Chapter 24: Didn't I Tell You to Behave? (2)
Chapter 24: Didn't I Tell You to Behave? (2)
"Don't forget to keep the receipts when using the corporate card."
"Yes."
"Be careful on your trip. Contact me immediately if anything comes up."
I gave a half-hearted nod to the department head's words.
"Understood."
"We'll be back."
"Have a safe trip."
After exchanging farewells with the team, I stepped out and pressed the elevator button.
This doesn't make any sense.
Sending just two employees on a business trip was hard to comprehend. Even if my companion had been an ordinary employee, it would've been strange—but with Do Seo-yun of all people? Unbelievable.
Did she pull some strings?
The suspicion was fleeting. There was no reason for Seo-yun to manipulate things—at least, not that I could see. I stepped into the elevator.
The basement level arrived quickly. Before setting off, there was one last thing to check.
"Do you need to use the restroom before we go?"
"Ah, I'll be right back."
"Leave your suitcase here. I'll keep an eye on it."
"Thank you."
"Take your time."
As I watched Seo-yun's retreating figure head to the restroom, I opened the navigation app.
If we leave now, how long will it take? Five hours?
A five-hour journey.
Traffic must be worse than yesterday. It's 30 minutes longer than before.
"Haah..."
I already felt exhausted. And even after arriving, it wouldn't be over—it was just the start of the work. We'd probably be running around until evening.
I should've just pretended not to notice... but the outcome would've been the same anyway.
A long-distance business trip that no one wanted. Seniority dictated that I'd be the one going regardless.
Might as well check the route.
I studied the navigation path, mentally preparing myself—when suddenly:
[SY____0_0]
[Sent a photo.]
Did she press the wrong button?
Just as I was about to tap the screen, a notification popped up. The display changed.
[Today's outfit]
My eyes widened. It was a similar composition to the photo she'd sent before—except for one key difference.
She was holding something black in her hand.
...Panties? That's definitely—
They were unmistakably panties. My gaze instinctively dropped to her skirt. If she was holding the underwear that should've been covering her, then that meant—
No panties.
Didn't she stop after the incident two weeks ago?
She'd been caught going commando and even left work early because of it. I hesitated for a moment before typing a response. If I stayed silent, she'd find it suspicious.
< Didn't I tell you to behave? >
The read receipt appeared immediately—she was watching the screen. But despite that, no reply came.
< Not going to answer? Even though you're reading this? >
What's going through her head? Did she forget I already caught her?
Just last time, she'd been flustered by my messages. Now, she was ignoring me? As I was about to send another text—
"Senior."
Seo-yun's familiar voice called out to me as she reappeared. If I shoved my phone away now, it'd look suspicious. Instead, I smoothly switched back to the navigation app.
"You're back?"
"Sorry. Did I keep you waiting long?"
Against my will, my eyes flicked to her skirt. Now that I knew she wasn't wearing anything underneath, it was impossible not to notice.
"It's fine. Let's get going."
I pressed the car key button. The headlights flashed as the company car announced its location.
At least they gave us a newer model. Probably because Seo-yun's with me.
"Hold on. Let me open the trunk."
"Sure."
We had to load both our suitcases. I got into the driver's seat, found the trunk release button, and popped it open. After stowing our luggage, we settled in—me in the driver's seat, Seo-yun in the passenger's.
Nice. Must be because it's a newer model.
The supportive seats and smooth steering wheel made it feel like I could drive all day. I buckled my seatbelt, and Seo-yun followed suit.
Then my eyes landed on her legs—and her skirt.
"Wait a second."
I unbuckled and headed to the trunk—or more accurately, to my suitcase.
I didn't take it out earlier, but I packed a blanket... Ah, here it is.
I pulled out the blanket and returned to the driver's seat, then handed it to Seo-yun.
"Cover yourself with this."
"Ah... Thank you, Senior."
"I figured it'd keep bothering me otherwise."
Her thighs, her legs—they were distracting enough on their own. But now that I knew she wasn't wearing panties, I wouldn't be able to focus if I kept looking at her skirt.
Seo-yun grinned, whether she understood my thoughts or not.
"Your future girlfriend will be lucky. You've got great manners."
"Unfortunately, I'm not dating anyone right now."
"Ah... Then your future girlfriend."
Her quick correction made me chuckle despite myself.
"Let's get going."
"Yes."
I shifted my foot from the brake to the accelerator, turned the wheel, and smoothly exited the parking lot.
...
I silently yawned, mouth stretching wide. Mountains, trees, grass, tunnels, cars—the usual sights on the highway. Occasionally, buildings flashed by, but they were rare.
I'm tired. It's been a while since I've done a long drive.
Staring at the same repetitive scenery for hours was bound to strain my eyes. I had newfound respect for professional drivers.
"Are you tired?"
Seo-yun, sitting beside me, had noticed immediately.
"A little."
"If you're tired, why don't we stop at a rest area? Grab some coffee too."
"Will we have enough time?"
"I think so. We just need to arrive by 2 PM."
This would be the last rest stop before our destination. If we skipped it, the next chance for caffeine would be much farther away.
"Then let's stop for a bit."
"Sure."
We pulled into the rest area parking lot. The moment we stopped, a pressing need made itself known.
"I'll go to the restroom real quick."
"Sure, go ahead."
Sitting in the same position for so long had left me stiff. I stretched my arms, and a groan escaped automatically.
"Ugh..."
I'm dead.
After taking care of business, I stepped out.
Should I grab coffee?
That was the plan. And since I had the corporate card, there was no need to hesitate. The moment I entered the café, my eyes widened—Seo-yun was already there.
People around her kept sneaking glances. Not surprising, given how pretty she was.
"Seo-yun."
"Ah, Senior."
"Did you order coffee?"
"Yes. Two cups—one for me, one for you."
"What about the payment...?"
The corporate card was with me. Did she have another one?
"I just swiped my personal card."
"You could've used the corporate card."
"Getting receipts is annoying, right?"
"Order #253!"
"Here."
The freshly made coffee was likely ours. My eyes drifted to the menu board on the wall. As expected of a rest stop café, the prices were outrageous.
Ten thousand won? Damn, she's cool for just paying out of pocket to avoid the hassle.
Five thousand won per cup—ten thousand for two. Is this what being rich is like?
"Senior."
"Thanks."
"Enjoy."
I took a sip. The coffee slid down my throat, and the caffeine injection made me feel alive again.
"I think I can survive now."
"Really?"
Without another word, we left the café and headed back to the car.
"If you're still tired, should I drive?"
"No, the caffeine's kicking in. I'm good now."
"You look like you'll crash soon."
Will she be okay?
She wasn't just any employee—she was the chairman's daughter. I wasn't sure if I should hand over the wheel or keep driving.
"I'm a good driver."
"Really?"
"Yes. You'd be surprised if you saw me."
"Then, just until we reach—"
She sounded so confident that refusing felt awkward. I climbed into the passenger seat, buckled up, and gripped the overhead handle.
"Why are you holding that?"
"Just in case. Insurance."
You only get one life.
"Let's go."
"Okay."
Contrary to my worries, Seo-yun pulled out smoothly. Her steering, her turn signals, her lane changes—all natural.
She's actually good.
I quietly lowered the hand I'd been gripping the handle with. You could tell just from how she started the car. I could trust her with my life.
"See? Told you."
"Yeah, you've driven a lot?"
"Commuting in Seoul hones your skills, you could say."
I understood. Driving to and from work in Seoul was hell—especially around our company.
"I think it's around here."
"If we turn right here, we should be good."
As if confirming her words, the navigation announced, "Guidance will now end."
"They said someone would guide us—ah, is that them?"
"Should I park here?"
"Yes. Thanks to you, we got here comfortably."
"You did most of the driving. I just helped at the end."
"Finishing strong is what matters. Let's get out."
Once we arrived, the work was straightforward. We followed the client's employee, listened to explanations, took notes, moved to the next location—rinse and repeat.
By the time we finished, the sun had long since set.
"That should be it for today. We still have two more days."
"Thank you for your hard work."
"You too."
"As for your accommodations..."
I'd assumed the client had arranged something, so I hadn't made reservations. Or at least, that's what I'd thought—until Seo-yun spoke up.
"I've already booked a place for us."
"Ah... You booked separately? Then please meet us here by 9 AM."
"Sure."
"Understood."
"See you tomorrow."
"See you."
"Till tomorrow."
After exchanging farewells, I watched the client's employee walk away before turning to Seo-yun. My face must've been blank—I hadn't heard anything about lodging.
"You booked us a place? I thought the client was handling it."
"Yes. Get in the car first. We'll need to drive there."
Seo-yun took the driver's seat, leaving me no choice but to ride shotgun.
Did she prepare in advance?
I turned on the navigation, and within seconds, the voice guidance started.
"Where did you book?"
"You'll see when we get there. Let's go."
Couldn't she at least tell me where we're staying?
For now, I stayed quiet.