The morning passed quickly with back-to-back meetings, and before Minji knew it, it was time for the one she had been preparing for all week — the collaboration meeting with Minho's company. It wasn't a new development, but the timing had become more personal somehow. The thought of working directly with him made her feel… something, though she quickly pushed it aside. There was no room for distractions.
Her office buzzed with activity as Jiwoo handed her the final report on the potential partnership.
"Everything's ready, Miss Minji. Just the final touches left for the presentation," Jiwoo said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Minji nodded, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Good. Let's make sure it's perfect. I want this to be seamless."
When she entered the conference room, Minho was already there, sitting across from a few key members of his team. He was dressed in a sharp suit, his usual commanding presence filling the room.
The moment Minji walked in, he looked up, his eyes briefly meeting hers. For a second, there was a flicker of something — something more than just business. Minji didn't catch it, though. She was already focused on the presentation.
"Good morning, everyone," she greeted, taking her seat at the head of the table. She set her laptop down and started opening the documents she'd prepared.
Minho's gaze lingered on her for just a moment longer than necessary, but then he straightened, his mind snapping back to business. It was hard, though. There was a pull he couldn't quite explain. He cleared his throat, joining the conversation.
The meeting proceeded smoothly. Minji took the lead, discussing the designs, the vision for the upcoming season, and how the collaboration would benefit both companies. She spoke with the kind of focus and authority that left little room for anything else. She wasn't thinking about Minho at all — just the project, just the work.
But Minho noticed everything. How her eyes sparkled when she talked about her designs. How the faintest hint of a smile played on her lips when she was passionate. He was so caught up in watching her that he found himself zoning out from the actual conversation, only snapping back when Hyunwoo nudged him gently.
"Mr. Minho, you're needed for this part," Hyunwoo whispered, snapping Minho from his thoughts.
Minho shook his head slightly and cleared his throat, giving his full attention to the conversation again, but his eyes never left Minji. He didn't understand it. Why couldn't he focus like he used to?
After the meeting ended, Minji stood up, thanking everyone for their time. As she gathered her things, she couldn't help but notice Minho still watching her from across the room. He was always so composed, so in control. But in that moment, there was something different in his gaze.
"Thank you, Miss Minji," Minho said, his voice a little softer than usual as they walked out of the room together. "I'm looking forward to seeing how the partnership develops."
Minji nodded, her professional smile in place. "Of course. I'll make sure everything goes smoothly."
As she walked away, she could feel Minho's eyes on her, but she didn't think much of it. She had a million things to do, and no time to focus on anything else.