Chapter 41
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 41
Chapter Title: Team Leader's First Kiss
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Ten minutes before clocking out.
The slowest stretch of the day, when time drags on forever.
Once the day shift leaves, the night shift comes in to take over, right?
It's weird to think that right before our workday ends, it's just the beginning for someone else.
"Haa..."
As those thoughts crossed my mind, another bizarre twist in my life popped up.
Nothing major—just something that happened with Yoo Yi-seol at lunch today.
Specifically, the friendly hug we shared right before parting ways.
The hug itself wasn't the issue.
Hugs are fine even between guys and girls.
The problem was the sensory input my body and brain registered.
'Why the hell did it feel like that?'
I've only known Yoo Yi-seol for a little over two months.
Too soon to call her a friend, yet not quite just a business partner either.
But the sensation when her body pressed against mine...
It was eerily similar to hugging Lee Soo-yeon or Eun Ha-min, people I've known for over four months.
No, "similar" might even undersell it.
The dizzying softness of Yoo Yi-seol's breasts against my chest, the faint perfume wafting past my nose—it hit way too hard.
Hard enough to trigger a reaction.
I won't spell out what kind.
One thing's for sure: my body reacted to her instantly.
Meaning, at least on some level, my mind saw this woman I'd just met as a romantic prospect.
'Well... what sane guy in Korea wouldn't see Yoo Yi-seol as a woman?'
Hell, it would be weirder not to view someone with her insane looks and specs as female.
I'm no ascetic sage from a wuxia novel.
I let out a deep sigh and tossed my work gloves aside.
Why do these incredible women keep gravitating toward me?
I'm just a regular logistics guy making dumb Shorts videos.
Something's clearly busted with my life's difficulty slider.
"Hoo... better shake off these stray thoughts."
The best way to clear my head, even a little, is to distract myself.
I pulled out my phone and opened the AI app.
Making nonsense Shorts with the AI app always sorts out my tangled feelings somehow.
No idea why.
"AI app, make a video about why lawyers eat burgers for lunch."
It popped into my head since Yoo Yi-seol and I had burgers today.
[Generation complete.]
The quality was insane again, but the nonsense logic had leveled up.
On screen, the PhD character had the burger character seated in a chair, lecturing dead seriously.
[Do you know the real reason top lawyers choose burgers for lunch?]
[It's not just convenience. Burgers require you to open your mouth widest in a vertical chomping motion—unlike regular food.]
[Biting into a big burger maxes out your masseter and temporalis muscles, spiking blood flow to the brain via the carotid artery by over 20% in studies.]
[So, eating burgers isn't just lunch—it's oral physical training and brain acceleration for those brutal afternoon trials.]
"..."
I had to admit it now.
This AI app, churning out batshit nonsense laced with plausible medical terms like it was nothing, had surpassed my bullshit artistry by light-years.
"You're number one. For real."
I muttered to myself, and text popped up on screen.
[Thank you.]
[Your data has been a huge help, Master.]
Anyone else says it, whatever—but it hilariously interprets my words as praise.
We're bullshit buddies, after all.
I uploaded the video straight to my channel.
Subscribers had spiked after the live stream, so comments flooded in instantly.
The guy whose lunch you can spot a mile away.
Chewing stimulates masseters and boosts brain blood flow—fact. Same principle as gum improving focus. But burgers won't make you argue like a lawyer ^^
Suit guy and girl came in today, ordered burger sets. Dude grinning at his burger—was that you?
I scrolled through the comments and paused.
Yeah, I do make videos tied to my daily life way too often.
My private life is getting exposed—indirectly, no, straight-up directly.
'Eh, viewers love it, so whatever.'
I'm prepared to sacrifice some privacy for the cash.
Not showing my face anyway, and money beats embarrassment.
'Ah.'
But wait—it's not just my privacy.
Yoo Yi-seol's getting dragged into it too, from lunch today.
"Sorry, Yi-seol."
I finally realized and whispered an apology.
Not deleting the video, though.
Views are racking up nicely.
I'll treat her to something tasty later.
That was when.
"Min-jae, I'm here."
A fresh scent wafted over.
I turned to see the Team Leader, freshly showered, standing there.
Not in her usual drab, baggy work clothes, but comfy casuals.
She came close and hooked her arm through mine like it was natural. "Let's go."
Her hair ends were still damp from the shower, and the subtle shampoo and body wash scents teased my nose.
"O-oh, you're here. Showered and changed already..."
"Can't date all sweaty, right? Come on, I'm starving."
She tugged my arm lightly.
The soft give of her arm against mine startled me, but I played it cool and walked.
We arrived at my place together.
I'd stocked up on various liquors from the convenience store yesterday, and she'd ordered sides for delivery on the way home.
She scanned the room once.
Not her first time, so why? She just checked the floor for dust—spotless—then plopped down at the table.
"You're too neat, Min-jae. That's the problem."
"Isn't neat good?"
"Nah. A single guy's place should be messy—socks everywhere—so I think, 'He can't survive alone; better keep him tucked under my arm.'"
She pouted her lips.
I got the hint and felt embarrassed.
Though she was the same.
The cute side of the Team Leader that she never shows at the warehouse was already peeking out.
Probably no coworker sees her this defenseless.
Ding dong~ ♬
Perfect timing—the doorbell.
"It's here!"
She jumped up and dashed to the door.
Grabbed the delivery and set it on the table.
Tonight: assorted sashimi, sweet shrimp sashimi, and abalone set.
She insisted on something delicious and picked the priciest from the best-reviewed spot.
I cracked open a beer can with an awkward grin.
"Feels bad you splurged so much. My convenience store booze is the limit of my spending."
"Tsk."
She pressed a finger to my lips.
"I asked you out first, and older ones pay more. If you're mad, get reborn before me."
"Impossible."
"Then shut up and listen to your noona. Just eat up tasty-like—no worries."
"Still..."
"Shh. Be good?"
She ruffled my hair.
Lee Soo-yeon, Eun Ha-min—why's everyone obsessed with petting me?
She unpacked the delivery and spread it out.
The glossy sashimi made my mouth water.
She set everything up expertly and poured beer into my glass generously.
"Drink up—you earned it today."
She looked just like a devoted wife pampering her husband after work.
The type who'd ace housework once married.
'But... I don't like that.'
The Team Leader with a husband?
Yeah, that rubs me wrong.
I flushed a bit and downed the beer.
The cool fizz washing down my throat melted away the day's fatigue.
"Kaaah... hits the spot."
"Slow down. Empty stomach like that, you'll get wasted fast."
She smiled and refilled my glass.
And so Friday night drinks kicked off.
How long had we been drinking?
Empty beer cans littered under the table, whiskey bottle beside them.
The Hamazaki 25-year whiskey from playing Eun Ha-min's boyfriend.
Ten million won a bottle, but I'd vowed to crack it someday—done.
We don't see booze as money, so we guzzled without hesitation.
"Mm..."
Suddenly, the Team Leader and I sat side by side on the floor.
Started facing each other, but liquor shifted us closer.
Tiny studio—too damn close.
Her head on my shoulder.
Her steady breaths tickled my ear.
And... my hand rested on her thigh.
"Why's my hand on Team Leader's thigh..."
The soft warmth snapped me alert.
Finally coming to.
I forced my droopy eyes open and tapped her shoulder.
"Team Leader... asleep?"
"Mmm..."
Drunk as hell, she lifted her head and looked at me.
Her hazy eyes fixed on mine, then she grinned dopily.
All sharpness gone—pure vulnerable woman.
"Min-jaaae..."
"Yes."
"You're cute."
Mwah.
Suddenly, her lips pecked my cheek.
Soft, moist touch landing and lifting.
Sobered instantly, I clutched my cheek in shock.
"T-Team Leader?"
"Not enoughhh?"
She drawled, leaning in again.
Not the cheek this time.
Mwah.
Her lips brushed mine lightly—peck.
A bird kiss, they call it.
"Night night..."
She nestled back on my shoulder and closed her eyes.
Couldn't leave her here.
Floor's cold; sleeping post-booze means killer hangover tomorrow.
"Team Leader, floor's bad for you."
Looked beyond reasoning.
No choice—princess carry, up she went.
Light as a feather, booze or not.
Intoxicating booze mixed with her sweet skin scent rose from her.
Laid her on the bed, about to tuck her in...
"Don't go..."
She clutched my clothes tight.
Her eyes now like a spoiled kid's.
"Not going. Just covering you..."
"Sleep together. Yeah? Lie down."
She yanked my wrist.
Sober, I'd hit the sofa.
But I was beat, boozy, craving sleep.
Screw it—I lay right beside her.
'Just sleep. That's it.'
Same thought as bunking with Eun Ha-min.
Ended up groping everywhere, though.
As I shut my eyes...
Rustle—then heavy weight on my abs.
"Huh...?"
Eyes open: Team Leader straddling me.
Hands planted by my head, gazing down.
Her hair cascading.
Faint moonlight from the window lit her face.
No playfulness now—eyes wet with strange heat.
"Min-jae."
"Yes..."
"Stay still."
Commanding tone, but voice trembled.
Her face descended slowly; lips met mine.
Not like the playful pecks.
"Mmph..."
Hot breath—her tongue invaded boldly.
Wet, scorching sweep inside my mouth.
I took her tongue without resistance.
No—mine tangled back aggressively.
My hands instinctively slid to her lower body.
Up firm thighs to cup her round ass firmly.
Should ease her strain.
And I like the soft handful.
"Hnnng..."
Lips sealed, she moaned softly through her nose—no stopping my hands.
She arched closer, pressing tight.
Her breasts squishing vividly against my chest.
We explored each other's mouths like that for ages.
Until no trace of alcohol lingered.