The grand hall buzzed with murmurs as reporters adjusted their mics and notepads. Cameras flashed, capturing Lee Eunji, the esteemed chairwoman of the "Brighter Future Fundraising Initiative", as she sat poised in a crisp white suit, exuding grace and confidence.

A reporter stood. “Mrs Lee, many citizens are concerned about the transparency of your organization. Donations continue to pour in, yet there are no clear reports on fund allocation. How do you respond?”

Eunji offered a gentle, practiced smile. “I understand the concerns, and I assure you- transparency is our utmost priority. Managing an organization of this scale requires careful planning. Every penny is directed where it’s needed most.” She turned slightly towards a camera, locking eyes with the audience beyond the lens. “I encourage everyone to visit our facilities and witness the impact firsthand.”

Some journalists nodded, seemingly satisfied. Another, bolder one, pressed further. “What about the Hope Shelter project in Seongbuk? Two years, yet no visible progress.”

A flicker of irritation flashed in Eunji’s eyes- gone in an instant. She sighed, a perfect mix of burden and sincerity. “The Hope Shelter remains a priority. Unforeseen permit and land disputes have caused delays, but I assure you, it’s not a question of if- only when.”

The answer was flawless—empathetic, vague, and untouchable.

Another question followed. “With your growing influence, do you have plans to enter politics?”

Eunji let out a soft chuckle. “I appreciate the trust people have in me, but my focus remains on my foundation. Change happens in many ways, not just through politics” she took a pause, "however there's still some chances but I'll leave it up to fate"

The conference wrapped up, reporters dispersing, murmuring their final notes. As the last journalist exited, Eunji leaned back in her chair, her warm smile melting into a smirk.

“Idiots,” she scoffed, rolling her eyes, “They eat up every word like mindless sheep.”

Her manager approached hesitantly. “Shall I arrange your next engagement, ma’am?”

Eunji stood, adjusting her suit jacket. “No, I need a break. Set up something fun for tonight. I deserve to relax.”

With that, she strode out of the hall, her heels clicking against the marble floor—leaving behind the carefully crafted illusion of a saint.

ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ

The silence in the car was almost unbearable.

Iseul sat stiffly, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. She could still feel the heat of embarrassment burning at the back of her neck. I really lost my temper back there… She stole a quick glance at Leehan, expecting him to still be annoyed- or at least smug about how flustered she had gotten.

But to her utter confusion, he looked… normal. Completely unaffected.

One hand on the wheel, the other tapping idly against his knee, his gaze fixed on the road, humming some tune under his breath as if she hadn't just yelled at him like a madwoman minutes ago.

Iseul bit her lip. Should she say something? Apologize again? No, if he isn’t making a big deal out of it, then I won’t either. She straightened in her seat, taking a slow breath. Just act normal.

Unfortunately, her definition of normal seemed to involve being hyper-aware of every little thing— the faint scent of his cologne mixing with the air from the heater, the occasional way his fingers brushed over the steering wheel, and the way he leaned back slightly, completely at ease.

She hated it.

“You’re weirdly quiet,” Leehan commented suddenly.

Iseul stiffened. “I—uh, I just—” She cleared her throat. “I was just thinking about… the report I have to submit tomorrow"

A lie. A terrible one at that.

Leehan shot her a look, the corners of his lips twitching. “Right. Your report.”

She refused to meet his gaze.

He smirked, but before teasing her further, he suddenly took a sharp turn down an unfamiliar road.

Iseul blinked. “Wait, this isn’t the way-”

“I know.”

Her grip tightened on her seatbelt. “Sir. Where are we going?”

Ignoring her, he smoothly pulled up in front of a cozy-looking café, the neon sign glowing faintly in the dark.

“I need coffee,” he announced, unbuckling his seatbelt.

Iseul stared at him in disbelief. “We are already late. And you’re stopping for coffee?!”

He glanced at her, amused. “Unless you want me dealing with your Mr. Lee looking half-dead, I suggest you let me get my caffeine fix.”

Iseul groaned. “Unbelievable.”

“Be right back.”

She huffed as he got out of the car, slamming the door shut behind him.

ᯓ ᯓ ᯓ

Inside the café, a familiar voice called out the second Leehan stepped in.

“Ya! Kim Donghyun, you bastard, you owe me a drink!”

Leehan grinned as Taesan strode over, dressed in his usual effortlessly put-together style, his sharp eyes narrowing.

“Where the hell have you been?” Taesan asked, smacking Leehan’s shoulder lightly.

“Out,” Leehan replied vaguely, waving the barista over. “Usual, please.”

Taesan rolled his eyes. “Out doing what?”

Leehan smirked. “Annoying my babysitter.”

Taesan raised an eyebrow. “Iseul?”

“Who else?”

Taesan chuckled, shaking his head. “She’s still putting up with you? She deserves a medal.”

“She likes having me around, deep down.”

Taesan snorted. “Sure. Just like a cat likes a dog barking in its face.”

Leehan grinned. “Exactly.”

Just then, the bell above the café door chimed, and Iseul stormed in.

“Five minutes,” she said, pointing a firm finger at Leehan. “That’s all you get. I swear, if we’re any later—”

She trailed off, finally noticing Taesan sitting there, watching her with an amused expression.

“Iseul,” he greeted, leaning back. “You look… tense.”

Leehan smirked. “She’s been extra grumpy today”

Iseul scoffed. “Oh, I wonder why.”

Taesan glanced between them, his smirk widening. “So, how long until you finally kill him?”

“Any second now,” she deadpanned.

Leehan placed a dramatic hand over his heart. “You wound me.”

Taesan laughed, shaking his head. “I swear, I don’t know how she hasn’t quit yet.”

“Me neither,” Iseul muttered.

Leehan just grinned. “Because she loves me.”

Iseul shot him a glare so sharp Taesan actually let out a small oof in sympathy.

“She’s going to strangle you one day,” Taesan said, sipping his coffee.

Leehan chuckled, taking a long sip of his own drink. “Then at least I’ll go out entertained.”

Here we gooo, thanks to zixi's threats I finally got the motivation to update !!
Don't kill me for this ilyy <3