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[Something] - [Girl's day]

The night descended, and the grand event at the hotel was in full swing. The chandelier-lit ballroom buzzed with conversation and clinking glasses, but tension simmered beneath the surface.

The hosts, Changin and Sunghoon, stood near the stage, their polished appearances doing little to mask their growing impatience.

Changin, unable to hold it in any longer, leaned toward Sunghoon. "Dude, what if Iseul doesn't come?" he asked, his voice low but laced with worry. "I've been stretching this introduction for what feels like forever. I can't distract the guests much longer."

Sunghoon didn't respond immediately. His sharp suit and composed demeanor betrayed none of the restlessness that brewed inside him. He didn't glance at Changin, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on the ballroom's entrance.

"She'll come," he said firmly, his voice quiet but resolute.

Changin opened his mouth to reply, but the air in the room shifted, almost imperceptibly, like the first drop of rain before a storm. Heads began to turn, whispers cascading through the crowd like ripples on water.

And there she was.

Iseul stepped through the grand doors, the soft click of her heels barely audible over the gasps of the crowd. She wore a black dress adorned with delicate rhinestones that caught the light with every step, shimmering like a constellation had wrapped itself around her. The dress hugged her figure in all the right ways. Her hair was swept back, exposing her graceful neck, and her makeup was understated but striking, accentuating her natural beauty.

By her side walked Chaeryoung, radiant and poised in a flowing gown of her own.

Sunghoon's breath caught, his heart pounding in a way he hadn't felt in years. She didn't just enter the room—she commanded it. The room seemed smaller, quieter, as if everything else faded in her presence.

And then, for the briefest of moments, Iseul's eyes met his across the crowd. It wasn't long, but it was enough to make his composed facade crack.

Iseul arrived at the table where Sunghoon and Changbin were seated, her presence drawing immediate attention. She offered a warm smile as she approached, her voice calm yet apologetic.

"Sorry we're late. Traffic problems," she said, settling into her seat with practiced grace.

Sunghoon's gaze softened instantly, his heart betraying the cool exterior he fought to maintain. "What matters is that you're here," he replied, his tone carrying a warmth that didn't go unnoticed.

Chaeryoung and Changbin exchanged enthusiastic greetings, their excitement spilling into a brief conversation. Chaeryoung's laughter rang light and airy, while Changbin couldn't hide his grin as they exchanged compliments on the night's turnout.

Before the moment could carry on too long, the room's attention shifted as the host took to the stage. The microphone crackled softly before a smooth voice began to echo through the hall.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience. The moment we've all been waiting for is finally here: the awards ceremony."

The chatter subsided, and the focus of the evening settled back onto the stage. Sunghoon leaned back slightly, his hand resting subtly on the edge of the table, yet his eyes kept flitting toward Iseul. Even amidst the grandeur of the event, it was clear where his thoughts were anchored.

Iseul, feeling the faint weight of his gaze, kept her attention on the host, though her lips curved in the barest hint of a smile.

The host's voice rang out through the room, a moment of stillness overtaking the audience.

"And now, the award for Outstanding Campaign Strategy goes to... Haven Enterprise, Ms. Lee Iseul!"

Iseul's eyes widened, her surprise evident as applause filled the grand hall. She looked to Sunghoon, who was already standing, a proud smile lighting up his features. Without missing a beat, he gently hooked his arm through hers, as if to steady her amidst the sea of emotions.

"Come on," he said softly, his voice calm and encouraging.

Together, they walked to the podium, the light catching on the rhinestones of her black dress, making her appear radiant under the room's gaze. As they reached the stage, Iseul accepted the award with slightly trembling hands, her nerves evident. She hesitated for a moment, the weight of expectation pressing down on her.

Sunghoon, sensing her hesitation, placed a reassuring hand on her waist, a subtle but grounding gesture. The warmth of his touch and the quiet strength he exuded helped her find her voice.

Iseul took a steadying breath and stepped forward to the microphone. "Thank you," she began, her voice calm but carrying an air of sincerity. "This award isn't just mine. It represents the hard work, dedication, and teamwork that went into making this campaign a success. I'm truly honored and grateful to be a part of something so meaningful."

Her speech was short and heartfelt, drawing a round of appreciative applause. As she stepped back from the podium, Sunghoon's hand remained firm on her waist, his expression radiating pride.

"You did great," he whispered, just for her to hear, as they began their descent from the stage.

Iseul glanced at him, a faint smile gracing her lips. In that moment, amidst the applause and glittering lights, it felt as though they were the only two people in the room.

Finally, Iseul reached the table, her heels clicking softly on the polished floor. Chaeryoung was already on her feet, clapping with a radiant smile, her excitement contagious. "I knew you'd nail it, bestie!" she beamed, her eyes sparkling with pride.

Before Iseul could even respond, the couple approached, their presence warm but businesslike. They both smiled at her, their voices laced with admiration. "We'd be honored if you'd lead our new project," they said in unison.

Iseul opened her mouth to decline—her gut instinct screamed for her to walk away—but before she could speak, Sunghoon, standing off to the side, interjected smoothly. "She'd love to," he said, his tone smooth, sure. There was no hesitation, no room for disagreement.

Iseul froze. Her eyes shot to him, narrowing instantly. What do you think you're doing? she thought, fury bubbling up in her chest. She wanted to argue, to tell him that this wasn't his decision to make. But before she could open her mouth, the couple had already turned, their focus shifting elsewhere.

The moment they left, Iseul turned to face Sunghoon, her expression sharp and unyielding. "Weren't you the one saying not to make empty promises?" she spat, her voice tight with irritation.

Sunghoon's gaze didn't waver. He gave her a look that was almost dismissive, as if the argument were beneath him. "What promise?" he replied, his words cool, his tone a calm contrast to the tension growing between them.

Her breath hitched with frustration. "Just because I showed up doesn't mean I'm going back to work," she said, her voice cracking slightly, betraying her inner conflict.

"Who said you have to?" His voice, so detached, almost seemed to challenge her. She felt her anger boil, her body stiffening.

"Then why—" she started, but her words cut off as Rena appeared at her side, bright as ever.

Rena's arms flew around her in an enthusiastic hug. "I'm so happy you came, Iseul! I was worried you wouldn't show!" she exclaimed, her voice full of warmth and genuine relief.

Iseul returned the hug, though it felt distant, almost forced. She didn't let the smile falter on her lips, but her eyes betrayed her discomfort. "Thanks, Miss Rena," she said softly, trying to make her voice sound steady.

Rena pulled back, her gaze sparkling with admiration as she regarded Iseul. "You're so talented," she gushed. "I was so sad to hear you quit. Did something happen? Did you not like the company?" Her tone was gentle, laced with curiosity but no pressure. She genuinely wanted to know.

Iseul's eyes flicked toward Sunghoon for a split second before she turned back to Rena, forcing a light smile.

"Personal issues," she said, her voice quieter than intended, her guard up, shielding the raw truth that lingered beneath the surface.

Rena nodded, her expression softening with understanding. "I completely understand," she replied. "But I really hope you'll reconsider. We could really use someone like you here." There was a hint of hopefulness in her voice, but Iseul couldn't bring herself to respond, to promise anything.

But before she could formulate another answer, Rena looped her arm through Sunghoon's, tugging him gently toward a group of business partners. As they walked away, Iseul's eyes followed them, a heavy weight settling in her chest.

It wasn't jealousy—at least, she tried to convince herself it wasn't—but the sight of them so effortlessly bonded, so naturally comfortable with each other, stirred something deep and unresolved in her.

She stood there, frozen for a moment, the space between them suddenly feeling unbearable. Rena's words echoed in her mind, but they didn't soothe her. They only highlighted the distance she felt. It wasn't just the project, or the company, or the people here. It was him. Sunghoon.

She hated the way she felt, as if she were constantly fighting a battle she couldn't win. And yet, here she was again—watching, waiting, unable to stop the pull of the past, of him.

Iseul's frustration simmered just beneath the surface as she pulled Chaeryoung away from Changbin, her hands clenched into tight fists. The night had taken a turn she wasn't prepared for, and now, everything felt off. The weight of Sunghoon's presence hung in the air, but she refused to acknowledge him—too angry, too exhausted.

But before she could make her exit, Sunghoon approached, his steps slow and deliberate. "I'll drive you two home," he said, his tone smooth and effortless.

Iseul barely spared him a glance, her glare sharp enough to cut through glass. "I don't need you to," she muttered, her voice laced with irritation. She was already looking for a way out, wanting to escape the tension that seemed to follow her wherever she went.

But Changbin, as usual, wasn't on the same page. "I'm starving," he interjected, his voice loud and unwavering. "The food here is boring. Let's go somewhere else."

Chaeryoung, never one to let a good food opportunity slip, chimed in. "Yeah, why don't we go to a street food truck? I'm in the mood for something different."

Iseul's eyes widened, her heart sinking. Betrayal. It wasn't enough that her best friend had just willingly abandoned her in front of Sunghoon, but now she was actively encouraging the situation. She glanced at Changbin, and then at Chaeryoung, her hands trembling with frustration.

"I can't believe you're doing this," she muttered under her breath, but her friends didn't hear her.

And so, before she could protest further, she found herself sitting on a worn bench by the Han River, the cool breeze doing little to ease the tension in her chest. The silence between them felt awkward, yet no one acknowledged it.

Instead, Iseul poked at the teokbokki in front of her, unable to even enjoy the food. How had she ended up here, in the middle of this strange, unfamiliar situation?

Chaeryoung, ever the enthusiastic one, gulped down her food in one go and then looked at the glittering lights on the river. Her eyes gleamed with excitement as she turned to Changbin.

"The view looks so good," she said, practically jumping to her feet. "Changbin, get up! Take my picture!"

Iseul blinked, eyes widening as she looked at the two of them. Really? Was this actually happening? One moment, they were just here for food, and now they were acting like they had known each other for years.

Changbin jumped to his feet without hesitation, already pulling out his phone and snapping a few shots of Chaeryoung, who was striking poses as if she were at a photoshoot. Iseul couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at how fast they had clicked.

She took a deep breath, trying not to laugh at the absurdity of it all. "You two are something else," she muttered under her breath.

Now that they were alone, Sunghoon's gaze softened as he watched Iseul, the flickering light from the streetlamps casting gentle shadows over her face. "Iseul," he said, his voice quiet but firm, "you were amazing tonight. Once again, you captivated everyone in the room. They couldn't take their eyes off you."

Iseul bit her lip, trying to keep the smile from breaking through, but it was impossible. Sunghoon's praise, so rare and honest, wrapped around her like a warmth she hadn't realized she craved. She shrugged, feigning indifference, though her eyes betrayed her. "It wasn't that great."

But Sunghoon wasn't fooled. He leaned in slightly, his tone gentle but resolute. "No, you've finally found your place, Iseul. This job is meant for you."

For a moment, her thoughts froze, her chest tightening. The uncertainty she'd carried with her, the quiet fears she never voiced, surged inside her. "You think so?" she asked, her voice soft, barely above a whisper.

He nodded, his eyes steady on hers. "You're a brave woman. But not when it comes to the things that really matter. You run away when things get complicated." His words felt like a light touch, a subtle push that made her stomach churn, a truth she'd been trying to bury for too long.

Iseul's heart stumbled, her breath catching at the unexpected weight of his observation. She blinked, searching for a way out of the tension. "Chaeryoung," she said quickly, her voice a little sharper than she intended. "It's late. We should go back home."

She stood abruptly, desperate for movement, to break the sudden pressure that seemed to settle between them. But Chaeryoung, oblivious to the moment, was still busy with Changbin, laughing and snapping pictures. Iseul shot her a glance that bordered on exasperated.

Sunghoon stepped closer then, his presence more palpable than before, as though the space between them had narrowed without either of them intending it. His voice was quiet, low, like a melody she couldn't shake.

"You can't run away from me now, Iseul."

Iseul froze, the words lingering in the air, and her heart stuttered in her chest.

She felt it—his proximity, the weight of his gaze, the quiet force of his presence that seemed to hold her in place. She didn't dare move, not yet. Instead, she swallowed, her pulse quickening, unsure of whether she was about to run away again or face whatever was brewing between them.

Chaeryoung's phone buzzed suddenly, cutting through the atmosphere . She glanced at the screen and quickly answered the call. Her voice was soft, but Iseul could still make out the edge of concern in her tone.

"Mom, I'm on my way. Yeah, yeah, we're leaving now."

She ended the call and turned to Iseul with a sheepish smile. "Iseul, we gotta head back. My mom's worried."

Iseul raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smirk tugging at the corner of her lips as she turned to Sunghoon. She'd been about to hail a taxi, ready to escape the growing tension, but now it seemed that her plan was derailed. Chaeryoung's voice interrupted her thoughts, and she couldn't help but feel a little surprised by her sudden shift in allegiance.

"Sunghoon will drive us back, right? His car is big enough, isn't it?" Chaeryoung chimed in with an innocent smile, her eyes sparkling with that playful energy Iseul knew all too well.

Iseul glanced at Sunghoon, who had a knowing smirk of his own. He clearly wasn't bothered by the situation, in fact, he looked like he'd won the small battle between them, his confidence radiating in the way he looked at her.

"Of course," he replied smoothly, his tone almost teasing, as if he were enjoying this little turn of events.

Chaeryoung and Changbin had already claimed the backseat, giggling and laughing as they blasted their music. The moment Iseul climbed into the front seat next to Sunghoon, the energy shifted. The car hummed with the sound of the music, but the tension between Iseul and Sunghoon was still there, thick and unspoken.

Sunghoon started the car, glancing over at her as they drove off. "You should have just let me drive from the start," he said, his voice low but playful. Iseul simply rolled her eyes, folding her arms across her chest.

Finally, after taking everyone home, Sunghoon and Iseul were alone in the car. The silence that settled between them was heavy, charged with unspoken words, thick with the tension that had been building since they first locked eyes tonight. Sunghoon kept his focus on the road, the soft hum of the engine the only sound filling the space between them.

She adjusted herself in the seat, glancing out the window to avoid meeting his gaze. She didn't know how to react, how to handle the quiet after everything that had happened tonight.

As they neared her destination, Iseul made a move to open the door, her hand already reaching for the handle, but before she could fully react, Sunghoon's hand shot out, gripping her wrist gently but firmly. She froze, eyes wide, looking at him with a mix of confusion and something else—something deeper she couldn't place.

"Come back, please," he said quietly, his voice almost a whisper, but there was no mistaking the sincerity in it.

Iseul's heart skipped a beat. She'd never heard him speak like that—please, a word so rare from someone who was always so sure of himself, so controlled.

A part of her wanted to tease him, to poke fun at the prideful man who had just humbled himself in front of her, but something in the way he said it, in the way his hand tightened on her wrist, stopped her.

She opened her mouth to respond, but before a single word could escape, she felt the brush of his thumb against her cheek—delicate at first, as if testing her response. Then his fingers slid to her jawline, his touch almost reverent. Her breath hitched, and the warmth of his hand seemed to burn through her skin. Her heart raced in a frantic beat, out of control.

Their faces were so close now that the space between them had all but disappeared. She could feel his breath, warm and steady against her lips, just inches away. Her pulse quickened as his gaze flickered from her eyes down to her lips, as if in a trance. The moment hung there, suspended, charged with the kind of tension that left no room for thoughts—only feelings.

The car, the night, the world outside—it was all irrelevant now.

She could hear the pounding of her own heartbeat, could feel the weight of his gaze as he moved just a fraction closer, his nose brushing hers. It was as though the space between them was collapsing, their breaths mingling, sharing the same air.

Every inch of her body seemed to be aware of his presence, of how impossibly close he was. The heat from his body seemed to seep into hers, wrapping around her like a blanket, suffocating her with desire.

For a second, she thought he might kiss her. The tension was unbearable, palpable, each passing moment stretching longer, building.

And then he paused, just a breath away, his hand still cradling her face, his thumb tracing the soft line of her jaw, as if memorizing every part of her. She could feel his hesitation, his restraint, but it only made the moment more electric.

She wanted to close the distance, to claim that final inch of space between them. But something held her back, something unspoken. Something that made the tension unbearable, leaving her torn between wanting to run away and wanting to give in.

Just as the tension reached its breaking point, the sharp ring of Iseul's phone shattered the moment. She blinked, startled, and instinctively grabbed the phone from her pocket, pressing it to her ear. Her mother's voice rang through the speaker, frantic and worried.

"Iseul! Where are you? It's late, come home now!"

Iseul's heart still hammered in her chest as she quickly glanced at Sunghoon, her eyes flickering between his unreadable expression and the phone in her hand

Without a second thought, she dropped the phone between them, the cold plastic thudding against the leather seat. She didn't need to hear anything more.

"I have to go," she muttered, her voice low, trying to shake off the lingering heat of the moment, trying to make herself sound composed. She didn't wait for his response.

Her hand reached for the door handle, and before Sunghoon could even react, she was out of the car, her dress swishing as she hurried away from him, every step faster than the last.

Sunghoon didn't move. He didn't say a word as he watched her run, clutching her dress tightly against the wind that tugged at her. The car door still swung slightly ajar, the interior cold in her absence. He could feel the distance between them stretch further, but the smile on his lips remained.

In the quiet of the night, some hearts were healed, while others were broken.

A storm raged inside Sungchan. The faint hum of the whiskey bottle in his hand barely reached his senses as his mind replayed the scene he had witnessed earlier. He had watched, hidden in the shadows, unable to tear his gaze away as Sunghoon and Iseul shared a moment so raw, so loaded with unsaid words, that it seemed impossible for anyone but the two of them to understand.

The anger bubbled up in him, the frustration at not knowing the full story, the quiet ache of betrayal that gnawed at him. He had always prided himself on being perceptive, on seeing things others missed. He had misread the signals, mistaken their interactions for something less complicated. Now, with every fragment of conversation and gesture swirling in his mind, it clicked. Everything fell into place in a way that made him sick with realization.

His eyes narrowed, his pulse quickened. Sunghoon. Iseul. His instincts screamed at him. The divorce, the distance, the way Sunghoon had looked at her—so much more than just an angry boss. Sungchan slammed his drink down, the glass clinking harshly against the table. He could no longer ignore it.

With a swift motion, he pulled out his phone, his fingers dialing the number to someone within the administration, someone who might have access to information he couldn't get on his own. The line clicked and hummed with static, the tension in the air palpable as he waited.

After a moment, a voice crackled through the receiver, gravelly but efficient. "Yes?"

Sungchan didn't waste time with pleasantries. His words were clipped, urgent. "Hey, sir. Can you check the name of the woman Park Sunghoon divorced?"

There was a pause, followed by the soft sound of papers rustling, the shift of something being searched.

"Give me a moment..." the voice trailed off as the pages shuffled, the noise of it echoing in the quiet room.

Then, a name—one that struck with finality—came through the line.

"Lee Iseul."

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I HOPE YOURE HUNGRY FOR NOTHING.

srsly im sorry for lying to you guys but i didnt want to water down iseul and sunghoon's character arc