#siteuk

Where To? The Question Everyone Is Asking Nowadays by Yom Syejin for Forbes Korea

Unless you're living off the grid, you probably have heard of Where To?, the fitness app that's taking South Korea by storm.

Although, it's not fair to merely call it a fitness app; social fitness is more fitting. The app's augmented reality (AR) map is great for planning a running route with real time traffic data factored in, and its virtual workouts feature lets you video chat your friends during a sweat session while also tracking your energy output! Whatever you needed from a fitness-minded social media app, Where To? provides.

It all started during a bike ride along the Han River with a friend. Mild sidewalk repair led to a bottleneck at the three kilometre mark, and wouldn't it be nice if there were some sort of app where urban outdoor enthusiasts could warn each other about things like this? Fast forward a few weeks to a chance dinner with a venture capitalist family friend, and Where To? was born.

Within three short years, Where To? became the most popular social fitness app in South Korea. Technological improvements in its core capability, the AR map, were accentuated with a social media platform, a stylish wearables collection (cleverly named Wear Too™), and an impending partnership with Genie that will allow for a seamless and simultaneous group music listening experience during workouts as well.

Where To? completely elevated and upturned people's expectations of what it means to be social and to be fit, and at the center of it all is founder and CEO Choi Siwon. Every innovation, unique partnership, and percentage point of their recently attained 2% market share was helmed by the charismatic and handsome visionary, and he has not ceased to amaze.

A two-percent market share is nothing to scoff at for any hobby company such as Where To?, but to have attained it so quickly and from scratch? Practically unheard of. Two percent of consumers in South Korea either have the app itself or would choose to download it over other competitors' if they were looking to download such an app. 63% of our 52 million population own a smartphone. You can do the math.

Everyone expected Where To? to sponsor some sort of occasion to celebrate the major market milestone. It would be the first large-scale, public event since their launch; and speculation had included everything from a Day to Play campaign for children to a 42km marathon through Seoul.

Instead, Choi announced a gala.

The Two-Percent Event promises an evening of sustainable opulence and new-age elegance. Hosted at Paradise City Chroma, ticket-buyers—a whopping one million won for investors, venture capitalists, and the ilk with similarly pricey various booster packages whereas us normies would pay a more modestly-priced one hundred thousand won—will enjoy the food, music, atmosphere, and visuals. At the same time, Choi hoped to use the opportunity to raise more money.

Not for Where To?, however, which is what most people expected upon hearing the term 'gala': that it would be an investors-and-partners-only occasion to thank them for their patronage and encourage them to continue or bolster their business relationships. No; according to the press release, it's called the Two-Percent Event because Where To? will only keep 2% of the proceeds. Everything else will go towards, wait for it, supporting the children of multicultural families in South Korea.

You read that right. A social fitness tech startup is sponsoring an extravagant evening open for anyone to attend with the humanitarian goal of empowering one of South Korea's most marginalised populations.

Absolutely nothing about this event is something that anyone—myself included!—could have anticipated, but the wild (read: best) part is that it seems to be working for them. I couldn't tell you how ticket sales are doing, but a quick query on your search engine of choice will reveal lack of interest will not be a problem for this event; and you know what they say: social capital is as liquid as cash these days.

All Choi and Where To? have to do is ride the wave to wherever it takes them next.

~~~

Siwon loves his job. His days are fast-paced, frantic, and fulfilling; but some days are certainly worse than others.

"Good morning, Choi-sajangnim! Your 8 o'clock is waiting for you in your office."

"Choi-sajangnim, Analytics is ready to present their findings on engagement versus advertising metrics according to district. When can I schedule them in for you?"

"Sorry to interrupt, Choi-sajangnim, but Customer Service reports multiple users within the last six hours experienced inconsistent interface displays when switching from the watch to the phone app or back. Frontend is already working on it, but PR needs your direction for next steps regarding customer redress."

Unfortunately, today is looking like one of those days. Apparently it would be too much to hope that there would be less real-work to do on the same day of the gala.

Siwon fights the urge to run a hand through his hair in anxiety as he tries to focus on Analytics' presentation. He can feel his phone in his pocket buzzing minute after minute with new emails and text messages, and he just knows every single one of those are related to the gala without even looking. It makes him anxious not to be able to respond to any of those people immediately, but he won't let himself. This team worked hard to scrape together the data for which he specifically had requested and to organise it for his consumption. He owes it to them to give him his fullest attention, no matter how hard that is for him right now.

"… So it seems like the districts with high user bases from the onset are the only ones benefiting from increased advertising due to a clustering effect. People are more likely to download our app when someone they know is already using it. To that end, we conclude a brand new marketing strategy in poorly represented districts will work better than increased monetary support for our current marketing strategy. Thank you."

The presenters bow in almost-unison, the visual clue Siwon needed to realise it was finally over. He hurriedly stands up and bows in formality.

"Thank you so much for your presentation. It was very insightful. It seems like the true essence of the matter is about finding that balance in order to reach every potentially interested user."

The Analytics team nods eagerly, pleased with his feedback and his assessment of their findings.

"Work with PR and Marketing so that we can launch a 2.0 on our advertising model. Give them all the demographic information and analysis they'll need to make informed decisions. Thank you again for your hard work today, and I hope to see you tonight at the gala."

He bows one more time and allows them to leave the conference room before him. When the door shuts behind them, he slumps into the nearest chair, needing a moment to himself so that he can face the rest of his day.

Siwon isn't normally like this, he swears. He's just stressed beyond belief. (Not to mention a little hungry. His lunch block was the only otherwise-free moment of the day, so that's when he scheduled the presentation.)

He needs this event to go well. He took a major gamble in diverging so far from people's expectations, and he has the trust of his entire investor's board weighing on his shoulders. If the Two-Percent Event doesn't meet expectations, it'll set Where To? back more than just financially; and everyone knows it.

He almost runs a hand through his hair again, but at the last second he manages to fight it off. Instead, he takes off his silver wire-rimmed glasses and scrubs his hand down his face in frustration.

Forget hair and makeup; he barely has time to change before the gala. If it weren't for a mishap at the dry cleaner's, he'd have even worn his suit to work just to save some time. As it stands, his outfit is just another item on the seemingly endless to-do list for the day; and he's sure he's still forgetting something.

Knock knock. "Choi-sajangnim?"

Siwon is startled out of his seat. "Hi! Yes! How can I help you?"

He finds one of the interns standing slack-jawed at the open door of the conference room, no doubt shocked to see the usually calm and collected CEO in such a state.

"Oh, hello there…" Siwon wracks his brain. "Henry?"

The young man perks up, glad to be recognised. "Yes, sir! It's good to see you again. I'm so sorry to disturb you, but the car to Paradise City Chroma is waiting out front. You're the only passenger yet to be accounted for, so they sent me to find you."

"Ah, yes, of course. Thank you for your diligence," Siwon says appreciatively as he bows his head quickly. He hurriedly collects his (embarrassingly empty) notepad portfolio and coffee mug, drops them off at his office, and follows Henry to the car.

Even as they approach the club, he can see a smattering of activity. Outside the illustrious reflective facade of the building, roadies are setting up the photo-op environment he requested. Between the photographers they hired and the interested journalists they invited, arriving guests will be given the red carpet treatment they deserve for helping contribute to the cause. He hopes people like it.

Inside it is even busier, and the sight of it weirdly puts him at ease. It's an excellent reminder that event preparations are moving forward whether he personally oversees them or not.

After that, it's a flurry of meetings and tours as they survey the final touches of set-up. Catering had a last minute issue with their fish supplier so they will serve halibut instead of sole, but the hors d'oeuvres and other entrees are unaffected. The DJ had no issues with connecting to the club's sound and lights systems. Videographers and photographers have already started collecting behind the scenes set-up footage which they can splice into Where To?'s post-event promotions. A kiosk near the entrance will allow amenable guests to donate more throughout the night—which he desperately hopes will happen.

Ticket sales and booster packages alone didn't raise as much money as he had hoped, even before Where To?'s cut. Their goal is 300 million won, and they're only netting 115 million. Ignoring the financial deficit on the company's end, his heart breaks for those neglected kids and families.

The only saving grace is that they have a good amount of big pockets attending. As long as he works hard and puts his best foot forward, he believes the night will succeed. He won't let himself think of the alternative.

Soon enough, there's nothing left to review; and it's time for him to go pick up his suit, change, and come back. He'll miss some of cocktail hour, but he certainly won't be the last to arrive, which is the best he can hope for.

He buckles himself into the taxi he called for himself, and then his handle phone rings.

"Hello, this is Choi Siwon speaking," he greets into the receiver without checking the contact.

"Yeobo, how nice of you to pick up my call." The caller's honeyed tone does nothing to soothe the very obvious sarcasm. "Was I correct in presuming you would also be picking me up?"

Siwon thuds his head against the carseat. He knew he was forgetting something.

~~~

Leeteuk is not the kind of man that tolerates being kept waiting. Siwon is intimately reminded of this fact when he tries his best to break the silence in the car ride back to the event.

"How was your day, hm?"

"It was good."

"Did you eat lunch? Was it delicious?"

"Yes."

"You look great tonight, by the way."

"Thank you."

The propitiation is failing so hard that the chauffeur rolls up the partition just to escape the awkwardness, and that is Siwon's final straw.

"Listen," he starts, voice firmer and despairing. "I am sorry that I made you wait; I didn't mean to. We're already on the way, though, so isn't it a little too much to still be upset? You had all the time you could need to get ready for tonight, we're not going to be late… so please stop being mad at me?" he begs.

Leeteuk turns his stare out the window. "I thought you forgot about me." It's only thanks to their years of marriage that Siwon can hear the vulnerability in Leeteuk's words despite his coolly detached voice, and he mentally kicks himself.

"Leeteuk," he entreats. "I'm sorry."

"So you did." Leeteuk turns accusing eyes on him, and Siwon honestly does not need this right now.

"Yes. I did, but I'm sorry! I didn't mean to, and you know I wouldn't have normally. It's just… It's been non-stop since I got to the office this morning; I didn't get to eat lunch; I'm probably not going to meet tonight's philanthropic target at all, and you know how important the success of this event is to me…"

The touch of Leeteuk's hand on his shoulder pulls Siwon out of his spiraling. "Today was very stressful, wasn't it?" he prompts compassionately.

Siwon nods pitifully, reaching up to grasp Leeteuk's hand in both of his. He looks about as exhausted as he did in the months leading up to Where To?'s launch, and that's saying something.

"Siwon-ah, you don't have to stress yourself out anymore. Just sit back and enjoy your night; I'll take it from here."

Siwon raises his eyes to meet Leeteuk's. The other is wearing contacts, and there are more smile lines now than there were before; but Siwon can still see the man who said 'I do' to him all those years before, the same man he trusts with his whole heart. Surely, he can trust him with his company's reputation as well… so he will.

He can tell Leeteuk is wearing a full face of makeup, so he channels his affection and agreement into a kiss on the knuckles of the hand he's holding. Leeteuk raises his hand to caress Siwon's face with a warm smile, and that's that.

The car pulls up to the red carpet with ten minutes to spare. Leeteuk glances outside before putting on a pair of huge square designer sunglasses. His favourite. "Showtime."

He doesn't wait for Siwon to open his door. Instead, he gracefully steps out of the car and into the sea of camera flashes that erupt at the sight of him, hurting Siwon's eyes with the sudden glare up until the door is summarily shut tight. In comparison, Siwon scrambles out the opposite side passenger door like someone who has never owned limbs before, not that anyone notices with Leeteuk around.

The journalists are eager to talk to him; the cameras cannot stop capturing him from any angle they can; and for good reason. From Leeteuk's dusky rose-dyed hair to his Varvatos shoes, he exudes class and power. This is not the average ticket-holder, and everyone can tell.

Siwon watches by the car as Leeteuk calmly and courteously fields interview questions while simultaneously angling himself for poses, and the coil that's been sitting in his chest all day finally starts to unfurl.

Yes, Leeteuk can take it from here.

Siwon is embodying every inch of the perfect host, making the rounds with guests and swiftly handling any event management concerns that are brought to his attention. When he gets the chance, he actively tries to start a conversation with an investor, a business partner, or some other deep pocket that was interested enough to attend. They've all been pleasant enough, but they all end up the same way.

"Would you like to hear more about the charity The Two-Percent Event is supporting tonight?" he'd eventually broach.

"Go ahead, Choi-sajangnim! …"

"... Though, I do believe I've learned enough about it at this point…"

"... I had a lovely conversation with one of your staff members earlier…"

"... and I am really impressed with the work you're doing here…"

"... I even stopped by and increased my donation a little…"

"... Those poor, poor children!"

It seems like the spirit of giving has already influenced all of his guests tonight. Perhaps saying 'an angel of giving' would be more accurate, he thinks to himself.

He stops by one of the many bars in the club, waiting for a glass of whiskey, where he gets accosted. "Choi-sajangnim! My good man. How are you doing?"

"Nam-huijangnim!" Siwon exclaims in surprise, bowing deeply as soon as his wits hit him. He's the venture capitalist that helped Siwon launch Where To? all that time ago. "I'm so happy to see you here!"

"Of course, of course! How could I miss Where To?'s first major public event?" he effuses.

They grab drinks and move off to the side, catching up on family and business affairs alike. Siwon is very humbled and proud that the man who believed in him and his idea enough came to their event. It feels like a different kind of success.

"I must say, Choi-sajangnim, you surround yourself with the most lovely women," the other brings up.

"Excuse me?"

"I just came back from donating, you see. Someone came up to me and was such a charming, alluring conversation partner… Before I knew it, I was authorising a money order to Where To? for ten million won!" He erupts in hearty laughter, a hand supporting his full stomach and everything. He casts an eye around and says, "Ah, that's her over there."

Siwon looks over. Sure enough, he sees Leeteuk is talking to another potential patron.

From far away, he could see how someone might possibly misconstrue Leeteuk's gender. His hair is just long enough, his face just genteel enough, his build just slim enough… And Siwon knows firsthand how Leeteuk's voice pitches higher when he's speaking with intention, as he must have been all night. The delicate hoop earrings, draped choker necklaces, and black handbag may not have helped either.

"Say, is she your wife?" the VC inquires interestedly. "She mentioned that she doesn't work for Where To? but has vested interest in tonight's success. I can only guess she came here with you."

Siwon's gaze is still trained on Leeteuk, completely smitten with this amazing, capable, dedicated man. He finally looks over to Nam-huijangnim again and smiles. "Actually, I think it's more accurate to say I'm merely his husband. Would you excuse me?" He politely bows his torso before making a beeline for Leeteuk.

"I'm so sorry to interrupt, but could I steal my husband from you for a dance?" he cuts into the conversation. The guest nods agreeably and wanders off, and Leeteuk's charismatic veneer slides off to reveal offense. "Have you lost your mind? One more minute, and I would have secured seven million more won for your philanthropy!"

Siwon gives him a cheesy grin. "Philanthropy, schmilanthropy. Come dance with me instead!" he rhymes, pulling the two of them onto the dance floor. The DJ is playing a happy, shimmery sounding song, perfect for his mood.

He spins Leeteuk out and then into his arms. Despite the adamant confusion on the other's face, he still rests his hands against Siwon's shoulders when Siwon pulls him closer.

"You look oddly happy for someone whose company only made a tad more than 4 million won tonight."

In lieu of an explanation, Siwon simply says, "I love you," matter-of-factly and with joy. He shrugs easily, transitioning the movement into a shimmy that corresponds with the music.

Leeteuk is such a sucker for Siwon's goofy side. "Yeah, okay. I love you, too," he says as he finally joins his husband in his silly little dance.

~~~

The Two-Percent Event Was 100-Percent Fun! by Yom Syejin for Koreaboo

If you weren't at the Paradise City Chroma last night, you weren't anywhere, as far as I'm concerned.

For those living under a rock, social fitness new-kid-on-the-block Where To? held a fancy philanthropic gala that literally anybody could have attended if they wanted to, so you know your girl Syejin was there. I got all the deets, just for you Koreaboos!

[Image. Caption: The Two-Percent Event invitation. (Where To?)]

"An evening of sustainable opulence and new-age elegance." That's what the invite promised, and boy, did they deliver. Even just arriving at the event was an experience and of itself. There was a red carpet setup out front, complete with a wall of cameras, so that you and your friends could strut your stuff, show off your outfit, and feel like a ? star ?. (Click through the slideshow below to see my best approximation of a Hadid sister!)

[Image. Caption: Noona, please never try duck face again. (Koreaboo/Kim Mowoo)]

The inside had a classy, clubby vibe that immediately made you feel like the ultimate inssa. Moderately priced drinks and high-class imaginings of your favourite European and Korean dishes emphasised the fact that the event was meant for anyone to enjoy, not just the hoity-toity big bucks—but I'm sure they had fun, too!

[Image. Caption: See? Rich people are just like us. (Koreaboo/Yom Syejin)]

After a fun night of dinner and dancing, Where To? CEO Choi Siwon went before the crowd thanking everyone for coming, highlighting the charity, and announcing the fundraising total. Listen to what he had to say here:

[Video. Caption: Remarks from Choi Siwon, CEO of Where To?. (Koreaboo/Kim Mowoo)]

So well-spoken, so handsome, so tall ?￢ﾀﾔbut sorry, ladies! He's taken. Earlier in the evening, I got to meet him myself, and we even took a selfie together! When he personally poured me a glass of soju (so manner!), I got a clear sight of a ring on his left fourth finger. Whoever he's married to is so lucky, I'll tell you that.

[Image. Caption: My love from afar. I'll wait for you. (Koreaboo/Yom Syejin)]

A/N (12.24.2021): Happy holidays to TelviND#0015 on discord! They said their biases are Leeteuk and Siwon; lucky for them I had a siteuk fic planned after their instagram exchange for Leeteuk’s birthday. Finally bringing it to light just for you! Hopefully you like it; and if you don’t… well, that’s what the fanart is for, haha.

Title from Boom Boom by Super Junior, as translated by Kymee on mylittlesuperdongbang. If you recognise it, it doesn’t belong to me. (BUT that does mean Where To? does 👀 If you’re gonna steal my IP, please give me stock in the company, for realsies.) PSA: If numbers in this fic seem high to you, please recall the dollar is worth three orders of magnitude more than the won.

I didn’t know how to write this fic, so there are two versions! Go to chapter 1 if you want to read it from Henry’s POV or chapter 2 if you want to read it from a mix of third-party/Siwon’s POV.

Happy reading!

~~~

His boss exits the elevator a cool seven minutes after he himself arrived, and he smoothly falls into step alongside him.

"Good morning, Choi-sajangnim!" Henry cheers as he passes over Siwon's coffee: a medium latte with extra foam and two extra shots of sugar, just like he likes it. The heat from the cup manages to fog up Siwon's silver wire-rimmed glasses, still cold from outside. "Two things: your 8 o'clock is waiting for you in the conference room, and Customer Service discovered multiple user reports within the last six hours of inconsistent interface displays when switching from the watch to the phone app or back."

"Yikes. Thanks, Henry. Sounds like I'll really need this today." Siwon takes a moment to savour a sip of his drink. "Did you put them on my schedule?"

"Yes. I'm having them spend the morning working with Frontend to assemble all the information they can on the issue, and you'll be able to watch their presentation en route to the commercial shoot at ten. I can continue monitoring while you're busy, and we can refocus on it once we're back in the office."

Siwon shakes his head regretfully. "I'm gonna have to reschedule lunch with that investor again, aren't I?"

Henry bites his lip as he nods, hesitating for only a moment before bringing up the idea he had as soon as he learned of the issue. "I was thinking… why don't we schedule an office tour in lieu of lunch? That way if another thing pops up that needs your attention, you can handle it immediately, and the investor gets to see you in action. What better way to prove you're worth the money, right?"

Siwon stops his purposeful stride to look at Henry. "That's a fantastic idea. Let's do that." Henry successfully tempers the proud smile that wanted to break out, but he can do nothing about the pep in his step as he follows after Siwon who has resumed walking again.

Outside the conference room, they trade Siwon's coffee for a printed meeting portfolio.

"Keep that warm for me, will you? I'm not done with it," Siwon asks.

"You got it!"

Siwon gives a salute in farewell before stepping inside the conference room, and Henry enters Siwon's office to drop off the latte in the ensuite kitchen.

Just outside Siwon's office is Henry's, a sleek receptionist's counter that gives him plenty of privacy and plenty of space. He settles in to review email correspondence and double-check everything is on track for Where To?'s gala tonight.

Being the administrative assistant to the CEO of the most popular social fitness app in South Korea wasn't what Henry had in mind when he left Canada for new opportunities. The hours are wild, he never truly knows what his day is gonna look like even though he's the one who manages Siwon's calendar, and people never stop making fun of him for working at a tech startup—but less than a year in, and he still loves this job.

Although, he'll be the first to admit that if his boss were anyone other than Choi Siwon, he might consider leaving. The two of them aren't especially close or anything, but Siwon respects him and values his contributions. According to his friends, that's rare and he should cherish it; so he does.

"Hey, Henry. Here are the notes I took from the Genie meeting. Can you turn it into a memo and send it out to Backend before EOD tomorrow?" Siwon greets as he approaches Henry's desk an hour later.

Henry takes the papers from Siwon and sets it at the top of his inbox pile. "Consider it done."

He expects Siwon to head into his office then, but the CEO stays at Henry's desk, fingers drumming on the counter and wedding ring glinting in the office lighting.

Henry doesn't have to wait long. "Sorry again that you couldn't join me; you know how partnership meetings make brand reps antsy," Siwon explains regretfully.

Henry lets himself show his appreciation through his smile this time, touched by Siwon's comment. He never treats Henry like he's expendable. "Not a problem, sir. It's just a shame we couldn't get Kakao."

Siwon tsks. "I know, right? That really could have launched us into Korean Air-level of influence."

Henry winces. "Do we want Korean Air-level of influence?"

"Aish, don't talk like that around here," Siwon admonishes, but there is an amused grin on his face, so Henry knows he didn't mess up too badly. "By the way, could you reach out to PR for me? I want a roll-up on the current state of all the event planning considerations for the gala, especially if anything is outstanding. Whatever I have going on after lunch, cancel it. We're talking about this instead."

"Good thing this is exactly what we're talking about after lunch," Henry lies as he moves a meeting with Analytics to later in the week.

Siwon knocks on Henry's desk twice in a final way. "Great, great. Alright, see you in a bit when we head out to the filming site."

"Sure thing. And your coffee's in the kitchen!" Henry calls out to Siwon's retreating form. Siwon waves his hand in acknowledgement, and Henry checks the clock on his monitor. It's only 9:17 in the morning, and the day is already long.

~~~

Where To? started three years ago during one of Siwon's bike rides along the Han River with a friend. Mild sidewalk repair led to a bottleneck at the three kilometre mark, and Siwon wished there were some sort of app where urban outdoor enthusiasts could warn each other about things like this. Fast forward a few weeks later to when he joined his family for dinner with a venture capitalist family friend, and Where To? was born.

What began as an augmented reality maps app turned into a culture marker under Siwon's leadership and innovation. Three short years introduced a social media platform, a stylish wearables collection (Wear Too™), and—if this partnership with Genie goes through—a seamless and simultaneous group music listening experience during workouts as well. Through Where To?, Siwon completely elevated and upturned people's expectations of what it means to be social and to be fit.

Henry is very familiar with the story by now. He didn't think he could still be surprised by how Siwon's mind works… but he still is.

Ever since Where To? attained a consistent 2% market share—which means two percent of consumers either have the app or would choose to download it over a competitor's if desiring the service— everyone had been waiting with rapt attention for an announcement of their first major public event. Speculation had included everything from a Day to Play campaign for children to a 42km marathon through Seoul.

Instead, Siwon announced a gala.

The Two-Percent Event promised an evening of sustainable opulence and new-age elegance. Hosted at Paradise City Chroma, ticket-buyers will enjoy the food, music, atmosphere, and visuals; at the same time, Siwon hoped to use the opportunity to raise more money.

Not for Where To?, though, which is what most people expected upon hearing the term gala: that it would be an investors-and-partners-only event to thank them for their patronage and encourage them to continue or bolster their partnerships. No, it's called the Two-Percent Event because Where To? will only keep 2% of the proceeds. Everything else will go towards, wait for it, supporting the children of multicultural families in South Korea.

What?

Literally nothing about this event is something that anyone could have anticipated, which is driving interest, which is driving support, which is driving proceeds. It's working so well that Henry genuinely can't be sure this wasn't Siwon's intent the whole time.

"… And for the final metrics: RSVPs excluding Where To? staff are totalled at about 150 right now. It's roughly an 80-20 split between our user base and investors, but there is a small percentage of attendees who don't even use the app. Ticket sales and booster packages alone have raised upwards of 135 million won, even after our cut," the no-nonsense PR department lead concludes succinctly.

Henry gasps, and Siwon reaches over to give her an enthusiastic high-five. "That's great news! Everything is going so well!"

"Yes, sir," she agrees uncomfortably, unused to Siwon's displays of passion. "Since nothing is urgently outstanding that would require your intervention…"

"Of course, of course. Consider this meeting concluded. See you tonight! Are you bringing anyone?"

She clears her throat. "Yes, sir. My partner is accompanying me."

"I look forward to meeting them, then," Siwon says with a warm smile, and the department lead hesitantly returns it before bowing and leaving the conference room.

Siwon and Henry follow soon after and head to Siwon's office. "Before the day closes, I just had a few final things for you," Henry says. "During this meeting, I sent out the memo giving employees a short day today in honour of the gala; your suit is in your office and waiting for you to change into; and all that's left for you to personally do is pick up your wife."

Siwon comes up just short of his desk. "My wife?!"

Henry looks at him like a deer caught in a car's headlights. "Yeah? You asked me to remind you to 'pick up Jungsoo' forty-five minutes before the red carpet. That's her, isn't it?"

Henry points to the picture frame on Siwon's desk. It is a silver, ornate double-oval style such that each oval holds the picture of one person. Siwon's coiffed and suave portrait is in the left oval, and the right one features a face with a cutting jawline, thin lips spread in a Mona Lisa smile, and light brown shoulder-length hair pinned back behind the ears. A few bangs slip out to evenly frame the face.

Siwon looks at the photo, and his smile tells Henry all he needs to know. "You're a lucky guy, Choi-sajangnim."

Siwon looks up and directs his smile at Henry. The affection on his face turns into something more percipient, like he knows something Henry doesn't… which Henry supposes is true. Siwon wouldn't be the CEO if it were otherwise.

"That I am, Henry." Even that sounds like there's a joke Henry isn't clued in on. He doesn't know if he has the right to ask. Before he could make up his mind on the matter, Siwon turns the focus onto him. "Are you bringing anyone tonight?"

Henry's cheeks tint pink. "Um, yes I am. It's, uh, it's actually our first date."

Siwon's eyebrows lift in interest. "A first date at Paradise City Chroma is a high bar to set," he teases.

"I really need to impress her," Henry confesses.

"I normally don't advocate for abuse of power, but…" Siwon leans in conspiratorially, and Henry can't help but do the same. "If you need a little edge, feel free to do it in my name. A nicer bottle of champagne, song requests for the DJ, whatever."

Siwon is the best boss. "Thank you so much, Choi-sajangnim," Henry says, wide-eyed and reverent.

~~~

Henry pulls up in front of Paradise City Chroma, hands the valet the keys to his recently-washed Kia Optima, and waves off the attendant so that he can open the passenger door himself.

His date steps out of the car like a scene from a movie. He is so glad she said yes.

"Wow, Henry, this is really fancy," Jessi tells him in English as she eyes the illustrious reflective facade of the building.

"You like it? It was actually my idea to host it here," Henry brags cheekily.

"So full of good ideas, are you?" she teases him even as she takes his proffered hand and follows him through the hollow entrance.

They pose for some selfies outside the building before heading inside, but they don't make it in far before they're stopped completely.

The interior looks even better than the concept photos which Henry helped approve had led him to imagine.

The main club area being used as a dining hall is just dark enough for the laser lighting to have an effect, but he could still easily make out the PR department head from earlier and who he presumes is her partner from across the room. The interior design is an evocative mix of dark blue velvet, shiny black graphite, and silver metallic accents. The gigantic LED screen behind the DJ displays how much money has been raised so far. He and Jessi arrived a little after the cocktail hour started, but there are already lines at the bars and people on the dance floor.

Jessi whistles, and the room-friendly dance pop that's playing isn't so loud that it gets lost in the sound. "Are all galas like this, or is yours just exceptionally cool?"

"My boss's first name is 'Siwon,' so do with that what you will," Henry retorts with a smirk. "You wanna find us our seats while I get us drinks?"

Jessi nods. "Amaretto sour for me, please," and she wanders off. Henry heads to the bar that seemed to have the shortest line, hoping he'll run into someone he knows on the way, then light cheering resounds within the club. He looks around in confusion, trying to understand what happened, then his eyes catch sight of the won count behind the DJ.

The number went up by a million won.

Henry's eyebrows raise in shock even as a pleased smile crosses his face. He can't help but feel proud that his company's event is succeeding at its intention so well.

He rejoins Jessi bearing their drinks, and they spend some time making small talk with the other people at their table. Just when the waiters come around to serve their food, another cheer spreads through the club, louder now that there are more people. The monitor reveals an additional donation of about 1.5 million won.

"Cocktail hour barely ended, and you guys already raised two million more won," Jessi comments with surprise. "How far are you from your goal?"

"I know, right? We didn't have a goal so that we wouldn't be stressed out about meeting some arbitrary standard; but at the rate this night is going, we probably would have met that goal several times over!"

The evening proceeds like that, with Jessi and Henry enjoying the festivities and the donation count rising by measurable amounts with increasing regularity, thereby contributing to the gala's celebratory atmosphere.

After dancing for a few songs, Henry opts to take a breather while Jessi continues enjoying herself. On his way back to his seat, Henry gets stopped by one of the prettiest people he's ever seen. Their bobbed hair is dyed a dusky rose. Their flowy white shirt is adorned with a large ruffled black bow in the center and tucked into a pair of fitted high-waisted slacks. The two of them are about the same height, yet the way the other carries themselves makes them appear taller, regal even.

"Hello," a honeyed voice greets him. "Are you enjoying yourself tonight?"

"I am," Henry enthuses. "This night is going even better than I thought it would, honestly."

"I'm so glad to hear that," the person says warmly, and Henry feels happier for having made them happy. "It's always nice when we can have a good time and do a good thing at the same time, don't you agree?"

"Absolutely. It makes doing a good thing easier."

"I feel the same way." The two of them share a laugh, and Henry feels so seen. The newcomer continues, "It's why I'm thinking of making another donation tonight myself. Sure, my ticket was already my contribution, but seeing how well the night is going is putting me in such a giving mood."

Henry can't believe what he's hearing. "That's a great idea! You totally should! How much are you thinking?"

The person deliberates, finger tapping lightly on their chin. "Not much. Just twenty five, maybe fifty thousand won? Like the price of a really good dinner."

Henry considers for a second. "That's not bad. Maybe I'll donate a little more myself."

The other's entire face lights up. "You don't say? Why don't we go together, then? Do you know where it is?"

"Oh, yeah. I actually helped plan tonight's event," Henry reveals with pride.

Suddenly, his conversation partner's enticing aura and mild mannerisms freeze into something more distant, even if their face and posture don't change at all. Henry almost gets a headache from the sudden influx of music and pure sensation that comes rushing back to his awareness at the same moment.

"That's so impressive. It's really a fantastic event; you should be proud. Say, would you mind finding me later? I must excuse myself unfortunately. It was lovely speaking with you tonight…"

"Henry."

"It was lovely speaking with you tonight, Henry," they repeat before bowing almost 90 degrees, straightening upright, and walking away with long, purposeful strides.

Henry can't help but stare after the person, confused at the interaction and the sense that he felt like he should know who that was.

"I see you've met Jungsoo."

Henry's head whirls to find Siwon, one hand in his pocket, the other holding two fingers of whiskey, and eyes staring fondly into the crowds.

"That was your wife?!" Henry exclaims, turning around again to try to find where the other had gone. No way.

Siwon snorts, undoubtedly the most inelegant thing Henry has witnessed him do, but he's smiling nevertheless. "Actually, I think it's more accurate to say I'm merely his husband."

Henry gapes at Siwon as horrified realisation sets in. "Choi-sajangnim. Sir. I am so sorry. I meant no offense; I really didn't know—"

Siwon cuts him off with a raised hand. "No harm, no foul, Henry," he assures, but he doesn't say any more.

Despite standing in a sea of noise and activity, the pair of them are silent and still. They both manage to find Jungsoo in the crowd again. He's talking to another party-goer, polite and alluring and firmly in control.

From this vantage point, and having firsthand experience with Jungsoo in action, he can understand why Siwon said what he did.

As if sensing Henry's enlightenment, Siwon wordlessly tips his whiskey glass in Henry's direction in farewell. Henry watches as he seamlessly joins his husband's conversation, the pair of them looking every bit of the new-age elegance the Two-Percent Event promised.

"Ya, Henry!" Jessi yells from behind him. "Aren't we supposed to be on a date or something? Why'd you ditch me?"

Henry is seriously batting 0 tonight. "Sorry! Sorry, Jessi. I didn't mean to. I was just…" Siwon's advice from earlier in his office suddenly comes to mind. "That was my boss just now. He wanted to talk to me a little bit about some stuff for the event, and we got sidetracked."

Jessi peers around his shoulder in interest, accepting the explanation easily and completely forgetting her ire. "Your boss is, like, stereotypically handsome, and I mean that in the best way possible."

Henry barks out a laugh. "Some of the other Where To? guys joke that his face is included in the valuation of the company's net worth."

She eyes Siwon one more time—"I can see why."—then switches gears. "Are you ready to dance again?" she asks eagerly.

"Totally, but mind if we stop somewhere first?" Jessi nods, and he takes her hand and leads her through the crowd.

"Where are we going?" she asks as they join a short line in front of a cashier.

"Making a donation," Henry explains with a grin over his shoulder as he fishes his wallet out of his pocket.

"Didn't you help set up this whole event? You basically donated your time already," Jessi reasons. They step forward after the guest ahead of them finished, and it's Henry's turn. He shrugs distractedly, busy finishing up his transaction. "Maybe, but I'm not gonna donate a lot. Just fifty thousand won or something, like the price of a really good dinner."

Jessi frowns and raises an eyebrow in that way people do to mean huh-that's-not-so-bad. "Well, if I'm here, I guess I'll donate a little myself."

He beams over at Jessi, and she gives him a smile in return, a genuine one, not tinged with teasing or platonic distance for a change.