The Country Life Diary of a Gangster’s Secretary

The Confession

"Okay, handle that matter as we discussed, and I’ll check on the rest tomorrow," Lee Hyuk said, glancing at the time on his laptop as he hurried to end the business call. He closed the laptop and rubbed his tired eyes. It was almost lights-out time at the hospital, and like clockwork, Hyesung would usually be fast asleep by then, whether due to his diligent nature or because his body hadn’t fully recovered yet.@@novelbin@@

Lee Hyuk slipped into his slippers and shuffled toward the room next door. The dark hallway had an eerie feel, but he was used to it by now. Carefully, he opened the door to the adjacent hospital room, stepping inside quietly. But tonight, something was different.

The room wasn’t completely dark as usual. A soft glow from a bedside lamp illuminated the space, and the bed, which should have been occupied, was empty. Lee Hyuk’s eyes widened in surprise as he quickly scanned the room.

"I’m here," came a voice from the side.

Hyesung was sitting on the sofa, looking at him. Lee Hyuk, initially startled by the unexpected situation, quickly regained his composure.

"…You’re not asleep?" he asked.

Hyesung didn’t respond, simply lowering his head in silence.

"Are you feeling unwell?" Lee Hyuk asked, interpreting the silence differently. Perhaps he thought it strange that Hyesung was awake at this hour. He hurried over to him, concern etched on his face.

"Look at me, Hyesung. Are you hurt? Where does it hurt?"

Lee Hyuk cupped Hyesung’s face, turning it this way and that, searching for any signs of pain. The more he did, the more Hyesung’s brows furrowed.