Chapter 32: A New Referral

Words : 563 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

It was another slow week. The clinic sat in a lazy hush, afternoon sun filtering through the sheer curtains and painting pale gold across the minimalist interior. Outside, cars passed and birds chirped, but inside it felt like the world had dropped to half speed. Harin sat behind the small reception desk, tapping idly at her phone, while Joon-ho lounged in the massage room doorway with his arms crossed over his broad chest. "Hey," she piped up, breaking the silence. "Are you really that popular with clients? Or did Madam Seo just hype you up too much? Because honestly..."She tilted her head, eyes playful. "I’ve only seen her come by so far." Joon-ho’s lips curved into a slow, teasing grin."Jealous already? What if I have a long list of women lined up, desperate for my hands on them?" Harin rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop the way her face heated."More like desperate for your cock." He laughed, low and husky, then pushed off the doorframe and sauntered toward her. His hands settled on either side of her chair, caging her in. "Maybe I should give you a ’special massage’ later. Just so you’re not left wondering how good I really am." Harin didn’t back down. She tilted her chin up, mischief sparkling in her gaze."Better be careful, oppa. I might end up milking you so dry you’ll have to close shop for a week." That made his eyes darken, heat flickering there in that split second before he leaned down to press a soft kiss to her lips. They were still snickering over their playful threats later at lunch, sharing bowls of noodles at the small dining nook. Harin tapped her chopsticks against the rim of her bowl. "Let’s go to the mall later," she said. "I want to look at some new blouses. Something a little more professional for the clinic, maybe. Instead of stealing your T-shirts every day." Joon-ho gave a lazy shrug. "Fine by me. We can get bubble tea after." But just as he reached for his phone to check the time, it buzzed with a new message. His brow rose when he saw the sender. "Who is it?" Harin asked, leaning over. "Madam Seo." He opened it, reading quickly."She says one of her colleagues is looking for help. A women’s volleyball coach. Apparently one of her players — a young up-and-coming star — got hurt after an intense match last week. Overworked her muscles badly, now still in pain even after sitting on the sidelines." Harin tilted her head, brows rising."A famous one? Like, really famous?" Joon-ho showed her the attached profile photo Madam Seo had sent.The girl was beautiful in a fresh, athletic way — bright eyes, sun-kissed skin, toned legs. The kind of viral pretty that made fans swarm her matches as much for her face as her spikes. "She’s practically a brand ambassador for half the sports drinks in Korea," Harin muttered. Then she paused, glancing sideways at Joon-ho."You gonna give her the special treatment too?" He raised a brow, amused."Only if she needs it." Harin leaned in closer, smirking."Well... just make sure you still have enough left for me. I did say I’d milk you dry next time, remember?" Joon-ho’s grin turned slow and dark."Oh trust me. I’ll be counting on it."

Chapter 32: A New Referral

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