Concentrated on the files scattered on her desk, Yuri didn't pay much attention to the person whose voice asked for permission to enter her office. "Good morning, Ms. Jung," the voice said, breaking the peaceful silence that engulfed the room. She looked up and smiled politely.

"Please, take a seat," she said, gesturing to the chair opposite her desk.

"Well, working with Park's and Min's on this project is an interesting deal," Yuri said, starting off the conversation. 

"We are honored as well and looking forward to working with your company," the man replied, dressed as nicely as a CEO, despite being a secretary.

Though he looked like the owner, he introduced himself as the secretary. "And we are sorry that Mr. Park himself couldn't be present here. He would have arrived yesterday, but something caught him up along the way. He will probably arrive by evening," the secretary apologized sincerely on behalf of his boss.

"It's completely fine. We'll meet another day and discuss the deal," Yuri said, unfazed. Their formal conversation soon ended, as they had discussed the few conditions regarding the deal. 

"It was nice meeting you," the man said as he stood up, ready to leave. 

"Same here," Yuri replied, standing up as well. Soon, he was out of her office.

It was 7 in the evening, time to go home. But Yuri wasn't budging from her seat. Her eyes were glued to the laptop screen in front of her, examining some documents. Minji, the Vice-chairperson of Jungs, and Yuri's dearest friend watched her lazily, plopped on the couch in the office.

 "Stop this now, my head's going to explode. We need to get ready. You need to look perfect to find someone perfect for you," Minji whined dramatically.

She stood up and approached Yuri, who was still concentrating on her work. Minji stood behind her and wrapped her arms around Yuri's shoulders, making her annoyed due to the disturbance. Yuri raised her head to look at Minji, an annoyed expression plastered on her face. "You are someone with big responsibilities. Mind behaving like one?"

"Responsibilities what?" Minji gave her a sheepish smile, and a sigh left Yuri's mouth. Minji was her best friend for so long. She understood her very well and also that Yuri doesn't like it when she is disturbed during her work. She shook Minji's arms off her, shifting her gaze back to the screen, making a pout appear on Minji's face.

Minji whined again, making Yuri glare at her. She stood erect, seeing Yuri's pissed face. She resisted her urge to laugh but couldn't help it. Sighing, Yuri shut down her laptop and arranged all the files back in their place before looking up at Minji. 

"Happy now?" she asked in a tired voice.

"More than you expect," Minji exclaimed. "Now let's go, really quick." 

Yuri stretched her arms, yawning. "I have no energy left in me to attend the party. Why don't we drop the idea of going? It's not that important anyway," she proposed, closing her eyes and leaning her head backward.  "Plopping myself in my warm bed sheets seems extremely inviting right now."

Disappointed, Minji turned her back, stomping her feet, and lay on the couch. "I just don't want to go. Not today, please," Yuri said, her tone much firmer now.

 Minji sat up and looked at her best friend. She felt bad for Yuri. Though Yuri never expressed her problems, nor did her eyes betray any emotion, Minji had known her for years. Minji saw just how hard Yuri had been working for the past few years. She didn't want to pity her; she didn't want anyone to pity her. Yuri became what she is today on her own and Minji wanted everyone to know that.  She could tell something bothered her, and she could also guess what it was.

Sighing, she asked, "Because of Park Jimin, right?" Yuri finally opened her eyes. 

"Not at all. I already told you that I have no feelings left for him, neither love nor hatred. So, I am completely neutral when it comes to our face-off, which was supposed to be in the morning. Though you remember," she said, her tone neutral, she did not want anyone to think Park Jimin still has any effect on her.

They were invited to The Parks's party. The Parks threw a party to let the world know Park Jimin was marrying his fiancée in the next week. And she particularly had no interest though. Minji had been the closest to Yuri for the past few years. 

Still, she found it difficult to decipher her emotions. Yuri had a laid-back personality. Though Minji knew she must be lonely inside, she never saw Yuri express it in any way.

She knew she had a horrible experience related to Park Jimin. But even when it came to meeting Park Jimin, her face showed no specific emotion. She was calm as always. Maybe she is just tired, Minji thought.

Minji's thoughts were interrupted by Yuri's firm voice. "Okay, then let's go," Yuri said, standing up and wearing her coat, ready to leave.

"I am sorry, Yuri. I should have considered your feelings. It's alright if you don't want to go," Minji said, feeling a bit guilty for her friend.

"I told you I am fine. There is nothing like that. I was just tired, but let's go anyway," Yuri said in a calm voice, attempting to take her friend out of her guilt. They were now in Yuri's two-story house, getting ready for the party.

"Girl, you are looking damn hot!" Minji said, drooling over her best friend. Yuri let out a light chuckle at her silliness.

"I am serious, okay? I am sure no guy could resist himself from fanboying over you tonight." Minji said as she gazed at her friend.

"Well, you look prettier," Yuri said as a matter of fact. Yuri turned around from the mirror to look at her and gave a smile. 

'Everything is going to be alright, right?'

Though Yuri was mentally prepared for anything to face, especially with many guests from South Korea who would be there and would recognize her. Of course, changing your surname wouldn't change your appearance as an identity.

  ---TO BE CONTINUED---   

A/N:  If you liked the chapter, then please leave a vote. It shows your kindness, motivates the writers to keep going, and encourages them to do better.