Chapter 121 - New Challenges 3

'Wonho, come on. They're waiting.' Jiwoo, the female intern with whom he became close to called out. She already has her bag with her, signifying that she is ready to log out. Wonho looks around to see a few other seniors also starting to pack up their things and shut down the computer. He turns his head to his right – Junghoon is still working. 'I can't join you today. The deadline's next Thursday.'

'Owh.' Wonho looks over at his own work, not knowing what to do. On one hand, he is working on the same project which means his dateline is the same, but on the other hand, the dinner party is held to welcome the new interns, and he is one of the three interns. He should at least show his face and leave early.

But how can he ditch his own mentor?

'Go ahead. It's another project.' Junghoon urges, and Wonho shakes his head, suddenly realizing how dumb he is. Obviously if his project is due next week, he would know. Making sure to save all his progress, he quickly shuts off his computer and pack up all the important items. Before leaving, he makes sure his desk is clean. Just for good measures.

Then he rushes towards Jiwoo who is waiting in front of the elevator.

#####

Shit. They are going to a barbecue place which means, they are drinking.

Shit, what should he do? This is his first time drinking with strangers or people he barely knew since the incident; he is starting to have panic attack just thinking about it. The three of them will be the center of attention so it is not as if he can escape his anxiety by talking to the other interns, and the only person he is slightly close to – his mentor – is not here.

He should sit with the secretaries. They are omegas and betas. They scare him the least.

Wonho waits outside with the others, waiting for one of his seniors to tell them they can come. They were a few minutes early and the staffs are still in the midst of cleaning the tables. Looking around, realizing the ratio of females to males, as well as the omegas to betas and alphas, Wonho starts to sweat.

This is real. He will have to spend a few hours, drinking with alpha strangers. He doesn't know if he can handle this. Working with them is different, they are in a safe environment. Drinking with them in this kind of place, a lot of things can go wrong.

Feeling himself starting to hyperventilate from panic, Wonho takes out his phone and starts to dial Minwoo out of habit. It took a few rings before the hoarse voice can be heard. 'Wonie-yah, you're there?'

Wonho takes a long, deep breath and walks a few feet away from the group, turning slightly away from them before whispering, 'I don't think I can do this.'

'Can't you tell them you're sick or something?' despite that stupid idea, Minwoo genuinely sounds concerned so Wonho considers the plan for a moment before deciding that will not work. Because he is already here, and he looks fine until right now. It is too late to use that excuse to run away.

'Urmm… want me to come? I'm free now.' Wonho shakes his head to no one, not agreeing to that idea as well. Everyone is alone right now, it will be weird for him to bring his mate at a workplace party to welcome him.

'Wonho-yah, come!' Jiwoo gestures towards him, pointing at the door. Everyone is now walking inside. It is too late, he has no choice but to join them. With his heart pounding aggressively, almost hurting him, Wonho begs, 'Can you come, please?'

'I'll be there. I'll sit somewhere nearby.'

#####

Everyone pours each other beers, including the two interns who pours for the seniors around them. Wonho does the same, just copying what other people are doing. He never pours people drinks before, even his parents. Because, he never drinks with them in the first place. Even in his group of friends, they prefer drinking straight from the can, so this is new to him. Done with everyone's glass, a senior places Wonho's in his hand before pouring. 'I- I don't drink.'

'Heol? Really?' Wonho nods, 'Why?'

Wonho gulps, frozen like a deer trapped in headlights. Why? Because he doesn't want to. Because he is scared. But obviously he will not say that. Because he will have to explain his situation. What should he say to convince them that he can't drink? 'Allergy.'

Shit. He didn't not just sputter a nonsensical excuse.

'Pffttt!! Aigoo, just tell us you have low tolerance!! This boy.' The whole room laughs at that statement. He didn't realize everyone else was listening too. Feeling his face warm, Wonho pretends a laugh, now feeling very uncomfortable.

He really wants to go home.

#####

Wonho finally manages to get himself seated with Jiwoo while they were moving around introducing themselves to all the people here briefly. Apparently, they do that. Wonho did not know since he was, and is not active in club activities so he is not familiar with the custom when drinking with seniors. He just mimicked the other two's action, and carefully plans his route so he would end up with one of the interns.

Just as one of the ladies are talking, their attention shift at the loud sound of the sliding door opening. Wonho keep trying to listen, wanting to comment on things to seem active in the conversation. A familiar voice can be heard apologizing, and Wonho turns towards the door to be greeted by a familiar face – his alpha. When their eyes meet, Minwoo is halfway bowing lightly, before closing the door. But that few seconds was enough for Wonho to start feeling relaxed and comfortable.

#####

Wonho looks at the time. They have been here for almost two hours, and there is still no sign that they are stopping. He is already at his limits; the alphas are getting drunk and bolder in their words. Some of the female workers are already gone because they have families to tend to.

Now Wonho is left here with less sane people to talk to and feeling very uncomfortable. There are talks about going somewhere for a second party, but honestly, he is just desperate to go home. The other two interns seem to be enjoying themselves though, so he does not know if it is acceptable for him to excuse himself this 'early'.

'Hi, Wonho.' He flinches unconsciously at the sudden call of his name, sensing an alpha nearby. Preparing his heart, the young intern forces a smile at the female alpha, 'Have we met?'

'I-I don't remember. I guess not?' he answers truthfully, not in the right set of mind to pretend they have. Even if they have, he does not remember her. The lady only smiles at him, adding, 'Good. I mean, thank god. Cus I don't remember you too so that'd be awkward.'

'Heh.' Wonho chuckles softly at the weird introduction. If this was supposed to make him feel better, it did. Because he feels awkward but not uncomfortable. Wonho notices she is still staring at him, so he turns to look at her, slightly tilting his head. 'Owh yeah, Heiran. Civil engineer. I'm not in your department if you're wondering. Just came here to crash the party.'