genre: romance, slow-burn, fluff, angst, sexual tension, mutual pining
Chapter 11: An Unwelcomed Familiar Face
Haein prepares to meet the Director of Hycerna but is caught off guard by the return of Yoon Eunsung—now a powerful figure with ties to the man she needs. Tensions rise as old wounds resurface, and Chaewoon’s quiet protectiveness deepens when he senses that Eunsung may be more dangerous than he appears.
It was finally the night of the 20th Investors Gala—the event where the Director of Hycerna would be attending. Haein was determined to speak with him about business, no matter what.
As she placed an earring on, her eyes lingered on her reflection in the mirror. That sinking feeling in her stomach refused to go away. A wave of dizziness passed over her, and she could feel cold sweat starting to form along her head.
And then a soft knock pulled her out of her thoughts.
“Miss Haein? Are you ready?” Chaewoon’s voice called gently from outside her door.
She turned toward the clock on the wall and froze. 8:32 pm…. Thirty minutes has passed already?
She could’ve sworn it had only been seconds since she began getting ready. The clock had read 8:00 when she picked up her earring. What had she even done in that time? Nothing came to mind—just a blur.
It was happening again, time slipping by so fast. As if her memory was skipping parts of her life. She sighed and grabbed her purse. She had no time to think about these things, she was about to be late at the Gala.
Grabbing her purse, she opened the door. Chaewoon was there, standing as always, his posture straight, eyes scanning her carefully. But she caught it—a flicker of concern in his gaze before he quickly masked it.
“Let’s go.” She said as she walked pass him.
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At the gala, the dazzling lights and hum of conversation did nothing to ease the pounding in her head. She ignored the ringing in her ears, pressing forward with practiced poise.
“Just stay beside me.” She murmured to Chaewoon who was just about to fade from the sidelines. Normally at events like this, especially one where Haein had to socialize and meet with different people, he doesn’t accompany her and follow her around like usual. He simply stays around the corners, watching her from afar, being alert incase she needed him. So when Haein asked him to stay beside her, Chaewoon did not question it. He knew, she needed him now more than ever.
“I’ll be right here,” he said reassuringly, and she gave him a small nod.
As they entered the grand ballroom, Haein felt her headache growing more when someone approached her.
“Well, look who finally showed up.” A woman with sleek short hair, crimson lips, and a dress that screamed for attention stepped into view. She was smiling—but it was not at all friendly, Chaewoon could tell, and he became more alert.
“Good evening, Han Jiwoo,” Haein replied, not bothering with a smile.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you at one of these. First time getting invited again?”
“I always get invited, I just hate attending.” Haein replied as she crossed her arms, Chaewoon could already feel the impatience in her voice.
“Oh? And who’s this?” Han Jiwoo’s voice cut through the chatter, eyes landing on Chaewoon, who stood just a step behind Haein. “Oh my, did you finally get yourself a boyfriend?” she gasped dramatically, swirling the wine in her glass.
“Well, I must say, Haein, you’ve got good taste.” Her gaze swept over him slowly. “So what’s your name? You look a bit familiar. Which family did you come from?” She continued.
Haein’s composure was momentarily thrown off at the word boyfriend. But she brushed it off and scoffed, already irritated. “Can you stop bothering us Han Jiwoo, you’re clearly already drunk and the event only just started. Stop embarrassing yourself.” She said as she moved away Jiwoo’s hand when she was about to approach him.
“Oh so you’re still single then Haein? You really should start seeing someone. How old are you anyway?” Jiwoo said, clearly testing Haein’s patience. “Look at me, I’m happily married for years now to one of the most successful businessmen in the country that my parents had arranged for me. I’m living such a good life. I don’t even have to work myself like a dog. But look at yourself, still a slave to your family who doesn’t even appreciate you.” Jiwoo added sweetly, the fake concern laced with venom.
Chaewoon could feel himself also getting impatient. All he wanted to do now was take Haein away from this woman as soon as possible.
Just as he was about to step forward and gesture to Haein for them to walk away, Jiwoo had more to say.
“You know,” she said with a smug tilt of her head, “you should’ve never broken up with Yoon Eunsung.”
The name hit like a slap. Haein visibly annoyed. “Why would you bring him up?” she said sharply. Chaewoon caught the shift in her tone. He watched her carefully.
Jiwoo smiled, savoring the reaction. “You don’t know anything do you? He’s Mr. Hermann’s right-hand man. He’s the key to reaching Mr. Hermann.”
“Hey, he became really successful. He’s not the same guy from university. He’s in charge of managing Sheikh’s finances now.” Jiwoo added, gesturing subtly to their right. Haein followed her gaze. Across the room, a sharply dressed man stood among foreign delegates, laughing with practiced ease. Her eyes narrowed, her body going still and Chaewoon noticed how she shifted uncomfortably.
Never should’ve broken up? Did she have a relationship with him in the past? Chaewoon wondered. He glanced at the way Haein’s face hardened, as she let out a sigh. Whatever happened between them—it didn’t end well.
Chaewoon’s jaw ticked. He didn’t like the way Jiwoo was needling her.
And more than that, he didn’t like the way Haein looked like she’d rather be anywhere else than here the moment her eyes landed on him.
Yoon Eunsung’s gaze swept across the crowd—until it landed on Haein. Without hesitation, he began walking towards her.
Haein tensed the moment she saw him. She didn’t flinch or look startled, but there was a flicker of annoyance in her eyes, like someone bracing for a conversation they never wanted to have.
Chaewoon instinctively stepped closer, his presence solid at her side—a quiet but firm show of support.
“It’s been a while,” Eunsung said, flashing her a knowing smile.
Haein’s expression smoothed over in an instant, shifting into the polished, diplomatic smile she wore in business meetings. “You should’ve let me know if you were back in Korea.” She replied casually.
Eunsung tilted his head slightly, then said, “Don’t you remember the last thing you said to me? To not contact you.”
Chaewoon’s eyes flicked toward Haein, his brows lifting ever so slightly.
Her smile wavered—just a little—before she let out a quiet scoff. “You’re right. I told you not to reach out to me ever again, because you kept crossing the line.”
That landed heavier than anything else.
Chaewoon’s jaw tightened. His gaze sharpened as he looked at Eunsung now, no longer neutral, no longer curious—just guarded. Protective.
“Right, but now, it seems that you have something to say.” Eunsung said with a smug smile. Woo Chaewoon was not a violent man, but for some reason, he felt a strong urge to wipe that smirk off his face right now with his fist.
Haein dropped the pleasantries. “I’m sure you’ve already figured it out, so I’ll get to the point. You’re close with Mr. Hermann, and I want Hercyna in our mall. Will you help me or not?”
Eunsung chuckled, leaning back. “Still the same cold-hearted Hong Haein. You’ve always been like this—keeping people around only when they’re useful. Tossing them aside when they’re not.”
Haein scoffed. “If you’re not interested, spare me the lecture. I have other ways.”
Eunsung smiled, “But I do want to help you. And I also want to apologize for my behaviour the last time we saw each other. It’s been years and I’m a different man now. I hope you can give me a chance.” He said as he offered his hand to her.
Haein eyed it with suspicion before meeting his gaze. “Let’s be clear. You’re right—I use people. Right now, you’re just a means to secure a deal with Mr. Hermann. So I hope you don’t expect anything more from me.” Haein said coldly. Not batting an eye.
Eunsung smiled, “Of course, I know that. And I don’t mind. Use me however you want.” He then stepped closer to Haein, to which she instinctively stepped back, prompting Chaewoon to swiftly move in front of her.
Chaewoon towered over Yoon Eunsung, his stance firm and protective, eyes locked with unwavering intensity. He stood like a shield, a silent wall between Haein and whatever threat Eunsung posed.
“And who are you exactly?” Eunsung asked, his lips curved in a polite smile, but the irritation in his voice was unmistakable. “You have a bodyguard now?”
“He’s my most trusted aide,” Haein replied coolly, arms crossing over her chest. “So you better respect him.” Her tone was sharp, final—like a blade sheathed in ice.
Chaewoon blinked, caught off guard. Most trusted aide—he hadn’t expected that. The words hit him in a place he didn’t realize was vulnerable. A flicker of warmth fluttered in his chest, but it was quickly replaced by a pang of guilt. She trusted him—deeply, clearly—and yet, he was hiding the truth from her. He wasn’t just her bodyguard. He was a spy sent to monitor her family.
Eunsung’s smile faltered ever so slightly, his eyes narrowing. He hadn’t pegged Hong Haein as the type to keep anyone that close. Cold, calculated, unreachable—that was the Haein he knew. So who was this man standing so protectively in front of her?
“I see,” Eunsung said, extending a hand. “Yoon Eunsung. I’ve known Haein since we were kids. Nice to meet you… Mr.?”
Chaewoon met his eyes briefly before taking the hand. His grip was firm but short. “Woo Chaewoon.” A beat passed. Then Eunsung tilted his head. “So… are you going to step aside, or?”
Chaewoon did not budge, instead, he looked behind him and waited for Haein.
When Haein gave him a subtle nod, only then did Chaewoon step back, wordless and composed. But the tension in the air crackled—thick, heavy, unspoken.
Eunsung’s jaw clenched as he walked past, eyes still on Chaewoon.
He had questions. And he was going to find the answers. Sooner or later.
“I can set up a meeting with Mr. Hermann as soon as possible, Haein,” Eunsung offered. “I can even help make the deal happen.”
“For what reason exactly are you going this far to help me? I only intended to ask if you could introduce me to Mr. Hermann, I can handle the rest myself.” Haein replied.
Eunsung gave a faint, almost wistful smile. “Call it… old times’ sake? Maybe you hated me back then—maybe you still do. But I never did. I’ve always been here, Haein. Ready to help, nothing in return. I mean that.”
He extended his hand again, open and steady. After a beat, Haein took it, her grip firm. “Good to know.
Behind her, Chaewoon said nothing—but his gaze stayed locked on Eunsung. Calculating. Cold.
Because in that moment, he knew: this man wasn’t just from Haein’s past. He could be someone harmful. Someone dangerous. And he will make sure no harm will come in Haein’s way.
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The night stretched on, and the event slowly unfolded.
After a while, Eunsung took Haein to go and meet Mr. Hermann. Chaewoon was asked to stay behind—Mr. Hermann preferred privacy when discussing business, especially around unfamiliar faces.
Chaewoon understood, of course. But that didn’t mean he was comfortable leaving Haein alone with Yoon Eunsung.
Before she followed, Haein turned to him and gently held onto his arm. “Don’t worry,” she said softly, a teasing glint in her eyes. “I’ll be back shortly. So stay put—because I’ll be looking for you the moment I’m done.” Haein said, almost jokingly, as if to ease Chaewoon, because like him, she can also somehow read him now. And she was aware that he did not like the idea of leaving her side tonight.
“Mr. Woo?” she called out, noticing his silence.
Chaewoon sighed and then reached out, placing a steady hand on her shoulder. He slowly leaned down, close to her ear—close enough for her breath to hitch in surprise.
Then, quietly, without anyone noticing, she felt him slip something into her right hand—the one still holding his arm. She looked down and unfolded her fingers. A small object rested in her palm. A button.
“If anything happens, just call me.” Chaewoon whispered in her ear. “Press the button if you need me, I will come inside immediately.” His voice was low, quiet—yet it sent a shiver down her spine. Her fingers tightened around the object as she lifted her head.
Chaewoon then met her gaze, “Alright?”
Haein nodded slowly, a quiet promise in her eyes.
And then, without another word, she turned and walked away with Eunsung. But even as the distance between them grew, she could still feel the weight of Chaewoon’s hand on her shoulder—and the quiet vow that came with it.
When Haein was no longer in his line of sight, Chaewoon felt restless. Uneasy. Something about that Yoon Eunsung guy didn’t sit right with him.
He couldn’t shake it—the instinct that told him he wouldn’t like what he might uncover.
Based on Haein’s reaction earlier, Eunsung was clearly someone who didn’t respect boundaries. Chaewoon had seen it in her eyes: the way she tensed when Eunsung got too close, how her smile faltered. She was uncomfortable, and yet the man kept inching closer, like he either didn’t notice—or didn’t care.
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It’s almost an hour now. 45 minutes, he noted. And still no sign of Hong Haein. His concern deepened, the silence pressing against his chest.
He finally sent a message: How are you?
A reply came moments later: It’s almost over.
Only four words, but enough to let him breathe again—just a little.
“Woo Chaewoon?” A familiar voice then called out from behind. Chaewoon turned, and he immediately recognized the man.
“Mr. Jo Hangyu,” he greeted politely with a respectful bow. “It’s been a long time. How have you been?”
“You rascal, who are you calling so formally like that? You used to call me Uncle just a few years ago,” the old man said with a hearty chuckle, giving Chaewoon a friendly pat on the back. “You’ve grown into a fine young man. I still remember you running around the yard while your parents chased after you.”
Chaewoon smiled warmly at the memory. “Time flies, doesn’t it?”
Hangyu tilted his head. “What brings you here? You’re not usually the type to show up at events like this.”
“I’m just accompanying someone,” Chaewoon replied, his tone easy. “It’s work-related.”
“Ah, right. I heard you left the military. Haven’t heard from you since. What have you been up to? And who are you accompanying, huh? A girlfriend, maybe?” Hangyu teased, nudging his arm.
Chaewoon chuckled, but before he could answer, Hangyu added, “And how’s your mother doing?”
The question made Chaewoon pause. His voice softened. “She’s recovering well, Uncle. Would you like to see her again sometime?”
“Of course. Just let me know when. I’d be happy to visit.”
“I’ll let her know. She’d like that,” Chaewoon said with a small, grateful nod.
Hangyu studied him for a moment, a nostalgic look settling in his eyes. “You really do look like your old man. I’m sure he would’ve been proud of the man you’ve become.”
Chaewoon offered a faint smile. “And I’m sure I’d still be getting a good scolding from him now and then.”
They both laughed softly.
“Well,” Hangyu said, patting his shoulder, “it’s good to see you again, kid. Don’t be a stranger. You know you’re like a son to me. If you ever need anything—advice, help, or just a drinking buddy—you know where to find me. I may be getting old, but I have high alcohol tolerance.”
Chaewoon grinned. “And I will make sure to be the judge of that, Uncle.”
When Hangyu finally left, Chaewoon felt a tap on his shoulder.
He turned to see Hong Haein standing there, eyes wide and expectant. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes rimmed with exhaustion—and was that a pout on her lips?
“Hey Mr. Woo, where have you been?” She said, a bit slower than how she normally talks. “I immediately looked for you as soon as I got out of there. But you were nowhere to be found. I told you to stay put didn’t I?” To anyone else, she might’ve seemed perfectly fine. But Chaewoon knew better. The way she swayed slightly on her feet, the warmth rising from her face, the unusually soft lilt in her voice—
But before he could ask, Haein stepped forward and stumbled, and he caught her just in time—hands gripping her shoulders to steady her.
“Take me home,” she mumbled, leaning into him. “I’m sick of everyone here.”
Then, quieter: “Take me with you.”
Chaewoon froze for a moment, the weight of her words settling somewhere deeper than he expected.
And as she rested her head against his chest, Chaewoon realized—this wasn’t something he could just walk away from anymore.
< Chapter 10 Chapter 11 >
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