Dan lounged in her room like a queen on holiday, wrapped snugly in a plush robe. A cool face mask clung to her skin, faintly scented and glistening under the soft light, while two slices of cucumber rested over her closed eyes. She was sprawled comfortably, utterly unbothered by the world outside—breathing slow, shoulders loose, as if stress itself had been politely asked to leave. For once, Dan allowed herself this rare moment of indulgence, floating in calm, convinced that nothing—absolutely nothing—could disturb her peace.
Then her phone rang.
She sighed, lifting one hand to remove the cucumber slices from her eyes. Blinking away the haze of relaxation, Dan reached for her phone and glanced at the screen.
The caller ID flashed a familiar name.
Yourin.
Her best friend.
Dan groaned softly, letting her head fall back against the cushion. Of course—it had to be Yourin. Relaxation never survived a call from her best friend.
She swiped the screen and brought the phone to her ear. "I was in the middle of a very serious self-care moment," she muttered, a smile tugging at her lips despite herself.
On the other end, Yourin's voice burst through, bright and impatient, already unraveling Dan's carefully built calm. Dan listened, half-amused, half-resigned, knowing one thing for certain: whatever peace she'd found a minute ago was officially over.
"Dan, let's go eat some ramen at that local shop," Yourin said eagerly. "I've been craving it all day."
Dan glanced at her robe, then at the half-used face mask drying on her skin. She let out a small laugh. "Uhhm… okayyy, let's go then," she replied, already pushing herself up.
"Yay! I'll send you the location," Yourin said, excitement obvious in her voice.
The call ended, and Dan shook her head with a fond smile. So much for a quiet evening—ramen was calling.
Suddenly, a knock echoed through the room.
"Yeah, come in," Dan said, setting her phone aside.
The door opened to reveal one of the servants. "Ms. Dan, the chairman wants to talk to you," he said respectfully.
Dan raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering across her face. "Dad wants to talk to me?" she asked. "Where is he?"
"He is waiting in the drawing room," the servant answered.
"Oh, okay. I'll be there in a minute," Dan replied.
The servant nodded, bowed slightly, and quietly left the room.
Dan quickly freshened up, washing off the face mask and changing into something presentable. A few minutes later, she stepped out of her room and made her way downstairs. The house was unusually quiet, the soft echo of her footsteps filling the hallway as she headed toward the drawing room.
Her father was already there, seated on the sofa with a composed expression, hands folded neatly in his lap. He looked up as she entered.
"You wanted to see me, Dad?" Dan asked, stopping a few steps away.
He gestured for her to sit, his gaze steady and unreadable. "Yes," he said calmly. "We need to talk."
Dan nodded slowly, her mind already bracing itself for what was coming.
"See, Dan…" her father began, leaning back slightly in his chair, fingers steepled together. There was a pause, as if he were carefully weighing his words. "You're already twenty-four now. A wonderful age… grown, capable, independent." He smiled faintly, but the warmth didn't quite reach his eyes. "And… it's time we start thinking seriously about marriage."
Dan blinked, unsure whether to laugh or groan. She had expected talks about responsibilities, careers, maybe even family investments—but this? Marriage?
Her father cleared his throat. "I know it's not easy to discuss… especially since it's your life, your choice. But this is something I've been considering carefully. My friend—one of the top businessmen in the country—he has a son. A young man of good character, highly educated, ambitious…" He paused, glancing at Dan to gauge her reaction. "I… I believe you two would be perfect for each other. And I think it's time you met him, perhaps get to know him with marriage as the ultimate goal."
Dan felt a strange flutter in her chest—surprise, irritation, maybe even a touch of disbelief. Her father's voice was calm, but the weight behind his words was unmistakable. This wasn't just a casual suggestion; it was a plan, carefully thought out, and now it was on her shoulders to react.
"You see, Dan," he continued gently, "I understand this isn't easy. And I'm not asking for a yes right now. Just… consider it. Take the time to meet him, understand him. That's all I ask—for now."
Dan sat quietly, processing, as her father's words hung in the room like an invisible thread, pulling her into a world she hadn't expected to enter—one where family alliances and business friendships could shape her personal life in ways she hadn't imagined.
She finally spoke, her voice soft but steady. "I… I understand, Dad. I'll think about it."
Her father gave a small nod, satisfied for the moment, though he knew the real challenge lay ahead—convincing Dan to embrace a future she hadn't chosen herself.
Dan's eyes widened slightly, a mixture of surprise and curiosity flickering across her face. "Dad… are you talking about Mr. Hwang?"
Her father nodded slowly. "Yes, Dan. Mr. Hwang. You know him—one of the most respected businessmen in the country. And yes, he has two sons. The elder one is around thirty, but he isn't ready to marry yet. So… we're talking about his younger son, Hwang Jihoon."
Dan's mind immediately began racing. "Jihoon… he's three years older than me, right?"
"Yes," her father confirmed. "He's twenty-seven now. Ambitious, responsible, educated abroad… the kind of man who will not only be a good husband but also uphold the family values we both cherish. I've known him since he was a child, and I've always respected him."
Dan leaned back slightly, trying to process it all. "So… you're saying… you want me to meet him with marriage in mind?"
Her father's expression softened. "Not to pressure you, Dan. I know it's a lot to take in. I only want you to meet him, spend some time, and see if there's a connection. Nothing will be forced. But I believe this could be a meaningful match—for both families and for you personally."
Dan stayed silent for a moment, her thoughts swirling. She had always been independent, made her own choices, and now suddenly the idea of a carefully planned marriage into a powerful family was being presented to her like a fait accompli.
Finally, she spoke, her voice measured. "Alright… I'll meet him. But… I need to know that this isn't just about business alliances. I need to know it's… about us."
Her father's gaze softened further. "Of course, Dan. That's why I want you to take your time. No decisions today—just a meeting, a conversation. That's all I ask."
Dan nodded again, though inwardly a mix of curiosity, apprehension, and something she couldn't quite name had begun to take root. Meeting Jihoon… this was a step into a world she had never imagined entering.
Dan nodded slowly, taking in her father's words. "Alright… I'll meet him. But like you said, I need to take my time. No pressure."
Her father gave a small, approving smile. "That's all I ask, Dan. Just keep an open mind."
"Okay, Dad," she replied softly.
With that, the conversation drew to a close. Dan stood, offering a polite nod, and made her way upstairs. As she climbed the stairs, her thoughts began to swirl uncontrollably.
Hwang… Jihoon… Hwang… she muttered under her breath, frowning. Why does his surname have to be Hwang?
The name carried an irritating memory for her—someone from her past with the same surname had left a mark she hadn't forgotten. She shook her head
Reaching her room, she set the thought aside for now. With a small sigh, she turned to get ready, change into casual clothes, and brush her hair. Yourin's location for the ramen shop blinked on her phone, and a small smile tugged at her lips. Whatever else was happening, at least today, she could enjoy ramen with her best friend.
Dan slipped into her outfit—comfortable yet stylish—and quickly checked herself in the mirror. Satisfied, she grabbed her bag and headed toward the underground parking area.
As she descended the sleek, dimly lit ramp, she spotted her assistant, Wolly, already waiting by the car. The familiar figure gave a small nod of acknowledgment. The driver, standing beside a polished black car, swiftly opened the door for her.
"Thank you," Dan said softly, sliding into the seat. The leather was cool beneath her fingertips, and the quiet hum of the engine promised a smooth ride. Wolly took the seat beside her, keeping a professional yet relaxed posture, while the driver adjusted the mirrors and started the car.
Dan leaned back, letting herself sink into the comfort for a moment, before glancing at Wolly. "Let's go," she said, a small spark of excitement in her voice—ramen awaited, and for now, the weight of family expectations could wait.
The black car rolled smoothly along the street, and soon they reached the ramen shop. The driver slowed down, parking a little distance away from the exact location. Dan understood immediately—her family's fame and popularity meant a crowd could gather in seconds.
Stepping out of the car, she adjusted her mask, keeping her identity discreet. Wolly followed closely behind, and the driver stayed vigilant, scanning the surroundings.
Dan's eyes immediately found Yourin, who was already waiting nearby, also wearing a mask. She looked effortlessly stylish, just as Dan had expected. Both of them—rich, influential, and recognizable—had to be careful in public, despite their casual outing.
Dan smiled beneath her mask, giving a subtle wave. Yourin waved back, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Even with the precautions, the sense of camaraderie and freedom between them made the moment feel light and normal .
The restaurant was a cozy, private-room style place, tucked away from the bustling crowd outside. As soon as they were led to their reserved area, Dan and Yourin let out quiet sighs of relief. Finally, some privacy.
They slid the masks off, and for the first time that day, Dan could see her best friend's full expression. Yourin grinned, her eyes lighting up.
"It's been ages, hasn't it?" Yourin said, laughing softly as she pulled out her chair.
Dan chuckled, feeling the tension of the day melt away. "Seriously, way too long. I almost forgot what it's like to just… hang out."
They ordered their favorite ramen and settled in, talking effortlessly like no time had passed. Laughter bubbled between them over small stories and memories, their conversation flowing freely—about school days, minor family dramas, and silly incidents from the past.
Dan paused mid-bite, looking at Yourin with a slightly serious expression. "Yourin… I have something important to tell you," she said, setting her chopsticks down.
Yourin leaned in, curious. "What is it?"
Dan took a deep breath. "My dad… he wants me to meet someone. With marriage in mind." She hesitated for a moment, then continued, "His name is… Hwang Jihoon."
Yourin froze, mid-sip, then slowly raised an eyebrow. "Hwang… Jihoon? His surname is Hwang…" She let out a small, teasing laugh, shaking her head. "Good luck, Dan. Seriously."
Dan groaned, covering her face with her hands, though a smile tugged at her lips. "Ugh, I know! That's exactly what I was thinking when he said it. Why does it have to be Hwang?"
Yourin leaned back, smirking. "Well, whatever the surname, you'll survive. I'll help you through it—promise. But I'm already curious about this Hwang Jihoon character."
Dan sighed, letting herself relax a little, grateful for Yourin's presence. Even with the looming family expectations, it was comforting to have her best friend by her side—ready to tease, support, and make even the most awkward situations a little lighter....