Chapter 33: Ryu Taesan

Her first day at Regent & Co. Her first day working under me. I sat in my office, fingers lightly tapping against my desk, eyes fixed on the glass wall that overlooked the main corridor. Waiting. Even after Eight years, even after everything she had done—leaving me, hiding that she was moving to the UK, deciding our fate without even giving me a choice— My mind was still on her. I should have moved on. I told myself that I did. But the moment I heard she was joining the company, the moment I knew she would walk through those doors again—it was like time folded in on itself.My heart should have been indifferent. But it wasn't. I was still angry. Angry that she had walked away like it was the best decision for both of us. Angry that she never even told me the truth until I forced it out of her. Angry that even after all this time, she still had the power to make my world tilt just by existing in it again. Then, I saw her. Through the glass walls of my office, I watched as my assistant guided her through the hallway. Yoon Sera.

She looked the same.

And yet—completely different.

More mature. More polished.

But still beautiful.

Always beautiful.

She was dressed professionally, her hair tied neatly, her eyes scanning the space around her. She had always carried herself with confidence, but there was something different about the way she walked now—as if she had built walls around herself, as if she was preparing for war. She had changed. But then again, so had I. I watched her closely as she followed my assistant. She didn't know I was watching. She had no idea that my gaze had been locked onto her from the moment she walked through those doors.And when she finally reached my office, when my assistant gestured towards the door, I saw the brief hesitation in her steps. Even if it was just for a second, I saw it. Then, as soon as she stepped inside— I blurred the glass.The transparency disappeared, turning the walls of my office into a cold, professional barrier. Even though we were alone, I acted like we weren't. I wouldn't give her the satisfaction of knowing I had been waiting. I wouldn't let her see that even after all this time— She still had an effect on me.

The silence between us was suffocating. She stood just a few steps away, her posture stiff, her fingers clutching the folder she brought with her. Yoon Sera.

Eight years.

Eight years since she left. Since she disappeared. Since she shattered me with a few words and walked away like it was the best decision for both of us. And now, she was here. Working under me. I leaned back in my chair, my fingers loosely laced together, studying her as she stood there—silent, composed, as if she had already prepared herself for this moment. I wasn't going to make it easy for her. I broke the silence first. "You should sit."

She hesitated for just a fraction of a second before lowering herself into the chair across from me. I tilted my head slightly. "First day at Regent & Co. How does it feel?"

Her expression remained unreadable. "It's a new challenge. I'm looking forward to it."

A well-practiced answer. I let out a quiet chuckle, tapping a pen lightly against my desk. "You always were good with words."

She didn't react, only clasped her hands together on her lap. I watched her for a moment before leaning forward slightly. "Why this company?"

A flicker of something crossed her face—annoyance, maybe.

"I applied because I was interested in the position."

"That's all?"

Her jaw tensed slightly. "Yes."

Liar.

I exhaled slowly, shaking my head. "You really haven't changed, have you?"

This time, she met my gaze head-on. "I could say the same about you."

A beat of silence passed. She was challenging me. Good.

I leaned back again, pretending to be indifferent. "I assume you've read through the company policies?"

She nodded once. "Yes."

I tapped the desk once, slow and deliberate. "Then you know that professionalism is our priority here."

Her lips pressed together slightly, her fingers tightening around the edge of her folder. "Of course."

I smirked. "Good. That means there won't be any… unresolved emotions interfering with your work here."

That did it. Her back straightened, her eyes narrowing just slightly. I had touched a nerve. But just as quickly as the reaction came, she masked it with a calm expression.

"Not at all," she replied smoothly. "I know how to separate personal matters from work, Mr. Ryu."

Mr. Ryu.

The name sounded foreign coming from her lips. Almost like an insult. I studied her for a moment before letting out a soft chuckle. "Glad to hear that, Miss Yoon."

She inhaled deeply, as if trying to steady herself.

I tilted my head. "Anything else you want to say?"

She hesitated. For a second, I thought she might actually say something. Something real.

But then, she simply shook her head. "No."

I nodded once. "Then we're done here. You can go."

She stood up, giving me one last glance before turning towards the door. But just as she reached for the handle, I spoke again.

"You still run away from difficult things, don't you?"

She froze. For the smallest second, I saw her fingers tremble. But she didn't turn back. Instead, she gripped the handle tighter, exhaled, and walked out—leaving nothing behind but silence.

The door clicked shut behind her, and the room fell into silence.

I stayed in my chair, my fingers still loosely intertwined, my posture relaxed—but inside, nothing was calm. I had prepared for this. For seeing her again. For acting indifferent. For making her feel even a fraction of the distance she had put between us when she left.But the moment she walked in—everything cracked. I still remembered the exact way she looked when she entered. The hesitation in her steps, the way she swallowed before meeting my eyes. The way she had tried so hard to act like this was just a job. Like I was just another boss. And yet, despite all that—she was still her. Still Yoon Sera. The woman who had left, but never really left me. I let out a slow breath, my fingers tightening into fists against the desk. Even after Eight years, even after all the pain, one brutal truth remained. I still loved her. And I hated myself for it. Hated that I still remembered the way she smiled, the way she used to lean her head on my shoulder without thinking, the way she would steal food from my plate like it was hers. Hated that I still noticed the little things—how her hair was longer now, how she still pressed her lips together when she was trying not to react, how her perfume was still the same, like jasmine and something sweet. Hated that even now, when she was no longer mine, my heart still recognized her as if she never left. I leaned back in my chair, staring at the ceiling, exhaling sharply. Damn it. I should've moved on. But I hadn't. And now, she was back. In my company. In my world. And I had no idea how to keep myself from falling all over again.

I was still in my office, trying—and failing—to focus on work when my phone buzzed.

Jihyo.

I sighed, rubbing my temple before answering. "What is it, Jihyo?"

"Come home quickly."

Her voice had that determined edge, the one that meant she wouldn't take no for an answer.

I frowned. "Why? What happened?"

"Just come. Now."

Then she hung up. I sighed again, glancing at the pile of documents on my desk. But I couldn't ignore her. No matter how busy I was, no matter how much was on my mind, when it came to Jihyo, I could never say no. So I grabbed my coat and left. When I arrived home, I walked toward the back, where the swimming pool stretched under the evening lights. And that's when I saw them.

Jihyo. Dohyun.

Standing together.

Holding hands.

I stopped in my tracks, my jaw tightening. I knew this would happen someday. I wasn't stupid. I had seen the way Jihyo looked at him, the way Dohyun treated her differently. But even though I had known, I wasn't ready. Dohyun was my best friend, but he was five years older than her. She was still my little sister. And now, standing there, watching them—it felt real. I stayed calm. I exhaled slowly, shoving my hands into my pockets, and said in an even tone,

"You wanted to show this to me?"

Jihyo's grip on Dohyun's hand tightened slightly. Dohyun, to his credit, didn't look away. He met my gaze directly. And I knew in that moment—this wasn't a phase. This was serious. And whether I was ready or not, I had to face it. I kept my expression neutral, my gaze steady.Jihyo and Dohyun stood before me, fingers intertwined, waiting for my reaction. I could see the hesitation in Jihyo's eyes, the silent challenge in Dohyun's. I exhaled slowly. I had two choices. I could lose my temper, demand explanations, and make a scene—but that wouldn't change anything. Or I could accept it, even if I wasn't ready. I chose the second.

With a small nod, I said, "Congratulations."

Jihyo's eyes widened slightly, as if she hadn't expected me to say that so easily. Dohyun's lips twitched, almost amused. He knew me too well. I wasn't ready. Not for this. Not for the idea of my little sister being with my best friend. Not for the thought of them building something together while I was still stuck in the past. But I wouldn't stand in their way. Jihyo bit her lip, stepping closer. "Oppa… Are you really okay with this?"

I forced a small smirk. "Do I have a choice?"

She smiled, relief washing over her face. Dohyun, on the other hand, didn't look relieved. He studied me carefully, as if trying to read beyond my words. He knew I wasn't fine. But he also knew I wouldn't say it out loud. And just like that, my best friend and my little sister became something more. And I had to pretend like I was okay with it. The house was quiet, the night air cool as I stepped onto the balcony. I wasn't sure how long I had been standing there, staring at nothing, when Dohyun joined me. In his hand, two bottles of soju.

"Drink with me?" he asked casually, shaking one bottle slightly. I glanced at him before taking it without a word. We stood side by side, drinking in silence. After a while, he spoke.

"Are you really happy?" His voice was calm, but I knew him too well—he wasn't just asking. He was watching me. Studying my reaction.

I took another sip, exhaling. "Does it matter?"

He let out a small chuckle. "To Jihyo, it does."

I didn't respond. Dohyun placed his bottle down and turned to face me fully. "You can punch me if you want."

I blinked, caught off guard.

"I mean it." He rolled his shoulders, almost as if preparing himself. "I won't be angry."

I scoffed, shaking my head. "I don't need to punch you."

"You sure?" He raised an eyebrow. "You were about to kill me with your eyes earlier."

I sighed, rubbing my temple. "Dohyun."

He waited.

I looked down at my drink before finally saying, "Just take care of her."

My voice was quieter now, more serious.

"That's all I want. She's my only family."

Dohyun's teasing expression disappeared.

He nodded once, his face solemn.

"I will."

And for the first time that night, I actually believed him.

The next morning, everything felt different.

Jongkook-nim's retirement had been coming for a while, but it still didn't feel real.

He had been by my side since I was a kid. More than just a manager—he had been a mentor, a protector, a father figure when I lost my own.

And now, he was stepping down.

We arranged a farewell program for him, something simple yet meaningful. He hated extravagant things, always saying he preferred a quiet life.

But today, he deserved to be celebrated.

The entire company gathered in the main hall. Employees who had worked with him over the years stood up, sharing their gratitude, their stories, their respect.

When it was finally my turn, I walked to the front, adjusting my suit jacket.

I cleared my throat, scanning the room before my eyes landed on Jongkook-nim.

"Jongkook-nim, you've dedicated years of your life to this company—to my father, to me. You were there when I was just a clueless teenager, struggling to find my place. You guided me when I took over. You never once left my side. And for that…" I exhaled slowly, my voice quieter now. "I will always be grateful."

A warm round of applause filled the hall.

Jongkook-nim, usually composed, looked slightly emotional.

He stood up, bowing deeply. "It was an honor, Ryu Taesan."

I shook my head. "It's Taesan."

He smiled, nodding. "It's Taesan."

Then, before anyone could get too sentimental, I turned back to the audience and dropped the next announcement.

"Since today is a farewell, it's also a welcome."

Murmurs filled the room.

I glanced toward Soobin hyung, who was standing off to the side, looking slightly confused.

"From today onward, the new manager of Regent & Co. will be Yoon Soobin."

Silence.

Then, loud applause.

Soobin hyung's eyes widened in shock. He had no idea.

He walked up slowly, shaking his head. "You should've told me first."

I smirked. "Would you have accepted?"

He exhaled, rubbing his forehead. "Damn it, Taesan."

I turned to the audience. "Please welcome your new manager, everyone."

They clapped again, some even laughing at the way Soobin hyung still looked stunned.

Jongkook-nim chuckled, patting Soobin's shoulder. "You'll do great."

And just like that, we said goodbye to one era and welcomed a new one.

A Farewell. And a Welcome.

A FareWelcome.

The moment I announced Soobin hyung as the new manager, I felt it. Sera's gaze. My eyes flickered to her, and as expected—she was shocked. Her lips parted slightly, her brows furrowed in disbelief. She hadn't expected this. For a split second, our eyes locked. And just like that, the past came rushing back. But I forced myself to stay professional. I ignored the way her stare burned into me, the silent questions in her eyes, the way I could almost hear her voice in my head asking—"Why him?" I pushed it all aside. This was a company decision. Not personal. The program ended, and to celebrate both Jongkook-nim's farewell and Soobin hyung's welcome, we arranged lunch together. As we moved to the restaurant, I casually said, "I'll cover the bill today."

Excitement rippled through the employees.

"Seriously, CEO Ryu?"

"You're the best, sir!"

Laughter and chatter filled the air, but I only nodded with a small smile. It wasn't a big deal. We arrived at the restaurant, and before I could even choose my seat, Soobin hyung made his move. He grabbed Sera's wrist and dragged her to the same table as mine. I stiffened. Damn it, hyung.

Sera looked just as startled, her eyes darting to me, then to Soobin. "Oppa—"

But he cut her off smoothly, grinning. "Sit here, Sera. Since you're part of Regent & Co. now, you should be with the key people."

I let out a slow breath, placing my hands on the table. "Hyung."

He ignored me, deliberately taking the seat beside Jihyo and leaving the empty chair directly in front of me. Sera hesitated. For a brief moment, I saw her debating whether to run or stay. But with all eyes on her, she had no choice. Slowly, carefully, she sat down across from me. Our eyes met again. And this time, there was no escaping it.

Lunch had barely started, but the air at our table was anything but casual. Sera sat across from me, doing her best to act composed, but I could tell she was uncomfortable. Her fingers tapped lightly against the table, her posture was too stiff. She was trying not to react. Trying to pretend this wasn't awkward. Too bad I knew her better than anyone. The food arrived, and I barely had to glance at her plate to notice a problem.

Cucumbers.

She hated them. Always had.

I watched her hesitate, glancing at the slices on her plate, and I almost smirked. Some things never change. Without a word, I reached forward and subtly switched a few dishes, separating the cucumbers onto another plate. Then, as if nothing had happened, I slid her adjusted plate back in front of her.

Sera froze.

Her eyes widened slightly as she looked down, realization dawning. Then, she looked at me. I didn't say anything. Didn't acknowledge it. I simply picked up my chopsticks and continued eating. Soobin hyung, however, noticed everything. He smiled knowingly, shaking his head slightly as he took a sip of his drink. The other employees weren't oblivious either. I could hear the faint murmurs from different corners of the room. Of course, everyone here knew. Eight years ago, when we had been together, our relationship had been exposed. Even though we had gone our separate ways, people still remembered. I knew what they were whispering.

"Did you see that?"

"He still remembers what she likes and dislikes."

"Do you think there's still something between them?"

I didn't care what they thought. But I did care about her. She would hate being the center of gossip. She would feel embarrassed.

So, without lifting my gaze, I spoke.

"Enough."

My voice was calm but firm. The murmuring stopped instantly. The employees straightened, clearing their throats, quickly focusing back on their food. They understood. I wasn't going to let Sera feel exposed. I wasn't going to let her feel uncomfortable. Even if we weren't together anymore. Even if I still had every reason to be angry at her. Some habits were just impossible to break.