The next morning, Ga-young was curled beneath her blanket, fast asleep, her chest rising and falling like a child lost in dreams. Ye-seul slipped quietly into the tent, crouching down beside her with a mischievous grin.
"She's such a pretty sleeper," she whispered, tilting her head as if studying a work of art. "I could never look this peaceful. I always wake up like a wild raccoon."
Unable to resist, she tapped Ga-young's shoulder.
Ga-young's lashes fluttered open, her eyes hazy with sleep. She sat up slowly, stretching, her hair sticking out in every direction. "Good morning, Ms. Hwan," she murmured, voice still thick with drowsiness.
"Good morning, Ms. Choi," Ye-seul chirped, far too bright for the hour.
Ga-young squinted at her. "Why are you up so early?"
"We're playing a morning game! Everyone's outside already. I wanted to wake you up last so you'd get a little more sleep." Ye-seul winked.
Ga-young smiled faintly. "That's… thoughtful. Thank you."
"Come on, let's go." Ye-seul stretched out her hand.
Ga-young reluctantly slipped her hand into Ye-seul's, rising with a groggy yawn.
Outside, staff members gathered in a messy semicircle. Ye-seul clapped her hands dramatically. "Enjoy the game!" she called, dashing to the front.
"Aren't you playing?" Ga-young asked, still rubbing her eyes.
"Nope! I'm the mastermind!" Ye-seul grinned, practically bouncing with energy.
Ga-young sighed, shaking her head. "She's like a walking energy drink." Her own hair was in chaos, her eyes still half-shut. She scanned the crowd, her heart tugging unconsciously as she searched for Min-jae. But he was nowhere in sight.
Ye-seul's voice broke her thoughts. "Okay, guys! You're probably wondering why I dragged you out here this early—"
"I want to go back to bed!" someone groaned.
Ye-seul smirked. "You'll have to earn your sleep back."
"What?" the crowd groaned in unison, Ga-young included.
"The rules are simple," Ye-seul explained. "A song will play. If you can sing along within a minute, you win—and get to go back to bed. If not, you join the back of the line and wait again."
A chorus of complaints rippled through the group. That was when a deeper voice cut through the grumbling.
"What's going on here?"
Every head turned. Min-jae appeared from the shadows of the camp, still in his sleep clothes, hair tousled, eyes heavy. Somehow, he managed to look more striking half-awake than most people did fully prepared.
"Look who finally decided to join us! CEO Min-jae!" Ye-seul announced like a TV host.
His brow furrowed. "What exactly are you doing?"
"Since you're awake, you might as well play. Rules are done—please head to the back of the line."
"I'm not interested."
Ye-seul ignored him with a sunny smile. "A round of applause for the CEO, everyone!"
Cheers and claps erupted instantly.
Ga-young blinked, startled, when she realized he was walking toward her—straight to the back of the line. Her pulse jumped. Why here? Why me? She hurriedly tried to tame her hair, her fingers only making the mess worse.
"Good morning, Ms. Choi," Min-jae said, his voice calm as he stopped behind her.
She spun around so quickly she nearly tripped, bowing so deeply her face was hidden. "Good morning, Mr. Min-jae!"
He tilted his head, curious. "Why are you bowing so low? Are you—"
Before he could finish, Ga-young raised her head too quickly—slamming right into his nose.
"Omo!" she gasped. "I—I'm so sorry!"
Min-jae staggered back, one hand covering his nose.
"The boss is bleeding!!" Mr. Han shouted, his voice full of panic.
Every eye in the camp turned to them.
Ga-young's hands flew to her mouth. "What did I do?!"
Ye-seul darted over. "What happened?!"
"It's fine," Min-jae said evenly, wiping at his nose only to find crimson streaking his fingers. "Just a nosebleed. Continue the game." Without another word, he walked away.
Ga-young froze, guilt clawing at her chest. "What do I do?" she whispered.
Ye-seul pressed her shoulder gently. "Go after him. I'll take care of things here."
Ga-young nodded, heart hammering, and rushed off.
---
Inside the camper van, Min-jae sat back with his head tilted, pinching his nose to slow the bleeding. The dim light threw shadows across his sharp jawline.
"You didn't have to follow me," he said without looking at her. "I'm fine."
Ga-young hovered uncertainly before stepping closer. "I'm sorry… it's my fault. How do you feel? Dizzy?"
"No. I told you—I'm fine."
"Are you still bleeding?"
He nodded.
She bit her lip, glanced around, and rushed to the refrigerator. Grabbing an ice pack, she returned quickly. "Hold your nose. I'll press this on the back of your neck."
His brow arched. "What?"
"I saw it on TikTok," she said firmly. "Trust me."
He sighed but obeyed, eyes closing again as she pressed the ice against his neck.
Her gaze lingered. The faint mole under his left eye—the one she'd once traced with her fingertips—was right there in front of her. Time hadn't touched him; if anything, he seemed even more composed, more pretty. Her breath caught. Then his eyes opened suddenly, locking onto hers.
Startled, Ga-young flinched so hard she nearly toppled backward. His hand shot out, steadying her waist before she fell.
Their eyes met. For a heartbeat, the world hushed—no voices outside, no rustling wind. Just the heavy silence of recognition.
"Are you alright?" His voice was softer now, edged with something unspoken.
Her pulse raced. She shook herself free with a nervous laugh. "Th-thank you," she whispered, fumbling with the ice pack. She shoved it into his hand. "Here, you can hold it yourself."
But he didn't take it right away. His gaze lingered, studying the flush on her cheeks, the way her lashes trembled. For once, she wasn't guarded. She was just… Ga-young.
"You're nervous," he murmured, almost amused.
Her head snapped up. "I'm not!" she blurted, far too quickly.
A low chuckle rumbled from his chest. "Then why are your hands shaking?"
"I'm just… cold," she muttered, looking away.
He chuckled again, a sound that hit her harder than it should have. She'd forgotten what his laughter looked like, how it softened him into someone almost boyish. Her gaze lingered too long before she forced herself to pull back.
"You're not bleeding anymore," she said quickly.
"Seems your TikTok trick worked." His eyes flickered with a teasing glint.
Relief flickered in her, but she seized the moment as an escape. "Good. Then we should… rejoin the others." She turned for the door.
But before she could step out, his hand caught her wrist.
She froze.
He said nothing at first—just pulled her gently back, slipping his coat from the seat and draping it over her shoulders. His touch was careful, deliberate.
"You said you were cold." His voice dropped, softer than before. "Wear thicker clothes next time."
Ga-young's breath tangled in her throat.
Min-jae didn't wait for her reply. "Let's go, before they start rumors that you murdered me," he added dryly, stepping past her.
She stood frozen, clutching the coat too tightly, the warmth of it seeping into her skin. Her chest ached with something she'd tried to bury long ago. No… not now. Not ever.
But the tremor in her hands betrayed her.
---
That afternoon, the bus stood packed and ready, the luggage neatly stacked. The staff gathered beside it, the air humming with both reluctance and excitement. At the front, Min-jae stood tall, Ga-young by his side.
"It's painful that we have to leave already," Ga-young said, her tone playful. "But I believe everyone had the nicest time?"
"Yes!" the staff chorused with eager smiles.
She tilted her head, her lips curving. "I know you've been waiting for this moment…" At once, the crowd erupted in claps and cheers. She raised a hand, laughing softly. "Alright, that's enough—let's welcome CEO Min-jae to announce the winners of the 2025 K&H Fashion and Cosmetic Group Business Camping Event."
The applause swelled as Min-jae stepped forward. His gaze swept across the team, his voice steady and commanding.
"This retreat was never about comfort," he began, his words carrying through the still air. "It was about discovery—of strengths, weaknesses, and above all, character. Today, we honor those who carried that spirit."
One by one, he called the names—Mr. Kang, receiving the Leadership in Action Award; Ms. Hye-jin, honored as the Outstanding Team Player; Mr. Park, awarded Innovative Thinker. Applause thundered with each announcement, pride flickering in tired but glowing faces.
The list continued—Resilience, Navigator's Award, Spirit of Collaboration—until finally, Min-jae held the last plaque with deliberate care.
"The CEO's Recognition Award," he said, his voice softening, "is reserved for the one who embodied the very heart of this retreat. Tonight, that honor goes to… Mr. Han."
Gasps broke the silence before applause roared, echoing off the trees. Mr. Han stepped forward, bowing low as Min-jae placed the plaque in his hands.
When the noise faded, Min-jae lifted his hand. His eyes held a rare warmth.
"You have all done well," he said. "This retreat was not a competition, but a reflection. Out here, away from desks and titles, you proved that success is not only skill—it is resilience, unity, and trust. Carry these lessons with you, for they will serve us far longer than these days in the forest."
Applause swelled once more. Then Ga-young stepped up, clapping her hands together.
"Well done, everyone. Let's do this again, shall we?"
"Yes!" the chorus came bright and strong.
She smiled, gesturing toward the waiting bus. "As much as I wish we could stay longer, our journey continues. Let's carry this spirit with us… and keep the conversations alive on the ride home."
With laughter and chatter, the staff began to board, the forest echoing with their voices. As the bus pulled away, the campsite grew still once more, but the bonds formed there—tested and strengthened beneath open skies—remained, ready to shape the work yet to come.