I woke up from my dangerously long nap, head pounding like I had been run over by a very fashionable truck. I groaned, rolled over, and squinted at the clock.
5:00 PM.
"WHAT THE—?!" I bolted upright. I had slept through the apocalypse, apparently. Where were my people? Where was the chaos? Where was Jane's nagging and In-Hyuk's hawk-like presence?
The place was eerily quiet.
I dragged myself up, still groggy, like a zombie with a caffeine addiction, and peeked outside. No In-Hyuk. No Hyun-Jin. No Jane.
"Huh." I blinked at the emptiness like it personally offended me. "That's suspicious…"
My legs carried me into the streets on autopilot. I must have been more out of it than I thought, because the next thing I knew, I was standing in front of a park.
Nobody was there either. Not even the usual pair of Soo-Hyuk's bodyguards, who were always lurking somewhere like overprotective wallflowers.
"…Okay, something's definitely wrong," I muttered, spinning in place like I was in a drama and waiting for someone to jump out with a hidden camera.
"Did they just… forget about me?!" My voice cracked like I was in the middle of an identity crisis.
Maybe I had forgotten. Maybe I had finally succeeded in making myself irrelevant. Was this freedom?
A mischievous grin crept up on my face, stretching from ear to ear.
"I can go to Jeju Island right now."
The words rolled off my tongue like a secret. A getaway. A legendary escape. I pictured myself on a beach, sipping something fruity, under a parasol far away from deadlines and models with too many opinions.
I took a step.
And then reality came knocking.
"…Ahhh, no. No, no, no. If I vanish, those maniacs will shake the whole of Korea looking for me. There will be helicopters. Sirens. A national alert system."
I sighed, deflating like a popped balloon. "They'll assign a whole task force to babysit me again. This peace? It's temporary."
Still, for the first time in a long while, I was alone. Really alone. I spotted a small neighborhood park nearby—quiet, modest, tucked away between buildings. With a little shrug, I strolled over and plopped down on one of the benches.
"Oh, silence, my old friend," I whispered dramatically, spreading my arms. "We meet again."
But then I noticed a group of people nearby. Three men. Lying awkwardly under a tree. Were they asleep? Or… homeless?
Curious (and a little concerned), I approached.
"Hello? Excuse me?" I asked softly.
Three heads turned. One of them groaned. Another looked confused. And the third—well, he just looked stunning. Seriously, why does Korea produce men like it's an Olympic event?
"…Yes? What do you want?" one of them asked warily.
Oops. Too forward. I probably just broke five Korean social codes at once.
"I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to intrude," I stammered. "It's just—it's freezing. Are you guys okay?"
They exchanged looks. The one who spoke earlier squinted at me. "You're not Korean, are you?"
"Philippines," I smiled sheepishly. "Been living here for a while though. Working, starting fresh."
"You speak Korean well," one of them said, raising a brow. "Thought you were at least half-Korean."
"Oh, thank you. I get that a lot," I said with a little bow. "But seriously, why are you three sleeping here? Did you get locked out?"
The atmosphere shifted.
"W-we lost our jobs," the quiet one said.
"I was an idol," another muttered.
"Producer," the next added.
"Journalist," said the last.
The humor drained from my chest. "I'm… I'm sorry to hear that."
"It's whatever," one of them said with a bitter laugh. "We're just killing time before we kill hope."
A chill ran down my spine. Their tone was casual, but the weight in those words hit me like a truck.
It reminded me of myself, once. The lowest point. The despair. The urge to give up. The ache of being invisible in a world that demanded you to shine.
They weren't looking for pity. They were just tired.
Without saying another word, I reached into my bag and pulled out a business card. One I rarely handed out.
"Here," I said quietly, wiping a tear before it could fall. "Go to this address. Ask for Jane. Tell her Jovy sent you. We're hiring. And if you're willing to try again… we'll have your back."
Before they could react, a voice tore through the silence.
"JOVY! MISS JOVY!"
I turned.
Hyun-Jin was running across the street like he was trying to beat the Olympic record. In-Hyuk followed in full panic mode, phone in one hand, probably on speed dial with every emergency service.
"MISS JOVY, WHAT ARE THESE GUYS DOING TO YOU?! DID THEY TOUCH YOU?! WHO ARE YOU, HUH?!" Hyun-Jin was ready to throw hands. I had to physically block him.
"They didn't do anything! Calm down!"
"Then why are you crying?!" he snapped. His protective mode was dialed up to eleven.
"I was moved, okay? They're just people. Like us. Let's help them," I said, gently pushing him back.
In-Hyuk nodded. "Understood. I'll make sure they get home safe."
"And if they come to the office," I added, "make sure they're treated kindly. They deserve a second chance."
"Yes, Miss Jovy," he said with a soft smile.
"Now let's go home," Hyun-Jin said, guiding me toward the car. He opened the door and sighed, exasperated. "You scared everyone, you know that? Even the directors were ready to call Interpol."
I chuckled. "Sorry, I didn't mean to vanish. I thought you guys were busy."
He gave me a look. The kind that said I know you better than that.
"…Okay, okay, maybe I sleep-walked a little. Happy?" I teased.
He didn't laugh. He just stared at me through the rearview mirror with red-rimmed eyes.
Oh. Was he… crying?
"Hey," I said gently. "I'm not going anywhere. You know me—I never break promises."
"…Miss B," he murmured.
And with that, the tension eased.
We drove off into the night, the city lights dancing across the windows, and for once, I wasn't thinking about deadlines or pressure.
Just people.
And how much they mattered—even the ones who felt forgotten.
_________________________________________________________________________________
"Aishhhh… Jane," I groaned, stumbling into the living room in my usual 'too-cool-to-care' outfit, a coffee cup dangling in one hand. "Please, enlighten me. Why do I have to go to work every day?"
I waved my free hand dramatically. "I mean, you people have it under control. Finances? Check. Shipments? Smooth. Production? On track. Sales? Soaring. Why am I still clocking in like some unpaid intern?"
Jane was already at the door, arms crossed, that look on her face. The one that screamed you're not escaping this conversation alive. Behind her, Hyun-Jin and In-Hyuk stood like the personal chauffeur mafia, ready to escort me to another day of corporate servitude.
"Hmm," Jane said, tilting her head. "Maybe because you're the Chairman, CEO, and oh, let's not forget—the only designer of the company?"
The sarcasm was so thick I almost slipped on it. I took a long sip of coffee, trying to ignore her tone.
"But why everyday?!" I whined, stomping dramatically toward the elevator. "I need a break! I need to travel! I want bubble tea and freedom! Have we not heard of work-life balance?!"
Jane didn't flinch. She simply pulled out her invisible calculator of judgment. "You need to earn money. Jun-Ho said your personal spending budget is already maxed out for the week."
I stopped mid-step, horrified. "WHAT?! I'm being financially policed now?! This is a dictatorship! A stylish one—but still!"
As the elevator dinged and opened at the seventh floor, my mini tantrum was cut short by none other than Nam-Joo standing right outside. He gave a casual wave and then… just stared.
"Hi, Jovy." He blinked. For a whole half-minute.
"…Hi?" I raised a brow, sipping my coffee.
"Oh—right, elevator!" He jumped slightly, stepping in with us.
And that's when I noticed it. Hyun-Jin's and In-Hyuk's moods instantly shifted. Gone was the cheerful morning glow. Their faces turned into something between murderous bodyguards and jealous cousins. The elevator got colder, I swear.
When we finally stepped into the parking lot, Nam-Joo jogged over.
"Jovy! Uhm, this is my manager," he said, gesturing to the man beside him. "He wanted to personally thank the designer for, well, making me a model."
I smiled politely and nodded. "She said she's lucky to have you on board."
Nam-Joo beamed.
Then curiosity got the best of me. "So, where are you two off to? Not heading to your café?"
"Oh, today's actually our first official day here," he said. "Mr. Park and I. The twins told us yesterday."
I paused. "Ohhh right! I totally spaced out—it's been a week since we talked about that."
"Don't worry," he grinned. "We'll try not to break anything."
I laughed. "Good. If you or Mr. Park need anything, I'll be in Miss B's office. Just let Jane know."
"Got it," he said, giving a small salute.
Then came Hyun-Jin, opening the car door like he was in a spy movie.
"Miss Jovy," he said, his voice dipped in overprotective older-brother energy.
I looked back at Nam-Joo and smiled. "See you there!"
And with that, I slipped into the car, ready for another unpredictable day with my chaos crew. And maybe… a surprise or two. Who knows?
We arrived at the front of the office, and I swear—no matter how many times this happens, I will never get used to the circus act waiting for me outside.
The moment the car began to slow down, I noticed the same absurd crowd of familiar faces lined up like I was royalty returning from exile. Again.
"Jane. In-Hyuk. Hyun-Jin…" I narrowed my eyes and looked at the three of them slowly, like I was about to hand out death sentences. "Would you care to explain why these idiots are out here doing a synchronized cult welcome dance?"
Their souls visibly left their bodies. In-Hyuk gulped so hard it echoed inside the car. Hyun-Jin looked like he was calculating if he could survive a jump from the moving vehicle. Jane, bless her heart, tried to keep it together.
"M-Miss B," she stammered. "They insisted… a lot. I— I tried to stop them but they—"
That was all I needed to hear. I didn't even let her finish. The moment the car stopped, I flung the door open like a diva emerging from a smoke machine.
And then…
"MISS B!!!" they all yelled in unison.
"Noonaaa~!" Song-Kang added with extra dramatics, still bowing while casually texting like this was his part-time job.
I rolled my eyes so hard I think I saw my ancestors. My horns were showing, my imaginary devil tail flicking behind me like it was ready to strike. My inner Aquarian soul was already planning their eternal exile from my vibe zone.
"You…" I said in a low, slow voice filled with fury, the kind that could make a grown man cry in under three seconds.
They all froze. Some were already sweating. Others? Whispering prayers.
"If you're going to pull this little morning musical again, I swear on my iced americano, I will pretend you don't exist. I won't talk to you. I won't look at you. You will be as real to me as expired coupons."
I meant every word. As an Aquarius, emotional ghosting is my superpower.
I caught Ji-Hoon nervously checking his pulse. Even Soo-Hyuk—the man who once threatened a billionaire into silence—had a bead of sweat rolling down his temple.
And then the blame game began.
"I told you this was a bad idea," In-Hyeop whispered harshly.
"You were the one who started it!" Ji-Hoon shot back.
"Excuse me? This entire clown parade was Min-Hyun's idea!" Hyo-Seop added, throwing hands like a shady politician.
"WOW. I see how it is," Min-Hyun gasped. "Throw the genius under the bus, huh?"
I didn't even need to say a word. Jun-Ho just sighed and shook his head like a tired dad who told his kids not to touch the stove. Ji-Won was grinning like she was watching a reality show. Min-Young gave a snort-laugh she tried to cover with her hand. Kyung-Pyo was silent—maybe meditating, maybe rethinking all his life choices.
The twins, naturally, were already bickering like this was a Running Man episode. Song-Kang was still bowing with one hand on his phone, probably updating the company group chat: Noona's mad again. Please send snacks or hugs.
Shin-Hye, ever the butler, was at a perfect 90-degree bow. It was honestly impressive. Someone should give her a medal for posture.
"But Miss B, we were just worried," Soo-Hyuk said, trying to throw on his innocent puppy eyes. I wasn't buying it. Man wanted to be Pontius Pilate so badly, washing his hands clean while everyone else drowned in guilt.
"No. No 'buts.' I've had enough of the dramatic performances for one day."
That's when I spotted Hye-Eun approaching from the building. She looked apologetic.
"My deepest apologies, Miss B," she said politely.
I waved her off with a sigh. "No need to apologize, just please… never let this happen again."
I turned back to the crowd. "If you want to see me so badly, go to the office like normal people. There's coffee there. Air conditioning. Stability."
They all stood frozen like school kids caught sneaking snacks in class.
"Now back to work!" I snapped, stomping off like a grumpy CEO about to cancel lunchtime for everyone.
Behind me, I could still hear them arguing in whispers.
"You owe me lunch for this, Min-Hyun."
"No way, YOU owe ME a coffee."
"I told you she'd react like this!"
"You said she might cry from happiness!"
"I meant tears of joy, not wrath!!"
I didn't stop them. I just smiled to myself.
Sure, they were a handful. Sure, they made me want to fake my own death at least once a week.
But they were mine. My chaos crew. And even if I never admitted it out loud…
I loved the noisy, loyal, ridiculous mess of them all.
The days had been flying by in a whirlwind of fabric, threads, and the occasional emotional breakdown disguised as "creative flow." I'd been knee-deep in tailoring, sewing, sketching, and making patterns—basically living the glamorous life of a fashion designer who hadn't had a decent meal or eight hours of sleep in… let's just say "a while." The repetition? Therapeutic. The focus? Laser-sharp. The patience required? Spiritually excruciating.
And just when I'd get into that perfect flow state—bam. A knock. A creak. A shout. One of them would barge into my studio like it was their personal hangout. You'd think I was hosting a reality show here called "Interrupt B".
"Aish… why do they keep coming in like this?" I muttered under my breath, re-threading the same damn needle for the fourth time. "Is this office or daycare? I should start charging entrance fees."
Still, as much as I grumbled, I had to admit—it was better than the alternative. I shivered at the memory of them forming a red carpet welcome line outside like I was the president of the Republic of Korea. I half expected the paparazzi to show up next time.
Then—right on cue—knock knock.
"Miss B?"
Ah, the voice of doom. Hyun-Jin. That guy only knocks when there's either a national emergency… or when I'm about to be dragged out for something I absolutely forgot.
"That's weird. You don't usually knock," I called out, suspicious as I wiped my hands on a fabric scrap. "Are you dying or something?"
He opened the door like a man on a mission. His face was dead serious, which meant either aliens had landed or I'd done something—again.
"Jane asked me to inform you. You have guests waiting in the VIP lobby."
"Guests?" My brain whirred like an old computer trying to load. "What guests?"
And that's when it hit me.
My brain shut down for a second, rebooted, then whispered, You messed up, girl.
"Wait... did you cater to them already?" I asked, trying to sound like a responsible adult and not someone who forgot humans existed.
"Yes, Miss B. They're comfortable. Jane said they're just waiting on you now," he said, his tone polite but judging. I could feel it. He had a judgmental voice.
There was a long pause. My body was frozen, and my brain was waving a tiny white flag.
"U-Uhm…" I stuttered, trying to recall anything. "Just to make sure I'm not hallucinating… Who are they again?"
He gave me a look. You know that look. The "seriously?" look. The "you really want me to say this out loud?" look.
"You know. The guys you gave your business card to."
"Business card—?" I started, confused.
"From the park," he added, slowly, like he was trying not to trigger my one functioning brain cell.
And then it hit me like a brick to the forehead.
THEM. The three lost souls I found sleeping on benches like a tragic K-drama special. The ones I accidentally recruited because my soft heart got hijacked by their sad backstories. Oh no. Not today. Not when I haven't even brushed my hair properly.
"Wait. WAI—WAIT. You mean… those people?!" I shrieked, sitting up so fast I knocked my sketchbook off the table.
"Yes." His tone was flat, eyes deadpan. "Them."
I slowly sank onto the sofa, whispering dramatically, "Oh no… This is how it begins. This is the start of my villain origin story…"
Hyun-Jin didn't even flinch. Probably used to this by now.
"I'm not ready," I mumbled to myself. "I thought it was just a nice thing I did. A small act of kindness. Not a full HR onboarding situation!"
He raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "You gave them your business card and promised jobs."
"That was a metaphorical offer!"
"No, Miss B. It was laminated and hand-written with a glitter gel pen."
"…Oh no. I was serious."
I stared at the ceiling, contemplating my life choices. Meanwhile, Hyun-Jin stood silently, arms behind his back like the very patient angel of chaos he was.
"Well…" I sighed, dragging my soul off the sofa. "Time to go meet the people I accidentally employed while trying to be a decent human."
"Shall I escort you?"
"Yes. And bring snacks. I may cry halfway."
"Noted."
And with that, I followed him out, muttering curses under my breath and preparing to face the consequences of my unfiltered kindness.
-End-