Mingwa sat quietly for a while after Soojin left.
Holding the bottle of soju, she sighed, the idea of fake dating the CEO of Kwon-O seemed increasingly like her only viable option and a very bitter pill to swallow. It came with risks she wasn't sure she was ready to take.
The next morning, she found herself staring at the same headlines that would soon put an end to her career.
She had to make a decision soon. Taking a deep breath, she picked up her phone and dialed Jihoon's number.
"Jihoon," she said when he answered, trying to keep her voice steady. "I need to talk to the CEO."
"Are you sure?" Jihoon's voice was cautious. "This isn't going to be easy."
"It not like I have any other options," Mingwa replied. "I need to hear what he's proposing or if he's even willing to hear our proposal."
"Alright," Jihoon said. "I'll arrange a meeting for later today. Be prepared. This could change everything, right now he's the only one who can save your career."
When the time came, Mingwa arrived at Kwon-0. Her eyes widened the building itself was a testament to the company's power and prestige, and it only added to the pressure she felt as she stepped inside.
It was 20x bigger than TKO the company she was signed under.
"Who are you here to see miss?"
"…."
Mingwa bit her lips, she thought news of her and the CEO had already spread around the company.
Nevertheless she regained her composure and smiled "I'm here to see the CEO, my name is Kim Mingwa.."
"…"
The receptionist expression darkened as she quickly recognized Mingwa, with a nasty look she smiled and nodded.
"CEO Moon will see you now, head to the elevator and press the button for the 24th floor…"
Mingwa gave her a curt nod and walked away, she was already used to this type of looks, after all even her own mother often looked at her like that.
Moon Taewoo's office was impressive, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a vast view of the city. He stood behind his desk, looking every bit the commanding figure she had seen in the tabloids. His gaze met hers with an intensity that made her heart race.
"Miss Kim," he said smoothly as she entered. "I'm glad you could make it."
She nodded, trying to maintain her composure. "Let's get straight to the point. What are you proposing?"
Moon Taewoo gestured for her to take a seat. "The situation is simple. We both have reputations to protect. If we present ourselves as a couple, the media will lose interest quickly. We can control the narrative and move past this scandal. I also need to get my mother off my back so this will do for a while."
".."
Mingwa sat down, her mind racing. "And what happens after?"
He leaned forward slightly, his expression thoughtful. "For me, it's about managing the fallout. My reputation is also on the line, though not as critically as yours. And for you, it's an opportunity to rebuild your career. If we do this right, it might even work out in your favor."
Mingwa took a deep breath, weighing his words. "Your reputation is already trash, how the heck is it going to work in my favor!
"…"
"You should watch your pretty mouth, miss Kim. Unlike you I don't care about my reputation but I can very much ruin yours and in way that you'll never get a role again in life not even an ad.."
Kim Mingwa's eyes darkened and she nodded, right now she could not afford to make anymore slip ups.
Moon Taewoo's eyes were steady. "I understand your hesitation, but this is a calculated risk. It's better than letting the scandal destroy everything you've worked for even if its not worth anything. However, let me be clear: if we proceed, I will attend events and make public appearances as necessary. But do not mistake this arrangement for something personal or think you can use me for your own means beyond this deal."
Mingwa met his gaze and scoffed. "I don't plan on doing anything other saving my career. Your handsome face can only do so much, it's not like you have a reputation I can brag about.."
"…"
Moon Taewoo lips twitch, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "We'll start with public appearances—events, photoshoots, and interviews. We'll need to make it convincing. The goal is to show a united front. And of course, we'll keep things professional. This is strictly for public relations."
Mingwa nodded, she would use this little bit of limelight and make the most of it. "Okay. Let's do it."
"Great, my assistant will send the signed agreement to your manager tonight. You can leave…miss Kim.."
Moon Taewoo smiled, his slender eyes narrowing as he watched with an intense gaze.
Mingwa walked out of the Kwon-0 building, the weight of her decision pressing down on her. Just as she was about to descend the steps, her phone buzzed in her bag.
She hesitated for a moment before pulling it out, seeing Jihoon's name flashing on the screen.
She sighed and answered, "Jihoon?"
"Mingwa," Jihoon's voice was urgent, "how did it go?"
"I agreed to it," she said, glancing back at the towering building behind her. "We're going through with the plan."
"Good. We need to move fast," Jihoon replied, his tone brisk. "I've already lined up your first public appearance together. There's a charity gala happening tomorrow night. The media will be all over it."
Mingwa's heart skipped a beat. "Tomorrow? Isn't that too soon?"
"There's no time to waste," Jihoon insisted. "The sooner we start, the better we can control the narrative. Moon Taewoo agreed to it, and his team is already working on the logistics. You'll need to get ready."
When did he agree to it? He clearly just said she couldn't use him for her personal gain.
She guessed maybe it wasn't the case.
Mingwa swallowed hard. "Alright. What do I need to do?"
"I'll have a stylist and makeup artist at your apartment first thing tomorrow morning. They'll make sure you're dressed to kill. Just be prepared to smile and act like everything's under control," Jihoon instructed. "And remember, this is just business. Keep your head in the game."