Ga-young sat at the other end of the table, arms folded, eyes narrowed at the other occupant. Neither of them was willing to break eye contact first. It was an unspoken staring contest, one that happened involuntarily.
Mr. Noh broke first, not because of weakness, but because he had better things to do. He leaned on the table.
"Ms. Choi," he began, soft-spoken but firm.
"Mr. Noh, what a pleasant surprise. I didn't expect to ever have to speak with you one-on-one," she replied with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Trust me, I wasn't anticipating it either," he said flatly. Then he slipped an envelope from his suitcase and placed it between them.
"And what is that?" Ga-young asked.
"The chairman's little gift," he replied with a knowing smirk.
Ga-young's hands fell to her sides, her interest immediately piqued. She leaned forward.
"The chairman?" she asked.
"You may open it if you're so curious," Mr. Noh said, raising an eyebrow.
She narrowed her eyes and leaned back.
"What is this about?" She scoffed. "Is this still about Min-jae?"
Mr. Noh let out a mocking laugh.
"Ms. Choi, what makes you think your life is circling around a drama?" he asked sarcastically.
Ga-young rolled her eyes.
"I liked you better when I thought you were mute."
"How intriguing," he replied, leaning back.
"There's a vacant position for the director of K&H Store."
"What? What about Director Ban?" Ga-young asked.
"That's not mine to explain," he said.
"The chairman himself suggested you'd be the best person for the post."
Her hands flew to her mouth. "Me?" she whispered, eyes wide.
"That was my reaction too," Mr. Noh replied.
"But if you accept, you can resume work on Monday."
Ga-young stared at him as if he were speaking a foreign language.
Mr. Noh checked his watch and sighed.
"Since we are done here, I'll be leaving first."
He stood, adjusted his cufflinks, and looked down at her.
"I advise you to choose wisely. Chairman Hwan doesn't offer opportunities more than once. And this is already the third time."
With that, he picked up his suitcase and walked away.
Ga-young couldn't fully grasp what had just happened. Her thoughts were scattered. She remained seated, staring blankly at the envelope she hadn't even touched.
---
A few hours later, she found herself in a golden-lit café. Still lost in thought, she stared out the window, unaware that her coffee was empty.
"Is it really that good?"
A voice startled her. She nearly dropped the cup, but Min-jae caught it just in time.
"Are you okay?" he asked softly, placing a fresh cup in front of her.
She pressed her lips together and nodded.
He leaned in and kissed her hair before sitting beside her.
"So, tell me about your day."
"It wasn't all bad," she replied quietly.
"I met Mr. Noh today."
"Mr. Noh?" Min-jae tilted his head.
"Yes. The chairman sent him to deliver a gift." She scoffed. "I never knew he was such a talker."
Min-jae frowned. "My father sent you a gift?"
She nodded and slid the unopened envelope toward him.
"What did he say?" Min-jae asked gently, though tension flickered in his eyes.
Ga-young chuckled.
"Relax. He didn't threaten me or anything. I was actually expecting that."
Min-jae exhaled, "Are you sure you're not lying to me?"
"Of course not," she smiled.
"He offered me the position of Director of K&H Store."
Min-jae froze, "My father?"
"Exactly," she said, "I was so shocked I couldn't even react."
"But do you want it?" he asked.
She hesitated.
He took her hand. "It's okay if you don't. Don't feel pressured, I know Mr. Noh must have told you stuff like the chairman only gives one-time chances."
She nodded softly.
"No matter what you choose," Min-jae continued, "I'll support you. We'll face everything together, even if you don't want it we can always find a way out, find you something you'd love to do willingly."
Ga-young smiled and squeezed his hand.
"Did I ever tell you I love you?"
His ears turned red."Hey! That's not the point!"
"But you're blushing," she laughed, Then she sighed "I actually want to do it. Mr. Noh is right, I don't want to miss this chance."
"Are you sure you're fine with it?" he asked again.
"Yes," she replied and sighed "And honestly, staying home sickens me, I want to work Min-jae, and cooking..." she paused "I just can't, that's a tragedy and not a hobby"
Min-jae smiled and tucked her hair behind her ear.
"You can always leave the cooking to me. And you did well, Director Choi Ga-young."
She squealed softly.
"Thank you, Chairman Min-jae."
"Hey!" he protested.
She laughed "I know you'll make it to the top."
"And it's all thanks to you," he replied.
"No, it's all you," she argued.
As evening fell, they continued chatting and sipping their warm coffee, wrapped in each other's presence against the cold.