Closer then expected

The night after the warehouse incident was unusually quiet.

Pravy Group headquarters stood tall under the city lights, but inside, the atmosphere remained tense. Security teams rotated shifts more frequently, and no one ignored suspicious movements anymore.

Han Seo-Yeon stood outside Kang Min-Jae’s office, reviewing the security report. Her eyes scanned every line carefully.

Even though everything looked normal… she couldn't relax.

A soft voice interrupted her thoughts.

"You've been standing there for ten minutes."

Seo-Yeon looked up.

Min-Jae stood by the door, watching her calmly.

"I was checking the report."

"You already checked it twice."

Seo-Yeon hesitated.

Min-Jae opened the door.

"Come in."

She followed him inside.

Min-Jae poured two cups of tea and placed one in front of her.

Seo-Yeon blinked slightly.

"For me?"

"You look tired."

"I'm fine."

Min-Jae raised an eyebrow slightly.

"You always say that."

Seo-Yeon gave a small nod and picked up the cup.

The warmth spread through her hands.

For a moment, the room felt quiet… peaceful.

Min-Jae leaned back in his chair.

"You didn't sleep again."

Seo-Yeon didn't deny it.

"There's too much risk."

Min-Jae studied her quietly.

"You don't have to carry everything alone."

Seo-Yeon looked up slightly.

Their eyes met.

Something softened in the air between them.

She quickly looked away.

"I'm just doing my job."

Min-Jae didn't respond immediately.

Instead, he stood up and walked toward the window.

"You're more than just a guard."

Seo-Yeon froze slightly.

Min-Jae turned toward her.

"You saved me multiple times."

Seo-Yeon's voice softened.

"It's my responsibility."

Min-Jae walked closer.

"Still."

They stood closer now.

Closer than before.

Seo-Yeon felt her heartbeat quicken slightly.

She wasn't used to this.

To being this close to someone.

Min-Jae noticed her discomfort and stepped back slightly.

"You should rest tonight."

Seo-Yeon nodded.

"I will."

But neither of them moved.

The silence lingered.

Then suddenly—

Ji-Hoon knocked and entered.

"Boss, the car is ready."

The moment broke instantly.

Min-Jae nodded.

"Let's go."

That evening, Min-Jae had a private dinner meeting with an important client.

Seo-Yeon followed him to the restaurant.

The place was elegant and quiet. Soft music played in the background.

Seo-Yeon scanned the environment carefully.

Min-Jae sat at the table while the client spoke.

After the meeting ended, the client left.

Seo-Yeon stepped forward.

"We should go."

Min-Jae nodded but remained seated.

"You haven't eaten."

"I'm fine."

Min-Jae gestured to the chair.

"Sit."

Seo-Yeon hesitated.

"I'm on duty."

"You can still eat."

She slowly sat down.

It felt strange.

She had never eaten during a mission before.

Min-Jae ordered simple food.

When it arrived, Seo-Yeon quietly took a bite.

The warm food relaxed her slightly.

Min-Jae noticed.

"You finally look less tense."

Seo-Yeon almost smiled.

Almost.

After a moment, Min-Jae spoke again.

"You don't talk much."

"I'm not good at conversations."

Min-Jae leaned slightly forward.

"Then I'll talk."

Seo-Yeon looked up.

"You should take breaks sometimes," he said calmly.

Seo-Yeon shook her head.

"I prefer staying alert."

Min-Jae watched her carefully.

"You don't trust peaceful moments."

Seo-Yeon paused.

He was right.

She didn't.

Because peaceful moments never lasted long in her life.

Min-Jae noticed her silence.

"You don't always have to be strong."

Seo-Yeon's eyes softened slightly.

That was something no one had told her before.

Later, they left the restaurant.

The night air was cool.

As they walked toward the car, Seo-Yeon suddenly felt someone watching them.

Her instincts sharpened.

She stepped closer to Min-Jae.

"Stay close."

Min-Jae nodded calmly.

They entered the car safely.

As the car drove away, Seo-Yeon relaxed slightly.

Min-Jae glanced at her.

"You stepped closer."

Seo-Yeon blinked.

"It was safer."

Min-Jae gave a faint smile.

Seo-Yeon noticed.

It was small.

But real.

She quickly looked away.

Back at the headquarters, the elevator ride was quiet.

As they reached the top floor, the lights suddenly flickered.

Seo-Yeon's eyes sharpened instantly.

She stepped in front of Min-Jae.

But the lights stabilized quickly.

False alarm.

Seo-Yeon exhaled softly.

Min-Jae noticed.

"You were worried."

Seo-Yeon nodded.

Min-Jae reached out slightly… then stopped himself.

Instead, he spoke softly.

"You don't have to worry when I'm with you."

Seo-Yeon's eyes widened slightly.

That was unexpected.

She didn't know how to respond.

The elevator doors opened.

They stepped out slowly.

But the moment lingered.

Later that night, Seo-Yeon stood on the rooftop again.

The city lights shimmered below.

Min-Jae joined her quietly.

"You come here often."

"It helps me think."

Min-Jae stood beside her.

For a moment, neither spoke.

Then Seo-Yeon said softly:

"You trust me too easily."

Min-Jae shook his head.

"I don't trust easily."

Seo-Yeon looked at him.

"Then why me?"

Min-Jae met her gaze.

"Because you never hesitate to protect me."

Seo-Yeon felt her heart beat slightly faster.

The wind blew gently around them.

They stood closer again.

Quiet.

Comfortable.

Unexpectedly comfortable.

But far away…

Inside a dark building…

Lee Dae-Hyun watched surveillance photos.

Seo-Yeon and Min-Jae standing close together.

His expression darkened.

"So… you're getting close."

He leaned back.

"That makes things more dangerous."

He picked up his phone.

"Prepare the next move."

Outside, thunder echoed in the distance.

Because the closer Seo-Yeon and the Pravy Boss became…

The more dangerous their world would grow.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***