Yang Gaeul stood in front of the mirror, meticulously adjusting her blouse and smoothing the wrinkles from her skirt. Today was the day she had been dreaming about for years—her first day at Gucci. The excitement was palpable, but so were the nerves. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, and reminded herself of how far she had come since those timid high school days.

High school had been a period of quiet observation for Gaeul. She had admired the world from the sidelines, especially one boy who had inadvertently become the subject of her daydreams: Lee Heeseung. He was everything Gaeul was not—charismatic, outgoing, and adored by everyone. He was a star in the school's music club, his voice drawing crowds at every performance. Gaeul would often find herself lingering at the back of the auditorium, captivated by his presence but too shy to ever approach him. Her feelings for him remained a secret, a silent crush that she carried through her high school years.

Now, five years later, she was no longer the shy girl who avoided eye contact; she was Yang Gaeul, a rising star in the fashion industry. She had poured her heart and soul into her work, spending long nights sketching designs, experimenting with fabrics, and perfecting her craft. Her hard work had paid off, landing her a position at one of the most prestigious fashion houses in the world.

As she walked into the bustling Gucci office, those memories seemed like a distant dream. The office was an architectural marvel, with high ceilings, glass walls, and an air of modern sophistication. The office was abuzz with activity, a testament to the brand's vibrant creative energy. She felt a sense of pride and determination; this was where she belonged.

Her new colleagues greeted her warmly, showing her around the workspace and introducing her to the team. Gaeul felt a sense of belonging, knowing she was surrounded by creative minds who shared her passion for fashion. She was assigned a workspace, her desk already adorned with a sleek computer and an assortment of design tools.

"Welcome to Gucci, Gaeul," her manager, Ms. Park, said with a bright smile. "We're excited to have you on board. Today, you'll be working on a special project with our ambassador."

Gaeul's eyes widened. "Ambassador? Who is it?"

Ms. Park's smile grew wider. "Lee Heeseung. He's one of the most popular idols right now and a perfect fit for our brand."

Gaeul's heart skipped a beat. Heeseung? The boy she had admired from afar in high school? She hadn't seen him in years, but his name still brought back a flood of memories and emotions.

"He's here today for a fitting," Ms. Park continued. "You'll have the chance to work closely with him and showcase your designs."

Gaeul nodded, trying to steady her racing heart. She hadn't expected to see Heeseung again, let alone work with him. As she prepared for the fitting, she couldn't help but wonder how much he had changed and if he would remember her.

When Heeseung walked into the room, Gaeul felt a rush of nostalgia. He looked even more handsome and confident than she remembered. His presence was commanding, yet there was a coolness in his demeanor that hadn't been there before. As their eyes met, Heeseung's expression remained neutral, and there was no flicker of recognition in his gaze.

"Hello," he said curtly, extending a hand. "Lee Heeseung."

Gaeul took his hand, trying to hide her disappointment. "Yang Gaeul. It's nice to meet you."

Heeseung nodded, his expression unreadable. "Let's get started then."

As they began the fitting, Gaeul focused on her work, determined not to let her emotions get the best of her. Heeseung was professional but distant, his responses brief and to the point. There was no trace of the warmth and friendliness she remembered from high school. It was as if he had become a different person.

Gaeul couldn't help but wonder what had caused the change. Had fame hardened him? Or had she simply never known him as well as she thought she did? Whatever the reason, it was clear that the Heeseung she had once admired was gone, replaced by someone much more guarded.

The fitting proceeded smoothly, albeit with little conversation. Gaeul's designs were well-received, and Heeseung's input was concise but valuable. Despite his cold demeanor, he had an eye for detail and a keen sense of style. Gaeul respected his professionalism, even if she missed the warmth he had once exuded.

When the fitting was over, Heeseung gave a curt nod. "Thank you, Ms. Yang. Your designs are impressive."

Gaeul forced a smile. "Thank you, Mr. Lee. I look forward to working with you."

Heeseung left without another word, and Gaeul felt a pang of sadness. She had hoped their reunion would be different, that they might reconnect and bridge the gap that had once separated them. But it seemed that some things were destined to remain unchanged.

---

The days at Gucci were filled with a flurry of activities. The environment was demanding, but Gaeul thrived under pressure. Her colleagues were impressed by her designs, often praising her creativity and attention to detail. Her confidence grew with each passing day, and her dreams seemed within reach.

One afternoon, Ms. Park called Gaeul into her office. "Gaeul, we have a special event coming up, and we need to prepare a collection for it. I want you to lead the project."

Gaeul's eyes widened in surprise. "Me? Lead the project?"

Ms. Park nodded. "Yes, I believe you have the talent and vision to make this collection a success. You'll be working closely with Heeseung for this, as he'll be the face of our campaign."

Gaeul's heart raced at the thought of working so closely with Heeseung. "Thank you for this opportunity, Ms. Park. I won't let you down."

As the weeks went by, Gaeul and Heeseung spent more time together, brainstorming ideas and perfecting the designs. Heeseung was professional and supportive, often providing valuable feedback and suggestions. Gaeul admired his dedication and work ethic, finding herself drawn to him even more.

But despite their professional rapport, there was still a distance between them. Heeseung remained cool and aloof, rarely engaging in personal conversation. Gaeul longed to break through his walls, to understand the person he had become, but she knew better than to push too hard.

One evening, as they were wrapping up a long day of work, Gaeul decided to take a chance. "Heeseung, do you remember the talent show in high school?"

Heeseung's expression remained neutral. "Vaguely. Why?"

Gaeul's heart sank. "I was there. I used to watch you perform."

Heeseung's gaze flickered with something unreadable, but he quickly masked it. "I see."

Gaeul bit her lip, unsure of what to say next. The silence between them felt heavy, filled with unspoken words and unresolved feelings. She wanted to reach out, to bridge the gap, but it seemed impossible.

Heeseung cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Let's focus on the collection. We have a lot of work to do."

Gaeul nodded, swallowing her disappointment. "Of course."

As they continued to work together, Gaeul couldn't help but wonder if they would ever truly reconnect. The distance between them seemed insurmountable, but she refused to give up hope.

---

The following weeks were a whirlwind of activity as Gaeul and Heeseung poured their hearts into the collection. The project demanded long hours and tireless dedication, but it was also a testament to Gaeul's growth and perseverance. She was no longer the shy, timid girl from high school; she was a confident, talented designer making her mark in the fashion world.

Their work sessions were intense and focused. Gaeul found herself admiring Heeseung's professionalism and his keen eye for detail. Despite his cold demeanor, he was a perfectionist who demanded the best from himself and those around him. Gaeul respected that, even if it meant their interactions were strictly business.

One afternoon, as they were reviewing the final pieces of the collection, Heeseung spoke up. "Your designs are exceptional, Gaeul. I can see the passion and effort you put into them."

Gaeul looked up, surprised by the unexpected compliment. "Thank you, Heeseung. That means a lot."

Heeseung nodded, his expression still guarded. "Let's make sure everything is perfect for the event."

The night of the event arrived, and the atmosphere was electric. The venue was filled with fashion enthusiasts, celebrities, and industry insiders, all eager to see Gucci's latest collection. Gaeul felt a mix of excitement and nerves as she watched the models prepare backstage.

Heeseung was there too, his presence commanding attention. He looked every bit the star, his confidence and charisma shining through. As he stood by Gaeul's side, she felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. They had worked hard to bring this collection to life, and now it was time to showcase it to the world.

The lights dimmed, and the show began. Model after model walked the runway, each one showcasing Gaeul's designs with grace and elegance. The audience was captivated, their applause growing louder with each passing moment. Gaeul's heart swelled with joy and satisfaction.

When the final model walked, the audience erupted into applause, and Gaeul felt tears of joy welling up in her eyes.

She did it