Seo-jin and her team were in their meeting room. A large, white architectural table stretched across its center, a landscape of layout boards, printed articles, mood photos, and material samples being meticulously arranged into a project arc.

Seo-jin, Do-yeon, and Sang-wook moved with efficient, methodical precision. They adjusted spacing, rotated a mock-up slightly, and slid a translucent overlay into its exact place. Analogue delivery was thought to better present the transition between new and old.

"This one anchors the sustainability arc," Sang-wook murmured, tapping a photo with his finger. "If we lead with the reuse narrative, Min-su’ll stop skipping past it like it’s filler."

"Slide it below the site image," Seo-jin instructed. "We anchor on context first, not philosophy."

Do-yeon snapped a label into place with a satisfied smile. "See. That’s why you get the premium rates." She straightened, stretching her back, a small groan escaping her lips.

Through the clear glass wall of the meeting room, a trio approached. The Director walked with Min-su and Hyun-woo, their forms visible but their voices muffled. Min-su caught their eyes first, offering a warm, small wave through the glass.

"Morning," Min-su’s muffled voice carried faintly.

All three at the table dipped their heads in acknowledgment. As Seo-jin raised her head, her gaze found Hyun-woo. He was already looking at her, still and focused. Their eyes locked, holding too long for mere professionalism.

Seo-jin was the first to break it, looking down to slide a picture a few centimeters to the left, a deliberate act of distraction. The men passed by, disappearing down the corridor. A beat of silence settled inside the room with unspoken observations.

Then, Do-yeon spoke, her voice dry, not looking up from the table. "Honestly… if he stared any harder the glass would fog."

"Maybe that’s his new form of communication," Sang-wook offered, completely serious. "Osmosis."

"No," Do-yeon countered, "Osmosis requires movement."

Seo-jin finished lining up the edges of the board. She said nothing. Her gaze, however, drifted back towards the corridor. Do-yeon caught her, but continued working with the images on the table.

"Seo-jin. Stop it," Do-yeon huffed, her voice laced with exasperation. "For god's sake. You need to let it drop now. It's done."

Seo-jin looked back at the table, then glanced coyly at Do-yeon, a faint, private smile touching her lips. Do-yeon was not looking at her.