- Minami Kaga -
I watched as Hayato hovered over Miya, making sure she was alright. She had been absent from work yesterday due to a fever, and now that she was back, it was only natural for us to check on her.
When we were in the employee lounge, I hugged her. I told myself it was because I was worried-and I truly was-but there was another feeling lurking beneath it.
**Jealousy.**
No matter how much I tried to suppress it, I couldn't ignore the way Hayato cared for Miya. The way his eyes softened when he looked at her. The way he prepared her meals, handed her a container of vitamins and supplements, and made sure she had everything she needed.
When she ran into trouble with a customer, Hayato immediately stepped in, shielding her from the angry complaints and taking the brunt of it himself.
And throughout the day, he kept checking on her. Subtle glances, quiet words of concern.
It was always like this.
**Hayato, always watching over Miya.**
And me, always watching over Hayato.
No matter how much it hurt, I couldn't bring myself to hate Miya.
Because none of this was her fault.
She never asked for Hayato's love. She never even noticed it.
But I did.
And every time I saw it, it made the ache in my chest just a little bit worse.
- Lee Hajun -
In the corner of the lounge, I leaned back in my seat, arms crossed, watching the scene unfold before me.
That woman (Minami Kaga)
She wasn't just beautiful-she had this quiet presence about her, something that drew me in without effort. I had noticed her yesterday, sitting alone, absentmindedly stirring her iced coffee with a straw. There was something mesmerizing about the way she moved, completely lost in thought.
And now, watching her from here, I could see it clearly-the sadness in her eyes, the way her gaze followed that guy(Hayato).
Unrequited love.
I had seen that look before. Too many times.
(Minami) was watching over him just like how he (Hayato) was watching over her(Miya).
How ironic.
I exhaled, drumming my fingers against the table.
I had only just returned to Japan to scold my idiot of a business partner-Kizaki Keisuke-but somehow, my attention had found its way to this woman instead.
Interesting.
I wasn't the type to ignore something-or someone-that caught my eye.
And her (Minami Kaga)?
She had definitely caught my interest.
The vibration of my phone pulled me out of my thoughts. I glanced at the screen and sighed before answering.
"Took you long enough to call, idiot. Where the hell are you?" I grumbled, tapping my fingers impatiently against the table.
Kei's voice came through, as indifferent as ever. "On my way."
I scoffed. "Tch. You said that thirty minutes ago. What, did you get lost on the way to a restaurant?"
"Something important came up," he replied, completely unfazed.
I rolled my eyes. "Right. More like you were brooding somewhere again."
"Shut up."
I smirked, shaking my head. "Hurry up, or I'll order without you."
"Go ahead. Not like I'm paying for you."
Typical.
I chuckled. "Then get your lazy ass here. You should be treating me anyway, since I flew all the way back just to deal with your mess."
Kei scoffed but didn't argue. "Fine. I'm on my way."
The call ended, and I returned my attention to the three people across the room.
The woman I had been observing-still lost in her own world. The guy she was watching-still fixated on that other woman.
How interesting.
A short while later, Kei walked in.
His presence was the same as always-calm, distant, like he was detached from everything around him. But the moment his eyes landed on the woman(Miya)
She noticed him, too.
For a brief second, their gazes met. A small nod of acknowledgment. A simple greeting.
Then, awkward silence.
Hah.
I almost laughed out loud.
Kei looked away first, scratching his neck, looking uncomfortable-which was rare for him. And the woman? She averted her gaze quickly, biting her lip, her fingers tightening around the hem of her uniform.
So there's something between them, huh?
But what really caught my attention was the guy standing next to her.
The one who had been taking care of her.
His sharp gaze was locked onto Kei, unreadable but intense.
Ah.
I recognized that look.
Possessiveness.
Jealousy.
I grinned but kept my amusement to myself.
This was getting more entertaining by the second.
-Minami Kaga-
I walked over to the new customers' table, notepad in hand, ready to take their orders.
As soon as I reached them, I immediately recognized the guy who had been sitting here for the past thirty minutes-the same one from yesterday.
The one who had been throwing glances my way.
And now, he was doing it again.
His gaze was fixed on my face, sharp yet unreadable, as if he was studying me.
I felt my grip tighten on the notepad.
What's with this guy?
Suppressing my unease, I quickly jotted down their orders and turned away, making my way back to the counter with hurried steps.
As I handed the order to the kitchen, I couldn't help but think-
What is that guy's deal?
-the next day
It is my day off today, and I decided to go for a jog near the beach. The morning air was crisp, the waves crashing rhythmically against the shore, creating a peaceful yet energizing atmosphere.
As I paced along the sand, something caught my eye-a figure skillfully riding the waves.
I slowed my steps, my gaze drawn to him.
It was that guy again.
The same man from the restaurant. The one who had been throwing glances my way.
But right now, he wasn't staring at me. He was completely focused on the water, expertly maneuvering his surfboard with effortless precision. His movements were fluid, his balance unwavering, cutting through the waves like he was born for it.
I hadn't noticed before, but his physique was... impressive. Broad shoulders, strong arms, toned abs-all working in sync as he rode the waves with ease.
I quickly shook my head, breaking myself out of whatever strange spell I had fallen under.
What am I even thinking?
I picked up my pace again, forcing my focus back on my run.
I had no reason to be watching him.
And yet, for some reason, my eyes kept drifting back.