《Corporate Affairs》 Chapter 01: “The Interview That Should Have Been Normal” Seo Minra just wanted a job. Not a perfect job. Not a dream job. Just a stable, normal, stress-free job. So when she got an interview at Hwa Corporate, one of the top firms in the industry, she was thrilled. Until she sat down in the waiting room. And saw him. Messy-haired, sharp-eyed, way too relaxed for someone who was about to be interviewed at one of the toughest companies in the country. And worse? He caught her staring. And smirked. "Nervous?" he asked. Minra blinked. "Excuse me?" "You look nervous." He tilted his head. "First corporate job?" Minra frowned. "Im prepared." "Good." He leaned back. "Youll need to be. This place is brutal." Minra glanced at him warily. "And you know this because?" "Reyne." He grinned. "Nice to meet you, fellow interviewee." This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. . Minra barely had time to process that information before "Ms. Seo, Mr. Reyne? Follow me." No way They were interviewing together? The second they stepped into the conference room, she knew this was serious. Because sitting at the long table were Hwa HyunSeong, the unreadable CEO. Yoon Jiho, the charming but sharp-eyed department head. Kang Su-Jin, the terrifyingly strict manager. Eun Seo-Yeon, the effortlessly confident rising employee. Song Eunhe, the sales department supervisor, already looking exhausted. And Reyne? Instead of sitting quietly, waiting for questions like a normal person He leaned back in his chair, smirked, and said "So, should we introduce ourselves first, or are we jumping straight into judging me?" Minra wanted to die. Shuun? Expressionless. Su-Jin? Visibly annoyed. Jiho? Trying not to laugh. Seo-Yeon? Amused. Eunhe? Rubbing her temples like she already regretted her life choices. Minra? Immediately feeling ashamed. . Somehow, they both got hired. Reynebecause he was actually talented at sales, despite his attitude. Minrabecause she had impressed them with her designs and quick thinking. Everything should have been fine. But then Minra found out Reyne was placed in the Sales Department under Miss Song. And the first thing Eunhe did when he walked in? Threw a stress ball at his head. "I swear," Eunhe sighed, "If you embarrass me in front of management one more time, I will make sure you regret it." Reyne just grinned. "Aw, come on, Noona. Admit it, youd realize youll miss me when Im not here." Eunhe threw another stress ball. Minra? Minra immediately regretted taking this job. . Within the first hour of her first day, Reyne had already called her Partner again, like they were teammates. Mr. Yoon (Jiho) was being way too charming, making Minra feel like she was missing something. Mr. Kang (Su-Jin) had already assigned her an impossible deadline. Miss Eun (Seo-Yeon) was effortlessly perfect and vaguely terrifying. Miss Kang (Suan) had shown up unexpectedly, completely ignoring the office power structure. Mr. Hwa (HyunSeong) kept watching her. Not in an obvious way. Not in a way anyone else would notice. But every time she spoke in a meeting. Every time she responded to a challenge. Every time she wasnt sure if she was doing well or not. She felt it. Like he had already decided something about her. And Minra? Minra wasnt sure if she liked that. . It didnt take long for Minra to understand the unspoken rules of the company. Mr. Hwa (Shuun) was untouchable. Cold. Stoic. No one got close to himexcept maybe Miss Kang. His standards were brutal. Impressing him? Nearly impossible. Mr. Yoon (Jiho) was deceptively easygoing. Smiling. Friendly. But too sharp for his own good. Everyone liked him, but nobody underestimated him. Mr. Kang (Su-Jin) was terrifying. Everything needed to be perfect. If you missed a deadline, you were dead. Miss Eun (Seo-Yeon) was both admired and feared. Confident. Effortlessly perfect. Always two steps ahead. Miss Kang (Suan) was a mystery. Didnt technically work here but somehow controlled everything. Even Mr. Hwa listened to her. Miss Song (Eunhe) was the most stressed person in the company. The only thing standing between Reyne and unemployment. No one knew why she tolerated him. Reyne was a menace. Flirted too much. Worked just enough not to get fired. Somehow still good at his job, which made him even more annoying. And Minra? Minra was stuck in the middle of it all. She wasnt sure if shed survive. But somehowshe was starting to think she didnt want to leave either. . Chapter 02: Workplace Menace Energy Chapter 02: “Workplace Menace Energy” The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Chapter 03: "Why Am I Babysitting Reyne?" If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Chapter 04: "The Menace Gets Serious" If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Chapter 05: “The Fan and The Man She Doesn’t Know” Minra dragged herself through the door, throwing her bag onto the couch. But Ill wait where the silence stays" The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. "Do you always fight for people who dont deserve it?" Her frustration. Her determination. Every time she closed her eyes for a brief second, as if grounding herself. Chapter 06: “An Unexpected Reply and The Teasing That Followed” Not fan letters filled with expectationsjust words of gratitude. But Minra sat there, staring at her screen, heart pounding. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Chapter 07: “The Fan Who Believed in Him” Do you always fight for people who dont deserve it? The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. You dont need to take responsibility for Mr. Reynes incompetence. I know, sir. But he just needs guidance. Your words reach someone too. Chapter 08: “One Message A Day” A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. She had spent the entire day cleaning up Reynes mess. Shuun had given her a look she couldnt decipher. Chapter 09: “The Day She Complained About Him… To Him” Meetings were supposed to be professional. They were supposed to be about projects, deadlines, and serious discussions. Not about Minras personal life. And definitely not about her texting a faceless singer every night. But of courseReyne was there. Oh, dont mind Minra. Reyne said casually, leaning back in his chair. Shes been too busy texting her faceless boyfriend to focus lately. The room froze. Minras soul left her body. Shuun, who had been flipping through reports, stilled. The air grew heavy. Silence. Absolute, deafening silence. Reyne blinked. Wait why does it feel like I said something I shouldnt have? Because he did. Minra wanted to crawl under the table and die. Because everyone knew. Shuun wasnt the kind of boss who cared about small distractions. He allowed a little slack off, a bit of office banter. But once it was brought up in public He had to do something. To preserve his authority. To maintain his image. And Minra knew. She was about to get scolded. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. . Shuun set down the file slowly. He didnt look at Reyne. Didnt even acknowledge him. Instead, his sharp gaze landed on Minra. Miss Seo. Her throat dried. Are you texting during work hours? She swallowed. INo, sir, I only check my phone during breaks! Is that so? The weight of his voice made her stomach twist. Then tell me. Shuun continued, leaning forward slightly. Why do I keep seeing you distracted? Her heart sank. This wasnt just about Reynes comment. This was him making an example out of her. So that no one else would dare bring up personal distractions in meetings again. She clenched her fists. She wanted to defend herself. Wanted to say, I work hard every single day! But she couldnt. Because this was work. And at work, Mr. Hwa was her boss. Not Shuun, the man who sent her one message a day. Not that she ever knew. So she simply bowed her head. Understood, sir. And that was that. The meeting continued. But Minra? She sat there, sullen, frustrated, and absolutely exploding inside. . That night, Minra stormed into her apartment, still boiling. She wasnt the kind of employee who slacked off. She wasnt the kind of worker who ignored deadlines. And yet, one little comment from Reyne, and suddenly she was being scolded? It was so unfair. And before she could stop herself She grabbed her phone. Opened her messages. And typed. [Minra: My boss scolded me today. Who does he think he is?] [Minra: I work my ass off every single day. But the one time I get distracted for like, two seconds, suddenly Im the worst employee alive?] [Minra: Even you, who never know me, actually brighten my day. But my boss Mr. Hwa just makes it worse.] [Minra: Anyway, dont mind me, you dont have to read this. Just venting] She hit send. Threw her phone onto the bed. And sighed, rubbing her temples. It wasnt like Shuun was going to reply immediately anyway. His messages were always once a day. She had plenty of time to cool off and forget about it. Or at least, that was the plan. Until her phone buzzed. Immediately. Minra froze. Eyes widening. Slowly, she reached for her phone. And stared at the screen. [Shuun: who does he think he is, huh?] Her entire soul left her body. . Shuun had been working. Reviewing reports. Making decisions. Convincing himself that he wasnt waiting for her reply. And thenher messages came in. And for the first time since this started He replied immediately. Now, he stared at the screen. Reading her words. Again. And again. Even you, who never know me, actually brighten my day. The sentence wouldnt leave his head. She had no idea. No idea who she was really complaining about. And somehow, that made it worse. But Mr. Hwa just makes my day worse. He frowned. Had he really been that harsh? Had she really looked that upset? Shuun leaned back in his chair, exhaling. He had only done what was necessary. Had only scolded her to maintain order. So whywhy was he overthinking this now? Why did it suddenly bother him that she thought he was unfair? Why did it feel like he had ruined her day more than he should have? And worst of all Why did it matter so much? . Minra stared at her screen, frozen. Shuun had never replied this fast before. And he had never sounded like that. Like he was Thinking about it. For some reason, that made her nervous. Slowly, she typed back. [Minra: Its alright. This has nothing to do with you, Shuun. I was just mad. Its not a big deal.] She hesitated. Then, after a long pause [Minra: but maybe he could be a little nicer sometimes.] She hit send. Not expecting much. But this time Shuun didnt wait until the next day. This timehe answered immediately. [Shuun: I guess.] Minra blinked. What? She stared at her phone. Completely speechless. She hadnt expected an actual response. And now, for the first time For the first time, it felt like she was talking to someone real. Not just a singer. Not just a voice. Someone who was listening. And she had no ideaon the other side of the city, Shuun sat at his desk, rereading his own message. Wondering why he had said that. And why, for the first time, those words actually hit him. . Chapter 10: "The Apology She Never Expected" Chapter 10: “The Apology She Never Expected” If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Chapter 11: “The Food She Wanted to Keep Forever” This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Chapter 12: “The Coffee Incident (And the CEO Who Was Trying Too Hard)” The moment Minra walked into the office, she was glowing. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Chapter 13: “The CEO Who Didn’t Understand His Own Employees” Shuun sat in his office. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Chapter 14: The Manager and His Most Annoying Employee Chapter 14: “The Manager and His Most Annoying Employee” Su-Jin had many responsibilities. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Chapter 15: “The Woman Who Pursued and the Man Who Was Clueless” Jiho watched as Su-Jin and Seo-Yeon engaged in their usual power struggle. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. Chapter 16: “The Man Who Was All Business” Suan had been on the receiving end of admiration her entire life. She was the kind of woman people chased after. Not the kind who had to put in effort. And yethere she was. Chasing. Not just anyone. But Yoon Jiho. A man so infuriatingly oblivious that she now had a new full-time job. Making him notice. She wasnt desperate. She wasnt impatient. She just wanted to see him flustered, at least once. Was that too much to ask? And so, she started plotting. If Jiho wasnt going to pay attention to her personally, then fine. Shed make sure he had to work with her professionally. A lot. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. . A company-wide executive dinner was being planned. All the top department heads, investors, and VIPs would be there. And, as usual, Suan had full control over the guest list. The board members wanted someone to present a formal company report. A representative who could speak on behalf of the companys internal progress. Of course, there were many options. But Suan? She didnt hesitate. "I think Yoon Jiho is the most suitable person for this." Everyone blinked. Jiho, who had been reviewing documents, barely looked up. "Understood." He nodded. "Ill prepare the report." Suan smirked. Step one? Complete. . The event was lavish. An expensive restaurant. Private rooms. The kind of place where business meetings turned into social games. Suan arrived in a sleek, elegant dress. The kind that made people turn heads. She was used to it. She expected it. But the only person who didnt even spare her a glance? Yoon Jiho. Instead, he was going over his notes. Checking financials. Going through stock performance metrics. Like this was a corporate boardroom instead of a luxury dinner. Suan sipped her wine, watching him with interest. "Jiho-ssi." Jiho finally looked up. "Yes, Miss Kang?" Suan smiled. "This is a social dinner, not a stockholders'' meeting. Why are you working so hard?" Jiho, completely serious. "Because I was assigned a job." Suans smile twitched. This man. This absolutely dense, business-minded man. "You dont have to be so formal," she teased. "This is still a professional environment," Jiho replied smoothly. Suan, who had never been this patient in her life, took a deep breath. Okay. Fine. She could play along. For now. . At some point, the dinner turned into casual socializing. People moved from business talk to personal conversations. And then, it happened. An executive suddenly turned to Jiho. "Mr. Yoon, youre quite close with Miss Kang, arent you?" Jiho, calmly sipping his drink. "We work together often." Suan, watching him like a predator. "Very often." The executive smirked. "Ah, I see. So thats why she picked you to attend with her." Jiho didnt even blink. "She chose me because Im the most suitable for the job." The entire table fell silent. Suan, holding back laughter, leaned closer. "And thats all?" she asked. Jiho nodded. "Yes. Thats all." Suan sighed dramatically. "How boring." Jiho did not react. Because he still did not get it. . She had been obvious. Blatant, even. And yet, this man still hadnt caught on. Instead of feeling discouraged, she felt even more interested. Because now? Now, this wasnt just a casual attraction. This was a challenge. Suan smiled to herself. She wasnt done. Not even close. . Chapter 17: "The Woman Who Staged a Show" Chapter 17: "The Woman Who Staged a Show" Suan had had enough. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Chapter 18: "The Woman Who Knew How to Push" Suan had been patient. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Chapter 19: "The Man Who Finally Cracked" The way Jihos hand tightened around her wrist. Stolen novel; please report. Chapter 20: "The Push That Went Too Far" Suan had been in control. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. Chapter 21: "The Manager Who Didnt Explain" Su-Jin didnt like wasting words. So when he spokehe expected her to listen. Take it off. Seo-Yeon froze. Her hands tightened around the jacket he had just thrown over her waist. Her brain? Gone. W-what? Su-Jin, completely unfazed. Take it off. Seo-Yeon felt her entire soul leave her body. Her face? On fire. Her dignity? Absolutely nonexistent. Y-yes? she managed to groan. This time, Su-Jin paused. Looked up from his desk. Frowned. And finallyhis eyes narrowed. What are you thinking? Seo-Yeon swallowed. Her voice rose. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. What are you thinking? Su-Jin exhaled sharply. Miss Eun. I meant my jacket. Seo-Yeon blinked. Oh. Oh. Oh. . Take it off, Su-Jin repeated, pointing at the fabric. Or are you going to wear it like that? Seo-Yeon still didnt move. Becausewait. But I dont have She was about to explain she had nothing else to wear. But Su-Jin? Su-Jin cut her off. Some mending will do for now. Seo-Yeons brain slowly loaded. Wait. What? . Su-Jincompletely unfazedrolled up his sleeves. Walked to his desk. Grabbed a sewing kit. And, without another word He knelt in front of her. And started mending her skirt. Seo-Yeon stopped breathing. Because what. What . Su-Jin was fixing her skirt. While she was still wearing it. Like this was just another normal task. Like he wasnt close enough that she could feel his breath against her thigh. Like his hands werent skimming dangerously near her skin. Like she wasnt about to lose her mind. Seo-Yeons fingers twitched. Her throat suddenly dry. Because this wasnt the problem. The problem was The problem was realizing she was standing still while Su-Jins fingers were brushing against her. That this was too intimate. That she could feel the warmth of his hands, the precision of his touch, the quiet focus in his expression. That this felt nothing like a manager fixing an employees wardrobe malfunction. This felt This felt too personal. . Seo-Yeons breath hitched. Su-Jin glanced up. Saw the way she was avoiding his gaze. Saw the way her breathing had changed. And thenfinally It clicked. His hands paused. His eyes narrowed. Miss Eun. Seo-Yeon jumped. Y-yes? Su-Jin tilted his head. Why are you acting like I just asked you to undress? Seo-Yeons face exploded. Youyou she stuttered. You kind of did! Su-Jin stared. Thenhe sighed. Youre impossible. Seo-Yeon crossed her arms. Youre the one kneeling in front of me! Su-Jincompletely unimpressed. Because your skirt is torn. Seo-Yeoncompletely flustered. That doesnt make it any less weird! Su-Jinraising a brow. Would you prefer to walk around the office in a torn skirt? Seo-Yeon opened her mouth. Closed it. Looked away. Becausedamn it. He had a point. . A few quiet moments passed. Su-Jin finished stitching the fabric. Without missing a beat, he straightened up. Dusted off his sleeves. And finally met her gaze. Next time, wear something that wont cause problems in the office. Seo-Yeon glared. Next time, dont touch a girls skirt while shes still wearing it. Su-Jincompletely unbothered. I wouldnt have needed to touch it if you had dressed properly in the first place. Seo-Yeonmortified. You! Su-Jinalready walking away. Youre welcome, Miss Eun. Seo-Yeonready to throw something at his head. Because this was the worst. Because she wasnt supposed to be flustered. Because Su-Jin wasnt supposed to be this close. Because this was just mending a skirt But it had felt like something more. . Chapter 22: "The Managers Noona" Chapter 22: "The Manager’s Noona" Su-Jin wasnt stupid. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Chapter 23: "The CEO Who Loosened Up" Shuun had rules. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Chapter 24: "The Flight That Changed Everything" Minra didnt expect it. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Chapter 25: "The Flight That Changed Everything" The flight was smooth. Peaceful. Quiet. Until Minra shifted slightly. Felt something firm beneath her cheek. Something warm. Her eyes fluttered open. And thenshe froze. Because her head? Her head was on HyunSeongs shoulder. Her breath caught. Her heartbeat? A mess. She stayed perfectly still. Afraid to move. Afraid to make this moment real. And thenvery, very slowly She glanced up. And saw If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. HyunSeong. Eyes closed. Breathing even. Expression softer than shed ever seen before. She had neverneverseen him like this. Never this unguarded. Never this peaceful. And suddenlytoo suddenly She realized something. Something she wasnt ready for. She didnt want to move. She wanted to stay like this. And that? That was dangerous. . HyunSeong had felt her shift. Felt the way her breath changed. Felt the way she tensed. She was awake. He knew it. But he didnt move. Didnt open his eyes. Didnt say anything. Because if he did If he acknowledged this moment It would change something. Something he wasnt ready to face. Because in this moment In this brief, fleeting moment He wasnt HyunSeong, her boss. He wasnt Shuun, her secret comfort. He was just A man. A man who was dangerously aware of her warmth against him. A man who was starting to forget why he needed to keep his distance. And that? That was a problem. . Minra didnt say anything. Didnt mention how long she had stayed like that. Didnt mention how, when the announcement came on, she had pulled away just slightlyonly to feel his fingers twitch, as if resisting the loss of warmth. She didnt mention how, when their eyes finally met, there was something unreadable in his gaze. Something she had never seen before. Instead, she just swallowed the strange feeling in her chest. And followed him out of the plane. But the air between them? It was different now. Softer. More fragile. And neither of them knew what to do about it. . HyunSeong told himself it was fine. That the flight meant nothing. That he was still in control. But then During the meetings, he found himself noticing things. Noticing how Minra bit her lip when she was focused. Noticing how she was so quick to speak up and defend ideas. Noticing how effortlessly she carried herself, even in front of intimidating clients. Noticing how, when she got tired, she subconsciously leaned toward him againlike it was natural. And suddenlytoo suddenly He realized. He was paying too much attention. And worse? He didnt want to stop. . Too late. HyunSeong, glancing at Minra, hesitated. Thenbefore he could stop himself "You should eat before you sleep." Minra, surprised, blinked. "Huh?" "Dinner." he said simply. "Lets get something before heading back to the hotel." Minra hesitated. Thenshe smiled. "Okay, HyunSeong-ssi." And for the first time, when she said his name HyunSeong didnt remind himself that he wasnt Shuun. Because right now, it didnt matter. Because right now He just wanted to be the man sitting across from her at dinner. Even if just for one night. . Chapter 26: "The Dinner That Almost Felt Like a Date" Chapter 26: "The Dinner That Almost Felt Like a Date" Minra sat across from HyunSeong at the restaurant. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Chapter 27: "The Night She Missed Him" HyunSeong stopped in front of her hotel room. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. Chapter 28: "The Night He Sang Her to Sleep" Minra lay in bed, phone pressed to her ear. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. Chapter 29: “The Distance That Shouldn’t Hurt” Minra had always texted Shuun. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. Chapter 30: "The Drunken Confession" It was their last night in the city. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Chapter 31: "The Confession That Changed Everything" HyunSeongs mind was a mess. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Chapter 32: "The Morning After" Minra stirred. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Chapter 33: "The Flight Home" Minra had never been more grateful for first-class seating. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Chapter 34: "The Shift That Everyone Noticed" Minra had never been this aware of HyunSeong before. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Chapter 35: "The Boss’ Favorite" Minra was going insane. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Chapter 36: "The Woman Who Tried to Act Normal" Minra had barely recovered from Reynes break room interrogation. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. Chapter 37: "The Chaos That Reyne Started" Reyne leaned back in his chair, spinning his fork between his fingers. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Chapter 38: "The Woman Who Was Trapped" Minra knew something was wrong. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Chapter 39: "The Woman in Denial" Minra took a deep breath. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Chapter 40: "The Dinner Party That Confirmed Everything" HyunSeong never attended company dinner parties. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Chapter 41: "The Man With Two Names" Minra shouldnt be here. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Chapter 42: "The Lie That Changed Everything" Minra woke up with a headache. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Chapter 43: "The Distance That Shouldn’t Have Hurt" Minra was confused. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Chapter 44: "The Woman Who Turned the Game" HyunSeong thought it would end here. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Chapter 45: "The Reckless Plan That Changed Everything" This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.