Who dares challenge me?

The morning after Mina’s exhausting all‑nighter, she arrived at the office with dark circles under her eyes—but her posture was straight, her steps steady. She wasn’t the type to show weakness, even when she felt it.

She handed the completed proposal to Ayaka, who stared at the polished designs with wide eyes.

“Mina… this is incredible. You did all this overnight?”

Mina shrugged. “Deadline was today. I delivered.”

Ayaka looked guilty again, but Mina didn’t dwell on it. She wasn’t here to make friends. She was here to work.

But as she walked toward her desk, she noticed someone unfamiliar standing near the department entrance. A tall man with messy dark hair, sharp eyes, and a relaxed posture that contrasted with the tension in the room.

He noticed her too.

“You must be Mina Aoyama,” he said with a grin. “I’ve heard about you.”

Mina raised an eyebrow. “And you are?”

“Daiki Sakamoto,” he said, offering a hand. “Lead designer. I was out yesterday meeting with clients.”

Ah. So this was the department’s star. The one everyone admired. The one whose approval mattered.

Mina shook his hand firmly. “Nice to meet you.”

Daiki’s grin widened. “You’re not what I expected.”

“Good,” she said. “I hate being predictable.”

He laughed, genuinely amused. “I can see why the CEO is so tense around you.”

Mina stiffened. “My marriage has nothing to do with my work.”

“Relax,” Daiki said, raising his hands. “I’m not judging. Actually, I respect it. Most people in your position would coast. You’re doing the opposite.”

Mina didn’t respond, but something in her chest loosened. It was rare to meet someone who saw her without assumptions.

---

Scene 2 — Ren’s Unexpected Visit

Later that afternoon, Mina was reviewing feedback when the department door opened again.

Ren stepped inside.

The room froze.

Mina sighed. “Ren, you can’t keep coming here. People are starting to think I need supervision.”

Ren ignored her and walked straight to her desk. “I came to check on the proposal.”

“It’s done,” she said. “Ayaka submitted it.”

Ren nodded, but his eyes lingered on her face. “You didn’t sleep.”

“I slept enough.”

“You look exhausted.”

“And you look controlling,” she shot back.

A few designers choked on their drinks.

Ren’s jaw tightened. “I’m not controlling. I’m concerned.”

“I don’t need concern. I need space.”

Daiki, who had been watching from across the room, stepped forward. “She did great work, Ichikawa-san. You should be proud.”

Ren turned slowly, eyes narrowing. “And you are?”

“Daiki Sakamoto,” he said casually. “Lead designer.”

Ren’s expression didn’t change, but the air shifted. Mina felt it immediately.

Possessiveness.

She hated it.

“Ren,” she said sharply, “I’m working. Go back to your office.”

Ren looked at her for a long moment, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. Then he nodded stiffly and left without another word.

The room exhaled.

Daiki whistled. “Wow. You weren’t kidding. He really is tense around you.”

Mina rubbed her temples. “He’s… complicated.”

“Or maybe he just doesn’t know how to handle someone who doesn’t bow to him.”

Mina didn’t answer, but Daiki wasn’t wrong.

---

Scene 3 — A New Challenge

Later that day, the department received an email from the client.

They loved the proposal.

They wanted Mina to lead the next phase.

Ayaka congratulated her. The team clapped. Even Daiki gave her a thumbs-up.

Mina felt a small spark of pride—but she kept her expression neutral.

She didn’t want praise. She wanted respect.

But as she packed her things to leave, Daiki approached her.

“Hey,” he said. “A few of us are grabbing dinner to celebrate. You should come.”

Mina hesitated. She wasn’t big on social gatherings. And she knew Ren wouldn’t like it—not that his opinion dictated her choices.

“I’ll think about it,” she said.

Daiki smiled. “No pressure. But it’d be nice to have someone around who isn’t afraid to speak their mind.”

---

Scene 4 — Ren’s Reaction

When Mina arrived home, Ren was waiting in the living room, tie loosened, expression unreadable.

“You left without telling me,” he said.

“I don’t need to report my movements,” she replied.

Ren stood. “Mina… did something happen today?”

She paused.

He wasn’t angry.

He was worried.

But she wasn’t ready to open that door.

“Work happened,” she said. “That’s all.”

Ren stepped closer. “If someone is giving you trouble—”

“No one is,” she said firmly. “I can handle myself.”

Ren looked at her, frustration and admiration tangled in his eyes.

“You always do,” he murmured.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Then Mina walked past him.

She wouldn’t bend.

Not even for him.

But for the first time… she wondered what would happen if she did.

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