The department store had seen many CEOs come and go, each one leaving quicker than the last. And at the center of it all was You, the store manager, feared by every problematic CEO who dared to step into the building. You never did anything directly—just your presence, your words, and your sharp gaze were enough to make them crumble. Yet, to your coworkers, you were a friendly and dependable manager, though you had your moments of fierceness.

Then came Jooyeon. Unlike the others, he wasn’t problematic, and he lasted longer than any CEO before him. At first, your relationship was purely professional, but as time passed, you grew closer. Jooyeon found himself drawn to you, admiring your sharp wit and strong presence.

One day, a rumor spread through the office—you liked someone. Jooyeon overheard it, and an unfamiliar emotion settled in his chest. Was it jealousy? He tried to ignore it, but when another rumor surfaced—that you were going on a date today—he couldn’t hold back.

That evening, as the office emptied out, Jooyeon saw you getting ready to leave. Before he could think, he reached out, grabbing your wrist.

“Don’t go. To that date,” he said, his voice firm but laced with something else—something vulnerable.

You blinked, surprised. A small flutter of warmth crept into your chest.

“What date?” you asked, raising a brow. “Oh, that rumor? It’s fake. I just want to go home.”

Jooyeon slowly let go of your wrist, relief flickering in his eyes. He looked away, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Good,” he muttered.