First day, first crushes
Minatozaki Sana was a mystery to Jihyo.
After giving her a quick little tour of the office she had left her in Momo's care and had taken advantage of that to lock herself in her office and do what she did best, shut herself away in her own world and ignore everyone else.
During the tour, Jihyo had noticed how Sana appeared attentive to everything around her. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as they passed by the bustling workstations, taking in the organized chaos that defined the law firm. She made mental notes about the layout, the people, and even the coffee machine in the corner, which had become a lifesaver for many late-night workers. Sana’s enthusiasm was infectious, and Jihyo found herself momentarily enchanted by the younger woman’s genuine excitement.
“Wow, look at that!” Sana exclaimed, pointing at a wall filled with framed accolades and photos of past team events. “You’ve achieved so much here! It’s inspiring.”
Jihyo suppressed a smile, feeling both flattered and bewildered. How could someone so bright and kind exist in a place that often felt so gray and drab? The sterile environment of the law office, with its muted colors and serious atmosphere, contrasted sharply with Sana’s vibrant personality.
Yet, after flipping through reports and pretending to write for over an hour, she simply gave up.
She didn't feel guilty for going through the girl's files, after all, Jihyo was going to be her boss from now on, she needed to see what she was going to face, she couldn't have an ex-convict or an addict under her command.
Jihyo sighed; Minatozaki Sana, 24 years old. A graduate of Seoul National University School of Law with honors, top of her class. Born and raised in Osaka, Japan.
Jihyo continued to read, she noted the glowing recommendations from several professors, each praising Sana's intelligence, dedication, and work ethic. It was evident that this was her first experience in a firm of such magnitude. Jihyo couldn’t help but feel a twinge of admiration.
She bit her lip, contemplating the implications. “She’s a good girl” she thought.
A soft sigh escaped her lips as she leaned forward, running her fingers through her hair in frustration. “What am I doing?” she chastised herself. She glanced at the clock on her desk, its hands ticking away far too quickly. Jihyo realized she had already lost too much time in her musings.
The file was lost among the documents on her desk after that.
Jihyo didn’t stop; it was what she did best and what she loved most about her job—getting lost in the cases. For some, the meticulous details and endless paperwork became tedious, but for Jihyo, it was exhilarating. It was the only time in her life where she felt she had control, power. In this space, people had to listen to her without excuses or opinions.
As she immersed herself deeper into the intricacies of the case files, piecing together the narratives and strategies, she felt a familiar rhythm building. It was a dance of logic and intuition, and she was the lead.
Just as she finally began to find her groove, a sharp knock on the door interrupted her concentration. Jihyo let out a sigh, reluctantly removing the carefully placed glasses she had donned to read the documents. Rubbing her eyes, she felt the fatigue creeping in.
Glancing at the clock on her desk, she noted with dismay that it was already 6 PM. “Ugh,” she grunted softly, annoyance flickering across her features. With slow determination, she rose from her chair, the weight of the day in her limbs, and walked toward the door.
Opening it, she was taken aback at the sight before her.
Sana, her face bright with a warm, inviting smile that seemed to light up the room. Jihyo cleared her throat “Come in,” she managed, stepping aside to allow Sana to enter.
“Hirai left you, I suppose?” said Jihyo, walking over to her own desk to sit there.
“She had to go meet some clients, she said she couldn't take me,” Sana replied.
Jihyo nodded and leaned back in her place “Maybe when you have more experience” She said, looking at the girl's face “Tell me, Miss Minatozaki. Your first day, was it as you expected?”
“Even better than that” Sana replied, Jihyo had to hold back another grimace. 'Doesn’t this girl ever get tired of smiling?' “Thank you, Miss Park”
Jihyo didn’t correct her as she absentmindedly played with her ring on her finger —a small habit that kept her grounded
Jihyo took a breath, feeling the need to steer the conversation toward more serious matters. “I took the time to read some of your work and review your curriculum,” she began, gauging Sana’s reaction. “I must admit, I’m quite impressed with your background. Your accomplishments are noteworthy.”
Sana’s eyes sparkled with pride, and her smile widened. “Thank you, I've really put in a lot of effort to get to this point. It means a lot to hear that from you.”
Jihyo paused, meeting Sana's gaze with skepticism “I hope that’s true. This work isn’t easy, many times it demands more than you expect.”
Sana nodded vigorously, her confidence unwavering. “I can handle it, I promise.”
Jihyo studied Sana for a moment, “I will hold you onto that, Miss Minatozaki,” she said “I also expect you can get along well with the rest of the team. It’s especially important with Momo and I. We'll be spending a lot of time together.”
The girl smiled and Jihyo suddenly had the urge to roll her eyes.
But after a brief silence, Sana tilted her head, curiosity glimmering in her eyes. “Miss. Park, can I ask you something?”
Jihyo nodded, “Go ahead.”
”I really need to ask. How is Tzuyu doing?”
“Ah, so you came here to ask me about my daughter, Minatozaki?” Jihyo asked, a brow raised.
This girl, she’s something else
“Oh” Sana's throat cleared, her cheeks flushed ”No, of course not. I know better than to do that on my first day” She replied ”Miss Hirai left me some reports, I've finished everything, I wanted to know if I need to do more?”
Jihyo looked at her, almost analyzing her. The girl looked at her expectantly, those big warm eyes almost impregnating her soul “No” She said as she picked up her glasses and placed them back on her face, rising from her chair and signaling Sana to get up.
The girl did so without thinking and Jihyo hid a cocked smile “Just because it's your first day you'll have the privilege of leaving early.”
“I guess that won't happen very often, will it?”
“No” Jihyo replied “Get some rest, you'll need it greatly. I'll expect you in the meeting room first thing tomorrow morning,”
“You won't be leaving soon, ma'am?”
“Work never ends for me, Miss Minatozaki” Jihyo said, opening the office door and signaling for Sana to come out ”But you'll learn from that”
Sana looked at her, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features as if she wanted to say something but ultimately stopped, clenching her set jaw. “See you tomorrow, Miss. Park. Have a good night.”
Jihyo looked at her for a moment, watching the way Sana’s expression shifted. “Likewise,” she replied softly.
As Sana stepped out of the office, Jihyo observed her walking down the grand hallway toward the elevator. She took in the sight of Sana’s figure, the way her long hair swayed gently with each step, and a sigh escaped her lips.
Just as Jihyo was about to lose herself in thought, she noticed Sana glance back momentarily. In a swift motion, Jihyo closed the door before their eyes could meet again, a mix of exhaustion and contemplation settling in. She returned to her desk, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on her.
By the time Jihyo finally left work, the clock on the wall read almost 11 PM. She adjusted herself in her seat, feeling the tension in her shoulders as she prepared for the drive home. As she maneuvered through the bustling streets, she glanced at the city around her—the dazzling lights, the busy pedestrians, and the sounds of nightlife filled the air. But all Jihyo could think about was sleep; it felt like an elusive dream after a long day.
She drove on, her mind drifting.
Finally, Jihyo pulled into her parking space and parked the car with a soft thud. She stepped out, her movements heavy, with a deep breath, she walked toward the entrance of her home.
She didn't expect Tzuyu to be awake, although knowing Sungbin, she really didn't have high expectations.
She opened the door of the house and entered, was greeted with silence and Jihyo let out a sigh of relief.
She didn't even know where she threw her briefcase or where her tie went to fly but she climbed the stairs with quick steps and walked down the large hallway to Tzuyu's room.
She opened the door gently and smiled faintly at the sight of the sleeping little girl, cuddled up to one of her stuffed animals.
After a moment, Jihyo stepped back, careful to close the door quietly behind her. She made her way to her own room, but when she entered, she was surprised to find Sungbin not lying in his usual spot. A part of her expected him to be there, but she knew he was home—the car was parked outside. Yet, she didn’t feel enough interest to seek him out at the moment.
With a soft huff, she took off her shoes and removed her blazer, letting the fabric fall to the floor. Jihyo walked over to her vanity, ready to remove her earrings and unwind from the day. Just as she reached for them, she suddenly felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist from behind.
Startled, Jihyo turned her head slightly to glance at the mirror, where she caught a glimpse of Sungbin’s familiar face.
“Hi honey” Sungbin said, burying his nose in her hair.
Jihyo didn't answer, she finished taking off her earrings and the hair clip that held her locks. She didn't turn away either, she had no reason to, he was her husband after all, even if Jihyo wanted to ignore it.
“Hello” She finally replied and Sungbin turned her around, trapping her.
“Tzuyu is asleep, she did her homework and had her dinner” Sungbin said with a small smile that Jihyo was forced to return
“Thank you” She said, feeling Sungbin's arms tighten around her waist
“I also went to buy a couple of things for the week” He told her ”How did it go today?”
“Fine” She replied, really not very surprised. “What about you?
Sungbin shrugged, pulling her a little closer to him, his breath brushing against her cheek. “It was good,” he said, a hint of pride in his tone. “I have a trip coming up in a couple of weeks to close a new deal.”
Jihyo nodded, her mind briefly drifting to the logistics of it all. “That’s good,” she responded, starting to hum a soft tune absentmindedly. “Just make sure to tell Tzuyu before you leave, so she knows.”
Sungbin simply nodded, seemingly distracted, his thoughts elsewhere. “Yeah, I’ll make sure to do that,” he murmured, still holding her close.
When Sungbin turned his face slightly to catch Jihyo's lips between his, Jihyo did not push him away. She reciprocated the kiss but didn't enjoy it either, it had been a long time since Sungbin had made her feel anything but dull, stressed.
A new duty every time she came to the house.
“Come” Sungbin whispered against her lips, taking her waist and starting to pull back.
Jihyo understood “No” This time she pushed him away a little, stopping “I'm too tired, Bin.”
Jihyo should have known better, she felt stupid for even considering that Sungbin for the first time, had decided to be a good father -a decent person
“I won't be long, come on Jihyo” He insisted, taking Jihyo's cheek between his hands and pulling her close again to kiss her.
This time Jihyo interrupted the kiss, causing Sungbin's lips to land on her jaw, they were raspy, hard. They didn't feel right against her skin.
“I'm too tired” She replied, placing her hands on his chest, stopping his attempts to kiss her. “And Tzuyu is next door, she could wake up at any moment.”
“She won't” He said “Come on, you know I can't resist it”
“No” Jihyo said and moved further away from him, the man's hands let go of her waist and fell to his sides ”I'm going to sleep.”
She said nothing more, turned on her heels and walked to the other side of the room, looking through the drawers for something.
After a moment of sifting through clothes, she finally found what she was looking for. With a small sigh of relief, she turned around, only to find Sungbin still standing in the same spot in the middle of the room, watching her.
Jihyo exhaled softly, feeling a wave of frustration wash over her. It wasn’t worth it to engage in another round of conversation with him. She quickly changed into her pajamas, feeling the fabric settle against her skin before she climbed into bed without another word.
Sungbin turned, finally facing her, but Jihyo remained focused on her phone, busying herself with something else. The silence in the room felt heavy, filled only by the sound of her fingers tapping the screen.
It wasn’t long before Sungbin broke the stillness. “Isn’t this enough?” he asked, his voice edged with irritation.
Confused, Jihyo glanced up at him, meeting his gaze. She could see the anger simmering beneath the surface, and it caught her off guard. “What do you mean?” she asked, her brow furrowing slightly.
Sungbin's expression hardened as he stared back at her. “Everything I did today, wasn’t it enough?”
Jihyo felt her body freeze at his words, disbelief washing over her. She couldn’t help but let out a small laugh, albeit restrained. “What are you talking about, Sungbin?”
“I did the shopping, I took care of Tzuyu, I did everything you said you wanted— all for what? For you to reject me?” Sungbin exclaimed, his voice rising in frustration.
Jihyo stared at him incredulously, her heart racing. “What did you expect? A prize for doing what you’re supposed to do? For taking care of your own daughter? For fulfilling your responsibilities?” The sarcasm dripped from her words, and she couldn’t hide the irritation that bubbled inside her.
Sungbin's gaze intensified, anger flashing across his features. “I want to fix things, Jihyo! I’m trying to fix things!” he shot back, his voice filled with desperate energy.
Jihyo clenched her jaw, feeling her irritation grow even more. “And sex is your solution to whatever is going on? That's how you want to fix this?”
Sungbin’s frustration simmered beneath the surface as he continued to press his case. “I want to do something, Jihyo! I have needs, and I can’t just turn them off! You haven’t let me touch you since Tzuyu was born. I don’t know what happened or what I did wrong!”
Jihyo felt her patience fray at his words. “You don’t know what you did wrong?” she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Are you serious right now?”
He blinked, confusion mingling with his anger. “What do you mean?”
“You left for six months, Sungbin!” Jihyo shot back, her voice rising. “You left me alone because you wanted to explore more! You think that was okay? You think that didn’t hurt? And now you’re acting like I’m the one at fault for not just jumping back into bed with you?”
Sungbin shook his head, frustration evident on his face. “It’s not fair, Jihyo! It’s not fair to throw something from years ago at me like this!”
Jihyo crossed her arms, her expression unyielding. “I have every right to feel this way because I’m not the one who left. I stayed here, Sungbin. I stayed even after you came back. I’m the one who had to pick up the pieces while you were out there, exploring.”
Sungbin opened his mouth to argue, but Jihyo pressed on. “You can’t just expect me to forgive and forget as if nothing happened. You say you’re trying to fix things, but it feels like an afterthought.”
“I am trying!” he insisted, his voice rising again. “I’m here now, aren’t I? I’m trying to make it work!”
Jihyo glared at him, her heart pounding with a mix of anger and hurt. “Trying too late, don’t you think? Do you even realize how much time has passed?”
Jihyo let out a heavy sigh, feeling the weight of the conversation pressing down on her. She stood up from the bed, her movements deliberate as she turned to face him. “The only thing I’ve ever asked for, the only thing I’ve ever wanted, is for you to be a good father to Tzuyu. Even if you’re not a good husband, I just need you to be there for her.”
Sungbin opened his mouth to protest, his expression a mix of disbelief and anger. “But—”
“Don’t,” Jihyo interrupted, her voice firm. “How can you expect me to trust you when all you’ve done is what you’re supposed to do? You’re fulfilling your responsibilities as a father, and now you think that gives you the right to expect more from me? That’s too much to ask.”
Sungbin took a step forward, his frustration boiling over. “I’m trying to be better! I’m here now, I’m—”
But Jihyo shook her head, cutting him off again as she began to walk toward the door. “I’m tired, Sungbin. I’m just so tired of this back and forth. I’m going to sleep with Tzuyu.”
Jihyo stepped out of the room, closing the door firmly behind her. As the click of the latch echoed in the silence, she leaned against the door for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady herself. The tears that once flowed freely had long since dried up; it had been a long time since she felt that kind of release.
She had stopped loving Sungbin a while ago, but that didn’t erase the pain of knowing she was alone—truly alone. The emptiness washed over her like a cold wave, reminding her that the only person she had left was Tzuyu.
With each step down the hallway, the weight of her loneliness pressed down harder. Jihyo had fought for so long, trying to hold everything together. But each confrontation with Sungbin only reminded her of the void left by his absence, the promises unkept.
As she entered Tzuyu’s room, she felt a flicker of warmth at the sight of her daughter sleeping peacefully. It was moments like these that made everything worth it. Jihyo climbed into bed beside Tzuyu, wrapping her arms around the small body, seeking comfort in the innocence of her child.
Jihyo did not sleep well that night, she had been busy, staring at the star-adorned ceiling of Tzuyu's room. The soft glow from the little night light illuminated the room, but it did little to ease the turmoil within her. She glanced at her phone, the bright screen illuminating the darkness. It was four in the morning.
She sighed, realizing that sleep was a distant hope tonight. With a gentle movement, she slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb Tzuyu. The last thing she wanted was to wake her daughter.
Quietly, Jihyo crept down the stairs, the familiar creaks of the wooden steps echoing softly in the stillness of the house. She made her way to the kitchen, the cool air brushing against her skin as she flicked on the light.
As she stood by the counter, Jihyo began preparing herself a cup of coffee, the rich aroma filling the air. She hoped it would help clear her mind, but as she waited for the coffee to brew, the thoughts swirled relentlessly.
She tried to distract herself, flipping through the cabinets, looking for something—anything—that could occupy her mind. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t do it
The coffee pot beeped, signaling that it was ready, but Jihyo felt no excitement. She poured herself a cup, cradling it in her hands.
Standing alone in the kitchen, Jihyo realized that the silence was both a comfort and a curse. It allowed her to think, but in that stillness, the loneliness surged back, leaving her feeling more isolated than ever.
As she took a sip of the bitter coffee, she closed her eyes and leaned against the counter, wishing for clarity, wishing for a way to mend the broken pieces of her life.
How had it come to this? She could hardly recognize the girl she used to be—the popular girl in college, surrounded by friends, always the life of the party. Back then, there were countless nights spent dancing, laughing, and celebrating with people who adored her. Now, that world felt like a distant memory, a life she had left behind without even realizing it.
Her thoughts drifted to Momo, the only person she could truly call a friend now. They had shared so many good times, and Jihyo knew Momo would be there for her without hesitation. Yet, the idea of reaching out felt daunting. Jihyo didn’t want to burden her with what she deemed “silly problems.” Even though she knew Momo wouldn’t mind.
She placed her coffee mug in the sink, its bitterness no longer appealing. Instead, she felt a flicker of hope at the idea of reaching out to someone, anyone.
With a determined breath, Jihyo picked up her phone and scrolled through her contacts. Her finger hovered over Momo's name for a moment, but doubt crept in again. Instead, she settled on another familiar name—Yoo Jeongyeon. After all, she was always awake, often the night owl among them. She wouldn’t mind a late-night call, Jihyo reasoned.
Without overthinking it, Jihyo pressed the call button, dismissing the concern that she might wake Jeongyeon. The phone rang once, then twice, and just as Jihyo began to feel the familiar pang of anxiety, the call connected.
“Good morning?” Jeongyeon’s voice came through, a little groggy but warm, like a comforting blanket.
“Hey, Jeongyeon,” Jihyo said, her voice steady but soft. “It’s Jihyo.”
“Jihyo! What’s up?” Jeongyeon replied, her tone brightening instantly. “Is everything okay?”
Jihyo smiled slightly at the concern in Jeongyeon’s voice. She could almost picture her, the mother of little Chaengie, always so nurturing and caring. Jeongyeon had been Tzuyu’s ally and protector, and in a way, she had become a part of Jihyo’s life too.
Even if she wouldn’t describe their relationship as particularly close, Jihyo felt an undeniable trust in Jeongyeon. She was kind, patient, and an incredible mother and wife. Jihyo knew she could confide in her.
“Yes I just—I need to ask you a favor,” Jihyo said, summoning her courage.
“Of course,” Jeongyeon replied.
“I need Tzuyu to stay with you in the morning, and I was hoping I could pick her up later tonight?” Jihyo asked, her heart racing.
“Absolutely,” Jeongyeon responded with a reassuring tone. “Nayeon can take the girls to school, so I’ll have the time. I’ll swing by in about an hour.”
A small smile crept onto Jihyo’s face, relief washing over her. “Thank you so much, Jeongyeon.”
“Anytime,” Jeongyeon said
Jihyo hung up the phone and let out a soft sigh of relief. She climbed the stairs back to Tzuyu's room, grateful for the little haven they had created together. Over time, Jihyo had learned to always keep an extra set of clothes in Tzuyu's room; it had become a habit since she often stayed over.
Carefully, she picked up Tzuyu's favorite outfit—a cute pastel dress—and made her way to the bathroom to get ready. Once she was dressed, Jihyo returned to the room, her heart warm with anticipation.
“Time to wake up, sleepyhead,” Jihyo said gently, leaning over Tzuyu's bed.
Tzuyu groaned softly, turning away from the light. “Five more minutes...” she mumbled, her voice muffled by the pillow.
Jihyo chuckled softly and brushed her fingers through Tzuyu's hair, enjoying the softness of the strands. “It’s time to get up,” she said, her voice laced with affection.
Tzuyu let out a disgruntled sound, clearly still caught in the clutches of sleep. Jihyo felt a twinge of guilt for waking her, but she quickly replaced it with a smile. “You know, Jeongyeon unnie will come to pick you up today. You and Chaeyoung will have a fun day together!”
At the mention of her friend, Tzuyu's eyes fluttered open slightly, the corners of her mouth lifting in a small smile. “Really?” she asked, her drowsiness fading a little.
“Really! So let’s get you up and ready,” Jihyo encouraged.
Just as Jihyo finished helping Tzuyu get ready, there was a cheerful knock on the door. Jeongyeon had arrived right on time, as always—a trait Jihyo deeply appreciated.
“Good morning” Jihyo called out as she opened the door, revealing Jeongyeon standing there with a bright smile.
“Morning” Jeongyeon replied, her eyes sparkling. But before she could say anything else, Tzuyu dashed past Jihyo and into Jeongyeon’s arms.
“Unnie!” Tzuyu exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.
“Hey there, little one” Jeongyeon embraced Tzuyu tightly, lifting her off the ground. “Did you sleep well?”
Tzuyu nodded enthusiastically. “I did! I’m so excited,” she said, her eyes wide with anticipation.
Jeongyeon chuckled softly. “Chae’s still sleeping but you’ll have fun, okay? I’ll make sure to take lots of pictures for your mom.”
“Okay!” Tzuyu beamed.
“Then, are you ready to go?”
Tzuyu shook her head, a pout forming on her lips. “Not yet!” With a burst of energy, she jumped down from Jeongyeon's arms and sprinted back to Jihyo, wrapping her arms around her waist.
Jihyo smiled down at her. “I’ll see you later tonight, alright? You behave and have fun with Chaeyoung, okay?”
Tzuyu nodded earnestly, her eyes gleaming with joy. “I will! Bye, mommy!”
Jeongyeon glanced back at Jihyo, and in that brief exchange, Jihyo could feel Jeongyeon’s gaze linger on her. Jihyo was aware that Jeongyeon could see the fatigue etched on her face, the dark circles under her eyes. However, neither of them spoke about it, and she was fine with it.
Jeongyeon simply offered a small, knowing gesture, a slight nod. Jihyo returned the gesture with a gentle smile.
Turning her attention back to Tzuyu, Jihyo watched as her little girl bounced with excitement. With one last wave and a bright smile, Jihyo closed the door behind them, relishing the sound of Tzuyu’s laughter fading into the distance.
—
“Wow, every time I see you you look so much worse Park.”
“Don't make me fire you, Hirai” Jihyo replied, sitting back in her chair.,
“As if you have the guts to do that,” Momo laughed, plopping down next to Jihyo and handing her a neatly organized folder. “The reports you asked for. I also went to talk to the new clients yesterday; we closed the deal, and Hye-san is thrilled with the strategy you delivered.”
Jihyo smiled, flipping through the documents. “Where were you 13 years ago, Hirai? I could have married you,” she joked, her eyes skimming the pages.
“Probably at some high school party,” Momo teased back, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Jihyo let out a soft sigh, focusing on the reports. As she read through the data, she began making annotations, her mind racing with thoughts of upcoming strategies and presentations. The atmosphere in the conference room was buzzing; one by one, her colleagues filtered in, exchanging greetings and settling into their seats.
However, among them, there was one individual who always stood out to Jihyo, and not for the right reasons. Choi Donghae. The memory of their past encounters flooded her mind—tense moments filled with competition, each trying to outshine the other. He had a knack for overshadowing her achievements, and it irked Jihyo to no end. She huffed under her breath, pushing the thoughts aside. She didn’t have time for that today.
Finally, as the room filled with chatter and the energy shifted, the door swung open. Jihyo glanced up, and in walked Sana, her presence instantly captivating. Today, she wore a delicate white suit that accentuated her elegance, mirroring her gentle demeanor.
“Minatozaki” Jihyo called out, waving her over. She pointed to the empty seat beside her.
Sana smiled, quickly making her way toward Jihyo.
“Thanks for finally join us.”
Sana’s cheeks flushed a soft pink, a hint of shyness evident in her smile.
Jihyo cleared her throat, determined to shift the focus of the room. Standing up from her seat, she caught everyone’s attention. “Everyone, may I have your attention, please?” She felt the eyes of her colleagues shift towards her, curiosity piqued.
“We have a new employee joining our team today” Jihyo announced, gesturing toward Sana. “Please welcome Sana”
At Jihyo's introduction, Sana stood up, a bit startled but quickly composed herself. She bowed gracefully, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Hello, everyone, I’m Sana. It’s great to meet all of you!”
The room erupted in a chorus of welcoming remarks and applause. “Welcome, Sana!” “Excited to have you!” “You’ll love it here!” echoed through the conference room.
However, Jihyo felt a slight annoyance bubble within her as she observed the reactions of some of the male colleagues. Their eyes widened, and they exchanged glances, nudging each other with smirks as they openly admired Sana, almost as if she were just a piece of meat on display. It was disappointing
Suppressing the urge to roll her eyes, Jihyo cleared her throat again, determined to steer the focus back to business. “Alright, everyone, it’s time to start the meeting,” she announced
As Jihyo dove into the agenda, she began discussing various legal cases and strategies, her tone shifting into that of a confident lawyer. “We need to focus on the upcoming litigation. The key points we should consider include the evidence we have gathered and the potential outcomes of the trial. I want everyone to be prepared…”
After what felt like an eternity, the meeting finally came to a close. Jihyo, Momo, and Sana gathered their things and exited the conference room together.
“So, I was thinking we should adjust our strategy for the Johnson case,” Momo suggested “If we shift our focus to the contract discrepancies, we might have a stronger argument.”
Jihyo said nothing, nodding attentively. Sana walked beside them, absorbing their conversation.
They reached the elevator, and Momo pressed the button. As they stepped inside, Momo continued to share her thoughts on the cases.
Just as the elevator doors began to slide shut, a hand shot in, halting the closure. Jihyo’s heart sank as she looked up to see Donghae standing there, a goofy smile plastered on his face.
“Hello ladies” Donghae exclaimed as he stepped into the elevator, turning to greet them. His cheerful demeanor was almost infuriating. Jihyo shot him a glare, silently wishing he would tone it down, but he just flashed that stupid grin that made her want to punch him.
He then turned to Sana, extending his hand with a charming smile. “And who might this be? Our new intern itself” he said, his tone overly casual.
Sana hesitated for a moment, taken aback by his exuberance, but then she smiled politely and accepted his handshake. “I’m Sana,” she introduced herself, her voice warm despite the awkwardness in the air.
Donghae leaned in a bit closer, his smile widening. “Choi Donghae” He smiled “If you ever need anything, I’m always available to help,” he said, his tone dripping with insincerity.
Sana beamed back at him, but then added, “Thank you! But I’m really under the guidance of Miss Park, and I think she’s more than capable of helping me navigate things here.”
Jihyo had to suppress a triumphant smile at the look of surprise that crossed Donghae’s face. The shift in his expression was priceless.
“Right, well, Mrs. Park is great,” Donghae replied, trying to recover his composure. “But really, don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything”
“Thank you, but I think I’ll be just fine,” Sana said
The rest of the elevator ride was filled with an awkward silence as Donghae seemed to retreat into his thoughts, not uttering another word. Finally, the elevator chimed as they reached their floor. Donghae turned to Sana, launching her a flirtatious smile as if trying to salvage the moment, before glancing quickly at Jihyo and stepping out. The doors began to close once more, sealing off his presence.
As the elevator doors shut, Momo leaned in and whispered, “I hate that guy.”
Jihyo couldn’t help but hide a grimace at Momo’s words, knowing all too well how Donghae could be.
Sana looked at them both, her brow slightly furrowed. “He seems nice, though,” she said.
Momo scoffed, crossing her arms. “Nice? Trust me, he’s not. You don’t know him like we do. You’d better watch out for him.”
Sana met Momo’s gaze but simply nodded in acknowledgment, absorbing the warning. The atmosphere in the elevator shifted as they fell into a contemplative silence, each lost in their thoughts until they finally reached their destination.
As they stepped out, Jihyo paused, gesturing toward the rows of desks lining the office space. “This is where you’ll be working,” she said, a hint of pride in her voice. “Ms. Hirai made sure to transfer you to the same floor as me to help you settle in.”
Sana looked around, taking in her new surroundings. “Thank you, Momo. That’s really kind of you,” she replied.
“And like you know,” Jihyo continued, “my office is right behind that door.” She pointed toward a sleek glass door. “If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to knock.”
Without saying anything more, Jihyo walked down the hallway to her office, closing the door behind her. As soon as the sound of the door clicking shut echoed in the room, Sana let out a huge sigh and dropped into her chair, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on her.
Momo turned to her, a teasing smile playing on her lips. “You look like you just ran a marathon.”
Sana rolled her eyes, “I can’t keep pretending like everything’s fine! It’s exhausting!”
Momo chuckled, “Don’t worry about it. It’s totally normal to feel that way”
Sana exclaimed, “But I don’t know how you’re not afraid of her! She seems so… intimidating!”
Momo laughed, a lighthearted sound that filled the small office. “Please! I’ve been here for five years. Jihyo isn’t as scary as she looks”
Sana frowned, recalling a conversation she had with another intern. “Someone told me that she made them cry once!”
Momo waved her hand dismissively, “Oh, come on! People can be very sensitive. It’s not always about Jihyo being mean.”
Sana paused, looking thoughtful. “So it’s true, then?”
Momo shook her head, “It was just one time, and honestly, if Jihyo did that, they probably deserved it. She may seem tough on the outside, but she’s a really good person and an excellent boss.”
Sana tilted her head “Really?”
Momo nodded vigorously. “Yeah! I was scared too when I first started. But I quickly realized that it’s all a facade. Jihyo just has high standards and wants the best from everyone. Once you get to know her, she’s not so bad.”
“I hope you're right for I really need this job” Sana sighed.
“I wouldn't worry too much if I were you.”
“Why do you say that?”
“You did say you helped her daughter, didn't you?” Momo asked ”That earns you points”
Sana bit her lip, thinking and started fiddling with her sleeves “Miss Park, she's married, right Momo?”
Momo pondered for a moment before replying, “Yeah, she is. She hates being called by her married name. That’s why she uses her maiden name instead.”
Sana nodded, remembering her interaction the day before “I see.”
“Should I start calling her Mrs?”
“I think you’re good” Momo said with a smile
When Sana finally looked up from the mountain of paperwork Momo had given her, it was dark outside, and almost 8 o'clock at night. She stretched in her place, and Momo, sitting next to her, did the same.
Momo began to hum softly, her eyes skimming over some notes. “Perfect,” she murmured to herself, clearly pleased with the progress they were making.
As Momo continued her reading, Sana found her mind wandering. She couldn’t help but think about Jihyo. The woman intimidated her, yet there was something undeniably intriguing about her. Momo was right; Jihyo was a good person. Sana had seen the relief on Jihyo's face when she helped Tzuyu the other day. It was genuine kindness that shone through her tough exterior.
Sana couldn't shake Jihyo from her mind. She recalled the countless stories she had heard about the formidable Park Jihyo. Many were not flattering, depicting her as a strict boss who demanded perfection. Yet, there was an undeniable allure to her strength and capability. Sana felt a mix of fear and fascination—how could someone be so intimidating yet deeply caring at the same time?
Sana sighed softly, glancing at Momo, who was still immersed in her work. “Hey, Momo,” she asked, breaking the silence. “What time do you usually leave this place?”
Momo looked up from her notes, shrugging her shoulders. “Almost now,” she replied casually. “I usually stay until 9 when there’s a lot to do.”
Sana blinked in confusion. “Wow, that’s much earlier than I thought”
Momo raised an eyebrow, curious. “Why?”
Sana hesitated for a moment, then admitted, “Park told me not to expect to leave early.”
Momo rolled her eyes, a smirk forming on her lips. “Oh, she always does that! But trust me, she never follows through. It’s just her way of scaring us a little. If anyone stays late, it’s always Jihyo.”
Sana’s curiosity piqued. “Does she do that often? Stay late, I mean?”
Momo nodded vigorously. “Almost every night. Jihyo doesn’t leave the office until after 11. The only time she leaves early is if she has to pick up her daughter or if she wants to spend more time with her.”
Sana nodded, that explains so much “So, she really works that much?”
“Yep!” Momo replied, leaning back in her chair. “It’s impressive, but it’s also a bit concerning. She’s dedicated, but I wish she took more time for herself.”
Sana nodded slowly “That’s really surprising…”
The conversation lingered in the air but gradually faded.
And true to her word Momo checked the time, and as the clock struck 9, she began gathering her things.
“Don’t overwork yourself, alright?,” Momo said, giving her a reassuring smile.
Sana returned the smile “Have a good night, Momo.”
Momo grinned, waving as she headed toward the elevator. “See you tomorrow!”
As Momo disappeared down the hallway, Sana sighed, looking around the quiet office. It felt almost oppressive in its stillness, a stark contrast to the lively discussions that had filled it earlier. She brushed her hand across her face, feeling an unexpected heaviness in her chest.
Ms. Park hadn’t left her office since the end of the meeting, and Sana couldn’t shake the feeling that she hadn’t even taken a break to eat. Biting her lip, she wrestled with the urge to check in on her boss but ultimately decided against it.
Sana settled back into her chair, the silence enveloping her like a blanket, as she contemplated her own thoughts and the demanding presence of Jihyo that lingered in her mind.
When the clock finally struck 10, the sound of a door creaking open jolted Sana from her reverie. Startled by the noise, she nearly toppled off her chair, but she quickly composed herself, hoping Jihyo hadn’t noticed her moment of panic.
As she turned to face her boss, Sana managed a smile. Jihyo stood in the doorway, her eyes wide in surprise. The light from the hallway framed her figure, accentuating her sharp features and the vivid red of her lips, which were pressed into an expression that was difficult to read.
“Ah, Minatozaki, I didn’t expect to see you here at this hour,” Jihyo said, her voice slightly hoarse as she cleared her throat.
Sana straightened up, trying to appear more professional. “I’m just working,” she replied, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in her stomach.
Jihyo’s expression shifted, a flicker of concern crossing her face. “Didn’t Momo tell you anything about the leaving hours? I’m sorry, I’ll—” she asked, her brow furrowing slightly.
Sana felt a twinge of guilt but smiled reassuringly. “She mentioned it, but I wanted to finish up some tasks before heading out.”
“Still,” Jihyo said, her voice laced with worry. “You shouldn’t push yourself too hard. It’s really late”
Sana couldn’t help but smile wider. “I can handle it,” she replied, trying to sound more confident than she felt.
Jihyo sighed, the lines of stress on her face softening just a little. “Really, just leave that paperwork and go home,” she urged, her concern evident.
“Are you heading home yourself?” Sana asked.
“I need to finish up a few quick things, but I’ll leave soon,” Jihyo replied, glancing back into her office where papers were strewn across her desk.
Sana bit her lip, she knew there was no way she could stay much longer, especially if Jihyo was planning to leave soon. “Alright, but I hope you don’t overwork yourself either,” she said, her voice filled with sincerity.
Jihyo looked at her, and for a moment, her expression changed again. There was a depth to her gaze that seemed to convey more than just concern. But just as quickly, Jihyo lowered her eyes, her demeanor shifting back to a more professional facade. “Just… make sure you get some rest. Goodnight.”
With that, Jihyo turned and stepped back into her office, leaving Sana feeling a little more alone than before. The door clicked shut, and Sana took a deep breath.
Sana took a moment to gather her things, feeling the weight of the evening settle in her shoulders. With one last glance at Jihyo’s office, she stepped out of the building, the cool breeze greeting her as she exited. It brushed against her skin, refreshing yet slightly chilling, a reminder that the night was far from over.
She followed her usual routine: walking to the subway station, the rhythmic sound of her footsteps accompanying the distant hum of the city. When she reached her stop, she descended the stairs and emerged onto the street, the familiar path to her apartment guiding her home.
As she approached the building, a tired smile crept onto her face at the sight of the elevator. She pressed the button for her floor, and the doors slid open with a soft ding. Once inside, she leaned against the wall, closing her eyes for a brief moment as the elevator ascended.
Arriving at her floor, she stepped out and walked towards her apartment, number 9. As she opened the door, a wave of quiet enveloped her. The darkness greeted her like an old friend, and she knew that Mina was likely fast asleep.
Sana slipped off her shoes and left them neatly by the door, then padded softly towards the kitchen. Their apartment was small but filled with warmth and memories, a cozy sanctuary they had built together. The soft glow of the moonlight filtered through the windows, casting gentle shadows on the walls, making the space feel inviting.
Sana stood in the kitchen, letting the tranquility of the moment wash over her. It had been a good day, surprisingly so. The people she interacted with were kind, and her boss, turned out to be not as bad as the rumors suggested. A small smile crept onto her face, allowing herself to get lost in her thoughts.
Suddenly, the soft glow of the overhead light flickered on, illuminating the small kitchen. Sana turned, her heart warming at the sight of Mina standing there, a gentle smile gracing her features.
“Did I wake you?” Sana asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mina shook her head, her hair falling softly around her shoulders. “No, I was just finishing up some things,” she replied, stepping closer.
Sana nodded, feeling a wave of relief. “Good. Come here,” she said, extending her hand invitingly.
Mina took her hand and moved to sit beside Sana at the small kitchen table.
“How was your day?” Mina asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Sana leaned back a little, a genuine smile spreading across her face. “Better than I expected,” she admitted. “I actually made a friend today.”
Mina’s smile widened, her excitement evident. “Really? That’s amazing! Who is it?”
Sana couldn’t help but laugh softly at Mina’s enthusiasm. “Momo, she’s amazing”
Mina nodded, a bright smile lighting up her face. “Momo? That’s a cute name, What’s she like?”
Sana couldn’t help but chuckle at Mina’s excitement. “She’s amazing—so energetic. I think we’re going to get along really well.”
Mina’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “And what about your boss? How’s she treating you?”
Sana beamed, her enthusiasm evident. “Jihyo is incredible too! She’s really supportive.”
Mina raised an eyebrow, her expression shifting slightly as she noticed something in Sana’s tone. “That sounds… interesting,” she said slowly, as if weighing her words. But instead of pressing further, she simply smiled, clearly pleased for her friend.
Sana let out a soft sigh, her earlier excitement fading for a moment. “Yeah, it really is,” she replied. They sat in silence for a heartbeat, each lost in their thoughts, until Sana playfully let her head drop onto the table.
Mina burst into laughter “What’s wrong now?” she teased.
Sana groaned dramatically, her cheek pressed against the cool surface of the table. “I have a problem,” she mumbled, the words muffled.
Mina reached out, gently running her fingers through Sana’s hair. “I figured as much,” she said softly. “What is it?”
Sana let out a soft groan, burying her face deeper into her arms on the table. “Do you remember what I told you a few days ago? About the cute girl I met at the supermarket?”
Mina nodded, her fingers still running through Sana’s hair. “How could I forget Satang? You were practically glowing when you talked about her.”
Sana lifted her head, locking eyes with Mina for a brief moment. There was a flicker of realization in Mina’s gaze, and suddenly she erupted into laughter, her voice ringing through the kitchen.
“Wait, no! It’s not funny!” Sana protested, her cheeks flushing slightly. “It really isn’t!”
Mina wiped a tear of laughter from her eye. “Of course it is! You didn’t realize that the cute girl was Park Jihyo?”
Sana frowned, crossing her arms over the table. “I didn’t know! They don’t look alike at all!”
Mina leaned back, still chuckling. “Sana, come on! You really didn’t see it?”
“But Jihyo is… cold, she’s nice but that’s it!” Sana exclaimed, her voice rising in exasperation. “The girl from the supermarket was warm and friendly!”
Mina nodded, her laughter fading into a knowing smile. “Well, yeah, she is cold. It’s her job to be professional”
Sana sighed dramatically, running a hand through her hair in frustration. “Why didn’t anyone warn me?!”
Mina leaned closer, her expression shifting to one of encouragement. “But Sana, that doesn’t have to stop you! Just because she’s your boss doesn’t mean you can’t pursue something.”
Sana shook her head vigorously, her frustration bubbling over. “No, definitely not! She’s married, Mina! That’s a huge deal!”
Mina raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on her lips. “Okay, that might be a problem.”
Sana groaned again, burying her face in her hands. “I can’t believe I even thought I had a chance. This is so embarrassing!”
Mina reached out, gently squeezing Sana’s shoulder. “Don’t worry so much! It was just a crush at first sight. It doesn’t have to turn into anything more.”
Sana sighed deeply, the weight of her emotions settling in. “You’re right, I guess. What more can happen, right?”