“Currently, there are a total of 10 candidates for the new boy group we’re selecting members for. Among them, the main vocal……”

A presentation was in full swing inside the dimly lit conference room.

Less than ten people seated at the ash-gray table were listening attentively, watching the employee enthusiastically flipping through materials and explaining in front of the screen.

Among them, Ki Yeon sat at the head of the table, in the farthest spot with the best view of the screen, arms folded and gazing ahead with expressionless eyes.

Il Lang Entertainment was originally an idol-focused agency, but in these times when singing alone lacks competitiveness, as many idols transition to acting or program hosting, the company was also actively pursuing changes accordingly.

It had been two years since Ki Yeon took charge of the acting division as the business areas were divided under the Il Lang label, ostensibly for more detailed operations.

However, Ki Yeon’s attendance at this meeting of a different business team, not his own field, was due to the persistent request of the management team leader a few weeks ago to participate just once.

“Why does that guy score poorly in monthly evaluations when he does well during practice?”

“He seems vulnerable to nerves. Even if we select him, I wonder if he can handle the stage well.”

“If we can manage him, I think it’ll be fine. His skills are really good.”

“Director Do, what do you think?”

The man sitting closest to Ki Yeon asked.

Ki Yeon, who had been tilting his head askew with an uninterested expression throughout, coldly blurted out.

“Drop him. With that level of mental strength, he won’t make it.”

At that, the gazes that had gathered on him turned back to the front.

The man conducting the meeting immediately wrote ‘excluded’ next to the photo of the trainee Ki Yeon had pointed out for elimination, and moved on to the next page.

At this moment, in this place, Ki Yeon’s word was the answer and the law.

“Director, what about this one?”

“Keep him for one more month. Notify him of the timeframe as well.”

Ki Yeon said in a detached voice as he scanned the dance practice video and singing footage.

As they moved on to the next trainee’s page without anyone raising questions this time, and another tedious explanation began, Ki Yeon took out his ringing phone from his jacket’s inner pocket and checked the notification.

After sending a brief reply to Jin Seok’s email, Ki Yeon unnecessarily checked his message inbox and call history again, but there was nothing more.

“……”

Ki Yeon tapped the darkened screen with dissatisfaction as he looked down at the device.

It’s been a week, isn’t that long enough to wait? Looks like they’re not going to contact me.

As that thought occurred to him, a cold, hollow laugh escaped from between his tightly closed lips.

The inexplicable craving he felt, thinking he’d understand if he saw Nam Yoo In once more, was intensifying without finding an answer, and on top of that, he was even waiting for a call from someone he’d never even spoken to before, making his situation seem so petty and ridiculous.

This had far exceeded the level of a small object of interest he had initially thought.

What exactly is she? Why does she make me like this? For him, Nam Yoo In was full of frustrating question marks in every aspect.

Bzzzzt.

As the device was going back into his jacket with an irritated sigh, it vibrated and lit up. Ki Yeon paused and checked the screen to see an unsaved number displayed.

Ki Yeon stood up abruptly, unknowingly pushing his chair back with a loud screech.

“Director Do?”

“Director, is something wrong?”

In the suddenly quiet room, not only the presenter but all those seated were looking at Ki Yeon who had risen from his chair.

As if they had rehearsed it, they all wore expressions like baby birds waiting for food from their mother.

With impatience seeping from the ringing phone, Ki Yeon spoke stiffly, not hiding his annoyed expression.

“Continue. I’ll be back shortly.”

With that, he flung open the conference room door without hesitation and hurriedly pressed the call button, bringing the phone to his ear.

“Hello.”

−…….

There was no response from the other end. Nevertheless, a smile slowly bloomed on Ki Yeon’s face.

Even without hearing, he could guess who was calling. Ki Yeon spoke again, as if urging.

“Hello?”

−……Hello. You said to contact you.

“Yoo In?”

−……Yes.

A slow response. A thin, delicate voice to match. It was Nam Yoo In, whom he had been waiting for so eagerly.

The nerves that had been uncomfortably squirming all this time relaxed completely, sending a gentle shiver through him.

Once again, he was appalled at his own pathetic state, but right now he wanted to hear more of the woman’s voice coming through the phone.

“You must have been busy. It took a week for you to call.”

−……Well, yes.

All her displeasure, discomfort, and awkwardness were conveyed in that brief response.

Ki Yeon almost laughed out loud at her honest reaction, pressing his lips tightly with two fingers.

Just then, three or four employees passing by in the hallway noticed Ki Yeon and greeted him rather noisily.

Ki Yeon’s expression instantly hardened as he merely nodded slightly and began walking in search of a place without people, when the voice tinged with confusion spoke from the phone.

−Ah, if you’re busy, I can call back later.

“No, it’s fine. Is Yoo In at school at this time?”

Ki Yeon, who had been briskly walking, encountered another group in front of the elevator.

As the three began to bow their heads noisily upon seeing him, he brought his index finger to his lips before they could.

Please be quiet. Don’t startle her. Holding back the words he wanted to say out loud, fortunately, they understood the signal and just bowed their heads silently.

−Yes. Class just ended.

“Ah. I guess it usually ends around this time?”

−That’s right.

“Then what are you going to do now?”

Ding−.

With a clear sound, the doors opened and Ki Yeon stepped in, focusing solely on the receiver, unaware of the strange looks from the employees who boarded with him, as he stared only at the floor indicator.

−Now…… I’m heading to the library. It’s almost exam period.

“Is it already that time? When are your exams?”

−In two weeks.

“That’s quite a while away. You’re diligent.”

−It’s a student’s duty to study hard.

The voice, still tinged with displeasure, was giving much more compliant answers than a week ago, causing Ki Yeon to momentarily wonder before smirking.

She doesn’t like it, but since I’m a director at her sister’s agency, she’s going along with it for now, is that it?

That had been his aim when handing over his business card, but now that the other party was moving according to his thoughts for the first time, his mood was much more elevated than expected.

The elevator doors opened midway, and employees bowed politely to Ki Yeon, who couldn’t hide his smile, as they all exited.

Left alone, Ki Yeon leaned casually against the wall and pressed the phone closer to his ear. He could now hear even the faintest breath and weak noises from the other side.

−But…… what did you want to talk about?

“Talk about? Ah.”

It was just an excuse to make her call, not that he actually had something to say.

Hmm. Ki Yeon cleared his throat and spoke as he stepped out to the announcing machine sound.

“Shall we meet and talk? It’s a bit awkward over the phone.”

Silence again.

It seems Nam Yoo In’s allowance was only up to phone calls.

Ki Yeon entered his office with a languid smile, passing by Jin Seok who was surprised by his sudden appearance.

“When are you free? You said your classes end around this time, so I think we could meet in the afternoon.”

−…….

“I know you’re busy with exam period, so I’ll adjust my schedule.”

Still no answer even after going this far.

My, what an expensive face. Ki Yeon clicked his tongue silently while muttering inwardly.

However, having never experienced such moments before, he was evaluating it as fresh and enjoyable.

It was a thought process that would have made those who knew Do Ki Yeon faint if they heard it, but he himself was completely unaware.

After Ki Yeon’s bulldozer-like proposal, the other party responded a bit later.

−Is the day after tomorrow okay?

“That’s fine. I’ll come pick you up. What time exactly do you finish?”

−……3 o’clock.

“3 o’clock the day after tomorrow. Then I’ll see you then, Yoo In.”

The call ended without another response.

Ki Yeon chuckled as he lowered his phone and saved the incoming number. Meanwhile, there was a knock and Jin Seok entered.

As always, Ki Yeon paid no attention to who entered, and Jin Seok calmly asked, seeing his superior’s face spread with a clear smile as he perched on the desk.

“Director. Is the management team meeting already over?”

“Ah.”

Only then did Ki Yeon lift his eyes from the screen and blink as if he had completely forgotten about the meeting.

The red-hot excitement swept away, and Ki Yeon, donning his original cold shell, said with a slight frown of annoyance.

“Check if it’s still going on.”

“Um…… yes. They say everyone is waiting for you, Director.”

Jin Seok said calmly, glancing at his phone message as if he already knew.

Ki Yeon let out a shallow sigh and rose, walking towards the door. Suddenly he stopped and turned back to look at Jin Seok.

“Clear my entire schedule for the afternoon the day after tomorrow.”

“The day after tomorrow? By afternoon, do you mean everything after lunch?”

“Reschedule everything without exception.”

It was a voice filled with firmness, indicating he had no intention of reversing his decision and wouldn’t hear any objections.

The cold man quickly turned and left the office, not giving a chance to say anything. Jin Seok, who promptly followed him out, spoke up again.

“Director.”

“What is it?”

“Other appointments are fine, but you have a meeting with the CEO that evening. The CEO said you must attend this time.”

At Jin Seok’s words, clear lines formed on Ki Yeon’s previously expressionless brow.

Was that this week?

As he started to think about what excuse to use to reject it this time, since going would only result in useless talk anyway, Jin Seok’s voice, lowered despite the obviously empty corridor, was heard.

“Director Shin hinted that something seems off.”

“What’s off?”

“He said to come out and hear for yourself.”

“Hah! Secretary. Are you the CEO’s lackey?”

“How could that be? I’m just relaying exactly what I was told to convey.”

Despite the irritated gaze piercing him, Jin Seok calmly stared at the closed elevator doors.

Ki Yeon, heaving an even deeper sigh than before, averted his gaze and muttered lowly.

“Reschedule that appointment too. If he really wants to talk, tell him to come to my office tomorrow.”

“You’ve already postponed three times.”

“I’ve done it three times, so I can’t do it a fourth? Have I overestimated your abilities, Secretary?”

Just then, a notification sound broke the considerably cooled atmosphere as the elevator opened its doors.

Ki Yeon, stepping in alone, hands in his pockets, tilted his head sideways with a crooked smirk towards the person standing in front of him.

The recipient of this clear mockery bowed politely and said, “Have a good day.”