POV: Female Lead (Jung Ha-neul)
Ahn Min-jae was unraveling.
And Ha-neul wasn't sure how to handle it.
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The Aftermath of a Challenge
Ever since their last conversation, the air between them had changed.
Min-jae still avoided her, but this time, it wasn't cold detachment.
It was restraint.
Like he was holding something back.
Like he was trying too hard to pretend their conversation never happened.
And the worst part?
It was working.
Because now, Ha-neul was the one thinking about it.
Thinking about him.
Thinking about the way he had looked at her when he whispered, "Be careful, because one day, I might just stop holding back."
Thinking about how, for the first time, she didn't have a comeback.
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Min-jae's Wall Cracks
It was another late night at the hospital.
Ha-neul was finishing up paperwork in her office when she heard a familiar voice outside.
"...Just sign the damn document and stop wasting my time."
Her heart stilled.
Ahn Min-jae.
She stood up, curiosity taking over, and peeked into the hallway.
Min-jae was talking to a group of hospital board members, his expression sharp.
She had seen him like this before—CEO mode activated, voice cold, demeanor untouchable.
And yet…
There was a tension in his shoulders.
A slight tremor in his fingers.
Ha-neul frowned.
Something was wrong.
Min-jae ran a hand through his hair, frustration clear. "Just handle it."
Then, without waiting for a response, he turned sharply on his heel—
And locked eyes with Ha-neul.
For a split second, neither of them moved.
Then, Min-jae's jaw clenched. He turned and walked away.
Oh, hell no.
Ha-neul wasn't letting him run this time.
---
Cornering the CEO
Ha-neul caught up with him in the parking lot.
"Min-jae."
He ignored her.
She stepped in front of him. "Min-jae."
His eyes flashed. "Move."
"No."
His hands curled into fists. "I don't have time for this."
"Then make time."
Silence.
Ha-neul exhaled. "Something's wrong. I can see it."
Min-jae's lips pressed into a thin line. "It's none of your business."
She crossed her arms. "Like hell it isn't."
Min-jae let out a sharp breath. "Jung—"
"Talk to me," she interrupted.
Something flickered in his gaze.
Then, suddenly—Min-jae grabbed her wrist.
Ha-neul gasped.
Not because it hurt.
But because his grip was desperate.
Not like a man trying to push her away.
But like a man trying to hold himself together.
Her heart dropped.
"...Min-jae?" she whispered.
He inhaled sharply, eyes squeezed shut. His fingers trembled around her wrist.
Then, in a voice so quiet she almost missed it—
"I can't do this right now."
Ha-neul felt something inside her chest ache.
She had never seen him like this.
So vulnerable.
So… alone.
And in that moment, she knew.
Knew that whatever Min-jae was dealing with, it was eating him alive.
And he had no one to lean on.
No one but her.
So, instead of pushing, Ha-neul did something unexpected.
She slowly intertwined their fingers.
Min-jae's eyes snapped open.
Ha-neul gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "Then don't talk."
She held on a little tighter.
"Just let me stay."
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