Los Angeles, USA – Nova Entertainment HQ, 9:42 PM | October 14
The towering skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles gleamed under the night sky, the glass facade of Nova Entertainment's headquarters reflecting the city's endless lights. On the top floor, behind an immaculate desk, Jang Min Gyu flipped through documents, his focus sharp.
His assistant, Daniel Choi, stood across from him, holding a tablet.
"The deal with Hye Cosmetics is finalized," Daniel announced. "You'll be flying to Korea tomorrow for the official signing."
Min Gyu didn't look up. "Korea…"
It had been three years since he last stepped foot there.
"I know you prefer handling things remotely, but the CEO of Hye Cosmetics insisted the partnership be signed in person," Daniel continued.
Min Gyu exhaled, finally setting down his pen. "Who's the CEO?"
Daniel scrolled through his tablet. "A woman named Na Hye Yoon."
The name barely registered.
"Fine," he said. "Make sure everything is ready for departure."
Daniel smirked. "Already handled."
The assistant left, and silence filled the room.
Min Gyu's eyes drifted toward the floor-to-ceiling windows. The thought of returning to Korea felt... strange. Unsettling, even.
It was just business. A quick trip. Nothing more.
That's what he told himself, anyway.
Los Angeles – Min Gyu's Penthouse, 11:19 PM
Hours later, Min Gyu walked into his penthouse, tossing his tie onto the counter. The dim city lights cast long shadows across the room. He poured himself a drink and sank into the leather couch, rubbing his temple.
His phone buzzed.
Incoming Call – Min Ah (누나)
He hesitated before answering.
"Oppa," Min Ah's voice rang through the speaker.
A rare smirk tugged at his lips. "It's late. Shouldn't you be sleeping?"
"Shouldn't you be answering your phone?" she shot back. "I had to hear from Min Woo that you're coming back."
"Who told him?"
"Who do you think?" she sighed. "Halmeoni and Harabeoji."
Min Gyu leaned back. A sharp exhale left his lips.
"Of course they did."
"They're happy about it," Min Ah continued. "Especially Halmeoni. She's been talking about how she'll finally get to see you after all these years."
"I'm not staying long."
"Still. You should visit them at least once." A pause. "And… try not to fight with Min Woo, okay?"
Min Gyu scoffed. "That depends on him."
Min Ah sighed. "Just—don't make it harder than it already is."
She hung up before he could respond.
For a long moment, Min Gyu just sat there, phone in hand.
Los Angeles – LAX Private Jet Terminal, 8:07 AM | October 15
The sun had barely risen when Min Gyu arrived at the private jet terminal. Dressed in a sleek black coat, he climbed the steps of the jet, not once looking back.
The aircraft took off smoothly, leaving behind the city that had been his home for years.
Across from him, Daniel was glued to his tablet.
"We'll land in ten hours," he said. "I've arranged transportation to the hotel. Your schedule is packed the moment we arrive."
"Good."
Daniel glanced up. "You really don't care about this trip, huh?"
Min Gyu smirked. "It's just business."
Daniel shook his head. "If you say so."
Incheon International Airport, South Korea, 4:52 PM (KST) | October 16
The jet landed smoothly, rolling along the runway.
As Min Gyu stepped out, the cold Seoul air hit him immediately, crisp against his skin. The familiar skyline stretched beyond the airport—unchanged, yet distant.
Three years.
He took a deep breath.
Just another deal. Just another flight.
But something about this trip felt different.
Something told him—
This time, leaving wouldn't be so easy.