Chapter 48. Just Take My Hand (2)

The gathering turned out to be more enjoyable than expected.

‘Ah… So basically, they’re telling me to tone down my personality so people won’t misunderstand me? I appreciate the concern, but I think I’ll stay as I am. After all, Seo Jungwon seems to like my boldness. Since I’ve found someone who appreciates my true self, you don’t have to worry, Seonkyung.’

‘…’

‘For someone who cares about me so much, I’ll be sure to get even closer to Director Seo. Thanks for always wishing for my happiness, Seonkyung.’

Every time Seonkyung acted up, Sera made sure to bring up Seo Jungwon just to provoke her. And every single time, Seonkyung failed to hide her irritated expression, which provided Sera with childish satisfaction.

Seriously, what does she see in that creep?

Teasing Seonkyung was fun, but the fact that she genuinely liked Seo Jungwon was still baffling. Not that it was any of Sera’s business.

Caught up in this petty battle of nerves, Sera ended up staying longer than expected and drinking more than she should have. At least she had gained a few casual acquaintances, so it wasn’t a total waste of time.

“Vice President, we’ve arrived.”

“Mm… Oh, already? Thank you.”

The chauffeur gently woke up Sera, who had dozed off in the car. It felt like she had only just gotten in, but they were already in the parking lot.

“You must have had a long night. Thank you for waiting so late, driver. I won’t be needing a ride tomorrow, so please take the day off and get some rest.”

“It’s no trouble at all, Vice President. Have a good night.”

Recently, Sera’s relationship with her chauffeur had improved significantly, so they exchanged warm goodbyes before she stepped out of the car, staggering slightly. She had managed to hold herself together during the gathering, but the moment she arrived home, the alcohol hit her all at once.

The house was dimly lit with only the indirect lighting on. Humming softly, Sera kicked off her heels and slipped into her slippers. She wobbled as she crossed the sitting room and began climbing the stairs.

Then, it happened.

A misstep, her alcohol-dulled senses failing her—

Thud!

“Ah, shit… That hurts.”

Sera groaned from where she lay at the bottom of the stairs. She had only climbed a couple of steps, but the way she tumbled down left her body aching all over. Even her ankle, which had been bothering her ever since the Raum Group party, throbbed painfully.

“Seriously… just my luck.”

With a miserable pout, Sera inspected her ankle. Thankfully, it didn’t seem like she had sprained it. Just as she let out a sigh—part frustration, part relief—

“What the hell are you doing?”

“Ah—!”

Startled by the sudden voice from behind, Sera jumped where she sat.

There, standing with a crooked posture, was Lee Rowoon, looking down at her with an unimpressed gaze.

“What— Where did you even come from?”

“I was in the study. Then I heard what sounded like the house collapsing, so I came to check.”

His mocking gaze slowly swept over her.

‘What the hell do people even see in this guy?’

Annoyed, Sera grumbled under her breath.

“A workaholic hermit who spends his weekends holed up at home shouldn’t be looking down on other people…”

“…What?”

The words had slipped out before she could stop them, loosened by the alcohol. Lee Rowoon, hit with an out-of-nowhere personal attack, looked utterly dumbfounded.

“Are you out of your mind?”

“Oh, whatever. Just leave me alone and go.”

Normally, she would have played nice according to her plan, but right now, she was too tipsy to care. She couldn’t even muster the energy to get up, so she lazily waved him off.

But instead of leaving, Rowoon stood there, hesitating.

“…Why aren’t you getting up?”

“I’m too lazy. Maybe I’ll just sleep here tonight.”

“Yeah, great idea. Pass out drunk on the floor. Genius.”

“If you’re just gonna nag, then leave.”

To prove her point, Sera dramatically sprawled across the floor. Rowoon scowled in disapproval, but still, he didn’t move away.

‘Why is he still here?’

Just as she tilted her head in confusion, he slowly crouched down.

“Grab on.”

“…Huh?”

“If you’re not planning to sleep here all night, take my hand and get up.”

With a deep sigh, Rowoon extended his hand toward her.

Sera blinked in surprise, caught off guard by his unexpected kindness. Seeing her hesitation, his expression darkened in irritation. Sera quickly spoke up.

“But… Are you sure? You hate touching me. You used to flinch even if our hands brushed…”

Instead of taking his hand, she mumbled hesitantly. It was a feeble attempt to guilt-trip him—a bit rich, considering she had once grabbed him by the collar and forced herself into his space. But Rowoon, unaware of her intentions, merely stiffened at her words.

“…You might’ve hurt your ankle. Just take my hand.”

Rather than answering her question, he simply repeated himself, more firmly this time.

Sera stared at the hand he offered.

His fingers were long, his knuckles prominent—a hand that was both masculine and elegant.

Lee Rowoon, voluntarily reaching out first? That was progress.

Straightening her back, she cautiously extended her hands toward him. The moment she did, Rowoon immediately gripped her wrists and pulled her up.

“…Oh?”

Before she even realized what was happening, she was standing firmly on her feet.

‘I’m not that light…’

While she was still processing, Rowoon had already lowered his gaze, checking her ankle.

“You’re standing fine, so it’s not injured.”

“Wait, Rowoon.”

Sensing that he was about to turn and leave, Sera panicked. Without thinking, she reached out and grabbed the hem of his shirt, pulling him back. He stumbled slightly, his shoulders tensing as if he had been ambushed.

“Don’t leave me here. I drank too much—I might fall again.”

Rowoon studied her with an unreadable expression.

Sera, completely unfazed, met his gaze head-on and tugged at his shirt just a little harder.