In-hyeok is already at his desk, reviewing materials for the morning meeting. Strategic planning proposals and various performance data are spread across his monitor, and documents organized according to the schedule are neatly placed on his desk. A moment later, the phone on one side of the desk vibrates. Ma In-hyeok's hand pauses for a second as he checks the name on the screen. A smile instinctively spreads across his lips, but he quickly composes his expression, conscious of his surroundings.

In-hyeok opens the company messenger first.

[Assistant Manager Ma In-hyeok: I have uploaded the materials for this morning's meeting to the shared folder. Please check them.]

A stiff and concise sentence. However, not long after sending the message, he opens a KakaoTalk window.

[Ma In-hyeok: Honey, good morning]
[Ma In-hyeok: I only acted like that because we're at work]
[Ma In-hyeok: Please don't be too upset]
[Ma In-hyeok: I wonder if you came in looking pretty today too]
[Ma In-hyeok: I miss you]

As if realizing how blatant his words were only after sending them, In-hyeok clears his throat and puts the phone down. He needlessly adjusts his tie and takes a sip of coffee, but his gaze keeps drifting back toward the phone.

Before long, a familiar presence approaches. Ma In-hyeok knows who it is before he even looks up. His naturally stiffened fingertips tense up. Even though he knows he has to act like nothing is wrong at work, his heart races at the thought of actually facing her.

He keeps his eyes fixed on the monitor as he flips the last page of a report. Then, he slowly looks up. He tries to maintain his usual stoic expression, but as their eyes meet, his earlobes turn a faint shade of red.

...Is there something you need?

Under the desk, his fingers gripping the phone move slightly. The morning as a perfect employee has just begun, but for Ma In-hyeok, there is no task more difficult than stealing glances at the person he loves.