Chapter#11
“This is the W-12 design draft. As you all know, it’s top secret, so make sure nothing leaks outside.”
Byeongju pointed at the screen and emphasized it again.
The blinds were closed and the door was locked.
“W-12 is a clip-type device worn on the ear. It collects data and provides AI-based features.”
Yulhee and Sihyeok took notes on their tablets.
Sora doodled meaningless shapes and even wrote, “I want to go home.”
“I’ve already decided the launch direction. We’ll target high-income early adopters and set a high price for a premium position.”
Without discussion, Byeongju made the decision alone.
“Now let’s discuss the marketing strategy—”
“If we go premium, the customer base will be limited.”
Sihyeok interrupted.
“I thought W-12 was meant to lead the global market. Then why choose a premium strategy?”
“…That’s the trend. Expensive products sell better.”
Byeongju replied sarcastically.
“The trend is actually shifting toward reasonable spending. Early adopters care about value. A high-price strategy could raise barriers.”
Sihyeok pushed back again.
“Baek Sihyeok, I’m the leader! Just follow my orders!”
Byeongju shouted.
“If you don’t like it, leave the project.”
Silence filled the room.
Sihyeok didn’t respond, but he didn’t look intimidated.
As he was about to speak again, something cold touched his hand.
It was Yulhee, slightly shaking her head.
“…What Sihyeok said could come up in the executive meeting.”
Yulhee spoke calmly.
“We need solid evidence to support our strategy.”
She knew Byeongju well—proud, stubborn, and easily pleased if handled carefully.
“Before finalizing strategy, shouldn’t we prepare supporting data first?”
“Exactly! That’s what I wanted—productive discussion!”
Byeongju agreed loudly, then mocked Sihyeok.
“You’re not the only smart one. Learn to be humble.”
Sihyeok stayed silent, more focused on Yulhee’s cold hand.
He wanted to hold it but knew she would pull away, so he stayed still.
“Alright. Yulhee and Sihyeok will handle research. Bring analysis of target customers and global market trends. Focus on premium success cases.”
He planned to force data to match his decision.
“I’ll discuss W-12’s future direction with executives.”
He spoke proudly, though he knew his task was easier.
“And Sora…”
Half-asleep, Sora looked up.
“Sora, come up with product name ideas. Something trendy for the younger generation.”
“Yes!”
Sora looked happy, thinking it was easy.
But Yulhee knew naming was actually important and difficult.
“Okay, meeting over. Next meeting is tomorrow.”
He ended abruptly, knowing their work couldn’t be done in a day.
He left with Sora first.
“I’m sorry. Because of me…”
“It’s not your fault.”
Sihyeok was right—Byeongju just got defensive.
Yulhee lightly tapped his hand, then pulled away.
“Let’s get to work.”
“Have some coffee.”
Sihyeok placed a steaming mug on her desk.
Yulhee finally looked up. The office was empty.
Everyone had already left.
“No matter how much I search, I can’t find premium success cases for W-12.”
She rubbed her tired, red eyes.
“There are plenty of failure cases.”
The more they researched, the more unrealistic the strategy seemed.
“Shouldn’t we just report the truth?”
Sihyeok suggested.
Yulhee agreed, but looked worried—she could imagine Byeongju getting angry.
Still, she decided to prepare solid evidence.
“Yawn…”
As night deepened, she grew sleepy.
Her typing slowed.
‘Just close my eyes for a moment.’
She fell asleep.
After some time, she woke up suddenly.
She had fallen asleep on her desk.
Then she saw Sihyeok asleep too, resting on his arm.
It wasn’t the first time she had seen him sleeping, but before she hadn’t looked properly.
Without realizing, she held her breath and quietly studied his face.
