Long-Term Gambits and Lovers' Nights
“Yes, this is Park Maru.”
“Who's with you?”
“No one. I'm on my way to the office.”
“Yeah? Then why are you using formal speech again?”
“It's just not sticking yet. Where are you right now?”
“At home, obviously. I'm alone, so don't worry. But why'd you say you're working in Busan?”
“I was afraid someone might notice if I stayed in Seoul and we kept seeing each other. Plus, if I'm going to run for office anyway, I need to start preparing now.”
“Starting your campaign prep already?”
“To run myself, I have to get the old man elected first. So I'm getting my face out there in Busan while prepping his election. Once he's in, I'll go for the party leadership race, then the presidential primary after that—and naturally inherit his district. I have to lay the groundwork step by step, starting now.”
“Makes sense. So when are you coming up to Seoul?”
“Why? Miss me?”
“I always miss you, but Dad wants to see you.”
“Your father?”
“Yeah. I mentioned your reinstatement issue to him, and he said you should come up to Seoul and have a meal together.”
“Then when should I go? If the old man's calling, of course I'll head up.”
“As soon as possible. Tomorrow would be great.”
“Got it. Nothing major on my plate, so I'll catch an early train tomorrow morning.”
“Keep it secret from that person, so be careful.”
“Sure. I'll just say something came up and I need a day off.”
“Okay. See you tomorrow. Love you~”
It was a call from Eun-mi on his way to the office. Come to think of it, he hadn't even properly thanked her since the awkward reinstatement. District office work was routine anyway—nothing he couldn't handle on the train to Seoul with his laptop. After arriving at the office, he had his morning tea time, checked the old man's SNS accounts, scanned online news articles, and with no urgent tasks left, he pulled out the materials he'd organized at the library.
He sorted them one by one, filing what was needed and scanning the rest into his computer. Even though he'd done it himself, handling it all now revealed the sheer volume. It dawned on him that those few days of unemployment might prove more invaluable to his political survival than anything else, a quiet satisfaction creeping in.
“Aren't you going for lunch?”
“You all go ahead today. I've got a ton to sort.”
“Still, you need to eat.”
“Sorry, but if there's a bakery on your way, grabbing me a bun would be great.”
“Sure. We'll head out then.”
Even after the on-duty staff left for lunch, he lost himself in the materials, oblivious to time. When they returned, Kim Yeosa had brought him bread and milk. He ate with one hand while fiddling with the mouse with the other, deep in work.
“Look at him—lost in it again.”
“What do you mean?”
“Don't go near him when he's like that. You might get struck by lightning for no reason.”
“What are you talking about?”
“When he's immersed, even the old man can't reach him. Hang back unless it's urgent, or treat him like he's not there.”
“That bad?”
“Curious? Try interrupting and brace for the fallout—Kim Yeosa's welcome to test it.”
The office manager's words reached his ears, but responding felt like too much hassle. Truth be told, when he got this absorbed, any interruption made his voice rise and temper flare without thinking—something that had led to misunderstandings with past staff. With the new district crew mostly unfamiliar except the manager, if someone innocently approached now and caught his ire, it'd be awkward for them and potentially boomerang on him later. The manager's warning was spot-on and timely.
“Heading out first.”
He looked up from the monitor to see the staff and manager rising for the day. Dusk had already fallen outside.
“Wow, time flew. I'm clocking out too.”
“Can't stick around longer?”
“Got plans. Oh, and I won't be in tomorrow—need to beef up these materials.”
“No big deal. Come and go as you please.”
“Anyone heading to Choeup-dong? Ride with me.”
“Kim Yeosa can hitch a ride?”
“Is your place in Choeup-dong, ma'am?”
“Not exactly—bit past it, Yeonji-dong, across from Citizen's Park.”
“Perfect. Hop in—I'll drop you.”
“Bus is fine.”
“Park Secretary, are you married?”
“No, not yet. Marriage is for those who can afford it.”
“A grade-5 congressional secretary at your age? That's capable manhood.”
“Aigoo, you don't know—our jobs are like mayflies.”
“Why?”
“One word from a congressman makes our career; one against ends it.”
“Seriously?”
“Yep. We look polished, but some secretaries slave like body servants. Not enough driving the boss? They chauffeur the wife, even shuttle the kids to school.”
“Don't they have drivers?”
“Office-hired drivers stick with the boss.”
“Crazy. And these are rich folks.”
“Exactly. But congressmen aren't comfy either. Around the big shots with real pull, they grovel; their wives pitch in at those homes like maids if needed. Same for ministers' wives. Military's worse, probably.”
“Ministers' wives playing housemaid?”
“Yeah—for the power players, to boost their husbands. Pillow talk advocacy only works if you're in tight.”
“I thought congressmen and ministers lived untouched by drudgery.”
“World's the same everywhere. Company drones, bureaucrats, lawmakers—all scrambling for the next rung up.”
“True enough. Ah! Drop me here.”
He flicked on the hazards and pulled over. After letting her out, he drove straight to the library and called Ara.
“Not off yet?”
“Nope, in the office waiting for Ajji's call with the girls.”
“Three minutes—meet me at the entrance?”
“On it.”
She bounded out like a fluttering bird. Always adorable, pretty as ever. She hopped in, planting a quick kiss on his cheek.
“What if someone sees?”
“Pfft—who's gonna complain about kissing my man's cheek?”
“Pain all gone?”
“Yep, totally.”
“Good.”
“Where to? We need dinner, Ara.”
“Not super hungry. Somewhere with nice vibes?”
“Alright, how about someplace pricey? Won't go often after.”
“Where?”
“El Olive.”
“There? Heard it's pretentiously expensive with tiny portions.”
“Not for the food—the atmosphere.”
“Still, money's money.”
“Special for our little miss's boyfriend milestone.”
“Oh yeah, Mom asked out of nowhere yesterday. 'Got a boyfriend?' I said no, got a lover. Lol.”
“When?”
“After work, she cornered me in my room. Why?”
“Sigh—Mom's onto us.”
“Huh?”
“The other night.”
“No way?”
“Moms sense it.”
“What now?”
“Play dumb. Just be careful—no pregnancy.”
“Birth control pills?”
“Nah, not great for health. Let's hit an OB-GYN for an IUD together.”
“IUD? Embarrassing.”
“I'll find one with a woman doctor.”
“Can't do it till then?”
“Too risky.”
“Whine~ I really wanna.”
“We did.”
“That day hurt, so just insertion. I want real sex with Ajji.”
“Sex slipping from my little girl's mouth so casually?”
“Pfft—nothing shameful about sex. Everyone does it; it's instinct.”
“You're right. Our country's just super conservative.”
“This place has great vibes, though.”
“Told you it'd be worth it.”
“Yeah. Thanks to my Ajji.”
“Eat up happy and tasty.”
“Got it. Thanks, Ajji.”
Dinner at El Olive wrapped in high spirits. Centum City's nightscape gleamed through the windows, the soft lighting soothing their hearts. Ara, far from her pre-date nerves, was beaming. Afterward, they headed toward Minrak-dong via the old Dongbang CY road—the hotel from his recent stay with Eun-mi. As they pulled into the lot, Ara's eyes widened at him.
“What? Backing out? You were singing about wanting sex earlier.”
“Not that—sudden hotel? You said no pregnancy.”
“Condoms in the room—no worries.”
“Playboy Ajji? Carrying condoms?”
“Who carries 'em? Rooms stock everything.”