Eight years ago, the bustling streets of Seoul’s financial district were a testament to the city’s relentless pace. Amidst the towering skyscrapers and the hum of ambition, Yoon Se-young, a driven 28-year-old analyst, navigated her way through the corridors of HanKyung Capital Group Building. Her sharp mind and unwavering determination had already set her apart in a world of fierce competition.

On a particularly hectic Monday morning, Se-young first encountered Kang Joon-ho, a fresh-faced 25-year-old recruit. 

“Se-young, this is Kang Joon-ho. He is the newest addition to your team.”

“Looking forward to working with you,” she replied, stretching her hand towards her new team member.

“I’m looking forward to it,” he replied, returning the kind gesture.

Despite his youth, Joon-ho exuded a quiet confidence that caught Se-young’s attention. Their initial interaction was brief, a simple exchange. No one would’ve thought this interaction would be enough to spark a connection.

As weeks turned into months.. Their paths slowly began to intertwin. Late nights at the office, working on complex financial models and high-pressure presentations, became the norm. 

Their shared ambition laid the foundation for a deepening bond and inspired those around them. Se-young admired Joon-ho’s innovative approach to problem-solving, while Joon-ho was captivated by Se-young’s unwavering dedication and strategic brilliance.

Despite their age difference, their connection grew stronger. 

It wasn’t long before their professional relationship blossomed into something more than just a work relationship. They fell in love, believing that together, they could conquer both the demands of their careers and the challenges of a relationship.

“He asked me to marry him,” Se-young said nonchalantly to Kim Seo-jun and Han Soo-jin, who sat across from her.

“Please tell me you said no,” Soon-jin asked, taken aback by her friend's sudden admission. 

“I said yes.”

Seo-jun slapped his head in disbelief, Saying, “Talk about a marriage of convenience.” 

“It’s not.”

“Really? Two of the firm's brightest minds are getting married. Seems like a power move to me.”

Their whirlwind romance led to a swift marriage, a decision fueled by their shared belief in their ability to balance work and love. For a time, it seemed they had found the perfect equilibrium. They were partners, supporting each other’s ambitions while nurturing their connection.

However, as they advanced in their careers, their focus on professional success overshadowed their marriage. Long hours, constant travel, and the relentless pursuit of corporate goals led them to grow emotionally distant.

The spark between them was lost amidst the endless meetings, client dinners, and corporate politics. They knew it wasn’t sustainable. Both Se-young and Joon-ho knew that if they continued, they would ultimately be hurting each other more and more. Something had to be done.

“Let’s get divorced,” Se-young whispered quietly, holding Joon-ho’s hands in hers.

“We couldn’t make it work, right?” Joon-ho whispered back as tears rolled down his cheeks.

Despite feeling for Joon-ho, Se-young initiated the divorce after realizing their lives had become more about the firm than each other. Though he didn’t want the divorce, Joon-ho accepted it.

“I’m sorry,” replied Se-young.

The next few weeks were awkward for the two of them. However, because they were HanKyung Capital Group’s most ambitious individuals, whatever turmoil they felt internally never affected their work. 

They kept their personal lives a secret from everyone apart from Kim Seo-jun and Han Soo-jin, who quietly watched their pair. 

“What do you plan to do now, Joon-ho?” asked Min-seok, handing him a drink to cleanse his longtime friend's stress.

“I’m transferring to another branch,” he replied, taking a sip from the drink handed to him. 

“My transfer to the branch in Busan was officially approved yesterday. I’m staying until a replacement is found.”

“Does anyone know about this?”

Joon-ho shook his head. “Only you,” he said, finishing his drink.

Later that week, it was announced that Kang Joon-ho had been approved for a transfer. It didn’t come as a shock; many who had worked with Joon-ho knew he had the ability, will, and mentality to survive there. It was only a matter of when.

For many, the move to the Busan branch was highly lucrative. Over the years, many secured high positions within the firm or elsewhere after spending time in Busan.

Over the coming month, Joon-ho spent his time finishing what he could and transferring over work to the people who would eventually take his place.

After saying goodbye to his team members and everyone he had worked with over the years, Joon-ho was left alone after hours to finish packing up his stuff. Throwing the last few bits into the bag he had brought, Joon-ho took one last look at the office he had called home, smiled, and left the same way he had come into the firm: quietly.

“Joon-ho”

“Se-young” he replied, turning to face her.

“You’re leaving because of us, right?”

“A lot of things,” he replied.

“I’m so sorry,” Se-young said, leaving herself vulnerable to her emotions again.

“You keep saying sorry when it wasn’t your fault to start,” Joon-ho replied, gently wiping away the tears.

“I expect a lot of things from you,” he whispered. “Don’t let me beat you to the top because I won’t let you live it down”. 

Joon-ho kissed Se-young’s forehead and smiled at her brightly before continuing his walk out of the building.