Hanna's smile faltered, just for a second. She reached for her wine, took a sip, and set the glass down with care.
"Well," she said, steadying her voice, "a woman with secrets. How charming." She turned to Jungho, her tone softening. "Not like me. You always know what you're getting with me, right, Jungho? Reliable. Familiar. No masks."
Jungho's gaze slid past Hanna… settling on Seri instead. He didn't answer the question. How could he? Not when the truth was sitting right there across the room… in silence, in heels, and in his mind far too often.
"Unless, of course…" Hanna leaned closer, her voice teasing, "you've developed a taste for mystery lately?"
"Not everything that's hidden is a mystery," Seri replied without looking at her. "Some things are just… none of your business."
Hanna's smile twitched.
"Okay," Bora muttered, "someone pour me another glass before I start punching celebrities."
Taehyun caught the shift in Hanna's tone… the way her words dripped with meaning, aimed too precisely. He smiled politely, tilting his head.
"So, Miss Han," he said with practiced ease, "how long have you known Director Kang?" His voice was light, but deliberate…just enough to slice through the tension without drawing blood.
"Oh, years," Hanna said dramatically. "Long enough to finish his coffee orders."
"She exaggerates," Jungho said flatly.
"But you didn't deny it."
"Should we call you the First Lady of Kang Corporation?" Taehyun teased.
The table quieted. Seri's grip tightened on her glass.
"Well," Hanna said, eyes on Jungho, "that depends… on how fate decides to play her cards." She turned toward Seri, sharp as a blade. "If I wanted, the headlines would write themselves. CEO Kang and Top Anchor Han Hanna—Korea's Power Couple Confirmed. But what's the fun in giving people what they expect?"
"…Someone needs to take her mic away," Bora muttered, chewing steak.
Jungho shifted slightly, tension pulling at his jaw. His gaze brushed past Hanna and landed on Seri…quiet, steady, watching without a hint of judgment. Something in her calm presence made it harder to keep pretending.
Taehyun observed, eyes flicking between them like watching a story unfold.
"Don't worry," Seri said softly, "I'm just a typical employee. I don't have time for dramas I'm not paid to fix."
Jungho flinched slightly. That word again.
"If my presence makes things uncomfortable," she continued, glancing at both Hanna and Jungho, "just treat me like a side character. The kind who shows up, delivers what's needed… then disappears." She took another bite, cool and composed.
Taehyun stared at her, visibly impressed. Jungho? Staring harder. His appetite gone. Because now… he was the one who wasn't hungry anymore.
After an hour of quiet conversation, scattered laughter, and glasses refilled more than once, the rooftop began to settle. Drinks sat half-finished. Words turned into mumbles. Looks lingered longer than they should.
Hanna clutched her coat and walked beside Jungho with calculated grace, her steps poised, her voice low.
Suddenly, Daejin appeared at the entrance, slightly out of breath in casual wear. He gave a sheepish smile. "Sorry, everyone. I couldn't join earlier,had to take care of something."
He glanced at Jungho and Hanna, tone light but purposeful. "I'll drive the Director and Ms. Han back."
Jungho gave a curt nod. Hanna offered Seri one last glance over her shoulder. Short, calculated…before following them.
Downstairs, the sidewalk buzzed as the rest of the team waited for taxis. Bora, slightly tipsy, clung to Taehyun like a newlywed bride wobbling in borrowed heels.
"Director Lee, be honest… are you a prince?" she giggled, lifting one heel dramatically. "Because if I take off this shoe…you're legally required to find me tomorrow and marry me. That's fairy tale law!"
Someone caught the heel midair. "Or at least send her home before midnight before she turns into HR's problem."
Taehyun chuckled, adjusting her slipping blazer. "Should I set a timer now, or wait for the second shoe?" He turned to another female employee. "Be a dear and make sure she gets home safe?" The woman saluted playfully, steering Bora away.
Only a few remained.
Seri stood near the curb, scrolling her phone. Her cheeks flushed, her steps light…but her gaze steady. Always steady.
Taehyun stepped beside her with a warm smile. "Where do you live, Seri-ssi? If it's anywhere near Gangnam or Seocho, I can drop you off. I'm heading that way."
As they stepped onto the sidewalk, Seri kept her eyes on her phone and answered coolly, "Yangjae-dong. Near the flower market."
"Perfect. That's literally on the way."
A voice cut in sharply behind them. Junho stood a short distance away, his expression firm. "You had wine, didn't you? Just take a cab."
Taehyun turned calmly. "I didn't drive. I have my driver."
All eyes shifted to Seri—waiting for her to refuse.
But she didn't.
Seri tucked her phone into her coat pocket and said smoothly, "It's fine. I'll accept the ride."
Taehyun's smile widened. "Shall we?"
Seri adjusted her coat. "Lead the way."
Jungho watched as she walked past. Steps graceful, expression unreadable. His jaw tightened. Hanna, sensing it, wrapped her arm around his gently.
"Jungho… I think the wine's hitting me too hard. My head feels light…" Her cheek brushed against his shoulder.
He didn't push her away, but he didn't lean in either. His hand hovered awkwardly between her and space. Daejin noticed. His expression hardened, but his tone stayed professional. "Let's go, Mr. Kang. Your car's ready."
Jungho gave a faint nod, eyes never leaving Seri's back.
Seri walked past them like a ghost…unbothered, untouchable. But Jungho's hand, the one that hadn't touched Hanna, curled slightly at his side. Guilt. Frustration. Something unnamed. Hanna held his arm tighter.
A sleek Genesis G90 glided through the city streets. Inside, jazz played softly, polished and distant. Taehyun leaned back, relaxed, his eyes drifting every so often toward Seri beside him.
She stared out the window. The city lights flickered across her face, shadows painting silent thoughts. After a long silence, Seri spoke, cold and quiet. "Did you enjoy pretending to be part of this chaos… after taking orders from Uncle Iwao?"
She didn't look at him. Only the passing lights held her focus.
Uncle Iwao. A name laced with power, danger… and loyalty. He had raised Seri after her family's fall. And now, she was here—in Korea—with a mission.
Taehyun inhaled slowly, then exhaled like he'd been waiting for her to say it.
"You figured it out."
"You wore the ring."
He looked down. A simple silver band on his finger, subtle… but not to someone who knew.
"The Koyama crest," she said. "Only given to people who weren't meant to stay hidden."
Taehyun smirked. "I never thought you'd catch it that fast."
Seri turned sharply. "I saw it before the wine even arrived."
Taehyun tilted his head, voice lower. "That's why you were so… sharp tonight. I know you, Seri. You're always firm, but not like this. Not when the mission gets personal."
"I don't have time to entertain anything else," she replied bitterly. "Especially not from someone who thinks I'm just a typical worker."
She paused. "I have two weeks. That's all."
"That's why I'm here," Taehyun said.
"I didn't ask for backup. I warned Uncle Iwao not to send anyone."
"I volunteered."
Seri turned to him slowly. Suspicious. "You? Since when do you volunteer to mess with someone else's mission?"
Her voice lowered. "Do you have something more to do with this? Because it sure looks like it."
Taehyun gave a quiet smile and turned to the window. "Pretty much…"
Seri narrowed her eyes. "You're not gonna ruin this… are you?"
Taehyun turned back to her, his gaze cool and intense. "I'll manage my part of the mess… so cleanly, even you won't notice it."
Seri paused. Something unreadable flickered in her eyes but her voice stayed even. Before she could say more, the driver spoke from the front. "Miss Im… we've arrived."
Seri blinked. She leaned forward, looked out. Her eyes widened.
"This is… my apartment." Seri turned to Taehyun, startled.
He was already smiling. "Uncle Iwao made sure I knew where to find you."
She stepped out into the cool night, adjusting her coat as her eyes lingered on the building. Taehyun followed, shutting the car door behind him. "Don't forget your hangover remedy," he said casually. "You're not as tough as you pretend."
"I can manage. I'm not twelve."
He chuckled. "You were… once. To me."
She looked away. "…Good night," and started walking.
"Sleep tight, Miss Imchikoo!" he called.
She froze. That name. Slowly, she turned and glared. He waved innocently. Without a word, she raised her hand and drew an imaginary X in the air before storming inside. Taehyun leaned against the car, still smiling. He pulled out his phone, dialed. "She already knows. She's aware of the two-week clock… and more alert than you think. I'll do my part. Quietly." He ended the call and looked up at the building, his expression darkening just slightly.
Far across town, the lights of Hanna's apartment glowed softly as the car pulled up. Daejin stayed at the wheel. Hanna stepped out first and turned back. "What are you thinking about?"
Jungho leaned out the door, hands in his pockets. "Do I look like I'm thinking?"
"Yes," she smiled. "Besides the obvious—me." He let out a quiet chuckle. She stepped closer. "If you ever wanted to read me… just to see if there's a chance… I'd let you."
Jungho looked at her…not reading, just searching. "I'd rather not risk seeing something I don't want to."
A flicker crossed Hanna's eyes. She nodded. "Still afraid of me, Kang Jungho?"
"No. Just realistic." Their eyes locked in silence. Then Hanna turned and walked up the stairs, only to stop halfway. "See you tomorrow. Don't be late to your own interview." She flashed a smile and disappeared inside. Jungho stayed there a moment longer. And for once… the ache in his eyes showed.