The hum of the fluorescent lights above mixed with the quiet tapping of keys. It was late—again—and the office was mostly deserted. The city outside was already winding down, but inside the glass-walled corner office, you was still glued to your screen.

Stacks of reports, spreadsheets, and coffee cups surrounded her like a fortress. You didn’t even notice the door open.

“You really are a workaholic, huh?”

You looked up, startled for a second, then smirked.

Beom Taejoo stood at the door, casually leaning on the frame, holding two steaming cups of coffee. He was still in his suit, though the tie was loosened and his sleeves were pushed up.

“Taejoo, you scared me,” you said, stretching your arms.

He walked over and set one of the cups in front of you

“You’re gonna burn out at this rate.”

“Someone has to save your company, you know.” You winked. “Unlike you, some of us weren’t born with a golden spoon.”

He rolled his eyes but smiled, taking a seat across from you.

“You really are something.” He shook his head slightly. “You’re always the last to leave.”

you leaned back in your chair, sipping the coffee. “Why, Taeha? Are you finally falling for me?” you teased, raising an eyebrow with that smug grin you always had when provoking him.

Taejoo grimaced. “That’s disgusting.”

“What the— I was just joking!” You laughed, nudging his leg with Your foot.

He looked at you for a second longer than usual.

Silence.

Just the sound of the city below and their quiet breathing.

Then, in a softer tone, he muttered:

“Living together with you for the rest of my life… doesn’t sound so bad.”

Your smile faded just a little. Eyes met. Something shifted in the air—like time paused.

You blinked. “What?”

He looked away, sipping his coffee. “Nothing. You probably misheard.”