Chapter Text
PROLOGUE
“Good morning, Ms. Kim.”
I nodded politely at the employees passing by but didn’t slow down. The hallway of the building was already alive with quiet conversations and the soft tapping of heels against the polished floor.
Everyone seemed energized despite the early hour.
I walked toward the elevator and the employees waiting there gave me warm smiles. I returned them with a small one of my own.
Not as bright as theirs—but genuine.
I have always loved the environment here. Although my workload can sometimes drown me out, I never once felt suffocated working in this company.
Not because of the work, but because of the people.
They are warm. Bright. Genuine.
And I have always admired them for that.
I am not the kind of boss who shouts orders from behind a desk. I never wanted anyone to feel intimidated by me. I built this company with a different vision in mind.
I want people to work comfortably while I lead them forward.
That has always been the kind of company I dreamed of building ever since I was a student.
The elevator doors opened and I stepped inside first. The others followed quietly behind me.
My office was located on the very top floor, so one by one, the employees exited until I was the only person left inside.
When the doors opened again, I stepped out into the executive floor.
The first thing anyone would see when they reached this floor was the lobby of my private office.
The space was designed to feel open, elegant, and calm—exactly how I wanted it.
Directly in front of the elevator stood Sunny’s reception desk, a sleek modern table made of dark polished wood with subtle gold accents. It was positioned strategically in the center of the small lobby so she could greet visitors immediately the moment they arrived.
Behind her desk was the entrance to my office.
But what people saw first was the wall of glass separating the lobby from my workspace.
It looked like an ordinary glass wall from the outside.
But it wasn’t. It was a two-way mirror.
From the lobby, the glass looked reflective—almost like a decorative mirror panel that blended into the modern interior.
But from inside my office, I could clearly see everything happening in the lobby.
I designed it that way intentionally.
Not to spy on people.
But because I liked observing the rhythm of the office.
And just like every morning, the glass reflected my image the moment I stepped closer.
Perfect posture, controlled expression.
The quiet authority people expected from the CEO of OA Group.
But behind that reflection, my mind was already racing through the endless list of things I had to finish before sunset.
There was never a day I felt idle. Sometimes it felt like my world revolved around nothing but work.
Another day.
Another cycle.
Sleep, work, repeat.
Sunny noticed me the moment I stepped out of the elevator.
She immediately stood up from her desk, her bright smile already waiting.
The door to my office opened before I even touched the handle.
“Good morning, Ma’am!”
Sunny stood there holding her tablet and a stack of folders.
I walked inside quietly, the soft carpet muffling the sound of my heels.
My office was spacious, bathed in natural light pouring in from the floor-to-ceiling windows that stretched across the far wall. From here, the city skyline looked almost unreal—tall buildings rising above the horizon like glass sculptures.
At the center of the room stood my large executive desk, curved and modern with a glossy dark finish. It faced the windows, allowing me to look out at the city whenever I needed a moment to think.
Two white leather chairs sat in front of the desk for visitors, while a comfortable seating area rested near the corner of the office with soft sofas and a small round table for informal discussions.
Behind me, a custom wooden shelf displayed books, awards, and decorative pieces collected over the years.
Everything in this room had been carefully chosen.
Minimal, elegant, quietly powerful but comfortable.
I placed my bag on the desk before removing my sunglasses.
“Morning, Sunny,” I said as I sat down. “Please tell me something good.”
Sunny closed the door behind her and stepped further into the office.
“Well… that depends on how you define good.”
I leaned back in my chair.
“That doesn’t sound promising.”
She looked down at her tablet and began scanning through the schedule.
“You have four proposals waiting for your approval today,” she said.
I sighed softly.
“Only four?”
She smiled.
“For now.”
I leaned back in my chair.
“Sunny.”
“Yes, ma’am?”
“Have you ever considered becoming my personal assistant?”
She blinked in surprise.
“Personal assistant?”
I nodded.
“You’re already doing most of the work anyway. You manage the schedule better than anyone else here, and you’re the only person in this building who isn’t terrified of reminding me to eat lunch.”
She laughed softly.
“That’s because someone has to.”
“Well,” I said, opening the first folder, “that someone might as well get a promotion.”
Sunny stared at me for a moment.
“You’re serious?”
“Completely.”
Her expression softened.
“Then… I’d be honored, Ms. Kim.”
“Good,” I said simply. “Because starting today, you’re officially my personal assistant.”
Her smile widened.
“Thank you.”
“Now fill me up for today’s agenda. Give me something good.”
She nodded. “To repeat, you have four proposals that need approval. One proposal for the Winter collection, one for the physical store in Daegu, the other two is from our business partners. You have two calls from international partners, and the meeting about the men’s apparel launch in two hours, and your interview with Vogue Business at in the afternoon.”
I stared at her. “That’s your definition of good news?”
She smiled awkwardly. “At least nothing is on fire..?”
I giggled. “Now let’s see if any of these proposals are actually worth my time,” I said to myself.
Sunny placed the stack of folders on my desk before leaving the room. It doesn’t matter if she’s not here inside with me because there’s a line where I just press a button and then she will hear me from her desk. We use it to communicate or when I call for her inside.
I started flipping through the first one immediately. Reading, scanning every page with focused attention. When I finished, I pressed to button.
“Sunny, reject the first document.”
“May I ask why?”
I unconsciously tapped the paper using my finger.
“They want thirty percent ownership of the distribution chain while offering only fifteen percent revenue return within two years. That’s not a partnership. It’s exploitation. More likely a charity.”
“Understood. I’ll notify them.”
I picked up the file and read the document thoroughly. After that, I commented. “Accept the second one, but tell them we’re renegotiating the marketing rights.I want control over the Southeast Asian market.”
“What kind of negotiation?”
Jennie smiled faintly as if Sunny would see it. “The kind where we still get what we want.”
Sunny laughed softly. “I’ll prepare the counterproposal.”
After finishing the folders, Sunny went inside to get it off my table.
“Where’s the design for the Winter collection?” I asked, opening the computer in front of me.
“I already sent it to you via email together with the description though the designer may have gotten a little overboard because apparently, you told her to be creative and well… that’s her description of creative.”
I love it when Sunny always gives me a heads up before I see it. She’s always through to details and that helps me decide whether I expect something good or not.
I scanned through the designs and there is one design that caught my attention.
“I like that one a lot, Ma’am.”
“Well I didn’t expect this. I thought it’ll be overdesigned,” I commented.
“I never said it was bad,” Sunny responded.
And that’s the reason why I trust her judgement. I stared at that specific design, analyzing and reading through the description..
The outfit is designed for a calm winter day, blending warmth with a soft, dreamy aesthetic. Its color palette revolves around icy white and pastel lavender, creating the gentle impression of fresh snow under a faint winter sunset.
At the center is a fluffy white winter dress that resembles a coat, made from thick sherpa-like or faux-fur fabric that gives it a cloud-soft texture. The silhouette is slightly rounded and cozy, with long oversized sleeves that puff gently at the arms, suggesting a warm padded lining. The cuffs and the hem of the skirt are trimmed with plush, fuzzy lining, giving the edges a frosted appearance while also helping seal in warmth.
Around the neck rests a pastel lavender scarf tied into a neat bow. The smooth, wool-like fabric adds a delicate contrast to the snowy white outfit while keeping the neck protected from the cold.
The legs are wrapped in thick plush leg warmers made from the same fluffy material as the dress, providing extra insulation. Beneath them are sturdy pale-lavender winter boots with thick soles, designed for warmth and stability on cold streets or lightly snow-covered paths. The hands are covered with soft, slightly oversized mittens in a matching pastel tone, while fluffy white earmuffs sit comfortably over the ears, adding both protection and charm.
To complete the look, large ribbon bows decorate the sides of the lavender hair, giving the entire outfit a playful, whimsical winter elegance.
“What do you think, Ma’am?” Sunny asked excitedly.
“Altogether, the outfit feels like something meant for strolling through a snowy winter village or enjoying a quiet afternoon surrounded by frost and soft snowfall—warm, plush, and irresistibly cozy while still maintaining a sweet, dreamy style.” A smile appeared on my face. “I like it.”
The next page showed the men outfit with the same aesthetic.
The outfit follows the same gentle winter theme, combining warmth, plush textures, and soft pastel tones while maintaining a masculine silhouette. The overall palette blends pale cream, soft lavender, and muted grey, creating a calm and cozy winter aesthetic.
The centerpiece is an oversized cream-white parka coat designed for warmth and comfort. It features thick insulation and a relaxed structure, with fluffy faux-fur trimming the collar and hood to add softness and protection from the cold. The coat closes with sturdy toggle-style clasps, while subtle lavender ribbon accents add a delicate touch without overpowering the masculine design.
Underneath is a thick cable-knit ivory sweater made from heavy wool, giving the outfit a warm and layered look. A long lavender wool scarf wraps loosely around the neck, providing both insulation and a gentle pop of color that ties the entire palette together.
For accessories, the outfit includes plush white earmuffs decorated with a small lavender ribbon, along with fitted lavender gloves lined with soft faux-fur at the wrists for extra warmth. The lower half consists of slim, fleece-lined grey winter trousers designed for comfort and movement in cold weather.
Thick, fluffy leg warmers wrap around the calves, adding insulation and mirroring the coat’s soft textures. Completing the outfit are sturdy winter boots in pale lavender and white tones, featuring thick soles for traction and fur-trimmed edges that maintain the cozy, pastel winter aesthetic.
I leaned back in my chair, letting my eyes linger on the final designs. The soft textures, the pastel accents, the meticulous stitching—it all reflected her effort, her passion, her growth.
I reached for the phone and dialed Kira’s number. Three rings later, her voice burst through the receiver, bright and excited as always.
“Hello! Ms. Jennie!” Her energy practically radiated through the line. “Have you seen my designs already?”
“Yes,” I said, smiling softly. “And I like it. Very much.”
There was a brief pause, and I could hear her holding back a squeak of relief.
“You… really like it?” she asked, voice slightly trembling.
“I do,” I reassured her. “Every detail. The textures, the silhouettes… the palette. It’s clear you poured yourself into this.”
Her laugh was soft, tinged with awe and disbelief. “I owe it all to you, Ms. Jennie. You believed in me when no one else did. I wouldn’t even have had the chance to study, to learn, to design for this scale… if it weren’t for you.”
“I didn’t do this for you,” I corrected gently. “I just gave you a push, nothing more. You earned every stitch, every sketch, every late night you spent perfecting this collection. Don’t forget that. I can’t take the credit because you are the only person that made it possible.”
Her voice cracked just slightly. “But still… I wouldn’t even have this opportunity if it weren’t because of you. I wouldn’t have this opportunity if you didn’t sponsor me. I mean, honestly… I was terrified that I’d fail you.”
“Kira,” I said softly, leaning forward and resting my elbows on the desk. “You never failed me. Not once. From the first sketch you sent me, I saw your potential. Your vision. And now… look at you. You’re doing what you always dreamed of. You’ve made yourself into a designer who can command a room with her ideas, not just someone who imitates what she sees.”
There was a silence on the line, but I could hear her sniffle softly, overwhelmed.
“I… I promise,” she whispered, voice trembling. “I’ll make you proud. I’ll work hard. I’ll…” She paused, taking a breath. “I’ll never forget that someone gave me a chance when no one else did.”
“You already made me proud, Kira,” I said. My voice softened, almost instinctively. “This collection, this growth… I could never be prouder. You’re passion is exactly why I wanted to help. Not to take credit, not to be thanked… but because I saw you had talent, and talent like yours doesn’t get wasted. It blooms. And you… you’ve bloomed.”
She laughed again, quietly this time, but I could hear the tears in her voice. “Thank you. I’ll never forget this. I swear I’ll honor it… your faith, your support.”
“I know you will,” I said. “Now, go finish the finer details. Remember—the fabric choices, the trims… make it perfect, but don’t lose yourself in the pursuit. Your vision is what matters.”
“I won’t,” she promised. “I’ll make every stitch count. For me… and for you.”
And just like that, I ended the call, placing the phone gently on the desk.
I rested my hands on the cool surface and exhaled slowly. Watching her grow, watching her step into her own talent… it gave me a small, rare feeling of contentment in a world that never paused for rest.
Yes, the day had just begun. But moments like this made every early morning, every decision, every exhausting hour worthwhile.
“Meeting in fifteen minutes, Ma’am,” she said while placing my coffee on the desk. “Everyone’s already in the conference room.”
“And Mr. Kim just arrived at the parking area.”
“Mingyu?”
She nodded.
Finally. At least I’ll have a friend in that meeting.
By the time I entered the conference room, everyone was already seated.
The long oval table was filled with department heads, marketing strategists, creative teams, and production managers. Laptops were open, documents were neatly arranged, and quiet conversations immediately died down the moment I stepped inside.
The large presentation screen illuminated the room with a soft glow.
At the far end of the table sat my business partner.
Kim Mingyu leaned back slightly in his chair, one arm resting casually on the table as if he had been waiting for me to arrive.
The moment he saw me, he smiled.
“You’re early.”
“I’m on time,” I corrected calmly as I pulled the chair beside him.
He chuckled under his breath.
“That’s the same thing for you.”
I ignored him and placed the documents Sunny had prepared in front of me.
The presenter stood up from his seat and walked toward the screen.
He cleared his throat once before speaking.
“Good morning, everyone. Thank you for attending today’s strategic meeting regarding OA Group’s upcoming Men’s Apparel Campaign and Seasonal Launch.”
The lights dimmed slightly as the first slide appeared.
A clean title page filled the screen.
OA MEN – SEASONAL COLLECTION CAMPAIGN
The presenter gestured toward the screen.
“Today’s meeting will cover the complete launch strategy for our upcoming men’s apparel line. We will go through the creative concept, brand positioning, promotional strategies, physical marketing activations, and finally the selection of the campaign’s main model.”
I folded my arms across my chest, listening carefully.
This kind of meeting usually determined how successful an entire season would be.
If the concept failed, the entire campaign collapsed with it.
The screen transitioned to the next slide.
A series of sketches appeared—structured coats, tailored suits, relaxed outerwear pieces, and minimalist silhouettes.
“Our core concept for this season,” the presenter explained, “is Modern Masculinity.”
I leaned forward slightly.
“Explain.”
He nodded respectfully.
“Our research shows that modern consumers no longer respond to overly aggressive portrayals of masculinity. Instead, audiences are gravitating toward something quieter—confidence without arrogance, elegance without excess.”
He clicked to the next slide.
Images appeared of men standing in architectural spaces, wearing structured clothing with calm expressions.
“Our campaign portrays a man who doesn’t need to prove power loudly. His presence alone defines authority.”
Beside me, Mingyu nodded slowly.
“That fits the identity of our brand.”
“It does,” I agreed.
“But that concept requires the right face.”
The presenter smiled slightly.
“Exactly.”
The slide transitioned again.
A large digital map of **Seoul appeared on the screen.
Red markers were scattered across the districts.
“For promotional strategy,” the presenter continued, “we are planning a city-wide campaign rollout. Our primary advertising zones will focus on districts with strong fashion influence.”
He pointed toward the map.
“Large billboard installations in Gangnam and Itaewon.”
The slide zoomed into mock-ups of massive fashion billboards towering above busy streets.
“Digital projections in Hongdae targeting younger demographics.”
Then another section of the slide appeared.
“Influencer events hosted in Apgujeong featuring exclusive previews of the collection.”
I tapped the table lightly.
The presenter stopped speaking immediately.
“Hongdae is too saturated,” I said.
Several people looked at each other.
“It’s already flooded with fashion campaigns every season. Our projection will drown in visual noise.”
The presenter nodded quickly.
“Understood.”
“Move the projection to **Seongsu-dong,” I continued.
“It’s becoming the new fashion district. Early adopters and creatives gather there. If we place the projection there, we’ll capture attention before other brands start crowding the area.”
The presenter typed a note into his tablet.
“Excellent point. We’ll revise the location.”
The next slide appeared.
This time it displayed a concept rendering of a pop-up store installation.
Minimalist architecture. Clean marble textures. Soft white lighting.
“Our team also proposes a series of temporary pop-up stores across Seoul.”
The slide zoomed into one of the store designs.
“The layout follows a gallery-inspired concept. The clothes will be displayed like art pieces instead of traditional racks.”
Mingyu leaned forward slightly.
“That creates exclusivity.”
“Exactly,” the presenter said. “Customers won’t just shop. They’ll experience the collection.”
I nodded slightly.
“Continue.”
After several minutes of discussing logistics, budgets, and marketing placements, the presentation reached its most critical section.
The lights dimmed slightly again.
The room shifted subtly.
Everyone knew what was coming.
The model selection.
The slide changed.
A photograph appeared on the screen.
Half-body shot.
Full-body campaign shot.
Editorial photos.
The presenter clasped his hands.
“Candidate number one.”
Text appeared beneath the photos.
LEE HYUNJAE
Achievements and past campaigns appeared beside the images.
“He has previously modeled for several domestic luxury brands and—”
“No.” The word left my mouth before he even finished speaking.
The room fell silent.
The presenter blinked. “I’m sorry?”
I leaned back in my chair before commenting. “He looks too soft for the concept.”
The presenter glanced nervously at Mingyu.
Mingyu nodded slightly. “I agree. He looks good but he doesn’t fit our concept.”
The presenter cleared his throat and clicked the next slide.
Another model appeared.
This time the man had stronger features. I studied the screen carefully.
“He looks good,” I admitted, nodding. The presenter looked relieved.
“But he lacks presence.”
The relief vanished instantly.
Next slide.
Another candidate appeared.
“Too commercial.”
Next.
“Too ordinary.”
Next.
“Too young.”
The presenter’s confidence visibly shrank with every comment I made.
Mingyu glanced sideways at me. “We’re in a good mood today, aren’t we?” He said before leaning towards me to whisper something. “At least point out someone you think fits our concept.”
“It’s not my job to do that. Besides, I’m just being honest.”
The presenter wiped his hands on his suit nervously.
Finally, I leaned back in my chair again.
My patience was wearing thin. “Do you have anyone better?”
The room went completely quiet.
I crossed my arms. “Out of all the models in this industry… no one fits the concept you just spent thirty minutes explaining?”
The presenter hesitated then he clicked the next slide. “We have one more candidate.”
I sighed softly.
This better be good.
I wasn’t even looking at the screen when the slide changed.
The presenter spoke. “His stage name is—”
Then I looked up.
And the air in the room suddenly felt different.
A familiar face filled the screen.
Sharp jawline.
Deep eyes.
Calm expression.
Under the photograph was a name.
V
Kim Taehyung
The presenter continued speaking enthusiastically.
“V is currently one of the most influential fashion figures globally. His collaborations with luxury houses have consistently generated high engagement and international attention.”
More slides appeared. Magazine covers, runway appearances.
Luxury campaigns.
“His brand recognition spans across Asia, Europe, and North America. Additionally, his artistic image perfectly represents quiet confidence and strong visual storytelling.”
Beside me, Mingyu leaned slightly closer to the table.
“I think he’s the perfect fit for the concept.” He said before turning towards me. “What do you think?”
For the first time since the meeting started, I didn’t say anything.
I couldn’t say anything.
My throat suddenly felt dry.
Because on the screen was someone I knew.
Someone I once loved.
Someone I thought I would never see again.
But my expression didn’t change. Years of business meetings had taught me how to hide emotions better than most people.
Finally I spoke. “Proceed with the presentation.”
The room filled with whispers. Probably out of relief because this time, I didn’t say no.
Mingyu on the other hand, studied me carefully but he said nothing.
The meeting moved forward.
More slides.
Budget discussions.
Campaign timelines.
Marketing projections.
Yet none of those words truly reached me because the screen still lingered in my memory.
That face.
Those eyes.
By the time the meeting ended, everyone was waiting for the final decision.
Mingyu leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.
“So,” he said casually. “What do you think about the models?”
I looked down at the documents in front of me. I wanted to scan through the models again but I ended up just staring at it.
So I closed the folder.
“You know what?” I leaned back in my chair. “I trust your judgment.”
The room fell silent, everyone listening to me.
“That’s it?” Mingyu asked.
I shrugged lightly. “You’re the creative director. Choose whoever you think fits the brand.”
Mingyu continued watching my expression carefully.
“Well, this is harder than I expected. You don’t have a preference?”
I shook my head. “As long as the campaign performs well, I won’t interfere.”
He leaned back slowly, still studying me, but he didn’t question it any further.
And honestly, I didn’t think it mattered.
There was no way V would ever model for my brand so I let Mingyu make the decision.
Because some things from the past were never meant to return.
The meeting ended almost two hours later.
Most of the team remained inside the conference room discussing minor revisions for the campaign, while I quietly gathered my documents and stepped out.
The hallway outside was calmer.
Sunny was already waiting beside the glass wall of my office when she saw me approaching.
Her tablet was tucked under her arm, and she looked up immediately.
“How did the meeting go?”
I walked past her and pushed the door open.
“It was productive.”
Sunny followed me inside. “That sounds vague.”
I placed the documents on my desk and loosened the buttons of my blazer slightly.
“The concept is good. The promotional plan needs adjustments, but nothing major.”
Sunny nodded as she tapped something on her tablet. “And the model?”
I paused for a fraction of a second. “Still under review.”
Sunny raised a brow but didn’t question it further. Instead, she looked down at her schedule again.
“The interview with Vogue Business will start in thirty minutes. Their editor and interviewer are already on the way.”
I exhaled softly.
Right.
Women’s Month.
They wanted me on the cover.
The irony of that never escaped me. I built my company quietly, avoided unnecessary publicity whenever possible, yet somehow the media always found ways to drag me into the spotlight.
“Fine,” I said simply. “Prepare the conference lounge.”
The interview took place in the smaller meeting lounge next to my office.
It was a comfortable room—large windows, soft lighting, and a round table that made conversations feel less formal than boardroom meetings.
Two representatives from Vogue Business were already there when I entered.
A photographer and the interviewer. They both stood up immediately when I entered the room.
“Ms. Kim,” the interviewer greeted with a polite bow. “Thank you for giving us time today.”
I returned the gesture. “Thank you for coming.”
We all took our seats. The photographer adjusted his camera while the interviewer flipped through a small notebook.
“We’d like this interview to feel conversational,” he explained. “Nothing too stiff.”
I nodded calmly. “Ask what you need.”
She smiled slightly before glancing at the first question.
“Alright then.” He leaned forward. “First question. Many people know you as the founder of OA Group, but very few understand how difficult it must have been to build a company like this from the ground up. Could you tell us what motivated you in the beginning?”
I folded my hands together on the table.
“My motivation wasn’t success,” I began. “It was freedom.”
The interviewer looked intrigued.
“When I was younger, I realized that creativity often dies in environments where people are forced to follow rigid expectations. I didn’t want to work in a place where ideas had to beg for approval. I wanted to build something where creativity could exist naturally—where designers, strategists, and artists could express their ideas without fear of being dismissed simply because they were new.”
I paused briefly.
“OA Group began with a very simple belief: that innovation comes from people who feel safe enough to take risks. So when I started the company, my goal wasn’t to dominate the fashion industry. My goal was to create a space where talent could grow without unnecessary restrictions.”
The interviewer nodded slowly.
“That’s a very different philosophy from many corporate leaders.”
I smiled faintly. “Fashion is an art before it becomes a business.”
She turned the page of his notebook.
“Second question. As a female entrepreneur leading a global fashion company, have you faced challenges that you believe were influenced by gender expectations?”
I leaned back slightly in my chair.
“Of course.”
The interviewer waited.
“When women enter leadership positions, there is often an unspoken assumption that we must constantly prove ourselves. If a man is confident, people call him decisive. When a woman is confident, people sometimes label her difficult.”
The photographer paused briefly, listening.
“But I never allowed those expectations to define me. Confidence is not arrogance. Leadership is not dominance. For me, leadership simply means responsibility. If I make decisions, I must also accept the consequences of those decisions.”
I rested my hands lightly on the table.
“And if people question my authority because I’m a woman, that’s not my burden to carry. That is simply their limitation.”
The interviewer nodded again, visibly impressed.
“Your company has become known for nurturing young talent. We heard that you personally sponsor several aspiring designers.”
Kira’s voice echoed briefly in my memory.
“Yes,” I said softly, smiling unconsciously. “Because I know how fragile talent can be when it doesn’t receive the right support.”
The interviewer tilted her head slightly. “Could you explain that?”
“When people are young, they are often told what they cannot do. They are told their dreams are unrealistic, impractical, or naive. Eventually, many of them stop trying.”
I met her gaze directly.
“But talent should never disappear simply because someone lacked opportunity. If I see potential in someone, I would rather invest in their growth than watch it fade away.”
I paused.
“And sometimes, the smallest encouragement can completely change the trajectory of someone’s life.”
She nodded thoughtfully before asking the next question.
“Fourth question. OA Group has grown incredibly fast in a short amount of time. How do you maintain control over such a large organization without losing the original vision you started with?”
“That’s actually simple,” I answered. “I never tried to control everything.”
The interviewer looked surprised.
“Many leaders believe they must oversee every detail of their company, but that approach eventually leads to exhaustion. Instead, I focus on building strong teams. If you surround yourself with capable people, your role shifts from controlling outcomes to guiding direction.”
I glanced briefly toward the glass window where Sunny was visible outside the office.
“Trust is the most efficient management system.”
The interviewer smiled. “That’s a very interesting perspective.”
Then she turned to the final question.
“This issue of Vogue Business celebrates Women’s Month. Many young women will read this interview hoping to find inspiration. If you could give one message to women who dream of building something meaningful in their lives, what would it be?”
I thought about that question carefully.
Then I spoke.
“Do not wait for permission. When people pursue their dreams, they often look for approval first. From family, from society, from authority figures. But the truth is, meaningful achievements rarely begin with universal approval.”
I clasped my hands together again.
“There will always be people who doubt you. People who question your abilities. People who believe your ambitions are unrealistic.”
I looked directly at the interviewer.
“But those voices should never be stronger than your own belief in yourself. If you have a vision, pursue it with discipline and patience. Success doesn’t arrive overnight, and it certainly doesn’t come easily. But if you continue moving forward, even when progress feels slow, you will eventually build something that reflects who you truly are.”
I smiled faintly. “And when that happens, you’ll realize that the journey itself was already worth it.”
The interviewer closed her notebook slowly. “That was… incredibly inspiring.”
The photographer lowered his camera. “I think that will resonate with a lot of readers.”
Sunny entered the room shortly after.
“The next meeting is scheduled in ten minutes.”
The interviewer stood up and bowed politely. “Thank you again for your time, Ms. Kim.”
“Thank you as well.”
As they left, the room fell quiet again.
Another interview, another article, another day.
Life continued exactly the way it always did. Every day felt like a perfectly timed cycle that never paused long enough for me to notice the passing weeks. Sometimes, it felt as though even overtime weren’t enough to finish everything that is needed to be done.
I barely had time for anything outside of work.
One afternoon, I was reviewing a series of design sketches when my phone suddenly vibrated against the desk.
The name on the screen made me smile immediately.
Kim Jisoo
I answered the call.
“Hello?”
“Jennie!” Her voice sounded exactly the same as it always had—bright and dramatic.
“You didn’t forget about tonight, right?”
I blinked. “Tonight?”
“Don’t tell me you forgot.”
I froze.
Jisoo sighed loudly on the other side of the line. “The reunion we planned a month ago?”
My eyes widened slightly.
Right. That.
“I—”
“You forgot.”
“I didn’t forget,” I said quickly.
There was a pause.
“You definitely forgot.”
I sighed. “Okay. Maybe I forgot.”
Jisoo laughed. “You work too much, Jennie.”
“I know.”
“Well,” she said cheerfully, “you’re still coming tonight, right?”
I glanced at the clock.
My schedule was packed.
But somehow, I didn’t want to ditch my girls.
“I’ll be there,” I said.
“Good,” she replied excitedly.
“Because Lisa and Rosé are already on their way too.”
I smiled.
For the first time in weeks, I was actually looking forward to something outside of work.
I stared at the phone for a moment after the call ended. It had been a while since I last went out for something that wasn’t related to business.
Most days, my life followed the same predictable pattern. Wake up, work, eat, work again, sleep, and repeat.
Sometimes I wondered when exactly my life had become so mechanical. Even twenty-four hours in a day never seemed enough to finish everything waiting on my desk. Deadlines piled on top of each other, meetings filled every empty space in my calendar, and before I realized it, weeks would pass without me stepping outside of work for anything personal.
I leaned back in my chair and rubbed my temples.
Maybe Jisoo was right. I was working too much.
I glanced at the clock on the wall. Still early enough but for once, I decided not to work overtime.
I pressed the intercom button on my desk. “Sunny.”
“Yes, ma’am?” her voice answered immediately.
“I’m leaving early today.”
There was a pause then she laughed softly.
“I never thought I’d hear those words from you.”
“Don’t get used to it.”
“I won’t.”
“Reschedule the last two meetings tomorrow morning.”
“Already done.”
I smiled faintly. “Of course you did.”
“I’ll send the documents to your home email in case you still want to review them tonight.”
“That’s exactly why you’re my personal assistant.”
I arrived home just as the sun began to set. The apartment was quiet. Too quiet. Work had always kept my mind occupied, but moments like this reminded me how rarely I actually stayed here long enough to enjoy it.
I walked toward my wardrobe and scanned the rows of clothes carefully arranged inside then my eyes landed on one dress.
Black.
Simple but elegant.
It was from my own clothing line. One of my personal favorites.
The dress hugged my figure perfectly while still looking refined enough that no one would assume the CEO of OA Group was out partying in a club.
I slipped into the dress and let my long black hair fall naturally over my shoulders.
For makeup, I kept it simple but sharp.
A soft foundation. Defined eyes. A bold lip color.
When I looked at myself in the mirror, the woman staring back looked composed, confident, and completely different from the exhausted executive who spent her days buried in paperwork.
Maybe tonight would be good.
I grabbed my keys and headed out.
The music hit my ears the moment I stepped inside the club. Deep bass vibrated through the floor, colorful lights flashed across the crowd, and the entire place buzzed with energy.
I scanned the room until I found the table Jisoo had reserved. And right on cue—
“JENNIE!”
My head snapped toward the sound.
Lisa was already halfway out of her seat, waving both arms wildly like she was trying to signal an airplane.
I couldn’t help but laugh as I walked over.
“Lisa,” I said, pulling her into a quick hug. “You’re too loud.”
“I haven’t seen you in months!” she protested dramatically. “That gives me permission to be loud.”
Next to her sat Rosé, wearing a dark jacket and a cap pulled low enough to partially hide her face.
“Rosie,” I greeted with a smile.
She stood up to hug me. “Sorry for the disguise,” she said quietly.
“Media?”
“Always.”
Then finally, Jisoo stood from her seat and crossed her arms dramatically.
“Well look who finally decided to show up.”
I laughed and hugged her too. “You’re the one who reminded me.”
“That’s because you forgot.”
Lisa immediately pulled me into the seat beside her. “Okay, okay, enough talking. We need drinks.”
Rosé chuckled. “We just got here.”
Lisa waved her hand dismissively. “That’s not important. I don’t want to waste a moment tonight.”
Within minutes, drinks were already on the table. The four of us sat together like we used to years ago, laughing louder than the music around us.
“I still can’t believe you’re running an entire fashion empire,” Lisa said, pointing her glass at me. “You were the quietest one in college.”
“That’s not true,” I protested.
“You barely spoke during group projects!” she argued.
“That’s because you spoke enough for all of us.”
Jisoo laughed loudly. “That’s actually accurate.”
“But Jennie was the most passionate among everyone.” Rosé sipped her drink and smiled softly. “Oh right, do you remember the time Lisa tried to choreograph a dance for our organization’s fashion show?”
Lisa groaned, shaking her head in disbelief. “Don’t remind me.”
“You made Jennie trip on the runway,” Jisoo added.
“That was an accident!”
“You spun her three times!”
Lisa covered her face with both hands. “I was experimenting!”
I couldn’t stop laughing. For a moment, it felt like we were back in college again.
Before careers.
Before responsibilities.
Before life became complicated.
Lisa suddenly leaned forward, scanning the dance floor. “Okay, serious question.”
“What?” I asked.
“How long are you planning to stay single?”
I nearly choked on my drink. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me.”
Rosé joined in immediately. “She’s been single for years.”
“That’s because she’s married to her company,” Jisoo teased.
Lisa pointed toward the dance floor, exaggerating. “There are literally hundreds of men here tonight.”
“And?”
“And you’re the CEO of a fashion empire. Pick one.”
I laughed. “I’m not picking anyone.”
Rosé leaned closer to Lisa and whispered loudly enough for me to hear.
“That guy by the bar.”
Lisa turned. “Oh.” Her eyes widened. “That one is definitely Jennie’s type.”
I glanced over once.
Just once.
Then looked back at my drink. “Not interested.”
Lisa gasped dramatically. “You didn’t even consider it!”
“I considered it for three seconds.”
“And?”
“Still no.”
Rosé sighed. “This is hopeless.”
Lisa threw her hands in the air. “Fine! If Jennie won’t flirt with anyone, we’ll just dance.”
Jisoo immediately stood up. “That’s the best idea you’ve had tonight.”
Lisa grabbed Rosé’s arm. “Dance floor!”
They pulled each other up before I could even protest.
“Jennie, come on!” Lisa shouted over the music.
“I’ll stay here,” I laughed.
“You’re boring!”
“I’m observing,” I shouted so they could hear me.
At some point during the night, observation turned into drinking. Drinking turned into dancing and dancing turned into complete chaos.
Lisa and Jisoo were laughing uncontrollably on the dance floor.
Rosé was trying to keep her hat from falling off while dancing.
And I…
Well.
I was definitely drunk.
“Jennie,” Lisa said, pointing at me. “You’re smiling too much.”
“That’s because you’re funny,” I answered, giggling.
“I’m always funny.”
Rosé leaned against the table. “I think we broke her.”
Jisoo nodded seriously. “She’s been working too much. Let her have her night”
The music kept playing, lights kept flashing, and the night blurred into laughter, stories, and far too many drinks.
At some point, everything faded.
My alarm rang.
I didn’t move.
It rang again.
And again.
Finally I forced my eyes open. The sunlight streaming through my window felt painfully bright. My head throbbed. I groaned, checked the time… and froze.
I had overslept.
Badly.
I jumped out of bed immediately.
“Sunny is going to kill me.”
Within thirty minutes I had somehow managed to dress, fix my makeup, and drive to the office.
When I entered the building, several employees greeted me politely., but I could tell from their expressions that they noticed. Even though I looked presentable, my eyes clearly betrayed how exhausted I felt.
Sunny stood up the moment I stepped off the elevator.
“You look…”
She paused.
“Tired?”
“That’s a polite way to say it,” she said, nodding. “You look like someone who drank too much.”
I walked into my office and dropped my bag on the desk. “That’s exactly what happened.”
“Do we have any meetings that can be rescheduled today?”
Sunny checked her tablet. “Most of them, yes.”
I sighed in relief.
“But one cannot be moved.”
Of course. There will always be an exception.
“Which one?”
She looked up.
“The meeting with Mingyu.”
I closed my eyes briefly. “Fine,” I muttered. “Let’s get this over with.”
The morning passed slower than usual.
Perhaps it was the lingering headache from last night, or perhaps it was the quiet irritation I felt knowing I had allowed myself to lose control, even if only for one evening.
Either way, I buried myself in paperwork the moment I sat behind my desk.
Sunny had already prepared everything. Documents neatly stacked. Schedules organized. Emails summarized. She even brought me a hangove soup and a medicine to help with my headaches.
If efficiency were a person, it would probably look exactly like Sunny.
I reviewed a few reports, signed several contracts, and approved multiple proposals. The familiar rhythm of work gradually replaced the dull pounding in my head.
Still, one meeting remained.
The one Sunny said could not be moved.
A meeting that I have to attend with Kim Mingyu.
I glanced at the time. It was scheduled in thirty minutes.
Sunny knocked lightly before entering. “The car is ready, ma’am.”
I closed the folder in front of me. “Let’s go.”
The restaurant Mingyu chose was quiet, elegant, and designed for privacy—exactly the kind of place where business meetings could happen without unwanted attention.
Private rooms lined the hallway, each separated by thick wooden doors and dim lighting that softened the atmosphere. It was the kind of place where people discussed contracts worth millions as casually as ordering tea.
Sunny walked slightly ahead of me, guiding the way while checking the meeting details on her tablet.
Mingyu’s secretary stood near the door of the reserved room when we arrived. She bowed politely and opened the door for us.
Inside, Kim Mingyu was already seated.
The moment he saw me enter, his expression immediately shifted into a grin.
“Finally,” he said dramatically. “You look like you just fought three board meetings in a row.”
I sat across from him and leaned back slightly in my chair. “You’re the one who insisted I come.”
“That’s because you’re the CEO.”
“You’re my business partner.”
“And you gave me full authority over the model selection,” he countered casually.
I raised an eyebrow. “Exactly.”
Sunny quietly took a seat beside me while Mingyu’s secretary remained near the side table organizing the documents.
The room was relaxed… far less stiff than most business meetings.
That was the difference when working with Mingyu. Outside of contracts and campaigns, we were friends.
Real friends.
Mingyu studied my face carefully for a moment then he leaned forward slightly. “Respectfully,” he said, pretending to sound formal, “why do you look like someone who spent the night out partying?”
Before I could even open my mouth to answer, Sunny had already answered. “That’s actually what happened.”
Mingyu blinked.
Once.
Twice.
Then his eyes widened in complete shock. “You what?”
I sighed and rubbed my temple. “It wasn’t planned.”
Mingyu leaned back in his chair, staring at me like I had just confessed to committing a crime.
“Jennie Kim,” he said slowly. “The Jennie Kim I know… went… to a party?”
Sunny nodded seriously. “Yes. Even I couldn’t believe it.”
Mingyu turned toward her again. “And she stayed?”
“Yes.”
“And she drank?”
Sunny nodded once more. “Yes. A lot”
Mingyu placed both hands on the table dramatically. “I need a moment to process this.”
I groaned softly. “It’s not a big deal. It wasn’t that serious.”
He laughed. “Not serious? You barely leave the office.”
“That’s not true.”
“You literally treat weekends like bonus workdays.”
Sunny quietly added, “That’s also true.”
I shot her a look. “You’re supposed to be on my side?”
Sunny placed a hand on her chest. “I’m on the side of honesty.”
Mingyu burst out laughing.
“This is unbelievable.” He leaned forward again, clearly amused. “So what happened? Did someone finally drag you outside your office?”
“Jisoo, Lisa as Rosie.”
“Of course it was them,” Mingyu said immediately.
He reached for my right hand and shook it. “Well, congratulations.”
“For what?”
“For starting a social life.”
“I already had one.”
“When?” he asked.
“Before OA existed.”
He laughed again. “That doesn’t count.”
I rolled my eyes. “My head hurts, stop pissing me off.”
Mingyu tilted his head slightly. “You look like your entire body hurts.”
“That too. I may have danced all night with Lisa. Honestly, I can’t remember anything specific last night.”
Without thinking much about it, Mingyu stood up from his chair and walked around the table. “Hold still.”
“What are you doing?”
“You’ve been sitting at desks and conference tables for years. Your shoulders are probably stiff.”
Before I could protest, his hands lightly pressed against my shoulders.
“Relax,” he said casually. “I’m not doing anything weird.”
Sunny looked up from her tablet but didn’t react.
She was clearly used to this.
Mingyu gently pressed his thumbs into the tense muscles near my shoulders.
And unfortunately, although I hate to admit it, it worked. I exhaled slowly as the tension eased slightly.
“You should stretch more,” he said.
“I don’t have time.”
“That’s exactly the problem.”
His fingers pressed another point and I winced slightly.
“There,” he said.
“That one was tight.”
“I can tell.”
“You carry too much stress.”
“That’s part of being a CEO.”
“Yeah, that or it’s a part of refusing to rest.”
Before I could respond, there was a knock on the door.
Before Mingyu could step back, the door opened.
A man in a formal clothing stepped inside and bowed politely. He probably saw what was happening because there was panic in his eyes.
“I’m so sorry for the sudden interruption.” The manager bowed again. “Thank you for waiting.”
He stepped aside near the entrance. Our legal team followed them.
The conversation in the room resumed lightly after that. Mingyu began flipping through the campaign folder again while his secretary prepared the documents that would be presented once the meeting officially began.
Sunny quietly reviewed the schedule on her tablet beside me while the legal team scanned through the requests that the model’s legal team had prepared. They were with one of their legal representative who’s also reviewing our revised contract.
Everything returned to normal. Or at least it looked normal.
I leaned back in my chair, rolling my shoulder slightly to loosen the lingering tension from earlier.
Then the door opened again.
At first, I didn’t look up immediately. I assumed it was just a staff member bringing additional documents or refreshments but Mingyu suddenly stood from his seat.
“Ah, you’re here.”
That was when I lifted my gaze.
And everything inside me froze.
Standing at the doorway was him.
Kim Taehyung.
For a moment, I genuinely forgot how to breathe.
Of all the people I expected to see in that room… he was the last one. The last person I ever thought I would stand face-to-face with again.
Time seemed to slow in the most unsettling way.
I had always told myself that I had already moved on.
Years had passed. Life had continued. I built my company, chased my ambitions, and buried myself so deeply in work that the past eventually felt like a distant memory—something that belonged to another version of me.
I thought I had left it there.
Left him there.
But the moment our eyes met, it felt as if something inside my chest cracked open.
Not loudly.
Not dramatically.
Just enough to remind me that whatever I thought had healed… might have only been hidden.
Taehyung stepped into the room calmly, his posture relaxed yet naturally commanding.
The same quiet confidence I remembered.
His gaze moved across the table politely as he greeted everyone but when his eyes landed on me, he paused.
Only for a second.
A brief flicker of recognition crossed his face.
And in that moment, I realized something unsettling.
He hadn’t expected to see me either.