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[Heart p6 ] - [Kendrick lamar]

The sun filtered through the large windows of the company, casting a warm glow on the sleek, modern interior. Some of the employees bustled about, their conversations light and cheery, as the day unfolded.

But amidst the light and warmth, Sunghoon felt the complete opposite. He was shrouded in a storm of his own making.

His gaze fell on Iseul, her laughter ringing out across the room as she stood close to Sungchan. The sight of them, too comfortable in each other's company, sparked a fierce, unsettling heat in his chest. They were standing too close, their bodies nearly touching as they shared an easy laugh, completely oblivious to the weight of Sunghoon's eyes on them.

He clenched his jaw, a muscle in his cheek twitching with restraint. He had learned that they were planning to leave together for some work—something that didn't sit well with him, not one bit.

Iseul. His Iseul.

He couldn't let this happen. Not like this.

Sunghoon's footsteps echoed through the halls as he walked briskly beside his secretary, Shuhua, who was diligently keeping pace.

"Shuhua," he said, his voice sharp but casual, as though they were discussing any routine matter. "I need an assistant for the next meeting."

"Of course, I'm here, sir," Shuhua replied, already reaching for her tablet to check the schedule.

"No, not you, you have other things to handle."

Shuhua glanced up, confused by the sudden dismissal. She had expected to stay by his side, as usual.

"Bring me an assistant," Sunghoon continued, his lips curling into a subtle smirk. "The intern. What's her name again?"

"Iseul?"

"Yeah, that's the one." He leaned back against the conference room doorframe, his eyes narrowing in thought as he mentally reviewed the list of files before him. "Call her. I need her here."

A wave of something like satisfaction swept through Sunghoon as the plan began to unfold.

Iseul entered the room with a cool, composed air, but her eyes immediately shot daggers at Sunghoon. He caught her glare, but he was quick to mask any reaction, setting his face in a neutral expression. She sat down at the table, as she glanced over the files, but her mind was still clouded by the earlier events with Sungchan.

Sunghoon, pretending to be the perfect picture of professionalism, broke the silence with a question that, on the surface, seemed casual. "You're not sad that you didn't check those streets right?"

"No, it's all good. I didn't want to go out in this heat anyway."

The silence thickened again and he couldn't help but look at her, watching the way she subtly avoided his gaze, as if she knew exactly how he was studying her.

When Iseul finally caught him staring, she turned her head to the side, her expression hardening, as if daring him to make a move. Sunghoon pretended as if he hadn't been staring at her at all, quickly shifting his attention to a pile of papers on the desk in front of him.

Sunghoon broke the silence, his voice a little tighter than usual. "I guess I interfered with your date with Sungchan."

Iseul, who had been leaning back in her seat, suddenly shot up, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. She clapped her hands dramatically as if she had just unlocked some great mystery.

"I get it now! That's why you called for me! You're jealous, omg."

Sunghoon opened his mouth to respond, but before he could get a word out, Iseul spoke at the exact same time.

"That's nonsense, Iseul."

They both paused for a brief moment, staring at each other, and then Iseul burst out laughing. "You always say that when you're cornered," she teased, leaning back in her chair with an amused smirk.

"That's nonsense," Sunghoon muttered, trying to brush off Iseul's teasing.

"See? You did it again," Iseul said, an eyebrow raised, her smirk not letting up. "You're such a terrible liar."

"Iseul, I didn't call for you. I asked Shuhua to bring me an assistant, and it just so happened to be you." Sunghoon tried to stay calm, but the irritation in his voice was barely hidden.

"Oh, wait," she said, leaning forward, her voice dropping into a playful tone. "Let me guess. You said something like, 'Uh, the intern, what was her name again? Yeah, her, bring her.'"

Sunghoon's eyes narrowed, but he couldn't deny it. He just kept shaking his head, refusing to admit she was right.

"Call Shuhua," Iseul insisted, her voice teasing yet demanding. "I wanna hear the truth."

"Why would I do that?" Sunghoon shot back, his tone defensive.

"Come on, call her. You'll only be avoiding the truth," Iseul pressed, her hand now reaching for his phone on the desk.

Sunghoon instinctively pulled the phone away, trying to keep it out of her reach, but Iseul wasn't backing down. She leaned in closer, her determination clear, and before he knew it, her hand brushed against his, her cheek grazing his as she reached for the phone.

The space between them was almost nonexistent, her breath warm against his skin. For a brief second, neither of them moved, caught in an unexpected moment of closeness.

Just then, the door creaked open, and the clients entered, freezing at the sight of Sunghoon and Iseul cheek-to-cheek, her hand still inches from his phone and her body uncomfortably close to his lap. The tension in the room was palpable.

Changbin, the PR head team, stood in the doorway, eyes darting between them with a look of confusion and awkwardness. After a brief moment of silence, he cleared his throat, awkwardly offering, "Uh, it's a test of trust, I think?"

Iseul pulled away abruptly, her face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and surprise. Sunghoon, his heart still racing from the close encounter, quickly composed himself. He straightened in his seat, his cold expression returning.

"Me and my assistant were... arguing about something," he said, his tone clipped and professional, as if nothing out of the ordinary had just happened.

Iseul shot him a look, her flushed cheeks not hiding the slight irritation in her eyes. She smiled tightly and, with a hint of sarcasm, said, "Thank you, Mr. Park Sunghoon, sir, for explaining it to me."

The couple, who had been silently watching the exchange, shifted uncomfortably in their seats. The tension in the room thickened, the once warm atmosphere now replaced by an awkward chill. Sunghoon's demeanor though remained as cold as ever, his attention fully on the files in front of him, giving no sign of acknowledging the couple beyond his mechanical responses.

The meeting was about a potential partnership between Sunghoon's company and the couple, who were set to marry. They were a wealthy couple, well-known in social circles, and Haven Enterprises hoped to sponsor their wedding.

Sunghoon's approach was entirely transactional, his words devoid of any warmth. He read from the file with precision, each sentence calculated and unemotional.

"We can offer the sponsorship for your event. Our terms are straightforward: branding and advertising rights. Our company values efficiency and profitability. Your wedding is a perfect opportunity for exposure."

The couple exchanged uneasy glances, clearly unimpressed with the cold, almost robotic pitch. They were used to being courted with enthusiasm and charm, and Sunghoon's blunt, business-first approach did little to endear him to them.

One of the members of the couple, the bride-to-be, spoke up hesitantly, her voice tinged with disappointment. "I thought this meeting was about more than just... business. This is our wedding, after all. It's supposed to be a special moment, not just a branding opportunity." Her words lingered in the air, and her fiancé nodded in agreement, his expression skeptical.

Sunghoon's eyes remained focused on the file in front of him, his expression unchanged. "Your wedding will be special. That's why we're offering our sponsorship. The event will be elevated, and you'll get what you want out of it. We do this all the time."

The couple seemed to shrink back, disheartened. Sunghoon's indifference was a stark contrast to their excitement and dreams for their big day. They were on the verge of backing out when Iseul, who had been quietly observing the entire exchange, couldn't take it anymore. She saw the couple's growing discomfort and knew she had to step in.

Clearing her throat, Iseul leaned forward in her chair, her tone shifting from the casual banter with Sunghoon to one of genuine warmth

"Look," she began, her voice confident yet gentle, "I understand where you're coming from. This is a big day, and it's important to you that it feels personal, not just like another corporate event. But, what Sunghoon is trying to say, albeit in a... less warm way, is that we genuinely want to make this a day you won't forget. Our company has the resources to make your vision come to life, and we want to help you turn your dream wedding into a reality."

The couple softened, their eyes flicking toward Iseul as they took in her words. She continued, leaning in just slightly, her tone becoming more persuasive. "We know how important this is to you. It's about more than just exposure. It's about creating a moment that's unique to you as a couple, something that reflects who you are. If you let us help, we'll do everything we can to make it unforgettable. But we need to understand what truly matters to you, not just the logistics."

Sunghoon, who had been watching her intently, looked almost surprised by the shift in the atmosphere. He had expected Iseul to stay in the background, but her approach was a stark contrast to his own. It was warmer, more human, and it was working.

The couple exchanged a glance, this time nodding slowly, the tension lifting from their shoulders. "Okay," the bride-to-be said with a small, relieved smile, "we're listening."

Sunghoon, who had been silent throughout Iseul's impromptu intervention, finally spoke up, his voice softer than before. "Fine. We can discuss how we'll integrate more of your personal touches into the event. We'll make sure it's everything you envision."

Iseul shot Sunghoon a quick, satisfied glance, before turning back to the couple, her smile widening. "Trust us, this will be a day to remember."

The meeting ended with an uncomfortable air still lingering in the room. As the clients filed out, satisfied yet unsure, Iseul stood up, ready to leave. She had done what needed to be done, but her mind was still swirling with the frustrations of the encounter.

She had managed to turn things around, but Sunghoon's coldness and refusal to admit when he was wrong had irked her.

Just as she was about to exit, Sunghoon's voice stopped her. "Don't interfere with my business," he said, his tone cold as ever.

"Sunghoon, you threw off that couple. You're so cold."

"I've been doing this for ages, I don't need your incompetent advice."

"Then next time, don't make me your assistant," she snapped, her voice thick with anger. "You're so annoying..."

Without giving him a chance to respond, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her with a force that echoed through the hallway.

Iseul walked back to her desk, her mind still buzzing from the exchange with Sunghoon. As she sat down, she noticed a familiar face standing near her cubicle. Sungchan. He had arrived earlier than usual today, his bright smile lighting up the room as he caught sight of her.

"Hey," he greeted, leaning casually against the edge of her desk. "You didn't answer my calls this morning. But I guess you were too busy with that meeting, huh?"

"You really think I'd have time to roam streets with you?"

Sungchan chuckled, a warm, almost boyish laugh that always made her feel a little lighter. "I just wish you could've been with me, though," he admitted with a playful pout. "It's way more fun when you're around."

Iseul couldn't help but laugh at his exaggerated expression

Just as she was about to say something else, the door to the department opened, and Sana, the head of the department, entered with a burst of energy that seemed to lift the mood of the entire room.

"Alright, everyone! Listen up!" she announced, her eyes sparkling. "We're having a team dinner tonight to celebrate our hard work! It's going to be at that new restaurant downtown—anyone who doesn't show up will be in trouble!" She grinned, her usual playful tone slipping through as she clapped her hands.

Iseul's stomach growled at the mention of food, and she immediately shot Sungchan a mischievous look. "Finally, something that makes my day better. I'm starving."

"You really are always hungry, aren't you?"

As the clock ticked closer to the end of the workday, Sungchan excused himself to the bathroom to wash his hands, feeling the weight of anticipation for the upcoming company dinner. He hadn't fully confessed to Iseul yet, but tonight, he was determined to make his move.

When he walked into the restroom, he wasn't expecting to see Sunghoon standing by the sink, his eyes narrowed in a glare that seemed to pierce through him.

Sungchan chuckled, trying to keep the mood light despite the tension. "Man, if looks could kill, I'd be dead by now."

But Sunghoon wasn't in the mood for jokes. He stood still, his arms crossed, his jaw tense. "So, did you confess?"

Sungchan leaned against the counter, casually drying his hands. "No, not yet. But I'm gonna make her fall for me tonight at the company dinner."

The confidence in Sungchan's voice only seemed to make Sunghoon's grip on his frustration tighten. He wasn't sure if it was jealousy, possessiveness, or something else, but hearing Sungchan speak so easily about Iseul made something stir inside him. He couldn't let that happen.

Without a word, Sunghoon turned and walked out of the bathroom, already formulating his next move. His mind was set, and his plans were clearer than ever.

He arrived at Iseul's desk just moments later, his steps swift and purposeful. The moment he appeared, Iseul looked up, about to say something, but Sunghoon didn't give her the chance. His cold, commanding voice cut through the air, "Write a summary of today's meeting."

Iseul opened her mouth, prepared to protest or ask why, but the sharpness of his tone stopped her before she could speak. "No objections." He didn't wait for her response, turning on his heel and leaving her desk without another glance.

The office began to empty out as everyone prepared for the much-anticipated company dinner. Sungchan, fresh out of the bathroom, was surprised to see Iseul still sitting at her desk. He raised an eyebrow as he approached her, noticing the absent expression on her face.

"Why are you still here?"

"Can't leave. Boss's orders. Enjoy your evening without me."

Sungchan frowned, his earlier excitement about the dinner dimming slightly. He didn't want to go without Iseul; it wasn't the same. But Jiwon, noticing his hesitation, had already started bugging him about getting going.

With a reluctant sigh, Sungchan turned to leave but not without giving her one last look. "Don't stay here too late, okay?" he said softly, before finally stepping out the door.

Iseul watched him go, feeling a pang of loneliness gnaw at her. As the office grew emptier, she turned back to her computer screen, the usual noise and activity around her now replaced with an eerie quiet. She had hoped for a simple, quiet evening, but now she was left behind, her stomach growling louder with each passing minute.

It was already dark outside, and the hunger she'd been pushing aside all day finally began to take over. She hadn't eaten much since breakfast, and now the pangs of hunger were becoming unbearable. But she couldn't leave—at least not until Sunghoon gave her permission, and that wasn't happening anytime soon.

As she stood there, unsure of what to do, the delicious aroma of samgyeopsal suddenly filled the air.

She turned her head and smiled, recognizing the source of the scent before even seeing the person. Sungchan stood in front of her, holding a bag of food with a warm grin plastered on his face.

"My savior!" she exclaimed, practically glowing with excitement. "I was craving this!"

Sungchan laughed softly at her joy, handing over the food. "I couldn't let you go hungry after the day you've had."

Iseul gratefully accepted the bag, her stomach already responding to the promise of food, her fingers eagerly tearing open the bag. As she took the first bite, her eyes lit up in contentment.

"You're a lifesaver," she said between bites, a wide smile on her face.

Sungchan joined her, and they both indulged in the food, laughing and chatting freely as they enjoyed the comfort of the meal. For a moment, the outside world faded away, and Iseul let herself feel something she hadn't all day—ease.

Unbeknownst to her, Sunghoon had also thought ahead. He knew Iseul would be hungry after working late and decided to get food for her—just as he had done countless times before.

He had arrived at the restaurant earlier, carefully choosing her favorite dishes, knowing how she liked them. But as he neared the building, he saw Iseul and Sungchan already seated, enjoying the meal he had intended to bring.

Sunghoon's heart sank at the sight, a twinge of frustration building within him. He had rushed here, hoping to catch her before she left, only to find that someone else had beaten him to it.

He lingered in the background for a moment, watching them laugh together, and he felt an odd pang in his chest. The image of them sharing the food, the ease with which they interacted—it stirred something he wasn't ready to confront.

Sighing quietly, he turned to leave, knowing he couldn't interrupt. Yet, as he did, a part of him wished he had been the one to make her smile like that, to offer her comfort in the way only he could. But it was too late now.

He had missed his chance.

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guys be honest do you mind the fact that this is a slowburn? cause the kiss scene is literally in chp 40
if you do mind dont hesitate tell me cause im considering getting rid of a large chunk of the plot