The offer didn't come directly.
It never does.
Min-Ho received it through his agency—wrapped in professionalism, dressed in opportunity.
A separate project.Lead visibility.International backing.
And just enough distance from Ji-Ah's current venture to look… neutral.
"Strategic expansion," the email called it."Mutually beneficial alignment."
There was even a clause—subtle, almost polite.
Availability to prioritize external schedules if conflicts arise.
Min-Ho read it once.Then again.
He didn't smile.Didn't frown.
He simply closed the document.
The pressure followed.
Entertainment columns floated speculation:
"Is Min-Ho positioning for a solo rise?""Sources suggest a possible shift away from Ji-Ah's flagship project."
AstraVale's name was never mentioned.
It didn't need to be.
The game was obvious to anyone who knew how influence moved—separate the alliance without ever appearing to touch it.
His manager hesitated when Min-Ho returned the call.
"You don't even want to negotiate?" she asked carefully."This is… very good for your career."
Min-Ho's voice was even.
"I'm not available."
"That's it?""No counter?"
"No."
No explanation.No statement.No righteous speech about loyalty or principles.
Just a closed door.
Ji-Ah found out three days later.
Not from him.
From a passing remark during a scheduling meeting.
"The external offer was declined," her assistant said."Clean. No follow-up."
Ji-Ah paused mid-note.
"Declined?" she repeated.
"Yes. Personally."
Something shifted—quietly—behind her eyes.
She didn't ask why.
She didn't summon Min-Ho.Didn't comment to the board.Didn't let the media see even a flicker.
Instead, she reopened the project timeline.
Moved one meeting.Extended one review window.Reassigned a travel slot.
When the updated schedule went live, Min-Ho noticed it immediately.
His name—now placed beside hers.
Not above.Not behind.
Aligned.
They crossed paths later that evening in the corridor.
No words about offers.No acknowledgment of choices made in silence.
Ji-Ah handed him the revised file.
He glanced at it once.
Understood everything.
She didn't thank him.
She didn't need to.
Some choices don't ask for recognition—they change the shape of what comes next.
End Hook:Loyalty wasn't announced.It was positioned.
And from this moment on,walking away would cost more than staying.