A Madman in Love

Seo Jaehee's reflexes had always been automatic when it came to Lee Suin.

In the past or the present, every ounce of his focus was directed solely at her.

That was why, when a cascade of water suddenly poured down on Suin, or when shards of debris flew toward her, his body moved on instinct.

It was a survival reflex.

Survival, yes.

Because he couldn’t live without Lee Suin.

No, scratch that.

He wouldn’t live.

He was simply happy that Suin was unharmed. Though he tried to brush it off lightly, Suin’s angry expression didn’t soften.

"You're an executive I’m supposed to protect, yet you ended up getting hurt because of me, your secretary."

There was a hint of resentment in her tone—resentment born of guilt for what had happened while she was performing her duties.

"It would have been better if I had gotten hurt instead."

"Don’t say ridiculous things. How would that be better?"

Jaehee frowned, displeased that she prioritized her sense of responsibility over her own well-being. He wiped the humor from his tone and spoke firmly.

"I can't stand to see you hurt."

It was an obsession that consumed his mind entirely.

Even if the world outside Korea fell apart, if the entire globe collapsed and Earth exploded, he was determined to protect Lee Suin with everything he had.

"So don’t get hurt. Not even a scratch."

“……”

"No, not even a pinprick."

She didn’t respond. He had thought she’d roll her eyes and retort with a snippy “Who do you think you are?” but there was none of that.

Instead, she looked as though she were sinking into her thoughts.

Her eyes wavered like a stormy sea, and her lips pressed together tightly, as if she had a lot to say but couldn’t bring herself to say it.

She glared at him like he was the source of all her frustration, yet the upset look in her eyes betrayed her true feelings.

Her red-rimmed sclera couldn’t hide the depth of her emotions.

"Suin."

Jaehee bent his neck slightly to meet her gaze directly.@@novelbin@@

He looked into her shimmering eyes and asked gently, "Are you upset? Because I got hurt?"

“……”

Suin’s eyelids lowered.

Her soft lips hesitated, opening and closing a few times, her long lashes fluttering slightly. Then, as if carried by the flow of air itself, her voice drifted out.

"I'm sorry..."

Jaehee’s lips curved into a wide smile.

He softly stroked the top of her head, his hand tender and soothing.

"In moments like this, you’re supposed to say ‘thank you,’ not ‘sorry.’"

Just like the Lee Suin from their younger days.

Her eyes narrowed in irritation, her pale cheeks puffing out just slightly.

Keeping his gaze fixed on her face, Jaehee’s eyes curved into the shape of a crescent moon as he asked, "You’re thankful, right?"

“...Yeah.”

She finally gave a reluctant answer, but the shadow lingering over her forehead didn’t fade.

This woman was a problem.

Her sense of responsibility was so immense that it was almost troubling.

People with that much responsibility often bore unhappiness, sacrificing themselves for others. What kind of burden was Lee Suin carrying? Was she even taking care of herself?

No matter.

If she wouldn’t do it, then he would.

"Are you really thankful?"

“...Yeah.”

As she nodded faintly, Jaehee withdrew his hand from the top of her head. His lips curled into a slight smirk.

"If you’re thankful, kiss me."

Suin whipped her head to the side, glaring at him from the corner of her eye. The shadow over her features disappeared instantly.

Only then did Jaehee feel at ease.

"Such a prude."

***

A prude?

Was he talking about her?

Where did he even learn to use that word?

Suin blinked as her eyes darted around in confusion, taken aback by the strange term coming out of Seo Jaehee’s mouth.

With a playful expression, he scrunched up his nose and bumped his forehead lightly against hers.

The contact was so gentle it felt like a feather touch, and Suin instinctively looked up at him with a hint of annoyance.

“Huh?”

Jaehee’s brow furrowed.

His expression shifted to one of confusion as he reached out, cupped the back of Suin’s head, and pressed his forehead more firmly against hers.

"Lee Suin…"

Jaehee's forehead felt scorching hot, as if it were radiating heat. Suin could feel her own temperature rising just being near him.

"You have a fever."

"What?"

Not you, but me?

The unexpected statement left her tilting her head in confusion, but Jaehee pressed the back of his hand to her forehead this time. His expression grew even more serious.

"I’m telling you, you’ve got a fever."

"What are you talking about? I feel fine."

Suin retorted casually, brushing off his concern.

But Jaehee grabbed her hand and brought it to her own forehead. The warmth transferring from her skin to her hand made her eyelids flutter.

"See? It’s really hot, isn’t it?"

"...Yeah, I guess so."

"When did this start? Have you been enduring it this whole time?"

"I thought I was fine…"

Looking back, she realized the chills that began after meeting Yoo Ahjin hadn’t gone away, even while she was working at the site.

She had attributed the occasional shivers and the heaviness in her limbs to stress, but…

"We’re going to the hospital."

"No, it’s not bad enough for that. It’s just a fever, and I don’t have any other symptoms."

Jaehee grabbed her wrist as if to pull her out the door, but Suin shook her head.

"It’s just a mild fever. There’s no need for a hospital visit."

"We should still go to the hospital."

"At this hour, it would just be the emergency room, and that’s a hassle."

Freeing her hand from his grip, Suin headed toward the sofa. Her tone was meant to reassure him, to stop him from worrying.

"It’s nothing serious. I’ll just take some medicine at home and rest over the weekend."

The fever seemed to worsen now that she was aware of it. Every breath she exhaled felt hot against her lips, and the only thought occupying her mind was that she needed to leave this room before he noticed how bad it was.

He needed to rest, not worry about her.

"The real problem is you. Your hand’s injured."

She grabbed her bag with a determined expression and turned back to him, her steps steady despite the heaviness in her limbs.

"Try to move as little as possible. Leave everything as it is. I’ll either come by to clean up over the weekend or send Kwon Jongin to handle it."

She gave him a light smile and took a step toward the door.

Suddenly, the world spun.

"Ah!"

As the room tilted and her vision blurred, Suin wavered and began to collapse. Jaehee caught her as if he had been expecting it.

"I knew this would happen."

"...It’s just dizziness from the fever," she mumbled, even as she leaned into his chest.

Her vision grew hazy, her body sinking as though being pulled into a swamp.

"I’m not going to the hospital… Just let me rest for a bit…"

Without hesitation, Jaehee scooped her up, cast and all.

She melted into his arms, too weak to protest, though her concern for his injured hand lingered.

"You shouldn’t be moving your hand so much… What if the stitches tear?"

Ignoring her murmured protests, he carried her effortlessly into the bedroom, laying her gently on the plush mattress.

Suin, dazed with fever, grumbled faintly.

"This doesn’t make any sense… You’re the one who’s injured…"

"Shut up and close your eyes."

Jaehee’s large hand pressed firmly over her eyes, blocking out the dim light.

With her vision darkened, her eyelids closed instinctively. Slowly, her consciousness began to drift away.

Even in her foggy state, she was aware of him. She heard him move to the bathroom, then felt the cool touch of a damp cloth being laid carefully on her forehead. He adjusted it with delicate precision to ensure it wouldn’t slip.

As she sank further into unconsciousness, one thought lingered in her mind.

He should be careful with his hand…

***

When Suin woke, it was early morning.

The fever that had rendered her immobile had broken, and the chills and muscle aches were gone.

What time is it?

She shifted her head to look for the clock, and the damp towel on her forehead slipped off.

That’s when she noticed Jaehee.

He was sitting at the edge of the bed, his casted arm bent awkwardly, using his other arm as a pillow. He was fast asleep.

Why is he sleeping like that? It looks so uncomfortable.

Memories of him waking her in the night to give her medicine and water came rushing back. She also recalled the sensation of him frequently changing the towel on her forehead. He must have cared for her all night.

The faint rustle of her movement didn’t stir him. His eyes remained shut, his breathing deep and even.

Feeling emboldened, Suin propped herself up slightly, leaning closer to his face.

The warm light from the bedside lamp illuminated his features, accentuating the perfect contours of his face. In the soft glow, he looked strikingly serene.

He looks so pretty when he’s asleep.

A faint smile touched her lips as she raised a finger, hesitating. She let it hover over his face, tracing the air without touching him.

But before she could pull back, his fingers, protruding from the cast, suddenly grasped hers.

Startled, she froze as Jaehee’s eyes fluttered open.

"You’re awake?"

His gaze, still heavy with sleep, met hers, his voice carrying a rich, languid warmth.