By the time the final tests were run and the "Heart" cluster was humming with a steady, powerful light, the sky over Yeouido had begun to turn a deep orange.
Jin-woo stood before the glass wall, watching the reflection of his team as they performed their final checks at their desks.
He knew how much they had sacrificed, staying late for weeks to ensure this dream became a reality.
"Everyone, listen up," Jin-woo said, his voice carrying across the quiet office and bringing his staff to a halt.
"I know you all have been working without proper rest to complete our company's heart. Today, we finally reached full capacity."
"To celebrate, I'm taking the whole team to Agra Indian Dining at Lotte Tower for a big treat. What do you all think?"
The office was silent for a split second before Secretary Han Ji-won, his efficient 40-year-old executive assistant, broke the ice.
Ji-won wasn't just staff; she was like family, often helping with Hajun and managing the chaos of Jin-woo's life so he could focus on the math.
"An Indian restaurant is a wonderful idea once in a while," she said with a warm smile.
"We should start with some hot tea, and then I'm looking forward to the Malai Kofta—those potato and paneer dumplings in that rich, creamy gravy are perfect with fresh naan."
"And perhaps a fine bottle of wine to toast to our success?" she added, winking at the younger engineers.
The rest of the team chimed in immediately, the fatigue on their faces replaced by excitement as they began to pack up their things.
Jin-woo stepped back into his office and dialed his mother. "Hey, Mom. Get ready for an early dinner. I'm bringing the whole team to the Indian restaurant at the Lotte Hotel."
"An early dinner? What's the special occasion?" Young-sook asked, her voice sounding surprised over the line.
"The heart cluster is finished, Mom. The project that's been eating all our company's money is finally alive," Jin-woo explained with a hint of pride.
"Oh! That cluster of yours?" she teased. "The one that eats money faster than you eat? Well, it's about time!"
"Your father will be thrilled to hear the news. I'll get Hajun dressed in his favorite little black suit."
She paused, then added, "I assume you'll be in your usual black suit as well?"
Jin-woo looked down at his crisp white shirt, his perfectly tailored black trousers, and his matching black coat.
"I suppose I am," he admitted, realizing his wardrobe was almost entirely identical, though it served him with efficient, understated elegance.
"Good. It suits you, even if it is a bit predictable. We'll be in the lobby waiting," his mother said.
"Okay, Mom. I'll see you shortly. I'm hanging up now," Jin-woo replied, feeling a rare sense of total satisfaction as he headed toward the elevator.