Summary
Highlights
Lee Hayoon observes Team Leader Kwon's professional demeanor at work, noting the stark contrast to their private intimacy. Kwon is harsh and critical of Hayoon's work, publicly scolding her for a competitor analysis. Despite the professional rigor, Kwon shows a brief moment of care by offering Hayoon food in the break room, a gesture Hayoon describes as a 'small carrot' after an 'ice-cold whip'.
Hayoon continues to struggle with her work under Kwon's strict guidance, receiving help from Kwon outside of office hours. The emotional toll of their secret relationship is evident, as Hayoon feels unable to breathe under the constant pressure of their dual identities. The next morning, Kwon is again critical of Hayoon's redone analysis, emphasizing the need to follow instructions precisely.
A flashback to one year prior shows the beginning of their relationship. Kwon protects Hayoon from an uncomfortable work situation, leading to a moment of shared vulnerability. Hayoon, feeling emboldened, confesses her feelings for Kwon and asks her out, which Kwon initially seems to dismiss. The next day, Kwon confronts Hayoon about her drunken confession, revealing it wasn't a drunken mistake and asking if the offer to date is still valid; Hayoon enthusiastically agrees.
In the present, Hayoon confronts Kwon about the inconsistency of their relationship – being affectionate at night but cold at work. Hayoon expresses her confusion about her role in Kwon's life, feeling like a subordinate rather than a girlfriend. Kwon explains her actions are to protect their relationship from office gossip, acknowledging her own struggles with the situation and apologizing for the pain she has caused.
While on a casual dinner date, Hayoon receives a message from Lee Juwon, who claims to have worked with Kwon at a previous company, ANC. Hayoon asks Kwon about Juwon, sensing a past connection. Kwon reacts with alarm, instructing Hayoon to block Juwon and promising an explanation later, intensifying Hayoon's anxiety about Kwon's secretive behavior.
Despite Kwon's warning, Hayoon meets with Juwon, who subtly manipulates Hayoon by revealing details about Kwon's past relationship with her. Juwon implies that Kwon is using Hayoon due to past trauma and offers Hayoon a lucrative job to obtain a sensitive proposal from Kwon. Juwon highlights Kwon's pattern of maintaining distance in professional settings as a defense mechanism, leaving Hayoon deeply unsettled.
Hayoon confronts Kwon, accusing her of treating her the same way she treated Juwon, hiding behind the excuse of 'protection.' Hayoon feels like a 'doll' to soothe Kwon's anxiety rather than a partner. Hayoon reveals she knows about a recording where Kwon dismissed her as 'just a subordinate,' leading to a heartbreaking realization about Kwon's true feelings for her.
Kwon meets with Juwon, who reminds her of their contentious past. A flashback shows Juwon taking credit for Kwon's work and downplaying Kwon's contributions, leading to their breakup. Juwon boasts about her current power and tries to win Kwon back, while also threatening to expose Kwon's past and hurt Hayoon. Juwon's actions inadvertently force Kwon to confront her fears and realize the true value of her relationship with Hayoon.
Kwon confirms Juwon's manipulative attempt to get the 'Project NOA' proposal from Hayoon. Kwon then takes definitive action against Juwon, leading to an article about Juwon's corporate espionage. Realizing the depth of her mistakes and the pain she's caused, Kwon submits her resignation, hoping to shed her 'Team Leader' title and be more honest with Hayoon, showing her that Hayoon is the one thing she cannot lose.
Kwon apologizes to Hayoon for everything, explaining her actions were a misguided attempt to protect her. Acknowledging her own weakness, Kwon shows Hayoon her resignation letter, emphasizing that shedding her professional identity is a step towards being truly honest and committed to Hayoon. Hayoon is touched by Kwon's desperate act, showcasing the emotional complexities of their relationship.