nakshu2307

Haneul Seo had always been a bright spark—cheerful, ambitious, and full of life. In her early teenage years, she had harbored an innocent yet deep crush on Ra Hyeon, the untouchable senior at her school. He was everything she wasn’t—cold, reserved, and completely out of reach. A boy with sharp eyes and an aura of effortless power, already groomed to inherit his father’s vast business empire.

For two years, Haneul loved him from afar, unaware that his heart already belonged to someone else. When she finally learned the truth, the heartbreak was a quiet storm—one that pushed her to let go and focus on her own future. And that’s exactly what she did.

Determined to prove her worth beyond fleeting high school crushes, she threw herself into her studies, earned a place at a prestigious university, and graduated with top honors. Her hard work paid off—by the time she was in her mid-twenties, she had secured a position as a legal advisor in one of the country’s most powerful corporate firms. In a male-dominated field, she was the only woman on her team, yet she thrived. Confident, fearless, and stunningly charismatic, she became a force to be reckoned with.

Meanwhile, Ra Hyeon had been living a different life—one of privilege and expectations. After completing his education abroad, he returned to Seoul, where his father wasted no time in handing him the reins of the family empire. At just 28, he became the CEO of Hyeon Group, a multibillion-dollar conglomerate. He had always been a man of control, but something about the city felt different upon his return. Perhaps it was because he was no longer the untouchable senior, and perhaps… it was because fate had other plans.

When Haneul and Ra Hyeon’s paths cross again, it isn’t as a starry-eyed schoolgirl and an indifferent senior. This time, she stands as his equal—or perhaps, even as his adversary. In a world where power and ambition rule, will the embers of a forgotten crush reignite, or will they be forced to clash in the battlefield of corporate politics?

One thing is certain—Haneul Seo is no longer the girl who once admired him from the shadows. And Ra Hyeon? He might just realize that some people are impossible to ignore.

Tangled in Fate

Ra Hyeon wasn't the type to concern himself with his employees' personal lives.

Yet, here he was, curious.

He watched as Haneul stood before him, her posture perfect, her expression unreadable. It was almost impressive—the way she had just been smiling and joking minutes ago yet now looked as if she had never experienced a moment of casualness in her life.

His fingers tapped lightly against his desk.

He wanted to know more.

"Seo Haneul." His voice was smooth, controlled.

She met his gaze without hesitation. "Yes, CEO?"

He leaned back, eyes sharp. "How long have you been with this company?"

She blinked at the unexpected question but answered immediately. "Three years."

"And before that?"

"Law school. I interned under the legal team before securing my position here."

Smart. Efficient. Predictable.

"You're the only female in your department," he mused. "How does that feel?"

Haneul's lips twitched slightly—not in amusement, but in a controlled, polite manner. "I don't have time to think about it. I focus on my work, and that's all that matters."

A safe answer. But not a revealing one.

His eyes lingered on her, as if searching for something beneath the polished exterior.

"Tell me," he continued, voice deceptively casual, "do you always separate your professional and personal life so strictly?"

Haneul's fingers tightened slightly around her tablet. It was almost unnoticeable—almost.

Still, she remained composed. "I believe work should be handled professionally, CEO. It keeps things efficient."

A flicker of amusement crossed Ra Hyeon's face.

Ah. So she was careful. Guarded.

And yet, the cafeteria scene told him otherwise.

She wasn't a cold, emotionless workaholic.

She could laugh. She could tease. She could enjoy herself.

Just not around him.

The more he thought about it, the more his curiosity deepened.

He wasn't used to being ignored.

And he wasn't going to let it happen now.

"Curiosity Unleashed"