lloveboo

[lloveboo]

A LIFE UNLIVED - a Rafe Cameron fanfic

summary: Trapped in a marriage to Topper Thornton, one that she never chose, Piper’s life is turned upside down when she’s diagnosed with a terminal illness and given only three months to live. Desperate to feel alive, she runs to the Cut, where she crosses paths with Rafe Cameron, a man from her past who refuses to let her spiral.

As time runs out, they discover a love that could change everything—but is it enough to make up for all the years she never truly lived?

coming soon…

[lloveboo]

ALL THE WAYS WE BURN - a Kim Mingyu fanfic

pairing: kim mingyu x f!reader, ceo!mingyu x employee!reader

genre: office romance, sexual tension, yearning, heavy angst, slow burn

previous chapter: A Step Closer

Chapter Four - Unspoken Tensions

Mingyu

The soft hum of the alarm clock pulled me from the edges of sleep, though it took a moment before I opened my eyes. I stared at the ceiling, blinking against the pale morning light filtering through the windows of my bedroom.

My mornings usually began with a sense of order. Precise, predictable, and efficient—just like everything else in my life. But today, there was a strange heaviness in my chest, a restlessness that made me linger in bed longer than usual.

Nova.

She was the first thought in my mind, as it had been for weeks now. It frustrated me, this inability to control where my thoughts wandered when it came to her. I couldn’t understand it—this pull, this magnetic force that had me constantly looking for her in every room, every hallway. She wasn’t the first employee to impress me, yet she was the first to leave me feeling like this.

Shaking my head, I forced myself out of bed.

The bathroom was flooded with steam as I stepped under the shower. The hot water cascaded over my shoulders, easing the tension in my muscles, though it did little to quiet my mind.

She’s just another employee, I told myself, running a hand through my wet hair. A bright one, yes, but still one of many.

So why did the mere thought of seeing her make my pulse quicken?

I couldn’t deny the truth anymore—not to myself, at least. I wanted her. Not just in a fleeting, surface-level way but in a way that consumed me entirely. And that terrified me.

I turned off the shower and grabbed a towel, drying myself off with practiced efficiency. By the time I was standing in front of my walk-in closet, my hands lingered over the rows of meticulously organised suits.

The navy-blue one caught my eye—sharp, tailored, and paired with a crisp white shirt. I usually didn’t think twice about what I wore, every suit in my closet was chosen with care. But today, I found myself reaching for the burgundy tie instead of the standard black or gray.

I wanted to look good for her. She probably wouldn’t even notice.

Still, I couldn’t stop myself.

Once dressed, I stepped back to examine my reflection. The suit fit perfectly, as always, but it was me, the one wearing it, that felt…off. I wasn’t supposed to be like this—uncertain, distracted, confused. Yet here I was, unable to stop thinking about the way Nova’s eyes sparkled when she talked about her ideas, the soft curve of her smile, or the mole on her collarbone that had been seared into my memory.

That mole.

I’d caught myself staring at it more than once, wondering what it would feel like to touch, to press my lips against. The thought alone made my throat tighten.

This is insane, I told myself, grabbing my watch from the dresser. She’s your employee.

And yet, the lines I’d drawn in my mind blurred more and more with every passing day.

By the time I made it downstairs, the house was already buzzing with quiet efficiency. My housekeepers moved about silently, setting out breakfast on the long dining table. Plates of fresh croissants, scrambled eggs, fruit, and smoked salmon were arranged perfectly, the smell of freshly brewed coffee filling the air.

I sank into the chair at the head of the table, my coffee already poured and waiting for me. I took a sip, savouring the rich bitterness, but even that couldn’t distract me from the ache in my chest.

I imagined her walking into my office later today, her soft voice filling the space, her eyes lighting up when she spoke about the project. Would she notice the way I’d dressed up today? Would she even care?

I set the coffee cup down with a sigh, my appetite nonexistent despite the feast in front of me. The truth was, no matter how much I tried to rationalise my feelings, I couldn’t shake the way she made me feel. The butterflies. The anticipation.

It wasn’t just about desire anymore. It was something deeper, something I didn’t want to name yet.

Pushing back from the table, I grabbed my briefcase and headed for the door. The sleek black Mercedes waited in the driveway, my driver standing ready to open the door for me.

“Good morning, Mr. Kim,” he said with a polite nod as I slid into the back seat.

“Morning,” I replied, though my mind was already elsewhere.

The engine started, and as the car rolled out of the driveway, I leaned back against the leather seat.

Today, I’d see her again. I told myself to act composed, professional, indifferent even. But deep down, I knew I was already unraveling.

Nova

The soft hum of the office filled the air as I typed away at my desk, the glow of my computer screen reflecting off the sleek surface. It was just another morning, but without Lila’s bubbly presence, the space felt quieter and almost too quiet.

I missed her energy. Even though her absence meant I had more responsibility on the project, I couldn’t help but feel a little lost without her steady guidance. My fingers paused over the keyboard as I glanced at the notes in front of me.

Focus, Nova. You can do this.

I tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear and pushed forward, reviewing the updates on the project. The work wasn’t the problem—it was the thought of him.

Mingyu.

I hadn’t seen him yet today, but I knew it was only a matter of time. That thought alone had me feeling restless, my heart picking up speed even when I told myself to stay calm.

As if on cue, the faint sound of footsteps reached my ears, and I instinctively looked up. My eyes found him immediately.

He walked through the office with that same effortless confidence, his suit perfectly tailored to his tall frame. His hair was neatly styled, and for a moment, I wondered if it was softer than it looked.

And then his eyes caught mine.

It was just a fleeting glance—a brief lock of gazes that lasted no more than a second. But it was enough to send a ripple of butterflies through my stomach.

I swallowed hard, quickly looking back at my screen, though my fingers hovered uselessly over the keyboard.

Mingyu disappeared into his office, and I let out a breath I hadn’t realised I was holding. The faint scent of his cologne lingered in the air, warm and woodsy, and I shook my head to clear the haze.

The morning dragged on, blending into a blur of work and half-hearted conversations with coworkers. I joined a few of them in the break room for coffee, nodding and smiling at their jokes, but my mind was elsewhere.

I couldn’t stop thinking about the email I knew was coming.

It always came—usually after lunch—summoning me to his office for project updates. I tried to convince myself it was just work, that I was overthinking everything. But the way he looked at me sometimes…it felt like there was more.

I shoved the thought aside as I returned to my desk, sipping the lukewarm coffee in my hand. The hours ticked by, and I did my best to focus on the work in front of me.

By lunchtime, I had convinced myself that I was overthinking everything. Mingyu Kim was just my boss. A CEO who likely didn’t give me a second thought outside of work.

Then, just after one, my inbox pinged.

I stared at the screen, my heart thudding as I opened the email.

Subject: Project Update

From: Mingyu Kim

Message: Nova, please come to my office at 2:30 to discuss the latest updates on the project.

I stared at his name for a moment, my chest tightening, my pulse quickening. It was a routine request. Strictly professional.

But the nervous energy bubbling inside me said otherwise.

I spent the next hour mentally preparing myself, double-checking my notes and rehearsing what I’d say. By the time 2:30 rolled around, my palms were slightly clammy as I smoothed them down the front of my blouse.

Standing outside his office door, I took a deep breath and knocked.

“Come in.”

His deep voice sent a shiver through me, and I pushed the door open, stepping inside.

He looked up from his desk as I entered, his gaze sharp yet unreadable. The air felt heavier in here, charged with something I couldn’t quite name.

“Nova,” he said, his tone polite but warm.

“Mr. Kim,” I replied, forcing myself to meet his eyes.

He gestured toward the chair in front of his desk, and I sat down, my heart racing as I opened my notes.

It was then I noticed the tie he was wearing—burgundy, bold, and different from the simple black ones he usually wore.

It suited him, drawing attention to the strong lines of his jaw and the slight tan of his skin. I wondered why he’d chosen it today, but I quickly brushed the thought aside.

Focus.

“I reviewed the updates you sent yesterday,” he began, leaning back slightly in his chair. His voice was smooth, steady, and it only added to the tension thrumming in the room.

I nodded, clearing my throat. “Yes, I wanted to refine the timeline for the next phase, especially with Lila on leave. I’ve adjusted the deadlines accordingly.”

As I launched into the details, I tried to ignore the way his gaze stayed on me, unwavering and intense. It wasn’t the first time I’d felt it, but it never failed to make my pulse race.

He nodded occasionally, asking thoughtful questions and offering feedback, but I couldn’t help noticing the small shifts in his expression. The slight quirk of his lips when I said something particularly insightful. The way his fingers tapped lightly against the desk as he listened.

I tried to focus on my words, but I couldn’t help noticing the way his eyes drifted—just for a split second—to my collarbone.

It wasn’t the first time.

And by the time the meeting ended, I felt like I was walking a tightrope. Every interaction between us felt charged, as if we were both acutely aware of an invisible line neither of us dared to cross.

As I stood to leave, his voice stopped me.

“Nova.”

I turned, my breath catching as he leaned forward slightly, his eyes locking onto mine.

“Good work,” he said softly.

It was just two words, but the way he said them made my chest tighten.

“Thank you,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

And then I left, my heart pounding as I walked back to my desk, already counting down the minutes until I’d see him again. 

The tube rattled softly as I leaned my head against the window, watching the city blur by. I tried to focus on anything but Mingyu. The project, the emails I still had to reply to, even the book I’d been meaning to read for weeks. But no matter how hard I tried, my mind kept circling back to him—his tie, his sharp suit, the way his voice dipped low when he spoke to me in his office.

It wasn’t fair. He shouldn’t have this effect on me.

The train slowed, and I got off at my stop, heading toward the apartment I shared with Charlotte. By the time I reached the door, I’d shaken off most of the thoughts of Mingyu, focusing instead on the comfort of being home.

“Char, I’m home!” I called out, slipping off my shoes and tossing my bag onto the small table near the door.

“In my room!” her cheerful voice rang back.

I wandered into her room to see her sprawled across her bed, phone in hand, her dimples deepening as she laughed at something on her screen.

“Good day?” I asked, leaning against the doorway.

“Yeah, it was alright,” she said with a shrug. “Oh, by the way, we’re going on a school trip next week. The teacher passed out permission slips today.”

“Where to?”

“Some history museum and a nature reserve. I think it’s supposed to be ‘educational.’” She said the word with air quotes, rolling her eyes.

“Sounds fun. Make sure you give me the form so I can sign it.”

She grinned. “Already left it on the fridge.”

“Of course you did.”

We headed to the kitchen together, pulling ingredients out of the fridge to start dinner. It was a simple meal—stir-fried vegetables and rice—but cooking together had always been our thing. Charlotte chopped vegetables while I handled the stovetop, and we chatted about her classes, her friends, and the latest drama at school.

By the time we sat down to eat, the apartment was filled with the comforting smell of food, and the earlier tension from the day had faded into the background.

“Thanks for cooking with me,” I said as we finished.

“Thanks for not making it all weird and healthy,” she teased, smirking.

I laughed.

After dinner, Charlotte retreated to her room, and I cleaned up before heading to the bathroom to freshen up. I stood under the warm water of the shower for a while, letting it wash away the day, but my thoughts drifted again—to him.

Later, as I lay in bed scrolling through Instagram, the impulse hit me. Without fully thinking it through, I typed “Kim Mingyu” into the search bar.

His account popped up instantly. The profile picture was vague—just the company logo—but the account was verified. I tapped on it.

It was simple. Most of the pictures were of objects like sleek watches, cars, a skyline at sunset, a glass of whiskey. It was so… him.

But then I saw it. The only picture with his face.

It was him and Seungcheol standing side by side, smiling. Mingyu looked softer, more relaxed. His smile was wide and genuine, and it caught me off guard. I’d never seen him smile like that before. The way his eyes crinkled at the corners and his faint dimples deepened.

I lingered on the photo, staring at the way Seungcheol had an arm slung around Mingyu’s shoulders. There was something so warm about it, so human.

I closed the app and set my phone aside, the image of his smile still burned into my mind.

And tomorrow, I’d see him again. 

Mingyu

The weight clanked as I racked the barbell, sweat dripping down my temple. My chest rose and fell heavily, but no matter how many reps I pushed through, it didn’t drown out the thoughts of her. 

I grabbed my towel, wiping my face, but my mind stayed fixed on her—the way she spoke today, clear and confident, her voice unwavering as she updated me on the project. She was sharp, meticulous even, but it wasn’t just that.

It was the way her eyes lit up when she spoke about her ideas, the subtle tilt of her head as she answered my questions with ease. And then there was the way she looked—polished, effortlessly stunning, the curve of her lips distracting me more than I cared to admit.

I sighed, moving to the pull-up bar. Why couldn’t I stop thinking about her?

I gripped the bar tightly and pulled myself up, muscles straining. I was used to control—over myself, over situations, over my emotions. But with her, it was different. She wasn’t just another employee. I’d tried to convince myself of that at first, but I couldn’t ignore the way she stirred something in me, something I couldn’t place.

Was it the mole on her collarbone? God, that damn mole. 

…that damned mole.

Every time my eyes drifted there, I had to force myself to look away, pretending I was still in control. But the truth was, I wasn’t. Not when it came to Nova.

I dropped down from the bar and grabbed a bottle of water and took a long drink, trying to steady the rhythm of my pulse. The gym was usually my sanctuary, the one place where my mind could go quiet. But tonight, even as I pushed my body to its limits, she lingered.

The mole. Her voice. The way she looked at me—both cautious and bold, like she wasn’t sure if she should step closer or run the other way. God, it drove me crazy.

It wasn’t just physical. That’s what scared me the most. I’d been attracted to women before, sure, but this… this was something else. It wasn’t just about wanting her, it was about wanting to understand her, to unravel all the layers she kept hidden behind that polished exterior.

I dropped onto the bench and leaned forward, my elbows resting on my knees as I stared at the floor. My heart still racing, but it wasn’t from the workout.

The tie today—what had that even been about? I’d told myself it was a meaningless choice, but deep down, I’d known exactly what I was doing. I’d wanted her to notice. And when she did—when her eyes flicked to my chest for just a second too long—I felt like I’d won some silent battle.

What the hell is wrong with me?

She was my employee. This—whatever it was—couldn’t happen. I’d worked too hard to build my career, my reputation. Getting involved with someone like her could destroy everything I’d built.

But the thought of staying away felt unbearable.

I stood abruptly, tossing the towel into the laundry bin before grabbing my jacket from the bench. I needed air, space, anything to clear my head.

The drive home was silent, the city lights blurring past as I gripped the wheel tighter than necessary. By the time I pulled into the garage, the restless energy in my chest had only grown.

I stepped inside, the quiet of the house pressing in on me. Everything was in its place—perfectly arranged furniture, spotless surfaces, an air of pristine control. It used to feel comforting. Now, it felt suffocating.

Kicking off my shoes, I made my way to the kitchen and poured myself a glass of whiskey. The amber liquid burned as it slid down my throat, but even that couldn’t dull the ache.

The way her lips curved just slightly when she thought no one was looking. The way her hand grazed her collarbone when she was nervous.

I set the glass down with a thud, rubbing a hand over my face.

You’re losing it, Mingyu. Get a grip.

But no matter how much I tried to convince myself, I knew the truth. I was already too far gone.

And tomorrow, I’d see her again.

Taglist: @syluslittlecrows

[lloveboo]

ALL THE WAYS WE BURN - a Kim Mingyu fanfic

pairing: kim mingyu x f!reader, ceo!mingyu x employee!reader

genre: office romance, sexual tension, yearning, heavy angst, slow burn

previous chapter: Under His Gaze

next chapter: Unspoken Tensions

Chapter Three – A Step Closer

Nova

The conference room was filled with the low hum of conversation as the project team gathered, flipping through their notes and preparing for the next phase of the project. I adjusted in my seat, next to Lila who was scrolling through her tablet with furrowed brows.

A team member took the lead standing at the front of the room and clicking through slides as he outlined the upcoming steps. My focus wavered between the presentation and the quiet shifts in Lila’s demeanour beside me. I didn’t think much of it at first.

But then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw her press a hand against her lower stomach her fingers were gripping the fabric of her shirt just for a moment before she let go. Her brows pinched ever so slightly with a flicker of discomfort across her face before she masked it completely.

I leaned in slightly towards her, keeping my voice low. “You okay?”

Lila barely glanced at me, offering a small and tight smile. “Yeah, just a little off today.”

I studied her for a moment. She was a hard worker, dedicated, sharp, and efficient but something about the way she dismissed it didn’t sit right with me.

I let it go. If she wanted to talk about it, she would.

The presentation continued and by the time it ended Lila was back to her usual self, making sharp remarks about the next steps and assigning tasks with precision. If she really wasn’t feeling well, she was good at hiding it.

As we gathered our things, my eyes caught movement outside the glass walls of the conference room.

Mingyu.

He was walking past with effortless confidence, the sleeves of his designer shirt rolled up slightly. His hands were tucked casually into the pockets of his suit pants and his dark eyes flickered towards the room as he passed.

Towards me.

Our gazes met for just a second, one heartbeat, then another.

Then he was gone.

I swallowed, pressing my lips together as I grabbed my notes. I need to get it together.

Later in the day, we were in the office canteen for lunch and I noticed Lila’s odd behaviour again.

We sat together with a few other coworkers, discussing work and our plans for the weekend, but Lila wasn’t eating much. She picked at her food absentmindedly, barely contributing to the conversation.

“You sure you’re okay?” I asked again.

She blinked, like she hadn’t realised she had zoned out. Then she smiled, reassuring. “Yeah, just not that hungry.”

I hesitated, but eventually nodded. It wasn’t my place to push but something still felt off.

And then I felt it.

A presence.

My skin prickled before I even turned my head, and when I did.

It was him.

He was at a nearby table, seated with Vice CEO Seungcheol and a few other high-rank executives. He wasn’t looking at me at least not obviously, but I caught the way his posture shifted ever so slightly when I turned toward him.

I shouldn’t have stared.

But I did.

And when he finally glanced my way even for the briefest second, my breath caught.

He looked away first, continuing his conversation as if nothing had happened.

As if my heart wasn’t racing like I’d just run a marathon.

That night, after I got home, my phone buzzed with a message from Lila.

Lila: Hey, I haven't been feeling well so I won’t be able to come in tomorrow. Can you cover my presentation?

I sat up in bed, reading the message twice.

The presentation.

The one in front of Mingyu, Vice CEO Seungcheol, and other high-ranking executives. It was the presentation that Lila and me worked on, the one that she was supposed to present as the team leader.

My heart thumped harder in my chest but instead of panic, something else settled inside me. It was determination.

I took a deep breath and texted back.

Me: I got it. I hope you get some rest.

Tomorrow, I’m going to have to prove myself again.

The soft chime of my alarm pulled me from my sleep before the sun had even fully risen. I reached over silencing it with a groggy moan but I didn’t have the luxury of lying back down. Today was too important.

Swinging my legs over the edge of the bed I rubbed the sleep away from my eyes and forced myself up. The apartment was still quiet, Charlotte doesn’t need to wake up for school for another hour, which gave me enough time to make some final tweaks to the presentation.

I wrapped myself in a hoodie and made my way to the small desk in the corner of the living room, where my laptop sat.

I had gone over Lila’s notes last night, memorising key points and making sure I was fully prepared but there were still some details I wanted to refine. A stronger opening. A clearer explanation of one of our projections. And more precise visuals.

I lost track of time as I worked, immersed in detailing the slides until I felt satisfied.

A soft creak behind me made me turn. Charlotte stood in the hallway rubbing her eyes and her hair messy from rolling in her sleep.

“You’re up early,” she mumbled, voice thick with drowsiness.

I smiled, closing my laptop. “Big day at work.”

She yawned, stretching her arms. “You’re always working hard.”

“I don’t mind” I said, getting up and guiding her towards the kitchen.

We made breakfast together scrambled eggs, toast, and fresh fruit. It was our usual routine, a comforting normalcy before we both left for the day.

As we ate, Charlotte studied me. “You look nervous.”

I swallowed a bite of toast, raising an eyebrow. “Do I?”

She nodded. “Is it because of that CEO guy?”

I nearly choked. “What?”

“Mingyu,” she said casually, taking a sip of her juice. “You always talk about how intimidating he is.”

I cleared my throat, trying to keep my expression neutral. “I mean, he’s my boss. And he’s… definitely intimidating.”

And devastatingly handsome. And smart. And—

Charlotte smirked, clearly unconvinced. “Well, good luck.”

We finished breakfast and she headed her way to school and I headed to the office.

I arrived earlier than usual, stepping into the near-empty office. The hum of conversations and soft tapping of keyboards filled the air as a few early birds worked at their desks.

Taking a deep breath, I made my way to the conference room.

This was it.

I spread out my notes, pulled up the presentation on the large screen, and went over everything one last time. My hands were steady, but my heart was a different story, beating just a little too fast.

I can do this.

But the moment I thought about who would be sitting at the head of the table watching me with his dark eyes, my stomach flipped.

I clenched my fists shaking off the nerves. This wasn’t about him. It was about proving myself.

Slowly, the room began to fill. Executives, team members, and finally him.

Mingyu walked in with Seungcheol beside him, his presence commanding even in the casual way he adjusted the cuff of his suit.

His gaze flicked to me and just for a second it felt like everything else had faded.

But then he took his seat, expression unreadable, and the meeting officially began.

I exhaled and stepped forward.

The moment I started speaking, my nerves melted away.

I presented with confidence, explaining the project’s development, breaking down the projections, and answering questions with ease. This was what I was good at, analyzing, thinking ahead and proving that I deserved to be here.

I could feel eyes on me but one pair burned hotter than the rest.

He sat back in his chair, his sharp gaze unwavering, his fingers lightly tapping against the table as he listened. His expression was still unreadable but I could tell he was paying close attention.

When I finished explaining a key point about design efficiency I paused, scanning the room.

Then, a deep voice cut through the silence.

“How do you plan to handle the risk factor if unexpected costs arise?”

Mingyu.

I turned my head, meeting his gaze head-on. He was challenging me. Testing me.

And I wasn’t about to back down.

“By building contingency plans into the budget,” I answered smoothly. “We’ve allocated a percentage for unforeseen costs, ensuring flexibility without sacrificing quality. Additionally, we can adjust materials if necessary while maintaining the original vision.”

A beat of silence.

Then, Mingyu’s lips curled slightly. “Good.”

A rush of satisfaction bloomed in my chest, but it was quickly replaced by something else when I realized, he was still watching me.

The air between us thickened. His gaze didn’t waver, even as the discussion moved forward. It was like an invisible thread had formed between us, pulling us closer in a room full of people.

I forced myself to break eye contact, heart pounding.

Because I liked the way he looked at me.

Mingyu

Nova commanded the room effortlessly her voice was steady and her confidence unwavering. I leaned back in my chair, one elbow resting on the armrest as I watched her. She had everyone’s attention but I doubted anyone else was analysing her as intently as I was.

I knew she was sharp, I had seen a glimpse of it during our first meeting. But now, watching her handle herself under pressure, I felt something tighten in my chest.

She wasn’t just presenting; she was owning the space. Every word was intentional, every slide backed by solid reasoning.

I let my gaze wander, taking in the way her fingers barely trembled as she clicked through the slides, the soft glow of the projector casting shadows along the delicate curve of her jaw. And then there was her figure, the way she stood so gracefully that it made it impossible to look away.

I shifted in my seat, jaw clenching. This was business. Just business.

“That’s an ambitious approach,” I said, letting my voice cut through the air. She turned towards me brown eyes locking onto mine. “But have you considered the logistical limitations? Your plan assumes the project site will accommodate such changes without delay.”

Something flickered in her expression.

“Yes, Sir,” she replied without hesitation. “I anticipated that concern, which is why I included an alternative timeline with buffer periods for any structural adjustments. If you refer to slide fifteen—” she clicked the remote, shifting the slide “—you’ll see that we’ve already accounted for potential setbacks.”

I didn’t reply immediately. I just watched her. The way she held her ground with such confidence was an unshakable force.

Smart. Quick. She hadn’t just prepared, she had anticipated.

I tightened my grip on the arm rest.

“Not bad,” I said evenly, hiding my approval beneath a layer of professionalism.

She held my gaze for a fraction of a second longer before continuing. The presentation carried on, but I found myself only half-listening. My focus kept drifting to the way she moved, the way her fingers brushed over the table as she gestured, the way her perfume lingered in the air when she passed by me.

It was maddening.

The meeting finally wrapped up chairs scraping against the floor as everyone stood to leave. Nova was busy gathering her notes, her focus entirely on her papers.

“I need you to stay,” I said, my voice low but firm.

Her head snapped up.

The last few executives filed out leaving the room eerily quiet. Nova hesitated, her fingers tightening slightly around the files she was holding before she straightened her posture.

“Close the door,” I added.

She did.

I gestured to the seat adjacent from me. She lowered herself into it while looking at me.

I didn’t speak right away. I let the silence stretch, let the weight of my stare settle on her before I finally said, “Lila is taking maternity leave.”

Surprise flickered across her face. “Oh,” she murmured before quickly regaining her composure. “That makes sense. She mentioned not feeling well recently.”

I nodded. “She’s my most hardworking employee. But now, this project needs a new lead.”

Her breath hitched.

I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the table. “That’s going to be you.”

She blinked, lips parting slightly.

For the first time since I’d met her, she looked momentarily speechless. But then, she swallowed, straightened her shoulders, and said, “Thank you for the opportunity, Sir. I promise I won’t disappoint you.”

I studied her, noting the way her fingers curled slightly against the table, the way her breathing had subtly changed. “You’ll be working closely with me from now on,” I said, my voice dipping slightly lower. “I expect the same level of dedication that Lila provided, if not more.”

Her throat bobbed as she swallowed. “I understand.”

A moment passed.

The tension in the room thickened, stretching between us like an invisible thread had pulled too tight. My gaze flickered downward just for a second, taking in the slight press of her nails against the wood, the way her chest rose and fell just a little too quickly.

Too close. Too tempting.

I forced myself to lean back. “That’s all for now,” I said smoothly. “Be ready tomorrow morning. We have a lot to go over.”

Nova exhaled, standing up. “Yes, sir.”

She turned to leave but hesitated at the door.

Her grip on the handle tightened.

And then she left.

The second the door clicked shut behind her, I exhaled slowly and ran a hand down my face.

This was going to be a problem.

Taglist: @syluslittlecrows

[lloveboo]

Came across you mingyu fanfic and happened to LOVE IT !

Any update schedule please 🥹

I’ll be waiting !!

THANK YOU SO MUCHH!!🫶🏼 I don’t really have a schedule on when I’ll post new chapters right now so I’ll just post whenever I finish writing a chapter😭 😭Also chapter 3 is nearly done so I’ll probably post it tonight!!

[lloveboo]

ohhh my god!!! i love your work!!! looking forward for the next chapter!!!!

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it🫶🏼

[lloveboo]

ALL THE WAYS WE BURN - a Kim Mingyu fanfic

pairing: kim mingyu x f!reader, ceo!mingyu x employee!reader

genre: office romance, sexual tension, yearning, heavy angst, slow burn

previous chapter: A New Beginning

next chapter: A Step Closer

Chapter Two - Under His Gaze

Mingyu

Meetings in this company were where important decisions were made. Where I ran my company with precision, and I expected the same from everyone in this room.

Today was no different, until she spoke.

Her voice cut through the usual discussions, steady and sure. I glanced up, expecting to see one of my senior architects presenting, but instead, my eyes landed on her.

She was young. Unfamiliar. A lower-rank employee who shouldn’t have to speak so confidently in a room like this. But she did.

Intrigued, I leaned back slightly in my chair, “Explain”.

Her idea was good. Unexpectedly good. She broke it down with such ease, her words were smooth and her reasoning smart. She wasn’t just guessing she knew exactly what she was talking about.

Silence stretched across the table when she finished.

I nodded, considering her for a moment, “We’ll look into it.”

“What’s your name?”

She met my gaze without hesitation. 

“Nova, Sir.”

Something about the way she said it so poised, so respectful, but not submissive that it made my jaw tighten.

The meeting continued, but I found myself aware of her presence in a way I hadn’t been before. My eyes drifted back to her, taking in the sharp focus in her expression, the way she absorbed every word. She had an air of quiet intensity, something I recognized in myself.

I had no reason to know her before this moment. But now?

Now, I couldn’t stop noticing her.

After the meeting, I returned to my office, my mind still circling back to her as I looked at her job profile.

“Nova,” I murmured under my breath.

“Thinking about the new recruit already?”

I glanced up as Seungcheol stepped inside, settling into the chair across from my desk with the ease of someone who had been by my side for years.

Vice CEO Choi Seungcheol was a presence that couldn’t be ignored. He was composed with a sharp gaze that missed nothing. He had the mind of a strategist with the quick instincts of a leader and those were the type of traits that make me look up to him. 

I didn’t respond, and that only made his smirk widen. His dimples deepening. 

“She's impressed you.”

I exhaled, rubbing my jaw. “She’s smart. That was an executive level proposal from a low rank employee.”

“It is unusual,” Seungcheol agreed. “But yet, you’re not surprised.”

I wasn’t.

Because I had noticed something else about her.

There was a quiet confidence in the way she held herself. The way she spoke, like she belonged in that room.

“She’s wasted in the current position she is in now,” I said.

Seungcheol tilted his head. “So what are you going to do about it?”

I glanced at the documents in front of me, then made my decision.

“She’s joining the project with Lila.”

Nova

I had barely sat down at my desk when a coworker approached, a nervous edge in her expression.

“Nova, Mr. Kim wants to see you in his office.”

My stomach flipped.

It had only been an hour since the meeting but this felt different.

I quickly gathered myself, smoothing my blouse down before heading towards his office. The walk there felt never ending with each step echoing in my head.

And when I finally reached his door, I knocked once.

“Come in.”

The moment I stepped inside, the air shifted.

The office was sleek, expansive, with towering windows that overlooked the city. But I barely registered any of it because Mingyu was standing near his desk, eyes already on me.

He was taller than I had realised with a frame that showed his strength and his suit fitting him like it was specifically tailored for him, which it probably was.

“Sit,” he said.

I did, keeping my posture straight, my hands folded neatly in my lap.

For a moment, he just looked at me.

I held his gaze, refusing to shrink under his scrutiny.

“You handled yourself well in the meeting,” he said while finally taking a seat across me.

“Thank you, sir.”

His fingers tapped against his desk. “Lila will be leading that project but I want you involved. It to be effective immediately.”

Shock flared through me, but I kept my expression neutral. This was huge. Especially since I was of low rank with no real standing in this company yet and now I was being placed on one of the biggest projects.

“I won’t disappoint you,” I said carefully.

His gaze flickered, as if he had expected a different response.

“No, you won’t,” he said simply.

I nodded, standing. But as I moved, I caught the slightest shift in his expression his eyes dipping, lingering just a second too long.

I stiffened.

Did he just—

“Dismissed,” he said, his voice composed as always. 

I hesitated, then turned to leave.

But as I stepped out of his office, heart pounding, I realized something.

He had been looking at me.

And I wasn’t sure what to make of that.

I barely got the key into the lock before Charlotte flung the front door open, her smile widening as she looked at me.

“You’re home late,” she said, stepping aside to let me in.

I let out a breathless laugh, shaking off the day as I set my bag down. “Yeah, but it was worth it.”

Her eyes widened, excitement bubbling, “Tell me!”

I couldn’t hold it in any longer. I grabbed her hands squeezing them tightly,“I got assigned to a huge project, Char. This is it. This is what I’ve been working for.”

Charlotte’s face lit up, and then suddenly, her arms were wrapped around me, squeezing tight. “Nova! Oh my God, I’m so proud of you!”

I hugged her back just as tightly, breathing in the familiar scent of home. “We won’t have to struggle forever,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. “I swear, Char, I’ll make sure of it.”

She pulled back, her eyes glassy but filled with so much hope. “You already do so much for me.”

I smoothed her hair down, smiling. “One day, we’ll have everything we’ve ever dreamed of. A house big enough for you to have your own art studio, maybe a trip somewhere far away… Switzerland, maybe?”

Charlotte gasped. “You think we could go to Switzerland?”

I nodded, determination burning in my chest. “Yeah. One day. I’m sure of it.”

She hugged me again, and for the first time in a long time I let myself believe that everything was going to be okay.

The next morning, the office was already buzzing with energy by the time I had arrived. I set my things down at my desk, glancing around. Lila was finally back.

She spotted me first, walking over in her sleek heels with an approving look. “Well, well. Hi, Miss project team member.”

I smiled. “I still can’t believe it.”

Lila smiled. “Believe it. You impressed the CEO. That’s not an easy thing to do.”

Her words sent a shiver down my spine. Mingyu. I’d barely slept last night thinking about the way he had looked at me in that meeting so sharp and assessing.

But that didn’t mean anything. Right?

“We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us,” Lila said, pulling me from my thoughts. “Let’s get started.”

We spent the morning brainstorming with the rest of the team and going over initial ideas together, and preparing a rough outline. Lila was focused, catching flaws before I even noticed them, and I found myself soaking up everything she said.

By mid-afternoon, an email popped up on my screen.

CEO’s Office - Project Update Meeting.

I swallowed hard.

Lila tapped my shoulder. “Guess it’s time.”

Me and Lila made our way to Mingyu’s office, and as soon as we stepped inside, I felt it. The shift in energy. The weight of his gaze.

Mingyu sat behind his desk, sleeves rolled up, his dark hair slightly tousled, “Sit.”

Lila launched into our update, detailing our progress so far. But the entire time, I could feel him watching me. It was subtle, just brief looks of attention but it was just enough to set my nerves on edge.

At one point, I glanced up and caught him already staring at me.

His eyes dropped, lingering on my collarbone just for a second before snapping back up to meet mine.

Heat curled low in my stomach.

The meeting wrapped up quickly after that, and as we walked out, Lila shot me a look.

“What?” I asked, feigning ignorance.

She smirked. “You don’t notice it?”

“Notice what?”

“The way he looks at you.”

I let out a laugh, shaking my head. “You’re imagining things.”

But as I walked back to my desk, my pulse still racing, I knew she wasn’t imagining it.

And that excited me.

[lloveboo]

ALL THE WAYS WE BURN - a Kim Mingyu fanfic

pairing: kim mingyu x f!reader, ceo!mingyu x employee!reader

genre: office romance, sexual tension, yearning, heavy angst, slow burn

next chapter: Under His Gaze

Chapter One – A New Beginning

The glass facade of Kim Architecture stretched high into the clear sky with it's sleek panels reflecting the soft morning sun. I stood at the entrance, gripping onto the strap of my bag, my stomach was twisting with nerves.

This was it. The first step toward everything I had worked for.

My phone buzzed in my hand.

Charlotte: Good luck today, sis! You’re going to be amazing. I’m so proud of you. Love you!

A small, grateful smile tugged at my lips.

Me: Love you too, Char. I’ll tell you all about it later.

Charlotte, my little sister had always believed in me—even when I struggled to have faith in myself. This job wasn’t just about me; it was about us, about finally moving forward.

I took a steadying breath and stepped inside.

The cool air of the lobby hit me first, followed by the quiet hum of conversation and the sharp clicks of heels against marble. The employees moved with such purpose that exuded such confidence which made me feel like I was an outsider in their world.

“Miss Nova?”

I turned at the sound of my name, coming face-to-face with a woman who carried herself with effortless authority. She was strikingly tall, with dark eyes that seemed to take in everything at once. Her heels clicked with each step while her chestnut hair fell in perfect waves over her shoulders.

I recognized her instantly.

“Miss Lila,” I said, straightening.

“You remember me,” she noted, her lips curving into a soft smile. “Good. I interviewed so many candidates I almost lost track.”

I let out a nervous laugh. “Hard to forget an interview that made me this anxious.”

Lila chuckled, then gestured for me to follow. “Come on, let me show you around.”

As we walked, she explained the office layout, the different departments, key people to remember, and where to get the best coffee. Which was not from the break room, apparently.

We reached an open workspace where rows of desks stretched before us, occupied by employees engrossed in their screens or engaged in quiet discussions.

“This is you,” Lila said, stopping at a desk near the floor-to-ceiling windows. “It’s not much now, but trust me, once you get into the rhythm of things, this place will feel like home.”

I slid my bag onto the desk, taking it all in. It was a simple setup, a sleek computer, a keyboard, a neatly stacked pile of documents —but to me, it was everything.

Lila glanced at me, her expression softening slightly. “You’ll be fine. Just do the work, pay attention, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’re here for a reason.”

I let those words settle deep in my chest.

I hoped she was right.

The next few days blurred together as I adjusted to my new role.

I spent mornings navigating spreadsheets and reports, gradually learning the unspoken rules of corporate life. The break room quickly became a familiar retreat, where I found myself easing into casual conversations with colleagues.

“First-day horror stories, go,” Lila prompted one afternoon, stirring her coffee.

“I spilled tea on my manager’s desk,” one coworker admitted.

“I called the CEO by the wrong name,” another groaned.

I raised a brow. “You’re still here?”

“He found it funny,” they replied.

Lila smirked. “Mr Kim doesn’t care about stuff like that. As long as you’re competent, he barely notices you exist.”

I blinked at the name. Mr Kim.

I had seen him around.

Noticing him.

I mean it was impossible not to notice him.

Kim Mingyu moves through the office with an air of quiet authority, that his presence commands even when he wasn’t speaking. Tall, broad-shouldered, always dressed in sleek, in perfectly tailored suits. His expression always unreadable, his focus being razor-sharp.

I had watched him in passing—discussing figures with the finance team, reviewing blueprints with the senior architects. He never lingered, never wasted words.

I saw him laugh once, a brief chuckle at something a senior manager had said, and even that felt rare, like catching a glimpse of something not meant to be seen.

But he never looked my way.

And that was fine.

Three days in, as I was finishing up my work for the evening, Lila appeared at my desk and dropped a thick stack of documents in front of me.

“Can you do me a favor?”

I glanced up, already wary. “Depends.”

Lila chucked. “I need you to sit in for me at tomorrow’s project meeting. I’ll try to make it, but if I’m late, just take notes.”

I stiffened. “Wait—you want me to cover for you?”

“You’ll be fine,” Lila said breezily. “Just observe, stay sharp, and who knows? Maybe you’ll learn something useful.”

I swallowed unsure but still nodded.

That night, I sat at my tiny table desk at mine and Charlotte's apartment, surrounded by documents and notes, highlighting key points and scribbling in the margins.

I didn’t know it yet, but tomorrow would change everything.

The next morning, smells of toasted bread and coffee filled our tiny apartment as I flipped through my notes again, my pen tapping against the page. My eyes flicked to the clock on the wall. It was almost time to go. My stomach twisted in nerves.

“You’re going to burn a hole through that paper,” Charlotte teased, sliding two plates of scrambled eggs and toast onto the table.

I sighed, rubbing my temple. “I just want to be prepared. This is my first big meeting, and I’m filling in for someone way more experienced than me. What if I screw up?”

“You won’t.” Charlotte sat across from me, propping her chin in her hand. “You always do this. Overthink, stress, then absolutely crush it.”

I rolled my eyes, but a small smile tugged at my lips. “I hope you’re right.”

She pointed her fork at me. “I am right. And if you impress your boss, maybe you’ll get promoted faster, and then we can finally move into one of those fancy high-rise apartments you’re always obsessing over.”

I huffed a small laugh. “One step at a time, Char.”

Charlotte shrugged. “I’m just saying, you’re kind of a genius, and they’d be stupid not to see that.”

Something in my chest warmed.

“Thanks,” I murmured, reaching across the table to squeeze her hand. “I’ll do my best.”

Charlotte smiled. “You always do.”

The tube rattled as I gripped the pole, running through everything I had memorised the night before. The key points, the numbers, the small details that could set my idea apart.

This was my chance.

A high-stakes meeting. Executives. A vice CEO. And—of course—him.

Mingyu.

I’d seen him around the office. Heard the way people spoke about him. Respected, ambitious, incredibly intelligent. But cold. Calculated.

We hadn’t spoken yet.

He hadn’t even acknowledged me.

But maybe that was about to change.

The conference room was sleek and modern, floor-to-ceiling windows stretching across the far wall giving a breathtaking view of the city. But I had barely noticed. My hands rested neatly in my lap, my mind sharply focused.

The room filled quickly, conversations buzzing—high-ranking executives taking their seats, the vice CEO flipping through his notes.

Then, everything shifted.

The door opened, and the air grew heavier.

I felt it before I even saw him.

Mingyu walked in, his dark suit fitting him perfectly, exuding power without even trying. He didn’t say a word, yet the room responded to him instantly. Loud conversations quieted. People straightened in their seats.

I kept my posture composed, but my pulse quickened.

For the next few minutes, discussions passed over my head. Numbers, projections—until we reached the project I had spent hours studying last night.

Mingyu’s voice was smooth, deep. “There are inefficiencies in the current layout. We need a solution that maximizes space without increasing costs.”

Silence stretched across the table.

I swallowed.

I wasn’t supposed to speak. This wasn’t my place.

But the answer was right there. Clear as day.

I took a breath.

“If we modify the structural framework to incorporate more lightweight materials,” I said, keeping my voice steady, “we can maintain durability while cutting down on costs. It would also allow for a more open design, which aligns with the project’s vision.”

The room turned to me.

My throat went dry.

Then, finally—finally—he looked at me.

His gaze was unreadable. Dark. Sharp.

Assessing.

A heartbeat passed. Then another.

“Explain,” he said.

It wasn’t a dismissal.

It was a challenge.

I met his eyes and pushed forward, breaking down my reasoning, referencing research, calculations, every fact I had spent hours memorizing.

I didn’t hesitate. Didn’t stutter one bit.

By the time I finished, silence settled over the table.

Then—Mingyu nodded. Just once.

“That’s a good approach,” he said simply. “We’ll look into it.”

The meeting moved on, but I barely heard the rest.

Because for the first time since I started working here— I wasn’t invisible to him anymore.

And something told me—this was only the beginning.

[lloveboo]

ALL THE WAYS WE BURN - a Kim Mingyu fanfic

pairing: kim mingyu x f!reader, ceo!mingyu x employee!reader

genre: office romance, sexual tension, yearning, heavy angst, slow burn

Summary:

Nova never expected to catch the eye of Kim Mingyu who is the all powerful and an untouchable CEO of Kim Architecture. But their stolen glances turn into something more, something like a dangerous game. He fights it. She knows better. Yet the tension between them is impossible to ignore.

In a world of power and restraint, desire is a risk neither can afford… but some temptations are too strong to resist.

— S.

♡Prequel

♡Chapter 1: A New Beginning

♡Chapter 2: Under His Gaze

♡Chapter 3: A Step Closer

♡Chapter 4: Unspoken Tensions

[lloveboo]

ALL THE WAYS WE BURN - a Kim Mingyu fanfic

pairing: kim mingyu x f!reader, ceo!mingyu x employee!reader

genre: office romance, sexual tension, yearning, heavy angst, slow burn

Prequel:

Nova never imagined her first corporate job would lead her down a path of desire and emotional turmoil. She’s been freshly hired at a prestigious architecture firm and she’s more eager than ever to prove herself. But nothing prepared her for Mingyu, the enigmatic CEO whose brilliance and ambition shaped the company’s success. Beneath his confident exterior, there’s a mysterious allure that draws Nova in, a magnetic pull she can’t ignore.

And When Nova delivers an innovative idea during a high-stakes meeting, Mingyu becomes more than intrigued. They begin to share quiet and stolen moments in the office that soon become charged with unspoken longing. Every glance, every accidental touch sends waves of heat between them. Tension builds as both fight against the undeniable pull of their attraction, bound by the powerful dynamic of employer and employee.

But the attraction quickly turns into a dangerous game, one that neither of them can resist. As their desire flare between stolen touches and lingering looks, they agree to explore a purely physical relationship knowing that anything more is simply out of reach. But the line between lust and love begins to thin, leaving them both struggling with their deepest emotions.

As their desire for each other escalates, will Nova and Mingyu give in to what they can no longer deny? Will their undeniable chemistry tear them apart, or will they risk everything for a love neither can control?

Next Part

— S.