His CEO

recollection

"Jihyo?"

A sudden lightning of anxiety hit me when I realized Jihyo wasn't beside me. But then I heard my phone buzz. I grabbed it from the nightstand and saw a message from Jihyo:

Jihyo: Hey. Dad called very early today, so I had to leave. I'll see you at the party tonight.

I sighed in relief, though disappointment lingered inside me. I thought I would be waking up next to her today, feeling her warmth beside me. I read the message again, wishing she was still here.

Throwing back the covers, I got out of bed and headed to the kitchen. I needed coffee. As I waited for it to brew, my thoughts drifted to the party tonight. It was my birthday celebration, but more importantly, it was supposed to be the formal announcement of my engagement with Minhee. But I had other plans.

I wanted to introduce Jihyo to my father as the woman I told them I was seeing. The thought of the confrontation that would likely ensue made me uneasy, but I was determined.

I sipped my coffee, trying to shake off the nerves. Tonight would be a challenge, but Jihyo was worth it. I've waited long enough to finally shoot my shot at her.

I remember the first time I saw her. It was also at a party by Yejin. She was sitting next to her, laughing at something Yejin said, her eyes sparkling with joy. I was instantly captivated. But my admiration was short-lived.

"She's already dating Kim Jongkook. I think it started with a blind date, then they instantly clicked." Kwangsoo informed me casually when I asked about her. "That's why I got a concert ticket to one of his concerts!" He added excitedly.

It felt like a punch to the gut. Kim Jongkook was a great guy, at least from how Kwangsoo described him, and I had no right to interfere. So, I kept my distance, watching from afar every time I saw her at one of either Kwangsoo or Yejin's gatherings.

I suddenly wondered what she was doing, so I sent her a quick text.

Insung: I'm looking forward to seeing you tonight.

Her reply came almost immediately. It was a photo of her pouting with a stylist behind her. Then, another message came.

Jihyo: See you 😘

I smiled at her response and also saved her picture since she actually looked cute in it.

By the time evening rolled around, I was dressed in my best suit and the venue was already bustling with guests when I arrived. The grand ballroom was elegantly decorated, a perfect blend of sophistication and opulence that my parents were known for.

I made my way through the crowd, greeting guests and shaking hands, all the while keeping an eye out for Jihyo, when I suddenly spotted Yejin.

"Where's Jihyo?"

"Oppa, how many times do I have to tell you that I'm not a lost and found?" Yejin rolled her eyes at me, then she handed me a small paper bag. "By the way, that would be my birthday gift for you. Happy birthday."

"What's this?"

"Just open it later."

"Why are you in a bad mood?" I just saw her roll her eyes again before I looked inside the paper bag. It's quite hard to guess. "Hyunbin will be here soon." I just said, hoping it would ease her temper.

"I don't care." She angrily replied and I suddenly felt scared for Hyunbin. But, whatever, it's their life anyway. "Oh, right. About Jihyo unnie—"

She suddenly stopped when I looked at her. "Why?"

"Wow, you suddenly became more attentive when I mentioned Jihyo unnie."

"How should I act then?"

"Do you like her, oppa?"