CH 9

“I did say I wanted to have dinner with you, but I had no idea it would turn out this way.”

I stir up the sundae soup.[note: Korean blood sausage soup] The smell of fragrant perilla powder tickles my nostrils.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be too hard on yourself. From what I heard, Section Chief Lee Hyun-jae was also in the wrong, and Department Head Seo Hee-tae had the wrong attitude.”

Director Lee coughed and drank water. He seemed to be trying to hold back his laughter.

“But that doesn’t mean that you did a good job.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Excuse me! One bottle of soju, please.”

“Which one!” The kitchen staff shouted.

Director Lee looked at me and asked, “Is there something you can’t eat while drinking?” I just shake my head as I take one bite of sundae soup. Director Lee’s dimples deepened.

“Just give me anything.”

I just sit there, quietly watching the green glass bottle come up to the table. Director Lee shoved a bowl of mixed peppers in front of me.

“Eat a lot.”

“Yes.”

I put the warm sundae into my mouth. A hazy but flavorful broth spreads through my mouth. Of course, Director Lee is biased, but only after cutting the meat did he eat sundae soup as well. Given that he is skilled at cutting meat, this is not a skill that he acquired after only eating it once or twice.

“I was actually going to buy you something delicious today. Something expensive. Something like sashimi.”

“But sundae soup is also delicious.”

“It would have been better if Department Head Seo and Section Chief Lee didn’t fight in my office, otherwise we could have eaten earlier.”

Director Lee turned his eyes to his watch. The silvery, flashing watch chimed in. It’s already 9 o’clock.

About three hours ago a terrible incident unfolded after I grabbed Section Chief Lee by the collar.

I let go of Section Chief Lee’s collar in surprise, and he just fell down. The angry Department Head Seo pushed me away and lifted Section Chief Lee up like seaweed. I lost my balance and slipped. I wish I had only just slipped, but my foot kicked Department Head Seo in the shin. Department Head Seo stumbled, and at that moment, Section Chief Lee slapped him on the cheek.

It happened in an instant.

I think I heard Deputy Kang’s voice.

“Who took that picture?”

To make matters worse, the executives who had finished their meeting rushed to the floor. They were on their way to the first floor to inquire about the status of the customer claim case. But when they saw that the third floor was completely empty, they were filled with enough rage to make their heads explode.

I was sitting on the bathroom floor, the Section Chief Lee was crying, and the Department Head Seo was astonished. Employees left their seats quietly, fearing that they would miss the scene because of the executives.

“Isn’t that Department Head Hee-tae?”

“What are you all doing! Did you watch enough! Go back to your seats!”

“Director Hwang, you’re here?”

People who had been murmuring for a while became as silent as dead mice. Director Lee Si-hyun emerged from the left side of the crowd with his arms crossed.

“Kim Joo-hyuk, Seo Hee-tae, and Lee Hyun-jae, come to my office.”

It was the first time I heard Director Lee’s voice become angry since joining the company. After simulating various scenarios ranging from salary reduction to dismissal, I made a decision. Let’s resign after revealing their dirty messes.

Department Head Seo and Section Chief Lee fought intensely, even in the director’s office. Director Lee listened to the two’s protests for a long time before taking action.

“Are you all out of your mind?!”

Director Lee shouted.

“The two of you will write a letter of explanation by tomorrow, and Kim Joo-hyuk, stay here.”

It took another 15 minutes for Department Head Seo and Section Chief Lee to leave. When the sound of the office door closing was heard, Director Lee sighed.

“Did those two do that frequently?”

“It’s getting worse these days.”

“I’m sorry, I should have known sooner. They’re difficult to get a hold of… Both of their performance records are always excellent…”

“Actually, Director Lee…”

I go on to tell him about Section Chief Lee’s and Department Head Seo’s spectacular love history. I even go into great detail about how publicly they are dating.

Our team can’t function because the two of them keep disappearing from work and openly discussing their sex life publicly…

Director Lee also responded from time to time, saying, “You had a hard time.”

As the story got longer, I supposedly remembered the time. It must have been past work hours…

Director Lee wiped his face. The vein on the back of his hand is protruding. Director Lee then smiled and said,

“I’m hungry.”

I nod my head.

And so, we went to the sundae soup restaurant near the company.

I reveal more of the unfortunate story as we drink a glass of soju. Employees in our company who are Omegas don’t take inhibitors, while Alphas are territorial…

Director Lee was a sincere director. He listened seriously to what I was saying and said he would improve in the future. I can’t believe it was this easy. I should have talked to Director Lee earlier.

My vision flashed as I blinked.

Suddenly, when I looked up, my vision was hazy. I am sitting somewhere I don’t recognize when I notice an alleyway with a flashing sign. I was with Director Lee at the restaurant before… Then we changed our location and went to a pub… How much did I drink?

Director Lee offered me a drink. I couldn’t grab it because my eyes are unable to focus. Director Lee grabbed my hand and handed me a drink bottle.

“Director’s hand is very big.”

“Is that a compliment?”

“Are all Alphas that big? Really, that big?”

Director Lee’s blushed.

“What do you mean?”

“As you can see, Alphas are tall, have large hands and feet, and Omegas are small, white, and cute…”

Director Lee sighed and swept his hair back.

“I think you drank too much. Can you get up?”

“Of course.”

I jump up like a bullet and stand up. Director Lee pulled me back. I stumble and bump my face into Director Lee’s chest.

“It smells good.”

“Kim Joo-hyuk, you’re not doing this on purpose, are you?”

“What detergent do you use? I need to buy a new one. I’m going to buy something on sale.”

I hit Director Lee’s chest. It’s hard.

“Knock knock knock, who are you? It’s an Alpha! You can gain muscle even if you don’t exercise! That’s not something Betas can do, is it?

“…I exercise every day.”

“I didn’t ask.”

I push Director Lee and walk forward. Director followed and took my hand.

“I called a chauffeur. Let’s go together.”

Director Lee dragged me to the car. Director Lee appeared to be greeting someone before opening the back seat door.

“I’ll take you home, so lean on me and sleep.”

“I prefer the passenger seat.”

I push myself into the passenger seat. Director Lee stood dazedly and got in the back seat.

Bang bang. I’m going home. I heard Director Lee laughing.

“Are you always this cute?”

“Please, please don’t say things like that.”

“You don’t want to hear it? You look cute.”

I look back at Director Lee and say,

“Do you know what my younger sibling calls me?”

“What is it?”

“Pumpkin in a car accident…”

Director Lee laughed. The car started as he bent down and laughed. Director Lee touched the driver’s seat with his hands. The chauffeur said something. Director Lee also replied with something. I couldn’t hear it well.

Since this happened, I should say it honestly.

“Director, I have no intention of dating.”

“Why? Don’t you think I’m good enough?”

“You’re not everything just because you’re handsome.”

“Then what more do you need?”

“Hawaii.”

My consciousness faded away.

“Hawaii.”