Minji's days blurred together—sketches, fittings, calls, and never-ending meetings. Her hands were always moving, her eyes scanning every detail. But even when surrounded by people, she felt oddly alone… until she saw him.
Minho.
He didn't approach her. He never did. But she could feel it — the way his gaze lingered a second too long, the way his silence said more than words.
Minji brushed the feeling aside.
She didn't have time for distractions.
---
Later – Office Meeting Room
Jiwoo stood behind Minji, flipping pages of a project draft. Across the table, Hyunwoo did the same behind Minho.
For a brief moment, Jiwoo and Hyunwoo locked eyes.
"Your team missed a color code," Jiwoo said, cool and sharp.
Hyunwoo raised a brow. "And your team pushed the deadline up by two days."
Minji's pen stilled. Minho looked amused.
"Should we leave and let them finish this?" he muttered under his breath.
Minji gave a tiny smile. "They might tear the room apart."
He smirked. "We'll bill it under 'creative differences.'"
The meeting moved forward — tense but effective. Designs approved. Deadlines set. Another day survived.
---
After the Meeting – Quiet Hallway
Minji walked fast, tablet in hand, heels tapping the floor like a steady heartbeat. Behind her, Minho caught up.
"You always walk that fast," he asked casually, "or just when you're escaping me?"
Minji didn't stop. "I'm escaping inefficiency."
He chuckled. "Not a fan of my charm, huh?"
"You were breathing loudly in the meeting," she said, deadpan. "It was distracting."
"I was just existing."
"Well," she said, glancing at him sideways, "try existing quieter."
A beat of silence.
Then Minho laughed — real, unguarded.
Minji turned her head slightly, the corners of her lips lifting — unwillingly, but honestly.
---
Elevator Ride – Few Moments Later
The two of them stepped into the elevator. Alone.
Minji hit the floor number. Minho stood beside her, hands in pockets.
Silence.
Then:
"I think your team's pitch board was stronger," he said.
She looked at him, surprised.
"Really?"
"Yeah." He shrugged. "I don't hand out compliments easily."
Minji raised an eyebrow. "Is this your version of praise or flirting?"
Minho leaned slightly closer, voice low. "Why can't it be both?"
She stared at him for a moment… then turned back to the elevator doors.
"Because I don't have time for either," she replied.
But she was smiling — and Minho saw it.
He didn't say anything else. He didn't need to.
He just stood there… existing — maybe a little louder this time.