Now that Hana knew about Chanyeol's potential feelings for her, her mind was consumed with questions and disbelief. How could it be possible that Chanyeol, the once-hateful and arrogant boss, actually liked her? The memory of his past animosity towards her lingered, making the idea seem even more surreal. Hana felt the urgent need to seek Giselle's guidance, as she had been aware of this situation for some time. Determined to find answers, Hana took a break from her work and immediately called Giselle, grateful that her friend also had a moment to spare.

"Hi, Giselle. I need your help urgently!" Hana exclaimed, her voice filled with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Giselle responded, "What is it? What's going on?" Sensing the importance of the matter, Hana bit her lip and slowly retreated to a quiet corner where she could share her secret without being overheard.

Finally, she spoke, her words stumbling out, "Giselle, actually... You were right, I think. I don't know for sure, but..."

Giselle's confusion was evident as she interrupted, frustrated with Hana's hesitation, "What are you saying? Can you please be clear and straightforward?" Giselle's tone hinted at her own mounting workload.

Hana sighed and proceeded to explain what Seojun had disclosed to her. She poured out the details, recounting the conversation about Chanyeol's actions and behaviour. Giselle listened attentively, her silence speaking volumes.

After a moment of absorbing the information, Giselle finally spoke, her voice filled with conviction, "See? I told you. I knew there was something between you two."

Hana nibbled on her lower lip, seeking guidance. "So, what should I do now?" she asked, her voice laced with uncertainty.

Giselle remained silent for a few seconds, allowing the weight of the question to settle. Then, she responded, "I think you should observe how Chanyeol behaves around you. If he truly likes you, that's great because he treats you well. But if he doesn't, that's also a positive outcome because he has changed his behaviour towards you. So, either way, it's a win for you. However, if you find yourself developing feelings for him, then it might be worth addressing this situation."

Giselle's words resonated with Hana, as they presented a perspective where she couldn't lose. But the question remained—did she actually like Chanyeol? Why would she like him? Hana found herself lost in contemplation, her eyes absentmindedly scanning her surroundings.

It was then that she caught sight of Chanyeol in the distance, striding with an air of urgency. Hana's heart skipped a beat, hoping for a chance to greet him. However, it seemed as though he purposefully ignored her presence and left before she could say a word. Hana was left standing in silence, unable to respond to Giselle's ongoing chatter about love and Chanyeol.

Suddenly, Hana's awareness snapped back, and she realised she needed some space to process her thoughts. "Giselle, I'll call you back later, okay? Thanks for your help," Hana hurriedly uttered, ending the call.

With a sense of determination, Hana briskly walked towards Jennie, Chanyeol's secretary. Over time, Hana had grown close to Jennie due to her frequent work in Chanyeol's office. She figured Jennie might have some insight into Chanyeol's sudden departure. As she approached, she noticed Jennie engaged in conversation with Kai, their hands intertwined.

The couple shared a lighthearted moment that made Jennie blush, and Hana quickly averted her gaze, not wanting to intrude on their private conversation. She reminded herself of her purpose and gently interrupted, saying, "Hey, Jennie. Sorry to interrupt your romantic time, but I saw the boss leaving in a hurry. Is everything alright?"

Jennie chuckled lightly and replied, "It's a personal matter. He had to leave urgently for his family."

Hana nodded, grateful for the information, and continued, "So, should I sit in his office or can I stay at my desk?"

Jennie reassured her, saying, "You can sit wherever you'd like. The boss won't mind your decision."

Kai chimed in, smirking mischievously, "Yeah, the boss won't mind YOUR decision, Hana."

Hana felt a blush creep onto her cheeks, unsure if they were teasing her or not. She quickly excused herself, bidding the couple goodbye, and walked away, hoping to find a place where she could gather her thoughts in peace.

As Hana was lost in her thoughts, Baekhyun unexpectedly found her along his way. He had been searching for her, and now he had news to deliver. "Hey, Hana! Chanyeol asked me to let you know that he won't be able to have dinner with you and drop you off," Baekhyun informed her.

Hana bit her lip, feeling a pang of disappointment at the thought of missing out on Chanyeol's sweet gestures and occasional cockiness. Concern etched on her face, she asked Baekhyun, "What happened? Is everything alright?"

Baekhyun shook his head and reassured her, "It's not anything too serious. His mom is sick, and he needs to be with her." Hana's lips tightened with worry as she contemplated Chanyeol's situation and his mother's health.

Before she could express her concern, Baekhyun continued, trying to ease her worries, "But don't worry, Hana. I can drop you off, and we can have dinner together. Chanyeol can arrange for dinner to be sent from his staff. We can make do with that."

Hana shook her head, rejecting Baekhyun's offer. "No, Baekhyun, it's fine. I can go with Nayeon or someone else. You don't have to go out of your way for me. But please, do let me know how Chanyeol's mom is doing, okay?" Her concern for Chanyeol and his family was evident in her voice.

Baekhyun smiled warmly and ruffled her hair affectionately, "Of course, I'll keep you updated. But..." A sudden idea sparked in Baekhyun's mind, and he eagerly proposed, "Hey, Hana, why don't you come with me to Chanyeol's home? I'm going there for dinner, and you could join us."

Hana's eyes widened in surprise, and she immediately shook her head. "No, Baekhyun, I don't want to burden them. Really, it's not necessary."

However, Baekhyun seemed determined to convince her. He insisted, "Chanyeol and his mom wouldn't mind. Chanyeol would be glad if you joined us for dinner, and who knows, he might even miss you while he's having his meal. Besides, Chanyeol's mom herself expressed a desire to meet you."

Hana was taken aback and puzzled by Baekhyun's words. "Chanyeol's mom wants to meet me? How does she even know about me?" she questioned.

Baekhyun grinned mischievously, "That's something Chanyeol's mom can tell you herself. Okay?" He playfully ruffled her hair once again before walking away.

Hana attempted to voice her concerns, saying, "But..." Yet, Baekhyun had already moved on, engaging with someone else, and it seemed he didn't catch her words. Hana was left feeling both worried and conflicted.

Would it be alright for her to go to their home unannounced? Wouldn't it be burdensome to join them for dinner when Chanyeol's mother was sick? Why did Chanyeol's mom want to meet her? Could it be that she intended to offer Hana money to leave her son's life since Chanyeol liked her? Countless possibilities swirled in Hana's mind, frustrating her. She found herself fixated on the same thoughts, unable to escape their grasp. Wanting to convey her decision to Baekhyun, to decline the invitation to dinner and assure him that she would manage on her own, Hana let out a sigh and tried to refocus her attention on her work.

~

As Hana was leaving the office, she was relieved to come across Baekhyun once again. She intended to inform him about her decision and her plan to decline the dinner invitation, but Baekhyun seemed to have his own plan in motion. "Hey, Hana! I spoke to Chanyeol and his mom, and they're thrilled about you joining us for dinner. They've already started preparing a feast for you," Baekhyun revealed with excitement.

Hana's eyes widened in surprise. "What?" she exclaimed, trying to process the sudden turn of events. She hesitated and gestured towards her casual attire, saying, "But I'm dressed like this, and..."

Baekhyun swiftly interrupted her, dismissing her concerns. "What's the big deal? I'm dressed like this too, and they adore you regardless. Don't worry about it. Let's go, come on!" He eagerly opened the car door for Hana, urging her to join him.

Hana sat in the car silently, her mind filled with thoughts of Chanyeol. She remembered how he always went out of his way to make her feel special. A smile crept onto her face as she reminisced about him. Baekhyun noticed her smile and mirrored it, settling into the car beside her.

He some music and began singing along, his passion for music evident. Hana realised that Baekhyun had a deep love for music and a voice that could belong to a professional singer. However, amidst the melodies, her mind couldn't help but wander to the possibilities that awaited her at Chanyeol's home, despite Baekhyun's assurances. She was still apprehensive about how they would receive her.

Hana requested Baekhyun to make a brief stop so that she could buy some fruits or flowers as a gesture for Chanyeol's family, considering it was her first time visiting their home. However, Baekhyun responded with a perplexed expression, saying, "Who brings something to their own house?" His words triggered a cascade of thoughts in Hana's mind. Did he mean something more significant, like Hana becoming a part of Chanyeol's life to the point where his home would also be hers? Why was she even thinking like this? Hana quickly shook off the confusing thoughts, realising she may have been overanalyzing the situation.

The car continued its journey, and Hana focused on the passing scenery, trying to quiet her racing thoughts. The anticipation and uncertainty of the upcoming dinner at Chanyeol's home weighed heavily on her mind, but she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. The car ride was filled with Baekhyun's singing and the steady rhythm of the music, which provided a temporary distraction from Hana's swirling emotions.

Finally, the car pulled up outside Chanyeol's home, a beautifully designed mansion that exuded an air of elegance. Hana's heart skipped a beat as she stepped out of the car, taking in the grandeur of the surroundings. She followed Baekhyun towards the entrance, her palms slightly sweaty with anticipation. As they approached the front door, Hana took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for what awaited her inside.

Baekhyun, being familiar with Chanyeol's house, effortlessly opened the door using his fingerprint. He confidently stepped inside, but when he noticed Hana hesitating at the entrance, he immediately reached out and gently held her hand, encouraging her to join him. Hana felt a surge of gratitude for Baekhyun's support as