It had been common knowledge to know that there’s never been a day passed without bickering shared between Financial & Operational Divisions. Financial people would try their best not to let Operational personnel waste their money inefficiently; meticulously assessing every requirement from customer and had it compared before being converted into cost before drawing the conclusion whether it’d be wise to spend more cash for assets acquisitions or if it’d be better to rent the equipment from vendors instead. Of course, the roles of management were totally important to approve or disapprove the proposal made by the financial department.

 

Seulgi worked as the Head of the Operational Department. She was just being promoted last year thanks to several projects she had won for the past 2 years, causing her superior trusted her capability and accountability to be placed in a higher position and lead quite a numbers of personnel working under her supervision. She was a cheerful and positive person, always thought that everything is possible and the impossible would only occur if God didn’t allow it. Thus, she would even be willing to work her head upside down just so she could implement operational excellence in each and every project she owned.

 

Her victories had even be published through email; that her winning projects meant generating an abundant amount of revenue for the company and of course it made her becoming an important asset and talent for the company. Being promoted would also mean more income of which her salary had been increased by 35% thanks’ to her hard effort as well as more responsibilities and less time she could have for herself. Salary increment would mean more stressful work and Seulgi understood that very well. She had been a hardworking and intelligent employee from the very beginning anyway plus her single status made it possible to spend more time at work or doing work rather than hanging out with her lover that she didn’t have yet of course.

 

Seulgi was one of the youngest employees who had accomplished manager position despite her young age. She would be 28 within this year while most of the managers in her company were almost 40 years old. Maybe that’s also why Seulgi’s ways of thinking were different from her managers’ colleagues. Seulgi could be considered as young that she was open for improvements, an open minded person, and she welcomed her subordinates to give her ideas to improve her division, moreover when it’s related to customers’ satisfaction and operational excellence. In short, she was loved by people who worked under her responsibilities and even by HRD. The only division that barely liked her was finance because of course operational excellence would usually mean more cash spent to support the operational activities.

 

“Boss! You are summoned by Yunho sajangnim.” Seulgi stopped typing and looked sideways, facing Yeri, one of her subordinates who worked in Head Office.

 

“Hmm? What is it about? Did you just come from his office?”

 

“Yep. I am not sure what it is about. Maybe about another cost efficiency program? Management hasn’t stopped talking about it ever since the pandemic attacks every sector of business in every country.” Yeri shrugged and walked to her table which was located right beside Seulgi.

 

“I thought we have agreed not to reduce employees or even deduct their rights for as long as we still get the same amount of revenue.” Seulgi sighed. She closed down her laptop and got up.

 

“I don’t know, Unnie. You know finance never once feel satisfied with our cost efficiency programs no matter how much money we have tried to reduce.” Yeri replied concernedly. She worked as a leader under Seulgi’s supervision, specialized in controlling the availability of her division’s assets through reliable parts management systems.

 

Well for those who were curious, Seulgi’s division engaged in maintaining units’ mechanical availability, ensuring each and every unit deployed was serviceable and able to provide required services from the customer, including shifting containers from one place to another, unloading materials from ships, loading materials to ships, stuffing & un-stuffing materials to and from a container, etc. They provided special units such as crane, forklift, and excavator to service customers from Oil & Gas and mining industries. In short, customers could focus on producing oil, gas, and ores while Seulgi’s company would try their best to support the customers for the required logistics & assets.

 

“You are right. I will go see him then. Don’t forget to collect reports from our reps in Britannica Oil by today. I need it to make the presentation and present it to management by the day after tomorrow. Also, pay attention to the turnover ratio in-“

 

“I know, Unnie. No worries. I already have my daily list of work with me. You are attentive but sometimes you have to trust in us more, okay? Stop worrying yourself over trivial things. That’s why you are still available in spite of your gorgeous look. I will even bless you from the bottom of my heart even if one day you decide to divert your preference, Unnie. For as long as you have- Ouch! Yah, Unnie! I am just being a considerate employee here!” Yeri rubbed her cheek which was being pinched by Seulgi earlier.

 

“You’re just being nosy.” Seulgi stuck out her tongue.

 

“But you’ve been single for-mmpffgttt” Yeri couldn’t finish her statement when Seulgi covered with her palm.

 

“Less talking and more work, okay? I am gonna meet Yunho Oppa for now.” Seulgi left Yeri and made her way to her General Manager’s office room.

 

Seulgi took her time to contemplate about her life more. Surely the saying about ‘work life balance’ didn’t apply for her. She couldn’t completely blame her work for it was her decision to dedicate her life for work more than to herself. Her parents had been nosy too just like Yeri, complaining about her single life that had been happening too long when her younger brother had already a girlfriend and if things went forward, he would be engaged with his lover within next year but her? Seulgi didn’t know when her single life would end.

 

Seulgi had to admit it was her own fault that she was still single. She thought being attached would hinder her from achieving more both at work and in life. Having a lover would mean she had to compromise about supposedly trivial things like where to eat, what to do, what to buy and not to buy, what to decide, etc and not to mention she had to have endless phone call and messaging which she preferred to avoid. Seulgi thought why she should trouble herself with that when she could do literally almost everything on her own. She could spend her money negligently buying games and puzzles that she liked, buying expensive hoodies and perfume which she loved, and treating her subordinates’ delicious foods with her own money while still sending some for her parents. She didn’t need additional person in her life that would regulate her ways of life, especially her financial status. She absolutely didn’t need someone to tell her when and how much to spend. Period.

 

“Are you looking for me, Sir?” Seulgi knocked before entering the furthest room which was occupied by her Operational General Manager.

 

“Yes. Please sit down, Seulgi-ah and close the door behind you.” Yunho looked totally charming, as well as authoritative, and could be considered as the kindest superior Seulgi had ever known.

 

“Is there something wrong, Sir?” Seulgi asked worriedly. Yunho whom she knew was funny and cheerful but he looked serious and composed now which would only mean one thing. Bad news.

 

“No.. There is nothing wrong. It’s just.. sighed. You know how the economy condition of our company is not very well lately. The sales budget is still underachieved by 40% while we try our best not to let go of employees or even deduct their rights. We have prepared various Business Continuity Plans in order to keep the company going forward but apparently it’s not that easy.” Yunho sipped the coffee on his table before continuing. Surely, this was a heavy topic to discuss with Seulgi but Seulgi was the most trusted employee he had so if not Seulgi, he didn’t know from whom he could seek for help.

 

“I understand, Sir.” Seulgi listened attentively.

 

“The department you’re working on is thankfully still considered as green area which means although we haven’t achieved our revenue target by far but the margin and cash-flow are still good that you don’t need to worry about the possibility of personnel reduction under your department.” Seulgi finally released the air she had been holding since Yunho started the complicated topic.

 

“Thank you, Sir.” Seulgi smiled in relief.

 

“But it doesn’t mean our division is free from the financial radar. Although the margin is still good and there would be no personnel released, we are still asked to conduct a cost efficiency program, Seulgi-ah and since it’s already November, finance shall do the closing process by next month. Therefore, finance wants to know whether the cost budget program I have submitted for next year has already the most efficient numbers or if it’s still can be reduced by few millions of Won.” Yunho halted, trying to mutter up his non-existence cruelty since the next statements would be worst news, for Seulgi at least.

 

“And?” Seulgi frowned.

 

“And it means I have to send someone to accompany finance controller to one of our biggest working site. Before you complain, please listen first. I don’t mean to send you personally and you can always assign your subordinates to go there instead, alright? I just don’t trust finance’s judgements about how our operational is going, Seulgi-ah. No matter how smart the person is, still, finance won’t understand operational activities as well as us, the persons who work in operational directly.” Yunho let out a sigh quietly. He knew it wouldn’t be fair for any of his subordinates, knowing that Christmas was nearing and he was more than sure each and every person already had plan for Christmas.

 

“When is the deadline, Sir?” Seulgi didn’t like where the conversation was going at all. Not to mention none of her departments’ personnel preferred finance personnel as friends; neither she or Yeri or even Joy liked financial employees. They were annoying, calculative, stingy, and mostly arrogant; thinking that they knew everything when they weren’t. All they knew was numbers and tables and yet they were enough to make them feel too much proud of themselves.

 

“Two weeks from now and it will take around 7 days to collect data on field. Right after, either you or anyone else you shall deploy later will help finance controller person to assess the data at work until the numbers are finalized and the budget proposal rectified. The deadline given by our management is by 4^th January 2021 to finish it all.” Yunho breathed sharply while dropping the bomb.

 

“But it means me or whoever the person would be shall spend Christmas at work, Sir and probably even New Year! With due of respect, Sir; no one would want to do that because I believe each of us already have plan to spend our Christmas with our loved ones and finance personnel would be the least person for us to love. Please reconsider to reschedule the plan, Sir.” Seulgi kept being polite despite the complaint she just exclaimed desperately.

 

“Trust me, I know it, Seulgi-ah. If I could, I would never assign people during Christmas. You know I am not a mean superior but then again it is finance we’re talking about. They literally don’t have a normal life outside the numbers and Ms. Excel they always use on their laptops.” Seulgi chuckled, couldn’t argue with Yunho’s statements. There were even times where Seulgi questioned finance department, whether their families were intact since they barely had any holidays even during weekend and national holidays.

 

“Take your time to choose your person, Seul and let me know by the next Monday, alright? Then we will continue the discussion further about what our PIC shall do there and which data should be prepared during the deployment days there. Last thing, the site to visit would be Britannica Oil. That’s all from me. Is there anything you want to ask so far?” Yunho clasped both of his hands and waited for respond from the person before him.

 

“I shall ask around if there’s any personnel I can assign but myself to accompany the finance personnel but if there’s none then I have no other option but assigning myself to do this task.” Seulgi tried to remain strong although the plan to spend her Christmas with her cousins and parents seemed to go further from her.

 

“As much as I am happy to hear you would go there by yourself, please don’t sacrifice your own plan for Christmas, Seul. There’s a reason why you have subordinates, you know. They will be your hands and brains when you’re not available.” Yunho reasoned out. He relied on Seulgi so much he would be glad if Seulgi would go there but then again, he also knew Seulgi was too kind that she often sacrificed herself first before anyone else.

 

“It’s fine, Sir. But… I shall let you know, okay? I will try seeking my best personnel to do that. If there’s nothing more, then I will excuse myself. Have a good day, Sir.” Seulgi bowed.

 

“Have a good day, Seulgi.” Yunho nodded his head and smiled.

---

 

Seulgi tried to ask around, if the personnel under her supervisions had plan for Christmas or not. Of course, she didn’t explicitly inform how she planned to assign them to site during Christmas. She simply asked what they would do during Christmas. Yeri would have romantic dinner within the Christmas Eve while Taemin shall spend his Christmas with his girlfriend’s families. In short, all of them already had plan and Seulgi as usual didn’t have the heart to ruin their plan and thus she offered herself to accompany the finance personnel. Of course Seulgi did that willingly before she knew the finance personnel to stay with her during the visit would be Bae Joohyun or more known as Irene, her eternal enemy.

 

“I have changed my mind, Sir. There is no way I could work with her! And you even deliberately didn’t tell me that she would be the person from finance to be assigned with me.” Seulgi’s hands were wailing as she paced around the office room of Yunho.

 

“You didn’t ask me and I simply forgot to inform you, Seulgi-ah. Come on, you don’t need to be so cranky about that. I know Irene is the least person you like but we have no choice now, do we? You will depart within the next 3 days and I don’t have enough time to share info with another different person.” Yunho tried to change Seulgi’s mind. In fact, yes, he purposely didn’t tell Seulgi about Irene since he knew how Seulgi disliked the person. However, he didn’t really know the reason why and whenever he confronted Seulgi or Irene about it, none of the women would want to tell him the truth so he assumed it’s because Seulgi was from Operation while Irene was from Finance and that’s that.

 

“I can always be the one to share the info with Yeri or Taemin or even Wendy or whoever it might be.” Seulgi persisted.

 

“Wendy is not from your team, Seulgi.” Yunho flatly said.

 

“And I know you can do that but are you that confident Yeri or Taemin or whoever can stand Irene as much as you do? If you as the manager can barely harmonize with Irene and her thoughts, think of Yeri or Taemin; can they do that?” Yunho calmly asked and Seulgi stopped pacing around. She sat on the vacant seat in front of Yunho and let out a loud sigh.

 

“You know the answer already. I know you hate working with Irene but as you commonly do, think of your subordinates and put yourself in their shoes. I hope you can meet with Irene after this to discuss about the plan and align both of your goals while you’re there.” Seulgi knitted her eyebrows, already disliking the idea provided by Yunho.

 

“You will accompany her yes but there’s nothing wrong to conduct management visit and observe if there’s any risk we haven’t assessed during your stay there.” Yunho added.

 

“Fine. Don’t expect me to bring you any merchandise from there, Sir. I temporarily and officially hate you starting this day.” Seulgi scoffed and Yunho chuckled. Yes, he already treated Seulgi like a daughter he never had since he only had 2 sons from his marriage.

 

“I shall accept that. Well, I have a meeting after this. Don’t forget to contact Irene okay? I wish you a safe flight and pleasant journey.” Yunho grinned and Seulgi lifelessly got up from her seat.

 

“Sure, Sir. I confidently shall have a pleasant journey.” Seulgi rolled her eyes and Yunho laughed. The woman left Yunho’s office room and returned to her desk.

 

Seulgi had a pensive mood while her mind was recollecting the memories she had about Irene. There was a priceless history why she disliked Irene so much that she wanted to avoid meeting her as much as possible. Seulgi studied in the same high school as Irene in the past. Irene had always been beautiful and ethereally attractive since she was still young. Hence, it wasn’t surprising for her to be famous and admired by other students. The woman wasn’t only physically beautiful but she also had bright and impeccable brain capabilities that she became a model student back then.

 

However, unfortunately her physical abilities weren’t supported by positive attitudes. The woman was arrogant beyond words and a bully. She led a renowned a group of girls and often bothered other students and one of the students was Kang Seulgi.  Well, as far as Seulgi remembered, Irene never stepped in on her own to interfere. Usually, it’d be one of the girls who were in the same group as her but Seulgi didn’t have any idea why Irene herself was always the one to bully her in the past.

 

Well yes, Seulgi was physically different from now. She used to wear thick glasses with slightly tanned skin and braces completed her physical features during her teenage days. Her hair was braided and probably she was not half as beautiful as Irene was but she dared to swear, she never bothered anyone in school and she always minded her own business.

 

All she did was study and tried to be a kind person by smiling often to anyone she met. But Irene who studied in the same class as her really loved to make her cry by saying mean things and hide her books. High school was the hardest years Seulgi had ever experienced and thanks’ to Irene, she decided to change into a different person during college. She took mechanical engineering as her study department and graduated with flying colours. She heard Irene went to study Business so she thought she had been freed from her nightmare called Irene but oh how wrong she was when last year she was introduced to a new employee from finance department called as Bae Joohyun and yes, she was the very same Irene who used to bully her back in high school.

 

Seulgi admitted her face wasn’t pleasant to stare at but it didn’t mean Irene could hurt her for that, right? She wasn’t ugly, that’s for sure but she wasn’t pretty as well. Besides, Irene was the only person who bullied her which meant there was nothing wrong with the high schooler Seulgi but there was definitely something wrong with Irene that triggered her to bully the innocent Seulgi. What was it? Seulgi didn’t know and absolutely she didn’t want to find out. She only wanted to escape from Irene but here she was, about to have a hellish trip with the person she disliked the most.

 

“Why are you keep on sighing, Unnie?” Yeri stopped working and focused her attention to the person beside her.

 

“I have to go with Irene to Britannica Oil the day after tomorrow, Yeri. What sins have I done that God assigns me to accompany her for over a week. There’s even the probability I spend Christmas and New Year with her. Just kill me already, Yerim.” Seulgi huffed exasperatedly.

 

“Why do you hate her so much, Unnie? As far as I know, she never did anything to you or us. Her work is not related to us directly as well and we have our Quality Assurance to be the bridge between Operation and Finance Controller so far, meaning she never deals with us personally. I really don’t understand why you despise her that much. She is pretty and friendly too, to me at least. I even once saw her smiling at you but you didn’t see it.” Yeri elaborated the information she had gathered so far without any strong conclusion of why Seulgi hated Irene.

 

“She used to bully me during high school and her doings impacted my life so much that I went to study mechanical engineering to change my image of being a geek into someone different. I thought I had escaped her but well, fate is not very kind to me maybe that I even meet her during work.” Seulgi revealed the reason why since Yeri had been non-stop asking her about Irene.

 

“Maybe she liked you.” Yeri nonchalantly replied and Seulgi almost choked from her drink.

 

“No way.”

 

“You know how students are stupid at times when they like someone at school, Unnie. I did that too to my crush. I teased Jisung so often because I wanted to see his expressions; the kind of person who would be different from what others see and I know it might sound stupid but I wanted to have his full attention and all I could think of that time was through bullying him.” Yeri explained longer.

 

“Well Jisung is a man and you are a woman. Irene? It’s definitely a ‘she’ so let’s scrap your unreasonable idea from the options, alright?” Seulgi shrugged and went back to her laptop, reviewing some emails before replying each and every one of it.

 

“I am just saying, alright? We might still live in Korea but as much as I acknowledge, affection and love have no genders, Unnie. She might be a woman and so are you. Then what? No one has right to forbid her from liking you and vice versa anyway. And maybe she still likes you until now and that’s why she joined our company?” Yeri excitedly clapped her hands, laughing while celebrating how smart she thought she was for coming up with the great assumptions.

 

“Have you submitted monthly rental cost from vendors report to me? I thought I have told you I needed the data by today.” Seulgi diverted the topic immediately. Her mood was always sour whenever she talked about Irene for too long. Irene was the one who had hurt her and torn her younger days. It was an unforgettable memory for Seulgi and she never wanted to repeat the same history if possible and thus avoiding Irene was the best option for her, until now though.

 

“I know you’re trying to change the topic, Unnie. Let me tell you the factual thing. Irene is undeniably pretty and smart plus the rumour says she is still single which is totally impossible for me to assess further. There must be a valid reason why she is still available, Unnie and perhaps you can find out during your trip with her later.” Yeri swivelled her chair toward Seulgi’s direction and giggled.

 

“I swear if you say another word, I shall replace myself with you, Yeri and you wouldn’t be able to spend your Christmas with your lover because you’re gonna be with Irene instead.” Seulgi’s voice was threatening and Yeri gulped, quickly back to her laptop and conducted the report Seulgi asked. The older woman chuckled, knowing her warning worked. She too continued typing while preparing herself to meet Irene personally during lunch later.

---

 

For the past year Seulgi had known Irene worked even within the same company as her, never once she ever had lunch with the woman, until today that was. Yunho Oppa had literally forced her to coordinate with Irene prior to departing so here she was, conducting the instruction seamlessly. She had texted Irene to meet in the cafeteria so she wouldn’t need to be in the same car as her at the very least. She had ordered her own food and right now was waiting for the woman who was younger than her by a month to come.

 

The woman finally came and no matter how big her dislike for the other woman, Seulgi still couldn’t disclaim that Irene was physically attractive. Her skin was fair with pointed nose and well-shaped lips completed with doe brown eyes and wonderful eyebrows. But then again, her physical attributes were nothing if compared with her despicable attitudes. Seulgi didn’t have right to judge the current Irene but at least she knew Irene quite well in the past to conclude she would never like this woman more than a stranger or colleague at best.

 

“So what reports you shall need while you’re in there? I will ask my team to prepare it. Meanwhile, I shall accompany you around the operation area while introducing you to our employees over there.” Seulgi went straight to the point. She didn’t want to spend a minute longer with this woman if possible.

 

“I need financial reports for the past year which I already have with me by now. I want to know the whole operational processes, sequentially to assess if there’s any waste activity we could shorten or cut. I also need to have cost reports from purchasing and rental spent during the past year. I believe you keep the data on site, right?” Irene could feel how uncomfortable Seulgi was right now and she too didn’t want to make the woman feel more annoyed by talking with her longer than necessary.

 

“Noted. I shall also bring the blueprint with me so we will know which area to visit first. You may do your job there and I won’t disturb it but I also need to know every decision you shall draw from our visit later. Please don’t make any decision rashly without my acknowledgement.” Seulgi halted. She leaned closer and talked more seriously with smouldering eyes.

 

“I know your job is to cut waste cost but each employee working there has families so please reconsider their well-being before deciding to fire them right away. We will try our best to do the job efficiently but when it comes to personnel, please don’t do anything recklessly. Be more kind-hearted, Irene. That’s all I ask.” Seulgi leaned back when she had finished talking while her eyes were still intensely staring at Irene’s brown orbs.

 

“I understand that I am the last person you’d want to accompany, moreover spending time together during Christmas and New Year but it’s not my call to reject the idea, Seulgi. If I have any choice, I also don’t want to spend my holiday working on remote area.” Irene sighed, running her hand through her smooth jet black hair.

 

“Look, I know we don’t have good history but throughout the years, people will eventually change. You have become a different person from what you were back in high school and-“

 

“Don’t you even dare to go there, Irene. I never want to have myself involved when it comes to you but I don’t have a choice either so I will appreciate if we just work together professionally for two weeks and pretend nothing has happened when we come home.” Seulgi immediately interrupted Irene. She loathed Irene in the past that she didn’t bother to find out how Irene had changed after years of living life separately.

 

“It might be fun to bully me in the past but there’s no way I shall let history to repeat after itself. Yes, I have changed into a different person but it doesn’t mean what you’re doing to me is forgettable. If there’s nothing more, then I will take my leave. I will see you in airport two days from now. Don’t be late or you can wait for another week until the next flight is available.” Seulgi didn’t wait for the reply and grabbed her wallet, leaving the cafeteria.

 

“It’s gonna be one hell of a journey. If only you knew how I regret of what I did to you in the past, Seulgi-ah.” Irene sighed frustratingly. Yes, she was very wrong for doing bad things to Seulgi but what else could she do back then? She didn’t have enough courage to be honest and come clean. The milk was already spilled and all she could do now was trying not to enrage Seulgi further although it seemed impossible since every little thing she did would still infuriate the other party anyway.

---

 

Seulgi had a foul and dark mood for the rest of two days. She still couldn’t believe she would spend both Christmas and New Year with the person she disliked the most. Hatred was a strong word but maybe it’d be appropriate to describe what she felt for the other party. It had been 10 years since Irene hurt her mentally but the scars were still there, taunting and reminding her how she had lived her high school life miserably and no thanks’ to Irene.

 

She dragged her luggage to the waiting room with the ticket safely stored inside her pocket. The site was remote that she could only reach there through charter flight which also meant much smaller size than a regular plane she used to have when she travelled to Europe or even other country in Asia. She had informed Joy, the currently on duty representative that she would visit the site together with a person from finance department. Of course, Seulgi had emphasized for the employees not to look shabby, lazy, and indecent since the conclusion Irene would have later was important for the operational activities to go on as it was or to be rectified as finance saw fitted.

 

Seulgi saw Irene entering the waiting room but she pretended to be busy with her phone. She had repetitively refreshed her memories to have less contact as possible with Irene and only talked to her if urgently necessary. She was relieved when Irene chose to sit on another couch and not beside Seulgi. The announcement told them to queue and carefully entered the plane and so she did with Irene standing few meters behind her.

 

“The plane is quite small. Are you sure this is the one?” Irene asked as soon as she sat beside Seulgi, near the window.

 

“Yes this is the right plane, Irene. Why? Don’t tell me you’re afraid of height. Too bad we don’t have an option to go through ship or I shall suggest Yunho sajangnim for you to take the ship instead.” Seulgi smirked, crossing her arms over her chest and leaned back. She barely had any sleep last night since the flight was scheduled to leave super early so she would utilize the 3 hours of flight to sleep later.

 

“N-no, of course not. I was just asking to ensure we don’t enter the wrong plane.” Irene made an excuse.

 

Irene had an acrophobia and attending the small plane wasn’t helping. She looked around and found there were barely 50 passengers including her. Was the flight safe enough? How old was the plane? Would the wind be cruel and blow too hard later and cause turbulence? Yes, she was worried and anxious and panic and whatever other description she could add more but she was sitting beside Seulgi, the woman who didn’t like her a bit so it was close to impossible to seek help from her. All she could do was clasping her hands together and pray she would arrive there safely.

 

“Good. Just relax and enjoy the view. We shall arrive there in 3 hours.” Seulgi informed and Irene almost gasped loudly. How could Irene survive 3 ing hours inside the narrow and probably barely safe flight? Irene took a deep breath and tried to calm down herself.

 

The stewardess demonstrated how to fasten the seatbelt and what to do during emergency situation but Irene swore she couldn’t comprehend a word she was saying for she was feeling nauseous and uncomfortable by now. She felt the small bumps as plane travelled down the runway which made her felt more panic than before. The wheels of plane spine up and the speed was escalated rapidly before taking off completely and all Irene could feel was fear and her heartbeat more irregularly while closing her eyes tightly, too afraid to look down through the opened window. Her hand automatically reached out for Seulgi’s hand and she was late to stop it from touching Seulgi’s arm.

 

“I am sorry.” Irene quickly apologized and was about to retract her hand when Seulgi woke up from her express nap.

 

“You’re afraid of height.” It was more like a statement than a question and Irene shyly nodded her head.

 

“How troublesome could you be, Irene? Fine, just hold my hand for now. Regulate your breathing and try to calm down, okay? Relax a bit and handle your emotions slowly. The take-off process shall end before you know it.” Seulgi let her hand to be held by Irene. She didn’t like lending her hand but having a panic Irene wasn’t an option for now. The woman could puke or worse, covering her clothes with her vomit. Therefore, helping Irene overcome her fear of height was the best thing she could do despite of her ongoing dislike for the latter.

 

“I.. I am afraid. My stomach feels funny and I feel sick. The turbulence is already there even when the plane barely takes off, Seulgi. What if we-“

 

“It won’t happen, you hear me? Just focus on something else.. Hmm.. Do you like watching movie? What is the latest movie you have watched, Irene?” Seulgi interjected before Irene thought of worst possibilities. Seulgi was really sleepy but it seemed like she wouldn’t have the sleep she needed for now. She got Irene to handle and she sighed at that thought.

 

“I.. Spiderman?”

 

“Spiderman? Wow.. I never thought you’d be a person to watch Marvel movies.” Seulgi responded.

 

“Wh-what do you mean by that? I like Tom Holland although I prefer Andrew Garfield since he is taller and muscular.” Irene still stammered for she just glanced to the side and watched how the plane had left the ground and slowly flown to the sky.

 

“Stop looking at the window, Irene. It won’t help you feel better. Now back to the topic, which Spiderman movie you like best so far? Since you have mentioned both casts, Andrew and Tom.” Seulgi distracted Irene from looking out to the window longer. She mentally sighed. She didn’t remember she had assigned herself to be a nanny but here she was, ensuring Irene would be alright facing her fear of height.

 

“Uhm.. I love Spiderman 2 when Emma Stone was being the lover but died at the end. It was so sad that I cried and unable to move on from the movie for days.” Irene gulped before casting her sight away from the window and directed it to Seulgi’s face instead. Actually, she didn’t know which one made her heart beat faster; the fear of height or staring at the person she had been attracted to for as long as she could remember.

 

“You are right. That’s sad because I didn’t expect her to die that way. But well, at least it granted Andrew to have Emma as his lover for real although their relationship broke up at the end.” It was probably the very first time where Seulgi could converse with Irene normally; not her being bullied and also not talking about things related to work. It was new and surprisingly, Seulgi didn’t hate it.

 

“Yeah, I cheered at their relationship like how I did when Kirsten Steward announced she had become Robert Pattinson’s girlfriend but they ended breaking up too. Maybe I should stop shipping couples further because they always ended up separated after all. Even Justin Bieber ended his long-term relationship with Selena.” Irene look devastated and Seulgi had to chuckle at that.

 

“Please don’t ever cheer on my future relationship, okay? I have been single for too long so the next time I have a lover, I would want it to last long.” Seulgi smiled for the first time she had ever talked with Irene and the latter swore Seulgi looked charming, gorgeous, and beautiful that her eyes were almost blinded by the unbearable glory that was Seulgi’s smile.

 

“I cannot promise to do that.” Irene joked when in fact, she was totally serious. She stifled a smile hearing the information from Seulgi. The latter was still single and available, just like her status. Could it be possible that… Irene mentally slapped herself, trying not to hope too far.

 

Heck, the very reason why Irene bullied Seulgi in the past was because she was too cowardice to confess to the latter. Irene absolutely couldn’t let Seulgi be owned by others so she made her movements clear by bullying Seulgi to attract Seulgi’s attention as well as driving people away from Seulgi. Most students feared Irene so no one would want to approach Seulgi if not being allowed by Irene. She didn’t know her actions would tore a deep scar inside Seulgi’s heart and at the time she knew; it was already too late for Seulgi already ran away from her for good.

 

Soon it was heard that the plane was already high enough in the sky and it’s safe for the passengers not to fasten the seatbelt. However, it’s recommended to stay on their seats and keep the seatbelt fastened properly. It was also a cue for Seulgi to stop distracting Irene from her phobia of height. Seulgi reminded Irene it was already safe for now and that she could go to sleep until it was time for the plane to land hours from now.

 

“Thank you, Seulgi.”

 

“For what?”

 

“You just helped me forgetting about my phobia.” Irene said. She was touched by Seulgi’s never-ending kindness despite the fact that she was bad toward her years ago. Seulgi had always been a kind-hearted and genuine person that attracted Irene and gradually melt Irene’s frozen heart without Seulgi’s knowing. Too bad Irene approached Seulgi wrongly that instead of making Seulgi hers, she drove Seulgi away from her grasp.

 

“I also helped myself from being punched or smacked, Irene so it’s okay. I want to have a nap now if you don’t mind.” Irene nodded her head as the confirmation and Seulgi reclined her seat a bit before shutting her eyes closed.

 

‘How long has it been, Seulgi-ah? Why I cannot still move on from you? I judged things badly in the past and showed my feelings in the wrong way. Is it too late for me to prove you that I have become a better person? Do you still hate me?’ Irene took her time to stare at the already sleeping Seulgi.

 

‘I thought my feelings for you would be temporary but I did crazy things and I sought for you. The main reason why I applied here is because you work here too. It took me years to find you and now that I have found you, I never want to let go even if it means I cannot be more than just a colleague for you. I am sorry for what I have done to you, Seulgi-ah.’ A tear escaped Irene’s eyes and she quickly brushed it away. She never passed a day where she didn’t feel regrets overwhelmed her and if only she could do things differently, she would have already leaped up at the change. Her hand was about to touch Seulgi’s cheek when she realized what she almost had done. She pulled back her hand and smiled bitterly before turning her body toward opposite direction and stared at the white clouds longingly.

---

 

“You can have a break for the first day, Irene. I know you are tired from the long flight. Just have a nap for now and Joy shall summon you for lunch later.” Seulgi talked as she was walking toward their shared bedroom.

 

“Seulgi is right, Irene. The flight is tiring and it’s normal for our guests to sleep first before going to the field. Besides, you two have a very early flight schedule so I am sure you’re both sleepy.” Joy added. She had picked both women from the private airport earlier and as a good host, she was now accompanying both woman to the prepared bedroom.

 

“Just let me have shower and change for an hour and I will be ready to go.” Irene dragged her luggage, following Joy.

 

“Are you sure you can handle it, Irene?” Joy asked to reassure. She glanced at Seulgi and the woman shrugged casually.

 

“I am sure. The faster we work, the sooner we can go back home. There’s still chance Seulgi and I wouldn’t spend our New Year here and we want to take that chance no matter how slim it is.” Irene turned to Seulgi and smiled. Little did Seulgi know that Irene didn’t mean every word she said. She wanted to spend every waking hour with Seulgi but of course the woman wouldn’t know it.

 

“If you say so. Anyway, this is your bedroom and takes your time to get change or anything. I will be back in an hour.” Joy gave Seulgi the key of the bedroom and smiled at Irene before excusing herself.

 

Both women entered the room just to find there’s only one bed inside the room. There was no other bed Irene could find and she swore she didn’t know whether to feel grateful or doomed since it meant she would spend nights sleeping with Seulgi in the same bed. There was a study desk on the corner of the room and a clothes cabinet near the bed. The bathroom was found few meters from the bed and in short, that’s that. The room wasn’t shabby or dirty but at the same time, it wasn’t extravagant as well.

 

“Do you want to have a bath first?” Seulgi asked while squatting on the floor, unpacking her clothes from her luggage.

 

“If you don’t mind.” Irene put her luggage on the other side of the bed.

 

“Of course I don’t mind. Go ahead and take a shower. Just don’t be too long and don’t waste too much water. It’s hard to afford clean water here.” Seulgi suggested. Irene nodded her head, grabbing clean clothes and a new towel before entering the bathroom.

 

Irene put the notes inside her mind and took efficient time to shower while rinsing her hairs. She went back already wearing the new and clean clothes when she found Seulgi sitting and typing on her laptop only with her white sleeveless top on paired with short baggy pant. Irene tried hard to swallow the lump inside . Seulgi was the definition of perfection with the well-shaped muscles on her biceps and triceps. She was also sure Seulgi had toned abs although it’s covered by the thin fabric by now. Irene controlled herself so she wouldn’t drool at the sight but how could she not when the woman of her dream was now inside the same room and exposed as much skin as possible.

 

“Oh you’re done?” Seulgi felt another presence and automatically turned her head to Irene who was still standing like a statue in front of the bathroom.

 

“Hey, you’re okay? Pull yourself together and try not to get too hungry while I am showering, alright.” Seulgi draped the towel on her shoulder and walked past Irene to the bathroom.

 

“Damn she’s so hot! I mean, I was attracted to her kind traits in the past but now? I never knew a woman with muscles would be this gallant. You are so dead, Irene.” The woman clasped her face in stress manner and flop her weak body to the bed, dreamingly imagined about Seulgi showering inside the bathroom.

 

Seulgi wearing sleeveless top was one thing but Seulgi with a coverall was another whole different thing. The woman ensured she followed the safety regulations by wearing appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). She gave Irene the coverall too along with the safety helmet and glasses. The logo of the company was attached beautifully on the helmet along with the sticker of beware of drop object materials. Joy picked them up and now they were on their way to the Jetty, where most of the equipment was located.

 

Meanwhile, Seulgi tried her best to be a good company for Irene. She kept reminding herself that she was assigned by her boss here to accompany Irene and ensure the potential for cost efficiency wouldn’t come from personnel productivity which would cause personnel reduction. Therefore, she decided to forget about the painful and aggravating past she had with Irene temporarily and just focused on doing what she was best at for now.

 

“So, do you want to just stroll around and see what kind of equipment we have here or going straight to the main issue and do our job?” Seulgi asked while Joy driving her operational double cabin car to the Jetty area.

 

“Which one do you think is better?” Irene asked in return. She had made a timeline about what to do and at what time during her stay here but it was always a good thing to spend more time with Seulgi. Who was she to say no to her crush anyway?

 

“I personally think you need to understand the big view of the whole processes first before you can decide which area needs the improvement but then again it’s up to you. My duty is to accompany you here and share you the data and information you would need while you’re at it.” Seulgi replied.

 

“I agree with Seulgi if you asked me, Irene. It’s never hurt to understand more anyway. You would sound more convincing when you present the result to the management if you already understand what we are doing here and how urgent it is to conduct the activity sequentially and safely.” Joy added with her eyes still focused on the road.

 

“Okay then, let’s hear how good you are in being an Operational Manager.” Irene said.

 

“Just don’t have a crush on me when you’re amazed by how great I am, Irene.” Seulgi smirked and Irene was about to lose her consciousness. The cocky Seulgi was so hard to resist and Irene suddenly felt so hot despite the roaring air conditioner inside the car. And of course Seulgi didn’t know that Irene actually already had a big crush on her since decade ago.

---

 

“We use the crane to load the cargoes to the ship and unload the cargoes from the ship to the Jetty. Depending on the dimension of the cargoes, we either should use the smaller capacity or bigger capacity of crane.” Seulgi explained to Irene who was standing beside her while Joy observed and kept shut. She knew Seulgi was an expert when it came to the job she’s passionate about.

 

“How do you know the dimension of the cargoes and how do you determine the crane type you’re about to use?” Irene asked curiously.

 

“Well, we have packing list to know the weight of the cargoes as well as its’ length and width. You have to measure and reconsider several factors before deciding to use which crane, actually. In general, the distance between crane and the ship is important, the ship’s width is also playing a critical factor and last thing, the capacity of crane to lift the cargoes. The further the distance between the crane and ship is, the smaller tonnage that the crane would be able to lift and swing the cargoes.” Irene was awed by Seulgi’s knowledge but of course she didn’t show it. She only nodded her head, trying to comprehend what the woman was informing her.

 

“Is the crane our asset or vendor’s asset? And is the cost we spend equal to the revenue we generate from customer?” Irene finally asked what she was best at; financial. Joy chuckled seeing the expression Seulgi made when hearing the question.

 

“So you’re only trying to entertain me by asking things related to operational before finally asking what you have intended right from the very beginning? I should have known better.” Seulgi knitted her eyebrows. She almost forgot Irene came from finance department so of course she would only care about things related to numbers and cash.

 

“I am just doing my job, Seulgi. No need to feel offended.”

 

“She is right, Seul. If she understands how we generate revenue more than we spend cost for vendor, I am sure Irene would be very delighted. Right, Irene-ah?” Joy chuckled and tried to be a good person to mediate between her boss and Irene.

 

“Of course, Joy. So Seulgi, would you enlighten me with the explanation? Or you would let my mind wandering on its own and form a conclusion based on my sole assumptions?” Irene raised one of her eyebrows and curved up the corner of her lips. Joy was amused and entertained at the same time watching the interactions between the two that she smiled widely.

 

“Tsk. Fine.. I shall let you know later in the office how to convert crane’s usage hours into both cost and revenue.” Seulgi gave up and walked away to other equipment which was also a crane with different legs or so Irene thought.

 

“As you can see, there are few people to ensure the crane may operate safely. They are called as banksman or signalman or helpers in general. They help to direct the crane operator and do rigging un-rigging activities; tightening the sling, attaching the shackle, and such. Crane operational is very risky and could cause fatality if not conducting safely. Thus, an operator only is not enough to ensure every safety factor has been assessed and mitigated.” Seulgi said as she was watching the helpers giving hand signals to operator behind the cabin to lift and swing the crane until the material is moved from one place to another one.

 

“It is a different crane from before.” Irene commented while comparing the previous crane to the current one she was seeing.

 

“Indeed. The one near the jetty called as crawler while this one is rougther crane. Roughter crane is more agile and could move from one place to another swiftly but its weakness lays in its real capacity to lift cargoes while crawler couldn’t move too far but it is more reliable to lift heavier cargoes.” Seulgi briefly explained and Irene nodded her head.

 

Seulgi continued her lectures about the unit and personnel assigned to conduct the job for more hours until Joy reminded them that it’s already time for lunch. They ate in the cafeteria and once they had done eating, Joy excused herself to go back to the field while Seulgi would do as she had promised Irene before; converting the unit into both revenue and cost. They went to the office room usually was occupied by Joy to continue their work there.

 

Seulgi elaborated as detail as possible how the revenue for this project was generated based on volume while the cost spent for equipment rental would be fixed, unless when the unit was down. The fluctuating cost would be generated from employees’ take home pay and cost spent to buy parts to ensure the mechanical availability of units because of course, downtime unit would mean less revenue would be given to their company.

 

“Let me see the monthly cost you have spent so far to pay personnel’s overtime.” Irene deftly worked on her laptop and asked Seulgi to share the data to her.

 

“The working hours are fixed, Irene so the cost would be more or less similar from month to month.” Seulgi reasoned out, trying not to expose the data to the latter.

 

“I will be the judge for that, Seulgi.” Irene seriously said and Seulgi groaned desperately before flicking her fingers on the laptop’s keyboard, trying to think of other reasons.

 

“But-“

 

“People have rights to have days off but when they do that, it means they will be temporarily replaced by other workers and the company has to pay extra for their overtime days. It applies the same when one of them is sick. And how do you control whether the employees work together with other employees to extort company’s money? They will alternately take days off so their friends will get extra income from us. And I can only know the validity of my assumptions if I get the data from you.” Irene tried to be more patient and share her reasons why she needed the data in hope Seulgi would change her mind.

 

“As you have said before, each of them has families and I know you want to protect them from famine and poverty. I can only do that if you are transparent and we both can find out the best solution before I hand my reports over to the higher ups, Seulgi-ah.” Irene added and Seulgi sighed. She knew somehow that what Irene just said was right; how could she protect her employees if she let them continue doing wrong things to the company, deliberately or not. With a heavy heart, she shared the manpower cost report to Irene to review.

 

“Hmm.. Have you ever reviewed the effectivity of rotation schedule so far?” Irene asked with her lips pursed tightly, the circuits inside her brain were rotating faster.

 

“Why is that?”

 

“The operational hours are 24/7 for 7 consecutive days and yet the rotation is 14 days on and 14 days off. Don’t you think it’d be more efficient if the rotation is changed into 14 days on and 7 days off? It can deduct one personnel for each position, Seulgi.” Irene opened the rotation schedule sheet and showed it to Seulgi.

 

“I thought I have told you not to reduce personnel number many times before, Irene? What’s with the solution now? I don’t agree to any of this!” Seulgi shoved the laptop away and grew slightly emotional. She had a soft heart when it came to her employees and their welfare.

 

“Don’t get angry too fast, Seulgi-ah. They can choose to either work more efficiently which means no more deliberate days off just so they could get unnecessary extra payment or they can say goodbye to their fellow workers. I am sure they would choose the former, right?” Irene tried to stay professional despite of Seulgi’s unkind treatment she just received.  

 

“Why should we directly go to manpower cost, Irene? There are many things you can improve here which is unrelated to manpower. We can visit the warehouse and perhaps you can find improvement there too or we can go to workshop and see what things we can change to reduce the cost. Just.. please don’t touch the personnel?” Seulgi massaged her temple and frowned, disagreeing with the idea to cut the cost from manpower. She could already have imagined how desperate and sad the expressions they would have when Seulgi announced some of them would be released.

 

“Because the date of payday is fixed, Seulgi! It means fixed cost while revenue cash flow is fluctuating, depending on when we submit the invoice or whether the invoice we have submitted is wrong or not.” Irene too grew stressed from Seulgi’s stubbornness and unfaithful toward her capabilities.

 

“I did manpower first because it’s the most critical one for you, okay? If we have handled the manpower, the others would be easier. I spare the manpower cost for the last option, alright? I swear I wouldn’t hand it over to management if we could find more potential cost improvements.” Irene hesitatingly touched Seulgi’s wrist and gazed at Seulgi right in the eyes.

 

“I shall never trust you again if you betray me, Irene.” Seulgi returned the gaze as intensely.

 

“I understand.” Irene nodded her head.

 

They continued working on the data until the sky got dark and Joy fetched them, saying how they should go back to the room to shower before dinner. Seulgi asked herself why she should trust Irene when she never did good deeds during their high school years. Seulgi shook her head, reminding herself that she shouldn’t remember her past while working with Irene for days ahead or it’d be impossible to stay professional. It was normal to be disappointed and hurt of what Irene had done to her but then again how could she move forward when her past kept on hindering her to go back to the past? The answer, she couldn’t and so she collected herself and tried her best not to ruin this work visit. Seulgi could only hope current Irene would be different from past Irene. So far, Irene hadn’t treated her badly though so yes maybe, Irene had changed for the better. Then again, it’s been only a day so Seulgi shouldn’t hope too much, right?

 

“Seulgi-ah, are you alright?” Seulgi heard the knocking and decided to come out from the bathroom.

 

“Yeah, sorry I had to let it out.” Seulgi lied, rubbing her stomach.

 

“Are you sleepy already?” Irene watched Seulgi walking to the bed and pulling the duvet to cover half of her body.

 

“I am and we should rest. We have to get up early tomorrow. Why? Don’t tell me you still want to work.” Seulgi turned the lamp light on the night side table.

 

“Well, yes I want to continue working if you don’t mind. I still have to conduct today’s report so I won’t forget.” Irene went to the desk and booted her laptop.

 

“You still can do it tomorrow morning after breakfast, Irene. No need to force yourself further. We both need as much rest as we can get.” Seulgi lie down on her back and waited for Irene to join her. Her energy was draining and almost empty.

 

“You can sleep first, Seulgi-ah.” Irene was typing the password on her laptop when she felt someone was holding on her shoulder.

 

“Let’s go to bed now, Irene and I don’t accept negotiation. You have negotiated too much today with me so I am taking no for an answer. You will grow sleepy the moment your body touch the comfy bed, I promise.” Seulgi pulled Irene to the bed and the poor woman could only obediently follow the pull. She didn’t even realize when she was laying down on her back with Seulgi beside her.

 

“I am not sleepy, Seulgi.” Irene tried to reason out again. She could practically feel Seulgi’s breathing beside her if she put her mind onto it and focused all of her attentions to Seulgi.

 

“Count the sheep and you will forget the last number you have counted and voila, you shall lose your consciousness.” Seulgi mumbled with her eyes closed.

 

“Talk to me.”

 

“Just close your eyes and try to sleep, Irene. I am tired.” Seulgi softly spoke.

 

“Then let me continue working.” Irene sighed. She was tired too but she had a mission while staying there which she could do now if only Seulgi wasn’t so stubborn and insisted she needed a good sleep.

 

“Just shut up and sleep, Irene. Count the revenue or cost or whatever and see you tomorrow morning.” Seulgi turned her body to Irene and moved her hand to cover Irene’s mouth to stop Irene from talking more.

 

Irene gulped with the close proximity between her body and Seulgi’s body heat. If she wasn’t sleepy before, for sure she was widely awake by now. Having Seulgi right beside her was like her wildest dream came true and her aggressive heartbeat didn’t help at all, really. It took her a full hour until her eyes gave up on staring at Seulgi’s adorable face and let the sleepiness too her away.

---

 

They had compromised to only review the operational processes and collect data for the remaining 2 days to avoid unnecessary arguments between Seulgi and Irene. The second day they were being there, Seulgi invited Joohyun to visit her warehouse; explaining how they stored the parts required inside the warehouse and maintained the mechanical availability of units through Health Stock program for parts both fast moving and slow moving parts.

 

The third day, Seulgi brought Irene to visit the workshop; showing the place where every unit was prepared and maintained by mechanic and his helpers. Seulgi always generally explained the end to end processes to Irene so the woman would know how she led her team and how her team did their job properly, Irene was attentive, paying attention to what Seulgi said even though there were times Seulgi caught Irene staring too long at her but it was alright for as long as Irene understood what Seulgi tried to convey.

 

It was hard not to think differently when Irene had been nothing but cooperative and kind to Seulgi. The older woman had thought Irene would be y and annoying, like how she used to years ago but it turned out that the woman was nothing like that, at all. Irene listened well and she behaved well too. She wouldn’t hesitate to ask if she still couldn’t understand the explanation and Seulgi felt happy because it meant Irene really paid attention to her.

 

Seulgi thought the woman would be spoiled since she spent her life living decently in the city and probably it’d be the first time she went to remote area with limited facilities but so far, Seulgi had never heard her complaining. Irene didn’t protest about the food menu, the hygiene, the restricted water utilization, the weak signal, and literally everything. All Irene did so far was adjusting herself and adapting with the environment which was surprising for Seulgi. Hence, Seulgi was glad because it meant Irene wouldn’t trouble her. The small voice inside her head told her that maybe… Just maybe, Irene had indeed changed into a better person and she could slowly but surely forgot the Irene who existed in her past.

 

“We are sorry we cannot give you more proper food, Irene.” Joy said to Irene. By now they were having dinner after the long and tiring working hours they just had since early morning.

 

“I don’t mind, Joy. The seafood tastes so fresh that I don’t have any reason to complain.” Irene smiled before peeling her grilled shrimp and brought it to .

 

“But you should pay more attention to your cholesterol, Irene. We don’t want you coming home with fatty liver and gaining weight. I am afraid the seat inside the plan wouldn’t enough to accommodate your big fat .” Seulgi teased and laughed out loud. Joy laughed along but didn’t dare enough to say more.

 

“Yah! Say that to yourself, Seulgi! You have been on numerous of crabs that your lips look like a snout now.” Irene mocked back and Joy laughed even harder.

 

“Omo! It’s been a while since I have laughed this loud. You two are so funny!” Joy clapped her hands excitedly.

 

“How come you end up being representative here anyway, Joy? You are a woman so that’s so brave of you to lead the team that contains of mostly men.” Irene changed the topic after the laughter had dissipated.

 

“Well, it’s a long story, Irene but in short I love adventures and natures. As you can see here, the sea is very blue with the vast and amazingly breath-taking sky. Various birds fly and the work here is challenging too. When else you can be paid for the job that you truly love? I also have days off after working for three weeks consecutively, yet my salary is still full and intact. Those reasons are more than enough to make me take the challenges and work here.” Joy sipped her juice and wiped the corner of with the napkin.

 

“Plus I got an amazing boss as my superior. Seulgi here is very supportive and can be disturbed 24/7. She is not only a great boss but also a priceless friend. She is responsible and never thinks twice to help me when I need her the most.” Joy added and Seulgi could only smile thankfully at her. Being complimented by her superior was one thing but being appreciated by her subordinate felt so different and touching.

 

“Thanks, Joyii..” Seulgi grinned widely.

 

“What about you, Irene? Why do you choose to work in finance department? It makes your wrinkles grow faster and your life filled with stress and devastation. I bet you don’t have a boyfriend yet, Irene. I am right or what?!” Joy teased the older woman and Seulgi chuckled. She so far didn’t know about Irene’s status and since she too hadn’t had a lover, it’s not her place to judge Irene about her status. Seulgi put down her fork and waited for Irene to answer the question.

 

“I have been interested in statistics and numbers since I was still young, Joy. I never dream to focus my interest in finance though. I thought I could be analyst or similar position but I ended up joining as Finance Controller in our company. Not that I complain since I also love the numbers in my paycheck.” Irene sliced the freshly fried snapper on the table and put it on her plate.

 

“I am sure the numbers written in Seulgi’s salary slip are lovely too.” Joy commented, nodding her head.

 

“I don’t have any complain.” Seulgi shrugged.

 

“Of course you cannot complain, Seulgi.” Joy playfully scoffed.

 

“So, am I right after all, Irene? That you don’t have a boyfriend yet.” Joy reminded of the previous question and Irene chuckled at the reminder.

 

“You are right, I don’t. I don’t think I am looking for a boyfriend though.” Irene tried to drop the subtlest hint, hoping Seulgi was smart enough to catch the signal.

 

“Oh? You’re looking straight for a husband then?” Seulgi joined the conversation and Irene tried her best not to pull Seulgi’s hair angrily for the bear was too dense and stupid to even understand what she meant.

 

‘This is hopeless.’ Irene said inside her mind.

 

“Unless if she prefers having a girlfriend instead, Seulgi.” Joy sighed, shaking her head at Seulgi’s answer while trying to share her own assumption.

 

“Just like me and Wendy, Seulgi-ah.” Joy said and Seulgi took her time to contemplate before snapping her fingers, finally realizing what Seulgi meant.

 

“Whoaa, really? You’re swinging Joy’s way, Irene?” Seulgi’s mouth formed an ‘O’.

 

“I prefer to think I go both ways, Seulgi-ah. But if you ask me to choose then yes, I like woman better than a man.” Irene confidently smiled and Seulgi chose not to ask further.

 

Joy observed Irene secretively. Having a woman as a lover herself made her more sensitive to women; gaydar as they said and Joy was pretty ensured that her radar beeped excitedly around Irene while her radar would be totally useless around Seulgi. Why? Because Seulgi was that dense. Then again, it perhaps was a good time to ask about it to Seulgi.

 

“How about you, Seulgi-ah? Do you prefer a man or a woman? I vaguely remember you have tried once dating a woman. How did it work, Seulgi?” Joy smirked when she saw Irene’s eyes were flickering albeit for less than a second.

 

“Eww… She is too possessive and annoying. She got jealous at almost everything when in fact, she was seeing a man behind my back. Good thing it ended only after two months, Joy. It’s a strict warning for you, don’t you ever try matching me with your friend whom you meet in applications again, Joy! That woman practically robbed me with her huge appetite.” Seulgi tried to sound intimidating but of course Joy wasn’t intimidated at all.

 

“Just consider it as bad luck, Seulgi-ah. Besides, you can also treat is as a lesson for your future relationship. Don’t regard it as traumatic experience, Seulgi. Right, Irene?” Joy suddenly asked Irene and the woman wasn’t ready that she blinked several times before nodding her head in agreement.

 

“Irene here is single so maybe you can try it out with her, Seulgi.” Joy smirked and poked Seulgi’s shoulder repetitively.

 

“Yah! What are you talking about? Let’s just stop this topic and have rest for now.” Seulgi put down her eating utensils and sipped her drink.

 

“Where are you going, Seulgi? It’s still early and barely 8 pm now. Oh I suddenly remember! Tomorrow is Sunday and the operational activities are barely there. Why don’t we go to the beach tomorrow morning and prepare for the Christmas Eve for the remaining day?” Joy held Seulgi’s wrist so the woman wouldn’t be able to stand up. Seulgi sighed and sat down again.

 

“Oh God it’s almost Christmas?! I am so sorry you have to spend it right here with us, Seulgi-ah. I am sure you already have someone to spend your Christmas with but the workforces you to stay here with me.” Irene felt guilty. She didn’t even realize she had been there for 4 days and the day after tomorrow would be Christmas Eve. She was incredibly happy to have Seulgi to spend her Christmas with but what about Seulgi? Did the woman even want to be there with her in the first place? She knew the answer though but she didn’t want to say it out loud.

 

“It’s fine, Irene! She is happy to spend her Christmas with us here, right Seulgi-ah? Besides, she doesn’t have anyone worthy anyway… Who knows she can find someone who is worthy enough for Christmas?” Joy turned to Seulgi, wagging her eyebrows and grinned widely.

 

“What do you mean?! Most of workers here are local unless you and there’s no way I would want to be with you even if you didn’t have Wendy just yet.” Seulgi clicked her tongue and turned her body to the opposite way. She folded her arms on her chest and stared at the dark sky through the window.

 

“You forgot to mention one more name.” Joy giggled, draping her arm around Seulgi’s shoulder and pulled Seulgi back to Joy.

 

“Who?” Seulgi asked. Joy’s eyes travelled to where Irene was sitting. Irene blushed hard and tried to hide it by sipping her drink which managed to cover half of her face.

 

“Yah stop joking around! There’s no way Irene would like me that way. I will be the last person she would be interested in. I am sleepy so I will go back to my bedroom first. Good night.” Seulgi removed Joy’s hand from her shoulder and quickly stepped away before any of the women had chance to ask why.

 

“Is there something wrong with you two that I didn’t know of?” Joy furrowed her eyebrows and asked Irene when Seulgi had gone from her sight.

 

“It’s a long and complex story.” Irene let out a long sigh.

 

“I have time.” Joy confirmed and it’s a cue for Irene to tell the taller woman about what happened between her and Seulgi back when they still studied together in the same high school.

 

Irene told Joy how Seulgi had drawn her attention since high school and she was even sure that Seulgi was the very first person who changed her mind-set that love knew no genders because she swore she never liked woman the way she was attracted to Seulgi. Seulgi had once lent her umbrella when they both caught up in the library after school. Of course at that time, Irene never knew a student name Seulgi existed. It was a simple task, really but Seulgi let Irene used her umbrella just so Irene could go home first to have her piano lesson while Seulgi was still stuck behind, waiting until the rain had completely stopped.

 

It was simple yet meaningful and unforgettable for Irene that starting the day after, she tried seeking for Seulgi’s attention. She started by beating Seulgi in things she loved the most; study. She became a model student but it wasn’t enough to obtain Seulgi’s attentions. Thus, she did more extreme things and that’s how bullying began.  Irene managed to get Seulgi’s attention but not only that, she also succeeded in gaining Seulgi’s hatred and unfortunately, it seemed the hatred hadn’t gone even after years had passed.

 

“So you’re saying you bullied my boss because you liked her?” Joy concluded and Irene shyly nodded her head.

 

“Well, all of us have our stupid moments, Irene-ah. Too bad what you did to her is really foolish.” Joy shrugged her shoulder. She had ordered herself another drink since she thought she would stay longer with Irene to know the unknown things about Seulgi and Irene.

 

“I was a coward, Joy. What do you expect a high schooler to do when she likes someone who has the same gender as her? I was afraid to be judged if I came out yet at the same time, I didn’t want anyone to come nearing Seulgi.” Irene played with her unfinished food. She knew she had done a stupid mistake in the past but then again she too never thought her feelings for Seulgi would be permanent. So here she was, slowly trying to accept the fact that maybe Seulgi could never be hers.

 

“Add selfish to that too then.”

 

“What do you mean?” Irene felt slightly offended.

 

“You didn’t want Seulgi to be approached by someone else but at the same time, you couldn’t be honest with your feelings. No wonder Seulgi dislikes you the most, Irene. I have known Seulgi for over 3 years and she’s been nothing but a wonderful person, inside out. She is thoughtful and considerate, Irene. I never thought she’s capable to dislike someone honestly, but after hearing your story, I think it’s normal for her to doubt the possibility of you having feelings for her.” Joy saw the sad and dejected expression and felt bad about her too frontal words.

 

“Then again, it doesn’t mean it’s completely impossible for her to like you that way, Irene-ah.” Joy next words made Irene looked up with her brows knitted together.

 

“You have successfully attracted her attention in the past and maybe until now. You just need to prove yourself to her that you have changed into a better person, Irene. Want to admit it or not, Seulgi couldn’t deny how your presence has impacted her life and the way she decided on something.” Joy offered a genuine smile, trying to reassure that everything would be alright.

 

“You have been working here for a year more or less, right? And I am sure this visit is not the first time you’ve worked together with her, no?” Irene nodded affirmatively.

 

“During that time, hasn’t she asked you why you did what you did to her during high school?” Joy asked and Irene could only groan; that’s the exactly same thing she had been thinking actually.

 

“I have been waiting for her to drop the question, Joy and I am more than ready to explain if she asked but she never did. Whenever I brought up the past, she would turn me down and leave the scene immediately. It’s like she never wants to talk about it in the first place.” Irene exclaimed bitterly.

 

“Maybe she simply didn’t want to remember the past. It’s painful for her and people tend to forget things which hurt them rather than dealing with it directly so I guess it’s normal Seulgi too doesn’t want to remember about her past with you, the person who torn her apart. Just give her time, Irene and as I have said, prove her that you have changed.” Joy suggested. She moved from her seat and sat beside Irene, trying to console the older woman from her seemingly unrequited love.

 

“I will help you to talk with her too but you have to promise me one thing.” Joy seriously asked.

 

“What is it?”

 

“If one day, fate decided to give you a chance with Seulgi; you have to promise me not to ever hurt her again, okay? Do your best in being a proper lover. Make her fall in love because she has made many people feel loved but she never receives the kind of love she deserves.”

 

“I promise, Joy.” Irene smiled.

 

“Good now I really have to rest. I have pre-work briefing meeting tomorrow at 5. You have rest too, Irene.” Joy stretched her body before getting up.

 

“Thanks’ a lot for today, Joy. I owe you one.” Irene got up too and hugged Joy briefly.

 

“Oh many people owe me, Irene. You are not the only one. No worries.” Joy winked and both of them went to separate ways.

---

 

Irene slowly turned the door’s knob and entered the bedroom, expecting Seulgi to sleep already. She was however meeting Seulgi who looked focus with her laptop; typing while moving the cursor using her thumb. Irene stood up near the door, didn’t know what to say or do. The end of their dinner just now was awkward and Irene felt guilty; knowing fully the reasons why Seulgi said what she had said to Joy before.

 

“Hey. You’re not sleeping yet?” Irene carefully asked. She removed her shoes alternately and walked past the bed toward her luggage.

 

“I am not sleepy yet and it’s still early.” Seulgi continued staring on her laptop and didn’t bother to look at Irene while talking.

 

“Oh okay. I will change my clothes first then.” Irene grabbed her pyjamas and went to the bathroom.

 

Seulgi sighed, closing down her laptop and put it away from her lap. She didn’t like the awkward air that had resurfaced after being gone for too long. She had used to the cheerful and optimist Irene the past days she spent together with Irene and Joy and suddenly it changed drastically just because Joy had a foul and reckless mouth. She didn’t mean to be rude by leaving abruptly like that but the topic made her uncomfortable; Irene liking her was like wishing for the sun to come up at night. Impossible.

 

It was hard to stay thinking negatively about Irene when the woman did nothing but good deeds lately. She was an understanding person too; willing to wait for Seulgi to finish her work first before they could discuss about Irene’s mission during late afternoon. She was patient and she too was alright with sharing knowledges with Seulgi told her about how her operational worked while Irene taught Seulgi how the operational activities would affect the company’s sustainability. But then again even during school, history was learnt by students so they could learn from the past; which thing was better not to execute and which one was advised to do. Therefore, Seulgi too had learnt a thing or two from what Irene did to her in the past.

 

The previous topic surely surprised Seulgi. She never thought much about her preference and was okay with having a relationship with boyfriend or girlfriend. Maybe she simply didn’t have a delicate heart required to love someone and that’s why she could barely care when someone dumped her for being too dense or someone confessed to her because she was charming and all. However, the likelihood of Irene to like her was never once crossed her mind.

 

Yes, Irene was beautiful and normal people could barely take their eyes off of Irene but she had been bullied by Irene due to her physical features so there’s no way Irene could like her or so she thought. That was being said, she never once was brave enough to like Irene. She was simply out of her reach and someone who had hurt her. Those two reasons were enough to keep her sanity and mind away from being too cocky such as liking Irene more than necessary.

 

“Seulgi-ah, are you okay?” Seulgi didn’t realize she had been possessed by her own thoughts for too long that Irene was now sitting beside her, waving her hand over Seulgi’s face.

 

“Hmm? I am alright. I was just thinking of something.” Seulgi replied and smiled. She lowered down her upper body and turned sideways so her back would be facing Irene.

 

Minutes had passed but both women were still unable to sleep. Seulgi tried to sleep but her senses won her over that she couldn’t go to the dreamland just yet. At the same time, Irene felt restless but didn’t know what to do. Joy had accidentally brought up the sensitive topic and it made their interactions literally back to zero. Irene pondered and decided to reach out first; she used to be cruel and Joy had emphasized how she had to prove she had changed for the better.

 

“Do you hate me, Seulgi-ah?” Irene asked with her eyes staring at the white ceiling above her.

 

“What’s with the sudden question?” Seulgi answered after some seconds.

 

“I know I have done bad things to you in the past and it has scarred you somehow so I would understand if you still hate me even until now. You must be surprised to see me again after all these years, Seulgi. I also know you’ve been trying to avoid me like a plague and of course it’s normal since I have hurt you before. And the main reason we’re here together is because it’s simply inevitable, not because you wanted to.” Irene kept talking with her eyes were looking at anywhere but Seulgi’s direction. She was afraid if she stared at Seulgi, the bravery to speak would never be found.

 

“…” Irene was replied by silence and she thought to herself maybe Seulgi was asleep already or that the other woman simply didn’t want to talk to her after what just happened with joy and her during dinner earlier.  Irene was about to give up and got up to step away from the bedroom when Seulgi suddenly replied, stopping her from proceeding with her plan.

 

“I don’t hate, Irene. I cannot say your theory is completely wrong. Yes, what you have done to me is painful and there was no day could pass when I didn’t ask myself what I have done wrong that you bullied me back in high school but as years gone by, I eventually thought that maybe I should have stopped thinking why and tried to change my appearance into someone who wouldn’t make others vomit whenever they see me.” Irene could detect sadness and disappointment in Seulgi’s voice and she was about to clarify when Seulgi continued talking.

 

“I wanted to hate you, really. What you did impacted me so much that I couldn’t wait to quickly graduate from high school just so I could escape you. That’s why I went to different city and chose mechanical engineering as my concentration study. I know there’s no way you would take the same subject since you’re so feminine and all.” Seulgi let out a light chuckle and Irene wondered whether this person was actually a real human or an angel for having such saint heart.

 

“You have met the recent me and I don’t know if you have noticed or not but I have changed, Seulgi. I know what I did to you was cruel and unforgivable. I am so sorry, Seulgi.”

 

“Unforgettable.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“It’s unforgettable Irene but it’s not unforgivable. I have forgiven you long ago. I don’t want hatred to consume me and change the real me; the real Kang Seulgi. I am willing to change the way I style myself, the way I apply make-up and other skincare products but I never want to change into a different person in terms of behaviour and attitudes. Unless if you bullied me because of how I behaved, that is.” Seulgi sat up and turned her head to meet with Irene’s eyes. She smiled sincerely and Irene swore it was unbearable not to fall for Seulgi harder.

 

“O-of course that’s not the reason.” Irene quickly composed herself to answer.

 

“Then may I ask what your reasons are? Why did you bully me although I could vividly remember that I never once tried bothering you?” Seulgi asked softly.

 

Irene’s heartbeat was completely wrecked. This was it; this was the moment that Irene had been waiting for! To clarify and explain to Seulgi why she did what she did. But was she ready? Because if she decided to be honest and told Seulgi the real reasons, it’d be equal with confessing and exposing her true feelings for Seulgi.

 

What would happen then? Wouldn’t it be awkward if she confessed and it turned out that Seulgi couldn’t reciprocate her feelings? When she still got more days ahead to share with Seulgi? Not to mention she would share Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve with the latter. What should Irene do now? The woman anxiously tried to put the gears inside her brain to work harder so she could make the best decision which wouldn’t ruin what she had now with Seulgi (not more than work colleagues) and wouldn’t make their interactions more awkward. At the same time, her selfish side wanted Seulgi to know what she really felt and make a bet; who knew she still had a chance to be more than just friends with Seulgi, right? But of course it was her and her foolish wishful thinking.

 

“It’s okay if you don’t want to answer that question. I am just curious, that’s all.” Seulgi said and Irene clenched her jaw, ignoring the logical messages inside her mind and decided to just be truth about it. Irene took a deep breath before responding.

 

‘Here goes nothing.’ Irene gulped.

 

“People tend to do stupid things when they like someone, Seulgi-ah. Moreover ” Irene carefully said. She chewed on her bottom lip and nervously waited for Seulgi to say something in return, anything would be fine in this matter.

 

Seulgi heard Irene loud and clear but she couldn’t believe her ears. Was it her ears that heard wrongly? Or her brain that failed to process appropriately because she was sure she heard Irene just indirectly confessed she used to have feelings for her. Wait… was it a joke? Seulgi determined she had to ascertain before making a conclusion.

 

“Wait… You just said you had feelings for me when we were still in high school, didn’t you? I didn’t mishear or misinterpret what you meant, right?” Seulgi turned her body, facing Irene. She propped her chin on her palm with eyes were boring right onto Irene’s eyes.

 

“I… sighed. Yes, it’s true. You didn’t mishear nor did you misinterpret. I liked you, Kang Seulgi.” Irene frowned, contemplating if she should say the next words. Now that Seulgi had known, what else was there to hide? Nope, nothing.

 

“And I still do, honestly.” Irene held back her breath, swallowing the embarrassment and pride which she had sacrificed the moment she confessed her feelings for Seulgi. All she had left now was slight hope; wishing for Seulgi not to rip her heart apart and turned her down as gently as possible.

 

“You’re not making fun of me right now, are you? Because I swear every little thing you did to me didn’t look like someone who had affections for the person she had a crush on. You abused me mentally, Irene. You called me names! Ugly black swan, tanned Rapunzel, four-eyed woman, and other names I couldn’t remember of. How do you expect me to believe in you when you said you liked me, huh?” Seulgi abruptly sat up and snapped.

 

Irene closed her eyes, trying to regulate her breathing while accepted the words that were just being spilled ruthlessly by Seulgi. She couldn’t blame Seulgi of course; what the woman said about her was right; which person would hurt the person she liked? Apparently, Irene was one of those people who did dumb things to the person she liked. Hey, she never liked a person before she met Seulgi and the very first time she liked a person; a woman instead of man. Her brain couldn’t accommodate the truth back then so she did what she thought was alright; gaining the attention by hurting the latter.

 

“Do you still remember the cat you used to feed during your journey home back at school? You always changed the carton box whenever it got wet after the rain. Its name is BingBing, right? You named it and put the nametag around its neck.” Irene slowly opened her eyes and smiled at Seulgi.

 

“H-how?” Seulgi quietly gasped. Seulgi barely had any friends and she never told anyone she hid a cat not far from the school which she often fed every day during her walk home.

 

“I have always watched you from afar, Seulgi. I kept my distance from you so you wouldn’t know. You joined the reading club and I purposely proposed myself as student council chairwoman so I can arrange the schedule of your club activity to be aligned with mine; music club.” Irene hesitantly revealed her secret. Yes, she was hypocrite; wanting the person but at the same all she did was causing the person she liked to hate her. It took her throbbing separation with Seulgi for years until she realized that she had been doing to Seulgi was truly stupid.

 

“But.. You don’t hurt a person you like, Irene! And I cannot even comprehend any reason which could make you feel attracted with me. I was ugly and I was hard to mingle with. I didn’t have anything that could make a person to like me.” Seulgi lowered down her voice. Now that Irene had told her things no one but herself knew, her suspicion was slowly dissipated. The question now would be, why and how.

 

“Your heart, Seulgi. I have never found someone who has a heart as big and as genuine as yours. You are so selfless that you had the heart not to eat your lunch just so BingBing could be fed. You were drenched in rain so I could go back home and join my piano lesson. You’re everything I could rarely find in a person, Seulgi. And it’s hard to prevent myself not to fall for you.” Irene said the last statement in a whisper. She looked down, blushing.

 

“Wait.. You’re the woman whom I met in front of the market near our school and lent my umbrella to?” Irene nodded her head, smiling.

 

“Whoaa.. And basically you started liking me after that simple thing?” Irene blushed deeper yet still nodded her head.

 

“But still… You might like me in the past and yes we both have to admit you’re so foolish to show your feelings through bullying. It’s unacceptable, Irene but what else can I say.. It has happened anyway and I have forgiven you…” Seulgi halted and Irene scooted closer.

 

“But?” Irene said.

 

“But.. Are you sure you still like me now? I mean.. I couldn’t understand how and why. We just met again for the past 1 year and I am sorry if you feel offended, but I had been trying to avoid you during the past year so it’s just illogical for me to understand how you still preserve the same feelings for me after all these years when practically did nothing to you.” Seulgi’s eyes were smouldering as she was relaying each word to Irene. She could understand why Irene liked her although she still couldn’t assess how could Irene fall for her just because she lent her an umbrella but everyone had their own judgements and Seulgi didn’t have right to interfere but now? What did she do to deserve Irene’s feelings?

 

“Can I have your hand?” Seulgi raised her eyebrow in confusion before reaching out her hand, letting Irene held it around her palm.

 

“Can you feel this? Do you think it’s normal?” Seulgi felt her palm was pressed against Irene’s chest, where her heart was located. She felt it; how Irene’s heart was beating loudly against its ribcage, like Irene just finished running a marathon when in fact they were just sitting beside each other.

 

“You don’t like someone using logic, Seulgi. Heart contributes the most to what we feel toward another person. And… I realize how you’ve been avoiding me and I can understand that. If I were you, I would have done the same thing if not worse.” Irene placed back Seulgi’s hand on the other woman’s lap. She never once planned the day she confessed her feelings would be like this; stuck in the remote area with Seulgi sharing the same bedroom as her. Her options were limited and all she had was now; whether Seulgi could accept her or not, at least she had been true to her feelings and the other woman had finally known it.

 

“It’s beating loudly.” Seulgi stated the obvious and Irene shyly smiled; confirming that indeed it was Seulgi’s doing which affected her heart to beat that thunderously.

 

“Is it because of me? You don’t have heart problem that I didn’t know of, right?” Seulgi asked seriously and Irene stifled her chuckle. Seulgi was adorable when she looked so innocent like now; Irene was relieved that years being away didn’t change Seulgi’s admirable attitude; Seulgi that was being pacifist, selfless, and considerate. All of those habits could still be clearly be found and seen inside the current Seulgi.

 

“Who else can make me feel this way if not you, Seulgi?” Irene looked up and stared at Seulgi’s brown orbs and gently smiled.

 

“I.. I don’t know. I mean.. Wow, it’s still unbelievable for me. Irene whom I knew was very independent, smart, physically attractive and a pain in the , at least personally for me. But… I never once guessed you did that because you had feelings for me. Me? The tanned ugly woman whose teeth are fenced by nasty braces and the hairs that were braided carelessly… I mean.. It’s hard to swallow; all of these facts that I just learned.”

 

“You’re not ugly, Seulgi. Well… I called you that name to attract your attention. I have tried other method which didn’t work so I had to seek for other option.” Irene awkwardly smiled when Seulgi was gazing closely at her.

 

“What do you mean?” Seulgi frowned.

 

“Well.. Uhm.. I tried beating your grades, okay! But you didn’t budge at all and kept on ignoring me so I tried using not so kind ways and this time I managed to get your attention.”

 

“Of course you got my attention! You never skipped a day where you didn’t approach me and teased me, bullied me, and called me names!” Seulgi was obviously pissed. All the things Irene did to her just because she liked her and she was cowardice enough to admit her feelings!? Seulgi sighed annoyingly, running her hand over her head and exhaled loudly.

 

“I am sorry?” Irene gulped nervously.

 

“I didn’t want anyone to approach you romantically, okay. And I could only emphasize how no one must come near to you by making huge statements; that you are my victim and no one was messing with Bae Joohyun.” Irene guiltily said.

 

“I am truly sorry, Seulgi. I was a coward back then. It was hard for me to accept I had feelings for a woman instead of man. I tried denying it at first but as time went by, I decided to just cope up and admit that I like you, Kang Seulgi.” Irene added. She felt a ton of concrete had been lifted up from her chest. She cared for the outcome but she knew her place; Seulgi spared her time to hear her out was more than enough. She couldn’t and shouldn’t ask for more.

 

“You were a coward. That is so true but I guess you are not now. You just told me things you couldn’t confess in the past.” Seulgi exclaimed.

 

“But this is just new for me. As you have heard from Joy before, the last relationship I had isn’t a pleasant experience and I never want to waive the same path again if possible. Honestly, I never took relationship seriously, Irene. When I feel like it, I would say yes to their confessions and when they gave up on me because I was too dense or too ignorant or too busy to spend time with them, I never once did things to maintain the relationship and we would break up just like that.” Seulgi earnestly shared her past relationships experiences.

 

“I don’t know what love is. I simply never experience it. I don’t know if it’s because I am afraid of commitment or if I simply haven’t found the right person. So I really don’t have any idea how to respond your feelings.. I.. I don’t want to hurt you.” Seulgi fidgeted with her fingers on her lap.

 

Under normal circumstances, Seulgi would either strictly say no or accept the feelings offered just so she wouldn’t be mocked by her friends about her single mundane life and status with Seulgi being dusty and rusty because hadn’t gotten laid for too long. But this was Irene and Irene had shown her nothing but honesty; she had put a huge stake confessing to Seulgi so Seulgi wouldn’t be a jerk by saying yes just so she could avenge Irene or took Irene things lightly. No, she wasn’t that kind of person. It’d be only fair if she too offered Irene the same honesty.

 

“It’s alright, Seulgi-ah. I told you about my feelings not to make you pity me or make you feeling guilty if you didn’t accept it. I just feel the needs to tell you the truth why I did what I did. Now that I have pulled it out from my chest, I feel so much better. If anything, thank you for hearing me out and thank you too for being a kind-hearted person you always are; for forgiving me.” Irene carefully moved her hand and touched Seulgi’s one tenderly.

 

“Thank you for being honest with me.” Seulgi pulled Irene for a brief hug.

 

“So, are we okay now? Do you think we can be normal friends?” Irene quickly regulated her breathing, not thanks’ to Seulgi’s scent which suddenly attacked her smelling sense. A hint of citrus mixed with dry wood which was already became addiction for Irene although she just smelled it. Irene composed herself, didn’t want to embarrass herself further and scooted a bit further.

 

“Of course we can.” Seulgi nodded her head and smiled.

 

“I am glad.”

 

“Shall we go to sleep? We need to wake up early tomorrow so we can go to the beach.” Seulgi slowly lay down again on her back.

 

“Sure. Goodnight, Seulgi.”

 

“Goodnight, Irene.”

---

 

They woke up super early the next day. Thankfully the sky was so bright and the sun was showing himself confidently amongst the stacks of clouds. In short, the weather was supportive today and both Irene and Seulgi couldn’t be more excited with the plan to go to the beach. They were picked up by Joy and her super cool double cabin and drove them to the port outside the base. There were 4 men who already waited for them with a moderate sized boat enough to accommodate all seven of them.

 

It took them around half an hour before they were welcomed by the awaiting beach which stretched out alongside the warm water. They couldn’t wait until they could jump off of the boat so their feet could touch the hot and light brown almost white sand. The wind caressed their faces gently and both women didn’t care if they would come home being tanned. Surely, the sunblock wouldn’t be enough to protect them from being a bit tanned but who cared, right?

 

The men who were with them were their employees who had their days off. They accompanied Seulgi and Irene since both women came from the city. One of them had brought the canoe so Irene or Seulgi could explore a bit to the middle of the sea while admiring the gorgeous wide sky mixed with the sea. They also had brought the equipment to do snorkeling. The water was so clear that they could even see what’s beneath without using the google. Their feet could already feel coral reefs beneath them just within the shallow water; they were beautiful with striking colours of red, blue, purple, yellow, and white. In short; it was unbelievably and indescribably beautiful.

 

Coming closer, the sand was softly golden with right amount of comforting warmth. It wasn’t the first time for Seulgi to visit this beach but it was for Irene. The woman gasped in awe with her eyes were diverting from right to left before repeating the motions; still couldn’t believe she would get chance to be there, becoming one with nature. Irene ran from one corner to another while Seulgi was chuckling, watching her childish side.

 

“Seulgi-ah! Please take my photos!” Seulgi who was sitting on the sand was summoned and Joy nudged her shoulder teasingly.

 

“Your wife is calling you.” Joy smirked.

 

“Yah! I am not her wife!” Seulgi complained.

 

“You are not now but who can predict the future, right? You were mad at her last night but this morning, she acts like your wife. If overnight can make a huge change, who knows what a month will change you two, right?” Joy grinned widely. She used her sunglasses and watched as Seulgi murmured further protest but standing up anyway. She approached Irene and started taking pictures for the latter. Joy chuckled at the sight; Seulgi was already whipped even when the relationship hadn’t even bloomed.

 

“Kwang Soo, start lighting up the fire and Hyukkie, get the fishes out from the boat. Let’s start grilling immediately. I am hungry already.” Joy instructed the men and the two men obediently did as they were instructed willingly.

 

“Okay boss!”

 

“Now let me have a nap while the lovebirds are being busy with each other. Oh, poor me being at the wrong place and wrong time. Who am I? What am I doing here? Where is my girlfriend when I need her the most?” Joy exaggeratingly acted and talked to herself, thinking that she’s on her own.

 

“Uhmm.. I can accompany you to chat if you want to, Boss.”

 

“Yah Byung Hoon! Just go away and leave me alone!” Joy yelled embarrassingly and the man laughed before running away to follow his friends.

 

Meanwhile, Seulgi had figuratively did somersault just so she could take beautiful pictures of Irene; the ones which were considered as decent enough for Irene to put it on her media social. Half an hour later with warning that Irene’s storage was about to collapse, the woman finally smiled and thanked Seulgi. She thought it’d be enough for now and another session would be started later when she had cleaned her phone’s memory.

 

“Let’s go swimming, Irene! You have to see the cute fishes under the sea. We don’t need to go to a deeper areas and you can do snorkeling around here. I think we bring the bread too to attract the fishes.” Seulgi said as she was walking side by side with Irene.

 

“I cannot swim, Seulgi.” Irene shamefully admitted.

 

“Really? That’s too bad now that we have reached here. I know! What if I teach you how to swim first?” Seulgi halted on her track and excitedly offered the latter to teach her swimming.

 

“You would do that?” Irene broadly smiled. Seulgi was now still wearing her flannel shirt with all buttons opened up and a swimming suit underneath.

 

“Of course! I am confident in my swimming skill. I will teach you just the basics so you could do snorkeling at least. It’s not hard, Irene. I am sure you can do that. Besides, you can breathe through the hose well enough later.” Seulgi grabbed Irene’s hand and ran to collect the snorkeling equipment.

 

“And here comes the lovebirds who make me missed my Wendy even more. Oh God and my on duty days are still 2 weeks more from now.” Joy commented as she saw Seulgi and Irene walked passing her, dramatically clasping her face while she’s on it.

 

“Shut up, Joy!” Seulgi rolled her eyes.

 

“Oh, I will when I want to.”

 

“Do you want me to take the pre-wedding photo for you two? I can do that with a small fee.” Joy sat up and continued teasing the women.

 

“We are not in that kind of relationship, Joy.” Irene tried to explain.

 

“I know but nobody knows you two would get married one day, right? It’s always better to be prepared than to be sorry, Irene.” Joy shrugged.

 

“Don’t listen to her, Irene. She is just being Joy; annoying and sarcastic.” Seulgi already got what she needed and held Irene’s hand to go away from the scene.

 

“I am just being me; a fortune teller and I am telling you right now that you two would unite your body into one before the year of 2020 changes into 2021.” Joy clasped her hands together, pretending to be a well-known witch.

 

“Wh-what are you saying!” Irene stuttered and blushed.

 

“Another word from you and I swear I shall extend your working days here so you couldn’t see Wendy until a month from now.” Seulgi threatened.

 

“Fine! I will shut up, okay! This is what they call an abuse of power, everyone! Geez…. Just don’t look for me if what I just said is true.” Joy lectured to no one.

 

“It won’t happen.” Seulgi confidently remarked and Joy said no more. She went back to her previous position and sunbathed her darkened skin.

 

Seulgi taught Irene to learn how to kick while she’s in the water since it was preferred to swim freestyle during snorkeling. Next, Seulgi taught Irene how to breathe using a snorkel so Irene wouldn’t out of breath and could stay swimming while admiring the fishes and corals longer. Seulgi even helped to put the fins on Irene so she could relax her hands and maintain her endurance and conserve her energy better. Seulgi at first accompanied Irene to do the snorkeling until Irene gave up and went back to the surface. Seulgi chuckled and helped the woman to remove the fins.

 

“Are you tired?” Seulgi asked.

 

“I am. It’s been a while since I do exercise. I think I am either growing old or my body hasn’t been trained for too long.” Irene breathlessly replied.

 

“It’s okay. Let’s have lunch for now and we can continue the activity later. Let’s just hope the rain wouldn’t come down today.” Seulgi took the fins from Irene’s hand and helped to bring it. They both continued walking until they found the campfire with fish was currently being grilled.

 

“Hmm~~ Smells so nice!” Irene closed her eyes and let her nose did the job to smell the heavenly scent. Her stomach grumbled almost immediately that Irene quickly rubbed her stomach and blushed.

 

“It’s fine. I am hungry too.” Seulgi reassured. Thankfully Joy was sleeping away from them of it’s guaranteed Joy would comment about their newly found interaction.

 

“Is it cooked already? Oh! And you brought rice, right? I cannot feel full if there’s no rice.” Seulgi came over and tried looking for the rice. Once she had found it, a smile appeared on her face.

 

“What fish is that?” Irene asked, appointing at the grilled fish and another uncooked one.

 

“This one is a big mackerel and that one is cod. They are on sale this morning so Joy decided to buy it. We still have some more stored if it’s not enough.” The one who was called Hyukkie explained while Byung Hoon continued fanning the fish so it could cook faster.

 

“Let me do it.” Seulgi got up and sat beside Byung Hoon. The man automatically handed a fan made of wood to Seulgi. The woman started fanning the fish rapidly and Irene gulped, trying hard not to drool at the sight; not at the almost cooked fish but more to the hardened muscles of Seulgi’s arm whenever it moved from the right to the left directions and vice versa.

 

They ate together and the air was filled with loud laughter, smiles, and free from angsty teasing which of course was initiated by Joy. However, since there were other people aside from the three women, Joy didn’t really try to throw the teasing about Irene and Seulgi, knowing they were had to be respected, not teased too much by the men. For normal people, the interactions shared between Irene and Seulgi could be considered as normal or too friendly at best but for Joy who had a sharp gaydar, it was much more beyond that. Irene obviously had special feelings for Seulgi; the woman had even come out clean to her last night but Seulgi… Joy could detect a faint signal but wasn’t strong enough to beep loudly. There’s only one thing to do or so as Joy thought; strengthen Seulgi’s signal and she knew just how to do it. With that, the circuits inside Joy’s brain happily rotated and a grin appeared to decorate Joy’s face.

 

Irene went canoeing, helped by the local man called Kwang Soo. Seulgi couldn’t hide her smile while witnessing how Irene was actually a scaredy cat and could easily be startled by practically everything, no matter how trivial it was. Going here with Irene, the same person whom she had been avoiding for so long surely gave her abundant information she never knew before; like how Irene was a scared jumper, afraid of thunder, had a high pitched voice when she yelled, afraid of height and quite spoiled at times. All Seulgi knew before was Irene the bully and smart who worked in finance department within the same company as her.

 

“So, what happened last night between you and Irene?” Joy suddenly came and sat beside Seulgi.

 

“Nothing happened.” Seulgi nonchalantly replied.

 

“She hasn’t confessed to you yet?” The question formed a wrinkle between her two eyebrows.

 

“What? She told me last night how she was sorry for what she did to you in the past, Seul. She understands why you are so sensitive when it comes to your not so good relationship with her.” Joy added.

 

“Can’t you stop being nosy for once?” Seulgi sighed.

 

“Sue me for being a caring friend, then.” Joy argued and that’s enough to shut Seulgi up. Indeed, Joy had been her best friend aside from being her subordinate. Joy, Yeri, and Wendy actually; amongst the three of them, Wendy could be said as the softest one; always being careful with her words and the wisest one even amongst the four of them, including Seulgi. Meanwhile, Joy was the fiercest one, as well as the closest one with Seulgi.

 

“Well, you have known the truth. I have nothing more to say.” Seulgi put on her sunglasses and looked up to the sky.

 

“Have you thought it over? I mean… Yes, she has done the wrong things to you but now that you have known the reasons why you couldn’t continue hating her, could you? I don’t think you even capable to hate someone, Seul; even to someone who bullied you.”

 

“I have forgiven her if that’s what you meant and we’ve started over last night as friends,” Seulgi exclaimed.

 

“Not more?” Joy curiously asked.

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“Oh come on! It’s very obvious that she has feelings for you, Seul! Even if she didn’t say it out loud, I would still know anyway. The way she stares deeply at you, the way her lips curve up and form a sincere smile whenever you smile, the way her eyes follow your every movement, and even her gestures screaming love and affections she has for you.” Joy desperately said. Seulgi was smart and anything a boss wanted from an employee but when it came to feelings, Seulgi was like the perfect definition of insensitive and dense. That’s why Joy or her other friends needed to interfere in Seulgi’s love life most of the time.

 

“She has confessed to me about her real feelings, okay! But… I don’t know. She said she felt relieved to have it let out and thankful enough that I was there to hear her out.”

 

“And?”

 

“And what?” Seulgi furrowed her eyebrows and this time, it was Joy’s turn to let out a frustrated sigh.

 

“Don’t you feel like anything for her?! I mean, look at her closely, Seul! She is physically attractive! She is smart and independent too and definitely, she is a keeper. No one would have a crush on someone that lasts for years! It’s not what you commonly call as normal crush, it’s love! She loves you, dammit! Too much if I may add. I don’t even know if I can keep on loving Wendy from afar without the desire to claim her as my girlfriend.” Joy was starting to get devastated over her friend. Logically or non-logically, Irene was a woman whom every man or even woman desired and she even had confessed to her stupid friend beside her without any positive response.

 

“I don’t know okay! It’s just so new for me and it’s.. overwhelming, Joy! She used to bully me in the past and suddenly she told me she did that because she liked me. She was a coward and now she’s trying to grow the backbone and confessed she still likes me even after all these years.  You know very well about my past relationships and none of it worked so far. I am not a good lover while as you have said before, she is a keeper so she deserves someone who is much better than me!” Seulgi debated back as desperately as Joy’s voice.

 

“People are not robot, you know. We can change when the environment or the situation forces us to change and it applies to you too, Seul. It’s not about whether you can be a good lover for her or not, Seul. Let’s not just go there yet. The most important thing right now is your feelings. How do you feel about her? How did your heart and body react when she confessed her feelings to you last night? Did it give you some signals that probably you can like her too the same way she does toward you?” Joy’s questions made Seulgi felt dizzy. She had a similar question to herself; what did she feel for Irene?

 

“How do I know whether I feel something for her or not, Joy?” Seulgi who had literally zero experience when it came to heart’s expression asked her friend who obviously had more experiences than her; heck, Joy was very much in love with Wendy so of course, she would know more when it came to feelings and love.

 

“You just do, Seul. Feelings are not something that can grow overnight or something that you can form out of pity; as she confessed to you and you didn’t have the heart to say no, exactly the same things you had been doing to all of your exes.” Checkmate. Seulgi could only smile guiltily, knowing Joy was totally right.

 

“Do you feel happy now that she has come clean to you? All of your ‘what if’ thoughts have been replaced to something like ‘Ah so that’s why she did that to me’, no? What else do you feel for her, Seul? Don’t you think she is gorgeous and hot? I mean.. Although your heart is as hard as rock but I am sure your eyes can function just fine, hmm?” Joy observed Irene from afar; the woman was laughing heartily with Kwang Soo took pictures of her canoeing. Automatically, Joy smiled too seeing Irene was enjoying her time here.

 

“Yeah, I have to admit that she is physically attractive. And I feel slightly guilty for avoiding her the past year and she deliberately let me doing it; gave me enough space knowing I didn’t want anywhere near her.” Seulgi admitted earnestly.

 

“And?” Joy raised her eyebrow, turning her head to Seulgi again.

 

“As you have said, feelings cannot grow overnight and I don’t want to pity her as well just because she has managed to preserve her feelings for me for years. But I feel… touched? I don’t think anyone has ever done that to me, Joy and it makes me… contented and happy too? I am not sure what it is just yet but I am relieved that we have solved the differences between us now.” Seulgi grinned seeing how Irene fell down from her canoe and caused a big splash since the woman was too excited to have her pictures taken. She accidentally moved her lower body slightly more to the right that the canoe lost its balance.

 

“If you asked me, I would have said you are interested in her. Want to admit it or not, she has accomplished her goal in gaining your attention during high school and maybe for the past year too when she has joined the company. People has tendency to give more attention to person we hate compared to other person; we would ignore them instead. But whether it’s pure hatred or ignorant or other feelings you’ve successfully developed for Irene, only you yourself know it. Besides, there’s only a tiny line between hatred and love, Seul and since you decided it’s not hatred, maybe it could become love?” Joy pushed her arms to the sky, stretching while moving her head to the left and to the right. Seulgi couldn’t reply Joy; needed more time to contemplate and reconsider many things before her heart could decide.

 

“I am done being a wise friend for you. I want to join Irene and have fun. You are no-jam, Seul!”

 

“Yah!! You’re the one who brought the serious topic in the first place!” Seulgi argued back.

 

“I know I am. I have said what I needed to say and now it’s all up to you what to do about it. Let’s race to the boat and the one who lost shall be on duty here for a week!” Joy already got up and got ready to run when Seulgi quickly followed her.

 

“YAH! THAT’S NOT FAIR!!” Seulgi screamed while trying to catch up with her friend.

 

“Nothing is fair in love and war, KangSeul!” Joy turned her head around, pulling out her tongue and continued running forward.

 

“Indeed. Thanks for being a good friend, Joy.” Seulgi said in hushed tone that Joy couldn’t hear her. She mustered up her energy and tried to speed up and of course, Seulgi won at the end.

---

 

They went back home being tired that Seulgi and Irene immediately showered, having dinner and literally just went directly to bed right after. The day after would be the day of Christmas Eve. Joy had directed her employees to decorate the largest hall they had in the field. The employees enthusiastically did as they were told. They arranged the tables and seats to accommodate around 50 people later that night. They also had prepared the tall Christmas tree which about to be swapped magically with vibrant decorations with mixed colours of gold, red, and green.

 

Irene and Seulgi of course tried helping in any way they could. Joy couldn’t trust Seulgi when it came to food and cooking so she entrusted it on Irene to handle the food menu for the night. Meanwhile, Seulgi was assigned to handle the music and band; ensuring the musical instruments was completed and there were enough competent people to play it. The biggest issue for now was the song leader; Joy was of course being annoying by appointing Seulgi as the song leader for tonight. The woman huffed, mumbled audible complaints and rejected the idea immediately. Joy laughed, saying she was kidding but made Seulgi promised that she would sing a song or two for them later.

 

The Christmas Eve Worship would be started sharply at 7 pm so they still had around 2 hours to get ready before the show started. Joy asked them to go back to the bedroom and get ready while she would fetch the priest on her own an hour from then. Seulgi and Irene agreed, immediately walked back to their shared bedroom.

 

“You bring dress for Christmas Eve later, don’t you?” Seulgi asked as she closed the door behind her, didn’t forget to lock it after.

 

“I think I do. I know we somehow will end up having Christmas here and I kind of hoped we could celebrate it with others here. I am glad my intuition is right though.” Irene answered, chuckling.

 

“Great. It’s me who actually didn’t bring any. I just brought a turtleneck long sleeves shirt with brown semi-formal jacket and dress pants. Sighed.. And that’s the tidiest and most formal attires I have for the night.” Seulgi sighed and sat on the edge of the bed while Irene was squatting in front of her with the opened luggage.

 

“W-well.. Then there’s nothing else you can do but wearing that outfits, right? Just wear it, Seulgi. I know you will still look good in it.” Irene already imagined how charming and appealing Seulgi would be in literally tuxedo and if she could be honest, she preferred Seulgi to wear that rather than dress anyway. Of course Seulgi shouldn’t know that.

 

“Do you think so?”

 

“I know so.” Irene gave the affirmation and Seulgi didn’t need to ask more. Seulgi went to her own luggage and grabbed the attires she needed.

 

Irene had just finished changing into her red dress and came out from bathroom when her eyes landed on Seulgi who was busy applying light make up with completed attires. Irene’s judgement never failed; moreover when it came to the person she had a crush on. She used to like Seulgi for her heart but now she couldn’t be a hypocrite not to admit how Seulgi had grown into a beautiful woman that her physical features had developed prominently.

 

“Oh, you wanna use the mirror? I am done anyway.. How do I look, Irene? Do I look alright?” Seulgi tidied her hair for the last time in front of the mirror before turning away and faced Irene.

 

“You look more than just alright, Seulgi-ah.” Irene gulped and tried to hold back from saying more; afraid she would say things that would make the latter frowned, such as arousing and lustful. Yes, those were improper to describe Seulgi, moreover during Christmas Eve.

 

“Thanks’ for giving me confidence, Irene. I will open up my laptop and send few emails while you’re doing your things okay?” Irene nodded and Seulgi walked past her. Again, Seulgi’s scent ruthlessly attacked her innocent nose. What the hell was Seulgi’s perfume anyway? Why did it bring all her senses altogether to do more than just smelling Seulgi through the thin air? Like she wanted to smell that directly from Seulgi’s…. Irene quickly shook her head to vanish the naughty thoughts from assaulting her further.

 

Seulgi was immersed with her laptop, emails, and unfinished reports that she didn’t realize Irene had been doing her make-up for the past 30 minutes. She just clicked the send button on her laptop’s screen when she felt a nudge on her shoulder. As automatic response, she turned her head around and almost fell down from her chair. Hell, she swore she just looked at an angel instead of the usual Irene she used to see often.

 

“Are you okay?” Irene asked and Seulgi quickly closed , worried her jaw would drop to the floor if she didn’t do it.

 

Irene’s hair has hanging down beautifully with the red strapless dress which managed to cover the forbidden parts of Irene’s body and ended up just a bit above her knees. Seulgi wasn’t blind that she knew Irene had been known for her beauty ever since high school but the current Irene she was looking at was like a totally different person, in a positive way of course. Irene’s lips were covered by red lipstick which emphasized her lips’ shape more beautifully and her cheekbones… Oh what did she apply to it that it looked more prominently and-

 

“Seulgi-ah.” Irene shook Seulgi’s shoulder one more time.

 

“Oh yes? Sorry, I was distracted.. You look absolutely gorgeous tonight, Irene. Anyone who could be your date is literally the luckiest person.” Seulgi couldn’t stop from saying too much information. She covered with her palm when she realized what she just had said.

 

“Thank you. Would you like to be my date for tonight then?” Irene asked carefully. She understood what her question meant but Seulgi had been enchanted by her beauty, no? So here she was again trying to bet on her luck.

 

“It’d be my pleasure.” Seulgi composed herself well and offered her arm for Irene.

 

“Let’s go then.” Irene wrapped her own arm around Seulgi’s one and walked out from the bedroom together, hand in hand or more like arm in arm.

---

 

The priest had said his preachment; spreading God’s kindness to every humankind in this world who supposed to be sinful and yet God did good deeds by giving humans salvation by sacrificing Himself to be tormented by the evil humans, being crucified until God take Him back to His side. Seulgi was sitting in between Joy and Irene; attentively listened to the priest and was touched by God’s endless virtues to humans no matter how many times He had been hurt by them. Irene was also trying to comprehend God’s kindness through his preachment while Joy.. Well, she’s being Joy.

 

The Master of Ceremonies or abbreviated as MC summoned Seulgi to sing in the front as soon as the priest had done giving his kind preachment. Seulgi glared at Joy, knowing who the culprit behind it was but walking to the stage anyway. She sang ‘When You Wish upon a Star’; her favourite Christmas song of all time.

 

“Are you officially dating already?” Joy whispered while Seulgi was singing.

 

“Huh? No. We are just friends, Joy. Don’t push it.” Irene felt Joy occupied Seulgi’s space for now, scooting closer so both of them could talk better.

 

“Why not? You look like more than just friends for me. You held on her arm while entering the building earlier. My eyes couldn’t lie and they saw it alright.” Joy murmured inaudibly but enough for Irene to hear it.

 

“I don’t know. I have told her my feelings while she still doesn’t know what she feels for me. I don’t want to burden her by forcing out my feelings for her, Joy nor do I want to be pitied. That can sum it up why we’re just friends, right? Besides, I am happy already to know we won’t have cold war anymore.” Irene replied as quietly as possible.

 

 “Maybe you should do something to stimulate her feelings for you. I love my friend but she is just too slow and dense most of the time. Maybe she likes you too but she just hasn’t realized it yet.” Joy turned her head a bit and replied in Irene’s ear.

 

“And what do you think I should do?” Irene replied almost immediately.

 

“I can help you.”

 

“I don’t think I can trust you enough to do that.” Irene shook her head. Joy feigned of being hurt and Irene rolled her eyes at that.

 

“You don’t have other option currently, Irene. It’s me or happy waiting endlessly. I know Seulgi for years and trust me when I said she wouldn’t notice her own feelings unless she saw you having a lover who is not her or things close to that. Well, unless you want to pretend to be someone else’s girlfriend that is. It shall take you not less than months to do that though and who knows what fate shall bring to you both within that amount of time.” Joy was too good with persuasion that Irene swore it was infected by her lover, Wendy who was a commercial executive back in their company.

 

“You won’t stop bothering me until I say yes, would you?” Irene grimaced while Joy was grinning.

 

“I am flattered that you have known me so well despite of merely days we’ve known each other.” Joy chuckled soundlessly.

 

“Fine. I am giving you one chance. Ruin it and I will never trust you again, Joy.”

 

“Call me Gloomy if I couldn’t keep my promise.” Joy smiled.

 

“You only need to do one thing for now though.” Joy added.

 

“And what is that?” Irene asked suspiciously. Somehow she could barely believe things would turn out well when it involved Joy but as the taller woman said, she didn’t have much choice, did she?

 

“Can you sing?”

 

“I am not that bad at it.”

 

“Good. Then sing after this.” Joy said no more and Seulgi had finished singing that Irene didn’t have time to ask further.

 

Seulgi just returned to her seat when Joy threw the cue at the MC who nodded her head understandingly. The MC went back to the stage and this time, she called Irene to go to the stage and sing. Irene’s pupils were dilated and she swore she tried smacking Joy with her deadly glare but of course it wouldn’t affect Joy who still had annoying smile on her face. The woman sighed and walked forward to the stage.

 

“Wow, I never knew you could be purely devil, Joy. I thought Satan couldn’t enter God’s house, moreover during Christmas.” Seulgi commented as soon as she watched Irene approaching the stage.

 

“I am no Satan, Seul. I am Gabrielle in form of human but with the same mission; spreading Joy and important messages to the world.” Joy snickered. Seulgi was about to argue when she heard Irene starting to sing and yes, it was the first time she heard the latter singing.

 

“Do you remember me? I sat upon your knee. I wrote to you with childhood fantasies.” Seulgi could barely blink and divert her eyes away when Irene starting to sing ‘My Grownup Christmas List’ song.

 

“She is amazing, isn’t she? Take longer time that you actually like her too and she will be taken by someone already when you finally realized what you feel for her, wishing whoever her lover would be is you but it’s not.” Joy remarked inside her ear.

 

“Shut up, Joy. I am listening her singing now.” Seulgi shoved Joy by her shoulder and the taller woman shrugged, didn’t say anything more until Irene had done singing and climbed off of the stage.

 

The worship was ended with each of the attendances held small candles within their palms and sang ‘Oh Holy Night’, led by the worship leader. The priest prayed for each person attending the Christmas Eve event, raising his both hands up in the air and said his prayer with his eyes closed. With that, the worship of God had officially ended and they could start the next occasion; being merrier and livelier.

 

Various foods were soon being served; the very well-known Turkey, potato salad, braised beef short ribs, roasted pork leg, dumplings, and of course Korean rice cake. People started to grab their empty place and queued properly until it was their turn to scope the food. Right after, the boozes were readied. Special for tomorrow, the exception letter would be submitted and everyone could spend their Christmas with their loved ones. Therefore, it’d be alright to drink and eat as much as their stomach could accommodate.

 

“Wow, it’s quite crowded over here for a remote area site,” Irene commented as her eyes were observing the people dancing together with live band kept on entertaining and tried to make the event livelier.

 

“Of course, Irene! We might live in a remote island but everyone still has the same right to have fun. It’s an annual event so we have to bring out our best to make it happen; to make all of these happen! Cheers!” Joy rose up her glass, followed by Seulgi, Irene and other people surrounding them before bringing it to their own mouth.

 

“Oh your glass is already empty. Can I do the favour to refill it?” Joy offered kindly and Irene was too happy, excited, and giddy at the same time for it’s the first time she celebrated Christmas away from her family but the situation and environment felt even warmer than the usual Christmas she had in Daegu, moreover to celebrate it with the person she had feelings for, Kang Seulgi.

 

“Sure. Thanks, Joy!” Irene nodded her head, totally oblivious of hidden intention Joy was about to do to her. The taller woman walked away from the group holding Irene’s empty glass.

 

“Merry Christmas, Seulgi-shii.” Came in another person, a man with sweet smile and decent appearance bowing at Seulgi before turning to Irene and bowed as well.

 

“Oh hey Suho! Where have you been?” Seulgi raised her hand and high-fived the man.

 

“I have audit schedule next week so I prepared the required documents to ensure no major finding shall be found, Seulgi. And you must be the famous Irene, right? A lot of people have talked about your beauty and only this time I have time to confirm the rumour. You are beautiful indeed.” Suho came forward, reaching out his hand toward Irene.

 

“Thank you.” Irene politely gave her hand just to be startled; Suho didn’t just shake her hand but also kissed the back of her hand.

 

“My pleasure. It’s such a rare sight to see a pretty face around this area. What has this site done to receive such great sight as a Christmas gift? God is kind after all.” The man continued with his flatteries while Irene didn’t know how to react but blushing at his compliments.

 

“Wow and who has taught you flatteries and sweet talk while working on duty, Suho? Maybe I have to review your performance to know whether you keep this site from incident or causing a mess like making someone pregnant and all.” Seulgi joined the conversation.

 

“Of course not, Seulgi-shii. I only say these words to women I find attractive. Even as a woman yourself, you cannot really deny that she is attractive, right?” Suho chuckled, winking at Irene. Seulgi mentally rolled her eyes, already annoyed at his shameless flirty statements even not directed at her.

 

 “But don’t you really need to ask Irene whether she finds you attractive enough to receive those shameless flatteries?” Seulgi laughed along, trying to hide her sarcasm well. Of course, she couldn’t blatantly prevent the man from flirting with Irene, could she? Damn, she couldn’t.

 

“Ah you are right! So, Irene-shii… Do you already have someone you’re attracted to? If not, can I be that someone?” Suho threw his sweetest smile, showing his even teeth for the other woman to see.

 

“I am sorry but I like someone already.” Irene politely replied.

 

“Too bad. But if that someone couldn’t reciprocate your feelings and-“

 

“Oh she reciprocates Irene’s feelings well, Suho. You don’t need to worry about that.” Joy came and gave Irene her drink.

 

“She?” Suho raised one eyebrow and asked for confirmation.

 

“Yep! Irene likes a she. That’s why you would never get a chance to be with her, buddy. She prefers women over men and unless you do some plastic surgery to transform your into something flatter, you would never gain Irene’s special attention.” Joy wagged her eyebrows playfully and eyed Suho’s zipper on his pants.

 

“Yah! Stop staring at my buddy here!” Suho quickly covered his pants with his hands.

 

“Just try your luck and endless flatteries to some local women here, Suho. They don’t cost much for dating since you can always stroll around near the beach with only few thousands of won spent. Irene is simply out of your league and she doesn’t swing your way too.” Joy patted Suho’s shoulder and grinned.

 

“Well.. Maybe I will just do that later. But anyway, it’s nice meeting you Irene. I hope you enjoy your stay here.” Suho opened the cola can he held in his hand and gulped it down.

 

“Thank you, Suho-shii. I have fun so far. We have gone to the beach and Seulgi with Joy here have been kind to walk me around the site to see the operational activities, workshop, warehouse, and other places.” Irene slowly sipped her drink and Joy tried hard not to observe Irene and her soon reaction while she’s at it.

 

They continued chatting and laughing for more minutes with Suho tried flirting on literally every woman he could find there, Seulgi who kept being asked to do the solo dance and Joy who employees to do silly things. Irene was enjoying her night and her drink had been emptied again when she felt slightly dizzy. She ignored it at first, thinking that maybe the drink had slowly made its way up that she got intoxicated but the next symptom however was different from any symptom she had ever felt caused by alcohol.  She felt… hot and aroused? Now that’s not possible because of the whiskey she just drank, right?

 

“Are you okay, Irene?” Seulgi concernedly asked. She had observed Irene for the last minute and the woman’s gestures were worrying.

 

“I am.. My head aches, Seulgi.” Irene looked up and felt hotter than before. She was sure her face had been super red like a crab by now.

 

“Maybe alcohol has affected her, Seul. You have to bring her back to the bedroom and let her rest.” Joy pretended to be worried; of course what was happening with Irene now was because of her; she did that to Irene or more like to her drink since she spiked her drink with magical liquid.

 

“You are right. Come, Irene let’s go back to the bedroom.” Seulgi helped the woman to walk back to the bedroom which thankfully only few meters from where they were now.

---

 

Seulgi helped placing Irene to the bed and let the woman lied down on her back. She went to the bathroom to change her outfit into a more comfortable one. She thought if needed, she too would assist Irene in changing her clothes later but first, she needed to remove her make-up as well as changing her clothes before anything. Thus she informed Irene she would go changing and promise to go back as soon as she had done. The woman weakly nodded her head and watched Seulgi walking to the bathroom.

 

Seconds passed and Irene felt worse than before. She felt hot, like air conditioner was off during the hottest summer in the year which was impossible because the temperature had been set up to the lowest possible. Irene wasn’t a stupid woman so she knew this wasn’t caused by simply alcohol. Someone must have done something with her drink and the only person who got the liberty to give her drinks was… Joy. OF COURSE! No one was as wicked as Joy anyway. She should have known.

 

As much as Irene wanted to plan her revenge plot, the uncomfortable feelings had been too bothersome to ignore. Her body couldn’t cooperate with her brain that she started to undress herself, starting from ping her dress, removing the strapless bra, and lastly her . Still, it wasn’t enough to make her feel better. She needed to be… touched. Her arousal was too much that she felt slippery and wet right to her core. She got no one but Seulgi to ask help from but there’s no way she could do that, right? It’d be unfair for Seulgi.

 

She was already bare in the bed with her legs spread widely from each other. Her breathing tempo was ragged and her heart was racing. Her mind started to run wildly on its own and she was unable to control it; both her body and her imagination. She eyed the still-closed door of the bathroom and didn’t know whether to feel thankful that Seulgi was inside or devastated because she needed Seulgi’s help to quench her thirst. Irene fixed her position, resting her back on the bedrest and formed a letter of W with both legs. Her hand had a mind on its own that it started to travel downward, reaching the forbidden part she shouldn’t touch; not now at least. Her hormones were uncontrollable and the drive was already escalated too high to be ignored.

 

Meanwhile, Seulgi had done changing since minutes ago. She had opened the door before but almost got fainted with the sight which was welcoming her; Irene totally in the bed with her legs opened and hand touching areas which shouldn’t be seen by her sinful eyes. She quickly closed the door again, feeling her heart was beating too rapidly that she had to press her palm on her chest to calm her nerves down. What the hell was going on?!

 

Wait… Seulgi knew what’s going on. Joy must have spilled aphrodisiac deliberately to Irene’s drink which resulted with this. But.. What should she do about it? There’s no way she continued locking herself inside the bathroom until Irene finished with herself, right? Besides… Wouldn’t it make her cruel to make Irene did this to herself? Damn, the dense bear didn’t know what to do.  Good thing she brought her phone to the bathroom that she could dial her friend who was the sanest amongst the two others.

 

“This better be good, Seul because tonight is Christmas Eve and my girlfriend is not with me, so I swear-“

 

“This is an urgent matter, Wendy!! Your girlfriend just spiked Irene’s drink and by the way Irene is the person who bullied me but turns out to having feelings for me all these years. And now she’s an aroused mess in the bed, totally with her hand was going here and there near her crotch!” Seulgi spoked rapidly like a bullet train from Japan. Her other hand was wailing in the air for being anxious, panic, and frustrated at the same time.

 

“Wait, what?!” Of course Wendy didn’t know. Seulgi took a deep breath and tried explaining as briefly but at the same time as informative as she could.

 

“So you’re saying my dumb girlfriend purposely did that so you would be confused of what to do? And Irene being the poor victim, right?”

 

“Right. So what do you think I should do now, Wannie? I cannot possibly hide in bathroom forever, can I?” Seulgi tried not to press her other ear to the door, knowing that Irene was currently within the next room. Was it her name that was just being moaned? Seulgi must have been crazy to even accidentally hear it or even imagine it.

 

“Do you like her?”

 

“I don’t know! Your ing girlfriend didn’t even give me enough time to think, Wannie! She just gave me what, 2 or 3 days to make up my mind and honestly, this is not the best way to find out my feelings for Irene. Dammit, Joy!” Seulgi gritted her teeth, starting to feel uncomfortable no thanks’ to Irene whimpering and groaning her name, purposely or not.

 

“Calm down, Seul. Be honest with yourself. What are you thinking right now? You know how Irene needs you but at the same time I am sure she didn’t want you to touch her ually just because you pitied her condition or worse, because you feel aroused by Irene’s current condition.”

 

“I don’t pity her, Wannie and that’s for sure but…”

 

“But?”

 

“I don’t know. I think I can like her?”

 

“You don’t think when you like someone, Seul.”

 

“I want to help her, Wendy. I really do… But I don’t want her to think I am doing that just because she’s ually needy right now.”

 

“Then go and treat her like she deserves to. Show it to her that you want to help her because you feel the same way like she does for you.”

 

“Do you think I do?”

 

“Do what?” Wendy was starting to get impatient.

 

“Like her.”

 

“How am I supposed to know?! If you want to help her but not because you pity her or you are overpowered by lust then the only answer you have is because you share the same feelings for her.” Wendy sighed frustratingly but answered anyway.

 

“You’re right.”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“She has obtained my attention by bullying me, but not only that. Her attitudes toward me have changed me; the reasons why I wanted to change is somehow related to her; so the next time she saw me again, she would think of me differently and-“ Seulgi paused when she heard Irene moaned more painfully just now.

 

“And?”

 

“I gotta go now, Wannie. I will update you tomorrow, okay! Thank you for everything! I love you!” Seulgi hung up before Wendy had even enough time to reply.

 

Seulgi ran her hand through her hairs and took a very deep breath, ensuring her heartbeat was steady and she got enough endurance to make Irene acknowledge her feelings through the unplanned activities. She softly opened the door and walked toward Irene, deliberately wanted her presence was known by the latter. She looked down to find Irene in a messy state, with her legs widely parted and her fingers flicking and grazing at her jewel. Irene was radiating and glowing even when she practically wore nothing.

 

“Seulgi-ah.. Please stop looking at my embarrassing state. Don’t be here. Wait outside or stay inside the bathroom. I will. Ah.. let you know when I am done. I am sorry that uhm.. you have to see my current state.” Irene with difficulties tried to relay her messages to Seulgi. Her face was red both due to being shameful and hot at the same time.

 

“There is nothing to feel embarrassed, Irene-ah.” Seulgi walked closer to the bed and sat on the edge of the bed, right beside Irene.

 

“Wh-what are you doing?”  Irene clenched her fist to stop herself from touching her precious diamond. She wanted to talk with Seulgi first but her body didn’t allow her.

 

“Let me help you with that.” Seulgi tenderly pushed Irene’s hand away and replaced it with her own hand.

 

“Ah… Don’t… Don’t do this just because you pity me. I ahm.. don’t want it.” Irene tried her best to keep her eyes opened. It was hard though when Seulgi’s nimble fingers were starting to create magical sensation within her body.

 

“I don’t pity you. Let me show you what I feel for you.” Seulgi dived in and kissed Irene’s lips before the woman could reply to her. The moment their lips touched, Seulgi felt electrified. Irene was the first person she had ever kissed and yet surely it was the best kiss she had so far.

 

“Wh-what do you mean?” Irene asked in between kisses. By now Seulgi was already on top of her with their lips fused with each other.

 

“It means I am about to make love to you. Do you have any complaint before I proceed?”

 

“Of course not. Come here, Seulgi-ah.” Irene wrapped her hands around Seulgi’s neck and pulled the woman down, continued on Seulgi’s bottom lips while creating frictions between her and exposed lower region with Seulgi’s still covered one.

 

Seulgi’s hand slide up to trace the underside of one owned by Irene before circling the dot and thumbed it not too slowly. It made the latter moaned louder, feeling it hardened instantly under her touches. Seulgi kissed Irene’s lips again and again, here and there before lowering it down; aiming other places that needed her attention. The effect of the magical remedy had gone; leaving them to continue the ual activity based on their ual desires mixed with longings and needs to leave mark on each other’s body. When the sun came, they both were still deeply asleep; feeling too exhausted but most of all, contented.

---

 

Irene woke up abruptly when the light of the Sun managed to penetrate through the opened curtains. The tiredness from last night activities finally caught her up that she felt each joint in her body was unable to cooperate. Her mind was in a jumble and she felt extremely dizzy, this time not caused by too much alcohol. Yes, she remembered she wasn’t drunk last night but absolutely her brain didn’t fail to recollect she was intoxicated by lust that was. The reminiscent made her eyes were dilated even when she just woke up a minute ago.

 

Irene sat up immediately after her brain had finished processing what she had done with whom last night. Yes, she vaguely remembered she had with Seulgi no thanks’ to Joy’s wicked schemes and purely evil plan. She turned her head to find the bed beside her was empty, there was no Seulgi there. She devastatingly groaned, swallowing the pride and dejection for being left after what they had done last night. Of course, it was nothing but one night stand for Seulgi. She should have controlled her lust better no matter how her lust last night was triggered abnormally.

 

“What have I done?” Irene clasped her face. The feeling of embarrassment slowly engulfed her. She felt embarrassed yes, but mostly she felt cheap for exposing herself in such a way just to be left by the person whom she had declared her feelings for the morning after.

 

“Dammit.” Irene felt hot tears eventually made its way to her eyes and finally streamed down her face.

 

“What happens? Why are you crying?” Irene looked up and found Seulgi just finished showering, coming out from the bathroom in a rush after seeing Irene crying.

 

“You’re… here?” Irene felt more tears were threatening to come out and she let it, dampening her cheeks and fell down to the mattress sheet.

 

“Where should I be then?” Seulgi quickly made her way back to the bed and sat on the edge of the bed.

 

“Seulgi-ah.” Irene reached out her arms and Seulgi knew better to pull the woman toward her, embracing Irene tightly.

 

“I thought you have left.” Irene mumbled inside Seulgi’s collarbone.

 

“And why would I do that?” Seulgi Irene’s back tenderly, soothing the latter and let her cry for more. Seulgi knew that Irene must have thought she had left her after what happened last night.

 

“I don’t know.. I thought you did that because you couldn’t stand seeing me and.. and..”  Irene couldn’t make a full sentence and Seulgi could understand why.

 

“I am fully aware of what I did last night, Irene-ah and I did that because I want to, not because I have to. Do you understand what I mean, right?” Seulgi withdrew her body, raising her index finger to gesture she needed to go to her luggage. She grabbed her jacket and helped Irene to cover her nudeness so the woman wouldn’t feel cold.

 

“Why did you do that? Why didn’t you just leave me be?” Irene buttoned the jacket, didn’t forget to nod thankfully at Seulgi who was being very thoughtful that also made Irene felt more hopeless with the growing feelings she had for the latter. How could she move on now if it turned out that Seulgi was unable to return her feelings? With that, Irene could only mentally sigh.

 

“Isn’t it obvious?” Irene frowned and Seulgi had to chuckle at that. Seulgi lifted her hand and wiped Irene’s tears away. Thankfully, the woman eventually subsided her crying by now.

 

“You are not the only one who has these special feelings toward a certain someone, Irene-ah. I might not use my heart very often but thankfully it still functions well and able to give me emergency signals when I.. When I have feelings for someone.” Seulgi tenderly smiled, holding Irene’s hand tenderly and softly gazed at Irene’s eyes.

 

“And that someone is you.” Seulgi finished her sentence.

 

“Wh-what?” Irene gasped, totally unexpected that one day her wildest dream could become reality; that one-day Seulgi would reciprocate her feelings. Wait, this was even better because Irene never once had the confidence to picture Seulgi confessing her feelings for her.

 

“Yes.. I have to admit this might be very abrupt and unplanned. Literally I only have like what, 10 minutes if not less to make up my mind and force my heart to admit what I really feel for you so I could decide if I could.. Well did things we have preceded last night or to cover you with the blanket in the hope you could get sleep eventually.” Seulgi expressed her feelings shyly. She chewed on her bottom lip before looking up just to witness how tears had dampened Irene’s face.

 

“Irene-ah, why are you crying? Did you feel hurt for what we did last night? Was I too rough or maybe-“ Seulgi had to stop yapping when suddenly Irene leaning in and fully kissed Seulgi’s lips. The older woman was about to deepen the kiss when Irene had already pulled away.

 

“Thank you, Seulgi-ah… For returning my feelings and made love to me last night. I am sorry if I was needy and embarrassing. It’s just not the real me if you know what I am saying.”

 

“I know and it’s alright, Irene-ah. It’s refreshing and surely unforgettable. It’s weird to make love before the confessions came but well, maybe we should knock Joy with Thor’s hammer the second we meet her today.” Seulgi chuckled.

 

“Can I have another kiss? Because what we just did before was a simple peck.” Seulgi grinned prior to leaning forward and passionately latched her lips on Irene, didn’t even let the younger woman reply to her beforehand. Irene’s automatically wrapped her hands around Seulgi’s neck, pulling her more toward her while Seulgi’s arms held on Irene’s waist, grazing the exposed skin softly. Irene followed what her desires and passions told her to, lying down on her back and were ready to back the jacket Seulgi gave her when she heard a hard knock on the door.

 

“Ho-ho-ho! It’s Christmas, Seulrene couple so whatever you are doing now have to stop for now! We have to meet others to give them their Christmas Greetings and as Project Manager from head office, you are responsible to do that, Seul!” It was obviously Joy who always meddled in their business.

 

“COMING! We will be there in 30!” Seulgi sighed before replying.

 

“Okay then! If you two didn’t come in 30 minutes, I will break down the door, I swear! And you are most welcome by the way; treat it as a wonderful and priceless Christmas gift from me. Merry Christmas!! Ho-ho-ho!!” Joy knocked twice before leaving the couple for real.

 

“Damn. I hate to admit it but she is right somehow. If she didn’t do something with your drink last night, it’d take me a long time to realize what I feel for you, Iren-“

 

“Joohyun. Call me by my Korean name, Seulgi-ah.”

 

“Right. Joohyun-ah. My Joohyun.” Seulgi grimaced at her own cheesy words. Since when she became like that? Well, maybe since her heart was finally functioned and resurrected thanks’ to her visit to this site with Irene.

 

“Yours? You haven’t even asked me to be yours, Seulgi-ah.” Irene giggled shyly, covering with her palm.

 

“Ah. Right. I am sorry but will you be mine, Joohyun-ah? Would you be my girlfriend?” Seulgi asked.

 

“Of course, I would, Seul. I’d love to be your girlfriend. It’s a definite yes.” Irene immediately answered and they didn’t need to exchange more words and sealed their new status with a tender kiss. The kiss got more heated and passionately until Irene pressed a hand over Seulgi’s shoulder and withdrew her lips from Seulgi’s.

 

“I hate to say this but we better get prepared. I don’t want Joy to see us improperly if she really gets crazy and break down the door.” Irene explained.

 

“You are right. I will change my clothes while you can have a bath.” Seulgi sighed.

 

“Before that.. Merry Christmas, baby. Being yours is really the best Christmas present I have ever received from God.” Irene caressed Seulgi’s cheek.

 

“Merry Christmas too, Joohyun. Being able to call you mine is the best Christmas gift I have ever had too from God.” Seulgi smiled, moving her face forward until their noses touched, and kissed Irene for the last time until she heard footsteps followed by knocking on the door.

 

“10 minutes have passed! I am just here to remind you that! Ho-ho-ho again!”

 

“We better get ready for real.” Seulgi groaned loudly and Irene couldn’t help but laugh. The woman got up and run to the bath, . Seulgi’s eyes literally followed Irene’s every movement; the juggling , the flawless skin of her back, the y collarbone, and practically every spot of Irene’s back that Seulgi’s eyes could land on.

 

“I think I can have another shower.” Seulgi smirked.

 

“Give me an hour, Joy and I will assign someone else to replace you and send you home before New Year!” Seulgi approached the door and yelled, hoping the taller woman was still nearby somewhere.

 

“Deal!! An hour it is!!” The reply was hasty and Seulgi chuckled.

 

“Thanks’ Joy for everything! I mean it. You really are my best friend.” Seulgi said before making her way toward the bathroom and probably could get another heated session if Irene agreed.

 

“That’s what friends are for, Seulgi-ah. And I know you might not hear it but I am happy for you, buddy. I am glad that you have finally found someone whom you love and able to love you back.” Joy talked in front of the door.

 

“Right. She really didn’t bother to stay another minute to hear my touching speech. What a bad friend you are, Kang Seulgi but I still love you anyway, buddy. Where is my girlfriend on Christmas? My best friend just has perhaps the best mind-blowing last night while I could only send my Christmas greetings through video call last night to my Wendy. We cannot even have naughty video call because it’s her time of the month so my waterfall has really turned into a dry desert now.” Joy aimlessly walked while kicking the invisible rubbles on the street.

 

“I understand you, Boss. I too just broke up with my girlfriend a week before Christmas but it’s alright. I got your back, Boss. I will always support you and-“

 

“Yah Byung Hoon!! Why are you always around me whenever I talked to myself!? Go away!!” The man couldn’t finish her sentence when Joy removed her shoe and threw it toward the poor man.

 

“Sorry Boss!!” The man continued running away while laughing his heart out.

 

“I love you guys, really.” Joy chuckled at her employee and put on her shoe back.

-Ã-

 

I have been craving to write something in my element lately; not having too much drama, slight comedy mixed with fluff. I am taking a break temporarily from the huge drama I am currently working on, in different stories. 

Hopefully, it's good enough. Thanks for reading :))

Oh and supposedly it's for Christmas, but oh well.. Happy early Christmas and stay safe!