Ch#51
51. Just Being Together
Na-eun inwardly marveled at how calmly he laid out his own logic, but the corners of her mouth kept turning up.
"You know you keep calling your own brother 'guy' like that?"
Na-eun's tone was slightly scolding, but her eyes were affectionate.
Kang-woo gave a wry smile and nodded.
"I know. We've grown up like that."
At that moment, a gust of wind blew, gently tousling Na-eun's hair. Kang-woo gazed at her, wanting to reach out and fix it, but he held back, simply watching. Under the moonlight, their shadows drew closer and closer.
"Your mother must have had it tough raising two sons."
"Well, my mom was almost a workaholic, so she focused more on company matters. We were mostly raised by nannies, so..."
Kang-woo paused for a moment before continuing.
"We seem emotionless, right? It's our personality too. She's not particularly warm with us either."
"Yes. Her personality really stands out. If you described the chairwoman with modern MBTI, she'd probably be ESTJ."
"ESTJ?"
"Yes. Realistic, systematic, strong sense of responsibility, values rules, and fair."
Kang-woo nodded in slight admiration as he listened to Na-eun.
"That's spot on. My mother always prioritizes realistic choices. She values efficiency and results over emotions in everything."
Na-eun thought for a moment before continuing.
"But that comes with downsides too. She can be too rule-bound and strict, which might tire people around her. She tends to rely only on logic and principles rather than emotional empathy."
Kang-woo chuckled lightly at her words.
"That fits my mother perfectly. When we got bad test scores as kids, it wasn't just scolding—we had to analyze why and make an improvement plan."
Na-eun smiled at that. Every family has its pros and cons.
"You really grew up in that kind of environment."
Her eyes held warmth as she tried to understand Kang-woo.
Kang-woo's heart softened a bit at her gaze. He always felt his vulnerable side emerge in front of this woman.
"Yes. That's why I unconsciously feel at ease only when things are planned and systematic. The MBTI explanation you gave makes perfect sense because it's so structured."
The two met each other's gazes in brief silence. Kang-woo smiled and let out a sigh.
In Kang-woo's eyes, the distance from his mother, built up since childhood, flickered by.
"My mother fits everything into rules. That's why our family is always orderly, with no mistakes at work. But it makes you forget about people's feelings over time."
Na-eun quietly nodded.
"Still, you've become someone different from her in that environment. That could be thanks to your mother too."
Kang-woo smiled faintly as he looked at Na-eun.
"You're really positive. Hearing that is a bit comforting."
Na-eun spoke calmly.
"Sometimes imperfection can bring happiness. Once you realize that, you might change a little too, President."
Kang-woo spoke as if about someone else. As they walked and talked, they neared the annex. Walking the snow-covered gravel path with Kang-woo, standing together in this beautiful garden—it was an indescribable joy in itself.
"Well, people don't change easily."
Ha-young arrived at the broadcasting station headquarters for a new program shoot. Her waiting manager greeted her and led her straight to the waiting room. The makeup artist handling her makeup said.
"Bright and vibrant today as usual?"
"Yes, please make it bright so it shows well on camera."
After setting her hair and perfect makeup, she dressed in her usual glamorous outfits—all designer brands.
"I'm so jealous; how do you always wear such great clothes?"
The people around her said. Hearing this made Ha-young brim with confidence. Getting brand sponsorships or gifts—she saw it all as her own ability, no matter the method. Ha-young smiled and replied.
"You all have great fashion sense too. It's nothing."
"It's not just the clothes; your figure makes anything look stunning."
She puffed up at such words.
Yeah, I'm pretty hot.
"But be careful with makeup removal. You wear a lot."
"Right. That's why I pay extra attention to cleansing. Thanks for the perfect makeup today."
It was as they passed the hallway nearing the studio. Suddenly, some staff bustled about. Then she overheard a comment.
"Isn't CEO Choi Kang-woo inspecting right now?"
"Wow, his looks are insane."
Ha-young stopped at the sound of two staff chatting as they passed. CEO Choi Kang-woo here? Her heart raced. She'd only seen him twice, but each time, he'd captivated her.
Among the passing staff in the hallway, she spotted the tall, impeccably suited Choi Kang-woo. No matter when, he outshone any model. Above all, his overwhelming presence and gaze. Kang-woo walked with a cold expression, conversing briefly with his secretary as he nodded shortly. At that instant, his gaze brushed past Ha-young. It was a split second, but to her, it felt long and memorable. Kang-woo showed no surprise or warmth—just indifferent, cold eyes that merely skimmed her.
Ha-young gave a wry smile and resolved to herself.
Yeah, starting today, I'll try again. A man that perfect won't come into my life again. I won't miss this chance.
She kept her eyes fixed on Kang-woo's receding figure.
Kang-woo's meeting seemed to drag on. Ha-young was more alert to the meeting room than her afternoon shoot. She kept checking whenever possible, unconcerned with others' glances.
Finally, as the meeting ended, people began exiting. Kang-woo emerged first. Ha-young quickly approached him heading to the elevator and greeted brightly.
"Hello."
"Hello, President. I'm Ha-young Han."
"Yes. Hello."
Unsure if he remembered her, Ha-young added.
"I'm Ji-ho's aunt."
That was it. Kang-woo showed no reaction.
"I wonder if Ji-ho isn't bothering you. Kids shouldn't tag along to work like that."
Though she didn't know Na-eun's full situation, Ha-young needed to keep talking to him. Guessing roughly, she spoke as if Na-eun dragged the kid around irresponsibly to her workplace, prompting Kang-woo to look up.
"That's none of my concern."
"What do you mean?"
"I heard our Na-eun is working as a live-in tutor at your house with Ji-ho."
Ha-young smiled awkwardly, pulling up the corners of her mouth, slightly flustered. Confidence gleamed in her eyes, but it faded under Kang-woo's icy response.
Ha-young awkwardly laughed and brushed her hair back. In that moment, Kang-woo's eyes flashed coldly, scanning her. His expression seemed polite at a glance, but the subtle twitch of his brow revealed deep displeasure.
"Right, I must have spoken out of turn."
"Whether my nephew is with Na-eun is our family's decision. You don't need to worry, Ha-young."
Kang-woo's voice was frigid and firm, making Ha-young feel chilled to the bone.
Ha-young bit her lip unconsciously. Maybe she'd crossed a line this time. But she quickly smiled again and pressed on.
"Ah, yes. Of course. Don't misunderstand. I just want Na-eun and Ji-ho to get along well..."
Kang-woo shifted his gaze to the elevator button, clearly ending the conversation.
Embarrassed by his reaction, Ha-young gave an awkward laugh. Then the elevator dinged, doors opening.
Kang-woo nodded slightly and stepped in. Ha-young followed into the same elevator.
