Tuesday morning, I woke up smiling like an idiot.
Dae-Hyun had texted me goodnight with a simple heart emoji. A heart. From Kang Dae-Hyun. The man who used to communicate in one-word emails.
I walked into the office holding a secret that felt too big for my chest.
We didn't hold hands in the elevator this time. Too many eyes. But when the doors closed on just us for two floors, he brushed his fingers against mine.
That was enough.
My desk had a new rose waiting. Deep red. The card just said: Morning, girlfriend. No name. Didn't need one.
I touched the petals and tried not to grin like a fool.
He leaned in his doorway, watching me.
"Like it?"
"Little bit."
He smirked. "Liar."
Then the day started. Meetings, coffee runs, emails.
Normal.
Perfect.
Until reception called at 11.
"Miss Han? There's a visitor for CEO Kang. Says it's personal. Family."
I froze.
Dae-Hyun was on a call in his office. I knocked, poked my head in.
"Hey… reception says your mom is here?"
The color drained from his face.
He ended the call without a word.
"She's not my mom."
Voice flat.
Dead.
I stepped inside. Closed the door.
"Dae-Hyun…"
"Send her up."
He wouldn't look at me.
I hesitated.
"You want me to stay or—"
"Go. Please."
His voice cracked on the last word.
I left.
But I didn't go far.
She walked in like she owned the place.
Late fifties, still beautiful. Expensive coat, perfect hair, designer bag.
"Son."
She smiled like they were in a family drama reunion scene.
Dae-Hyun didn't stand.
Didn't smile.
"What do you want?"
Straight to it.
Cold.
She sat anyway.
"You've done well. The company. Big success."
Silence.
"I'm getting married again. Good man. Influential."
He stared.
"Congratulations."
Dry.
She leaned forward.
"He can help you. Connections. Board likes family image."
He laughed.
Bitter.
"You think I need help from your new husband?"
"Scandal is bad. That video. The girl."
She glanced toward the door.
Me.
His jaw tightened.
"Her name is Hyemi. And it's none of your business."
"I can fix it. One interview. Mother and successful son. Clean image."
He stood.
Slow.
Dangerous.
"You left."
"I was young—"
"You left me with a father who didn't give a damn. You took the money and ran."
"I had reasons."
"I don't care what reasons."
She stood too.
"You'll lose everything if the board turns."
He stepped closer.
"Get out."
"Think about it. I'll call."
She walked past me in the hall.
Smiled like plastic.
"Take care of him, dear. He's stubborn."
Gone.
I went back in.
He was at the window.
Back stiff.
Fists clenched.
I didn't say anything.
Just walked up.
Wrapped arms around him from behind.
He tensed.
Then relaxed.
Slowly.
Hands covered mine.
Held tight.
We stayed like that.
Long time.
Finally he spoke.
Voice low.
"She wants photos. Interviews. Perfect family."
I rested cheek on his back.
"You don't owe her anything."
"I know."
But he didn't sound sure.
I turned him around.
Looked up.
"Hey."
He looked down.
Eyes tired.
Sad.
"I'm here."
He nodded.
Pulled me close.
Face in my hair.
Breathed me in.
"I love you."
Quiet.
Real.
I smiled against his chest.
"I love you too."
He pulled back.
Looked at me like I was the only thing keeping him together.
Then kissed me.
Slow.
Soft.
Like he was afraid I'd disappear.
I kissed back.
Harder.
Let him know I wasn't going anywhere.
When we broke apart, foreheads together.
He whispered.
"Stay tonight?"
"Yeah."
Simple.
Girlie group chat blew up when I told them.
Me: His mom showed up. Wants to play happy family for image. Nari: BITCH WHAT Seoyeon: Digging now. Give me 10 minutes. Ara: Poor baby. Hug him extra. Jiwon: Bring food. Comfort food. Me: Already planning jjajangmyeon and soju night at his place.
They sent hearts.
Angry emojis.
Love.
Evening at his penthouse.
I let myself in with the code he gave me last week.
He was on the couch.
Tie gone.
Shirt unbuttoned.
Glass of whiskey.
Staring at nothing.
I kicked off shoes.
Sat beside him.
Took the glass.
Drank.
Made face.
"Gross."
He smiled.
Small.
Real.
I put glass down.
Crawled into his lap.
Straddled.
Arms around neck.
"Hey."
"Hey."
He rested hands on my waist.
Warm.
I kissed his forehead.
Nose.
Cheek.
Lips.
Soft.
He sighed.
Like weight lifting.
"I hate her."
"I know."
"She doesn't get to come back."
"No."
He looked at me.
"You're my family now."
My heart flipped.
I smiled.
Teary.
"Good. Because you're stuck with me."
He laughed.
Real laugh.
Pulled me closer.
Kissed me deeper.
We made out like teenagers.
Slow.
Sweet.
Hot.
Hands under shirts.
But not rushing.
Just needing.
Close.
When we stopped, breathing hard.
He whispered.
"Stay forever?"
I nodded.
"Try and stop me."
We ordered food.
Ate on the couch.
Watched stupid drama.
Laughed at bad acting.
Fell asleep tangled.
Safe.
His head on my chest.
My fingers in his hair.
Perfect.
Next morning.
Office.
Holding hands in elevator again.
Hidden.
But stronger.
Mother texted him.
Ignored.
Board whispered.
Ignored.
Us.
We had us.
And that was enough.
For now.