"Behind the Mask of Pride"

Part 1

Woo Young sauntered into the luxurious dressing room, his confident stride commanding attention. As a member of the popular K-pop band, Big Start, he was no stranger to the spotlight. His chiseled features and piercing gaze had captured the hearts of many fans, but beneath his charming facade, a complex web of emotions brewed. Rumors had been circulating about a new stylist joining the team, and Woo Young's curiosity was piqued. He had heard whispers about her behind his back - a young, talented, and beautiful designer who was said to be the daughter of a wealthy family. Her name was Hana, and Woo Young was determined to uncover the truth about this newcomer. As he began to prepare for the upcoming concert, Woo Young's mind wandered to Hana. He had heard she was a Seoul native, studying design at a prestigious university, and was known for her impeccable style. But what really caught his attention was her reputation for being pampered and sheltered by her friends and family. Just then, the door to the dressing room swung open, and Hana walked in. Woo Young's eyes locked onto hers, and he couldn't help but notice the striking contrast between her innocence and his own jaded experience. At 21, Hana exuded a fresh, youthful energy, while Woo Young, at 27, seemed to embody the epitome of maturity and worldliness. "Hi," Hana said softly, her eyes dropping as she fumbled with her portfolio. "I'm Hana, the new stylist." Woo Young's gaze roamed over her face, taking in the delicate features and porcelain skin. He detected a hint of nervousness in her voice, but her eyes sparkled with determination. "Welcome to the team, Hana," Woo Young said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "I've heard a lot about you." Hana's eyes flicked up, a flash of wariness crossing her face. "Oh? What have you heard?" Woo Young chuckled, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Let's just say that you're quite the talk of the town. A wealthy family's darling, pampered and spoiled rotten." Hana's cheeks flushed, and she took a step back, her eyes narrowing. "Is that so? And what do you think about it?" Woo Young shrugged, his expression nonchalant. "I don't really care about your past, Hana. But I do care about one thing - you're going to work for me now, and I expect nothing but the best." As he watched Hana's reaction, Woo Young noticed a flicker of defiance in her eyes. He smiled to himself, intrigued by her spirit. This little game was about to become interesting. With a calculated gaze, Woo Young began to circle around Hana, inspecting her from head to toe. "So, tell me, Hana... what makes you think you're qualified to be my stylist?" Hana's voice remained steady, despite the flush rising to her cheeks. "I've studied design at one of Seoul's top universities, and I've worked with several local brands. I'm confident in my abilities." Woo Young snorted, his lips curling into a sneer. "Local brands? That's cute. I'll be the judge of that." As he continued to scrutinize her, Hana's eyes never left Woo Young's face, a spark of determination burning within them. Little did she know, this was only the beginning of a complicated game, one that would test her heart and her wits. And Woo Young, the K-pop idol with a reputation for being a bad boy, was ready to play.