"Oh, I see you’re still eating! Great! I’ll join you" a voice said. 

Noelle turned and saw Mi-Suk. The girl's face instantly shifted, her expression turning worrisome. 

"What happened? Are you okay?" Mi-Suk asked. 

Noelle was bewildered. Was she supposed to share what happened? She was desperate to discuss it with somebody. "Um... Yeong Ye-Jun came in here and asked me to leave" she confessed. 

"Ye-Jun was here?" Mi-Suk was flustered. Noelle told her everything. 

"Oh no... He's begun already?" Mi-Suk pondered, her face tightening. "Sorry I didn't join you earlier. If I was here..." she added. 

"It’s not your fault. I'm not sure how to handle this. On one hand, I want to disappear since I am not welcome. On the other hand... I... want to yell at him. It’s crazy...” Noelle said. 

Mi-Suk smiled kindly. “I completely understand. Let me tell you my story. I went through the exact same thing when I started working here". She began narrating. "The core team, as you know, is Chloe and Sang-Jun. Ye-Jun has known them forever and trusts them completely. 

"When Chloe realized she needed help with social media, I came along. It was a very strange interview. I was told that if I was selected, I could only visit the company offices on specific days and hours. I didn't know it then, but I was only supposed to come when Ye-Jun wouldn't be here. I got the job, and that crazy schedule began. I thought he was a total snob! How was I supposed to manage his videos and accounts for someone so difficult? 

"After a while, Chloe filled me in. She had mentioned to Ye-Jun that she was going to hire someone new, and he was clearly against it. She said I would meet him when he was ready. Don't think he welcomed me with open arms at first. But soon, we got along. And ever since, I can honestly say I'm very happy I got this job. It's great working with him!" Mi-Suk concluded with a big smile. 

Mi-Suk's story was amazing—and totally unbelievable. 

"You were also 'hidden'?" Noelle asked in disbelief. 

Mi-Suk nodded. 

"How long?" 

"Around... seven months." 

"Seven... I don't have seven months!" Noelle cried out. 

"Hey, it's not the same. You're an intern. Chloe will talk him around more easily." 

"And you like working with him?" Noelle wondered, needing to be clear. 

"Yeah! He's very professional and also fun! Okay, he gets crazy from time to time and does things without thinking, but that's what makes it exciting! Figuring out how to protect him from himself, it’s half the job. We quarrel all the time!" Mi-Suk explained. Noelle was now concerned about what Mi-Suk perceived as "professionalism". 

Still, Noelle felt a little lighter. She finally ate her meal with Mi-Suk. On their way back, she gave herself a firm peptalk. 

You are not easy to break! You are strong and committed. Don't you dare flicker when you're near him again! You will be cold and indifferent—strictly professional. 

Back in the office, they saw someone inside Chloe's office. 

"Oh no! What is he doing here? Did he have an appointment with Chloe?" Mi-Suk said. Noelle realized who it was. 

Shit... Seeing him again? So soon? I haven't practiced enough yet. 

They sat at their desks, and Mi-Suk continued the training. Noelle, from the corner of her eye, spied on the office. No aggressiveness; everything seemed cool. Mi-Suk’s phone rang. It was Chloe. 

"Wait a minute, I'll go see what they want" Mi-Suk said, standing up. 

When Mi-Suk returned, she was practically vibrating, struggling to stay silent. Noelle had already figured out that Mi-Suk wasn't good at keeping secrets. "Let's get back to our training..." she said, rubbing her legs. It was obvious she was about to burst. "But before that... let me just say this! He came here for vocal practice. Why on earth is he planning vocal practice with no concerts or recordings scheduled? Why? Because he thinks it's time to do a flash performance with Mi-Ok at some event! Why now, of all times, does he want to add this to his schedule? Do you see what I mean? We never get bored with Ye-Jun!" Mi-Suk said, all in one breath, nodding like a bobblehead figure. "Now, click here" she added, seamlessly returning to work. 

Noelle was processing she was being taught, but half her attention remained dedicated to the office. Everything was still civilized. 

After a while, Ye-Jun left Chloe's office and walked past them. Out of the corner of her eye, Noelle saw Mi-Suk exchange a glance with him, but she avoided looking his way. He stopped by their desks and said to Mi-Suk: "Chloe said to go for it, so come when I call you." 

"Alright, sir" Mi-Suk responded. "I wish I knew what they're up to..." she muttered under her breath. 

Time passed, and around noon, a guest appeared. A beautiful, striking girl opened the door, looking around over her big sunglasses. An older, slightly stressed-looking man followed behind her. 

"Oh... no!" Mi-Suk whispered. "Don't say a word, no matter what" she advised Noelle. 

His girlfriend had just shown up and it wasn’t a good thing.