Eunji excitedly scrolled through her phone as she sat across from Kiyonari. The cafeteria was unusually quiet for a weekday—just the faint hum of chatter, the rhythmic clinking of utensils, and the hiss of the coffee machine filling the air.
Kiyonari lifted his cup and took a slow sip of his coffee, savoring the mild bitterness as he watched Eunji from across the table. Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, thumbs moving at lightning speed on the screen.
"Oh my gosh!" She suddenly squealed, nearly startling the man beside her. "Not only is he an heir to his family's company—he's also an idol before all this!"
Kiyonari blinked, lowering his cup. "Who are you talking about?"
Eunji dropped her phone dramatically onto the table, one hand pressed over her chest as though she had just received a divine revelation. "Yuri! My bias from Zboys! Don't tell me you don't know him, Kihyun-sshi."
Kiyonari squinted, trying to recall the name. "Ahhh," he said finally, realization dawning. "You mean Wang Taehan."
Eunji froze mid-gasp. "Yes!" She sat up straught, her eyes wide with excitement. "Kyaaa~ even his name sounds so cool."
Kiyonari chuckled softly, leaning an elbow against the table. Watching her fangirl over someone so passionately almost made him forget how exhausting his own morning had been.
"I can't believe he's going to be Director Je's date!" Eunji sighed dreamily, resting her chin on her palm. "They'd make the perfect couple—imagine it! The nation's visual prince and the Je Group's angel. Ugh, just thinking about it gives me chills."
Kiyonari smiled faintly and let out a quiet chuckle. We'll see about that, he thought to himself. You never really know when things turn into another direction.
"But still," Eunji said, straightening her posture again, her voice lowering a notch. "Taehan joining the matchmaking list was a surprise."
Kiyonari tilted his head slightly. "Huh? What do you mean, Eunji-sshi?"
"Well," she said, pursing her lips, "up until now, he's been single and independent. You know? He never showed interest in marriage or settling down. I mean, he's been really successful in everything of his career—idol, actor, model, and entrepreneur—what more could he want? "
"..."
"But since he's the heir to his father's businesses, I guess it makes sense he'd eventually step up and try to participate in these kinds of things."
Kiyonari hummed thoughtfully, setting his cup back onto the table. Her words had weight. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs loosely, eyes momentarily drifting to the window where sunlight filtered through the glass.
She has a point, he thought.
"But maybe there's another reason for this sudden shift in his life plan."
Eunji blinked, curiosity lighting up her features. "You think so?"
Kiyonari's expression turned slightly serious, though his tone stayed calm. "To be exact, I think his father doesn't really care whether he takes over or not."
Her jaw dropped. "Huh?! He doesn't? But... isn't that what a typical father would want?" She leaned forward, her curiosity fully piqued. "That's like, the plot of every chaebol drama ever!"
Kiyonari laughed, shaking his head. "Eunji-sshi, this isn't a K-drama. Life of elites like them isn't all about drama and stuff."
Her shoulders slumped in mock defeat, but the sparkle of gossip didn't leave her eyes. "Still... that's weird. Why sign up for matchmaking then?"
Although he had managed to dig up pieces of information that gave him a bit ease, there was still a weight pressing down on his chest.
"Perhaps he just thought it wouldn't be bad to participate."
I hope it's just me, he thought, eyes flicking briefly to the phone screen Eunji still held. It showed a photo of Taehan's flawless smile from an article—radiant, charming, and effortless.
But behind that smile... something didn't feel right.
Kiyonari's grip tightened around his cup. I just hope he's not another Alpha who wants to take advantage of Director Je.
*****
They stepped inside an elegant restaurant where the soft glow of chandeliers painted the marble floor in honeyed light. The quiet murmur of conversation mingled with the clinking of cutlery and the faint melody of a string quartet playing in the corner. Everyone was dressed to perfection—suits, silk dress, glittering jewelry.
Soo-hyun walked with poised composure, his steps steady and unhurried. His sharp eyes scanned the crowd with their usual unreadable calm, but as his gaze drifted toward one corner of the room, something flickered. His lashes batted once, twice—then his eyes slightly widened in recognition.
There, a man turned toward him with a practiced smile, every movement polished with the ease of someone used of being watched.
"Good evening, Director Je." The man's voice was low, smooth, and steady. He stepped closer, hand slightly extended. "It's nice to finally meet you. My name is Wang Taehan."
Soo-hyun blinked for a moment, his expression unreadable before a faint curve of professionalism tugged at his lips. "It's good to meet you too, Mr. Wang."
They exchanged a brief handshake—firm, deliberate. But in that short moment, Soo-hyun could feel something. A faint hum beneath Taehan's calm exterior, something controlled and contained.
Standing behind, Kiyonari observed quietly, his hands clasped neatly in front of him. He exhaled softly through his nose. It seems to be going well... he thought, letting a small sigh of relief escape.
After a few words of formal introduction and light courtesy, the two men took their seats at the reserved table near the window. The view of the city stretched out beneath them in silver and gold lights, the night serene and glittering.
Taehan, ever the gentleman, gestured for Soo-hyun to order first. He smiled when their eyes met, his tone always polite, yet laced with subtle charm.
"So, Director Je," Taehan began, swirling his glass lightly, "I've heard a lot about your work in Soojin Corporation. Your expansion in the European market last quarter was impressive."
Soo-hyun raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise flickering behind his calm expression. He came prepared.
He answered smoothly, as always—precise words, measured tone. He spoke with ease about his work, his plans, and interests. Yet, Kiyonari, who stood questioning by the doorway observing for a few moments longer, could tell something shifted.
There was a small spark in Soo-hyun's eyes, not quite warmth but not his usual cold indifference either. He looks engaged.
It wasn't long before Kiyonari decided his job for the evening was done. He turned on his heel, stepping outside the establishment.
The cool night air brushed against his skin the moment he exited. He loosened his tie, tugging it down slightly as he exhaled a long, tired breath. His body instantly relaxed.
If this really works out, he thought, then maybe... I can finally take a proper break.
He smiled faintly to himself, walking toward the nearby elevator. A few days off, some peace, maybe water my plants before they all dry out on me... yeah, that sounds nice.
He chuckled under his breath, imagining his apartment filled with quiet, sunlight and green leaves he'd neglected for a week.
But then—his steps faltered.
A strange, dull weight pressed against his chest, slow at first, then heavier. His smile faded.
What is this...?
He stood still, his hand unconsciously reaching for his chest as though to steady his heartbeat. It wasn't racing—no, it was something else entirely. A pressure that lingered deep inside, twisting faintly with every thought that crossed his mind.
He frowned, brows knitting as he tried to make sense of it. I should be happy for Director Je, he told himself firmly. There's finally a progress.
This is good. It's what supposed to happen, after all.
And yet—his heart refused to listen.
Every image of Soo-hyun smiling across that table, even faintly, made something sting inside him. It wasn't jealously—not exactly. It was something murkier, which he didn't want to name.
Why... does my heart feel so heavy?
The question hung in his mind like fog.
He clenched his fist lightly against his chest, forcing a shaky breath through his nose. "Man... what's wrong with me?" He muttered, voice low.
The elevator chimed softly behind him. He stepped inside, leaning back against the mirrored wall, the faint hum of the lift filling the silence.
For a brief moment, he closed his eyes, his reflection staring back—a faint, tired smile curving his lips, masking the turmoil underneath.
As the elevator ascended, the ache in his chest didn't fade. Instead, it lingered... stubborn and quiet, as if it had no plans of leaving anytime soon.
*****
For the next few weeks, everything seemed to move along almost too perfectly.
Meetings were held. Schedules were followed. The Association's plans and the Je Group's expectations aligned without a hitch. Every headline that appeared online painted the same glossy picture of progress and promise between Soo-hyun and Wang Taehan.
But still we're still yet to hear any wedding bells anytime soon. And perhaps, Kiyonari thought, a lot may happen before that.
He sat quietly at his desk, the faint hum of his computer breaking the silence of his office. On the monitor, the calendar stretched before him—rows upon rows of highlighted dates.
Each one neatly marked, color-coded, organized to perfection.
Kiyonari exhaled, leaning back against his chair, the leather creaking softly beneath him. It wasn't a sigh of exhaustion, more of reluctant acceptance.
Well, at least it's stable this time, he thought, letting his gaze linger on the screen. No sudden cancellations nor disasters.
Unlike the last few candidates.
Everyone—company stuff and even the public eye seemed enchanted by this pairing. Photos of Soo-hyun and Taehan attending exclusive events had spread like wildfire across social media. They were seen together at hotels, art galleries, charity events; both impeccably dressed, poised, and effortlessly matching in presence and grace. The media called them "The Golden Pair."
Kiyonari shifted slightly in his seat, resting his elbow on the desk. Golden pair, he mused quietly. The phrase rolled off his tongue with a hint of irony.
The more he read about Taehan, the more peculiar it seemed. His records were spotless—almost unnaturally so. No scandals, no controversies, not even rumors of hidden flings that usually tainted people from the entertainment world.
On paper, he was flawless.
No criminal history. Never once seen intoxicated in public. A model student, graduating top of his class from one of Korea's most prestigious universities. Started in the entertainment industry young, and debuted in his late teens. Despite his fame, he maintained a reputation untarnished by gossip.
He was, within exaggeration, the perfect candidate.
Perfect enough to make Kiyonari uneasy.
He scrolled through the data files again, the faint light of the monitor reflecting in his eyes. Everything about Wang Taehan seemed just a little too perfect.
And yet, the pheromone test results had confirmed it—Taehan and Soo-hyun were a compatible match.
It should have been comforting, and have made him feel relieved. But it didn't.
Kiyonari's fingers drummed quietly against the desk. His reflection in the screen looked more tired than usual. Maybe it was the long hours, or maybe it was something else gnawing at him—something he couldn't put into words.
Maybe it's just me, he thought, closing the tab and leaning back fully against his chair. The ceiling lights glared faintly against his eyes, and rubbed the bridge of his nose.
Maybe I'm just tired. Maybe I've been doing this for too long.
Still, the unease wouldn't fade. The more stable things seemed to become between Soo-hyun and Taehan, the worse it got.
Every time he saw them together—Taehan's charming composure and Soo-hyun's rare subtle smiles—something inside him twisted. He told himself it was just nerves, just professional concern. But deep down, there was something heavier, quieter... and more painful.
He sighed again, this time deeper. His chest rose and fell slowly, a quiet exhale escaping between his lips.
I don't really understand why I keep feeling this way, he thought, closing hisbeyes for a brief moment. I don't know anymore.
Outside his office window, the city lights shimmered faintly in the night. The streets were alive, but inside, only the quiet hum of the computer filled the room—soft, steady, and lonely.
*****
The soft clinking of silver cutlery echoed delicately across the restaurant, mingling with the low hum of conversations and the muted sound of a live piano playing in the background. Golden light from chandeliers reflected across polished glasses and fine dine, bathing the room in a warm, elegant glow.
At their reserved table near the window, Soo-hyun sat with his usual composure, his posture upright and refined, while across from him, Taehan looked at ease, eyes bright with liveliness as he spoke animatedly.
"It really was a beautiful place," Taehan said, smiling as though reliving the moment. "Not everyone has the chance to go there, considering how expensive and tight the entry process is. But honestly, it was worth it—being there felt... fulfilling."
Soo-hyun's gaze lifted, meeting his eyes directly. There was something sharp in that look—something assessing, like a man carefully peeling back the layers of another's words.
His tone was light, but sincere—every word carrying that effortless charm he seemed to exude so naturally.
Soo-hyun raised his glass, swirling the wine slowly before taking a quiet sip. "So I heard," he replied with a faint curve of his lips, a subtle expression of interest that only those who knew him well could notice.
"Oh?" Taehan leaned forward slightly, an amused glimmer flickering in his eyes. "Have you been there before, Mr. Je?"
"No yet, unfortunately." Soo-hyun's voice was calm, and steady. "I just thought that since it's such a hassle to get an entry slot, I might as well pass on it—for now."
"Then..." Taehan tilted his head, that playful smile returning. "If you want, we could go there together."