Hwang Hyunjin, 23, is the cold, infamous CEO of an elite mafia corporation that exists to keep other mafia organizations in check. Ruthless, brilliant, and always ten steps ahead, Hyunjin built his empire alongside his trusted friend Choi San, another powerhouse CEO. Together, they maintain control over the most dangerous networks in South Korea, operating from a sleek black high-rise in Gangnam.

Enter Kim Seungmin. Fresh out of college, sharp-minded and eager to work, he applies for a position as a secretary—unaware that his potential boss is none other than Hyunjin: the boy he once rejected in high school. Back then, Seungmin’s reasons were misunderstood. After being assaulted by a previous boyfriend, he shut himself off from romantic advances. The truth came out only after graduation, but by then, Hyunjin had vanished—burying his heartbreak beneath years of power, violence, and silence.

Now, fate brings them face-to-face. But Hyunjin isn’t the same boy Seungmin once knew. And Seungmin isn’t the same either. A storm brews in the office halls—and Hyunjin, though colder now, can’t ignore the ghost of the boy who once shattered him… or the part of him that still aches to protect him.

⸻

The elevator doors chimed open on the 48th floor. Hwang Hyunjin stood by the glass wall of his office, city lights stretching beneath him like his kingdom. His black blazer was sharp, sleeves slightly rolled to reveal silver cuffs. A soft knock interrupted the silence.

“Another applicant?” he asked coolly.

Choi San leaned into the office, tie loosened and grinning. “Last one. Secretary position. Kim Seungmin.”

Hyunjin didn’t flinch—but his eyes darkened. That name. That voice. He remembered it. Remembered everything.

High school. Rooftop. A soft voice saying, “I’m sorry, Hyunjin… I can’t.” And then silence.

Hyunjin turned from the window, voice low. “Send him in.”

The door opened slowly. Seungmin stepped inside—dressed neatly, holding a folder to his chest. His hair was shorter, but the face was the same. Soft eyes. Gentle lips. Still so unaware.

He bowed politely. “I’m here for the interview. Secretary role.”

Hyunjin sat, slow and deliberate, folding his hands. His voice dropped like a blade.

“So tell me, Seungmin-ssi…” His eyes bore into him. “What makes you think you belong in this building?”