Chapter 8 – Whispers and Shadows
The school corridors buzzed with whispers as Soo-yeon walked past, her back straight and chin lifted. Ever since the weekend brunch photos had leaked into the gossip circles, her name seemed to linger in every hushed conversation.
"Is she really dating him?"
"No, it's a setup, obviously. But why her?"
"She doesn't even look like she belongs in his world."
Soo-yeon pretended not to hear, but every word cut sharper than she wanted to admit. She clenched her fingers tightly around the strap of her bag, forcing herself not to look back or falter. If Ji-hoon could carry himself with composure under the scrutiny of entire boardrooms, then surely she could survive a hallway of teenagers.
At lunch, her closest friend Mina leaned closer and whispered, "Are the rumors true? Did you really… have brunch with him?" Her eyes sparkled with both excitement and worry.
Soo-yeon hesitated. For a fleeting moment, she considered brushing it off. But then she remembered Ji-hoon's words from the restaurant: 'Let them talk. Our task is to move forward.'
"Yes," she admitted softly. "I did."
The cafeteria seemed to grow louder instantly, as if her single word had confirmed every speculation. Mina gasped but quickly smiled, gripping Soo-yeon's hand. "Then… you need to be careful. People are going to watch every step you take."
---
Meanwhile, Ji-hoon was in his office, standing before the tall glass windows overlooking Seoul's skyline. His phone buzzed with another message from his assistant: 'Gossip sites are circulating photos of you and Miss Soo-yeon leaving the restaurant. Do you wish to release a statement?'
He typed his reply without hesitation: 'No. Let them speculate.'
A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Unlike most, Soo-yeon hadn't sought the spotlight. She didn't flinch under it either — at least not in front of him. That strength intrigued him more than he cared to admit.
---
That evening, Soo-yeon received an unexpected call. Her mother's voice was stern yet laced with an undertone of anxiety.
"Soo-yeon, Ji-hoon's family has invited us for dinner this Friday. It's… important. You must prepare yourself."
Her heart skipped. A family dinner? That meant scrutiny on a completely different level — not just whispers from classmates or strangers, but the sharp eyes of those who controlled the fate of the engagement itself.
After the call ended, Soo-yeon sat in silence, her mind racing. Fear mingled with determination. She wasn't ready, but she couldn't afford to appear weak.
---
Friday came faster than she expected. The Han residence loomed like a palace — elegant, cold, intimidating. Soo-yeon adjusted her dress nervously as she walked beside her parents. Every step felt heavier, every glance from the staff sharper.
Ji-hoon met her at the entrance. He looked effortlessly composed in his tailored suit, but his eyes softened when they landed on her. Leaning slightly, he whispered so only she could hear:
"Breathe. You're not alone."
The simple words steadied her trembling heart.
---
Dinner was a quiet battlefield of smiles and hidden daggers. Ji-hoon's father asked calculated questions, his mother observed in silence, and every gesture was weighed like currency. Soo-yeon responded as best as she could, remembering Ji-hoon's subtle cues — the way he nodded slightly to encourage her, or the gentle shake of his head when she almost spoke too much.
By the end of the evening, she wasn't sure if she had passed their test. But as they said their farewells, Ji-hoon lingered by her side, his hand brushing lightly against hers — not quite holding, not quite letting go.
"See?" he murmured, his voice calm but reassuring. "You did well."
For the first time, Soo-yeon allowed herself to believe it.
---
Yet, as their car drove away from the mansion, she couldn't shake the feeling that shadows still lingered. Somewhere behind those refined smiles, there were expectations and schemes she couldn't yet see.
And in that shadow, someone else was watching.
Soo-yeon sat at the edge of her bed, her expression gloomy. Ever since her encounter with Ji-hoon earlier that afternoon, her heart had been in turmoil. She was still upset about being called spoiled, yet somehow, his words had pierced straight into her thoughts.
"Am I really just running away from reality?" she whispered, staring at her own reflection in the mirror.
Before she could drown in her thoughts, her phone buzzed. The name Min-ji, her best friend, flashed on the screen.
"Hey, where are you? The girls are going to the club tonight—come with us!" Min-ji's cheerful voice rang through.
Soo-yeon bit her lip. Normally, she would have agreed without hesitation. But now, she hesitated. Ji-hoon's cold yet determined gaze replayed in her mind.
"I… I don't think I can come tonight," Soo-yeon finally replied.
"WHAT? Are you sick? This isn't like you at all!" Min-ji exclaimed in shock.
Soo-yeon forced a small laugh before ending the call. For the first time, she turned down an invitation to the club.
---
Elsewhere, Ji-hoon was still at the office even though the clock had already struck eleven at night. His hands moved steadily as he signed papers, but his thoughts wandered from time to time to the eighteen-year-old girl.
"I really don't understand why I should waste my time thinking about that child," he muttered, snapping a file shut with irritation. Yet deep down, he knew there was something about her that had already unsettled the walls he had built around himself.
The night was unusually quiet. Soo-yeon slipped out onto the balcony of her family's luxurious apartment, the cool wind brushing against her cheeks. The neon lights of Seoul flickered in the distance, but for the first time, she felt strangely detached from them.
Her phone buzzed again—this time, it wasn't Min-ji, but an unknown number. Hesitantly, she answered.
"Miss Soo-yeon?" a firm voice came through.
"Yes… who is this?" she asked cautiously.
"This is Secretary Park. President Ji-hoon asked me to inform you that your part-time assistant schedule starts tomorrow morning at nine. Don't be late."
Her eyes widened. "What?! Part-time assistant?"
"Yes, President Ji-hoon already arranged everything. Good night, Miss."
The call ended before she could argue. Soo-yeon stood frozen, gripping her phone tightly. That man… he really wasn't joking.
---
Meanwhile, Ji-hoon sat in his car, the city lights reflecting off his sharp features. His driver glanced at him through the mirror.
"Sir, are you sure about assigning Miss Soo-yeon to work as your assistant?"
Ji-hoon's lips curled into the faintest smirk. "If she wants to prove she's not a spoiled brat, then let her work for it. If not, she'll quit on her own."
He leaned back against the leather seat, closing his eyes. Yet, despite his composed appearance, Ji-hoon couldn't deny the slight anticipation building inside him. Tomorrow should be interesting.