Scene: Late Night Conference Call – Family & Friends
Haneul leaned back against her couch, rubbing her temples as she clicked the call button. The familiar ringtone echoed, and within seconds, multiple faces popped up on the screen.
Her mother, beaming with pride.Her father, adjusting his glasses with a proud yet serious expression.Her younger brothers, Seung Hyeon and Tae Hyun, already engaged in their usual bickering.And of course, her best friend, Jiyeon, sitting cross-legged on her bed with a bowl of popcorn in her lap.
"Our hardworking daughter got a promotion! I knew you'd make us proud!" Her mother exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "You take after me, of course."
"Eomma, please," Haneul sighed. "It's just a job transfer."
Her father cleared his throat, leaning forward. "Not just any job transfer. The chairman of Hyeon Group personally selected you. That's a big deal, Haneul."
"Right?!" Jiyeon chimed in, shoving a handful of popcorn into her mouth. "Most people work years to get noticed, and you—bam!—just like that, you're directly under the new CEO. Speaking of which…" She smirked. "I heard he's ridiculously good-looking. Total perfection."
Haneul rolled her eyes. "Oh god, not you too."
"Wait." Seung Hyeon's eyes narrowed dangerously. "This CEO—is he some jerk? If he bullies you, I'm flying over and dealing with him myself."
Tae Hyun scoffed. "Relax, action hero. Instead of plotting murder, why don't we focus on what actually matters—Noona treating us?"
Haneul sighed. "You guys…"
"But really," her mother cut in, looking concerned. "Why do you seem worried? Aren't you happy about the promotion?"
Haneul hesitated, her fingers gripping her phone a little tighter.
"I was doing well in the legal team. I liked it there. But now, everything changes. I'll be directly assisting a CEO known for being a perfectionist. If I mess up—" she exhaled sharply. "I just don't want all my hard work to go to waste."
For a moment, silence filled the call.
Then, her father spoke. "Listen, Haneul. You've never failed at anything you've put your heart into. This is just another challenge. And even if your new boss is difficult, he won't stand a chance against you."
"Yeah!" Jiyeon chimed in. "And, come on, what if he turns out to be some ridiculously gorgeous, secretly soft-hearted CEO who falls hopelessly in love with you?" She wiggled her eyebrows.
Haneul scoffed, folding her arms. "Why is everyone obsessed with him as if he's a god?" She frowned in an adorable pout.
"Because he basically is," Jiyeon said dramatically. "Come on, Haneul. Tall, rich, powerful—what's not to obsess over?"
"Tch. Whatever," Haneul muttered. "I should've known this conversation would turn into some weird matchmaking session."
"Oh, we're just getting started," Jiyeon smirked.
Haneul groaned. "I regret this call already."
The screen filled with laughter, but deep down, Haneul couldn't shake the uneasy feeling settling in her stomach.
She had no idea that the CEO she would be working under was none other than Ra Hyeon—the very man she had once loved and tried to forget.