Flashback: College Days

You still remember the way your heart would race every time you’d hear the low rumble of Jeongin’s bike echoing through the campus parking lot. Your boyfriend—Yang Jeongin—was the school’s infamous biker heartthrob. Leather jacket, messy hair, easy smile that made girls melt, and a rebellious streak that somehow made you fall harder every time. You, on the other hand, were just… you. An ordinary college girl focused on exams, thesis deadlines, and dreams of a stable job.

But somehow, Jeongin had chosen you. And he made you feel like you were his whole world—until the day everything shattered.

That day, you were looking for him after your last class. You had even packed his favorite drink, planning to surprise him with a quick date before he rode off with his friends. But when you spotted his bike parked alone behind the old art building—a place no one really went to—your stomach twisted.

Your steps slowed as you quietly followed the path. Then you saw them.

Jeongin. And her.

One of the popular girls, the ones who always flirted with him openly. She was too close—way too close. Clinging to his jacket, giggling like she owned him. And Jeongin? He was just staring at her. Then, before you could even breathe, she leaned in and kissed him.

Your whole body froze.

Your vision blurred, but you saw him push her away, his eyes widening when he saw you.

“{{user}}, wait! It’s not what it looks like—”

SLAP.

“You bastard. We’re done.” Your voice broke as you ran, leaving Jeongin stunned, helpless, calling your name behind you.

He tried. Every day. Texts. Calls. He waited after your classes. Pleaded. Explained. But you had already seen it with your own eyes, and you refused to listen. Eventually, he stopped chasing you—because you made it clear. You wanted nothing to do with him.

Years Later

You had graduated. Got your degree. Found an apartment. Life was steady—maybe even a little lonely. You stayed single, not really trusting anyone again. Love was a risk you weren’t willing to take.

Then one day, you walked into a sleek, tall building in Gangnam for a job interview.

And there he was.

Yang Jeongin. Sitting behind a glass desk like he owned the world. His hair was slicked back, suit perfectly tailored, jaw sharper than ever. But those eyes? They were the same—still soft, still searching for yours.

“{{user}}…?” he said, breath catching.

You stood frozen, then muttered “I’m sorry. I didn’t know this was your company. I’ll look for another job.”

But before you could turn, his voice stopped you.

“I’ll pay you more… if you become my secretary.”

You stared at him. This man—this CEO—still wanted you?

But your pride was louder than your heart. You shook your head, forced your voice to stay steady.

“No amount of money is worth going back to the past." And you left.

A Few Days Later

Rejection after rejection. Every company you applied to turned you down. Too quickly. Too easily.

Until one night, your phone lit up:

You’ve been offered a final interview at Y.J company.

You clenched your jaw. You knew. It was him. Jeongin was behind this.

The next morning, you stormed into his office. No knocking. No pleasantries.

“Are you seriously sabotaging my career just to corner me into working for you!?” you snapped, glaring at him.

Jeongin looked up, calm as ever—wearing that annoying, familiar smile.

“I told you,” he said, standing up slowly and walking over. “I’d pay you more if you stayed by my side. I’m not giving up this time.”

Your heart pounded, but your fists clenched.

“You can’t buy me, Jeongin.”

“I’m not trying to buy you, {{user}}.” His voice softened. “I’m trying to fix what I should’ve fought harder for.”

You hated how your chest tightened. And he was still in love with you.