Chasing Perfection || Lee Know

Playing the Game

Hyejin's POV:

Hyejin tightened her grip on her coffee cup as she sat across from Hana in the office lounge. The warm smell of roasted beans and faint murmurs of coworkers filled the air, but her focus remained on the woman before her. Hana's perfectly manicured nails tapped lightly on the table, a soft rhythm that was clearly calculated. Everything about Hana seemed designed to exude control—from the sleekness of her low ponytail to the icy precision of her smile.

"So," Hana began, her voice pitched with just the right amount of concern to sound genuine. "I noticed you've been having... difficulties with Minho."

Hyejin tilted her head slightly, letting the silence stretch for a few seconds. She needed Hana to feel like she was drawing her out, not the other way around. Finally, she sighed, her shoulders slumping just enough to look like she was letting her guard down.

"It's been... challenging," she admitted softly, lowering her gaze to the swirl of foam in her coffee cup. The hesitation in her tone was deliberate, carefully measured.

Hana's lips curled into a sympathetic smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Oh, don't worry. I've dealt with him for years. Trust me, I know how to handle him."

And there it was. The bait.

Hyejin shifted slightly in her seat, feigning indecision. "Really? I could use some advice... if you don't mind." Her voice wavered, just enough to suggest vulnerability without overdoing it.

Hana's eyes sparkled with triumph, and she leaned closer, her perfume wafting across the table in an overly sweet wave. "Of course. You're smart, Hyejin. You just need to adjust your approach. Minho doesn't respond to directness. You have to be subtle, let him think he's in control."

Hyejin bit her lip, nodding slowly as if absorbing every word. Inside, she was screaming with satisfaction. This was exactly what she needed—to let Hana dig her own grave.

"He's predictable, really," Hana continued, her tone taking on a casual air. "He pretends to be all about control, but deep down, he's just like anyone else. A little mystery and detachment go a long way with him."

"Detachment?" Hyejin echoed, her brows knitting together as if she was struggling to grasp the concept.

Hana's smile widened, and her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "Ignore him. Not completely, of course, but just enough to make him wonder. Men like him hate being ignored. It drives them crazy."

Hyejin hesitated for a moment before nodding, her expression carefully composed. "I guess that makes sense. I just... I wouldn't want him to think I'm unprofessional."

"Don't worry," Hana said with a wave of her hand. "You're not doing anything unprofessional. You're just leveling the playing field."

Leveling the playing field. Hyejin fought to keep her expression neutral. If Hana had any idea how far off-base she was, she'd be mortified. But instead of reacting, Hyejin simply nodded again, letting her lips curve into a small, uncertain smile.

"Thank you," she said quietly. "I really appreciate this."

Hana reached across the table, patting her hand in what was likely meant to be a reassuring gesture. "Anytime, Hyejin. I've got your back."

Hyejin met her gaze and smiled, but inside, she was rolling her eyes so hard she was surprised they didn't pop out of her head.

Lee Know's POV:

From the floor-to-ceiling windows of his office, Lee Know watched as Hyejin walked out of the lounge, her steps measured, her posture stiff. Something about her seemed... off.

Hyejin was many things—sharp, quick-witted, and unapologetically confident. She didn't mince words, and she certainly didn't shy away from confrontation, especially with him. But now, her responses were clipped, her gaze avoiding his. She was even skipping the sarcastic remarks she usually couldn't resist throwing his way.

If he didn't know better, he'd think she was genuinely upset.

But he did know better.

When JaeYoung entered the room with a stack of files, Lee Know motioned toward the lounge. "What's been going on with Hana and Hyejin?"

JaeYoung raised an eyebrow, glancing toward the lounge. "Are you asking because you're curious or because you're jealous?"

Lee Know shot him a look. "Do I look jealous to you?"

"Not at all," JaeYoung said, his tone betraying the smirk tugging at his lips. "You look like someone who's plotting three different ways to mess with them, though."

Lee Know didn't bother denying it. "Hyejin's acting strange," he said instead, his voice calm but laced with curiosity. "Too strange. I want you to keep an eye on them. Discreetly."

"Got it," JaeYoung replied, but his grin widened. "Should I bring popcorn? Sounds like it's going to be a good show."

Lee Know finally looked up, his expression flat. "Popcorn? Really?"

"Hey, you're the one who turned the office into a drama set," JaeYoung quipped. "I'm just here for the entertainment."

Lee Know rolled his eyes but didn't argue. "Just do your job."

Hyejin's POV:

By the afternoon, Hyejin had perfected her role. She avoided Lee Know's office unless absolutely necessary, kept her responses professional and curt, and even skipped the usual sarcastic remarks she knew he secretly enjoyed.

In truth, every interaction with Hana felt like walking a tightrope. It wasn't enough to act indifferent; she had to convince Hana that she was genuinely trying to "play the game" while keeping her real intentions hidden.

By the end of the day, Hana had sent her two messages filled with "advice."

Hana: "Don't be too available. Ignore his messages sometimes—it'll make him want to chase you."
Hana: "If he gives you a task, act like you don't care. It drives him crazy when people don't react to his perfectionism."

Hyejin almost laughed out loud. Did Hana really think she was the mastermind of office dynamics?

She typed a short reply.

Hyejin: "Thanks, Hana. I'll try."

Lee Know's POV:

Later that evening, Lee Know walked through the quiet halls of the office, his thoughts swirling. He had spent the day observing Hyejin's behavior, and while she was good—very good—it was clear she was up to something.

Stopping by JaeYoung's desk, he asked, "What did you find out?"

JaeYoung handed him a small folder. "They've been talking regularly. Hana's giving Hyejin 'advice' on how to deal with you. But... I think Hyejin's playing along."

Lee Know flipped through the notes, his brow furrowing slightly as he read Hana's suggestions.

"She's feeding Hana what she wants to hear," JaeYoung continued. "And Hana's eating it up."

Lee Know let out a quiet chuckle. "Smart," he murmured. "Very smart."

"What are you going to do?" JaeYoung asked.

"Nothing," Lee Know replied, closing the folder with a snap. "Let her play her game. I want to see how far she'll take it."

JaeYoung leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "You're not even going to step in? This could backfire, you know."

"Why ruin the fun?" Lee Know said, his smirk returning.

"You're impossible," JaeYoung said with a dramatic sigh. "One day, this is going to blow up in your face, and I'm going to say, 'I told you so.'"

"Looking forward to it," Lee Know shot back, already heading to his office.

JaeYoung shook his head, muttering under his breath. "Popcorn it is."

Lee Know didn't turn around, but the faint sound of his laughter echoed down the hallway.