Ga-young sat at her desk, gracefully flipping through documents as she sipped her coffee.
This was the life.
All those years spent as a secretary, and now she sat behind a desk she had never imagined would be hers.
Inwardly, she squealed. It had already been a week, yet the excitement still hadn't faded.
She was still basking in the moment when the office door burst open.
"Director Choi! The chairman, and some other officials, are on their way to the mall right now!" Mr. Kim rushed in, panic written all over his face.
Ga-young snapped back to reality.
"What? The chairman himself? Why?"
"I have no idea, ma'am," he replied anxiously.
She stood immediately, steadying herself.
"It's fine. Just calm down, okay? Gather the high-ranking officials. We'll welcome him properly." She gave his shoulder a reassuring pat. "It's fine."
"Yes, Director!"
---
A few minutes later, Ga-young stood at the mall entrance alongside the senior officials, posture straight, expression composed.
Not long after, a sleek black car pulled up in front of them.
The door opened.
Chairman Hwan stepped out, composed, sharp, and effortlessly commanding.
Ga-young approached him and bowed respectfully. "Welcome, sir."
He looked at the gathered group, then back at her. The faintest hint of amusement flickered in his eyes.
"I wasn't expecting a full reception," he said coolly. "That's why I came unannounced."
Ga-young tilted her head slightly, caught off guard.
"Walk with me," he added, calm, but not quite a request.
She nodded and fell into step beside him.
They walked through the mall together, discussing operations, store performance, and improvements. Ga-young answered carefully, her voice steady despite the weight of his presence beside her.
Before long, they found themselves back at the entrance.
Ga-young stepped forward and opened the car door for him.
Just as he was about to get in, he paused.
"Ms. Choi."
She straightened instinctively. "Yes, sir?"
"You've done well," he said. "It seems my decision was not misplaced." His gaze lingered for a brief moment. "I hope you don't prove me wrong in the future."
Ga-young bowed slightly.
"Never, sir. You have my word."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"Then I'll trust you."
He stepped into the car.
Ga-young closed the door gently and bowed once more as the car drove off.
"The chairman really likes you" Mr. Kim whispered from behind.
"It's inevitable" Ga-young said with a smirk before walking inside, Mr. Kim falling into steps beside her.
---
Hours later, Ga-young sat at her desk, glasses slipping slightly down her nose as she focused on a pile of neglected documents left behind by the former director.
A knock came.
"Director, someone is here to see you," Mr. Kim announced, much calmer this time.
Without looking up, she replied, "Send them in."
"Yes, Director."
The door opened again.
"You know," a familiar voice said, "with that level of focus, you'd make a great president."
Ga-young's head snapped up instantly.
"Babe!"
She pushed back her chair and rushed toward him.
Min-jae chuckled softly as he caught her in his arms, a box of macarons and coffee still in his hands.
"What's wrong?"
She looked up at him, eyes soft.
"How did you know I was starving?"
"Who wouldn't?" he teased. "You just survived a visit from Chairman Hwan. That man drains energy like a vampire."
Ga-young pulled back slightly.
"It wasn't that bad, actually… he even complimented me."
Min-jae chuckled.
Her brows furrowed.
"Why are you laughing? Do you think that's impossible?"
He shook his head, reaching up to remove her glasses.
"What's impossible," he said gently, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear, "is anyone not complimenting you."
She froze for a second.
Then quickly glanced at the door, flustered.
"Hey, what are you doing? What if someone walks in?"
"I haven't seen you all day," he murmured, pulling her a little closer. "am I not allowed to miss you."
Her heart skipped but she forced herself to step back.
"The chairman will slit both our throats very soon ," she muttered, taking her glasses back.
Min-jae pouted. "Why?"
"I still have a lot of work to do. I'm so exhausted," she sighed, walking back to her desk.
"Want help?" he offered.
"No. You're supposed to be back in your office, it's already past lunch."
"Well…" he said with a grin, "guess who makes the rules?"
Ga-young narrowed her eyes.
"No!." she said firmly.
"Fine, fine," he sighed dramatically.
She softened slightly.
"Do you have plans tonight?"
He paused, then smiled.
"Yes. I'll be spending it with my girlfriend."
Ga-young giggled. "You're so unserious."
"I'll see you at dinner then?"
"Of course. Now go—they're probably looking for you."
He lingered. "One last hug?"
She gave him a look… then sighed and stepped forward.
He wrapped his arms around her tightly, placing a soft kiss on her cheek.
"I'll miss you," he whispered before finally pulling away and leaving.
Ga-young returned to her desk, her cheeks and ears flushed red.
She hadn't even settled back into her seat when the door opened again.
Mr. Kim walked in, this time carrying an entire stack of untouched documents.
Ga-young stared at it.
Her soul nearly left her body.
"Why was the former director so lazy?" she groaned.
"I'm sorry, Director, I can take them back," Mr. Kim said nervously.
"No," she sighed, rubbing her temples. "Just… take a break."
"Thank you, Director!"
He bowed quickly and rushed out.
The moment the door shut, her expression darkened.
"Ban Seung-ho…" she muttered.
"If I ever catch you, I swear you'll lose a thumb that day."
She exhaled and went back to work.