Chapter Text
I hate this job.
Or at least, that’s what I tell myself every time I step into the office, the artificial glow of the ceiling lights washing over me like a reality check. The truth is, I don’t actually hate it. I hate losing. I hate being second place.
But you know what I hate the most?
Manager Seol Yoona.
It’s not even that she’s done anything outright cruel. No, she’s just there—existing in her cold, untouchable aura, sitting in the top spot of the company like a queen on her throne. While I break my back closing deals, entertaining clients, and making our marketing department the liveliest place in the building, she sits at her pristine desk, typing away as if the world outside her bubble doesn’t exist.
The worst part? She’s never made a mistake. Not once.
Meanwhile, I get chewed out for a misplaced comma in an email!
“Morning, Manager Bae!” Someone greets me as I stride through the open floor of the marketing department.
I flash them a smile, fingers casually tapping on my blazer pocket. “Morning. Let’s get that proposal ready before lunch, yeah?”
I hear a chorus of affirmatives, and it’s this that makes me almost forget about my growing irritation. I have a reputation here—popular, easygoing, a natural leader. My team adores me, and people from other departments always angle to get assigned under me. There’s nothing wrong with being well-liked. It means people trust me, that I can rally a team, that my presence is valuable.
And yet, none of it matters when Manager Yoona still holds the #1 spot.
She doesn’t even try to be liked. She’s all sharp glances and cold critiques, never one to spare unnecessary words. People are terrified of her. Respectful, but terrified. She never raises her voice, but somehow, her disapproval cuts deeper than any scolding. I know this firsthand because the few times I’ve had to work with her, I left feeling like I’d just been chewed up and spit out by a machine programmed to find my every flaw.
Unfortunately, I need to get closer to her. If I want that top spot, I have to figure out what makes her so untouchable.
____
As soon as I settle into my desk, I hear the familiar sound of heels clicking against the tile floor, followed by a giggle.
“Manager Bae, good morning!” One of the junior associates beams at me, hands clasped together like she’s been waiting all morning to talk to me.
I glance up and see that it’s not just her. Three—no, four—other employees are lingering nearby, all from different teams, all looking at me like I’m some kind of celebrity.
I exhale, leaning back in my chair with an easy smirk. “Morning. What’s up?”
They exchange looks, then the boldest one steps forward. “We were just wondering if you’d be free for coffee later. Or maybe lunch?”
“Yeah! You always have the best restaurant recommendations,” another one chimes in, eyes practically sparkling.
I glance at my schedule. I have a ton of things to do, but it’s not like I can’t make time. Besides, being on good terms with employees outside my direct team is always useful. Connections make the business world go round, and I’ve never had a problem keeping people close.
Before I can respond, a familiar voice cuts through the chatter.
“Manager Bae.”
The air around us shifts instantly. The playful energy from before evaporates as all the junior employees tense, their gazes darting toward the source of the voice.
Seol Yoona stands a few feet away, her expression unreadable. Her black blazer is perfectly pressed, her hair falling smoothly over her shoulder like she didn’t just walk through the same morning chaos as the rest of us. Even her voice is as composed as ever—calm, neutral, but carrying a weight that makes people stand at attention.
The group around me practically shrinks in size. One of them mutters something about finishing reports before scurrying off. Another awkwardly bows before following suit. Within seconds, they’re all gone.
I sigh, tapping my fingers against a desk. “You have a talent for clearing a crowd, Manager Seol.”
She doesn’t react. Not that I expected her to.
“Come to my office.” She doesn’t wait for my response before turning on her heel and walking off, expecting me to follow.
I stare after her, annoyed but intrigued. She never calls for me unless it’s absolutely necessary.
I should be used to it by now, but still, there’s something about her tone—about her—that makes my stomach twist.
With a final glance at my desk, I push myself up and follow.
____
Yoona’s office is just like her—pristine, no nonsense, and cold.
The moment I step inside, the subtle scent of coffee and paper greets me, but there’s nothing warm about the atmosphere. No personal decorations, no small trinkets, just sleek furniture and neatly stacked documents. A single framed certificate hangs behind her desk, probably one of the million awards she’s collected over the years.
Yoona stands near her desk, flipping through a file with that ever-neutral expression of hers. She doesn’t even look up as she speaks.
“You’re going on a business trip.”
I blink. “What?”
“Japan.” She flips another page, calm as ever. “Our company wants a collaboration with YJ Industries. Their CEO, Yoo Jeongyeon, only deals with top-tier executives. They requested our best.”
I cross my arms, already feeling a headache coming on. “And that’s us?”
Yoona finally lifts her gaze, her dark eyes sharp. “Obviously.”
I hold back a groan. I should be proud that I’m trusted for such a high-stakes deal, but there’s just one problem.
“Why do I have to go with you?” I ask, pointing at her like she’s personally responsible for this.
Yoona doesn’t react. “Because I’m #1, and you’re #2. This deal requires our best performance.”
I scoff, leaning against the chair in front of her desk. “What, the boss thinks we make a good team now?”
She raises a single eyebrow. “No. The boss thinks we won’t completely ruin the deal.”
I can’t even argue with that. Begrudgingly, I shift my weight, tapping my fingers against my arm. “When do we leave?”
“Tomorrow morning.”
I straighten. “That soon?”
Yoona nods. “The meeting is in two days. We’ll have one day to prepare, another for negotiations, and then return immediately.” She closes the file and sets it on her desk. “The company booked our flights and hotel. You’ll receive the details later.”
I don’t like this. At all.
Going on a business trip with Seol Yoona? The infamous marketing devil…? The person who makes my life hell at work?
I bite my tongue to stop myself from complaining. This is business. It’s my job. But still…
This might just be the worst trip of my life.