Chapter 29: I'm Sorry, Wooseok
Chapter Theme: Insane - BTOB

Yoon Harin

The atmosphere inside the office was eerie as soon as I stepped inside. My officemates were suspiciously quiet most especially, Euijin. Her eyes jiggled everytime she glanced at me and I found it strange.

I slid my hand inside my bag to get my compressed powder and lipstick. My lipstick was ruined earlier because of Seungwoo won't stop pecking on my lips. My boyfriend's  addicted to my lips and I kinda want to spoil him. We're officially dating for a week now and from time to time, I spend time with Dongpyo too. The kid was not aloof to me and he's very transparent. He was clingy that sometimes Seungwoo will get jealous. I giggled as I remembered that moment.

I roamed my eyes inside the office and everyone was avoiding my gaze.

"Is anything wrong?" I poked Euijin using my elbow. I opened the compressed powder and softly applied the sponge on my face.

Euijin waved her hand at me. "N-no! Everything is at there right places. It's just baseless rumors." What rumors?

She resumed doing what she do on her desk and I heard her murmuring something. "Like duh.. how could it happen? She's too high for someone like him." Who is she pertaining too?

Euijin glanced at me quickly and laughed awkwardly. Something's fishy and I'm so intrigued to know what it is.

After being satisfied with my retouch, I started to work on my computer. There were a lot of things to do and I need to do it on time. Having over time was my last resort when I was still single but it's different now. Spending my night with Seungwoo is my priority.

"Harin-ah, can you please transfer to my computer the folder you're doing right now so I could check it after you're done?" Eunae sunbaenim requested.

"Yes, sunbaenim. I'll send it as soon as I finish." I calmly said while still focusing on my computer.

A smile escaped from my lips after my phone beeped and saw Seungwoo's name on it.

Seungwoo Oppa 💖,

I put a box of milk inside your bag.
Did you see it?

Oh! I haven't noticed.

Thank you oppa 😜

I like it when you call me oppa.

But I won't call you that everytime.

Get back to work before your
manager will see you being
busy on your phone.

Yep! Take care! 💖

Take care too. I'll fetch you later!

I almost bursted out my laughter after he sent me a photo of him, lip biting. The audacity of this guy to seduce me! He knows that whatever he do are my weakness. I sent him a laughing sticker before I put my phone back on the table.

"Have you seen your demerit points?" My soul almost escaped when Euijin suddenly whispered on my ear. She'll be the reason of my death due to heart attack!

"Euijin-ah.. can you please give me a warning before you whisper? I almost had a heart attack! Aigoo!" I complained. She gave me an apologetic face and made a peace sign.

"So did you?" She asked for the second time. I shook my head. I'm not interested anyway.

"We're not students to be given merit and demerit points! If only this job doesn't give an above minimum wage and benefits, I would step out and resign." She ranted. I could feel the stress she's having right now.

"It's because you let it affect yourself. Neglect it and focus on your work. Those demerit points are useless if you ace on your job." I told her to shut her up.

She moved her shoulders. "I like your fighting spirit Harin-ssi."

"Thanks Hong Euijin. Now focus on your work!"

Gwajangnim treated us for lunch on the building's cafeteria. We all jumped in joy because this moment was unusual and most of all, we can save our money.

We were gathered on the longest table inside. Fried chicken, samgyupsal and sea foods were placed on the center. The aroma of the foods made my stomach growl. Before eating, we prayed and took pictures of the foods.

I sent one to Seungwoo telling him that we will be having these foods for lunch.

Seungwoo Oppa 💖,

I envy you :( I'm just eating
ramen right now.

*crying sticker*

I'll make you a meal one of
these days!

Oh.. jinjja?

You know how to cook?

Sort of. I'll just follow a recipe book!

Thought you'll be cooking me your own recipe.

We can experiment together.

Gotta go! We'll be eating now.

Eat well baby. Miss you!

*kiss sticker*

*i miss you too sticker*

*kiss sticker*

I made myself comfortable on the last seat, Euijin was on my right side. I almost choked when I saw Wooseok's grim face in front of me. Honestly, he could pass as a grim reaper just like Lee Dongwook. He fixed his eyes on me and I just raised my brow. Actually, when Seungwoo and I started dating, we don't talk that much unlike before. Maybe he's wondering why I am no longer hitching on his car. His gaze was cut off when gwajangnim announced that we should eat.

Clicking of the plates, glasses and utensils filled the cafeteria. Suddenly, Wooseok swapped our plates. His plate that was already full of foods was given to me and he used my empty plate. The clicking stopped when they saw what he did. Some cleared their throat then proceeded on getting food.

"That was dispensable!" I whispered making sure that no one could hear me. He just ignored my fuss and started to savor the food on his mouth. My hatred on him started to fire again. He's an unpredictable man!

My plate was full. I don't think I can finish them all. He wanted me to eat these so I'll become a pig that he can mock!

I opened my mouth to have a bite on the chicken when out of blue, a hand which was holding a wrap made it's way on my mouth and it was Wooseok! The nerve of this guy!

Expectedly, my officemates cleared their throat like it was the most normal thing to do every time they'll see Wooseok being friendly to me. In order for him to get away from the suspicious look, he made another wrap and fed it to his seatmate.

I munched the wrap inside my mouth and carefully swallowed it trying to figure out if there might be spikes inside. Wooseok has an unclear mind so I should give him the doubt.

Euijin hit my leg using her leg. I looked at her. Her face was giving off an interrogative vibe.

"He's just being friendly." I said to feed her curiousity.

"It was unnecessary in every angle, Harin. I think his intention is something else. Don't you think?" She asked not leaving my eyes. I wanted to zip her mouth. The person she's talking about was in front of us and she doesn't know how to tone down her voice.

"Harin looked skinny and as a concerned workmate, it is my duty to help my colleague. I don't think it's wrong. Right gwajangnim?"

As what I'm saying, Euijin doesn't know how to tone down her voice that's why Wooseok answered for me to all. Everyone waited for gwajangnim's answer, even me. I was expecting for a no because he tends to disagree every time. 

"Wooseok got a point. Your health will reflect on your performance so we need to stay healthy." He answered and resumed eating.

Why was everyone on Wooseok's side?

My plate was still plenty with food because I barely touched it. But I excused my self not telling them where I'll go.

I went to the restroom and washed my hands on the lavatory. I wanted to pee so I slid inside on a vacant cubicle.

"Do you know Harin's family background?" A familiar voice asked to someone. She was for sure my workmate, Mira. Even though I'm done, I remained inside the cubicle. "I'm sure it was her. She was sitting inside a restaurant with a man and a child. Then I saw her getting inside a taxi with the man."

What should I do about these bees? I know that talking about someone's life is pretty overwhelming but hell, they're intervening so much! I wouldn't be shock if they'll hire a private investigator to investigate me.

"Let me see the photos!" The other woman squeked, it was Dahee. "Heol. This is really Harin! Is she dating a single father slash a taxi driver? Or are they having an affair?" She added sounding so concerned about my lovelife.

"Sesange! Why would she stoop down so low? Let's not conclude right away because Wooseok sunbae has gotten strange to her." Mira spoke like an insider. "Have you seen how his eyes looked at her? Gosh! Yoon Harin is the luckiest if ever Wooseok sunbae likes her."

"What about the taxi driver? I can imagine a man around his thirty's, with beard all over his face and a bloated stomach." Dahee said expertly like she was so sure about describing Seungwoo.

How dare she described Seungwoo so wrongly? Bloated stomach?! What the hell! If they only know that my boyfriend's has abs and muscles to die for! Though I haven't seen it but it's really true.

The door creaked, steps coming from heels echoed in the whole room.

"Yah, why are you talking about Harin?" It's Eujin!

"Don't act like you don't talk about her too. We heard you earlier because you're too loud!" Mira backfired.

"You're really good at pointing finger." Euijin tsked. "But I guess the rumor was wrong."

"There was an evidence. You can't just deny it Euijin. How'd you know?" Dahee asked.

"Have you seen Wooseok sunbae's action towards Harin earlier? You know me, I don't just sit and wait for another rumor to surface so what I did is, I ask him what he feels toward our colleague." Euijin responded a matter-of-factly. She should be working at a broadcasting station, not in an insurance company!

The two others did not talk, they're just waiting for Euijin to spill the scope. I was thrilled to hear what Wooseok said to her. If he said anything that would make me mad, I'll declare war.

"I like her," Euijin said trying to mimic Wooseok's voice. "After he said that, I showed him the picture and he wasn't even threatened. He told me that it was just Harin's family member."

Mira and Dahee praised Euijin for her courage and effort.

"No need to thank me girls. Just keep quiet and don't tell it to anyone. Everything's settled, so stop talking about Harin."

I can't take it anymore, them talking behind my back. Eavesdropping wasn't my thing so I intervened with their little chat. I opened the door with force to create a thud. They jolted when they heard it.

Their faces became pale when they realized that the woman they're talking about popped up on their sight.

"Mira-ssi, Dahee-ssi.. talking about me really?" I scoffed. I crossed my arms and sent them gaze like daggers. Hell, I won't be giving them official answers from me. Let them die in curiousity!

Euijin tapped my back. She gave me a pity look and nodded. "Harin-ssi.. gwaenchanayo, everything's settled now. This time it's real. Now let's get out before we get demerit points again."

There were still a lot of things I wanted to say to them but I restrained myself from doing so. Being reckless won't do any good. The way they looked down on Seungwoo's job hurt my ego. I know that everyone has their own opinion but can't they just speak ill of the latter? He's doing great at his job and as a person. I adore him for his determination and how he takes care of his responsibilities. Han Seungwoo may be an ordinary man but for me, he's my hero.

He saved me from my wreck and taught me to stand up again after my fall. I fell to him and he willingly catch me. And how dare they compare my status to Seungwoo? I'm an ordinary person too, striving each day to earn. We're just the same anyway.

Thinking about what Euijin said.. Wooseok likes me? That's ridiculous. I think he just saved me from the rumors. If yes, then I'll thank him in my mind.

The work occupied me the whole afternoon. Euijin never failed to gave a teasing look everytime she glanced at me. Can't she stop her self from doing so?

My knee hit the undertable causing a thud. I held my breathe to fight the pain. My workmates set their eyes on me but I just smiled at them.

"Gwaenchanayo?" Euijin asked with worried look.

"Yup I'm fine." I answered and walked away.

I picked up my tumbler that was placed inside the refrigerator located in the pantry. The water that was full became half. I'm really thirsty!

"You don't look fine.." Wooseok commented while pointing on my exposed knee which slightly turned into violet.

He went to the first aid kit, looking for something. After a couple of seconds, I saw him holding an ice pack. He got ice cubes from the refrigerator too.

"S-sunbaenim.. I can do it." I offered my hand so he will pass the ice pack to me but he didn't.

"Let me do it for you. This is nothing anyway," he kneeled down, his eyes fixed on my knee. He gently pressed the ice pack on my knee.

When I was satisfied with what he did, I pulled my leg back causing his hand to stop midair. He looked at me questionably but had plan on resuming what he did. I distanced myself so he could no longer do it.

"T-thank you.." I muttered. The atmosphere became cold due to his gaze.

"Why can't you let me do it?" He asked, like he was pleading. Why would he plead anyway?

I chuckled nervously. "You're my sunbae! And you don't really have to do it. My hands are still intact, you know?" I showed him my hands.

"Are you really that numb?" He spatted, eyes fiery as ever. What have I done?

His eyes rolled in annoyance. What an attitude! "Suit yourself," he threw the ice pack to me but I wasn't able to caught it.

"What a jerk." I mumbled as I picked up the ice pack.

***

"It's payday!!!!!!!" Euijin slammed her desk and danced in joy. All of us smiled widely as we realized what day is today. Should I buy something for Seungwoo and Dongpyo?

"Everyone, wanna go for a drink?!" Euijin announced excitedly. There were only three people who got swayed.

She went over me and pursed her lips. "Won't you tag along? You're alcohol deprived!" She commented like it was a must to go drink.

"I have other plans for my salary.. sorry!" I replied. If I want to drink, Seungwoo should be present. I can only trust my drunk self to him.

"Harin-ssi.." Wooseok called me. I saw him approaching me on my position. Our other workmates were already outside and I wasn't able to realize that the two of us were left inside.

"Do you need anything?" I asked, unbothered by his intimidating presence. Sometimes, he looks soft but when he gets serious, you wouldn't dare to cross the line. But I am Yoon Harin. I can cross the line whenever I want.

He cleared his throat multiple times, his right foot kept on tapping on the floor and his eyes quivered. "You're numb and dumb." He stated obejectively. My mouth gaped, not expecting his blatancy.

I scorned at his insult. "You're putting me into a maze. What are you exactly trying to imply?" I said with sarcasm.

He scratched his head, face almost making a frown. He swiped his tongue on his lips and threw an icy glare on me. "This. This attitude of yours makes me like you. I don't even know why you're turning me on everytime you throw a fit. It's too impossible, right? But it happened. I've been ruminating my feelings for you but it keeps on giving me the same answer. I like you."

Luckily, there was a table behind me that I can grip for support. His confession was about of the blue, unexpected. Yes, it feels pretty good when he said he likes me but it's not because I felt the same way, it's more of a satisfaction. Satisfaction that behind my flaws, someone still likes me for who I am.

"Jangnanhae?!" I shouted.

(Are you kidding me?!)

Anticipation flickered on his eyes accompanied with hope. I stepped back, afraid that he might hold me anytime. He remained at his position.

"Do you know why I always get annoyed at you? It's because I don't want to entertain the affection inside me. I want to keep myself away but I couldn't especially that I heard a rumor about you dating a taxi driver." He laughed bitterly. I wanted to smack him because it was an obvious insult for Seungwoo. "What's with him anyway? He's just a mere taxi driver. I swear, that man won't do good on you."

The nerve of this guy! Why would he dragged someone so he could make himself up?

With much hatred on my eyes, I looked at him. "Try insulting him once again, Kim Wooseok. You might have a better life status than him but who are you to judge anyway? If you like my filthy attitude well, don't expect that I'll like yours too. We're of the same kind and if you keep pursuing yourself on me, it would ignite and creat fire. Find someone who can step down on your raging fire!"

"I can give you the best life! I am willing to change and be tamed. I am willing to be your slave! Just give me a goddamn chance!" He pleaded like a lost child. But who he was kidding?

"Stop comparing because you two are different! We're all different and comparing is just a bullshit!" I directly told him. He was shocked for a moment but there's no way I can put him sane.

"We've been working for so long! Did you not notice me? Everyone adored my visual, my talent, my name. How about you? D-don't you feel the same?" His voice cracked but I showed no mercy.

I sighed, not wanting to fully convert his confession into arguement. "You're a package but I can't dictate my heart and mind. Jeongmal mianhae, but I can't reciprocate your feelings. Thank you for appreciating me, that's all I can do.. sunbaenim."

I walked out not guilty for what I'd said. He fell but I couldn't help him because I already fell with someone else.

"Harin-ah!" Seungwoo called my name, his hand waving at me. His face plastered the most beautiful genuine smile in the universe. How could they possibly judge him right away solely for his job? A job doesn't fully define who we are.

As I looked at him again, my tears fell. He doesn't deserved all the criticisms from my workmates. Han Seungwoo is better than that. I may be a woman but it will not stop me from protecting him. I will protect him at all cost even if my life will be at stake.