Soft Hearts, Sharp Edges

Chapter 5

It was past 8 p.m., and the office was nearly empty. Only the soft hum of the AC and the glow of laptop screens filled the space where Seokmin and Jisoo sat across from each other, papers scattered everywhere.

"Okay… that’s the revised shipping model done," Seokmin said, leaning back and rubbing his temples. "One more check on logistics and we’re done."

Jisoo watched him for a moment before speaking. "You don’t pace yourself, do you?"

"Excuse me?" Seokmin raised a brow.

"You push through everything at once… like if you stop, you’ll lose momentum," Jisoo said simply, reviewing a page. "You’ll burn out at this rate."

Seokmin snorted softly. "Are you… worried about me, Mr. Hong?"

Jisoo didn’t look up. "Just making an observation."

[Beat of Silence]

Seokmin turned back to his laptop, but there was a flicker of warmth in his chest. He quickly shook it off and focused again.

"So…," Seokmin said, changing the subject. "What did you mean yesterday about people underestimating me less if I ‘look in control’?"

Jisoo finally met his eyes, leaning back. "I meant what I said. The people around you—" he hesitated for just a second, "they make you lighter. More approachable. It’s… good for you."

Seokmin blinked. "You like my friends now?" he asked, skeptical but slightly amused.

Jisoo smirked faintly. "I like how they light up your mood."

For a moment, Seokmin didn’t know what to say. He coughed awkwardly, typing nonsense just to avoid eye contact. "You’re… unexpectedly sentimental sometimes."

Jisoo chuckled quietly. "Don’t tell anyone. It’ll ruin my reputation."

Seokmin’s stomach growled softly, and he cursed under his breath. Jisoo stood up without a word, left the room, and came back a few minutes later with two hot meals from the late-night kitchen downstairs.

"You didn’t have to—" Seokmin started.

"You skipped lunch again," Jisoo said calmly, setting the food down. "Eat before you faint on me."

Seokmin hesitated, then mumbled, "Thanks," focusing on the food so Jisoo wouldn’t see the blush creeping up his ears.

After dinner, they wrapped up the final details. As Jisoo packed his things, he said softly, "You work hard, Mr. Lee. I respect that."

Seokmin froze for just a moment at the sincerity in his tone before clearing his throat. "…Thanks."

~

The office was quiet when Jisoo finally returned. He slipped off his jacket, draped it on the chair, and leaned back, staring at the ceiling for a moment.

Hansol was already gone, so it was just him and Seungcheol, who was scrolling through his tablet.

"You stayed late again," Seungcheol said without looking up. "That partnership really keeping you busy, huh?"

Jisoo didn’t answer immediately. He thought back to Seokmin—sitting across from him, focused, stubborn, completely unaware of how expressive his face got when he worked.
And then, Seokmin’s friends flashing in his mind—how their energy made the normally stressed CEO relax, laugh even.

"He’s… interesting," Jisoo finally said softly, almost to himself.

Seungcheol glanced up, raising an eyebrow. "That’s new. Usually, you call people annoying, boring, or replaceable."