CHAPTER 7

Black iris still searched for answers from the couple. Seconds passed but V was too speechless to say anything that might cause another injury after this.

As for Rika, Jumin almost believed that he was looking at someone else instead of the charming woman of RFA. The woman opposite him was way too different. Never mind her tears because no matter how bright she was, she was still a human. She had every right in the world to burst into tears but...

The way her lips quivered and how burning her eyes were...

"I guess there is something that an outsider like me shouldn't know, huh?" Jumin asked, internally scolding himself for being nosy. He could not help it. This situation involved V and the man always seemed like he held so many secrets.

"I am sorry, Jumin. I just had a hard time today. I... I exploded to V just now because I was just too stressed out," Rika said which was no surprise for V. Yeah, to deceive someone sharp like Jumin, it did not do any harm for them to tell the truth no matter how vague it was.

It was much better than giving lame excuses like them fighting was actually the sound from TV or radio.

"I see. I won't ask anymore if you aren't up for sharing. I am sorry for being nosy."

"It's okay, Jumin," Rika said with a small smile. It was small but God knew how relieved she felt.

At least for now.

"Well, Jumin, what gives?" V said, breaking the stiff atmosphere. Jumin was just worried and tried to help them; he felt bad since he knew the fact more than everyone. The man gestured his best friend to the sofa. The least they could do for the concerned Jumin was entertaining him properly as a guest.

"It's past office hour and I don't have anywhere to go in particular. Plus, you guys only show up for RFA events. I wonder is there something wrong with my friends here if you guys don't even bother to chat with us lately," Jumin said as direct as how he had always been. He took a seat, studying Rika and V who sat next each other.

"Ouch..." V said, curving in an apologetic smile. "You sure come here to hit our heads like that, huh?"

"I can't think of any other ways to say it. It's better to be direct than be figurative," Jumin said, eyeing V who only nodded in defeat.

"Yeah, I can't think of any excuse to come up either. We're just busy," Rika said. "But that doesn't mean we forget RFA..."

"I didn't say anything about RFA. I am talking about how you guys only show up when there is RFA. You only show up for RFA. Not even for Yoosung," Jumin interposed. Just what they had been busy with? They were not like this before. "Just give him a call or something, Rika. He really admires you and he literally chose his current course because of your advice."

"I wonder why he feels so, though. Sure, it makes me feel honored but I don't think I deserve it," Rika said, smiling bitterly as Yoosung's curious and smiling face clouded her mind.

"Why do you deserve it? Is that obvious?" Jumin looked at V so that they both could express how illogical for someone amazing and likeable like Rika to question Yoosung's thought.

But as he noticed V's expression...

"Oh, that reminds me," as Rika snapped her fingers, she smiled so bright that it would match the sun. This was the Rika who Jumin knew but given this situation, it was very strange. "Jumin, when does Hae Soo start working as your assistant? You already hired her, right? I have read the messages on the chatrooms."

The heir did not manage to conceal how surprised he was by Rika's excitement.

"Well, at least I know now that you did read the chats. What a relief," Jumin said, did not miss the speechless faces from the couple. Like hell he would miss this chance to be snarky. "She started tomorrow."

In the next morning, Jumin got up from his sleep with a fresh mind. He thought he had always been like that. Nothing made his life more meaningful than being able to work every single day despite Jaehee's complaints that her workload was too much. Jumin was a man with order. He hated a day passed without a plan beforehand. A planned and organized day would affect his mood for the rest of the day. If his mood was bad, it would affect his creativity and he would despise it if he ended up losing idea for a new cat project when he could just have a good mood from the start.

A planned and organized day including a trustworthy chief assistant like Jaehee. He never said this to anyone but since the woman had submitted her resignation letter, Jumin felt lost. His world felt like raining heavily and nonstop.

And now, he found Hae Soo to replace Jaehee which was the best relief ever in this month.

So, in order to make sure that Hae Soo would not ruin his routine by quitting the job quick, Jumin knew he had to change.

In terms of what? He would find it out in his office as it was an optimum place to think about works. Had he thought about Hae Soo and her first day at home, Jumin knew he would be distracted by Elizabeth's purring, Elizabeth's snuggling, Elizabeth's jumping, Elizabeth's...

Yes, more reasons to go to the office as soon as possible. It was not like someone asked him to make an essay about Elizabeth the 3rd and her beauty.

As he made his way to his department, it was not surprising that there were a few workers already at their desks. Thanks to him overworking his employees, especially Jaehee, the others were also forced to work overtime sometimes.

But, he should have known that arriving at work early did not mean they would start working right away. Most of the time, he could not understand what on earth they were doing and why.

"If you continue to be stubborn and do things in your own way, this company system will no longer need you."

He said that once to one of his assistants but she ended up crying. Why, though? It was her fault in the first place to keep making typos so why would she cry? She should have expected Jumin to be so particular and disapproved carelessness like that. Even when he handed her a handkerchief and she got flustered by his unexpectedly warm gesture, he still could not comprehend it.

"I guess she took the last part about the company not needing her too personally," was what Jaehee concluded in the most comically jaded face she had ever pulled on. Unbeknown to him, Jaehee was dying to say, 'your mouth is like a dragon's. Spitting fire anytime that it will burn the whole office down."

But he disagreed. The assistant should not take his words personally was what he believed.

The same goes when he had caught an employee dancing in front of the mirror when he went to the restroom. It was a weird dance but Jumin was positive that the dance went viral at that time given that the youngsters in RFA like Yoosung and Seven had talked about it on the messenger before. The employee stopped awkwardly as he noticed Jumin's presence but to save his face as much as possible, Jumin ignored him. Yet, since then, the employee would never look him in the eyes or run away like Jumin was a ghost.

The question was; if he was that embarrassed, why would he do it in the first place? It was a restroom; a public place. What else he should expect then?

And also this current situation. There were ten employees who already at their desks. He remembered every single name despite he did not talk to them much. It was always Jaehee who would be his representative but this time when they started to gossip about the new chief assistant, he decided to eavesdrop like a reporter waited for the scoops.

"Hmph. I thought that I am the one who will replace Assistant Kang's place for the time being. You know, since those candidates did not meet Mr. Han's standard," one of the employees, Bomi said. "Can you imagine how amazing it feels to look at Mr. Han's handsome face everyday? Can you imagine how awesome it feels to be called by Mr. Han every single time since he needs his chief assistant the most?"

"Do you mean like Assistant Kang?" the other assistant, Rona asked, eyeing at Jaehee's empty desk.

"Of course! Who else Mr. Han has talked to every single day? 'Assistant Kang, I have to go to your place tonight. I cannot leave Elizabeth alone.' 'Assistant Kang, for the meeting with Mr. Watson, which tie will suit me the most?' 'Assistant Kang, make me espresso just like last night.' So jealous of Assistant Kang. She can listen to his deep sexy voice every single minute."

"I know, right? She is always with Mr. Han but she's kind of weird. Why she always acts like a stone when she works the closest with Mr. Han? Is she really a straight woman?"

Good. I am with the gay rumor and now, Assistang Kang with a new lesbian rumor. What's wrong with these people? Plus, are they just going to talk? What about their hands? Are they not going to do something about it? How about works? Or they just come here, uses all the utillities here to gossip?

"Rather than Assistant Kang, I am more jealous of his cat. What's her name again? Elizabeth, right? Do you notice how happy the cat looks in Mr. Han's profile picture? That cat sure lives like a princess from Shangri-La or something," another assistant, Dahae said.

Her name is Elizabeth the 3rd. She's not living like a princess. She's a princess, Jumin thought. He was so absorbed in their conversation that he was not even surprised at himself for wasting time like this.

"But, have you guys heard about the new chief assistant?" the manager in his late 30s, Jong Kook interposed.

"Yes, we have. Actually, we did not just hear it. We directly asked Assistant Kang. Mr. Han himself hired the goddess from the last interview, right?"

"Goddess?"

"Yeah, they called her 'Goddess' since she's the most beautiful out of the candidates, I heard."

"Is it weird? She didn't even attend the final interview. Why would he choose her?"

"You don't think it's because of her looks, right? Judging how Mr. Han never date and entertain even one pretty girl, I don't think he chose her based on looks."

"But she might seduce her or talk into him because of Mr. Han's good look. I heard that she's an ex-model. She isn't qualified enough to be a secretary. Even Chairman Han is also interested in her."

"At last... like father, like son. I thought our boss doesn't have that kind of trait in him. I guess, a man is always a man."

"Mr. Han??"

He flinched, immediately turning to see the familiar voice that he had grown tired of. It was Jaehee and her brown eyes sized up like they would pop out of the sockets in any moment. What a sight she bumped into right here. Never thought that today, she would find that the ever-isolated Jumin would arrive at the office early but eavesdrop in his employees instead of being chained to his desk.

If it was not because of his clean-looking appearance and intimidating charisma, Jumin would look like a robber who was startled to see so many people in the place and looking for chances to escape quietly.

"What on earth are you doing? Wait, it's not my place to ask but..."

"Then, don't ask," he said. With a poker face, Jumin left the spot, heading to his room.

What's wrong with him? Normally, he won't even glance at this direction.

With the unanswered question in her head (not that Jaehee minded it since Jumin always did questionable things), Jaehee started her routine.

"Wait, did... did he really eavesdrop on us? That's... that's unexpected."

Including to remind other employees to behave and avoid gossiping. Before Jumin giving an order, it was always better for her to act as quick as possible.

"That's not important because you should know that you're here to work and not to chit-chat like that but to answer your question, Mr. Nam, yes, he did."

As the 'messenger' between her boss and other employees, Jaehee would always walk the talk. It was not because she wanted to curry favor with Jumin but her situation did not allow her to slack off. Her situation as the one who provided for herself and the one who she could rely on drove her to do her best for her job.

But, as always, these guys would not shut up easily. 'Welcome to the adult world' was what she always told herself whenever she caught these people complained about her for being a yes-man for Jumin and did not know how to have fun.

"Two years have passed and I still can't get along with Assistant Kang. She's way too uptight."

"That's why she can last that long with Mr. Han. They both are the same kinds; too much like a robot."

Whatever, guys. Call me pathetic. You guys always waste time and I only have an hour to grab my lunch and watch ZEN's musical. My way to enjoy is way different from yours.

I wonder how Miss Min... no, Assistant Min wil adjust herself when she works here. She seems to be much friendlier than me. She gets along with Rika better and faster than me so I guess it should be fine.

Time ran fast, with Jaehee continued with her to-do-list since two days ago until Hae Soo, showed up, all bright and with a black business attire that made her more attractive.

As much as Jaehee was not really in a friendly term with other employees, she knew she shared the same opinion about Hae Soo. They all were drawn to Hae Soo's presence.

The 24-years-old girl attracted the guys like a blossoming rose, solely by her simple appearance and ecstatic smile. Yet, as soon as Jaehee lifted her head to properly greet the girl, she swore that the girl recoiled from her desk. Probably because of Jaehee's gloomy aura and dark circles.

Hae Soo's smile was so beautiful, unlike the girl's rage which Jaehee witnessed in the orphanage days before.

She suddenly felt the urge to protect the smile and Hae Soo's enthusiasm from Jumin's overworking mania and absurd cat projects.

Would this girl be okay after this, though? I am suddenly so worried about her when I barely know her.

No matter how many confused and annoyed stares were diverted to her, Hae Soo could not care less. The urge to celebrate her happiness was so full in her that she ended up skipping, swinging her handbag brutally like Nobita who stood a chance to go out with Shizuka and singing. If it was possible, she would summon all flowers, butterflies, rabbits and other magical creatures to join her and dance on the street with songs from BLACKPINK and Red Velvet as the background music.

It would be better and more enjoyable if other passers-by joined her festive mood and immediately dance like they already memorized the choreography in the first place. The more she reached a park which was very close to her neighbourhood, the clear the sky, rainbow, cloud and so on in her eyes, seemingly celebrated the wonderful feelings for her.

Talk about metaphor...

"Duddudududududu! Lalalalaallalalalalalalalala," realizing that she did not even know the lyrics and just listening to KPOP songs a couple of times with Ae Ra, Hae Soo ended up singing gibberish. "Assistant Min, make me a cup of espresso. Assistant Min, please make two copies of this document and pass them to the corporate management team and marketing team before 5 o'clock."

Hae Soo stopped her skipping so that she could imititate Jumin's and Jaehee's speaking styles. At a first glance, she looked like she had suffered from dissociative personality disorder given how great her imitation was. "Wow, they both are so good with their job. That Mr. Han... it seems like he was born with the CEO-in-line aura. Can't even imagine he wears other outfit other than his business suits."

"I know right? As his best friend, I can't even imagine him being someone else other than a businessman."

"Woahh!" Hae Soo exclaimed loudly at the sudden interruption of her monologue. She turned. Eyes grew wider at the sight of a man with a striking mint hair and soft smile.

"V... I mean Mr. V?" She exclaimed. Her overreaction sent the man with a camera to chuckle. What a melodious voice he had, like Rika and unlike Jumin.

What the heck am I thinking about?

"I can see that you're very happy, Miss Min. Today is your first day, I assume?"

"Yes, if we talk about my position as Mr. Han's assistant," she said, looking around as if she was wary of the possibility that V might attack her suddenly and steal her bag. "But, where are you coming from? I thought that I didn't see you around here..."

"Are you sure you're looking around, Miss Min?" V asked, still with a soft smile but a mildly teasing tone that an adult would use for an innocent child. Not to mention, V was looking straight at her eyes and he was leaning forward to match her height. "I have observed you for a while and you seemed like you would dance in public anytime given how happy you're right now. What a beautiful sight, really."

Ob... observed?

"Don't... don't tease me, please. I know I acted like a crazy ass just now. It's just that... I am so happy to get a proper job and I don't want to know what other people think of me... just for..."

"Just for once?"

That made her pause, pondering on the guess.

"No, not for once. Come to think of it, I have done something weird like this a few times in public when I was too happy."

V laughed, did not expect such an honest answer.

"Can I bet that this time, you feel the happiest now?"

"Huh? What makes you think so?"

This time, the handsome face curved in a guilty smile. He gestured at his camera, sending the message that he tried to convey to the girl right away.

"I have to be honest with you. I was around here to take photos and seeing you like that, I couldn't help but take a picture of you..."

"Huh!? Why?"

"Let me apologize to you properly, Miss Min. Sorry, I am not a big fan of taking pictures of human beings since yeah, it's a matter of privacy but... do you notice that when you're so bright, you look so beautiful, Miss Min? You match well with the sun up there."

Listening to his comment, she instantly looked at the bright sky. Sure, the sky was very beautiful but...

How insanely happy she was just now that she could even see rainbow up there?

"Hahaha..." Being caught off guard by the sudden compliment was one thing but talking with V like this made her realize something.

No wonder the photographer was in a relationship with Rika. They both were good with words, convincing and sweet-looking.

"I have landed a good job at C & R company, Mr. V. Who in the world would not be happy for that!?" to cover her embarrassment, Hae Soo exaggerated her gestures. She could swear, people around her would think that she was insane.

At this rate, people might assume him as deranged as her. That was not good.

"You know, you can just call me V, Miss Min."

Meanwhile, this guy did not seem to care at all.

"Look who's talking," she replied quickly, as if she had waited for him to suggest them to drop the formality first for a while.

V chuckled again. Talking to this girl made the invisibly tight knot around his chest slowly loosened. He realized that it had been a while since he could smile and chuckle from the bottom of his heart without the familiar anxiety whenever he was in his house. "I guess we're even then, Hae Soo."

"Found you," a certain redhead smiled in relief. Despite the feeling of breathing in the fresh air in the messy and dark room, his thin fingers still typed fast, did not bother to stop.

707 or Seven's determination to play or torture Elizabeth the 3rd was no joke. No wonder Jumin hired more bodyguards for his beloved cat but Seven would never be scared.

But now, in the midst of hacking Jumin's office CCTV, Seven finally found someone, thanks to their chats on the chatroom last night.

"I am truly happy for you."

And also in the midst of being dramatic alone, he locked the room door. Vanderwood, his partner from the agency could not know what he was working on right now instead of the assignment from their agency. He just did not feel up for it.