THE BLIND DATE MIX-UP||L.HS X P.SH

F O U R

CHAPTER FOUR: CALM BEFORE THE STORM

Sunghoon sat at his desk, reviewing the day’s to-do list for the hundredth time. He hadn’t seen Heeseung since their brief interaction that morning, and he was beyond grateful. Every minute away from him felt like a small victory, a precious opportunity to gather his thoughts and not panic. But deep down, he knew the reprieve wouldn’t last forever.

Just as Sunghoon started reorganizing his stack of papers for the fifth time, a soft chime alerted him to a new email. He squinted at the screen and nearly groaned aloud.

SUBJECT: MEETING WITH VP LEE HEESEUNG-- 2:30 PM

Of course. Of course, I have a meeting with him. He let out a sigh. I’m doomed.

---

Meanwhile, in his office, Heeseung leaned back in his chair, absentmindedly spinning a pen between his fingers as he stared at his computer screen. He was reviewing the latest financial reports, but his mind kept drifting back to his new secretary, Park Sunghoon.

There was something about the guy that bothered him, though he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. Sunghoon was polite, efficient, and seemed to know his job well enough. But there was a familiarity in his face and the way he nervously reacted around Heeseung. Like he was hiding something.

why do i feel like i have met him before?

Heeseung hadn’t paid much attention to Sunghoon’s response earlier when he asked if they’d met. He chalked it up to his usual paranoia — after all, it wasn’t like Heeseung could remember every person he ever met. But the more he thought about it, the more it gnawed at him.

The way Sunghoon’s eyes widened slightly when they crossed paths, the nervous chuckle, the awkward pauses. He’s hiding something. I just know it. Heeseung clicked his pen thoughtfully, staring at the ceiling for a moment before glancing at his watch.

2:30. Time to find out more.

---

Sunghoon felt like he was walking into the lion’s den.

The door to Heeseung’s office loomed in front of him, tall and imposing. He swallowed hard and knocked softly. Almost immediately, he heard Heeseung’s calm voice from inside.

“Come in.”

Sunghoon stepped inside, clutching his tablet like a shield. Heeseung was sitting behind his desk, looking as composed as ever. His gaze flickered to Sunghoon, then back to the document in front of him.

“Take a seat,” Heeseung said, not bothering with formalities.

Sunghoon nodded and quickly took his place in front of the desk, trying his best to maintain a professional posture, though his insides were in knots. This is fine. Just a normal meeting.

Heeseung was silent for a moment, skimming through some papers. Then, without looking up, he spoke, “I’ve been thinking about something.”

Sunghoon’s heart skipped a beat. Please don’t ask about the blind date, please don’t ask about the blind date.

“About what, sir?” Sunghoon asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

Heeseung leaned back in his chair, finally looking directly at Sunghoon. His gaze was sharp but curious. “You said earlier that we’ve never met before, right?”

Sunghoon froze. Oh no, not this again.

“Y-Yeah,” Sunghoon stammered. “I mean, I don’t think so…”

Heeseung narrowed his eyes slightly, as if searching Sunghoon’s face for any hint of a lie. “You seem familiar. I’ve been trying to figure out why.”

Sunghoon forced a smile, trying not to look as terrified as he felt. “I just… have one of those faces, I guess?”

There was a long pause, and for a moment, Sunghoon was convinced Heeseung had finally figured it out. But then, Heeseung let out a small sigh and shrugged.

“Maybe. Anyway, we have some things to discuss about the upcoming board meeting.” Heeseung gestured to the papers on his desk. “I’ll need you to handle the scheduling and ensure the presentations are prepared on time.”

Sunghoon nodded quickly, grateful for the change in topic. He grabbed his tablet and began jotting down notes as Heeseung went over the details.

As Heeseung spoke, Sunghoon found himself relaxing slightly. Maybe he was just being paranoid. Maybe Heeseung really didn’t remember the blind date disaster. After all, it wasn’t like he was the only guy Heeseung had ever gone out with, right?

---

From Heeseung’s perspective, the meeting seemed to be going well enough. Sunghoon was taking notes, nodding along, and he was doing his job efficiently. But there was still something off about him. The nervous energy radiating from him was palpable, and Heeseung couldn’t help but feel like Sunghoon was constantly on edge around him.

Heeseung decided to test the waters a little.

“So, how’s your first week going?” Heeseung asked casually, leaning forward slightly. “Adjusting to the new role?”

Sunghoon blinked, clearly caught off guard by the small talk. “Oh, uh, yeah. It’s going… well.”

Heeseung raised an eyebrow. “Just well?”

Sunghoon forced a laugh. “I mean, it’s a big responsibility, but I’m handling it. Just a lot to take in, you know?”

Heeseung smirked. “You’re not intimidated, are you?”

Sunghoon’s eyes widened slightly. “What? No, of course not. I’m not intimidated.”

You’re absolutely intimidated, Heeseung thought, suppressing a smile. It was strange, but there was something amusing about how flustered Sunghoon got in his presence. Heeseung couldn’t help but push just a little more.

“Well, if you ever need anything, feel free to ask,” Heeseung said, leaning back in his chair again. “I don’t bite.”

Sunghoon chuckled nervously. “I’ll… keep that in mind.”

The meeting wrapped up shortly after, and Sunghoon gathered his things, preparing to leave. But just as he was about to step out, Heeseung called after him.

“By the way, Sunghoon.”

Sunghoon froze in the doorway, turning slowly. “Yes?”

Heeseung’s gaze was unreadable as he spoke. “If you remember something about us meeting before… let me know.”

Sunghoon felt his stomach drop. “O-Of course. But I’m pretty sure we haven’t.”

Heeseung nodded slowly, though there was a glint of amusement in his eyes. “Right. Have a good day.”

---

Sunghoon practically bolted out of the office, his heart pounding in his chest. He felt like he had just survived an interrogation. Does he know? Is he just messing with me?

Minji was waiting for him near the break room, raising an eyebrow when she saw his pale face. “What happened? Did he kill you with his eyes?”

“He knows,” Sunghoon blurted out, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’m sure of it. He’s just toying with me now.”

Minji rolled her eyes. “You’re being dramatic. If he really remembered, he would’ve said something by now.”

“No, you don’t understand,” Sunghoon insisted, pacing back and forth. “He asked me if we’ve met again. He’s suspicious.”

Minji shook her head with a sigh. “You’re just overthinking it. Relax, okay? He probably has more important things to worry about than some blind date mix-up.”

Sunghoon wasn’t convinced. Every interaction with Heeseung felt like walking on a tightrope, and it was only a matter of time before he lost his balance.

As he walked back to his desk, Sunghoon couldn’t shake the feeling that the worst was yet to come.