching, her staying cooped up in her room felt like a coincidence…

“By the way, what about Bora? Wasn’t she supposed to watch with us?”

“Oh, the thing is… she said she’d stay in bed until before the broadcast since she was exhausted from working on her manuscript all night and asked to be woken up before it starts.”

“Really? Shouldn’t we wake her then? It looks like there are only about five minutes left.”

“Huh? Already?”

When I had just opened my eyes that morning, it felt like time was crawling, and now to hear there are only five minutes left felt absurd.

With that in mind, I thought I should wake Bora, so I rose from my spot and headed towards her room.

Just as I arrived at the door leading to Bora’s room, the adjacent door opened, and out came Yoonseo, looking disheveled.

She had been quiet at breakfast, so had she really been sleeping all this time?

As soon as our eyes met, Yoonseo shot me a glance that seemed to ask what I was doing there, but then she noticed the Senior and Chae-rim behind me and wore a bewildered expression.

Well, I couldn’t blame her.

From Yoonseo’s perspective, it must have been strange to see a group of busy individuals gathered together.

“Uh… Yoonseo, if you have time, do you want to watch with us?”

I made that suggestion to Yoonseo, who still looked confused, being aware of how it might feel if we were all huddled together without her.

I had no intentions behind it, but given the situation, it could make her feel left out if we excluded her.

I prepared myself for a rejection, but…

“…What?”

Unexpectedly, although her tone was curt, there was clear interest beneath it.

After witnessing Yoonseo’s usually icy demeanor for so long, her response felt extremely pleasant to me.

“Uh… I don’t really know, but I heard the association headquarters is announcing some new technology.”

“…Is that so?”

“Yeah, since they’re insisting on a live broadcast, it must be some extremely important technology, so I thought it would be good for you to watch too.”

My attempt to suppress my growing smile while presenting what I thought were logical reasons actually seemed to have worked.

After listening to me, Yoonseo appeared to ponder for a moment before nodding.

Then she simply walked past me and plopped down on the sofa where I had just been sitting.

I couldn’t help but notice how soft Yoonseo felt today, but for now, I decided to stick to my original plan and wake Bora first.

I went into Bora’s room and dragged her out, still half-asleep, but when we returned, we were welcomed by a chilling atmosphere.

Compared to just before entering Bora’s room, the room felt at least five degrees colder.

I couldn’t help but shiver, and Bora—standing right next to me—shot me a quizzical glance.

However, I didn’t have the luxury to worry about that.

After all, the mood among the three visible figures felt far from comfortable.

“It seems it’s been a while since we’ve seen each other… hasn’t it? Our Yoonseo?”

“Yeah, well… I’ve been busy preparing for my advancement exam.”

“How’s the exam prep going?”

“Somewhat okay, I guess.”

“Oh… right, you’re still managing on your own without a manager, right? That makes sense.”

On the surface, it sounded like a normal conversation among people in the same industry, but why did it feel so tense?

“Really? Yoonseo, you still haven’t found a manager?”

“Seems that way.”

“But someone like you should have people lining up to be your manager…”

“Yeah, everyone seems really interested. They ask me so many questions…”

“Why don’t you just pick one already? There are probably capable candidates among the applicants.”

“I’d like to, but… there hasn’t been anyone who satisfies me.”

“I think it’s better to have someone even if they’re not ideal, right?”

“Exactly! Even if they’re not the best match, through working together, feelings might change.”

Was the icy atmosphere that was flowing among the three affecting my perception?

Did it make me feel like Yoonseo was being gang-pressed by the Senior and Chae-rim?

“I’m sorry, but I’ll handle that on my own.”

“No, I just… wondered if you were overdoing it out of pride…”

“Regardless, it’s ultimately my problem, isn’t it? Besides… I’m an adult now.”

So was she implying I should stop meddling?

That being the last remark, Yoonseo clamped her mouth shut, clearly not wanting to discuss that matter any further, which made me impulsively speak up.

“Well then, what about me?”

“…What?”

At that moment, Yoonseo, as well as the Senior and Chae-rim, appeared shocked.

“Uh, what I mean is… I’m not saying I want you to do it for me or anything…”

“…Then?”

“If it’s okay with you, I’d be willing to help out temporarily until you find a manager you really like.”

The moment I finished saying that, Chae-rim stepped carefully between Yoonseo and me.

“Uh… I’m sorry for interrupting your conversation, Dogun.”

“Huh?”

“Isn’t that a bit difficult?”

“Why’s that?”

“Well… you’re already managing both me and Baeksulhwa, right?”

“That’s true.”

“Plus, you’re preparing for various certifications on top of that.”

That too was accurate.

I was even squeezing time to attend online lectures.

“But don’t you think it might be too much to manage Yoonseo on top of everything else?”

That was indeed a valid point…

“Of course, I understand why you want to help Yoonseo.”

Why was it so hard for me to agree?

“You just want to help your friend who looks like she’s having a tough time.”

Is it just my impression?

“But that doesn’t mean you should overburden yourself too.”

Is it just how I perceive it?

“Most importantly… in that situation, you probably wouldn’t be as helpful as you think.”

As I contemplated those words ringing in my ears…

“…If you can, then go ahead and do it.”

A voice that I hadn’t heard in a long time—blunt as ever—flowed into my ears.

 

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