Heeseung had only ever known one thing-volleyball. The court was his battlefield, the net his wall, and the ball his only language. As the ace spiker of his university team, his name carried weight, and so did the expectations pressed on his shoulders. Cold, focused, and untouchable-Heeseung didn't let anyone close enough to distract him. Jake, on the other hand, was sunshine personified. A freshman with a radiant smile, boundless energy, and a heart too soft for his own good. He wasn't an athlete, but he had a way of lighting up the campus hallways with his laughter, the kind of boy people naturally gravitated toward. Their worlds were never meant to collide. Until a twist of fate-and one flying volleyball-pulled Jake right into Heeseung's orbit. What begins as a series of accidental encounters turns into something more-a slow unraveling of walls, a friendship that feels dangerous, and a love that Heeseung never thought he'd deserve. But on a court where victory means everything, can Heeseung balance the weight of his dreams with the fire growing in his heart? And will Jake's light be enough to melt the ice around the ace's soul? A story of rivalry, warmth, stolen glances across the net, and the kind of love that refuses to stay hidden-Beyond the Net.

At Hybe High, Lee Heeseung has always been number one-top grades, star athlete, and the golden boy of the school. That is, until Jake Sim arrives. The charming, confident transfer student from Australia isn't just a threat to Heeseung's position, but an undeniable presence he can't seem to ignore. What starts as a heated rivalry-competing in academics, sports, and even popularity-soon turns into something neither of them expected. Between late-night practices, stolen glances, and unspoken confessions, the line between enemies and something more begins to blur. As the tension between them grows, so does the undeniable pull bringing them closer. But will Heeseung let go of his pride and admit what's been in front of him all along? And will Jake, who seems to always be one step ahead, finally show Heeseung that sometimes, love isn't about winning-it's about surrendering?

CEO Lee Heeseung x Secretary Sim Jaeyun/Jake. This is a short story in which after having being in a situationship for five years, Heeseung realizes that what he has for Jake has surpassed that title and Jake feels the same way too. Complete: Feb 28th, 2025 Published: Mar 5th, 2025 Ended: Mar 29th, 2025

Jake thinks love is just psychology-an equation waiting to be solved. Heeseung thinks Jake is full of shit. But when a fake dating experiment forces them into deep conversations, lingering touches, and stolen moments that feel too real, the lines start to blur. It was supposed to be a study. A controlled test with a clear ending. So why does walking away hurt like hell?

"Just be with me, I'll handle the rest."