Chapter 11:

Haneul walked along the cobblestone streets of Venice, his footsteps echoing softly in the quiet early morning. The city's canals shimmered under the pale light of dawn, and gondolas bobbed gently in the water. Tourists hadn't yet crowded the narrow alleys, leaving Haneul to wander freely. Despite the beauty around him, there was a hollow feeling in his chest.

He felt out of place, a stranger in a city that seemed too romantic, too picturesque for someone as alone as him. Stopping by the edge of a canal, he pulled out his phone and dialed his mother. The familiar ringtone buzzed softly in his ear, and after a few rings, her warm, loving voice came through.

"여보세요? 하늘아, 괜찮니?" (Hello? Haneul, are you okay?)

Haneul sighed, leaning against the iron railing and watching the water ripple below. "네, 엄마. 그냥... 외로워요." (Yes, Mom. I'm just... lonely.)

"외롭다니? 지금 어디인데?" (Lonely? Where are you right now?)

"베니스요. 너무 예뻐요. 정말 그림 같아요. 그런데, 아무하고도 나누질 못하니까 좀 허전해요." (I'm in Venice. It's so beautiful. Really like a painting. But it feels empty because I have no one to share it with.)

His mother's voice softened, laced with concern. "왜 혼자 여행한다고 고집했어? 친구라도 데려갔어야지." (Why did you insist on traveling alone? You should've brought a friend.)

Haneul let out a small laugh, but it lacked humor. "친구들이 바빴고, 제 계획도 갑작스러웠잖아요. 그냥 혼자서 자유롭게 다니고 싶었어요. 그런데 막상 와 보니까 너무 조용하고, 마음이 무겁네요." (My friends were busy, and my plans were so sudden, you know? I just wanted to travel freely by myself. But now that I'm here, it's so quiet, and I feel heavy inside.)

His mother was silent for a moment, probably thinking of how to console him.

"하늘아, 사진이라도 찍어서 나한테 보내. 엄마도 베니스 한 번도 못 가 봤잖아. 네가 보내주면 나도 구경한 기분일 것 같아." (Haneul, take some pictures and send them to me. I've never been to Venice either. If you send them, I'll feel like I'm sightseeing too.)

"알겠어요, 엄마. 근데... 사진만 찍고, 집에 와서도 혼자면 그게 무슨 의미가 있을까요?" (Alright, Mom. But... what's the point of taking pictures if I'm just going to come home and be alone there too?)

She sighed deeply, and Haneul could hear the worry in her voice. "그럼 파리 가지 말고 그냥 한국으로 돌아와. 네가 이렇게 외로워하는데 엄마도 마음이 아프다." (Then don't go to Paris. Just come back to Korea. It hurts me too, seeing you so lonely.)

Haneul bit his lip, staring out at a gondolier pushing his boat gently along the canal. The idea of going home was tempting, but he shook his head as if to clear his thoughts. "아니에요, 엄마. 파리에 꼭 가야 돼요. 중요한 미팅도 있고, 제가 이 프로젝트를 완성하려면 필요한 과정이에요." (No, Mom. I have to go to Paris. There are important meetings, and it's a necessary step for me to complete this project.)

"일도 좋지만, 네 건강과 마음이 더 중요하지 않니?" (Work is good, but isn't your health and heart more important?)

Haneul smiled faintly at her concern, finding some comfort in her unwavering support. "알아요. 근데 엄마, 제가 이걸 포기하면 저 자신한테 실망할 것 같아요. 저는 이 일로 성장하고 싶어요." (I know. But Mom, if I give up on this, I think I'll be disappointed in myself. I want to grow through this experience.)

His mother's voice grew soft, her tone filled with love. "하늘아, 네가 그렇게 생각한다면 엄마는 응원할게. 하지만 네가 외로우면 언제든지 집으로 와. 우리 집이 네 안식처라는 거 잊지 마." (Haneul, if that's how you feel, I'll support you. But if you're lonely, come home anytime. Don't forget that our home is your sanctuary.)

Haneul felt a lump in his throat, the ache of homesickness mixing with gratitude. "고마워요, 엄마. 엄마랑 얘기하니까 조금 나아졌어요. 엄마는 정말 최고예요." (Thank you, Mom. Talking to you makes me feel a bit better. You're really the best.)

"네가 행복했으면 좋겠다, 하늘아. 그리고 파리에 가더라도 마음을 열고 새로운 사람들을 만나려고 노력해 봐. 네가 얼마나 좋은 사람인지 알면 금방 친구를 사귈 수 있을 거야." (I just want you to be happy, Haneul. And even if you go to Paris, try to open your heart and meet new people. If they see how wonderful you are, you'll make friends in no time.)

"그럴게요, 엄마. 약속해요." (I will, Mom. I promise.)

The gondola passed beneath a stone bridge, its shadow briefly darkening the water's surface. Haneul snapped a photo, thinking of how his mother might react to the beauty of the scene.

"엄마, 이따가 베니스 사진 보내 드릴게요. 그리고 제가 뭘 하고 있는지 자주 연락드릴게요." (Mom, I'll send you pictures of Venice later. And I'll keep you updated on what I'm doing.)

"그래, 하늘아. 엄마는 항상 네 편이야. 뭐든지 필요한 거 있으면 바로 말하고. 사랑해." (Alright, Haneul. I'm always on your side. If you need anything, just tell me right away. I love you.)

"저도 사랑해요, 엄마. 곧 연락할게요." (I love you too, Mom. I'll call you again soon.)

Ending the call, Haneul slipped his phone back into his pocket. The loneliness was still there, but his mother's words gave him a sense of reassurance, like a warm hug across the distance. He took another deep breath, glancing around at the city waking up slowly around him.

The road ahead wasn't easy, but he promised himself that he wouldn't let the loneliness consume him. For now, he'd focus on the beauty of Venice, the promise of Paris, and the love that always waited for him at home.

***

It's been a week since the work scarlet had arrived back to paris, her daily routine was on its route already. The warm morning light bathed the room as Scarlet descended the stairs, the soft sound of her heels echoing in the spacious house. She was dressed in a striking red Chester coat that reached just below her knees, paired with tailored red pants. Her hair was neatly styled.

Her long red Chester coat flowed behind her, accentuating her sharp, professional appearance. She paired it with tailored red pointed heels. Ha-joon, sitting at the dining table with a plate of scrambled eggs and toast, looked up as he heard her footsteps. A teasing smile spread across his face as his eyes landed on her outfit.

"Well, well, look at that. Red wearing red," he said, leaning back in his chair.

Scarlet paused, arching an eyebrow at him as she walked over to the coffee pot. "And? What's your point?" she asked, pouring herself a cup of coffee.

Ha-joon tapped his own red sweatshirt and smirked. "We're matching. People might think we planned this."

Scarlet shook her head, fighting a small smile. "Don't get your hopes up. It's purely coincidental."

Ha-joon chuckled, tapping his own outfit, a red sweater that contrasted against his black slacks. "People might think we're a couple."

Scarlet rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "Keep dreaming. It's just a coincidence."

She took a seat at the other end of the table, setting her coffee down and beginning to eat her breakfast. Ha-joon, ever the playful one, took out his phone. Pretending to scroll through something, he subtly aimed the camera at Scarlet and snapped a few candid photos of her.

"Are you taking pictures of me?" Scarlet asked suddenly, her sharp gaze locking onto him.

"Nope," Ha-joon replied with a grin, tucking his phone away. "Just checking emails."

Scarlet narrowed her eyes suspiciously but decided not to press further.

Ha-joon, ever the mischievous one, retending to check his messages, he discreetly aimed the camera at Scarlet and snapped a few more pictures of her while she sipped her coffee, her gaze focused on the plate in front of her.

After finishing their breakfast, Ha-joon grabbed his car keys, offering to drive Scarlet to the company. As they stepped outside, the crisp morning air greeted them. Scarlet adjusted her coat as she got into the passenger seat, while Ha-joon climbed into the driver's side.

The drive was quiet for the first few minutes, Scarlet scrolling through emails on her phone. Ha-joon occasionally glanced at her, the corners of his lips lifting in amusement.

"You're always working," he said, breaking the silence.

Scarlet sighed, not looking up from her phone. "I have three meetings today, all for the same project. It's exhausting."

"Well, good thing you're wearing red. You'll intimidate everyone into agreeing with you," he teased.

Scarlet smirked, finally looking up. "Maybe that's the plan."

Ha-joon chuckled, shaking his head as they continued their journey. "You seem really busy." he remarked casually, breaking the silence.

"That's right. I'm completely out of my mind because of this project. I have three meetings today." she replied, causally.

***

Across the globe, Haneul zipped up his red sweatshirt as he stepped out into the brisk morning air of Venice. The city was just waking up, its charm amplified by the soft light reflecting off the canals. He had spent the last week exploring, but today felt different, once again.

Strolling through the narrow cobblestone streets, he found himself wandering toward a familiar location, the same bridge where he had once shared ice cream with Scarlet. The memory of that day flooded his mind: her laughter, the way the sunlight caught her hair, and the surprise fireworks that lit up the sky while they were taking pictures.

As he approached the bridge, he slowed his pace, his heart tightening slightly. He stopped at the exact spot where they had sat, leaning against the stone railing and gazing down at the water. The sound of gondolas gliding through the canal below filled the air.

Sitting down, Haneul looked at the empty spot beside him where Scarlet had been that day. He smiled to himself, his fingers brushing against the cold stone as if trying to recapture the warmth of her presence.

"A very good morning to me," he murmured softly, the hint of a bittersweet smile on his lips.

He missed her,.more than he wanted to admit, but he didn't want to call her. Scarlet was always busy, and he didn't want to come across as clingy. Instead, he pulled out his phone and opened the camera, taking a picture of the bridge and the canal. He hesitated before texting her, ultimately deciding against it.

He sighed, leaning back against the railing and letting the cool breeze wash over him. "Scarlet, you're probably too busy to think about this place, but I hope you're doing okay," he thought to himself.

The sound of a nearby street musician playing the violin drew his attention. He watched as tourists passed by, some stopping to listen, others hurrying along. Despite the bustling activity around him, he couldn't help but feel a sense of isolation.

Still, Haneul tried to focus on the beauty of the city. He spent the next hour exploring the area, walking through the market stalls, and admiring the vibrant colors of fresh produce and flowers. He even stopped by a small café for a cup of espresso, hoping the caffeine would lift his spirits.

But no matter where he went or what he did, his thoughts always drifted back to Scarlet. Then, he decided to take a nap back at the hotel room.

***

Meanwhile, Scarlet and Ha-joon pulled into the company parking lot. Ha-joon turned off the engine and glanced at Scarlet, who was already gathering her things.

"Another day of exhaustion?" he joked.

Scarlet smirked. "Something like that. Don't forget you're part of the plan."

Ha-joon laughed, stepping out of the car. As they walked into the building together. Scarlet Rogers strode into the building with her signature poise, her red Chester coat swaying as she made her way to the elevator.

The gleaming office lobby was already bustling with activity, employees greeting her with polite nods. She responded with a composed smile, her mind already on the day ahead. As the elevator doors opened to the executive floor, she was met by her ever-efficient secretary, Christine Hamberg.

"Good morning, Miss Rogers," Christine greeted with a polite bow, stepping in sync with Scarlet as they walked toward her spacious office. She carried a tablet, which she quickly unlocked to review the day's schedule.

"Good morning, Christine. What's on the agenda for today?" Scarlet asked, pushing the door open to her minimalist, yet elegant office.

Christine followed her in, her tone brisk but respectful. "You have back-to-back meetings, starting with the marketing team at 9 a.m., followed by a video call with our international partners at 10:30. After that, there's a strategy session with finance. I've moved the lunch meeting with the investor tomorrow to accommodate the legal review at 2 p.m."

Scarlet nodded, removing her coat and hanging it neatly on the coat stand. "Anything else I need to prepare for?"

"Yes, Miss Rogers," Christine added. "The chairman has scheduled an informal review of the quarterly goals at 4 p.m. He insisted on your presence."

Scarlet raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. "Of course, he did."

Christine's lips twitched into a brief smile. "Shall I bring you coffee before your first meeting?"

"That would be great, thank you." Scarlet sat down and began scanning the documents Christine had placed on her desk.

Meanwhile, in the chairman's office across the hall, Ha-joon was greeted by his secretary, Thomas James. Thomas, ever punctual, was already waiting with a folder of notes. "Good morning, Mr. Ha-joon," he said, bowing slightly.

"Morning, Thomas. What's the plan?" Ha-joon asked, adjusting his tie as he moved toward his desk.

Thomas began listing the day's agenda. "You have a leadership meeting at 10 a.m., followed by a review of the logistics department at 11:30. Lunch has been blocked for personal time. Then, you have a combined quarterly review with Miss Rogers at 4 p.m. I've also forwarded the updated investor reports to your email."

Ha-joon sighed. "Seems like another packed day. Anything urgent before the meetings?"

"Just the quarterly budget report. I'll have it printed and ready for your review shortly."

"Good. Thanks, Thomas."

***

The hours passed in a whirlwind of discussions and presentations. By the time Scarlet returned to her office after her last meeting of the morning, she sank into her chair with a sigh of relief. Her fingers instinctively reached for the coffee Christine had left for her earlier, but the cup was long empty.

Just as she leaned back in her chair to catch her breath, there was a light knock on the door.

"Come in," she called.

Ha-joon stepped in, his casual grin immediately lighting up the room. "Want to grab a coffee?" he asked, leaning against the doorframe.

Scarlet tilted her head, considering the idea. "I've been running on fumes, so sure. Let's go."

Ha-joon gestured for her to follow, and the two made their way to the lobby, where their respective secretaries were waiting.

"Thomas, Christine, you're coming with us," Ha-joon announced.

Christine and Thomas exchanged a glance, clearly reluctant but unable to argue. They followed their bosses to the car, where Thomas slid into the driver's seat and Christine took the front passenger seat, leaving Ha-joon and Scarlet in the back.

As the car moved through the bustling city streets, Scarlet noticed Christine glancing at Thomas with an unimpressed expression. "Drive carefully, James," Christine remarked pointedly.

Thomas rolled his eyes. "I've been driving longer than you've been working, Miss Hamberg. Relax."

Scarlet stifled a chuckle, while Ha-joon shook his head, amused by their constant bickering.

When they arrived at a cozy café near the office, the group settled into two separate tables. Thomas and Christine reluctantly shared one table, while Ha-joon and Scarlet sat at another.

As the staff brought menus, a waiter approached their table with a cheerful smile. "Good afternoon! We have a special couple's coffee offer today. Would you like to try it? It includes two complimentary desserts of your choice."

Ha-joon immediately nodded. "Of course! Sounds perfect."

Scarlet opened her mouth to object, but before she could speak, Ha-joon placed a hand over hers and said, "Shh. Don't ruin the moment."

Her eyes narrowed, but there was a faint blush on her cheeks. "This is ridiculous," she muttered under her breath, though she didn't pull her hand away.

At the other table, the waiter turned to Christine and Thomas. "And for you two? Would you like the couple's coffee offer?"

Before Christine could protest, Thomas smirked and said, "Yes, absolutely. We'd love it."

Christine's jaw dropped. "What? No, we're not..."

"Shh," Thomas interrupted, mimicking Ha-joon's earlier gesture. "Don't ruin the moment, Christine."

Christine glared at him. "You're impossible."

"And you're predictable," he replied with a teasing grin.

Back at their table, Scarlet leaned closer to Ha-joon, her voice low. "Why did you say yes to that? Now they think we're a couple."

Ha-joon shrugged, sipping his coffee. "Why not? It's a good deal. Plus, you're the one wearing red. We're practically screaming 'power couple.'"

Scarlet rolled her eyes. "You're insufferable."

"But you love my charm," he replied with a wink.

Meanwhile, Christine and Thomas were engaged in a quiet quarrel of their own.

"Could you stop grinning like an idiot?" Christine hissed.

"I'm just enjoying the perks of being your fake boyfriend," Thomas retorted, leaning back in his chair.

"You're not my fake boyfriend. You're not anything to me," she shot back.

"Keep telling yourself that, Hamberg," Thomas said, smirking.

Their bickering was interrupted when the waiter returned with their drinks and desserts. The café staff placed heart-shaped lattes and chocolate mousse in front of each table, further emphasizing the "couple" theme.

Scarlet sighed, looking at Ha-joon. "I hope you're happy."

"Ecstatic," he replied, raising his cup. "To unexpected deals and good company."

Scarlet couldn't help but smile, albeit reluctantly. As much as he annoyed her, Ha-joon's presence always seemed to brighten her day.

Christine's face twisted in distaste as her gaze fell on the dessert in front of her-a decadent heart-shaped treat adorned with glossy red icing and delicate chocolate accents. She recoiled, sitting back in her chair as if the dessert might leap at her.

"Such a ridiculous idea," she muttered under her breath, crossing her arms. Her disapproval was palpable.

Thomas, seated across from her, wasted no time. Without so much as a glance her way, he picked up his spoon and dug into the dessert. He took a generous bite, savoring the rich flavors with a contented hum.

Christine's jaw dropped. "At least you could have waited for me to snap a picture!" she exclaimed, glaring at him. "You know, for my aesthetic."

Thomas shrugged, his mouth still half-full. He swallowed and gave her an unapologetic grin. "Sorry. You're late. It looked too good to wait."

Christine huffed, pulling her phone out of her purse. She stared at the partially eaten dessert with a look of sheer betrayal. "Late? It's been sitting here for two minutes, Thomas! How impatient can you be?"

"Two minutes is a long time when dessert's involved," he quipped, smirking as he took another bite.

Christine narrowed her eyes, tapping her fingers against the table. "Ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous."

Thomas, undeterred, continued eating, occasionally glancing at the heart-shaped dessert on her plate. "Tell me something, Christine," he said, shoving another spoonful into his mouth. "Would you have liked it if you looked over at Miss Rogers and Mr. Wi enjoying this delicious treat while we were sitting here with just plain coffee because we're 'not a couple'?"

Christine frowned, leaning forward. "It's not even that tasty," she retorted, gesturing dismissively at the dessert.

Thomas paused mid-bite, raising an eyebrow. "You haven't even taken a single bite, and you're already saying that?"

"I don't need to try it to know," she shot back, leaning back in her chair with a defiant expression.

Thomas set his spoon down and leaned forward, his voice tinged with mock seriousness. "Fine then." He reached for her plate. "If you're so sure it's not good, I'll eat it for you."

"What... hey!" Christine's hand shot out, gripping the edge of the plate.

Thomas smirked. "You said it's not tasty, right? Why let it go to waste?"

"It's mine!" Christine snapped, pulling the plate toward her.

"You didn't even want it!" he countered, tugging the plate back.

"Doesn't mean you can have it!"

They engaged in a tug-of-war over the plate, drawing the attention of a few nearby patrons. The heart-shaped dessert wobbled dangerously with each pull, threatening to topple over.

"Let go, Thomas!" Christine hissed, tightening her grip.

"Why? You're not going to eat it anyway!"

"I am!"

"Liar! You just said it's not tasty!"

Christine glared at him, her cheeks flushing with frustration. "I changed my mind, okay?"

Thomas grinned triumphantly. "Ah, so now you *want* it because I do?"

"Don't flatter yourself," she snapped, finally pulling the plate free with a victorious tug.

Thomas, unfazed, crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. "Fine. Enjoy your 'ridiculous' dessert," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Christine huffed and picked up her fork, cutting into the dessert with precise, deliberate movements. She took a bite, her expression neutral as she chewed.

"Well?" Thomas asked, leaning forward expectantly.

Christine hesitated before responding, unwilling to give him the satisfaction. "It's... okay."

Thomas smirked. "Just 'okay,' huh?"

"Yes. Just okay," she insisted, taking another bite to prove her point.

"Then why are you eating it so fast?"

Christine froze mid-bite, glaring at him. "I'm not eating it fast."

"You're practically inhaling it," Thomas teased, chuckling.

Christine set her fork down with an exaggerated sigh. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"And you're a terrible liar," he retorted, grinning. "Admit it... it's delicious."

Christine rolled her eyes, refusing to dignify his comment with a response. She focused on finishing her dessert, ignoring Thomas's smug expression.

As she took the last bite, Thomas leaned in, resting his elbows on the table. "So, Christine, next time we're offered a 'couple's special,' are you going to call it ridiculous or just go along with it?"

Christine glared at him, her cheeks still faintly pink from their argument. "Next time, I'll make sure to order something that doesn't require sharing or matching, thank you very much."

Thomas laughed, raising his coffee cup in a mock toast. "To ridiculous ideas, then."

Christine rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the small smile tugging at her lips. "To annoying coworkers," she said, clinking her coffee cup against his.