* * *
“Good morning!”
“Did you have a nice weekend?”
Monday morning.
As Wookyung listened to his coworkers’ light chatter while arriving at work, he turned on his computer.
At the same time, his eyes subtly wandered.
Director Choi was already at his seat, talking to someone on the phone.
[Understood. I’ll leave that part to you, so please make sure it’s handled properly. Yes. Alright. See you soon.]
Hearing English, it seemed he was in contact with someone in the U.S. Just then, Director Choi turned his head in Wookyung’s direction, and he quickly looked back at his monitor.
He could feel eyes on his cheek, but he pretended not to notice and moved his mouse.
Fortunately, the attention didn’t last long as Director Choi soon answered another incoming call.
‘It’s not possible, right?’
Even while resting over the weekend, the thought occasionally crossed his mind.
Whether Director Choi had come to work on Saturday or not.
Surely, it wasn’t because of the casual “See you tomorrow” that Wookyung had said when leaving work on Friday.
‘No way. That wouldn’t happen.’
But the nagging feeling lingered because Director Choi had asked over the phone if he had been sick.
‘Ugh, whatever.’
There was no point in overthinking when the other party hadn’t said anything about it.
“Assistant Manager, I’ve organized the data you mentioned. Could you take a look?”
Just then, Associate Choi approached him, allowing Wookyung to shift his focus.
That was good, except…
‘He did this last time, too. Do I have to teach him how to organize documents from scratch?’
When Wookyung asked for three years’ worth of planning documents, the jumbled mess was excusable due to time constraints.
‘But right now, even if we’re pressed for time, it’s not that bad.’
Then he remembered that Associate Choi had only been with the company for a few months.
That made sense, but having to explain even the basics when he was already swamped felt exhausting.
Still, there was no choice.
If he wanted to delegate work, he had to teach.
Wookyung sighed and was just about to turn to Associate Choi when—
“Mr. Choi Siwon.”
Director Choi’s voice suddenly cut in.
Both Wookyung and Associate Choi turned to look.
“Bring it here.”
Director Choi gestured with his hand.
Seeing that Associate Choi blinked, unsure of what he meant, the director added kindly,
“I mean, I’ll review that document.”
“Oh…”
Wookyung shot him a surprised look.
He wasn’t oblivious to the fact that Director Choi had just taken over his work.
Associate Choi hesitated, sending him a questioning glance.
When Wookyung subtly motioned for him to go, he finally turned and walked over.
It seemed Director Choi had been thinking the same thing as Wookyung.
“For now, Mr. Choi, you should familiarize yourself with the formatting. Check this document and follow its structure.”
“Ah…”
“If you have questions after trying, ask me.”
“But… asking you, Director…”
Rather than looking apologetic, Associate Choi’s expression showed mild dissatisfaction, as if to say, ‘Do I really have to come to you for this?’
If he was going to get help anyway, it would be better if it came from Wookyung.
‘That way, he’d have to pay a little more attention to me.’
But Director Choi seemed intent on taking away even that opportunity.
“As you know, our team has a heavy workload. If Assistant Manager Wookyung tries to handle additional work for others, it will only burden him more. Since your task is fundamental, it doesn’t matter who oversees it. That’s why I’m taking it.”
The underlying message was clear— ‘You’re adding extra work to my plate.’
Associate Choi immediately understood and responded with a subdued, “Understood.”
Director Choi glanced at him briefly before nonchalantly handing back the document.
All the while, Wookyung, pretending to type, tilted his head slightly.
It was strange that Choi had actually resolved a troublesome task for him.
‘Well, I guess it makes sense since the deadline was approaching.’
Either way, it was a good thing. It meant he could focus on his own work.
“Everyone, go grab lunch.”
At Director Choi’s words, people started pausing their work one by one.
No matter how busy they were, eating was a priority—most office workers shared this mindset.
As a result, they quickly wrapped up what they were doing and stood up.
“Assistant Manager Gil, aren’t you coming?”
Assistant Manager Pyeon, who was about to head out with two designers, noticed that Wookyung was still seated.
“I think I need to finish this first.”
Wookyung shook his head, determined to sort through the overseas materials that had arrived first thing in the morning.
“Instead, could you take Mr. Choi Siwon with you?”
It wasn’t like Associate Choi was a child, but just in case he hesitated because of Wookyung, he entrusted him to someone else.
“Sure. Do you want us to bring you anything back?”
Assistant Manager Pyeon readily agreed. In the meantime, Assistant Manager Oh had already disappeared.
Associate Choi pursed his lips but seemed willing to follow.
“It’s okay. I’ll just drop by the convenience store later.”
Really, he just needed ten more minutes to finish.
Then he could grab a convenience store lunchbox or a triangle kimbap with instant noodles.
If that didn’t work, he could always pick up a sandwich from the café on the first floor.
“Alright.”
After exchanging a thankful glance with Assistant Manager Pyeon, Wookyung refocused on his screen.
The office felt quieter than usual now that everyone had left.
With the silence aiding his concentration, he finished right on time.
“Ugh…”
He stretched his arms above his head, feeling his stiff muscles loosen up with an involuntary groan. After rolling his shoulders, he stood up.
As he grabbed his phone, his gaze instinctively landed on Director Choi’s empty seat.
It didn’t seem like he had gone with the others.
Had he gone to eat alone?
‘Why do I even care?’
His Omega father and older brother’s remarks must have gotten to him.
‘He can handle himself just fine.’
Muttering to himself, Wookyung left the office.
The cafeteria was too much of a hassle, and a convenience store lunch seemed underwhelming.
The underground snack bar was likely crowded.
As he mulled over his options while stepping outside, he spotted a fast-food place across the street.
“I haven’t had a burger in a while.”
Right then, the traffic light changed.
Following the crowd, he crossed the street and entered the restaurant.
After finishing his burger set by the window, he found himself with ten extra minutes.
Just enough time to grab a drink from the café downstairs.
“Nice.”
Unexpected free time always felt rewarding.
His expression remained neutral, but his steps felt lighter as he reached the café.
That was when he spotted a familiar figure at the counter.
“Oh…”
Tall stature, broad shoulders, a toned upper body without an ounce of excess fat.
Dressed impeccably in an expensive suit, the man naturally drew attention.
Wookyung caught himself gaping and quickly shut his mouth.
He had wanted a drink, but he wasn’t willing to run into someone inconvenient just to get it.
Maybe he should stop by the break room instead.
They had instant noodles and snacks—enough to get by for today.
He was about to turn away when—
“Assistant Manager Wookyung, what do you want to drink?”
Holy—!
Did he have eyes in the back of his head?!
Why did he suddenly turn around like that? That nearly gave him a heart attack.
Wookyung forced himself not to glare at Director Choi, who was now looking at him expectantly.
“I’ll buy my own.”
“Anyway, I was planning to pay for the other employees’ drinks as well. So go ahead and pick whatever you want.”
“…Then, I’ll have a plum tea. With ice.”
It was something Wookyung would normally say without a second thought, so why did ordering his drink feel so awkward today?
“Please add a plum tea to the bill as well.”
Thankfully, Director Choi didn’t add any unnecessary comments and simply asked the employee to process the payment.
Judging by the barista’s busy hands, he really was buying drinks for everyone.
“So, have you come up with any good ideas?”
He suddenly spoke up while Wookyung was deliberately looking elsewhere, pretending to be distracted.
And of all things, he brought up work. Wookyung checked the time on his phone.
There were still eight minutes left of his lunch break.
But why did it feel like it had already ended?
And why, of all topics, did he have to bring up the one he wanted to avoid the most?
Did he not understand TPO*?
“Ah… Not yet.”
“I see. I’ll look forward to it.”
Director Choi said something terrifying with the most serious expression.
That was basically an order to hurry up and submit his plan, wasn’t it?
“Your drinks are ready!”
Before he could protest, the café employee conveniently interrupted.
Wookyung quickly turned toward the counter, grateful for the distraction.
After placing the drinks securely in a carrier, he gave a small bow.
“Thank you. I’ll deliver the rest.”
And before anyone could stop me, I dashed toward the elevator.
*TPO (Time, Place, Occasion) is a concept often used in Korean workplace etiquette to refer to knowing when and where something is appropriate.
* * *
