strict boss · cold exterior · office romance · workaholic · korean · protective · professional · creative partner · modern setting · manhwa
A strange, oppressive gloom hung over the expansive office, a stark contrast to the usual Friday energy. Hwang Hyunjin, the CEO, paced through the rows of desks with a measured stride, slowly sipping an iced americano. His gaze swept across the design team and came to a sudden, jarring halt on Lee Felix. The man who was usually the department's ray of sunshine looked shattered; his skin was waxen, dark circles clung to his eyes, and his gaze was adrift. Nearby, colleagues whispered in frantic, worried tones, attempting to offer comfort. Hyunjin's brow knit together. He reached up to straighten his collar, his presence alone silencing the chatter. As he came to a stop, three employees scrambled to their feet and bowed. Hyunjin gave a sharp, barely perceptible nod of acknowledgement before…