48 | New Job

***

The weekend proved to be truly memorable for the Kims—Yoonhyun, Yulsic, and Yihyun. However, returning home posed a significant challenge as exhaustion settled in, particularly for Taeyeon and Yoona, who hadn't brought their drivers along. They found themselves enduring hours of driving back. Upon arriving at the villa, they faced the task of unpacking before finally allowing themselves some well-deserved rest, which only came as evening approached.

Seohyun, mindful of her boyfriend's long day, stealthily enters his bedroom to find him deeply asleep, his snores resonating loudly. With a gentle smile, she carefully sets down the box she's holding onto his nightstand before swiftly departing.

In the adjacent room, Tiffany stirred from her slumber, roused by the murmurings of Da-On in his sleep.

"Omma... Appa... I still want to see Benny... Benny... benny... so adorable."

A soft chuckle escaped Tiffany's lips at his innocent words. Yet, as she shifted her gaze to Taeyeon beside her, she found herself drawn into another realm of dreams.

"Ah... the animals are so cool... Da-On is so adorable... hmmm... Tiffany my love... she's so pretty when she's happy. Wait for me Da-On, Fany!"

A bemused expression crossed Tiffany's face. "Are they sharing the same dream?" Unable to resist the warmth of affection, she snuggled closer to Taeyeon, planting a tender kiss on his cheek. "You're doing great, Kim Taeyeon," she murmured, her smile reflecting the sweetness of the moment before drifting back into the realm of sleep.

However, the ongoing chatter of her two boys persisted for the next few minutes, becoming increasingly bothersome. "Aish," she muttered in frustration. Unable to endure it any longer, she gingerly slipped out of bed and tiptoed out of the bedroom. Yet, halfway through, a pang of guilt tugged at her, prompting a change of heart.

Returning quietly, she fetched an extra mattress and positioned it beside the bed. With determined resolve, she settled onto the makeshift bed alone, strategically placing pillows over her ears to drown out the sleep-talkers. "Like father, like son," she murmured wryly, closing her eyes in a bid for some much-needed rest.

***

[The Next Day...]

After a restful night's sleep, Yoona awoke feeling rejuvenated, ready to tackle the day ahead with boundless energy. However, his morning exercise was interrupted by a curious discovery—a box resting on his nightstand. Settling onto the edge of the bed, he eagerly opened it. Inside, he found a collection of photo prints from their trip to the zoo, accompanied by a heartfelt letter, which read:

I'm infinitely grateful for all you did yesterday, my love.

Let's treasure this box as a vessel for our cherished memories.

With all my love,
Seohyun

P.S. From now on, I will print every date we go and put them in another box to remember that day. 

"Isn't she just the sweetest?" His cheeks flushed with warmth as he giddily admired the sweet gift he had received. Selecting one of the photos, he couldn't help but giggle softly at the sight of himself and Seohyun, both smiling goofily.

Suddenly, there came a knock at the door. "Mr. Im, breakfast is served," one of the maids informed him.

"Yes, I'm coming," he replied loudly. Carefully placing the photo back inside the box, he tucked it away in the drawer before finally making his way out of the bedroom. However, upon reaching the dining table, he was met with silence. None of his friends were present, not even the sound of his girlfriend's voice could be heard outside. "Where is everyone?" he wondered aloud, directing the question to Mr. Cha.

As he poured a cup of black coffee, Mr. Cha offered a brief smile. "You've nearly slept through lunchtime, Mr. Im. Both Mr. Chairman and Mr. Kim have departed for the office, and the ladies have set out on their job hunt," he informed.

"What? I thought it was only 8 AM, or even earlier," Yoona exclaimed in disbelief.

"They decided not to wake you up because they thought you needed the rest," said Mr. Cha as he bowed courteously and casually left the dining area.

"Well, I guess it's back to reality," Yoona shrugged, dismissing the situation as he began to enjoy his breakfast. He felt a sense of relief knowing that even his secretary hadn't disturbed him; otherwise, his morning might have taken a turn for the worse.

***

"Omo, Mr. Chairman, what a surprise to see you here today!" Yuri's secretary exclaimed as she entered the room, her eyes widening in astonishment at finding him at his desk.

Yuri's gaze lifted from his papers, acknowledging her presence with a smile. "I've made an exception today. There are some important matters to discuss, particularly the contract with Ms. Perkins," he explained, his tone carrying a hint of determination.

"Is this the Australian Investor you got last week?"

"Yeah, the renowned chairman of Canva," he proudly declared.

"Oh, that's going to be such big news for the company's executives." 

"I know right? And she will be here next week to officially sign the deal."

"I've got nothing but congratulations, Mr. Chairman. Your company has earned the trust of numerous businessmen and women," Ms. Kim said joyfully.

"Ms. Kim, your compliment means a lot to me," he replied, expressing gratitude with a warm smile directed at his secretary.

"Anyway, I think I should make you some coffee."

"Wait a moment, please. Kindly summon Director Jung to my office. There's something I need to discuss with him," he interjected before Ms. Kim could depart.

"Understood, Sir," Ms. Kim acknowledged with a respectful bow before calmly exiting the office to prepare the coffee.

Yuri's gaze drifted back to the monitor, but the images on his flash drive beckoned his attention. With a quick click, he minimized the contract document, drawn to the photos of him and Jessica, along with snapshots of their friends. It was these memories that stirred his spirits, motivating him to be at the office despite the lingering hangover from the trip.

Right at that moment, he heard his phone chime from the side of the desk and he casually reached for it without stirring his gaze off of the computer desktop screen. He didn't look into it at first but when a series of notifications came, he got distracted and finally checked his phone which turned out to be photos of buildings coming from Seohyun, Jessica, and Tiffany in their group chat they recently created for their project.

The New Home Project Group Chat

Jessica: Kinda pricy but I love the design

Seohyun: This is near Yoona's proposal. It has a good view of the River as well.

Tiffany: I actually would go now for Taeyeon's proposal. hehehe.

Yoona: What the heck? You girls are changing your minds now?

"Exactly my reaction." Yuri chuckled upon reading Yoona's response. He has an exact reaction.

Jessica: Something good happened today. 🥰

Seohyun: Yeah. 😊

Tiffany: Taeyeon is busy isn't he? He hasn't seen the group chat. 😩

Yuri: He probably is. I heard he's going to meet the executives today for their monthly meeting. Anyway, I would vote for the mansion. 

Yoona: Omg, I'm sorry Seohyun, I'd go with Tiffany Noona's or more like Taeyeon Hyung's proposal because of the big space and the fact that it's surrounded by trees like you always wanted before. 😚

Seohyun: I understand how unloyal you are to me. Hmph. 🙄

Tiffany: 🤣🤣🤣

Jessica: Easy there, Seo!

Yoona: Mianhe, baby. 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

Yuri: Don't flirt here. Let's wait for Taeyeon and Yihyun's vote too.

Tiffany: I'm pretty sure Yihyun would likely say yes and Taeyeon would be so happy. He proposed it. And Da-On will love it too because of the mini football field on the other side. 😊😇

Jessica: Yeah, I'm going to agree with this place too then. ^^

Seohyun: I'll think about this first.

Yoona: You're still upset? 😭😭😭😭 

Seohyun: Don't talk to me! 😡🤬

Yuri: Oh come on... 😑

Tiffany: HAHAHAAHHA.

Jessica: You two should stop being childish! 😤

Seohyun: I'm sorry Unnie. Kekeke. 

Seohyun: Anyway, it's a majority win already, I'm going with the mansion now. 😉

Yoona: Omg, I knew you were just playing around. 😚

Yuri: You are both so childish. 

Tiffany: So when are we going to have an on-site visit?

Yoona: Saturday!

Jessica: You're so excited, Yoong. 🤭

Yuri: I love that too. I'm free every weekend either way.

Taeyeon is typing...

Tiffany: Omg, omg, omg my fiance is finally here. 😍😍😍

Yuri: What's up bro?!

Taeyeon is typing...

Yoona: What kind of message is that? That's taking you long, hyung. 🧐

Jessica: This is probably Da-On. 🤨 

Tiffany: What? No. Da-On, honey, give the phone to your Appa! I told you to behave in the office.

Seohyun: Unnie, Calm down. I'm sure it's Taeyeon Oppa.

Taeyeon is typing...

Tiffany: How many minutes are you going to type that?

Jessica: Right, Da-On has a phone and I'm sure he's playing on it.

Seohyun: She doesn't know how to use it yet besides answering calls, Unnie.

Yuri: I'm with Jessica, this is Taeyeon.

Jessica: You're so loyal, Yul my love. 🥰

Seohyun: Yoona should learn from you, Oppa.

Yoona: 🙄🙄🙄

Taeyeon: 🐶🐱🐭🐹🐰🦊🐻🐼🐻‍❄️🐨🐯🦁🐮🐷🐽🐸🐵🙈🙉🙊🐒🐔🐧🐦🐦‍⬛🐤🐣🐥🦆🦅🦉🦇🐺🐗🐢🐍🦎🦖🦕🐙🦑🦐🦞🦀🦦🦥🐁🐀🐿🦔🐾🐉🐲🌵🎄🌲🌳🌴🐕🐩🦮🐕‍🦺🐈🐡🐠🐟🐬🐳🦟🦗🕷🕸🦂🦖🦕🦖🦕🦖🦕🦖🦕🦖🦕🦖🦕

Tiffany: KIM DA-ON. PUT THE PHONE DOWN, HONEY!

Jessica: 😂🤣

Yuri: 😂🤣

Yoona: 😂🤣 😂🤣

Seohyun: 😂🤣😂🤣

Taeyeon: 👻👻👻👻👻 👽👽👽👽👽👹👹👹👹👹😿😾

Jessica: Okay, Da-On, please give the phone to your Appa.

Yuri: Can he read now?

Tiffany: He can, just a few words. 😪

Taeyeon:  💔💔💔💔❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

Yuri: Call Taeyeon's secretary, Yoong, Da-On's really out there touching his father's phone.

Yoona: Right away, Sir. Tsk. 

Taeyeon: 

👶🏻👧🏻🧒🏻👦🏻👩🏻🧑🏻👨🏻👩🏻‍🦱

👵🏻🧓🏻👴🏻👲🏻🎅🏻🧙🏻‍♀️🧙🏻🧙🏻‍♂️

Tiffany: He won't really stop if no one's going to get the phone. 🤦

Seohyun: Da-On the group chat invader! HAHAHA

Taeyeon: 🤟🏼🤘🏼🤙🏼👋🏼🤚🏼🖐🏼✋🏼🖖🏼👌🏼⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽

Yuri was about to type his reply when the door opened startling him and quickly he put his phone aside. "Mr. Jung, please have a seat." He greeted the Executive Director of the company's Administration Department as he offered him a seat on the leather sofa nearby, quickly changing his mood into a more serious matter. 

***

After a few graceful bows to the interviewer, Yihyun finally exhaled a sigh of relief, the tension of her final interview dissipating. Now all she could do was wait for their call to learn her fate.

As she made her way to the elevator, she reached into her pocket and retrieved her phone, noticing a flurry of notifications flooding in from the group chat. Among them, she was particularly intrigued by Taeyeon's playful emoji responses, prompting her to eagerly reopen the chat and catch up on the conversation.

Caught off guard, Yihyun froze in her tracks just as she arrived at the elevator, her eyes widening in astonishment. The news of their new home being decided hit her unexpectedly, and she couldn't help but notice the flood of emojis from Taeyeon, who she now knew was Da-On.

"No wonder it felt odd seeing Taeyeon Oppa spamming those emojis," Yihyun chuckled softly to herself. As the elevator doors slid open, she hurriedly stepped inside, noticing a couple casting curious glances in her direction, as if they recognized her. Deciding to maintain a low profile, she pulled her hoodie over her head and retreated to the corner of the elevator, out of sight. With her attention fixed on her phone, she continued to respond affirmatively to the group chat's discussion about the new home.

Upon reaching the first floor, Yihyun stepped out of the elevator, only to accidentally collide with a young man, causing her phone to clatter to the floor. Before she could retrieve it, he swiftly picked it up and offered it to her.

"Sorry about that," he apologized as he returned her phone. Yihyun accepted it with a quick bow, avoiding eye contact, before hastily making her way towards the exit.

Outside, she paused, glancing back to see if the person had followed her. To her relief, he hadn't. With a sigh, she resumed her journey, grateful to continue without further interruption.

***

Da-On's playful squeal and laughter reverberate through the spacious office as the young boy attempts to evade his father's determined secretary, who is in hot pursuit of reclaiming the phone. Fate intervenes just as he dashes towards the door in a bid for freedom. Unexpectedly colliding with someone in the doorway, he tumbles to the floor, the phone clattering beside him amidst the chaos.

"Omo, what are you doing here?" A voice broke through the haze of pain, drawing Da-On's attention. He winced and looked up slowly, meeting the gaze of an elderly woman. Secretary Kim, bowing respectfully before her, added to the scene's gravity. Da-On, still recovering, rose slowly, his apologetic bow mirroring Secretary Kim's.

"But... Whose kid is this, Miss Kim? I thought Taeyeon forbade any children in the office?" The woman's inquiry sliced through the air, laden with both curiosity and a hint of disapproval.

Da-On, feeling a tremor of fear ripple through him at the stern tone, took a small step back. "I'm sorry. I'm... K-Kim Da-On," he stammered, introducing himself hesitantly, his gaze fixed on the ground, avoiding any direct eye contact with the woman.

"Kim Da-On? What are you doing here?" Mrs. Kim's eyebrows shot up in surprise, her voice tinged with disapproval. "Don't you know that kids aren't allowed here?"

"Um, He's... Mr. Chairman's-"

"Appa brought me here," Da-On interjected, his voice barely above a whisper, as he slowly raised his gaze to meet the furious stares of the woman. "A-Appa brought me here," he repeated, his nerves palpable as beads of sweat began to form on his forehead, betraying his anxiety.

"Who's your father? Why isn't he looking after you?"

"Tae... yeon... Appa," Da-On replied in a hushed tone, barely audible.

"What?" Mrs. Kim exclaimed, her disbelief evident as she closed the distance to the young boy. "Say that again, young boy!" she demanded, her tone firm and commanding.

Da-On looked up, ready to explain, but as he caught sight of his father from outside the office, he abandoned all thoughts of speaking and dashed toward him, tears streaming down his cheeks.

Taeyeon felt a sudden embrace around his thigh and glanced down to find his son clinging to him. "Hey, what's wrong, honey?" he asked, kneeling at Da-On's level and enveloping him in a comforting hug.

"There's... a scary... ahjumma," Da-On managed to utter between his sobs.

Taeyeon's concern deepened, but before he could inquire further, he noticed his mother, who was slowly making her way towards them. "Shshshs, it's okay. It's your grandma," he whispered soothingly as he gently lifted Da-On into his arms. Da-On instinctively buried his face in his father's shoulder, finding comfort in his embrace as he gradually began to calm down.

"What did you say?" Mrs. Kim questioned her son after hearing the revelation from the secretary. "This... this is your son? How?"

"Tiffany, we have a son," Taeyeon declared without hesitation, his voice steady despite the unexpected turn of events. "And his name is Kim Da-On."

"What?" She exclaimed in disbelief, her gaze darting back and forth between the young boy and her son. "You're kidding me, aren't you? He was so naughty earlier and bumped into me, I doubt you're the father of this child." Her tone conveyed a mix of shock and skepticism, unable to fully comprehend the revelation.

"No, he is my son. And I was naughty when I was like in his age, Omma. Like I said, I've been in love for the past five years with the same woman... and that's Tiffany Young, the mother of our son," Taeyeon calmly reiterated, his voice resolute. "I hope you can accept this truth in your heart."

Mrs. Kim scoffed, momentarily rendered speechless by the revelation. However, a sudden call from her phone interrupted the tension, prompting her to give her son a furious look. "Let's talk one of these days," she muttered before swiftly departing for the elevator, answering the call as she went.

Sighing softly, Taeyeon tenderly rubs his son's back. "It's okay, buddy. Grandma has left." 

Da-On turned his head and looked at his father, confusion evident in his eyes. "Grandma? Grandmother?" he questioned, seeking clarification from Taeyeon.

"Yeah, she's my mother, so that makes you her grandson," Taeyeon affirmed with a gentle smile, brushing away the tears on his son's cheek. "I'm sorry for whatever she did," he added softly, planting two tender kisses on Da-On's cheeks.

"Grandma looked like a witch," Da-On suddenly remarked, his innocent observation reflecting the lingering fear and confusion from the encounter.

"What?" Taeyeon softly chuckled, bemused by his son's candid remark. "How can you say that?"

"Her eyes are like the ones in cartoons, they're scary, Appa," Da-On explained, seeking solace in his father's embrace once more. "I'm hungry," he added softly, his voice tinged with a hint of tiredness as he sniffled.

Taeyeon smiled warmly and nodded in agreement. "Let's grab a meal outside then," he declared as he began his way toward his office, his steps filled with a newfound sense of warmth and purpose.

***

As the workday came to a close, Taeyeon emerged from the office alongside Da-On and the other employees. Stepping out of the building, they were greeted by the sight of a familiar car pulling up in front of them. However, to their surprise, it was not the regula