The next morning, Ga-young and Min-jae stood outside the Han residence, as they waited for their ride. The courtyard was drenched in the soft gold of dawn, the air cool and clean.
From the doorway emerged Mrs. Han, serene as ever, with Hera trailing behind her. Each woman carried a box, their expressions unreadable until Mrs. Han's lips curved into a knowing smile.
"Planning to leave without hearing my answer?" she teased.
Ga-young straightened, matching her smile. "No, ma'am. We just didn't want to disturb you—it's still early."
"We left a note," Min-jae added with a polite bow. "Thank you again for your hospitality. It was an honor staying here."
Mrs. Han chuckled softly. "You two really are something. Before you go, take this."
She lifted the box in her hands. "Open it."
Hera passed the second one to Ga-young, grinning mischievously.
The two exchanged a quick, uncertain glance before unboxing them. Inside gleamed twin porcelain tea sets—elegant, luminous, and clearly handcrafted. The kind of art that would cost a small fortune, and worth every bit of it.
Ga-young gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "Mrs. Han… this is far too much."
Mrs. Han laughed, full and fond. "If I didn't want to, I wouldn't have."
"I begged her endlessly to give me one," Hera whispered to Ga-young, grinning. "She never did. She must really like you."
Min-jae studied the set with quiet admiration. "Ms. Choi is right—you didn't have to. But I'm glad you did." He bowed deeply. "It's beautiful, ma'am. I'll take good care of it."
Mrs. Han smiled. "You really do know how to talk," she said, sighing lightly. "Now—are you ready for my answer, or would you rather not hear it?"
Min-jae exhaled. "I'd rather hear it, even if it's a rejection."
Her gaze flicked from Ga-young to him, then back. "Fine then," she said at last. "Let's do it."
Ga-young's eyes widened, her surprise bursting into a delighted smile. "Thank you, ma'am!" she said, bowing so low Mrs. Han chuckled.
"To be honest," Mrs. Han said, "I wasn't going to say yes, no matter how much I liked you both. But Hera here spent the entire night begging me to change my mind."
Hera crossed her arms, smug. "You two owe me big time."
Their car pulled up just then, Jun stepping out to open the door.
"Thank you very much, Ms. Hera," Min-jae said teasingly.
"You shouldn't be teasing me," Hera retorted. "I literally saved your skin."
Mrs. Han nudged her. "Enough. Let them go before they miss their flight."
She turned back to the pair, eyes soft. "Don't keep the young man waiting."
Ga-young and Min-jae bowed together. "Thank you, ma'am. We won't disappoint you."
"I'll hold you to that," Mrs. Han said with a laugh, waving them off.
---
✈️ A Few Hours Later…
Their flight landed smoothly in Seoul. As they stepped into the terminal, Min-jae's personal driver was already waiting, bowing deeply.
"Congratulations, Ms. Choi," Min-jae said with a faint, composed smile. "We're close to success now. All that's left is to execute the proposal. Are you ready?"
Ga-young nodded, confidence lighting her face. "I'm more than ready, sir."
He studied her, curiosity flickering. "Why are you so enthusiastic about this project?"
She smiled, almost to herself. "If we pull this off, I can finally pay off my last debt. And if you become chairman of K&H, that win reflects on me too, doesn't it?"
He nodded slowly. "You're right." A breath. "Then let's make it work."
He offered his hand.
Without hesitation, Ga-young took it. "Let's do it," she said with a small, radiant smile. Their hands lingered—just a second longer than necessary—before she gently pulled away.
"You should get going, sir," she said lightly.
"Yes." His reply came quicker than he intended, awkward in a charming way, before he turned and stepped into the car.
As it disappeared into the bustling streets, Ga-young sighed—relieved, maybe a little wistful.
Suddenly.
"Boo!"
She jumped so hard she nearly dropped her bag. Turning around, she found Ji-hye grinning like a devil, with Ye-seul beside her—bunny ears perched on her head and mischief glowing in her eyes.
"Are you insane?" Ga-young gasped, pressing a hand to her chest.
"No," Ji-hye said coolly, looping her arm through hers.
"Hi, Ms. Choi!" Ye-seul chimed, trying not to laugh.
"Hello, Ms. Hwan," Ga-young said, still recovering.
"How was your trip?" Ji-hye asked, all faux innocence.
"Exactly as it was supposed to be—professional," Ga-young replied dryly.
"Only professional?" Ye-seul blinked, feigning disappointment.
Ji-hye groaned dramatically. "You two are hopeless. If your life were a novel, I'd be the only interesting character in it."
Ga-young smiled thinly. "But it's not a novel."
"Maybe it should be," Ji-hye muttered, following her to the car. "You and Min-jae used to be such passionate lovers. How do you just… move on?"
"Really?" Ye-seul gasped. "I can't believe Oppa was the type! But honestly—if I had you, Ms. Choi, I'd turn into the most romantic person alive."
"Don't listen to Ji-hye," Ga-young said smoothly. "She makes a living out of lies."
"Still," Ji-hye teased, "you two could've been sister-in-laws."
Ga-young shot her a glare sharp enough to cut glass.
"I was rooting for you," Ji-hye added softly.
"It was all fake," Ga-young said, opening her car door.
"Didn't look fake. You were sick for a month."
"Ohhh!" Ye-seul gasped, clapping her hands. "Now I definitely want to hear more!"
"It was a coincidence," Ga-young said coolly. "There was a flu going around."
Ji-hye smirked. "If you say so."
Ye-seul plopped the bunny ears onto Ga-young's head. "So, what's the plan for today, Ms. Choi?"
Ga-young pretended to think, her expression dead serious. "Let's see… I actually have no idea."
Ji-hye grinned and tossed on a pair of fox ears. "Then follow my lead!" she declared. "Let the girls' day begin!"
Ye-seul squealed in agreement.
"You two match each other too well," Ga-young muttered, fastening her seatbelt. Then, suddenly, she smirked. "But neither of you can out-scream me."
Before they could react, she let out a piercing scream that echoed through the parking lot.
The trio burst into laughter as Ji-hye hit the accelerator. The engine roared, the city stretched before them—alive, unpredictable, and full of stories yet to unfold.