Tangled in Fate

The CEO… Jealous?!

Ra Hyeon prided himself on being calm, composed, and unaffected.

But right now?

He was definitely not unaffected.

His sharp eyes narrowed slightly as he watched the scene unfold.

Wait… what?

She actually has a boyfriend?

And he’s six years younger?!

That too… ridiculously protective?

For some reason, an unfamiliar irritation crawled up his spine.

His fingers tapped against his watch, his voice cool yet laced with something he didn’t quite understand himself.

“I didn’t really expect your boyfriend to show up.”

Haneul, who had just finished patting Seung’s head, froze.

Her head snapped toward him. “What?”

Ra Hyeon crossed his arms, raising a brow. “Your boyfriend. He seems… possessive.”

For a brief second, utter silence.

Then—

"BOYFRIEND?! SEUNG?!" Haneul’s voice nearly cracked.

She turned to the lobby, which was still watching this trainwreck unfold.

"Everyone, let’s get this straight—he’s my younger brother."

The whispers immediately erupted.

"Wait, younger brother?!"

"That makes more sense… but damn, he was scary."

"So she’s single?"

"Shut up, focus!"

Meanwhile, Ra Hyeon simply stared.

Oh.

So he wasn’t her boyfriend.

But why was he still irritated?

Tch. Annoying.

Haneul sighed, already exhausted. "If you want proof—Seung, show him my contact info and wallpaper."

Seung rolled his eyes but obeyed, flashing his phone. Haneul’s name was saved as ‘Noona 💜’ and her wallpaper? A very embarrassing childhood photo of the two of them in matching pajamas.

Ra Hyeon’s lips pressed together. Fine. So she was telling the truth.

Haneul turned back to Seung, ruffling his hair. "I’ll meet you later, okay? Here—take the car keys."

Seung brightened. "Really?!"

"No." She smacked the keys back into her palm. "You’re too young. Take the apartment keys instead."

Seung pouted, taking them anyway.

"In the cupboard, you’ll find your gift." She smiled. "Okay, my baby, love you! I’ll explain everything later—bye!"

With that, she blew him a flying kiss, turning back toward Ra Hyeon.

Seung, despite being a terror seconds ago, grinned and waved before leaving.

Finally, Haneul exhaled sharply.

She turned to her CEO with a polite yet exhausted smile. "Now… time to handle this jerk."

She squared her shoulders. “Shall we proceed, CEO? I’m really, really sorry for all the trouble caused.”

Ra Hyeon simply stared at her for a moment, something unreadable flickering in his gaze.

And then, in his mind—

"So he’s really her younger brother. But… why am I still jealous?"

Tch. Whatever.

"Let’s go," he finally said, turning on his heel.

Haneul sighed. Great. Another crisis averted.

Or so she thought.