Since he had gone out of his way to arrange it for me, it would be good in more ways than one. There wasn’t really any need to think too deeply about it. My mind had already tipped in that direction; only a small trace of hesitation remained. I wasn’t expecting any major change, but it might at least serve as a light distraction.

“If you do go, when will it be?”

“Well... Kwon Yido said he’s fine with even today. Today’s not really good, so maybe tomorrow?”

I shut my heavy eyes tightly, then opened them again. Lately, my insomnia had flared back up, so the moment I used my eyes for too long, fatigue would crash in. At least I hadn’t had nightmares, but even if I swallowed every last sleeping pill, I couldn’t stay asleep until morning.

It would be nice to make a scent that helps me sleep...

In truth, the cure for my insomnia was simple. Just like when I first moved into this house, I could spend every evening taking in Kwon Yido’s pheromones. But I couldn’t just cling to someone who claimed to be busy, so maybe I could make do with something that smelled similar.

“Then I’ll keep that in mind.”

Lee Taeseong replied and turned his attention back to his book. I frowned faintly, counting how many sleeping pills I had left. I’d probably have to contact Mr. Kim soon.

***

Kwon Yido really didn’t leave work until I had fallen asleep. I’d taken the rest of my sleeping pills at three in the morning, and then opened my eyes at six—less than three hours’ sleep. When I sat at the table with an utterly tired face, he raised one eyebrow.

“...You didn’t sleep?”

“Yeah, well...”

I mumbled vaguely and looked away, awkward. I’d caught a glimpse of myself while washing my face; my complexion was really bad today. Bad enough that I ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) thought he might notice and start worrying.

“I tossed and turned a bit.”

“That doesn’t sound like just a bit.”

His voice was low and subdued. His eyes narrowed slightly as he asked in an offhand tone,

“Is your insomnia still that bad?”

“Just...”

I started to gloss it over but stopped. He’d pinpointed it as “insomnia,” and from the way he said it, it sounded like he’d known for quite a while.

Well... insomnia is the kind of chronic ailment modern people often have, after all.

“It’s not that bad. Just happens sometimes.”

I kept my tone casual and unbothered on purpose. Saying it was serious wouldn’t do me any good. Yido stayed quiet for a moment, then narrowed his eyes.

“...Let’s come home early today.”

“Sorry?”

“Don’t eat dinner. I’ll be back quickly.”

Hadn’t he said he was busy until the end of the week? Of course, if he came back early, that was good for me. I’d been thinking of calling Mr. Kim today; maybe I wouldn’t have to.

“So, have you thought about the workshop?”

“Oh, yes. If it’s all right with you, I’m thinking of going today.”

Breakfast was a whole grilled salmon steak with salad. The outside was golden-brown, and when I slid my knife in, the inside was still juicy and moist. I speared one of the halved cherry tomatoes and popped it in my mouth, then gave him a little squinting smile.

“Of course, with Mr. Lee Taeseong, too.”

“Good choice.”

He looked genuinely satisfied, as though he’d been waiting for that answer. The corners of his mouth curled up slowly as he tilted his chin slightly. His expressions didn’t change much, but because he was usually so impassive, his smiles looked all the bigger in contrast.

“It’s not far from here, so you can go whenever it’s convenient. There’s no set time.”

“Don’t they have a schedule...? Can you just drop in like that?”

“Schedule?”

He looked at me like I was saying something absurd. A small, dismissive snort made him seem thoroughly shameless.

“I can just clear all of that out.”

“...”

If it was a place I’d visit twice, it seemed better to go today and set an appointment time. I couldn’t have them waiting endlessly for me; confirming the schedule would be best for both sides.

“Have a good time. Call me if anything comes up.”

At this point, I’d practically memorized that line about calling him. As if anything was going to happen to me. Still, that undertone of concern never changed—along with the way his dark eyes met mine.

“...Thanks to you, I’ll have an interesting experience.”

I looked away and mashed my salad with my fork. If I’d been with my father, he would have thundered at me instantly for such behavior. But Yido only let out a faint, ticklish laugh and went back to eating.

The constant gaze on my face felt far too unfamiliar. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

***

After Yido left for work, I got ready to head to the workshop. I picked out something comfortable from the dressing room, changed, and took the car keys he’d given me. I didn’t even glance at the row of watches in the drawer, not wanting to be tempted.

Outside the inner door, Lee Taeseong was waiting. He’d been on the phone with someone, but the moment he saw me, he hurriedly hung up. There was no need to rush, but he briskly pressed the elevator button.

“You work hard.”

“...I know you’re just saying that out of courtesy, but you don’t have to.”

As we stepped into the elevator, his expression was subtly odd. Others didn’t seem to think so, but when I said it, it sounded sincere. I’d meant to tell him it was sincere, but the doors opened just then.

“What car will you be taking?”

“The one parked over there... Ah, I’ll be driving.”

I said it lightly and walked ahead, toward the pure white sedan I’d kept quietly parked since going to the Han River with Yido. When I took out the car key, his eyes went wide.

“...You bought a car?”

“No, I got it as a gift.”

Half envy, half disbelief. I hadn’t said from whom, but he seemed to know. Really, who else would give me such an expensive car besides Kwon Yido?

“I can’t just hand over a gifted car to someone else to drive.”

I naturally moved toward the driver’s side, but he hesitated in front of the car. Being so big, his hesitation was very noticeable. I gave him a questioning look, and he asked hesitantly,

“...Then I’m sitting in the passenger seat?”

“Yes, where else would you sit?”

He shut his mouth, looking caught out. If I took the driver’s seat, there were only two other places for him.

“You could sit in the back.”

“...”

He silently opened the passenger door, looking awkward. I supposed he’d gotten used to me, seeing as he didn’t argue. His quick adaptability was a good thing. At first, I’d thought he was completely rigid, but now I thought he could survive even if dropped on a deserted island.

“Seat belt first.”

“...”

Maybe he liked cars; he looked around without making it obvious. As he buckled his seat belt, he glanced at the back seat, then at the console and rearview mirror while pretending to face forward.

“You can look around freely.”

I let out a faint laugh, but if anything, he stiffened more. Sitting straight ahead so rigidly made him look terribly awkward. With his fists resting neatly on his knees, he looked almost demure.

“You’ve been in more expensive cars than this, so why act like this?”

“...That wasn’t in the passenger seat.”

“Isn’t it more nerve-racking to drive?”

Smiling faintly, I started the car. As I’d felt before, the ride was outstanding. Maybe Taeseong thought the same; his eyes lit up as soon as we left the garage.

“Good thing the weather’s nice.”

I wondered what Yido would say if he saw this. He might not like that I’d given up the passenger seat, but if I’d wanted to drive myself, he wouldn’t have said much. And unlike the greenhouse, this car was already something we’d shared.

“Did you choose the car yourself, Director?”

“No, that’s the sense of the person who gave it to me.”

“I thought so...”

His tone was oddly ambiguous—whether he meant Yido had good taste, or that I clearly hadn’t chosen it myself. Probably the latter, since he quickly added,

“I figured you wouldn’t be interested in cars.”

“Right. I don’t really know much.”

Yido had said I just hadn’t found a car that suited me. I was inclined to agree, but I left it at that. In truth, this white sedan he’d chosen was the only car I’d ever liked.

“I’ll wait in front of the shop.”

The perfume workshop he’d introduced wasn’t far from home. The exterior was neat, with a basement parking lot, so bringing the car wasn’t inconvenient. After parking in a good spot, the first thing I saw was the wooden sign.

“Mr. Lee, you know what?”

“No.”

He didn’t even ask what, just answered flatly. I chuckled and spoke slowly.

“This shop’s name is read ‘Mon chou chou,’ and ‘chou’ means cabbage.”

“...Cabbage?”

“Yes, cabbage. Literally, ‘my little cabbage.’”

When I’d first learned French, my professor had told me that—it was really a term of endearment, like “darling,” but I didn’t add that. Instead, I pushed open the glass door. He stood there staring at the sign, looking baffled.

Ding.

“Welcome!”

With the bell on the door came a bright greeting. I stepped inside, slowly taking in the surroundings. The walls were lined with brown bottles of fragrance materials, and the tables held scent strips and various empty bottles. The mostly wooden interior gave off a warm, cozy feel.

Most importantly, the moment I crossed the threshold, the air was filled with fragrance.

“...”

I took a slow, deep breath. Floral... or perhaps more of a fresh fruit scent. Not so strong as to cause a headache, just enough to lift my mood. I’d been in perfume shops before, but the air here felt especially refreshing.

“Uh... Mr. Jung Sejin?”

“...Ah, hello.”

Half-dazed from the scent, I came to my senses and looked over. The woman watching me cautiously broke into a bright smile.

“You came? I was just waiting for you.”

She had a gentle-looking face. A soft white blouse, loose beige slacks. She was much smaller than me, and as she approached, she spoke warmly.

“I’ve only seen you on TV—it’s nice to meet you in person. I’m Lee Heena.”

Pretty name. I took her offered hand. Her hands were much smaller than mine.

“I’m Jung Sejin. I look forward to working with you.”

“Yes, me too.”

A beta? I couldn’t sense any pheromones from her; most likely she was. Even so, the fragrance clinging to her was abundant—exactly how you’d picture someone who makes scents. Just like the image I’d had of a “perfumer” when I was younger.

“By the way... the person standing outside...”

She trailed off as she glanced through the glass. Following her gaze, I saw a straight-backed figure with his back to the door: Lee Taeseong in his black suit.

“My bodyguard. He says he’ll wait out front.”

“Wow... Standing like that, people are bound to stare.”

She murmured in surprise, frowning slightly. With her round eyes and nose, her whole impression seemed soft. She gave me a quick look, then gestured toward the door.

“Should I ask him to come in and wait?”

When I said it was up to her, she quickly stepped outside. I couldn’t hear what was said, but I saw her pat his arm lightly and smile as she pointed inside.

Ding.

“He’ll wait inside.”

Whatever she’d said, Taeseong came in silently. Even then, he stood near the door like a statue. I was wondering if I should bring him a book tomorrow when a clear voice called to me.

“Mr. Sejin, please come over here.”

She indicated a wooden chair. In front of the entrance was a bar-style table where she and I could face each other.

“Um... how should I address you? Teacher?”

Looking up at her from my seat, I asked. Since I was here to learn, “teacher” seemed fitting, but she didn’t seem to agree. With a sheepish scrunch of her nose, she said,

“Most people who come to learn call me Heena-ssaem, but...”

The way her voice trailed off seemed to say it would feel strange coming from me. Before I could ask why, she clarified,

“Just call me whatever’s comfortable. I’ll call you Mr. Sejin.”

“Then I’ll call you Ms. Heena.”

“Thank you.”

Her playful smile was bright and untroubled. With someone so easygoing, our time together wouldn’t be uncomfortable. Come to think of it, the people Yido had called “good” (even if it was just Lee Taeseong) had all been easy to get along with.

“What’s your bodyguard’s name?”

Following her lead, I turned to look at him. Thinking it wasn’t addressed to him, he stayed silent. He’d been the same the first time he came to the greenhouse—truly a stoic man.

“Team Leader Lee, aren’t you going to answer?”

At that, he blinked and frowned faintly, moving his lips. He probably didn’t like the “team leader” title, but he didn’t complain. In an even, expressionless voice, he answered,

“Lee Taeseong.”

The stiffness of the reply was enough to make me embarrassed. But Heena didn’t seem to mind at all. She simply smiled and offered,

“Mr. Taeseong, if you’d like, come join us. Standing there must be tiring.”

“No, thank you. I’m more comfortable standing.”

His tone was so firm it bordered on cold. I could have made him sit with just a word, but I didn’t want to order him around in front of someone new. And knowing him, he really might be more comfortable standing.

“Then join us if you feel like it later. There’s a chair there, so sit if your legs get tired.”

Thankfully, she nodded without any sign of offense. With an easy smile, she reached up to retie her loosely gathered hair, then pulled a slim notebook from the shelf.

“I heard a little... You said you want to make a perfume?”

The notebook was filled with neat handwriting listing various terms. She turned it toward me and explained in a gentle tone.

“Our goal in this class is for you to create a scent you like.”

Top note, middle note, base note—those words had little explanations written next to them. They were basic terms, and I wasn’t unfamiliar. Even without interest in perfume, you could pick up this much from a shop assistant’s explanation.

Leaning on the table, Heena asked lightly,

“Do you have a scent in mind you’d like to create?”