Chapter 2:

Scarlet watched as Ha-Joon finished his soup with exaggerated enthusiasm, his energy finally starting to wane. His eyelids drooped, his words slurred even more, and his movements slowed. She knew he wouldn’t last much longer before he passed out completely. 

“All right, Moon,” she said softly, standing up and moving around the table. “Time for bed.” 

Ha-Joon blinked up at her, his dark eyes glazed but still warm. “You’re the best, Red,” he mumbled, reaching out as if to emphasize his point. His hand flopped aimlessly, and Scarlet caught it midair before gently tugging him to his feet. 

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” she replied, sliding one arm around his waist to steady him. “Now, come on, let’s get you upstairs before you pass out right here.” 

He leaned heavily on her as she guided him toward the grand staircase in the mansion’s foyer. It wasn’t the first time she’d had to help him to his room after a night like this, and it probably wouldn’t be the last. Despite her grumbling, she didn’t mind taking care of him, it was just part of who they were together. 

As they climbed the stairs, Ha-Joon’s weight became more noticeable, and Scarlet huffed with exertion. “You’re heavier than you look, you know that?” 

“I’m solid muscle,” he muttered, his words barely coherent. “Like a... a bear. Rawr.” 

Scarlet couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head. “Sure you are, Moon.” 

By the time they reached his room on the first floor, he was barely conscious. She opened the door, the soft click of the handle barely registering to him. His room was spacious yet cozy, with warm lighting, dark wood furniture, and a large bed that seemed to dominate the space. The sheets were neatly tucked, a testament to his usual meticulous nature, something entirely absent in his current state. 

Scarlet guided him to the bed, where he promptly collapsed with a sigh. “So comfy,” he mumbled, his voice muffled by the pillow. 

She shook her head, amused despite herself. “You’re impossible, you know that?” 

Ha-Joon didn’t respond, already half-asleep. Scarlet pulled a chair close to the bed and sat down, watching him for a moment. His face, though tired and flushed from the alcohol, still held that boyish charm she couldn’t help but admire. 

Reaching out, she traced her fingers lightly along his cheek. His skin was warm, his features soft in the dim light of the room. “Ridiculously cute,” she murmured, half to herself. 

To her surprise, he chuckled, his eyes fluttering open just enough to meet hers. “I know,” he said, his voice a low rumble. 

Scarlet scoffed, pulling her hand back and crossing her arms. “Of course you do.” 

He smiled faintly before his eyes drifted shut again, and this time, he didn’t stir. Scarlet sighed, standing up from the chair. She bent down to remove his shoes, gently tugging them off one at a time and placing them neatly by the side of the bed. Then, she adjusted the blankets, tucking him in snugly. 

“There,” she said softly. “Goodnight, Moon.” 

Ha-Joon didn’t respond, his breathing evening out as he slipped into a deep sleep. Scarlet lingered for a moment, watching him, before turning and leaving the room. 

She made her way upstairs to her own floor, the second level of the mansion. Her room was just as spacious as his, decorated in soft pastel tones and filled with personal touches that made it uniquely hers. She shut the door behind her with a soft click, leaning against it for a moment to catch her breath. 

The night hadn’t gone as planned, but at least Ha-Joon was safe and sound. She glanced at the clock on her nightstand, it was later than she’d realized, and exhaustion was beginning to set in. 

Before heading to bed, Scarlet decided to freshen up. She walked into her en-suite bathroom, the cool tiles soothing against her bare feet. Her nightly routine was a sacred ritual, one she never skipped no matter how tired she was. She washed her face, carefully removing her makeup and following it up with her usual skincare routine, toner, serum, moisturizer, and a light lip balm. 

Feeling refreshed, Scarlet changed into her favorite one-piece pajama, a bright green dinosaur onesie complete with a hood that had little felt spikes running down the back. It was oversized and ridiculously comfortable, the perfect thing to unwind in after a long day. 

Finally, she climbed into bed, the plush sheets and soft pillows welcoming her like an old friend. She pulled the blankets up to her chin, letting out a contented sigh as she nestled into the mattress. 

Her thoughts drifted back to Ha-Joon, to his drunken antics and the way he’d smiled at her despite being completely out of it. She couldn’t bring herself to stay annoyed at him, not when he was so unapologetically himself, even in moments like these. 

Scarlet closed her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips as sleep began to overtake her.

***

Scarlet stirred awake to the sound of her alarm clock blaring at 8 a.m. sharp. The soft morning light filtered through the sheer curtains in her room, illuminating the calm pastel tones of her sanctuary. With a quiet groan, she stretched her arms above her head, loosening the stiffness in her body, before swinging her legs over the side of the bed. 

The routine began again. Scarlet padded into her en-suite bathroom, splashing her face with cold water to fully wake herself. After a thorough refresh, she chose her outfit for the day, a sleek sky-blue Chester coat paired with tailored pants that accentuated her elegant frame.

The outfit was cinched at the waist with a simple belt, emphasizing her professional yet chic demeanor. Her long black hair was pulled into a high ponytail, cascading down her back in a glossy sheet. Minimal makeup followed: a touch of foundation, a hint of blush, and a nude lipstick to complete the polished look. 

Satisfied with her reflection, Scarlet grabbed her phone and descended the wide staircase, her heels clicking softly against the polished wooden steps. 

The sprawling mansion greeted her with quiet luxury. The dining room was a blend of modern and classical design, with a long table made of polished mahogany situated in the center. The maids were bustling about, setting the table with their usual efficiency.

Scarlet nodded to them in acknowledgment before taking her place at her end of the table. As she sat, her eyes wandered to the ornate clock hanging on the wall. The hands read 9 a.m. sharp. She sighed softly and looked at one of the maids. 

“Please prepare something for Mr. Wi,” she instructed, her voice even. “Something light, preferably. He’ll need it for the headache.” 

The maid bowed respectfully and disappeared into the kitchen. Scarlet leaned back slightly in her chair, her fingers tracing the rim of the glass of water in front of her. The quiet was momentarily interrupted by hurried footsteps coming down the stairs. 

Scarlet turned her head, already anticipating the arrival of Ha-Joon. He appeared at the doorway, his steps measured but brisk, his face fresh and composed. If she hadn’t been there to witness his antics last night, she would never have guessed he had been drunk out of his mind. 

Ha-Joon’s presence was magnetic, as always. His strong jawline and almond-shaped eyes were framed by his neatly trimmed hair, and his perfectly tailored Grey slacks and Black button-down shirt gave him an air of quiet confidence.

He approached Scarlet with a warm smile, his dark eyes softening. “Good morning, Red,” he said as he leaned down and wrapped her in a quick, firm hug. 

Scarlet stiffened slightly at the sudden affection, her expression unreadable. “Good morning,” she replied coolly as he pulled back. 

Ha-Joon straightened, running a hand through his hair. His usual self-assuredness seemed to falter for a moment. He moved to the other end of the table, sitting down across from Scarlet. His gaze flicked to the table briefly before he looked up at her again. 

“I’m sorry,” he said, his tone measured but sincere. 

Scarlet tilted her head, her lips curving into a faint smirk. “Congratulations, Moon,” she said, her voice carrying a hint of mockery. 

Ha-Joon’s brow furrowed in confusion before he realized what she was referring to. “Thanks, Red,” he said with a sheepish grin, though his smile faltered slightly as he lowered his gaze. 

A beat of silence passed before he spoke again. “Was I... too much yesterday?” His voice was hesitant, almost boyish, a stark contrast to his usual confident demeanor. 

Scarlet fought the urge to smile at his obvious guilt, keeping her expression neutral. She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. “Let’s focus on the meal for now,” she said evenly, though her eyes sparkled with barely restrained amusement. 

Ha-Joon nodded, grateful for the reprieve, and turned his attention to the maid who approached with a tray of food. The table was soon adorned with a light breakfast: fresh fruit, toast, eggs, and a bowl of hangover soup specifically prepared for him. Scarlet took a sip of her coffee, watching as Ha-Joon started eating with uncharacteristic humility. 

The silence between them wasn’t uncomfortable, but it carried an undercurrent of unspoken words. Scarlet finally set her cup down, her gaze steady on Ha-Joon. 

“You’re lucky I found you last night,” she said, her tone softer now but still tinged with reprimand. “If I hadn’t, who knows where you would’ve ended up?” 

Ha-Joon looked up, meeting her eyes. “I know,” he said quietly. “I shouldn’t have gone overboard like that. It was... reckless.” 

Scarlet arched a brow, clearly unimpressed. “Reckless is an understatement.” 

He sighed, running a hand down his face. “I’m really sorry, Red. I didn’t mean to ruin your evening.” 

Scarlet regarded him for a moment, her expression softening slightly. “You didn’t ruin my evening,” she said, her voice gentler now. “But you did make it... eventful.” 

Ha-Joon chuckled, his smile returning. “I guess that’s one way to put it.” 

They shared a brief moment of laughter, the tension between them easing. Scarlet shook her head, her ponytail swaying slightly. “Just... don’t let it happen again, okay?” 

Ha-Joon nodded, his expression earnest. “I promise. And, really, thank you. For everything.” 

Scarlet waved a hand dismissively, though her cheeks flushed faintly at his gratitude. “Just eat your soup, Moon.” 

He smiled, his dark eyes warm. “Yes, ma’am.” 

As they continued their breakfast, the weight of the previous night faded, replaced by their usual camaraderie. Scarlet couldn’t stay mad at him, not when he was so genuinely apologetic, and certainly not when he flashed that charming smile of his. 

After breakfast, Scarlet stood by the door, her car keys dangling from her fingers as she glanced at Ha-Joon. He was leaning casually against the doorframe, his arms crossed, looking far more composed than he had just hours earlier. 

“Let me drive today,” Ha-Joon offered, his deep voice carrying a hint of insistence. 

Scarlet raised a brow, an amused smile tugging at her lips. “You’re joking, right? After last night, you need to rest, not handle the steering wheel.” 

“I’m fine now,” he protested, pushing himself off the doorframe. “It’s just driving, Red. I can manage.” 

Scarlet’s expression didn’t waver. “You’re not driving, Moon. You’re resting. End of discussion.” 

Ha-Joon groaned dramatically, his hands dropping to his sides. “You’re so stubborn sometimes.” 

“And you’re impossible,” she shot back with a smirk. “Now, get in the passenger seat before I make you walk.” 

Reluctantly, Ha-Joon complied, muttering something under his breath about bossy women as he slid into the passenger seat. Scarlet climbed into the driver’s seat, adjusting her mirrors and seatbelt before starting the car. 

The drive to their office building was smooth, with Scarlet’s steady hands on the wheel. Their building loomed ahead, a sleek and modern structure with a striking design that had earned it the nickname “The Black Mannequin.” Its reflective black façade gleamed under the sunlight, a testament to the elegance and sophistication of their fashion empire. 

Scarlet pulled the car smoothly into the driveway, where a valet immediately stepped forward to take over. She handed the keys to the valet and walked around to Ha-Joon’s side, waiting for him to join her. 

As they approached the entrance, they were greeted by a swarm of people. Employees, fans, and journalists are equally crowded around, holding out bouquets and cameras. Scarlet glanced at Ha-Joon, whose expression was a mix of surprise and warmth. 

“Chairman Wi Ha-Joon, congratulations on your overnight success!” one of the reporters called out, pushing a microphone toward him. 

“Mr. Wi, how does it feel to achieve such widespread recognition in the industry?” another asked. 

Ha-Joon raised a hand, signaling for silence, and the crowd quieted immediately. Scarlet stood by his side, offering a reassuring smile as he began to speak. 

“Thank you, everyone,” he started, his voice calm and steady. “First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you. This success isn’t just mine, it belongs to the people who have supported me along the way.” 

He gestured toward the building behind him. “Our fashion company stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication of countless individuals. From our designers to our marketing team, every single person has played a vital role in bringing our vision to life.” 

The crowd murmured in approval, cameras flashing as he continued. 

“I also want to thank our consumers,” Ha-Joon said, his eyes scanning the group. “Without your trust and appreciation for our designs, none of this would have been possible. Every piece we create is for you, and seeing it resonate with so many people is truly rewarding.” 

Scarlet watched him speak, her heart swelling with pride. His charisma and sincerity were undeniable, and it was clear he had captivated everyone present. 

“I’ve worked hard to reach this position,” Ha-Joon went on, his tone earnest. “There have been challenges and setbacks, but those moments only fueled my determination to succeed. The support I’ve received, from my team, from our clients, and from people like you, has made it all worth it.” 

He paused, glancing at Scarlet with a soft smile before adding, “And I would be remiss not to mention the incredible people who stand by me every step of the way. Success is never a solo journey, it’s the result of collaboration, trust, and unwavering belief in a shared dream.” 

The crowd erupted into applause, bouquets and cameras thrust forward as more questions poured in. Ha-Joon answered them patiently, maintaining his composed demeanor. Scarlet stood by his side, offering a steady presence as he navigated the flurry of attention. 

When the crowd finally began to disperse, Ha-Joon turned to her with a grateful smile. “Thanks for standing by me through all that,” he said softly. 

Scarlet shrugged, though her eyes were warm. “You handled it well, as always.” 

They walked into the building together, the cool air inside a welcome contrast to the bustle outside. Employees greeted them as they passed, their voices polite and respectful. 

“Good morning, Mr. Wi.” 

“Good morning, Miss Scarlet.” 

The acknowledgment was routine yet genuine, a reflection of the respect they commanded within the company. Scarlet exchanged nods and smiles with the staff, her demeanor poised and professional. 

As they entered the elevator, Ha-Joon leaned against the wall, exhaling softly. “That was... a lot,” he admitted with a chuckle. 

Scarlet smirked, crossing her arms. “You’re used to it by now.” 

“True,” he said, his smile widening. “But it’s always easier with you around, Red.” 

She rolled her eyes, though her lips twitched upward. “Flattery won’t get you anywhere, Moon.” 

He laughed, the sound warm and rich, as the elevator doors opened to their floor. Together, they stepped out, ready to tackle whatever the day had in store for them.

As the elevator doors slid open, Scarlet and Ha-Joon stepped onto the top floor of their building. The space exuded elegance and power, with its marble floors, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the city skyline. They walked side by side in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. 

Scarlet stopped outside her office, the polished wood door bearing her nameplate in gold letters: Scarlet Rogers, CEO. “See you later, Moon,” she said, her voice professional but tinged with the usual warmth she reserved for him. 

Ha-Joon nodded, watching her disappear into her office before continuing to his own. 

As he stepped into his spacious corner office, he sighed, loosening his tie and tossing it onto his desk. The space was impeccably designed, with minimalist black and white décor, sleek furniture, and personal touches like awards, family photos, and framed sketches from their early days. 

He slumped into his plush leather chair, rubbing his temples. His head was still throbbing slightly from the hangover, and he let out a bitter laugh. “Success, success, success!” he muttered to himself, his tone laced with sarcasm. “It all depends on how you achieve it. Fooling people with two sweet words isn’t that complicated.” 

He leaned back, his legs propped up on the glass desk in front of him, and let his gaze wander around the room. His eyes fell on a bouquet resting neatly on the table, a beautiful arrangement of azaleas, amaryllis, and black roses. The sight of the black roses immediately caught his attention. 

He knew without a doubt it was from Scarlet. 

Cursing under his breath, Ha-Joon grabbed the bouquet and noticed a sticky note tucked among the flowers. He pulled it out and read the neat handwriting: 

“Congratulations, Moon. I’m proud of you!”

Below the words was a little doodle of a tongue-out emoji that Scarlet had drawn. 

He chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Of course, Red,” he murmured, his lips curving into a small smile. 

Still holding the bouquet, he glanced at the desk and noticed a familiar frame. It was the photo of them standing side by side on the day they’d signed the papers to officially launch their company. Scarlet’s wide grin and his confident smile stared back at him, a reminder of how far they’d come together. 

Feeling a sudden wave of gratitude, he reached for his phone and dialed her number. It rang twice before she picked it up. 

“Moon?” Scarlet’s voice came through, a mix of surprise and curiosity. 

“Hey, Red,” he said, leaning back in his chair, the bouquet in one hand and the frame in the other. “Got a minute?” 

“I’m in the middle of emails, but for you, sure. What’s up?” 

Ha-Joon smiled. “I just wanted to say thank you.” 

“For what?” Scarlet asked, though her tone suggested she already knew. 

“For the flowers,” he said, glancing at the bouquet again. “Azaleas, amaryllis, and black roses. Very thoughtful.” 

Scarlet chuckled on the other end. “You caught on quickly. The black roses were a dead giveaway, huh?” 

“They always are,” he admitted, running a thumb over the sticky note. “I also saw your note. That little tongue emoji... it’s so... you.” 

“I had to add my personal touch,” she said, her voice light with amusement. 

Ha-Joon’s smile widened. “The more I thank you, the less it feels like enough, Red.” 

There was a pause on her end before she replied, her tone softening. “You don’t have to thank me. You earned this. I’m just proud to see you succeed.” 

He stared at the frame in his hand, his thumb brushing over the glass as if tracing her smile. “I feel lucky, you know,” he said quietly. “Lucky to have you as my partner, my best friend. You’ve been there since day one, through every high and low.” 

Scarlet’s voice was gentle when she responded. “And I’ll always be here. That’s what we promised to each other, remember?” 

“Yeah,” he said, his chest tightening at the memory. “We’ve come a long way, haven’t we?” 

“Definitely,” she agreed. “But you deserve all the credit for today. You’ve worked so hard for this, Ha-joon. It’s your moment.” 

He shook his head, even though she couldn’t see him. “No, Red. It’s our moment. This company wouldn’t exist without you. You’ve been the backbone of everything, even when I’ve been too stubborn to admit it.” 

Scarlet laughed softly. “Well, I won’t argue with that.” 

They both fell silent for a moment, the comfortable quiet of two people who didn’t need to fill every second with words. 

“You know,” Ha-Joon began, his voice thoughtful, “if you hadn’t been there last night, I’d probably still be passed out in some bar or worse. You always take care of me, Red.” 

“Someone has to,” Scarlet quipped, though there was a hint of affection in her tone. “You’re hopeless when you’re drunk.” 

“Hopelessly charming,” he countered with a grin. 

“More like hopelessly annoying,” she shot back. 

He laughed, the sound echoing in his office. “Fair enough. But seriously, thank you for everything, Scarlet. For the flowers, the note, and just... being you.” 

Scarlet’s voice softened again. “You’re welcome, Ha-Joon. Now, stop being sappy and get back to work. We’ve got a company to run.” 

“Yes, ma’am,” he said with mock seriousness, earning another laugh from her. 

As the call ended, Ha-Joon set the phone down and leaned back in his chair, the smile lingering on his face. The bouquet sat on his desk, a vivid reminder of Scarlet’s unwavering support, and the frame in his hand felt heavier with meaning. 

He glanced toward the door, where beyond it Scarlet was likely already buried in her work, her dedication as unshakable as ever. 

“She’s right,” he murmured to himself, setting the frame down and straightening in his chair. “Time to get back to work.” 

But even as he turned to his computer, the warmth from their conversation lingered, fueling his determination to make their shared dream an even greater success.