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Published at 24th of October 2022 05:40:14 AM


Chapter 29

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“Let’s stop by your favorite restaurant on the way home today. I have already made a reservation.”

“Why all of a sudden? I’m busy. And that is no longer my home.”

“You shouldn’t lose any more weight. You haven’t been eating well these days. I think you’re a little skinny. You don’t look good.”

“Oh, I don’t look good? Seo Hee-tae-ssi, if I’m not good to look at, you should just eat by yourself. I’ll take care of myself at my home, so don’t worry.”

“Are you still upset? Yesterday, I…”

I put my arms between Section Chief Lee and Department Head Seo and split the two. As if dividing the Red Sea, I put some necessary distance between them.

“Deputy Kim.”

It was obvious what Department Head Seo’s expression was. In order not to be intimidated, I did not even look at him.

“Section Chief Lee, I have something to tell you.”

“Ah, just in time. Let’s go and talk.”

Section Chief Lee wrapped his hand around my shoulders. Department Head Seo grabbed Section Chief Lee’s wrist. As I looked at Section Chief Lee, my eyes met with Department Head Seo. Department Head Seo’s eyes staring at me is terrifying. I know this. I wanted to look away, but I held back. I have nothing to lose. I looked straight at him. I shouted in my heart. What are you looking at?

“Just say it here and go.”

“Hee-tae-ya.”

Department Head Seo slowly put his hand away. The corners of my mouth are raised very carefully. It’s the first time I’ve ever heard Section Chief Lee call Department Head Seo so friendly. Section Chief Lee said softly,

“Fuck off.”

“…”

“Ooo…”

I unknowingly let out an exclamation. I shut my mouth tight. They didn’t care about me as they locked eyes like there was electricity coming out of their eyes.

“You bastard.”

Section Chief Lee seems to have accumulated a lot of frustration. Section Chief Lee pushes away Department Head Seo, who helplessly receives it. It felt good to see Section Chief Lee curse Department Head Seo, even if I was biased toward Section Chief Lee. Since the beginning of my career, Section Chief Lee has been my gunner.

While watching the devastation of Department Head Seo, I had an idea for a ridiculous prank. My reasoning had yet to confirm it was a good idea, but my muscles simply did the job anyway.

“Shall we go?”

I bent my left arm in front of Section Chief Lee. Section Chief Lee pursed his lips. He seemed to be dying of laughter. Section Chief Lee lightly placed his hand on my forearm.

“Let’s go.”

I felt like a father assisting the bride’s entrance. We simply switched roles. It’s fun, but I’m also worried. Maybe I’m crazy. I’m so curious about Department Head Seo’s expression, but I keep myself in check.

“Oh, right.”

Section Chief Lee looked back and held out his middle finger to Department Head Seo.

“Let’s go now.”

It’s the moment at which the indigestion that had built up since joining the company resolved in an instant.

We can’t look each other in the eyes when we arrive at the staff lounge. Section Chief Lee is biting his lower lip. So was I. I desperately tried not to laugh. Only those who are driven to the end can laugh like that.

We both sat on our chairs and held our breaths.

“Kim, ahem, Deputy Kim. Thank you just now. For matching my punches.”

“Oh, it’s nothing. Well, Section Chief Lee, I hope you do well.”

“However, Deputy Kim is running a little late today. I heard from Department Head Seo, but it’s too late. It’s not good if it’s during a deadline. I’ll overlook it today because it’s Deputy Kim.”

“I’m sorry. Actually, I had a problem. So, I have something to tell you, Section Chief.”

Section Chief Lee’s expression becomes serious. Section Chief Lee put his hands together.

“What’s going on? Is your sister sick again these days?”

“No, that’s not it, I…”

Section Chief Lee’s serious gaze turns to me. I remembered when I first started working for the company. Section Chief Lee, who was still a deputy, looked very fresh. He looked rounder then than he does now. He also had a nice personality. He was always kind to his subordinates and meticulous in his work. Regardless of how much Department Head Seo irritated him, he smiled his way to work the next morning like a cartoon character. He is someone worthy of respect.

“I’m about to resign.”

Now is the time to part. With this fucking company.

“What?”

Section Chief Lee clasped his hands in surprise. Section Chief Lee is speechless.

“Why did you come to that decision? Deputy Kim, you’re doing well. Are you going to change jobs?”

“No. I’m going to quit. I don’t think my current work life suits me. I want to have some time to relax and travel.”

“But then, Deputy Kim, how about taking a vacation? I’ll let you pass if it’s too hard, so take some rest and come back.”

“Section Chief.”

“Yes.”

“Thank you so much.”

Section Chief Lee sighed. Section Chief Lee, who looked at the counter in the break room for a moment, asked with a smile,

“Do you want to go get a cup of coffee?”

I nod. However, I don’t think he can consume caffeine while pregnant. I take a look at Section Chief Lee’s stomach as he stands up to order coffee. I don’t think there’s anything living in that flat stomach. Because they are cells, they must be still small.

I supported my chin with the back of my hand and focused my gaze on Section Chief Lee’s back. I see Department Head Seo with his arms crossed through the glass wall when I turn my head unintentionally. I pretend not to see and look straight ahead. I didn’t see anything.

***

Section Chief Lee sends me off coolly.

‘If it’s Deputy Kim, I’m sure you’ll do well wherever you go. Since you’ve done a great job, Joo-hyuk-ssi.’

We talked about the story when Section Chief Lee was a deputy and I was just an employee. It was a memory. Looking back, the pain was also beautified. We’ve known each other for a long time. It had to be the same for Department Head Seo and Section Chief Lee, but Section Chief Lee never mentioned Department Head Seo. In Section Chief Lee’s words, who was completely excluding Department Head Seo, I felt unnatural happiness. Section Chief Lee appeared to have resigned as Section Chief. Only once did Section Chief Lee mention Department Head Seo.

‘We had no choice but to work overtime together, but we went home together for the first time that day. I think we’ve become friends since then. We even had dinner together… But, well, it’s nothing.’

Fleas in a glass bottle. That was the impression I got from Section Chief Lee. Section Chief Lee jumped higher while locking himself in. He has stayed strong without relying on him to convince himself that Department Head Seo cares about him.

In fact, Department Head Seo also likes Section Chief Lee. His methods were twisted, to say the least. The person in question is unaware that Department Head Seo is staring at Section Chief Lee; only the office staff is aware of this. It’s only the employees of Customer Care Team 1 that recognize Department Head Seo’s expression, who keeps his gaze fixed on Section Chief Lee and smiles unconsciously based on his expression. I think the two can talk calmly in court for about 4 hours.

In any case, it’s something I can’t understand. I find it difficult to empathize. That could be even more painful. Beta colleagues’ willingness to share their thoughts is limited.

When I return to my seat, Deputy Kang appears to be very busy. He grabs my sleeve and hands me some papers as soon as he sees me.

“Please input this.”

“Alright.”

After tapping the computer, I felt a little better. This monitor screen is also bidding farewell. Bye-bye, slow computing. Bye. Sometimes I may miss the employee of the partner company who called whenever the processing was delayed. Every day, I receive calls with a tired voice, and I wonder how he is doing.

Without looking at me, Deputy Kang, who is crushing the Enter key, says,

“Our computers will get better soon. Did you read the announcement from the General Affairs team?”

“Oh.”

They should have fixed them sooner, but of course, they only fix them when I’m leaving. The timing is incredible. It’s unfortunate, but that doesn’t necessarily prevent me from quitting. I have to go on a trip. I’m going on a trip and buying souvenirs…

Every little thing makes me feel sad. Even the water purifier is memorable. I gave a lot of Omega inhibitors in front of this water purifier. I couldn’t eat bungeoppang one winter because I was purchasing omega inhibitors. I should have used a credit card instead of cash.

The bench in front of the break room, where I was confessed to by an Omega I helped, next to the trash bin at the vending machine, where I found the couple just before they kissed, and in the elevator, where I made eye contact with the deputy head of the department who rubbed other people’s buttocks.

Why the hell am I just leaving now?

I became less and less attached as I reminisced on the memories. I secretly look for a plane ticket. There’s also a lot of information about event tickets. For tourist attractions, there are package products and discount products. There are so many wonderful things to enjoy, but I can’t because I’m working. Should I go to Europe for an event instead? I think it’ll be entertaining, even if it’s a little excessive. No, I don’t know how long I’ll be out of work, so let’s put it on hold for the time being. Let’s just put it on hold, on hold.

I got up from my seat, resolving to think about nothing until I get home after work. Section Chief Lee smiles as he greets me. Department Head Seo had already arrived on the third floor. He’s wearing a scarf I haven’t seen in a long time. It was the scarf given to him by Section Chief Lee a long time ago. Section Chief Lee had made it as a birthday present for Department Head Seo a long time ago. That was a few years ago, but he wears it only now. It’s great even though he said he didn’t like it but still kept it.

Section Chief Lee was about to leave work when Department Head Seo, who was wearing a handsome scarf, blocked his path. Section Chief Lee had a brief conversation with Department Head Seo. His expression wasn’t bad. Section Chief Lee then placed his hand on Department Head Seo’s chest. It’s a rare and lovely scene. Deputy Kang and I pushed back our chairs and began staring intently. Department Head Seo placed his large hand on Section Chief Lee’s hand. His smile is genuine. He is demonstrating to Section Chief Lee his special ability to attract customers.

Looking around, it appears that everyone is looking in the same direction without packing their belongings. Everyone lives the same way.

Section Chief Lee tiptoed and whispered something to Department Head Seo. ‘Oh,’ I hear exclamations all around me. Contrary to expectations, Department Head Seo’s complexion darkened rapidly. Section Chief Lee, who smiles brightly at Department Head Seo, grabbed both ends of the scarf and strangled him around the neck. Department Head Seo then clenches his fist and pushes Section Chief Lee away, holding the end of the scarf. Section Chief Lee warned Department Head Seo, who had pushed him, with his finger on the tip of his nose. We all watched Section Chief Lee fade away in front of our eyes.

Department Head Seo gave a small applause.

“I want to have a get-together.”

“Really?”

“No.”

It’s time to go home.




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