Yes, Boss | A Ryeji Rivals Romance

Setting the Stakes

Yeji sat in her office the next morning, the sunlight filtering through the tall windows, casting soft shadows on the sleek, modern furniture. The room was immaculate, every detail carefully chosen, much like the woman who occupied it. Her desk was lined with reports, each organized to perfection, her daily planner open to a meticulously scheduled week. But her mind was not on the tasks at hand. Instead, it was on Ryujin.

The young woman had occupied her thoughts since their encounter the night before, the way she had confidently sauntered into the party as though she had nothing to prove. That brazen smirk, the subtle way she leaned in, close enough to make Yeji feel a flutter of something she hadn't felt in a long time—excitement and, perhaps, danger.

Yeji shook her head, dismissing the thoughts. This wasn't the time to be distracted. She had worked for over a decade to build her career, sacrificing relationships, friendships, and personal time to be where she was today—on the verge of becoming the president of the company. No one was going to stand in her way, least of all Ryujin.

Her phone buzzed, breaking her from her reverie. It was a message from Mr. Park, the CEO, requesting her presence at the executive meeting in an hour. The meeting that would outline the stakes of the competition for the presidency.

Yeji sighed, straightened her blazer, and grabbed her tablet before heading out of her office. The halls were quiet this early in the morning, with only a few staff members milling about, preparing for the day. Her heels clicked with sharp precision against the marble floors as she approached the conference room.

As she entered, she saw that several executives had already gathered, including Mr. Park, seated at the head of the long glass table. And there, sitting across from where she usually positioned herself, was Ryujin.

The younger woman was leaning back casually in her chair, scrolling through something on her phone. She glanced up as Yeji walked in, her eyes locking onto hers with that same glint of amusement, that same silent challenge. Ryujin raised an eyebrow, offering a half-smile as if daring Yeji to acknowledge the tension between them.

Yeji refused to give her the satisfaction. She strode to her seat with confidence, setting her tablet down in front of her and keeping her gaze forward, addressing Mr. Park directly.

"Good morning, everyone," she said smoothly, ignoring the undercurrent of energy in the room that seemed to radiate from Ryujin's side of the table. "Shall we begin?"

Mr. Park nodded and gestured for everyone to sit as he stood up, clearing his throat. "As many of you know, we are at a critical juncture in our company's history. With global competition growing, we need a leader who can both honor our legacy and innovate for the future. Over the next several weeks, Yeji and Ryujin will be competing to determine who that leader will be."

The words "competing" and "leader" hung in the air, making Yeji's stomach tighten in anticipation. She already knew this, of course. She had prepared for this moment for years. But hearing it said aloud, formalized in front of the top brass of the company, made it feel all the more real—and all the more intense.

Mr. Park continued, glancing between the two women. "You'll each be tasked with leading several high-stakes projects. Both internal initiatives and new artist developments. Your success will be measured on impact, innovation, and profitability. The board will be watching closely. At the end of the quarter, a final decision will be made."

Yeji glanced briefly at Ryujin, who was sitting there with her signature casual confidence. As if this competition was nothing more than a fun game. But Yeji knew better. This wasn't a game. This was her life, her career, everything she had fought for.

Mr. Park's voice cut through her thoughts. "I hope both of you understand the gravity of this role. We're counting on you to show us not only what you can do for this company but how far you're willing to go to take it to the next level."

Yeji nodded, offering her usual polite, professional smile. "I understand fully. And I'm ready."

Ryujin, still leaning back in her chair, finally spoke, her voice smooth and slightly teasing. "Oh, I'm definitely ready. I've got a lot to show you."

The room chuckled softly, but Yeji didn't flinch. She could feel Ryujin's eyes on her, like a constant heat, but she remained composed. This competition was about more than showing off. It was about proving she was the only logical choice for the role.

The meeting adjourned shortly after, and as the executives filed out of the room, Yeji began gathering her materials. She moved with purpose, her mind already spinning with ideas, strategies, and potential plans to crush the competition. But just as she was about to leave, Ryujin appeared beside her, leaning casually against the table.

"So," Ryujin started, her voice low and teasing. "Looks like it's just you and me now."

Yeji didn't turn to face her. Instead, she continued to collect her things, her voice cool and controlled. "Yes, it does. I hope you're prepared for what's coming."

"Oh, I am," Ryujin replied, her tone playful, yet laced with something darker. "The real question is, are you ready to lose?"

Yeji finally looked up, meeting Ryujin's gaze head-on. Her expression was calm, but her eyes flashed with determination. "I don't lose."

Ryujin chuckled softly, stepping a little closer, invading Yeji's space just enough to unsettle her. "We'll see. I have a feeling this is going to be fun."

With that, Ryujin turned and sauntered out of the room, leaving Yeji standing there, her heart beating just a little faster than before. But it wasn't fear she felt. No, it was something else—something that made her blood race, her mind sharpen.

If Ryujin thought this was going to be fun, she was in for a surprise. This was more than a game to Yeji. This was everything. And she wasn't going to let anyone, least of all Ryujin, take it from her.

As she walked back to her office, her heels clicking with renewed purpose, Yeji knew one thing for certain. The stakes were higher than ever. And she was ready to do whatever it took to win.