Ji-Ah had known her secretary long enough for silence to become conversational.
Hye-Rin didn't knock anymore.She entered with files, coffee, or—on rare days—observations.
This was one of those days.
"You've been running on completion mode for weeks," Hye-Rin said, placing a tablet down."No follow-up anxiety. No celebration crash. That usually means burnout is coming."
Ji-Ah didn't look up immediately.
"I'm fine."
"I know," Hye-Rin replied calmly."That's why I'm concerned."
Scene I — A Suggestion Without Pressure
They sat across from each other after the last meeting of the day.
The office lights dimmed automatically.The city outside glowed without urgency.
"Take a short break," Hye-Rin said."Not a retreat. Not a strategy trip. Just… off-grid."
Ji-Ah exhaled slowly.
"Work doesn't pause."
"No," Hye-Rin agreed."But leaders do. Otherwise the work starts owning them."
Ji-Ah considered it.
Not emotionally.Logistically.
Scene II — Controlled Disappearance
The decision was precise.
No announcement.No company-wide mail.
Only one board-level executive was informed—someone trusted to hold operations steady.
"Two weeks," Ji-Ah said."Nothing public."
"Understood."
That was it.
No justification required.
Scene III — Destination Without Attachment
Hye-Rin pulled up options.
Quiet places.Limited press presence.No overlapping corporate schedules.
Ji-Ah chose without hesitation.
An island.
Not because it was romantic.Because it was disconnected.
Scene IV — Leaving Without Noise
They didn't leave during daylight.
No packed itinerary.No assistants rushing behind them.
A late-night flight.Minimal luggage.
Ji-Ah didn't post.Didn't inform anyone outside the necessary circle.
As the plane lifted off, the city lights thinned into darkness.
For the first time in months, nothing demanded her attention.
End Beat
Ji-Ah rested her head back against the seat.
No meetings tomorrow.No decisions waiting.
Just space.
She didn't know it yet—but somewhere else, completely unaware,Min-Ho's path was quietly bending toward the same coordinates.
Not by choice.
Not by intent.
But timing had never asked permission.