The scene shifted to Kang Min-ho's suite, where a heavy silence hung in the air before the conversation began.
Kang Ara, Min-ho, and Tae-jun sat opposite each other, the luxury of the room contrasting with the sharp, clinical atmosphere Tae-jun brought with him.
Tae-jun was the first to speak, his voice devoid of any warmth. "So, you are saying you want to take Eun-soo on a date to increase your familiarity with each other."
Min-ho nodded firmly, meeting the man's gaze. "Yes. I believe it will help us get to know each other better outside of these formal events."
Tae-jun listened, his expression as unreadable as a redacted file. He reached for the tea placed on the table, taking a slow, deliberate sip.
"I also think this is a good idea," Tae-jun said after setting the cup down. "This way, you can truly see if you are compatible as marriage partners."
Finishing his tea, Tae-jun stood up, smoothing the front of his perfectly tailored suit.
"Okay, I agree. I will tell Eun-soo to prepare for the date and meet you in the lobby at 12 PM sharp."
He paused at the door, casting a final, heavy look at Min-ho. "Do not miss this chance, Min-ho. I have high expectations from you."
Min-ho straightened his posture. "I will try my best."
With a curt nod, Tae-jun exited the room, heading toward the hallway without sparing a single glance at Ara.
Ara, who had watched the entire interaction from start to finish, felt a surge of genuine annoyance.
"Why is this guy so rude?" she asked, turning to her brother. "He acted like I wasn't even in the room."
Min-ho laughed softly, trying to ease her temper. "Maybe it is just his nature, Ara. Some people are just built for business, not small talk."
Ara nodded, though she wasn't convinced. She retreated to her own room, but she found she couldn't get Tae-jun out of her head.
Most men she encountered spent their entire time flattering her, stumbling over their words because of her celebrity status.
But Tae-jun treated her like a completely normal person or perhaps even less than that.
She thought back to the previous night. If any other man had been with her instead of someone like Tae-jun, they would have already tried to get close to her.
Tae-jun was different. He spoke to her normally—rudely, even—but she realized she didn't hate it.
It felt more authentic than the endless stream of "gentlemen" who behaved perfectly while hiding ulterior motives.
As she began to wander deeper into these thoughts, her eyes caught the clock on the wall.
"Oh no!" she gasped, snapping out of her reverie. "I have to pack my things, otherwise I will be late for my flight."
She moved with practiced efficiency, pulling her designer luggage from the closet and carefully folding her belongings.
After packing, she changed into a comfortable yet stylish travel outfit.
She chose a simple white t-shirt paired with dark, slim-fitting jeans and white sneakers—a "Vibrant" yet "Simple" look for the journey.
To finish the outfit, she put on a pair of large dark sunglasses and a white mask to hide her face from the paparazzi and fans who often swarmed the airport.
Luggage in hand, she stepped out into the hall where Min-ho was waiting to say his goodbyes.
"Take care, sis," Min-ho said, giving her a quick hug.
"You too. Remember what I said about the date," she reminded him before heading down to the waiting car.
While Ara was heading to the Jeju airport, another family was preparing for their own departure.
Jin-woo and his family came downstairs, their bags neatly packed as they waited for their Mercedes Sprinter to arrive.
The morning air was crisp, and the family stood near the entrance, chatting to pass the time.
Jin-ho looked at his son with pride. "Jin-woo, I know the popularity of your company, A2, is very high right now. You've proven your worth."
"You should work even harder now," Jin-ho advised. "Accept as many projects as possible to firmly establish yourself in the market."
Jin-woo nodded, his mind already calculating the next move for his business. "Yes, Dad. I will make sure to take full advantage of this opportunity."
Young-sook, ever the mother, reached out to adjust his collar. "Also, please take care of your health. Do not fall ill like you did this time. It worried us all."
Jin-woo gave her a reassuring smile. "I know, Mom. I'll take better care of myself."
Hajun, who was holding Jin-woo's hand, chimed in with a serious face. "Yes, Uncle! Take care of yourself, otherwise, who will take me to the children's park?"
Jin-woo laughed, leaning down to pinch Hajun's cheek. "Of course, of course. The children's park is the most important appointment on my calendar."
The family shared a warm laugh just as the large black Sprinter pulled up to the curb.
The hotel staff quickly helped them load their luggage into the back, and the family climbed into the van, beginning their trek toward the airport.
On the other side, Tae-jun arrived at Eun-soo's suite.
He knocked firmly, and after a short wait, Eun-soo opened the door, looking disheveled and blinking back sleep.
"What is it, Brother?" she asked, her voice raspy. "Why are you disturbing me so early?"
Tae-jun stepped into the room, looking at his sister with a hint of confusion. "Usually, you do not sleep this late. Why are you still so sleepy?"
Eun-soo rubbed her eyes, her mind drifting back to the long night in the North Wing. "Mr. Jin-woo was ill. I was with him until the early morning."
Tae-jun listened, but his expression remained a "Stoic" mask. He didn't react with anger or surprise.
"Well, he is our guest, so it is only right to show hospitality," Tae-jun said flatly.
"But I came to remind you that Kang Min-ho wants to take you on a date. Please clear your schedule for him at 12 PM."
Eun-soo's heart sank. The thought of a formal date with anyone right now made her feel restless and trapped.
"Brother, I do not want to go," she said, her voice small.
She took a deep breath and decided to be honest. She told him about her growing feelings for Jin-woo how he was different from the men their family usually associated with.
Then, she dropped the most important detail. "And Hajun... he isn't Jin-woo's son. He is the son of Jin-woo's brother who passed away. Jin-woo took him in as his own."
For the first time, Tae-jun's "Expressionless" face showed a flicker of emotion. He was stunned.
He stayed silent for a moment, processing the Integrity it took for a young man to raise his brother's child as a single father.
"I did not know about this," Tae-jun admitted quietly. "Jin-woo is a better man than I thought."
He looked at his sister, his tone softening slightly. "But still, you should try to go out with Kang Min-ho. Treat it like meeting a friend. You do not have to be 'dating' exactly, but our families have expectations."
Eun-soo hesitated, her fingers twisting the fabric of her sleeve. "Okay... if you are saying I must go, I will go."
She looked up at him, her eyes searching for a guarantee. "But promise me, Brother. You will not force me into anything after this."
Tae-jun nodded solemnly. "I promise you. If you really do not like Kang Min-ho after today, you do not need to go again. I will not force you into a relationship you do not want."
Eun-soo sighed with immense relief, the weight on her chest finally lifting.
"Okay then," she said, finally managing a small smile. "Let me get ready, and I will go."
Tae-jun nodded and headed back toward the hotel office. He had already been away from his work for quite some time.
As the door closed, Eun-soo began to prepare, her mind split between the date she was about to go on and the man who was currently heading toward the airport.