The following days were filled with an odd mix of quiet intimacy and the constant pressure of living in a world that didn't understand their relationship. Min Ho and Chanyeol had spent their nights together, discovering new layers of each other, but the reality of their situation loomed over them. They couldn't keep their love hidden forever. At some point, they would have to face the world.
It wasn't that they didn't trust each other—it was the world outside that felt unprepared for their relationship. Chanyeol was a successful businessman, the CEO of a company that thrived on a conservative image. Min Ho was his secretary—young, ambitious, but still perceived as nothing more than the hardworking assistant. Their positions, both professionally and socially, made it difficult for their love to remain a secret for long. And as the days passed, they both knew it was only a matter of time before someone would notice.
It was Friday morning when Min Ho's phone buzzed, pulling him from his thoughts as he sat in the office. He glanced at the screen, his stomach dropping when he saw the name of the sender—Lena, one of his colleagues from work.
Lena: Just heard a rumor. Is it true?
Min Ho's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly typed a reply, his fingers trembling slightly.
Min Ho: What rumor?
A few moments later, Lena's response came through.
Lena: That you and Mr. Chanyeol are... a thing?
Min Ho stared at the screen, his mind racing. The idea of their relationship being exposed made his stomach twist in knots. He couldn't deny the possibility that the rumors were true—it was inevitable, given their closeness at work and the chemistry they had displayed in recent weeks. But they hadn't planned on this happening so soon.
He quickly put his phone down, feeling the weight of the situation settle over him. He couldn't hide forever, but he wasn't ready for the consequences. He wasn't sure if he was ready for the world to see him and Chanyeol as more than just boss and secretary.
As the day went on, Min Ho couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He'd noticed a few subtle glances exchanged between his coworkers, and more than once, he caught Lena looking at him with a knowing look. It was only a matter of time before the truth would come to light—there was no denying it.
At lunch, Min Ho made his way to the break room, hoping for a few moments of peace. But as soon as he entered, he was greeted by a familiar voice.
"Min Ho, can I talk to you for a second?"
He turned to find Lena standing near the counter, her expression serious but not unkind. His stomach tightened at the thought of the rumors spreading, and he couldn't help but feel exposed.
"Of course," Min Ho said, trying to keep his tone neutral. "What's up?"
Lena took a deep breath, glancing around the break room before speaking in a lower voice. "Look, I know what's going on between you and Mr. Chanyeol." She paused, giving him a pointed look. "And I'm not here to judge. But you should know—people are starting to talk."
Min Ho felt his heart race. He didn't know if he should feel relieved that someone else knew or if he should be terrified that their secret was no longer safe.
"I don't know what you mean," he said, trying to play it off casually, though his voice betrayed him.
Lena raised an eyebrow. "Don't play dumb with me, Min Ho. I've seen the way you two look at each other. And I've heard the whispers. You can't keep this under wraps forever."
The weight of her words sank in, and Min Ho's chest tightened. He had always known the risks, but hearing someone else say it out loud made it feel real.
"What are you going to do?" Lena asked, her voice softer now. "I won't tell anyone, I promise. But you need to be prepared. If this gets out, it's going to affect both of you. People will talk. There will be consequences."
Min Ho nodded, the words sinking in like a stone in his stomach. He had known this day would come, but now that it was here, he wasn't sure what the right choice was. Should they continue hiding their love, keeping it a secret as long as possible? Or should they face the consequences, come clean, and risk everything?
The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur. Min Ho tried to focus on his work, but his mind kept drifting to Lena's words. Every time he looked up, he felt like someone was watching him. He couldn't shake the feeling that the walls were closing in.
As the office finally emptied for the day, Min Ho made his way to Chanyeol's office, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew it was time to talk.
When he knocked on the door, Chanyeol looked up from his desk, his expression unreadable. "Hey," he said, his voice calm but with a trace of concern. "Everything okay?"
Min Ho stepped inside, closing the door behind him. He stood for a moment, trying to find the right words. Finally, he met Chanyeol's gaze and let out a long breath.
"Lena knows," Min Ho said quietly. "She's heard the rumors. And I think... I think people are starting to figure us out."
Chanyeol's brow furrowed, and he stood from his desk, his gaze shifting to the window, as if trying to calculate their next move. He exhaled slowly before turning back to Min Ho.
"Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later," he said, his tone steady. "But we can't keep living like this, hiding. If we're going to be together, we need to be ready to face what comes next."
Min Ho nodded, a mixture of fear and relief flooding him. "I don't know what that means yet. I don't know what the consequences will be, but I don't want to lose you."
Chanyeol reached for him, pulling Min Ho close, his hands gentle but firm on his shoulders. "You won't lose me," he said, his voice reassuring. "No matter what happens, we'll figure this out together. I'll protect you."
For a moment, they simply stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, finding solace in the presence of the other. The world outside was chaotic, but here, in this moment, they had each other. And together, they would face whatever came next.