Secrets Unfold, 트레저 (Treasure)

K-pop and Crisis Control

*Later that day*

Yongseo sat at a restaurant, attempting to savor her food when her phone buzzed. Again.

"I told Mr. Yang I'm on leave. Why am I getting calls like I'm running for president?" she muttered, rolling her eyes.

On the other end of the line, Kim Changuk, the ever-dutiful secretary of the legendary CEO, Yang Seomyeon, tried to keep things professional. "Mr. Yang said, and I quote, 'This is work that only Yongseo can handle.'"

Yongseo clicked her tongue dramatically. "Wow, I must be a real unicorn then."

"He wants to discuss it with you today," Mr. Kim added like it was the most normal thing in the world to interrupt someone's rare moment of peace.

Yongseo pinched the bridge of her nose. "Fine. Tomorrow. I'll come to the office tomorrow. 2 p.m., sharp."

"But...sir wants to meet today," Mr. Kim said with a hint of desperation, probably picturing his head on the chopping block.

Yongseo's patience snapped. "Work can wait, but my nap can't. Do you know how long it took to get this leave? Two weeks of blood, sweat, and bargaining, and now I'm finally free. I am not wasting it! I need to sleep, or I'll turn into a zombie. And trust me, you don't want that."

Mr. Kim tried again. "Could you possibly come at 10 in the morning? Mr. Yang might have meetings at 2."

Yongseo scoffed. "I have classes from 8 to 12, and no, I'm not skipping for this. Tomorrow at 2, or I'm out. And I don't care how much the pay is. Money can't buy back my sanity."

Before Mr. Kim could protest further, she hung up with a satisfied click. She was still on leave, and no one was taking that from her.

After her meal, Yongseo decided to go window shopping, fully aware she had no business spending money. But as she passed a jewelry store, a bracelet caught her eye. It was bronze with pale pink pearls—exactly her style. And Raemi's.

"Of course, I'm buying two," she muttered, remembering how her sister Raemi always bought matching accessories for them like it was some kind of sisterly tradition. Last time, Raemi had gotten them butterfly necklaces, and now it was Yongseo's turn.

As she paid for the bracelets, she felt the familiar, creeping dread of looking at her bank account. "Oh. My. God. Thank you, K-pop, for draining my entire wallet," she sighed dramatically. "I need this job more than I need air. University fees won't pay themselves, and neither will my obsession with limited-edition photobooks."

Shaking her head, she tucked the bracelets into her bag. "Looks like I'm stuck with Mr. Yang and his endless meetings after all... So much for my freedom."

*Later that day*

"This will go perfectly with my pink boots! Thanks, Yongseo!" Raemi exclaimed, admiring the gift. Then she paused, raising an eyebrow. "But girl, seriously, stop spending money on this stuff. You've got bills to pay!"

"I knooow," Yongseo groaned dramatically. "I'm talking to my boss tomorrow, I swear!"

Raemi shot her an apologetic look and pulled out an envelope from her bag. "Look, I know things are tough for you right now, so... take this."

Yongseo blinked in confusion. "What's in here? A secret treasure map?" she joked as she opened the envelope.

"Nope, it's my savings," Raemi said casually, as if handing over her life savings was no big deal.

Yongseo's eyes widened, and she immediately tried to give it back. "Oh, absolutely not. I can't take this! You worked hard for this!"

Raemi folded her arms, not budging an inch. "Oh, please. You already blew through your savings on that K-pop album and fan sign. I know you're broke, Miss 'I'll-Just-Survive-on-Air.' It's not a fortune, it's just enough to buy some ramen for the new semester."

Yongseo looked down, feeling a pang of guilt. "But still... I don't know..."

Raemi rolled her eyes and sighed dramatically. "Look, I have someone who can cover my fees, okay? You don't. I'm not letting you starve just because you had to meet your idols." She pushed the envelope back into Yongseo's hand, a smirk on her face. "Now take it before I tape it to your forehead."

Yongseo finally caved, her voice cracking a little. "Thank you, Raemi..." She blinked back tears, feeling both touched and slightly ridiculous. "You're too good to me."

"Pshh, don't get all emotional on me now," Raemi teased, giving her a playful nudge. "Just promise me next time you'll spend on groceries, not on limited-edition photo books."

Yongseo wiped her eyes, laughing through the tears. "No promises!"

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Author's Note

If you've ever dodged your boss, bought unnecessary stuff, and somehow guilt-tripped yourself into emotional messiness... well, congrats, you and Yongseo are soulmates. 😂 Remember, fangirling is expensive, but ramen is forever.

Thanks for reading and I have a confession to make myself transparent. 

This entire plot is original and completely my creation. However, as we're living in the 21st century, I've taken advantage of AI to correct my grammar, enhance certain conversations, adding humor and drama where needed. I used AI assistance as a creative tool to refine the dialogue, but the core of the story, characters, and plot are entirely mine. AI served as a tool, not a co-author, and I remain the sole creator of this work.

- Cloud 9/23