10

Timeline: February 01, 2021

“Heyoung-ssi!”

I heard my name being called out. Scoups immediately backed out as I looked behind him. I saw Aerum-ssi walking towards us.

“Heyoung-ssi, I didn't expect to see you here,” Aerum said as she stood before our table. “And I also didn't expect…the leader of SEVENTEEN to be here with you.”

“Hi, Aerum-ssi, are you also having your lunch?” I asked while looking at Scoups, who was silently eating his food.

“Actually, I already had lunch, and I think you should start working now, Heyoung-ssi.” She said directly to me.

“Hurry up, Heyoung-ssi. I don't give special treatment to newbies on my team.” She added and left our table.

I watched her figure walking away from our table. As she left, I could hear the guy in front of me laughing–I shot him a glare.

“Yah!” I said while slapping him on his shoulder. “I need to go back, Coups-ssi.”

I stood up from my seat, carrying the tray that had my food–leaving Scoups alone. As I put my food tray in the designated area, I felt my left wrist being held on and a heavy breath on my neck. The next thing I knew, I was left standing alone.

“You're really my type, Heyoung-ya.” He whispered loud enough for me to hear. After he said that, he left a kiss on my cheek.

=====

I was busy watching SEVENTEEN clips when Aerum-ssi stood up from her desk and walked towards me with a pile of paper in her hands.

“Heyoung-ssi, I need you to sort out these files and edit some clips since next week we will be having a meeting with SEVENTEEN,” Aerum said while smiling at me. “And I want them within a day.”

I was about to protest but gave up when I glanced at my other co-workers, signaling me to take it. In the end, I sighed and accepted the workload. With that, Aerum-ssi left my desk and continued her work.

I want to cry with how much she handled these workloads. I don't know if she's doing it on purpose-the heck?!

I can't finish all of these in a day, I want to curse her so much–if she's not just Jaehyuk-oppa’s crush.

An hour had passed after lunch, and I was still not done with these workloads, and Aerum-ssi was not also present in the office.

I felt my eyes start to close. However, a tap on my shoulder woke me up. I looked up at the person who woke me up a bit.

“Hi! Sorry to bother you, Heyoung-ssi. I'm Choi Ayun…maybe I could help you with that,” She said nervously while glancing at the workload. “I mean if you want it.”

I smiled at her, thanking her like she was an angel sent for me.

“Yes, please! Thank you so much, Ayun-ssi!” I said. Ayun-ssi just stretched her neck.

“No need for formalities, Heyoung-ssi. Just call me Unnie.” She said with a smile while taking some workload with her.

“Then the same goes with me, Ayun-unnie. There is no need for formalities.” I said.

Ayun-unnie let out a small laugh. “Sure thing, Heyoung-ya.”

=====

By three o'clock, Ayun-unnie asked me to take a break for a second, and I agreed with her.

We went to HYBE's cafe, and Ayun-unnie treated me to some coffee and snacks. We also settled ourselves in a round table.

“So, Unnie, how long have you been working here?” I asked while taking a sip of my coffee.

“Well…it was supposed to be my 5th year, but I stopped working last year since I got pregnant.” She said, shocking me enough.

“Omo! Really?” I said surprisedly. “I didn't know you're already a mother.”

“Actually nobody knows that I was pregnant last year…so yeah. You're the only one I told.”

Yes! I feel so special!

“Don't worry, Unnie, your secret is safe with me,” I said with a lovable smile.

We continue our conversation, getting to know each other. In the middle of our conversation, a sudden buzz of my phone caught our attention.

“Excuse me a second, Unnie. I need to answer it.” I said as Ayun-unnie gave a nod, indicating to answer it.

I looked at the name on the screen of my phone. I couldn't help but smile at it.

Coups-ssi is calling…

I answered the call.

[ Hi ] I said.

[ Hey, where are you? ] I could hear a little noise in the background.

[ I'm at HYBE's cafe. I'm having a short break before going back to my station. Why? ]

[ Well…I dropped by the production team's office and saw Aerum-noona there. I asked her if she knew where you were. And by the way, she's looking for you, though. ]

[ Wait, you dropped by the office? What are you doing there? And don't mind Aerum-ssi. She just dumped all of her workload on me ]

He chuckled for a bit.

[ I brought food, and I was thinking of giving you some. I thought that maybe a snack would brighten your day. ] Then his tone changes.

[ Aside from that, what do you mean Aerum-noona dumped all of her workloads on you? ]

[ Ani…I told you don’t mind it. Aerum-ssi mentioned earlier that she doesn't give special treatment. ]

[ Fine, you win this round, but next time, don't do it again. You need rest. ] His tone softens.

However, soon, it was replaced with a flirting tone. [ If Aerum-noona doesn't give special treatment, then I'm the one who will give you the special treatment you deserve, Heyoung-ssi. ]