Soundleasure | Choi San

Chapter 31

Y/n stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror, willing herself to keep it together. Her carefully applied makeup couldn't hide the dark circles under her eyes or the tension etched into her features. The past few days had been an emotional whirlwind, with her health scare, the fallout with San, and now, the looming project deadline that seemed to be tightening a noose around her neck.

She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. She needed to focus. The meeting that afternoon with the board of directors was crucial, a final pitch for the new project that could solidify her leadership in the company. But as much as she tried to stay in the moment, her thoughts kept drifting back to San.

Since their argument in the hospital, things between them had been strained -cold, even. They had agreed to take a break, to give each other space, but the distance only seemed to make things worse. It was as if they were both waiting for the other to make the first move, neither willing to bridge the gap.

With a sigh, Y/n gathered her composure and left the bathroom, heading back to her office. The hallways were quiet, most of the staff either out to lunch or busy with their work. She glanced at her watch -just under an hour before the meeting. She had planned to go over her presentation one last time, but the tension in her shoulders was begging for release.

As she made her way towards the elevator, she heard footsteps behind her. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Sarah, one of the scholars from the mentorship program, hurrying to catch up with her. Sarah had been struggling to find her place in the company, and Y/n had taken a personal interest in her development. She paused, waiting for the younger woman to catch up.

—Y/n! I'm glad I caught you. Do you have a moment? —she asked, out of breath.

—Of course, Sarah. What's on your mind?

Sarah looked nervous, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her blazer. Y/n could see the anxiety in her eyes, and it tugged at her heart. She remembered what it was like to be young and eager to prove herself in a world that often seemed too big and too demanding. In a way, she saw herself in her.

—I wanted to talk to you about the project. I've been working on data analysis, but I'm worried I'm not... doing enough. I don't want to let the team down.

Y/n softened, her own worries momentarily pushed aside. She placed a reassuring hand on Sarah's arm, meeting her gaze with gentle firmness.

—You're doing great, Sarah. It's normal to feel like this when you're working on something important. But trust me, you're doing great. I can see that, and I'm sure your team does as well.

Sarah nodded, but the uncertainty in her eyes didn't entirely fade. Y/n squeezed her arm, offering her a warm smile.

—If you need any help or just want to talk through your ideas, my door is always open. I also have the best snacks, just in case you need some sugar —she glanced a close smile at her.

—Okay. Thank you —Sarah's smile was shy, but radiating a relief that wasn't there a few minutes back.

From afar, San could only smile at Y/n's delicacy while speaking to everyone. She was always so gentle and close, so eager to help and be there for her team.

She certainly was a hidden treasure inside that company.

As Sarah walked away, looking slightly more at ease, Y/n felt a small sense of accomplishment. She loved mentoring the younger staff, seeing them grow and gain confidence. It was one of the few aspects of her job that brought her genuine joy these days. But that joy was quickly overshadowed by the looming dread of the meeting.

Y/n continued her walk, her heels clicking softly on the polished floor. She passed by the large windows overlooking the city, the bustling streets far below a sharp contrast to the stillness in her heart. Just as she reached the elevator, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, expecting a reminder about the meeting, but her breath caught in her throat when she saw the message.