It was another quiet Friday night, and Ga-young sat comfortably with Min-jae as a movie played softly in the background. She rested her head gently on his lap, her body relaxed, while his fingers moved slowly through her hair in a way that felt natural, like something he'd done a hundred times before. The room was filled with a comfortable silence, the kind that didn't need words.
"I want to stop."
His voice came suddenly, calm but unexpected.
Ga-young immediately sat up, turning to him with a slight frown. "What did you just say?"
Min-jae took her hands, a small teasing smile on his lips. "Director-nim…" he said softly, but his eyes held something more serious. "I don't want to keep running this race anymore."
She tilted her head, confused. "That didn't make sense. I don't understand the words that coming out of your mouth."
"The race to become chairman."
For a second, she just stared at him, then relief washed over her face. She hit his arm lightly. "Geez, I thought you were breaking up with me."
Min-jae chuckled. "Did I scare you?"
She narrowed her eyes at him, folding her arms. "I'm still shocked though. You've always wanted this, and you're this close to getting it… so why stop now?"
Instead of answering immediately, he reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, his gaze softening. "Just because."
She gave him a look. "I know you better than that. You don't give up on something unless something more important replaces it."
That made him smile, a quiet acknowledgment. He took her hands again, his tone softer this time. "I thought about it… and I realized I don't want to become someone who's never there. I can't promise things won't change if I become chairman."
Ga-young opened her mouth to speak, but he gently placed his finger against her lips, stopping her.
"My mind's already made up," he said, smiling faintly. "I'm okay staying as CEO. And if my dad decides to throw me out… then maybe it's time I finally do what I want, start something of my own."
He paused, his eyes locking with hers.
"All I need… is for you to stay with me. Not just now, but always."
Her expression softened, her heart clearly moved. "You've really made up your mind, haven't you?"
He nodded.
She cupped his face, smiling warmly. "You're so cute."
Min-jae blinked. "No. I'm the hot one."
"Really?" she said, unconvinced.
"Seriously."
"Hmm… okay," she teased lightly.
He narrowed his eyes. "What was that?"
"What?" she replied, completely unbothered.
"Do you get tickled?"
Her eyes widened instantly. "No—don't you dare—"
But he was already pulling her back, laughter spilling out as she struggled.
"Min-jae, no—please!" she laughed. "I agree, you're the hot one, the hottest even!"
"I'm not convinced," he said, shaking his head as he continued.
Their laughter filled the room, loud and carefree, the kind that came so easily between them. With them, happiness was never something they had to force, it simply existed.
---
The next day, the atmosphere in the conference hall was the complete opposite.
The room was tense, filled with quiet murmurs and watchful eyes. At the center sat Min-jae, calm but unreadable, with Nam-joon beside him and Ji-uk not too far away. Directly opposite them sat Director Choi, as if everything had been deliberately arranged.
When Chairman Hwan finally walked in, the entire hall fell silent.
What followed was nothing short of chaos, arguments, accusations, and rising tension that seemed to stretch endlessly. It felt like hours had passed before Chairman Hwan finally spoke.
"I've heard everything you all had to say," he said coldly, scanning the room. "And none of it impressed me."
Silence.
"Is there anyone else who has something to say?"
For a brief moment, no one moved, then both Nam-joon and Min-jae stood up at the same time. They exchanged a glance, and Min-jae gave a slight nod, letting Nam-joon go first.
Nam-joon exhaled quietly. "I, Hwan Nam-joon, CEO of K&H Hotel, will be stepping down from the pursuit of chairman."
A ripple of shock spread instantly across the room.
"…And I will also be stepping down as CEO."
This time, the reaction was explosive. Murmurs broke out, disbelief evident on every face. Even Chairman Hwan couldn't fully hide his surprise.
"You must be wondering why," Nam-joon continued, his gaze steady as it met his father's. "Someone once told me that if I couldn't be a great father, I should at least be a successful one. I've decided to choose being a successful father… because a great father is already a successful father."
He bowed slightly before taking his seat.
Chairman Hwan tried to regain his composure. "CEO Min-jae—"
"In the heat of the moment," Min-jae began calmly, stepping forward, "I've also made a decision."
All eyes turned to him.
"I, Hwan Min-jae, CEO of K&H Fashion and Cosmetics, will also be withdrawing from the race for chairman."
The room erupted again.
"What is going on today—"
"Does that mean Ji-uk—?"
"Enough!"
Chairman Hwan's voice cut through the noise, forcing silence once more. His expression was strained now, his control slipping.
"Nothing has been decided," he said firmly. "This meeting is adjourned."
Without another word, he stood and stormed out, Mr. Noh following closely behind.
---
Inside his office, Chairman Hwan sank into his chair, running a hand through his hair as the weight of everything settled in.
"Sir," Mr. Noh spoke carefully, "would you like me to arrange a meeting with your sons?"
"…No," he replied after a pause. "You may leave."
Mr. Noh bowed. "I'll be outside if you need anything."
The door closed softly behind him.
And for the first time in a long while, Chairman Hwan sat alone, in complete silence, with everything slowly slipping out of his control.