6.TermsOfSilence
1194 Words
Lee Jeong-woo recognized her immediately.
The moment the glass rose to her lips and her eyes met his, he knew.
Those soft lips…
It was her. Without the dark eye makeup. Without the black glittery dress. Without the neon lights and chaos of last night.
And yet…
She was just as breathtaking.
If not more.
A quiet alarm rang loudly in his mind as he saw the golden plaque placed on her part of the long table. I slept with the CEO. My life is over.
Jeong-woo forced the thought down and straightened his posture. His expression shifted effortlessly into that familiar, easygoing charm.
For my mother…
He couldn’t afford mistakes now.
The interview proceeded.
Jeong-woo answered every question with calm confidence, his voice steady, his thoughts sharp. He kept his focus on the panel, only allowing himself brief, fleeting glances in Su-mi’s direction.
She didn’t look at him.
Not once.
Her attention remained buried in his résumé, her face unreadable.
For some reason, that unsettled him more than if she had reacted.
Still… he hoped she liked what she saw.
Minutes later, Director Park turned toward her expectantly. “CEO Jang, it’s your turn.”
Silence.
Then Su-mi closed the résumé.
She stood.
“Send the others home.”
And just like that, she walked out.
Jeong-woo blinked. He opened his mouth to ask what that meant—but the words never came.
For a brief second, he simply watched her retreating figure, as if caught in a strange pull he couldn’t explain.
Then—
“Our CEO approves.” Secretary Shin said.
Jeong-woo snapped back to reality.
“You got the job,” Director Park added with a smile.
Jeong-woo’s face lit up instantly.
“Yes!”
A few minutes later, the conference room had emptied.
Jeong-woo shook hands with Director Park.
“Would you like to start today,” the older man asked, “or come in tomorrow?”
“I’m ready now.”
Director Park smiled approvingly. “Good. Come with me. I’ll introduce you to your team and show you around.”
“Thank you, sir.” Jeong-woo said with a respectful bow.
As they moved through the building, Jeong-woo quickly realized something.
Director Park was surprisingly warm.
The man spoke with ease, even cracking jokes here and there, making the intimidating environment feel almost welcoming.
When they stepped into the elevator, however, the older man’s expression shifted.
“Mr. Lee,” he said seriously, “JGo is like the sea.”
Jeong-woo listened attentively.
“The tides here can sweep you in directions you didn’t intend to go. If your compass isn’t set right, you’ll lose your way.”
The elevator hummed softly as it descended.
“You’ve made waves in Hwabon,” Director Park continued. “Don’t leave that excellence behind. Bring it here… and you’ll know you chose the right place—and the right boss If you ever need a guide through here, I am always available for you.”
Jeong-woo nodded respectfully, “Thank you, sir. I’m honored you think so highly of me.”
Director Park laughed, “And I’m glad you’re finally on our side. If only you knew how hard I tried to scout you out of Hwabon.”
The elevator doors opened.
“Now,” he said, stepping out, “let’s meet your team. Project Team One.”
Four people turned as they entered the office space.
“Everyone,” Director Park announced, “this is your new team leader.”
There was a brief silence.
Jeong-woo stepped forward and bowed.
“Hello. I’m Lee Jeong-woo. I look forward to doing great things with all of you.”
A middle-aged woman scoffed under her breath. Without warning, she ripped off her ID card and slammed it onto the table. Then she stormed out.
Jeong-woo blinked.
The remaining three exchanged awkward glances before stepping forward.
A young woman smiled brightly.
“Welcome, Mr. Lee. I’m Go Mi-yeon—the youngest here. Please take good care of me.”. I’ll take good care of our maknae.”
Jeong-woo chuckled. “Of course
Next came a large, slightly balding man with an easy grin. “Welcome, Mr. Lee. Just call me Super.”
Jeong-woo raised a brow. “Super?”
“Exactly.”
Jeong-woo laughed.
The last man stepped forward—tall, serious, expression unreadable. “Welcome,” he said flatly. “The woman who left is Mrs. Seo. She wanted your position but was assigned as your assistant instead.”
He paused a beat. “My name is Hong Du-sik,” he added. “I want to be like you.”
Jeong-woo paused. “…I see.”
He wasn’t entirely sure how to respond to that. “I’m glad to be working with all of you,” he said instead.
“See?” Super grinned, high-fiving Mi-yeon. “He already likes us.” Mi-yeon giggled.
Afterward, Director Park took him to HR to complete the necessary paperwork.
As they walked, the older man spoke again.
“If you ever see Project Team Two, you might think your own team is… unusual.”
Jeong-woo smirked slightly.
“But I assure you,” Director Park continued, “you’ve been given some of the most capable minds in this company.” He stopped and looked at Jeong-woo meaningfully. “You’re their leader now. So figure out what they need… and become that.”
Jeong-woo nodded. “Yes, sir. Thank you very much.”
By the time he finished in HR, an ID card hung neatly around his neck. He stared at it for a moment. A small smile formed on his lips. This was it.
A real beginning.
Very soon… he would be able to give his mother the care she deserved.
Suddenly—
A hand grabbed him.
Before he could react, he was pulled into a stairwell. The door slammed shut behind him.
Jeong-woo wondered who had pulled him so roughly and looked to see the beautiful woman from last night.
Jang Su-mi stood in front of him. The air shifted instantly.
Memories surged—neon lights, warmth, closeness.
He forced himself to stay still…to focus. But how could he when the object of those wonderful memories was right before him. So close.
He said nothing. He waited.
“Did you know who I was when you approached me yesterday?” she asked.
Her voice was calm.
Too calm.
“No, ma’am.”
A pause.
“Do I need to tell you that yesterday never happened?” Her calm voice was laced with authority.
Jeong-woo immediately understood what she meant and shook his head. “No, ma’am.”
Silence stretched between them.
“So when did you meet me for the first time?” The CEO took a step back and sized him up with her eyes, even though he was taller than her.
Jeong-woo met her gaze steadily. He’d better give her the answer she wanted.
“Today, ma’am. In the conference room.”
Another pause.
Then—
“Good.”
She turned and walked out.
Just like that.
Jeong-woo exhaled slowly.
Relief washed over him. “Phew! I’m alright…for now.”
- Writer
