1 DAY AFTER SUNGMIN VISIT.
Ahn Cho Hyun typed away at her laptop in her office, the clatter of keyboards filling the air. When the door opened, her brother, Ahn Sungmin, stepped in, wearing a navy blue suit with his hair neatly styled. Despite his friendly smile, Ahn Cho Hyun stayed focused on her laptop, ignoring Sungmin's eager presence.
Seeing her concentration, Sungmin sighed, realizing she wasn't going to stop working to talk to him. He found an empty chair and sat down, waiting for her attention.
The room was silent except for the tapping of keys. Unable to stand the quiet anymore, Sungmin smiled confidently. "Dear sister," he called.
Ahn Cho Hyun gave him a quick glance and went back to her laptop. Sungmin tried again, this time with a softer tone. "Chohyun," he said.
But Cho Hyun stayed focused on her work, making Sungmin's smile fade. Before another awkward silence could settle, Ahn Cho Hyun's voice sliced through the air like a blade.
"I received resignation letters from three of my employees yesterday. Care to enlighten me, Sungmin?" She put her glasses down, pausing her work to fix her gaze on her older brother, suspicion evident in her narrowed eyes.
Meanwhile, Ahn Sungmin maintained an air of nonchalance, sitting comfortably in his chair. As Cho Hyun started her interrogation, he flashed a charming smile. "Before you can accuse me, no, I didn't do it."
Ahn Cho Hyun eyebrows raised, "Stop acting, We both know you're lying."
"Little sister, you give me too much credit. Making people quit isn't in my skill set."
Cho Hyun's doubt only grew. "Really? Because it seems like a big coincidence that they all decided to leave right after your visit."
Sungmin chuckled, unfazed. "Coincidence, fate, who knows? People come and go. Plus, dear little sister, I didn't visit here yesterday."
Ahn Cho Hyun smirked with sarcasm. "Coincidence? fate? how poetic of you. Must be the universe working against us. And oh, what perfect timing for you to be gone yesterday, you stayed blissfully unaware of the trouble. Woah," She dramatically acted impressed as she leaned back in her seat. "You're truly impressive, Ahn Sungmin."
As the banter continued, Ahn Cho Hyun gaze piercing through Sungmin's composed facade. "Come on, brother. Admit it, you've been pulling the strings behind my back."
Sungmin leaned back further, stretching his legs casually. "You have quite the imagination, little sis. If I were behind something, it would be a much grander show."
Ahn Cho Hyun scoffed. "Save the drama. I want the truth. Why did you fire them? Is it for the same reason again?"
Sungmin's laughter echoed through the room. "Ah, Cho Hyun, my ever-doubtful cute little sister. I already promised you I wouldn't. But alas, reality is disappointingly boring. No evil plots here," he raised his hands as if surrendering. "Just your charming brother finding his way in the business world. Maybe I should write a drama—'The Doubtful Ahn Cho Hyun.'"
Unfazed, Ahn Cho Hyun continued questioning. "Did you use your charm?"
Sungmin grinned, enjoying the banter with her. "Ah, my irresistible charm strikes again. But, little sis, I assure you, I had nothing to do with their sudden career decisions. Also, my eyes aren't poor enough for me to mix fresh and ripe apples with those of some people spreading the stench of incompetence."
Ahn Cho Hyun eyes suddenly landed on a book with unique golden pattern on her desk, finding it unusual to have one on top when she didn't bought any books this days, maybe it was her secretary who put this. Ahn Cho Hyun didn't mind it. Her head turns to Ahn Sungmin when she heard his words.
Ahn Cho Hyun frowned, caught off guard. "What did you say?"
"It means I don't associate with incompetent people," he replied casually.
Ahn Cho Hyun leaned back, crossing her arms. "You deny it so convincingly. You should be in the entertainment industry, being an actor, cuz right now, I can see your potential."
Sungmin laughed at her sarcasm. "Don't want to drive women crazy. Trust me, I'm doing this for their sanity."
Ahn Cho Hyun just raised her eyebrows, dumbfounded at her brother's words.
"But in all seriousness, trust me, I didn't do anything. I'm truly innocent." He assured her.
She remained silent, but a bit of her expression said it all. She was not amused by the situation and was clearly unhappy. More accurately, she was annoyed. While she was serious, her brother seemed entertained, smiling and laughing as if mocking her. It really got on her nerves. "Should I be impressed by your acting skills or worried about your hidden agenda?"
Sungmin's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Impressed, definitely impressed. As for hidden agendas, you're giving me too much credit. I'm just a loving brother who cares for his younger sister."
Ahn Cho Hyun sighed, calming her irritation. "Listen, do you think this is a drama or something? Sungmin. My employees are suddenly asking for resignations without me knowing the proper reason. Do you know what's even more amusing? Even I, the CEO, have no right to fire up an employee since someone is firing them on their own occurs, and I won't stand idly by while you play the innocent bystander."
Sungmin's demeanor remained relaxed, his poker face intact. "My cute, cold, and little vixen sister, you're overthinking this. I'm really not part of it. Plus, why so worked up, eh? People leave for various reasons. It's part of life. Maybe they don't like working here, or it's too hard for them? Who knows? Beats me."
Ahn Cho Hyun let out a humorless laugh, her eyes narrowed. "Oh, really? 'People leave for various reasons'? You think they're all quitting because they're tired of the lack of recognition? The salary here is higher than most. It's a great place to work, with benefits and perks. People are practically lining up to get in. So tell me, what's the real reason they're leaving?"
Sungmin shrugged nonchalantly, "Maybe they just got bored with the routine or maybe they found a better opportunity. Who knows? Maybe they're all going to join a circus. It's not my problem."
Cho Hyun rolled her eyes. "You're a real piece of bastard, you know that? Trying to deflect and act like you don't care but I know you, you're hiding something and I'm going to find out what it is."
Sungmin chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Good luck with that, sis, you're going to need it."
Sungmin's smile remained intact as Ahn Cho Hyun leaned back, admitting a temporary defeat. The room held an air of tension, leaving Ahn Cho Hyun with a lingering suspicion that Sungmin, the master manipulator, had more to hide than met the eye.
Ahn Sungmin, with a raised eyebrow, felt the weight of his sister's gaze. The air hung heavy with the remains of the interrogation, the room's atmosphere tense.
After a moment of silence, Sungmin changed the topic. "Well, enough about that. Let's talk about something else. How about the party our parents are throwing this afternoon? Are you going?"
Ahn Cho Hyun paused for a moment before she answered. "No, I'm not interested in parties. You know that."
Sungmin leaned forward, his eyes searching Ahn Cho Hyun's for any sign of weakness. "Come on, little sis. It's important to them. Can't you just put on a smile for a few hours?"
Ahn Cho Hyun rolled her eyes, 'It's not like I can meet my soulmate at that party to make me attend,' she leaned back in her chair, adopting an indifferent posture. "I have better things to do than pretend to enjoy socializing. Parties are not my cup of tea."
Sungmin's persistence kicked in, his determination written all over his face. "You say that every time but this is different okay? It's about family. We should show up, make them happy."
Ahn Cho Hyun waved her hand dismissively. "I'll pass. They won't even notice I'm not there."
Sungmin sighed, frustrated. "You're being difficult for no reason, little sis. It won't be like that anymore, It's their request to make you come. Just go, enjoy yourself for a change.
Ahn Cho Hyun rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "Oh, really? Why are you so worked up about making me go, Sungmin? Is it your real intention to drag me there? Or is someone threatening you? Maybe something important came up that you need me to be at the party or else?"
Sungmin forced a casual laugh, leaning back in his chair. "You're overthinking this, Sis. It's nothing like that. I'm just trying to get you out to the real and beautiful world, It's been ages since you did something fun."
"Fun?" Ahn Cho Hyun scoffed. "You think mingling with a bunch of plastic people, including our dear parents, is fun? I haven't seen them in ten years for a reason, you know."
"Come on, it won't be that bad," Sungmin said smoothly. "They've been asking about you for weeks. They just want to see you. Besides, it's just one night."
"Yeah, sure. One night to make a grand appearance and then vanish again," Ahn Cho Hyun replied sarcastically. "Why now, Sungmin? What's really going on? You don't usually push this hard unless there's something more." She smirked.
Sungmin maintained his confident smile. "You're making it sound like some evil plot's here. It's just a party, Sis. I'm not being threatened or anything. It's just... they miss you. And honestly, I think you need a break from all the work."
Ahn Cho Hyun narrowed her eyes. "And why is that, huh? Are you sure it's not something more? You never care about these parties, and suddenly you want me to show up?"
He sighed again, shaking his head. "You're always so suspicious. Maybe I'm just tired of seeing you cooped up. Maybe I want to see you enjoy yourself for once. Is that so hard to believe?"
"It is when it comes to our family," she shot back. "You know how fake they are. And the guests? Even worse."
Sungmin leaned forward, his expression softening just a bit. "Look, I get it. They haven't been the best, but people change. And if not for them, do it for yourself. You need a break. Let loose a little."
"Let loose?" she repeated, eyebrow raised. "I might end up in some stupid accident on the way there, just like in my dream. Plus it was true, It's not worth the risk—"
"Nahh, dreams are just dreams, sis," Sungmin said dismissively. "Nothing's going to happen. You'll be safe, I promise."
She stopped. That... hurt her. She died in that moment, and it was real. It was just dismissed like nothing. Ahn Cho Hyun sighed. "You're really not going to drop this, are you?"
"Nope," he replied with a grin. "So why not just go and prove me wrong? Have a terrible time and then you can tell me 'I told you so.'"
Ahn Cho Hyun shook her head. "You're impossible."
"And you're stubborn," Sungmin countered.
Ahn Cho Hyun shrugged, her eyes distant as she recalled the dream she had. 'I don't want to die. If what I saw in my dream is going to happen, then I'll change it. I don't care if I have to stay inside the office for the rest of the night, as long as I'm safe.'
"I've got more important things on my mind, not time for these shallow parties."
Sungmin raised an eyebrow. "Like what? Business can wait, it's not like all your empire will crumble if you don't make one business deal or if you don't show up in your work."
Ahn Cho Hyun looked at his eyes. "Nevermind, nothing you need to concern yourself with, Sungmin."
Sungmin wasn't one to back down easily. "Come on, little sis, share with your dear brother. I might be able to help."
"I doubt that. I don't need your interference."
Sungmin leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with determination. "You're being stubborn. We're family. We should be there for each other. Whatever it is, we can figure it out together."
Ahn Cho Hyun smirked sarcastically. "How touching. Save it for someone who cares."
Sungmin sighed. "Why are you so difficult? Just for once, be honest about what's going on in that head of yours."
Ahn Cho Hyun's eyes flashed, a hint of annoyance breaking through her composed facade. "I have a deal to handle. It's important. I'd rather focus on that than attend a party."
Sungmin felt confused and frustrated. He didn't understand why Ahn Cho Hyun was acting so strange. It was like she was trying to hide something, but he couldn't figure out what. He felt like he was trying to catch a shadow, and it was making him feel uneasy. He knew his younger sister had always been a bit different, but he just wanted to understand her better. He wanted to help her, but he didn't know how.
As Sungmin took a calming breath, the rhythmic tap of his fingers on his legs turned into a gentle pattern, a way of regaining control. It was a familiar habit, a physical comfort keeping him grounded during emotional stress. The silence that followed carried unspoken tension, a pause filled with the complicated relationship between them.
In that moment, Ahn Sungmin looked ahead, a calm appearance hiding the storm beneath.
The words that followed, "Well, Sorry for disturbing you," were said with a calm attitude, hiding the remaining confusion in his eyes.
The graceful rise from his seat and the quiet movement around the room reflected the softness of his emotional retreat. Sungmin's exit, though physically calm, echoed with the traces of an emotionally chaotic situation, leaving behind an atmosphere filled with unspoken feelings.