{KOREAN-ENGLISH}
The flowers in Joon So Min's hands were starting to tremble,not from the cold, but from her nerves.
She stood before the towering glass building, wrapped in a long black coat. The sleek hem of her dress peeked beneath it, and her heels tapped lightly against the marble floor as she stepped closer. The Seoul wind whipped past, sharp and biting, but it wasn't the cold that unsettled her.
She had said yes to Seo Jun's invitation to his conference without thinking. But now, staring at the mass of suited workers and journalists flooding into the venue, she realized she wasn't part of this world.
What was she even doing here?
As she approached the entrance, a stern-looking staff member stepped in front of her.
"Do you have an invitation, ma'am?" he asked.
Her heart dropped.
She didn't. She hadn't thought to ask. And she couldn't exactly say I'm the CEO's girlfriend, could she?
Before she could stammer an answer, a familiar voice spoke up from behind her.
"She's with me."
She turned. Lee Yun Jun smiled softly, adjusting the collar of his charcoal coat as he waved her over.
"Hello," she said, bowing politely.
"How have you been, So Min?" he asked kindly.
The staffer immediately stepped aside, now bowing as well. Whoever this girl was to Lee Yun Jun,it clearly meant something.
Inside, the venue was grand. Velvet seats, warm lights, and a long platform where cameras flashed endlessly. She sat beside Yun Jun, hands folded tightly in her lap, eyes drawn to the stage.
And there he was.
Lee Seo Jun stood in the spotlight, alongside other board members and directors, dressed sharply in a navy suit. He looked composed, calm but his eyes immediately fell on her before turning away.
The room quieted as the press conference began.
A reporter raised a hand. "Mr. Lee, rumors say this new project is inspired by your ex. Is that true?"
Gasps followed.
So Min's breath caught. She glanced at him, his face unreadable under the lights.
"At first, yes," Seo Jun said into the mic. "But then I began noticing how many relationships around me were... performative. Forced. Transactional. I wanted to build something that honored authenticity."
Was that what the fake dating arrangement had started as?
Another reporter leaned in. "We heard you're returning to the States soon?"
"I might," Seo Jun said calmly. "But only if my girlfriend comes with me."
The room exploded into whispers.
"Is it An Nari?"
"No. We ended things a while ago. My girlfriend's identity is still a secret. I don't know if she's ready for the world to know."
Every head turned, scanning the room.
Yun Jun glanced sideways at So Min. But she just sat frozen, eyes on Seo Jun. Her heart was pounding too loudly for her to think.
"I guess she's still a little mad at me," Seo Jun added with a small smile.
"Where is she? Is she here?"
Reporters began rising, cameras scanning.
That was her cue.
So Min stood up, quietly, head down. She didn't say a word. She just walked out.
"Excuse me," Seo Jun said, eyes tracking her.
Ignoring calls from reporters, he left the podium and ran after her. His bodyguards blocked the press before they could follow.
⸻
"So Min!" he called out.
She stood just outside the building, the cold breeze brushing her hair back. Her grip tightened around the bouquet.
When she turned, he was already running toward her, breathless.
"You're leaving... without giving me my flowers?" he teased gently.
Her lips curved, a reluctant smile slipping through.
"Congratulations," she said softly, extending the bouquet to him.
He took them, but his gaze remained on her. "Are you upset?"
"No," she replied with a shake of her head. "Why would I be?"
He stepped closer. "So... what do you say to my offer?"
She looked at him, then nodded. "Yes."
Before either of them could say more—
"Mr. Lee! Over here!" Reporters had spotted them from afar.
Seo Jun looked at her. "Do you want to get out of here?"
"Definitely."
And with that, they sprinted off, laughing as they dodged curious eyes.
⸻
"That was close," Seo Jun said breathlessly as they ducked into a quiet alley.
So Min giggled, brushing strands of hair from her face. "Let's go somewhere."
"Where to?"
"You'll see," she said with a mischievous glint, walking ahead.
He grinned and followed. "Wait, we can use my car—"
"Nope. It's not far," she called back, breaking into a playful jog.
He ran after her.
⸻
In the dim glow of a karaoke room, their laughter echoed.
"I just wanna be with you—" they both belted through the mic, off-key and loud.
Falling back into the cushioned seats, they laughed until their stomachs hurt.
"I told you this would be fun," So Min giggled, tossing her hair.
Seo Jun turned, his smile fading into something softer. He leaned in. This time, she didn't pull back.
He kissed her.
Not rushed. Not desperate. Just... warm. Sincere.
When he pulled away, his voice was quiet. "Wanna leave here?"
She nodded.
⸻
"I've never taken a bus before," Seo Jun muttered as they stood at the station.
"There's a first time for everything."
"But—"
"No buts. That's our bus."
Before he could protest, she swiped her card twice. "One for me, one for the mister."
He stared at the vehicle like it was an alien machine.
"Come on," she said.
He ducked his tall frame to enter, awkwardly adjusting in the cramped space. She motioned for him to sit beside her.
"This is... strange."
"It's nice," she said, glancing at the ordinary passengers around them. "Sometimes, it feels good to just be... like everyone else."
Seo Jun smiled. "I like it when you smile."
"Stop being cheesy," she laughed, nudging him.
His phone buzzed. Mr. No.
"Sir, where are you?" came the concerned voice.
"On my way home."
"But your car—"
"I'm on the bus."
Silence.
"...Sir?"
"Take the car home." He ended the call, proud of himself.
So Min chuckled. "I would kill for Mr. No's reaction."
"He should be proud," Seo Jun said, puffing his chest in mock pride.
⸻
"I've also never walked home before," he added as they strolled toward his apartment.
She gave him a look. "Seriously?"
He nodded.
Just then, thunder rolled above.
"Rain," she muttered.
A moment later, it came...sharp, heavy, pouring.
Without hesitation, she grabbed his hand and pulled him. They ran through the downpour, soaked and laughing.
Somewhere between the sprinting and the shivering, their hands stayed locked.
Neither of them wanted to let go.