Ji-Ah walked into Ha-Joon's office like a victorious general returning from war.
Except instead of a sword, she carried a large ivory box tied with gold ribbon.
She placed it on his desk.
"The kingdom has been notified," she announced calmly.
Ha-Joon looked up from his documents. "One thousand?"
"One thousand and a few extra. In case surprise relatives hatch from the ground."
He opened the box and took one invitation out.
Cream cardstock. Gold embossing. Clean, dignified, expensive without screaming about it.
His eyes scanned the design slowly.
Then he looked at her.
"You designed this?"
She gave a small nod. "Yes."
He ran his thumb lightly over the embossed lettering.
"It's beautiful," he said quietly. "Elegant. Like it knows it doesn't need attention."
She blinked once.
That compliment landed.
Soft. Direct.
Dangerous.
He took five pieces from the stack.
"My mother said she'll personally invite some people. I'll keep these for her."
Ji-Ah nodded immediately. "Yes, sir."
"And leave the rest here. SeoJun will handle distribution."
Another nod.
Professional.
Efficient.
Calm.
He stood up slowly.
Not dramatically.
Just slowly enough for her brain to notice.
His hair had fallen slightly over his forehead, softening the sharpness of his features. His deep brown eyes lifted from the box and settled on her bright almond-shaped ones.
He tilted his head a little.
"You've been working hard."
Her heart did something unnecessary.
"It's my job," she said quickly.
He studied her for a second longer, then turned and walked back to his desk drawer.
Her mind immediately went rogue.
What is he bringing out?
A bonus envelope?
A bracelet?
A thank you letter?
A promotion?
A small house?
Calm down.
Maybe it's a luxury pen.
Or a gift card.
Or a… matching couple mug?
Stop.
He returned.
Holding a small bottle.
Pink.
He placed it in her hand.
Strawberry yogurt drink.
Ji-Ah stared at it.
Silence.
He watched her reaction carefully.
She did not smile immediately.
She just looked at the bottle.
Then at him.
Then back at the bottle.
And then—
Her face lit up.
Wide. Bright. Completely unguarded.
"Strawberry," she said softly.
"I noticed you always pick that flavor from the vending machine," he replied.
That did it.
She twisted the cap open immediately and took a sip.
He watched, faint amusement in his eyes.
"Get some rest," he said. "Tomorrow will be big."
She nodded, still drinking.
"And tomorrow," he added, "you'll have to do something."
She paused mid-sip. "What?"
"Wait and see."
Her eyes narrowed. "That sounds dangerous."
"If you refuse," he continued calmly, "you pay."
Before he could finish—
"100,000 won," she said flatly.
He nodded once.
She groaned dramatically and rolled her eyes.
"Why is it always money? Why is my life a subscription service?"
He leaned against the desk, arms folding loosely.
"You're the one who keeps agreeing."
She pointed at herself. "Because I am Rowdy Ji-Ah. I don't retreat. I charge forward and suffer consequences later."
He looked her up and down thoughtfully.
"Rowdy?"
"Yes."
"You cried last week because the printer jammed."
Her mouth fell open. "That was a stressful mechanical betrayal."
"And you apologized to it."
She gasped. "It looked overwhelmed!"
He almost smiled.
Almost.
"Rowdy Ji-Ah," he repeated calmly. "Very terrifying."
She crossed her arms, offended. "You underestimate my power."
He stepped slightly closer.
"I don't," he said quietly. "You're stronger than you think."
That caught her off guard.
The teasing disappeared for half a second.
Her cheeks warmed.
She quickly took another sip of yogurt to recover.
"Anyway," she muttered, "if tomorrow involves public speaking, dancing, or emotional exposure, I'm billing you in advance."
He gave her a small, rare smile.
"Rest," he said again.
She turned toward the door, still holding the half-finished bottle.
Right before leaving, she looked back.
"If this is something embarrassing, I'm doubling the fee."
He didn't even hesitate.
"Then don't lose."
She huffed dramatically and walked out.
But the smile she was trying to hide?
It stayed.
-----
Evening wrapped around the Park house in quiet gold.
Min-Hyuk stepped inside, jaw set like a man walking into a board meeting he might lose.
In the living room, Mr. Park and Jeon-Seo were deep in conversation. Papers, tea cups, serious nodding. The atmosphere of Responsible Adults.
They looked up.
"Min-Hyuk," Mr. Park greeted.
Jeon-Seo grinned slightly. "You look like you're here to confess something."
Min-Hyuk bowed politely. "Good evening, sir. Jeon-Seo."
His eyes flicked toward the hallway.
"Where's Seo-Yeon?"
Jeon-Seo stretched lazily. "I'll get her."
He disappeared down the corridor.
A minute later, Seo-Yeon stepped out.
Hair tied back neatly. Glasses perched on her nose. Soft home sweater, sleeves covering half her hands.
She stopped when she saw him.
"What are you doing here?"
Straight to the point.
Mr. Park cleared his throat and stood. Jeon-Seo returned and casually slung an arm over his father's shoulder.
"We'll… check the kitchen," Jeon-Seo said.
"Yes. The kitchen," Mr. Park repeated.
They left.
Silence.
Min-Hyuk motioned to the couch. "Sit."
"I'm fine," she said, remaining standing.
He sighed once. "Okay. Then we'll argue standing."
Her eyes narrowed. "So you know why I'm upset."
"I have an idea."
"You didn't introduce me to your mother."
There it was.
Sharp.
"You met my father," she continued. "You sat in this house. You ate with us. You call him 'sir' like you're auditioning to be his favorite."
He rubbed the back of his neck. "That's not—"
"But your mother?" Her voice tightened. "Does she even know I exist?"
He frowned. "Of course she knows you exist."
"Knowing I exist and introducing me are different things."
He exhaled slowly. "I was waiting."
"For what? A parade? A press conference?"
"For the right time," he shot back.
She crossed her arms. "There is never a perfect time, Min-Hyuk. You just decide."
"And what if she didn't react well?" he asked quietly.
She blinked.
"You think I'm afraid for myself?" he continued. "I don't care if she's hard on me. But I won't let anyone look down on you."
Her expression softened for half a second, then firmed again.
"You don't get to protect me by hiding me."
That one hit.
He stepped closer.
She didn't move.
"I wasn't hiding you," he said. "I was trying to prepare her."
"For what? That I exist?"
"For how much you matter."
Her lips parted slightly.
He reached into his coat pocket.
"I was going to wait," he admitted. "But since we're arguing anyway…"
He pulled out a small velvet box.
Not flashy. Simple. Dark blue.
She froze.
"What is that."
"Open it."
She hesitated, then took it carefully.
Inside was a delicate silver bracelet. Minimal. Elegant. A tiny charm shaped like a star.
Her fingers trembled slightly.
"I bought it last week," he said softly. "I planned to give it to you after I introduce you to my mother. As a proper step. Not rushed. Not hidden."
She looked up at him, eyes shining behind her glasses.
"I've tried to tell her about you," he continued. "More than once."
"…You did?"
He nodded.
"I just didn't want the first meeting to feel like a battlefield."
Her shoulders slowly relaxed.
"You should've told me that," she muttered.
"I know."
He stepped closer again, gently lifting his hand to her cheek.
This time she didn't argue.
His thumb brushed lightly against her skin.
His voice softened, cracking just slightly.
"Sweetheart… I love you. I don't want to introduce you quietly. I want to introduce you proudly. Properly. Like you deserve."
Her breath hitched.
She looked down at the bracelet, then back at him.
"…Fine," she muttered, but there was no bite left in it.
He leaned in instinctively.
She immediately leaned back, eyes narrowing playfully.
"What are you doing?"
He paused, then shook his head with a small smile.
Instead of her lips, he leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.
Soft. Steady.
When he pulled back, he smiled, almost boyish.
"There."
She stared at him for a second.
Then reached up and grabbed his cheeks, squishing them.
"You're unbelievable," she said, smiling despite herself. "So dramatic."
His words came out slightly muffled. "I am serious."
"You're soft," she corrected.
"And you love it."
She did not deny it.
Instead, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms tightly around him.
He held her immediately, one hand resting at her back, the other still lightly holding her wrist with the bracelet.
From the hallway, Jeon-Seo peeked around the corner.
Mr. Park whispered, "Are they still fighting?"
Jeon-Seo smirked. "No. He brought props. He came prepared."
Back in the living room, Seo-Yeon rested her forehead against Min-Hyuk's chest.
"Next time," she murmured, "don't decide things alone."
"I won't."
"And I'm meeting your mother soon?."
He nodded.
"Yes. You are."
She tightened her hug slightly.
He smiled into her hair.
Battle resolved.
For now.