My Idol

Chapter 3

She found the third floor easily, her new key card clicking softly against the sensor. Her office was at the end of the hall — bright, spacious, with large windows letting in the soft Busan daylight and a clear view down toward the practice studio wing below. It was perfect. Quiet. Her space.

She set her bag down, hung her blazer neatly over the back of the chair, and sat down, taking a slow, steadying breath. This was it.

Logging in took only a few minutes, and soon her inbox was loading — full of welcome messages, project briefs, calendar invites. She dived in immediately, losing herself in the familiar rhythm of work: reading through partnership outlines, cross-checking meeting times, marking priorities. Her schedule was packed but structured — exactly how she liked it. The nervous flutter in her chest settled. This, she knew how to do. Her first meeting soon, at 10am.

She was halfway through noting down action items when a gentle knock came at the open door.

Director Choi stood there, checking his watch with a warm, knowing smile. “Ready, Hyejin? It’s five to ten — we should head down.”

“Ne,” she said, standing at once and smoothing her skirt. “Ready. Thank you for coming to get me.”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said, stepping back to let her precede him into the hall before walking beside her. “Just a note — the room will be full. MBM’s senior project leads, publicists, managers, the entire HYPE team — Minho, Sun, Dex, Tae and Ace. They’re keen to get started on this collaboration. Don’t let the numbers overwhelm you — you’ve handled bigger.”

She nodded, steady. “I’m fine. Thank you.”

They reached the conference room door; Director Choi went first, pushing it open and stepping inside, and she followed a respectful pace behind him. The room quieted instantly — chairs shifted, heads turned, pens paused.

Director Choi moved to the head of the table and gestured for her to stand beside him. “Everyone, your attention please. For those who don’t know, this is Anna James, joining us permanently as IBEX’s International Relations Lead, overseeing our joint projects. She comes highly recommended, with years of experience building partnerships across Asia, Europe, and North America. Sharp, capable, and entirely her own person — please give her your full trust and welcome.”

He stepped aside slightly, and she stepped forward, bowing deeply to the room, her expression calm and composed. “Annyeonghaseyo. Anna James-imnida. Jal butakdeurimnida.” Hello. I’m Anna James. Please look after me well. “I’m delighted to be here in Busan, and I’m very much looking forward to working alongside all of you. Thank you for having me.”

As she straightened, her gaze swept naturally over the faces around the table — executives in sharp suits, publicists with notebooks open… and then the five young men seated together on one side.

She’d seen their photos, but in person they were vivid, distinct.

Minho — Lee Min‑ho

Leader, sharp dark eyes, neat black hair cut just above his jaw, broad shoulders and an easy, authoritative warmth. He smiled first — bright and genuine.

Sun — Choi Ha‑sun

Sunlight‑bright energy, honey‑gold hair that fell in loose waves, round warm eyes, always the first to grin. He gave a little enthusiastic wave when their eyes met.

Dex — Park Do‑hyun

Sharp‑featured, ash‑grey hair styled sleek and modern, intense focused gaze, quieter than Sun but with a steady, observant presence. He nodded respectfully.

Tae — Kang Tae‑jin

Soft chestnut hair, gentle almond eyes, the youngest — his smile a little shy but sincere as he ducked his head in greeting.

And then him.

Ace — Jeon Woo‑jin

Her breath caught, just for a heartbeat.

He was the one.

The tall man from the lobby. Broad-shouldered, lean, that pale blonde hair now loose and unstyled, falling softly around his face. Up close, his features were striking — delicate yet defined, steel-grey eyes steady as they met hers. He wasn’t smiling, but he wasn’t guarded either — just watching, quiet, attentive, as if taking every part of her in.

And for the second time that morning, she couldn’t look away.

Something flickered across his face — faint, quick, gone almost before she could be sure it was there. Recognition? Curiosity? She couldn’t tell. He didn’t look away, didn’t drop his gaze — just held it, calm and unhurried, until someone else spoke and the room’s attention shifted.

Director Choi was gesturing for her to take the empty seat beside him. “Anna, please — join us."