Chapter 192: Soju, Secrets, And Sudden Silence

Kane’s chopsticks froze halfway to the grill. The sizzling meat demanded attention, but his mind raced through the minefield of their actual history.

Cyrus’s expression remained carefully neutral, though Kane caught the slight tightening around his eyes.

They’d never discussed what story to tell Isabelle about Kane’s original presence at Veyr Corp.

The karmic bond, the trafficking investigation, Kane’s undercover assignment—none of it was information they could casually share over Korean BBQ.

"We..." Kane started, then stopped, glancing at Cyrus.

How could he explain that their relationship began with Kane investigating Cyrus for spirit trafficking?

Cyrus stepped in smoothly. "Kane was consulting on a security matter for the company."

"Security?" Isabelle’s perfectly arched eyebrow suggested she wasn’t buying the vague explanation.

Rina, oblivious to the undercurrents, reached for more kimchi. "That’s so boring. I was hoping for something romantic."

Kane felt heat creep up his neck that had nothing to do with the grill. "It’s... complicated."

"Everything worthwhile is," Isabelle observed, her tone suggesting she recognized evasion when she heard it.

The meat began to char at the edges. Kane quickly flipped it, grateful for the distraction.

Cyrus’s hand found his under the table, a brief squeeze of reassurance.

"The truth is," Cyrus continued, "I saved Kane’s life during a rogue spirit incident. He’s been... persistently grateful ever since."

"Persistently—" Kane sputtered, nearly dropping his chopsticks. "That’s not what happened."

Cyrus’s lips quirked in what might have been amusement. "Kane works for the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. He was investigating spirit trafficking when we first met."

Isabelle set down her water glass. "An undercover operation at Veyr Corp."

"Former undercover operation," Cyrus clarified smoothly. "Kane’s officially on extended assignment as my personal assistant now."

Kane wanted to crawl under the table. Cyrus made it sound like Kane was some lovesick puppy who’d followed him home.

"So you saved his life, and he just... stayed?" Isabelle’s tone suggested she found this explanation as believable as unicorns tap-dancing.

"Something like that," Cyrus said, finally meeting Kane’s incredulous stare.

Kane kicked him under the table. Hard.

Cyrus didn’t even flinch.

Rina bounced in her seat. "This is like a drama! The mysterious CEO and the determined agent!"

"Life isn’t a K-drama," Kane muttered, aggressively flipping bulgogi.

Though considering recent events, maybe it wasn’t that far off.

"My turn for questions." Cyrus reached for another piece of bulgogi. "Isabelle, I’m curious. Since when have you been interested in women?"

The question landed like a dropped plate. Rina choked on her bite of rice, and Kane’s eyes widened.

Isabelle’s fork paused midway to her mouth. Her pale blue eyes fixed on Cyrus.

"That’s quite forward, even for you."

"I’m genuinely asking," Cyrus said, unmoved by her icy stare. "You’ve worked for me for decades. I’ve never seen you show interest in anyone."

"Since always. I simply don’t broadcast my personal life at board meetings." She tilted her head, silver hair catching the restaurant’s warm lighting. "More importantly, since when have you been interested in men?"

Kane nearly inhaled his lettuce wrap.

Cyrus didn’t miss a beat. "Since I met the right one."

The simplicity of his answer hit Kane like a physical blow. No hesitation, no deflection.

Just truth.

Rina bounced in her seat again. "This is the best lunch ever."

Isabelle’s expression softened almost imperceptibly. "Well. That’s... unexpectedly honest."

"I don’t see the point in pretending otherwise," Cyrus replied, refilling Kane’s water glass without being asked.

The gesture spoke louder than words.

Kane wrapped another piece of bulgogi in lettuce, trying to process the surreal normalcy of the moment.

Here they were—a dragon, a fox spirit, an ice spirit, and a half-spirit—discussing relationship timelines over barbecue like regular people.

"Pass the gochujang," Rina said, reaching across the table. "So Isabelle, what’s your favorite movie genre?"

"Documentary films about Arctic expeditions," Isabelle replied without hesitation.

Kane snorted. "Of course it is."

"What about you, Cyrus?" Rina continued her interrogation. "Hobbies besides running a massive corporation?"

Cyrus looked uncomfortable. "I... collect vintage records."

"And romance novels," Kane added helpfully, earning a sharp look.

The conversation meandered through favorite foods, worst jobs, and embarrassing childhood stories.

Kane found himself relaxing despite the bizarre double-date atmosphere. Watching Isabelle blush when Rina complimented her eyes felt oddly normal.

Rina, after a few shots of soju deep, leaned forward with a grin.

"So when are you two getting married?"

Kane choked on his kimchi. Cyrus went perfectly still.

"Rina—" Kane started.

"What? You’re practically attached at the hip. You live together. You have that whole intense staring thing going on." She gestured between them.

Isabelle watched their exchange with keen interest. "Marriage does seem like the logical next step."

Cyrus finally spoke. "We haven’t discussed it."

Kane shifted uncomfortably. "It’s... rather early for that conversation, don’t you think?"

The words came out more dismissive than he intended. Marriage had never crossed his mind—not with anyone, certainly not in the whirlwind of the past few weeks.

"I mean, marriage is just a social construct anyway."

Cyrus’s expression didn’t change, but Kane caught the brief flicker of something across his features.

Hurt, maybe. Or disappointment.

"Of course," Cyrus said quietly. The dragon’s fingers tightened around his chopsticks before he set them down.

Kane’s chest tightened. He’d said something wrong, but the damage was already spreading.

Rina seemed oblivious to the sudden tension. "Well, when you do decide, I call dibs on planning the bachelor party."

Isabelle’s pale eyes flicked between Kane and Cyrus, clearly sensing the shift in atmosphere. "Perhaps we should finish eating."

The remainder of the meal passed in stilted conversation. Cyrus answered when spoken to but volunteered nothing, his usual commanding presence muted.

When the server brought the check, Cyrus was already standing. "I’ll handle this."

He walked to the counter before anyone could stop him, leaving Kane staring at his remaining bulgogi.

Rina stretched, patting her stomach.

"Thanks for the meal, you two. I should head back to the BSA, see you later."

"And I have meetings this afternoon," Isabelle added, gathering her purse.

Both women left together, their quiet conversation fading as they exited the restaurant.

Kane remained alone at the table, surrounded by empty plates and the growing certainty that he’d just stepped on a landmine.