Tightrope of Power

Finally, Seo-yeon exited Joon-woo's office her mind operating through different gears and applying different equations. After listening to Hyun-soo, the Seo-yeon understood that no one could be trusted in this game of throne and rivalry. The risks, as always ran high and this time around, trust was not an easily given virtue. 

As she walked through the bustling streets of the city, her phone rang. It was message from Min-ji, proposing that they get together for coffee, maybe. Seo-yeon was glad for the interruption and quickly walked to the cafe they had both become fond of, a small establishment out of the sights of the higher-ups. 

Min-ji was already there eagerly enjoying her latte. She gestured at Seo-yeon as she moved closer to her. "You look like you are burdened with the whole world", Min-Ji said having a worried look on her face. 

Seo-yeon let out a breath, sitting down so that she was facing her friend. "These several days can be called complicated as far as It turned out that switching between Joon-woo and Hyun-soo is not that easy for me".

Min-ji nodded; she had never seen Seo-yeon act this way before and was concerned about her friend's safety. "You have to be on your guard, Seo-yeon. Both of them want something from you – not sure what, but you have to know your next move. " 

Seo-yeon swirled her coffee thinking about the things that she needs to do. "Thus, I have to strengthen my position and make sure that I won't be used as a mere pawn by them; I'd like to obtain more information on both of them, expose their vulnerabilities. " 

Then Min-ji agreed, her eyes gleaming with determination. "I can assist you with that… I have some people who still owe me some favors… maybe we could try to uncover more of their past history. " 

Seo-yeon felt relieved indeed for feeling the warmth that she never had in that cold dark chamber. 

"Thank you Min-ji I knew I could count on you. " 

That same night, Seo-yeon went to a gala for a united charitable association with one of the family's partners in a business.

Thus, Seo-yeon understood that it is the best time to get all the information and improve the connections in the society because it was attended by the elite of the city. 

After she had moved around the guests, she managed to see Hyun-soo from across the room. He was at that moment involved in a serious discussion with some of the other influential businessmen. Seo-yeon walked up to him with great pride in the way she moved and set on her faces. 

"Hyun-soo," she said in a silky tone, Despite her greeting she seemed to be cautious. "I never thought I'd find you here. " 

Hyun-soo turned, his eyes lighting up with a mixture of surprise and amusement. "Hello, Seo-yeon, nice seeing you. How do you like the gala, do you enjoy it?" 

"Such an event it is," Seo-yeon said, her eyes scanning across the room. "It is shocking that you can attend to such meetings given your tight work schedule. " 

Hyun-soo chuckled. "I too require some leisure these days, Every once in a while. Have you considered what we discussed the other night?" 

Seo-yeon's smile never wavered. "I have considered it Hyun-soo But possiblility to trust is not awarded like candies. " 

Hyun-soo's expression turned serious. "Oh, you are correct. Maybe in someones presence is not advisable to continue with the discussions". 

Seo-yeon nodded. "I believe that would be productive, Let us schedule a time for such a meeting. " 

As the evening went by Seo-yeon watched Hyun-soo and the dynamics of how he dealt with the other workers and how he played his ' superior ' card. To outwit him and Joon-woo as well, she had no choice but to try and get to know him as soon as possible. 

The following morning, Seo-yeon was surprised when her phone rang and it was from Joon-woo. He spoke gently but he was tensed up and the way he spoke to her made her feel quite uncomfortable. 

"Seo-yeon, I want to meet you, There is something important to talk abou"

Seo-yeon accepted his proposal and said she would see him at a club in the downtown area. 

The setting was close, and lighting dim while music played in the background. He was already there when she arrived, and he sat on the corner booth of the restaurant. 

Seo-yeon joined Joon-woo after a while saying, "What's this all about, Joon-woo?" 

Joon-woo brought the palms of his hands to the table, he looked like he was prepared to kill. "I found out what you and the man you call Hyun-soo discussed. Well, Seo-yeon, you should know better, he cannot be trusted.

Seo-yeon met his gaze, her expression unreadable. "I could say the same about you, Joon-woo. But I'm willing to listen. What do you know about him?" 

Joon-woo sighed and forcing his hand to stop ruffling through his hair. "I wouldn't wish Hyun-soo as an enemy, we were sort of on the same side but then we fell out big time. He is cunning, you don't want to have him on your back. " 

Likely, Seo-yeon played through his words in her mind once again. "And what about you, Joon-woo? What does the happenings relate to you?" 

Joon-woo's eyes softened slightly. "That is why I was waiting for such a response, Seo-yeon," he continued passionately, "I want you to succeed, do you understand? You are different – you are different from the rest!", he stressed grasping her elbows firmly. 

"You have skills and potential and I am sure, together, we can reach for the stars," Seo-Yeon thought he was going to kiss her…

Seo-yeon nodded slowly. "Thank you, Joon-woo. But I can't proceed like this being handled by others. I'll remember your words. " 

Joon-woo made a gesture by occupying her hand with his own – for a brief moment. "Just be careful, I do not wish to be with no friend to play with because of this game. " 

Seo-yeon created some distance between them, and quietly released his hand. "It's okay, Joon–woo, I won't get lost," I reassured him bringing out confidence that I didn't really feel because deep inside I was actually confused. 

While Seo-yeon exited the club, she was consumed with such Minjin's words and actions, and how she was feeling about them. She had to proceed with caution, while being close to Joon-woo and still avoid getting too close to Hyun-soo.

Every move was important; one misstep would bring her health and wealth and everything she worked for. 

Upon her return home, she checked the notes that Min-ji had made on the two men separately. Too many questions remained unanswered, however, she was ready to find the answers. 

The next day she fixed an appointment with Hyun-soo to meet her somewhere that was out of sight. She had to at least listen to what he would say and then determine how to utilize the knowledge in her hands.