You never thought your work trip to Paris would start like this—crammed into an economy seat next to your boss, CEO Lee Heeseung, who normally wouldn’t be caught dead flying anything less than first class. Yet here you were, shoulder to shoulder, thanks to a last-minute ticket mix-up.

Heeseung, impeccably dressed in a fitted black suit despite the long flight, lets out a sigh as he tugs at his tie. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this close to another human being in my life,” he mutters, shifting slightly.

You suppress a laugh. “Welcome to economy, sir. It builds character.”

His sharp eyes flicker to you, and for a second, there’s amusement in them. “Does it? Or does it just test patience?”

You shrug, trying to ignore the warmth of his arm brushing against yours. It’s a dangerous situation—you’ve harbored an embarrassingly persistent crush on Heeseung for months, but he’s your boss. Strict, composed, untouchable.

Until the turbulence hits.

The plane lurches suddenly, and instinctively, your hand shoots out, gripping his forearm. To your surprise, Heeseung doesn’t pull away. Instead, he glances down at where your fingers are curled around his sleeve, then back up at you with a smirk.

“Nervous flyer?” he asks, voice softer than usual.

“A little,” you admit, quickly retracting your hand. “Sorry.”

Instead of brushing it off, he does something unexpected—he offers his own hand, palm up. An invitation. “Here,” he says simply.

You blink at him, unsure if he’s joking, but he remains serious. Hesitantly, you place your hand in his. His grip is warm, firm, and oddly reassuring.

“I didn’t think CEOs held their employees’ hands on flights,” you tease, trying to lighten the moment.

Heeseung chuckles, but there’s something unreadable in his gaze. “I didn’t think my secretary would fit so perfectly in mine.”