Storm = office

The next morning, Mina woke up before her alarm. Not because she was excited—she refused to admit that—but because her mind was already racing with ideas for the new project she’d been assigned. She stretched, tied her hair into a messy bun, and headed to the kitchen.

Ren was already there.

He stood by the counter, sleeves rolled up, preparing coffee with the precision of a surgeon. Mina paused. She still wasn’t used to seeing him like this—domestic, quiet, almost gentle. But she didn’t let it show.

“Morning,” she said, grabbing a mug.

Ren glanced at her. “You’re up early.”

“I have work.”

“You had work yesterday too, and you came home late.”

“That’s how work works.”

He frowned slightly. “You don’t need to push yourself.”

Mina poured her coffee. “I’m not pushing myself. I’m doing my job.”

Ren’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t argue. He knew better than to try controlling her. Still, she could feel his eyes on her as she grabbed her bag and headed for the door.

“I’ll drive you,” he said.

“No need.”

“Mina—”

She cut him off with a raised hand. “I said no. I’m perfectly capable of getting to work on my own.”

Ren exhaled, defeated. “Fine. Be careful.”

She didn’t respond, but she didn’t need to. She appreciated the concern—she just didn’t want to depend on it.

---

Scene 2 — Trouble in the Design Department

When Mina arrived at the office, she immediately sensed tension. The design team was gathered around a table, whispering urgently. She approached, curious.

“What’s going on?”

One of the senior designers, Ayaka, looked up nervously. “The client moved the deadline. They want the full proposal by tomorrow morning.”

Mina blinked. “Tomorrow? That’s impossible.”

Ayaka nodded miserably. “We told them that, but they insisted. And since you’re new, they want you to handle the main layout.”

Ah. So that’s how it was.

A test.

Or sabotage.

Either way, Mina wasn’t backing down.

“Fine,” she said. “Send me the files. I’ll handle it.”

Ayaka looked relieved but also guilty. “Are you sure? It’s a lot.”

“I’m not made of glass,” Mina replied. “I can handle pressure.”

She sat down, rolled up her sleeves, and dove into the work. Hours passed. She barely moved. She barely blinked. She was in her element—focused, determined, unstoppable.

But the rest of the team kept glancing at her, whispering. Mina ignored them.

Until she heard one whisper too loudly.

“She’s only confident because she’s married to the CEO.”

Mina froze.

Slowly, she stood up and walked over to the group. The room went silent.

“Let me make something clear,” she said, voice calm but sharp. “I’m here because of my skills. Not because of my husband. If anyone doubts that, feel free to challenge me. I don’t mind proving myself.”

The designers stared at her, stunned.

Mina returned to her desk, heart steady. She wasn’t afraid of confrontation. She wasn’t afraid of being disliked. She was afraid of being underestimated—and she refused to let that happen.

---

Scene 3 — Ren Interferes

By late afternoon, Mina was still working when the door opened.

Ren walked in.

The entire department stiffened like soldiers at attention.

Mina didn’t look up. “You’re in the wrong department, Ren.”

He ignored the comment. “I heard about the deadline change.”

Of course he did. He had eyes everywhere.

“It’s fine,” Mina said. “I’m handling it.”

“You shouldn’t have to handle it alone.”

“I’m not alone. I have a team.”

Ren glanced at the team. They immediately pretended to be busy.

“Mina,” he said quietly, “they’re overworking you because you’re new.”

“Then I’ll show them I can handle it.”

Ren’s eyes softened—just a fraction. “You don’t always have to fight.”

“Yes,” she said, meeting his gaze, “I do. Because if I don’t, people will assume I’m only here because of you.”

Ren didn’t argue. He simply stepped closer and lowered his voice.

“Just… don’t break yourself to prove a point.”

Mina smirked. “I don’t break.”

---

Scene 4 — Late Night Resolve

Everyone else eventually went home. Mina stayed.

She worked until her eyes burned, until her fingers cramped, until the proposal was perfect. When she finally finished, she leaned back and stretched.

She was exhausted.

But she was proud.

She packed her things and headed for the elevator—only to find Ren waiting in the lobby, coat in hand.

“You stayed,” she said.

“You didn’t answer your phone.”

“I was working.”

“I know.” He held out the coat. “Let’s go home.”

Mina hesitated.

Then she took the coat—not because she needed it, but because she wanted to.

Maybe she didn’t have to fight alone all the time.

But she would always stand on her own two feet.

And Ren… would have to learn how to stand beside her.