My Idol

Chapter 5

Back in her office, Anna settled straight into work — the familiar rhythm grounding her. She typed up clear, concise minutes: every decision, every deadline, every action item assigned. Then she drafted a full briefing document, structured and easy to follow, before sending a quick email to Director Choi requesting the full list of attendees from the meeting.

When she finally glanced at the clock, she blinked in surprise — 12:15. Lunchtime had crept up without her noticing.

Just as she was closing her laptop, there was a soft knock at her open door.

Standing there was a young woman with warm dark hair falling in loose curls to her shoulders and bright, kind eyes that lit up instantly when she saw Anna. She beamed, stepping in with an easy, open manner.

“Annyeonghaseyo! I’m Jiwoo — Park Jiwoo. Head of Marketing,” she said, switching smoothly to English. “I saw you heading this way earlier and thought I'd introduce myself."

Anna smiled, standing up. “I’m Anna. It’s lovely to meet you, Jiwoo.”

Jiwoo’s energy was bright, genuine, completely unforced. “I just wanted to say — we’re going to be working so closely together on all the international campaigns. Thought it’d be nice to actually get to know the person behind the emails, y’know? Plus…” She leaned in a little, grinning. “It’s such a breath of fresh air having someone our age join who doesn’t act like they’re too important to speak to the rest of us. Everyone’s been saying how professional you were this morning — and how nice. That’s rare around here.”

Anna relaxed instantly. There was no sharpness, no hidden agenda, no carefully veiled curiosity about who her family might be — just warmth. Jiwoo’s smile reached her eyes, her posture open and easy, not a flicker of fakeness anywhere.

“Thank you,” Anna said, genuinely touched. “That… honestly means more than I can say. I’m just here to do the job, really.”

“And you’re already doing it brilliantly!” Jiwoo linked her arm lightly through Anna’s. “So — come have lunch with me? My treat. I can show you the best spots nearby, fill you in on who’s who — all the important stuff they don’t put in the handbook. What do you say?”

Anna laughed, grabbing her bag. “I’d love nothing more.”

The late-morning sun was warm as they stepped outside, the sea breeze soft against their faces. Jiwoo walked with an easy, bouncy stride, pointing things out left and right as they went.

“That glass building over there? That’s where all the stylists and costume teams are based — you’ll probably see the boys in and out of there constantly.” She nodded further down the road. “That little café with the blue awning? Best iced coffee in the whole city — I practically live there. And down that way is the practice studio annex, plus the dorm blocks — mostly off-limits to staff, but you’ll get your own pass if you need to meet them there.”

Anna listened, filing everything away, the conversation light and effortless. Jiwoo chatted about team dynamics, which meetings ran late, who brought in homemade snacks — small, human details that made the place feel less like a corporate machine. Anna kept her guard gently up, careful not to say too much, but she didn’t hold herself distant either; it felt safe to relax, just a little.

Then Jiwoo smiled, glancing sideways. “Company dinner’s this Friday, by the way — whole team together. You’ll get to know everyone properly then.”

Anna nodded. “I’ll be there. Good to put faces to names properly.”

They walked on a moment, and Jiwoo added softly, “You know… from behind, from a distance, you’d never guess — your hair, your height, your accent — you just look so different. But then you turn around, and your face — it’s unmistakably Korean. It’s really beautiful, by the way. Striking.”

Anna’s cheeks warmed, but she smiled genuinely. “Thank you. I’ve heard that all my life — never quite fit neatly anywhere, I suppose.”

“Better that than being exactly like everyone else,” Jiwoo said firmly.

They reached the restaurant — cosy, bright, bustling — and lunch flew by in easy laughter and shared stories. Before she knew it, they were heading back, full and relaxed. Jiwoo pointed out her own office wing, then turned to Anna with a warm hug.

“Thank you for coming — it was so nice. I’m really glad you’re here.”

“Thank you,” Anna said, and she meant every word. “Truly. It’s made today so much easier. I’ll see you soon?”

“Bright and early!”

They parted ways, and Anna turned toward the third floor, feeling lighter than she had all morning. She was still smiling to herself, head slightly down as she rounded the corridor corner — and walked straight into something solid, warm, unyielding.

A quiet oof escaped her. She stumbled back, balance gone — but before she could tip, strong hands caught her upper arms, steadying her instantly, holding her firm and safe.

She looked up, breath catching.

It was Ace.

He stood tall and steady, broad chest right where she’d collided, his grip gentle but secure, keeping her from falling. His pale silver-grey eyes were fixed on hers, wide for just a moment before softening.

“I am so sorry,” she said immediately, heat rushing to her cheeks. “I wasn’t looking where I was going — I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

His voice was low and calm, steady as his hands. “You didn’t. And you’re fine — I’ve got you.”

He didn’t let go straight away. Just held her there, close enough to see the faint flecks in his eyes, to smell the clean, warm scent of him, to feel the strength in his arms beneath his loose shirt.