Chapter 9 - the thorns of the birthday
The Morning Rush – Seoul Streets.
The traffic light turns red. JUNGHAN sits in his car, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel. To his right, a boutique flower shop is opening its doors. He steps out, the crisp morning air catching his coat. He doesn't just pick a random bunch; he points to two specific buckets.
Junghan: "Red roses for passion, and white roses for... respect. Mix them. Make it look like art."
He places the bouquet on the passenger seat, the scent filling the car as he drives toward Incheon Airport.
Airport Main Hall – 09:00 AM.
HYUNA is standing by the pillars, checking her reflection in the glass. Today is her 25th birthday. She's wearing a fitted black dress—Junghan's favorite color. Her heart leaps when she sees him walking toward the team, holding a massive, expensive bouquet.
He remembered, she thinks, her eyes stinging with happy tears. He actually remembered my special day.
But Junghan walks straight past her. He doesn't even glance at her dress. He stops by SUNG-MIN and hands him a project file.
Sung-min: (Eyes wide) "Whoa, Director! Flowers? For a client?"
Junghan: (With a small, secretive smile) "No. They're for someone special."
Hyuna's smile falters, but she tries to stay positive. Maybe he's waiting for a private moment, she tells herself.
Junghan: (To Hyuna, eyes still on his phone) "Hyuna, the flight logs for the afternoon session are ready. Head over to the hangar and get started. We have a lot of work today. Don't fall behind."
He walks away before she can even say "Thank you."
The Hangar – Meeting Point.
HAEYOUNG steps out of her car, looking breathtaking in a simple white shirt and black trousers. She walks through the hallway with her signature "Ice Queen" stride, nodding curtly to the juniors who bow to her. JAE-WON catches up, lightly hitting her arm.
Jae-won: "Still mad about the bracelet? Come on, Haeyoung-ah. Forgive me?"
Haeyoung: "Not really. It's not that easy to get a reaction out of me, Jae-won. I've already moved past it. Let's focus on work."
Jae-won: "That's my Captain. Let's go."
As they reach the workstations, Jae-won notices Hyuna's festive look. He leans in close to her ear.
Jae-won: "What's the special occasion? You look particularly good today, Hyuna-ssi."
Hyuna: (Small smile) "It's actually my birthday today."
Jae-won: "No way! Really? Happiest 25th birthday, girl! 25... that's a big one. What about the party? Aren't you going to treat your new friend to a birthday dinner?"
Before Hyuna can reply, Haeyoung's voice cuts through the air like a blade.
Haeyoung: "Don't you think we should focus on work, Jae-won, before discussing parties? This is work time, not free time. But if you're that desperate for a party, you can leave with Hyuna now. I'll even send a cake from the main office as a present. Shall I?"
Jae-won coughs, looking down. "Amm... sorry, Captain."
The Doorway.
Junghan has been standing there for the last minute, watching Haeyoung. He's smiling—not a polite smile, but a look of genuine attraction. He loves how she takes control. He enters the room, and the team bows.
Sung-min/Hyuna: "Good morning, Senior!"
Jae-won: "Good morning, Director Kim."
Junghan nods, his eyes immediately sliding to Haeyoung. He waits for her to greet him, but she just keeps her eyes on her files.
Junghan: "Good morning, Captain Hong."
Haeyoung: (Without looking up) "Let's focus on work instead of wasting time on 'Good mornings.' Not every morning is good, Director. Let's start."
The room turns ice-cold. Everyone goes silent and starts working. Hyuna's heart sinks further. Junghan hasn't said a word about her birthday, and the flowers are still sitting in his car.
Sunset – The End of the Shift.
As the team packs up to leave, Junghan steps in front of Haeyoung. The entire room stops. HYUNA watches, her breath hitching.
Junghan: "Miss Haeyoung."
He walks to her and presents the bouquet—the red and white roses.
Haeyoung: (Looking at the flowers, then at him) "What is this for?"
Junghan: "Our project is going well. I thought I should gift my work partner something beautiful to celebrate our progress."
Haeyoung: "Red roses? For a work partner?"
Junghan: "I found them... fitting."
Haeyoung doesn't take the bouquet. She reaches out and plucks a single white flower from the arrangement.
Haeyoung: "This is enough. Thank you."
She begins to walk away, but stops right in front of HYUNA. She gently tucks the white flower into Hyuna's hand.
Haeyoung: "Happy Birthday. Enjoy your day."
She walks out without looking back. JAE-WON lets out a quiet laugh, knowing Haeyoung's "savage" style perfectly. SUNG-MIN is blushing for his boss, who just got partially rejected.
Junghan just laughs softly. He isn't mad. He finds her even more "hot" for being so difficult. He hands the remaining bouquet to Sung-min.
Junghan: "Sung-min, put these in a pot near the entrance. They're distracting."
As he turns to leave, he finally catches Hyuna's eye.
Junghan: "Oh, happy birthday, Hyuna. I forgot about that. Have a good one."
He walks out. Jae-won gives Hyuna a sympathetic look and leaves as well.
Hyuna is left standing in the empty hangar. She looks at the white flower Haeyoung gave her—a flower that came from the bouquet meant for another woman. The pity of it stings more than the rejection. With trembling hands, she snaps the stem, crushes the petals, and throws it to the floor.
[FADE OUT]