Chapter 9: Boiling Water

 That night, Minho can’t decide what to do. Why did Sulli not come to the office today? I am her Boss, she should’ve informed me that she won’t make it. There are pending documents, good thing he was able to squeeze it in someone else’s work. But It’s still not finished and the accounting department had to ask them to re-do a lot of things. But more than that, if she’s not feeling well, she should’ve told him. Minho’s mind started to imagine different things that might have happened. What if she tried to go to office but because she was spacing out from everything he said last night, she got hit by a car?

Minho knows his imagination is just extreme but he got really anxious. He reached for his phone. And dialed Sulli’s number. But even before it got connected, he ended the call. If he calls her up, she would think he cares…He can’t do that…Not when he said he’s in love with someone else. He instead called Luis to check on Sulli.

When Luis did not send an update after 10minutes, Minho tried to call Luis but his number is busy. He tried again after a minute or 2 but still busy. When he finally got through Luis, he tried to control his temper.

“I told you to call me up as soon as you learn what happened.” Said Minho

“Yes…It’s only 15 minutes since then, Boss. Relax.” Said Luis

“How can I relax when you did not even send me a message to tell me what happened to her?” said Minho

Luis almost chuckled. It is apparent that his Boss is quite worried about Sulli. 

“If you are that worried, why didn’t you call her yourself, Boss? I mean then you don’t have to wait for my update.” Said Luis

“I…I’m her Boss! But she did not even inform me that she will be absent. I think this is unprofessional and she should be the first to approach me to apologize.” Said Miho

“Really? Well then, try to be a little gentle to her tomorrow…If she gets to office tomorrow that is.  It was a household help who answered the phone earlier. She said Sulli was not feeling well the whole day. I heard she refused to eat anything and was really with low spirits. I guess she was really sick that she wasn’t able to think of informing anybody anymore.” Said Luis

Minho felt a heavy thing’s weight is on his chest. Did he do that to Sulli? Is he really this type of person who does that to women. This happens to Di too whenever it involves him. Is Sulli like Di?

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“Sulli is nothing like Di” Minho thought.  Sulli was in the office this morning catching up on all the documents she left yesterday. She seems to be ok and in high spirits. Did Luis trick him last night? Where’s the really sick barely eating  Sulli now?

Sulli went to the bathroom to escape. She needs just 5 minutes, no make that 3 minutes by herself to rest. She sat on a closed toilet and closed her eyes. Oh! She is just so tired! It’s just been half a day but she had to put all her energy to the documents that has to be delivered yesterday. She also taught the person who did the report yesterday how to do it correctly to avoid rework. She should already know how to do the process correctly moving forward. She already started the work that has to be submitted today. Good thing Minho assigned someone to help her and she is able to teach that person too how to do the process accurately. She taught her everything she learned so that accounting does not have to keep on returning the documents to them.

Everything is almost done.  Bear it a little bit more, Sulli. This day shall soon pass…And it will all be over.

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When Sulli submitted the last document for the day, Minho is impressed. She did it. Although Sulli looked really tired, she was able to finish everything on time.

“You did well.” Said Minho

Sulli did not look Minho in the eye. She hasn’t looked Minho in the eye since she arrived this morning. Minho thought that it is because she is busy throughout the day. But now Minho is sure that Sulli is trying to avoid eye contact.

“Thanks, Boss.” Said Sulli

“Ummm…Sulli, can you tell me what happened to you yesterday? You..erm…You were absent and I was wondering if you were sick or something?” asked Minho

Sulli finally looked him in the eye and Minho was caught off guard. He almost dropped the pen he was holding.

“Can I talk to you please? Alone?” asked Sulli

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They went to the rooftop. The sun has already set and the moon is very bright in the sky. It would’ve been romantic. But it isn’t.

“Why do you want to talk alone?” asked Minho “What happened yesterday? Were you sick? Is it…because of me?” asked Minho

“That’s the kind of question you would not be able to ask if the entire team is around.” Said Sulli

“Right…that’s true.” Said Minho

“I was…just a bit tired yesterday. I did not get sleep the previous night and could not get up the next morning. I think you know why.” Said Sulli

“Right…And how are you feeling now?” asked Minho

“I still didn’t get any sleep