Requested by AzumiKashino

Jaehee X Male Reader

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(Y/N)

Right after I took the last sip of my coffee, I left the house for work. Stress is kind of washing over my system, but I managed to be okay, thanks to some medications I take. The company's sales began skyrocketing, so we employees has a lot of extra works to do.

The company is just the walking distance in my apartment, but I tend to go to the farther way instead of the shortcut, because of some reasons. The shortcut is crowded and its beside the road while the other one is a small, quiet alley. You might be wondering what's wrong on walking with the shortcut.

I feared the open, crowded, and public spaces. I was an orphan, and my temporary guardians this when I was younger after the incident that triggered it, so I took the prescribed medicine for years, up until today. I'm still coping, you see, I'm working inside a company now, but sometimes the phobia comes out of nowhere, making me really afraid. Even men also gets scared.

I reached the building and I saw Jaehee, my co-worker, just got off the bus she rode. I approached her, luckily, the front of the company has a couple of bodyguards, so fewer people are passing here. She waved back when I waved at her.

"Good morning, Jaehee." I greeted.

She smiled at me, "Good morning too, (Y/N). Before I forgot, Mr. Han recieved your report you gave yesterday, and he said he liked your plans."

"Really?"

"Yes."

I sighed happily, "I'm relieved. It must be great to be the assistant of the company's director. You always hear his thoughts."

"Its not. It even doubles the stress I get everyday." She chuckled.

"Well, you're not the only one who's stressed, you know."

"Right. Let's get to work now or we'll be late."

"Yeah."

I looked at her as she walked to the opposite direction. Jaehee's really a nice person and you'll enjoy being with her. I became friends with her when we were assigned to make a project for the director's orders. She's a hardworker and I guess that's the best thing I saw to her personality. At first, I thought she'll be like my college professor that I hate. She might be strict, but she's actually very friendly and caring.

I don't know why, but she never left my mind. I think of her to the point that I get distracted from what am I doing. Its not like I'm saying that she's a distraction, but it just happpened. I'm always happy by only seeing her everyday.

I got inside and started the usual work we do daily, although, extra works are a thing and time flew by so fast. I didn't notice that it is already dismissal.

I packed my things and walked to the exit, but the speaker rang and someone spoke on the microphone.

"Everyone in marketing sales department, the director called for an announcement at the matter of this time, so please gather in the 5th floor conference room at 5:35pm. Thank you."

That was Jaehee's voice! But wait, I'm supposed to think about the meeting!

I used the stairs, because the elevator has a lot of people. It took a while for me to reach that floor, but atleast I got on time. The conference room is wide, so I chose to sit at the back because everyone is at the front, making it hot and very crowded.

I waited for the director to announce after he got inside, and there I saw his assistant beside him. Sometimes I get envious when I see them because she spends mostly her time with him, while there's me. She saw me and waved a bit in my direction. I can't believe she noticed me. I waved back of course.

Man, I wanted to be with her just for a while!

"Thank you for lending me your time, but I'll make this announcement fast since you should be at your homes in this time," Mr. Han started and cleared his throat.

"I organized a meeting a while ago with my assistant, to explain the changes in marketing styles for our company, since the sales went on its highest this year. The meeting will be tomorrow, at the 3rd floor, Conference room of the Resorts' World at 7am. This will be needed in order to manage the unexpected sales we got this month. I hope you'll understand the situation and I needed everyone to attend. That's all, thank you for listening."

I froze as I heard his statement. We'll have a meeting tomorrow outside the company, and what's worse, its a crowded and public area. What should I do? There's no place that I'm used to except for my working counter.

Maybe I can talk to the director for this matter and excuse me out of this event?

"Sir!" An employee raises his hand, "What if someone didn't attend the said meeting?"

I gulped. Did he hear my thoughts?

"I already prepared a punishment for that. No one has a right to be absent tomorrow, or do you want the sales to get mismanaged? If that happens, its either he gets a half salary deduction or he gets fired."

My ear caught the murmurs of the people in front. Soon, the announcement ended, and I walked home, with my brain still worried in what should I do tomorrow. Resorts' World its not a walking distance, so I can use the Grab app, but what then once I enter the mall? Surely it'll be a busy and noisy place. I have no idea on where I should go, I can't possibly use the fire exit.

I reached my apartment, had my dinner, did my household chores, and laid in my bed to shut off the stressful thoughts. I trembled a bit in thinking of the possible sitiation tomorrow, crap, I can't be like this tomorrow, I must be focused on the agenda. I sighed and turned to my side, trying to rest.

That's when I gasped in shock when my phone rang. My hand reached it, and it read that a message came. It was from Jaehee, and she reminded me about the meeting.

From: Jaehee Kang
To: (Y/N) (L/N)
Subject: Meeting

"Good evening, (Y/N). I'm sorry if I'm interrupting you at this time, but I want to remind you about the meeting tomorrow in case you forgot. Mr. Han wants you to bring a copy for your report, since 3/4 of the changes came from the idea of your proposal. Also, I won't be with Mr. Han tomorrow, since his father wants to accompany him. Don't be late okay?"

I smiled while reading her long message. I felt her effort on typing this, now that its already late night. I typed a reply and sent it right away.

From: (Y/N) (L/N)
To: Jaehee Kang
Subject: Meeting

"Good evening too. I'm glad that the director really liked my proposal. I already have a copy and I promise I won't be late! Thanks for reminding me, though. I appreciate it. :)"

My phone rang again. She replied.

From: Jaehee Kang
To: (Y/N) (L/N)
Subject: Meeting

"You're welcome. Goodnight and see you tomorrow."

I put my phoned beside me in ease. Jaehee's text calmed me down, so I think I can sleep peacefully this night.
I gotta drink a lot of medications for her tomorrow.

- - - 6:20am

I woke up early, took a bath, changed clothes and combed my hair. I never been this long in front of the mirror, but I wanted to look good for her. I drank my medicines twice for this day and left the house. I found out that the driver I called using the Grab app. I sat on the backseat, and it took
only 20 minutes to get on the Resorts' World. I got down and payed him.

I looked around and observed the building I'm standing in front of. I could see what's inside in the entrance glass, where there's a lot of people and busy exchanges in the store. I swallowed, thinking I must to this, because I'm a grown man that has to work. I texted Jaehee and she said she's on the way. I looked at the ground while passing the entrance and made a way at the center of the mall, trying to compress all of the fear starting to build in me.

I let out a shaky breathe, still looking at the ground. Why am I feeling like this? I took all the needed medications to stop these. I stayed there, refusing to see the sea of people. Time passed, but I haven't received a text from Jaehee. She told me earlier that we'll meet here at the first floor, now where is she?

I told myself that I have to look, or I'll miss Jaehee. My subconcious tells me not to look up, but I need to. I inhaled, gathering all my courage to look at the crowd. I focused on searching for her, observing if someone with brown hair and glasses is around. But as I do, my eyes widened in horror when I realized the situation where I am.

Noisy crowd. Busy people. Large and wide spaces. And I think I'm at the middle.

I began to panic quietly. I don't want to make a fuss at the center of this, but I'm very scared. Anxiety took over my features and mind, and I suddenly don't know what to do. I trembled in fear as I try to get out of the crowd. I bumped a lot of people, catching their attention.

No. Don't look at me.

I'm desperate. Why did I think I can make this? I want to get out now. My feet dragged me in a corner, but I still can see people around me. I froze, negative thoughts came on my brain. I'm too scared to move, to scared to think. Someone took the space beside me, and so as my left side.

Don't come close.

This is bad. I must control myself. I must go to the damn meeting. I moved away out of my instinct, until I felt my back rest again a metallic surface. I stared at the floor, avoiding the source of my fear. I trembled intensely and people came to notice. They started to ask me, making me even more terrified.

"Are you alright, Mister?"

"Is something wrong?"

"You don't seem okay. We can take you to a clinic."

Please be quiet. Please stop.

I closed my eyes and began to hyperventilate, wanting everything to cease and calm down. I can't take it anymore. Its either I pass out or scream. No, no, no. I shouldn't, but my system stops me from being sane. Curse those medicines, they're all fake! My lips shaked and my entire body became numb. I'm about to break down, but then...

Someone shaked me to reality.

"(Y/N)? (Y/N), are you alright?"

That voice.

"J-Jaehee?"

"Yes, I am. Are you okay? You've been trembling and you seem scared. People was asking you but you weren't answering. I arrived and told them that I know you and I'll take care of you." She said with a worried expression.

With her statement, my back slided to the surface until I sat down on the tiled floor. Jaehee did the same too, in an attempt to understand my situation. I still faced the ground. I don't want her to see me at this state. Not now, but she found me.

"Are you scared?" She asked.

I opened my eyes. I haven't told her about it and I'm not planning to, but I guess I don't have a choice.

"J-Jaehee. L-Listen to me," I started to explain, "To be honest, I'm really, really terrified. I never wanted to tell you this but... I... I dreaded places like this. Crowded, wide and public spaces. I was diagnosed with the phobia when I was younger, and its still going on. I'm so frustrated. I took all the medications I have to drink, but nothing worked. I'm scared, Jaehee. I'm very scared."

I felt Jaehee look at me, not only in pure pity, but with empathy. My body almost went limp, but I barely didn't pass out. To my surprise, Jaehee held my hand with ease.

"You don't plan on giving up, do you?"

I looked away, "I honestly... wanted to give up."

"Please don't. You've come this far, you shouldn't be wasting what you have now. You worked hard, maybe undergone many therapies, stood up in your own feet, and remember, you're now working in a large company. Not everyone can work in C&R company, but you're lucky enough to be a part of it." She paused for a breath, "I know this isn't about the job and I don't know how that massive anxiety feels and I can't cure it, but I want to help and understand. Just, don't give up or you'll lose everything, and there won't be anything left for you. I'll assist you, (Y/N). It'll be okay, you don't have to be scared. I'm here, and I'll be with you."

I don't know what to say at that point. No one ever told me those words before, its just her. I'm so happy that the anxiousness left me like it was nothing. She flashed a reassuring smile at me.

"If you're scared, you can hold my hand until we reach the 3rd floor."

"R-Really? I mean, you're the director's secretary, wouldn't it be very unprofessional to look at?"

"It won't, trust me."

I took her suggestion and held her soft and warm hand. She helped me get up and she led me to the nearby elevator. I looked at her, who kept a casual atmosphere and expression. Maybe she doesn't like it, so I kept myself quiet in embarassment. Soon, we reached the conference room.

She sighed, "We're here. How're you feeling now?"

"I... I think I'm okay this time."

"That's good to hear," She glanced at her watch, "Oh, we're almost late!"

"I-I'm sorry for slowing you down! Let's go ahead!"

We got inside and the meeting started at the exact time. Jaehee took the seat beside me, and I couldn't remember how many times she asked if I'm uncomfortable or okay. I never been with someone very caring like her. I began to zone out of the discussion when Mr. Han read my proposal, because I memorized what's in it. I stared at Jaehee who's listening carefully. I thought that I'm so lucky to have her with me. Heck, how did I even became friends with her? I took my eyes off her for a little while, then gazing at her again.

Hey, come to think of it. I haven't thanked and apologized to her about what happened earlier!

The time passed fast and the meeting is adjourned. Jaehee and I got out of the area.

"I'm glad that the meeting went well. I thought many will oppose the chosen plan, but surprisingly they agreed. Isn't that great?" She began.

"Yeah, it is. I didn't even think that the plan was that good, but Mr. Han chose it anyway." I shrugged. We passed on a coffee shop near the hall.

"Jaehee, can you wait for a minute? I just need to get something."

"Sure. Take your time."

I went inside and bought a pair of cappucino for the both of us. I thought that Jaehee will like it since I heard that she liked coffee. Its a little chilly this morning too, now that winter is approaching.

"Here. Take it. I bought it for you."

"Really? You don't have to do that, you know. I can pay you back-"

"Ssh." I cooed and handed her the cup of coffee, "I won't accept any pay backs. Its yours."

We sat on a table for a meantime since it'll be awkward to drink coffee while walking. I also bought some food that will suit to the coffee's taste.
"(Y/N), thank you for having these snacks with me. I'm surprised that they're actually my favorites."

"No problem. Actually, I never think that these will be enough to thank you about earlier."

She looked at me after sipping the coffee, "What do you mean?"

"Well, I was about to go on a mental breakdown a while ago; I was frightened and hyperventilating and I don't know what to do, then you just came. You helped me and calmed me down. I really... thank you for that."

She listened and stared at me while I talked.

"Another thing, I apologize for creating a fuss. You might be drawing attention from people and I slowed you down. I'm very sorry, Jaehee."

"You don't have to be sorry. Its not your fault that you're scared of open spaces. Also, I don't mind helping you out in that situation. If I were in your perspective, I would've wanted someone to help me, right?" She replied with a smile.

"Yeah, but... I'm so ashamed that you saw me in a vulnerable state. I wanted to keep it a secret, but I guess it doesn't get along with my system." I laughed a bit. I saw her just enjoying her time with coffee and some bread.

"Aren't you going to ask me about my agoraphobia and its history? Most people do so."

"I think those people doesn't make sense."

I didn't expect that answer, "Why?"

She puts down the empty cup, "There are certain things that you don't want to talk about with everyone and you probably want to keep it to yourself only. Its something I don't have to know. Its a weakness that we don't want anyone to point out."

I stared at the brown haired girl in awe. She's talking big, but I think she's right. I smiled after hearing her thoughts.

"Well, should we get back to work? Mr. Han told us we should still go to the C&R."

"Yeah, right. Let's go."

We went out of the mall and found that the director is waiting for her. She apologized, and then he seated inside his limousine. Jaehee remained there for a while and waved at me as I contact a driver from Grab. I waved back, and the next I saw is she went in to the car and left. I gazed at the bright sky.

I'll be thanking God for letting me meet this wonderful woman.