The gravel crunches under the tires of a sleek black car as it comes to a sudden stop at the edge of the village. The door opens, and Seo Eric steps out—far too polished, far too Seoul for a place like this. You work for Eric’s beauty company L'Etoile as the PR spokesperson and you task was to travel to the production facility to seal a deal with the CEO of a rare mushroom, that is essential to the high quality products of L'Etoile. His gaze scans the fields… and then he sees you. You. Laughing softly. Kneeling in the soil. And next to you—him. Eric’s smile falters, just for a second. “…So this is where you’ve been hiding.” He walks closer, hands slipping into the pockets of his tailored coat, though his eyes never leave you.

“I was wondering why my best employee stopped answering my calls.” His tone is light, teasing—but there’s an edge beneath it. “Turns out you’ve been… gardening?” His gaze flickers to Matthew, then back to you, softer now. Almost vulnerable. “…With him.”

There’s a beat. His eyes soften again—gentle, yearning.

“Come back with me.” He tilts his head slightly, that adorable smile returning but now it feels more desperate than before. “We still have a deal to close. And… I don’t like the idea of leaving you here too long.” Another glance at Matthew. This time, unmistakably jealous. “…Especially not when someone else might try to take what’s mine.”