Lia: she grabbed her arm and said pleadingly “Jisoo! I need your help, please! You have to present the meeting!”
Jisoo: “Lia? What’s going on? You’re the team lead. Why are you backing out?”
Lia: “I’m… I’m not feeling well. I need to go to the restroom. Just… please, I can’t do this!” she said desperately.
Jisoo narrows her eyes, clearly trying to read the situation, but the urgency in Lia’s voice pushes her to act.
Jisoo: “Lia, wait—”
But Lia is already running toward the restroom, her mind racing as she tries to calm herself. She glances back, hoping Jisoo will understand the gravity of the situation and take over.
Lia: “I’ll explain later! Just present the meeting, okay?” and with that she rushes away.
Once inside the restroom, she leans against the cool wall, trying to catch her breath and collect her thoughts. The last thing she wants is to run into Jungkook again—especially here, in such a professional environment.
Time passes slowly as she stands there, anxiety clawing at her. She can hear muffled voices from the meeting room, and she glances at her watch, calculating how much time she can afford to hide.
Lia: “Get it together, Lia. You’re a professional. You can handle this.”
But with every tick of the clock, her fear deepens. The image of Jungkook’s piercing glare flashes in her mind, and she finds herself frozen, unable to move.
Finally, she hears the sound of applause from the meeting room, signaling that the presentation is over. As relief washes over her, she still feels the heaviness in her chest, knowing she has to confront the reality of the situation sooner or later.
Inside the meeting room, Jisoo stands up, a mix of confusion and determination on her face as she prepares to present. The CEO, Jungkook, walks in, exuding confidence and authority.
Jisoo: [Nervously but determined] “Uh, yes. Good afternoon, Mr. Jeon. Lia was supposed to lead this presentation, but she… isn’t feeling well at the moment.”
Jungkook raises an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in his expression as he scans the room.
Jungkook: “I hope she’s alright. I was looking forward to hearing her insights.”
Jisoo nods, trying to keep her composure despite the tension building. She clears her throat and begins her presentation, glancing back at the door, hoping Lia will reappear.
As Jisoo presents, Jungkook listens intently, but his mind drifts back to the encounter he had with Lia at the hotel. He can’t shake off the memory of her defiance and how she had managed to escape him. There’s a spark of intrigue in his eyes, one that he can't quite ignore.
Back in the restroom, Lia splashes cold water on her face, trying to calm her racing heart. She takes a moment to collect herself, knowing she can’t hide forever. As she looks in the mirror, she steels her resolve.
Lia: Muttering to herself “Just wait for it to be over. You can do this.”
After a few minutes, she gathers her courage, takes a deep breath, and steps out of the restroom. She walks cautiously back toward the meeting room, her heart racing with each step.
As she reaches the door, she hears Jisoo’s voice echoing inside, wrapping up the presentation. Lia hesitates, then slowly pushes the door open, stepping inside the room just as the meeting concludes.
Jisoo: Spotting Lia, relief flooding her face “There you are! I was starting to worry!”
Lia: [Forcing a smile] “Sorry, I just… needed a moment.”
.
