🌟 Author's Note:3131
I can't express enough how grateful I am for all your support and love on this journey! ❤️ Seeing you all connect with the story truly motivates me to keep pushing forward. To make things easier and keep the excitement alive, here's the schedule for upcoming chapter uploads:
📅 Mondays: 16:00 PM UTC
📅 Wednesdays: 07:00 AM UTC
📅 Fridays: 07:00 AM UTC
Set your reminders and stay tuned for more twists, drama, and unforgettable moments! 💕 Let me know your thoughts after each update—your feedback means the world to me!
Till next time,
PENOLA.S🌸 #ForeverWriting
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The gym was quieter now, only the faint hum of air conditioning breaking the silence as Andrea stood near the dumbbell rack, her chest heaving from exertion. Her hands trembled slightly, not from physical fatigue but the emotional weight pressing down on her. She hated how Eunwoo got to her — how his cold, calculated words cut through her like a blade.
Grabbing a towel, she wiped the sweat from her brow and let out a frustrated breath. Why does he always act like this? she wondered bitterly. What's he trying to prove?
Across the room, the faint creak of the door echoed as Eunwoo re-entered the space, his expression unreadable but his presence unmistakable. Andrea stiffened, determined not to let him rattle her again.
He walked toward the boxing area without sparing her a glance, his every step deliberate and composed. The silence between them was thick with tension, like a storm waiting to break.
"Back for round two?" Andrea muttered under her breath, unable to stop herself.
Eunwoo paused, turning his head just slightly, his sharp eyes locking onto her for a brief moment. "I didn't realize you were keeping score," he said coolly, his voice devoid of emotion.
Andrea dropped the towel onto a bench, her frustration boiling over. "You're unbelievable, you know that?"
Eunwoo raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Is that supposed to be news?"
"You act like the world owes you something," she snapped, stepping closer. "Like being rude and distant makes you stronger. But all it does is push people away. Maybe that's what you want — to be alone. Congrats, you're doing a great job at it."
He narrowed his eyes, his jaw tightening. "You don't know anything about me."
"I know enough," Andrea shot back, her voice fierce. "I know that whatever it is you're running from, it's not going to disappear just because you act like a stone-cold jerk."
The air between them crackled with unspoken emotions — anger, frustration, something deeper neither of them wanted to acknowledge.
Eunwoo took a slow step toward her, his voice low but edged with steel. "Be careful, Andrea. You're treading on dangerous ground."
"Dangerous?" She let out a bitter laugh. "What are you going to do? Scare me off with your brooding glares? Sorry, Eunwoo, but I'm not that easy to intimidate."
For a moment, neither of them spoke, the weight of their words hanging heavily in the air. Andrea's heart pounded in her chest, but she refused to back down.
Then, unexpectedly, Eunwoo's lips curved into a faint, humorless smile. "You've got guts, I'll give you that."
"Yeah? Well, guts aren't going to fix whatever mess you're tangled up in," Andrea said, her voice softening slightly despite herself. "You can't keep fighting everyone, Eunwoo. Sooner or later, you'll run out of people to push away."
Something flickered in his eyes — guilt, perhaps, or regret — but it was gone as quickly as it had appeared.
Without another word, Eunwoo turned and walked toward the exit, his shoulders tense. But just before he reached the door, he paused.
"You think you know me, Andrea," he said quietly, not looking back. "But you don't."
And with that, he was gone, leaving Andrea standing there, her thoughts swirling with confusion and a strange, unshakable ache.
✦✦✦✦✦ ✦✦✦✦✦ ✦✦✦✦✦ ✦✦✦✦✦ ✦✦✦✦✦
Andrea stood there, heart racing, fists clenched at her sides as Eunwoo's parting words echoed in her mind. You think you know me, but you don't.
The audacity. The arrogance.
The tension in her body hadn't eased one bit. If anything, it simmered hotter. Eunwoo's infuriatingly composed demeanor left her feeling like a storm with nowhere to land. She paced near the punching bag, frustration radiating off her.
"You don't just get to walk away after that," Andrea muttered under her breath. Not after pushing every button I have.
Grabbing a pair of boxing gloves, she strapped them on tightly, channeling all the pent-up energy into the bag in front of her. Each punch landed with a satisfying thud, louder and faster as her anger fueled every strike.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
"You think you're untouchable," she growled between hits, imagining Eunwoo's face on the bag. "Cold, heartless, always right. But guess what? You're not."
The sound of the door opening again made her pause. She knew who it was before even turning around — that undeniable presence filled the room like static electricity.
Eunwoo stood there, leaning casually against the frame, his expression unreadable but with a flicker of something dangerous beneath his calm exterior.
"You're still here?" His voice was low, laced with something that wasn't quite mockery but close enough to ignite her temper.
Andrea yanked off her gloves and threw them onto the bench with a loud clap. "And you came back for round two, huh?"
Eunwoo pushed off the doorframe, taking slow, deliberate steps toward her. "Looks like you needed a sparring partner."
"I don't need anything from you," she snapped, her tone sharp. "Least of all your attitude."
"Funny," he mused, stopping just a few feet away. "Because you seem pretty invested in me for someone who 'doesn't need anything.'"
Andrea's jaw tightened. "You think this is about you? Newsflash, Eunwoo — the world doesn't revolve around your brooding little universe."
Eunwoo crossed his arms, tilting his head slightly as if contemplating her words. "Maybe not," he admitted with a hint of a smirk, "but you sure talk like it does."
That was it. The final straw.
Andrea closed the distance between them, her voice low but fierce. "You want honesty? Fine. You're a coward, Eunwoo. Hiding behind that ice-cold mask because you're too afraid to let anyone in. Well, newsflash — I'm not scared of you."
For a moment, there was only silence, thick and heavy between them.
Eunwoo's smirk faded, replaced by something darker and more intense. His voice dropped, steady but sharp as a blade. "You think I'm hiding?" he said quietly. "Maybe I am. But that doesn't mean I don't see what's happening around me."
Andrea's brow furrowed, confusion mingling with her lingering anger. "What are you talking about?"
His gaze hardened. "This isn't just about you or me. There's a game being played — one you're barely even aware of. And if you keep charging in without thinking, you'll be the one who gets hurt."
Andrea's heart skipped a beat, but she masked it with defiance. "I can take care of myself."
Eunwoo's expression softened for just a fraction of a second, barely noticeable. "Maybe. But that doesn't mean I want to see you become collateral damage."
Before she could respond, he turned on his heel and walked toward the door again, his voice lingering in the air.
"Stay sharp, Andrea. You'll need it."
And then he was gone, leaving Andrea standing there, breathless and conflicted, wondering just what kind of storm she'd gotten herself into — and why, despite everything, she couldn't shake the feeling that Eunwoo wasn't just a problem but a puzzle she desperately needed to solve.
( •̀ .̫ •́ )✧_____________✧✧_____________✧✧_____________✧
Andrea stood rooted to the spot, her breath uneven, fingers itching to punch something — preferably Eunwoo's smug face.
The weight of his cryptic warning lingered in the room like an unresolved chord, tension buzzing in her chest. She hated how his words had a way of burrowing under her skin, planting seeds of doubt when all she wanted was clarity.
"Collateral damage," she muttered bitterly, kicking the bench with frustration. "Who does he think he is?"
Layla, who had walked into the gym unnoticed, stood by the entrance, her brows knit in concern. "Andrea, are you okay?"
Andrea huffed, throwing a towel around her neck. "Do I look okay?"
Layla smiled nervously, stepping closer. "I take it Senior Eunwoo is back to his usual charming self?"
Andrea snorted. "Charming? If by charming you mean the human embodiment of an iceberg, then sure."
Layla chuckled softly but then hesitated. "You know... he's not as bad as he seems. There's a lot going on beneath the surface."
Andrea shot her a skeptical glance. "Please spare me the 'misunderstood hero' lecture, Layla. I'm not buying it."
Layla bit her lip, unsure whether to say more. But before she could decide, the gym door creaked open again, and in strode Eunwoo, as cool and composed as ever, a water bottle in hand.
Both women tensed.
"Didn't think you'd still be here," Eunwoo remarked, his eyes briefly flicking between Andrea and Layla.
Andrea crossed her arms defiantly. "Oh, sorry. Did I interrupt your grand entrance?"
Eunwoo's lips curved into the faintest smirk. "If you're done throwing tantrums, maybe you can clear the space for people who actually know how to train."
Andrea felt her blood boil. "Tantrums?" she echoed incredulously, stepping toward him. "I wasn't the one who stormed out like some drama king earlier."
Layla's eyes widened, clearly sensing the brewing storm. "Uh, maybe we should—"
Eunwoo cut her off, his voice calm but cutting. "You're reckless, Andrea. Acting on emotion without thinking. That's dangerous."
Andrea's fists clenched. "And you're a control freak who thinks he's better than everyone else just because you can keep a straight face."
The gym fell into tense silence. Layla stood frozen, unsure whether to intervene or retreat.
Eunwoo's eyes darkened, but instead of snapping back, he took a deliberate step closer, his tone low and commanding. "You don't get it, do you? This isn't about ego. It's about survival. And if you want to keep playing hero, fine. Just don't expect me to clean up your mess."
Andrea's heart raced, anger clashing with something she couldn't quite name. "Maybe I don't need your help, Eunwoo. Ever think of that?"
Eunwoo's gaze held hers, unyielding. "Then prove it."
Before she could respond, he turned sharply and walked away, his departure leaving a palpable void in the room.
Layla exhaled shakily, breaking the silence. "Wow. That was... intense."
Andrea, still seething, wiped sweat from her brow. "He's impossible."
Layla offered a tentative smile. "Or maybe he's exactly what you need."
Andrea shot her a glare. "Don't even start."
But deep down, Andrea knew Layla's words would haunt her — because despite all her frustration, something about Eunwoo had wormed its way into her thoughts, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake it.
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Layla, sensing the thick tension between Andrea and Eunwoo, decided it was time to defuse the situation before someone actually threw another dumbbell. With a bright smile, she clapped her hands together.
"Boss," she said sweetly, stepping toward Eunwoo with a practiced charm that made Andrea arch a brow. "May I ask a favor?"
Eunwoo paused near the door, turning just slightly with a skeptical look. "What?"
Layla grinned wider. "I was wondering if Miss Andrea and I could take the afternoon off for some very important...uh...business-related shopping."
Andrea blinked in disbelief. "Shopping? What are you talking about?"
Layla nudged her subtly. "Shh, go with it."
Eunwoo folded his arms across his chest, clearly unimpressed. "Business-related shopping?"
"Absolutely," Layla nodded enthusiastically. "I need Miss Andrea's expert advice on selecting, uh, office supplies."
Andrea almost choked on her laugh but quickly covered it with a cough.
Eunwoo's expression remained deadpan. "You're terrible at lying, Layla."
Layla gasped theatrically. "Boss, I'm offended! This is a critical matter for productivity."
Eunwoo sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Do whatever you want. Just don't drag the company name into it."
Layla beamed triumphantly. "Thank you, Boss! You're the best."
As Eunwoo walked out without another word, Andrea shook her head in disbelief. "You're unbelievable, Layla."
Layla winked playfully. "Hey, life's too short to sulk over moody bosses. Now come on—we're hitting the shops."
Andrea reluctantly laughed, feeling some of the weight lift off her shoulders. "Fine, but you owe me for this."
"Deal," Layla said cheerfully. "And who knows, maybe retail therapy will even fix your Eunwoo issues."
Andrea groaned. "Don't push your luck."
With that, the two women headed out, their spirits lighter as they escaped the heavy atmosphere of the gym and ventured into a world far removed from tension and training—one filled with laughter, colors, and perhaps just a little bit of trouble.
🧋◉_◉◉_◉___________🧋__________(●'◡'●)(●'◡'●)🧋
Layla drove through the bustling streets of Seoul with the kind of energy that could only be described as pure joy. The windows were rolled down just enough to let the cool evening breeze flow through, and Layla was humming along to a pop tune on the radio. Meanwhile, Andrea sat in the passenger seat, arms crossed, watching Layla with an expression that mixed curiosity and skepticism.
"So, Layla," Andrea started, eyeing her cautiously. "What's your grand plan here? You've been suspiciously vague about this little outing."
Layla gave her a quick grin without taking her eyes off the road. "Relax, Miss Serious. I just thought you needed a break. You've been all... tense lately."
Andrea raised an eyebrow. "Tense? Gee, I wonder why."
Layla laughed. "Okay, fair point. But hey, a day out in Seoul might just do the trick! You know, unwind, clear your head, soak up the sights."
Andrea looked out the window at the glittering city lights. It was undeniably beautiful—the sleek skyscrapers, the colorful signs, the streets buzzing with life. "And how exactly does this involve me?"
Layla gasped dramatically. "You're my partner in crime for the day! Who else would I drag around for girl stuff?"
"Girl stuff?" Andrea repeated, her tone skeptical.
"Yeah, you know," Layla said as she made a sharp turn onto a livelier street. "Shopping, eating way too much food, gossiping about cute guys..."
Andrea rolled her eyes. "Sounds like your kind of thing, not mine."
Layla smirked. "Come on, don't be such a buzzkill. You're in Seoul, the city of dreams! Live a little, Andrea."
Andrea sighed but couldn't hide the small smile tugging at her lips. "Fine. But if you drag me into something ridiculous, I'm calling it quits."
"Deal!" Layla said with a victorious grin as she pulled into a parking spot near a busy shopping district.
They stepped out of the car, and Andrea was instantly overwhelmed by the sheer energy of the place. Rows of shops lined the streets, each one brighter and more colorful than the last. Street vendors were selling everything from snacks to accessories, and groups of people chatted and laughed as they moved between stores.
"First stop," Layla declared, grabbing Andrea's arm and pulling her toward a shop with glittering dresses displayed in the window. "We're picking out something fabulous for you."
Andrea dug her heels in. "Layla, I'm not buying anything. I'm fine with what I have."
Layla turned to her with a dramatic pout. "Andrea, sweetie, do you even hear yourself? You need something that says, 'I'm confident, bold, and completely unbothered by a certain someone's cold attitude.'"
Andrea frowned. "I don't think clothes can say all that."
Layla wiggled her eyebrows. "Oh, you'd be surprised."
Despite her protests, Andrea found herself inside the shop, surrounded by racks of outfits she wouldn't normally even glance at. Layla was already flipping through hangers like a woman on a mission.
"What about this?" Layla held up a sleek black dress.
Andrea crossed her arms. "Too fancy."
"Okay, how about this?" Layla held up a pair of jeans and a leather jacket.
Andrea smirked. "Now you're getting closer."
They continued their back-and-forth, Andrea reluctantly loosening up as Layla's infectious enthusiasm rubbed off on her.
By the time they left the shop, Andrea was holding a small bag with a casual yet stylish outfit Layla had somehow convinced her to buy.
"See? Was that so hard?" Layla teased as they wandered down the street.
Andrea rolled her eyes but smiled. "You're impossible."
Layla linked her arm with Andrea's. "And you love me for it."
As they strolled through the vibrant streets of Seoul, the two women shared stories, laughed at silly moments, and for a while, Andrea forgot about the tension, the power struggles, and the complicated emotions tied to a certain someone.
But deep down, she knew this temporary escape wouldn't last forever.
The bustling streets of Seoul became a lively backdrop for Layla and Andrea's spontaneous adventure. The neon lights flickered overhead, casting a vibrant glow on the sea of people moving about the city. Street vendors shouted cheerfully, enticing passersby with sizzling snacks and unique trinkets.
"Alright, next stop—food!" Layla announced enthusiastically, pointing toward a cozy street food alley filled with tantalizing aromas. "We are not leaving without trying tteokbokki and some hotteok."
Andrea raised an eyebrow. "Tteokbokki?"
Layla gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. "Wait—don't tell me you've never had spicy rice cakes before?"
Andrea chuckled. "Not exactly part of my usual menu."
Layla grabbed her hand. "That changes tonight, Miss Andrea! Come on."
Before Andrea could protest, Layla had already pulled her toward a street vendor. The vendor, a cheerful elderly lady, smiled warmly as she dished out steaming portions of the bright red rice cakes.
Layla handed Andrea a pair of chopsticks with a mischievous grin. "Brace yourself. This is going to blow your mind."
Andrea skeptically picked up a piece and took a cautious bite. The initial sweetness was pleasant—but then the heat hit. Her eyes widened as she struggled to keep her composure.
Layla burst into laughter. "Oh my god! Your face! I told you it was spicy."
"You could've warned me better," Andrea muttered, reaching for the water bottle Layla offered.
"It's part of the experience," Layla said with a wink. "Besides, you survived."
They continued their stroll, sampling different snacks and sharing lighthearted banter. Layla pointed out landmarks, told funny stories from work, and made Andrea laugh more than she had in weeks.
Eventually, they found themselves on a quiet stretch overlooking the Han River. The shimmering reflection of the city lights danced across the water, creating a breathtaking view.
Layla let out a satisfied sigh. "See? Seoul isn't so bad when you have the right company."
Andrea nodded, a rare softness in her expression. "You might be onto something."
Layla turned to her with a playful grin. "By the way, you're really cool when you're not brooding like some action movie hero."
Andrea snorted. "Thanks, I guess."
As they leaned against the railing, enjoying the serene moment, Layla suddenly blurted out, "So... you and Eunwoo."
Andrea tensed. "What about him?"
Layla shrugged casually, though her eyes gleamed with curiosity. "You two have this weird vibe—like rivals or something."
Andrea looked away, her jaw tightening. "It's complicated."
Layla nodded thoughtfully. "Complicated, huh? Sounds like there's a story there."
Andrea didn't respond, and Layla, sensing the shift in mood, decided not to press further.
Instead, she linked arms with Andrea again. "Alright, no more heavy stuff. Let's find dessert. I know this amazing patisserie nearby."
Andrea smiled faintly. "Lead the way, Miss Seoul Tour Guide."
Layla grinned triumphantly. "That's the spirit!"
Their laughter echoed through the night as they walked back toward the heart of the city, two women finding unexpected camaraderie amidst the chaos of life—and perhaps, just a little bit of healing along the way.
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After finishing their desserts, Layla glanced at Andrea with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. "Feel like taking a little detour?"
Andrea raised an eyebrow. "Detour to where?"
Layla grinned. "The Han River. It's gorgeous at night. You'll love it."
Andrea hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Why not? Lead the way."
They drove through Seoul's lively streets, the city's lights reflecting off glass buildings and bustling intersections. Soon, the vibrant chaos faded into a serene calm as the Han River came into view. The water shimmered under the soft glow of streetlights, and the faint sound of waves lapping against the shore filled the air.
Layla parked the car near a peaceful spot by the riverbank. They stepped out, the crisp night breeze brushing against their faces.
"This place is beautiful," Andrea admitted, her voice softer than usual.
"Told you." Layla beamed proudly. "It's where I come to clear my head. You know, when work or life just gets... complicated."
Andrea crossed her arms, looking out over the water. "Complicated seems to be the theme lately."
Layla nudged her playfully. "That's why we're here—to leave the complications behind for a bit."
They walked along the river, the city skyline glowing in the distance. A few cyclists passed by, and couples sat on benches, sharing quiet moments.
"Ever think about just escaping everything?" Layla asked, her tone thoughtful.
"More times than I can count," Andrea admitted honestly. "But running doesn't solve anything, does it?"
Layla sighed dramatically. "You're right. Unfortunately, adulting is all about facing stuff head-on."
Andrea smirked. "Look at you, dropping wisdom."
"Hey, I have my moments." Layla winked.
They reached a quiet bench and sat down, the tranquil atmosphere wrapping around them. Layla pulled her jacket tighter against the breeze.
"You know," Layla said, her voice light but sincere, "you're not as intimidating as you think."
Andrea gave her a sideways glance. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"
"Absolutely." Layla laughed. "You're pretty cool when you're not scowling."
Andrea shook her head, a rare smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks, I guess."
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, watching the river flow steadily under the night sky.
Layla broke the quiet. "We should do this more often."
"Maybe," Andrea replied, her voice carrying a hint of warmth. "I wouldn't mind."
As the breeze picked up, Layla stood up dramatically. "Alright, time to head back before we freeze."
Andrea followed, feeling a bit lighter than she had in days. The Han River, with its peaceful beauty, had worked its magic. And for the first time in a while, Andrea found herself enjoying a simple, uncomplicated moment.
🌸________🌸________🌸________🌸
As they walked back toward Layla's car, the lively hum of Seoul began to weave back into their senses. Street vendors nearby were setting up small carts with steaming snacks, the air filled with the aroma of hot fish cakes and sweet red bean pastries.
Layla nudged Andrea playfully. "Want a snack before we head back? Those tteokbokki look tempting."
Andrea gave a skeptical glance at the spicy rice cakes bubbling on a vendor's cart. "That stuff looks like it could burn through steel."
Layla laughed. "Oh, come on! Live a little, Andrea. It's a Seoul experience you can't skip."
Before Andrea could protest, Layla was already waving to the vendor, ordering a portion. "Two servings, please!" she grinned mischievously.
Andrea sighed but allowed a small smile. "You're relentless."
"That's why people like me," Layla quipped, handing Andrea a pair of chopsticks. "Careful, it's hot."
Andrea picked up a rice cake hesitantly, blowing on it before taking a cautious bite. The spice hit immediately, making her eyes widen. "Okay, this is fire," she muttered through gritted teeth.
Layla burst out laughing. "You'll thank me later."
Despite the heat, Andrea found herself taking another bite, the savory flavor surprisingly addictive.
"You're not half bad at this," Layla teased.
Andrea wiped the corner of her mouth with a tissue. "Don't get used to it."
They continued walking, the warm food cutting through the chilly evening air. Layla glanced sideways at Andrea, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
"So, tell me," Layla began, "what's the deal with you and our ever-so-charming boss?"
Andrea's expression hardened. "There's no deal."
Layla raised an eyebrow. "Really? You two have this... tension. It's palpable."
Andrea scoffed. "If by tension, you mean him being insufferable, then sure."
Layla smirked knowingly. "Uh-huh. Sounds like someone's in denial."
Andrea shook her head. "He's just a control freak who thinks he can push people around."
Layla leaned in conspiratorially. "You know, for what it's worth, Eunwoo doesn't act like that with everyone. There's something different when he's around you."
Andrea looked away, her jaw tightening. "I'm not interested in figuring him out."
Layla chuckled softly. "We'll see about that."
Just as they reached the car, Andrea's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and frowned.
"What is it?" Layla asked.
Andrea's voice was steady but cold. "A message from work. Looks like Eunwoo wants a meeting first thing tomorrow morning."
Layla groaned dramatically. "Our guy really knows how to kill a vibe, huh?"
Andrea exhaled sharply, a hint of irritation in her voice. "Tell me about it."
Layla unlocked the car and smiled playfully. "Well, good luck tomorrow. You might need it."
Andrea climbed into the passenger seat, her mind already bracing for another round of tension-filled encounters with Eunwoo.
But for now, as they drove back through the glowing streets of Seoul, she allowed herself to savor the rare feeling of friendship and fleeting joy amidst the chaos of her life.
~ℙ𝔼ℕ𝕆𝕃𝔸.𝕊