Soo Emi

It's the next day and I AM NOT GOING TO SCREW THINGS UP!

Again.

Yesterday was too risky.

I can't let that happen again.

Putting aside my frustration with Hoseok's behavior, I actually think he's being patient with me.

And it's best if I don't continue testing his patience.

I quietly work on an assignment on the metal couch table my father provided the office earlier today.

My mind obediently stayed on task, but as I began finishing, I got distracted.

I couldn't stop looking at Hoseok.

He was sitting at his desk with his eyes quickly scanning some papers.

He seemed really focused.

He's probably accomplished so many things at his age.

"Assistant, if you have something to say to me, just say it." He speaks, but his eyes stay on the paper.

He probably sensed my hardcore staring.

That's embarrassing.

"We-Well, I just wanted to apologize about yesterday. Joon and I were just-"

"Let's not speak about yesterday. Worry about the future, not the past."

I sigh. "Yes, sir."

"But I want you and that Joon guy to stop seeing each other."

"What!?" I stand up abruptly.

"He clearly is distracting you from work and if this continues any longer, you can get yourself in a lot of trouble." He advises emotionlessly, setting down the papers. "It's for your own good, Emi."

"That's not true at all! H-He's really helpful, sir!" I anxiously protest, walking over to his desk. "He's not one to blame at all for anything that I've done."

"I've made my decision, Emi. I forbid you to see him again. End of discussion."

"He's done nothing w-"

"END of discussion." He raises his voice, giving me a strong glare. "

I bite down on the inside of my bottom lip to hold back any more useless arguments.

Someone knocks on the door, stealing our attention away from each other.

I go over and open the door.

"Cupcake!" My father loudly greets and brings me in for a tight hug.

"Father?"

Oh, no. Did he hear Hoseok just now?

"Soo Jae, my main man!" Hoseok rises from his desk. "How are you doing, sir?"

"Jung Hoseok!" My father lets go of me and pushes me aside. "I'm doing alright. How about you?"

They both PRACTICALLY run to each other for a hug.

"My favorite employee and favorite daughter!" Father beams, pulling away from Hoseok.

"I'm your only daughter." I mumble.

But Hoseok isn't his only employee.

"How are you two getting along? You know what makes me so pleased is when I see you two working so well together!" He pats Hoseok on the back.

I manage a fake smile.

"What brings you to this area of the building, sir?" Hoseok asks. "Any announcements? Problems??"

"Oh, none of that. I just wanted to check up on you." He walks past us with a hand on his chin. "I also wanted to ask about what happened yesterday."

I suck in my breath. "Y-Yesterday?"

"I heard Hoseok was running through the building with soaking wet pants and no shoes on." My father raises his eyebrows towards me.

I gulp. "U-Uh, you see, father..."

"Emi, here, was out on her lunch break and I accompanied her because she was quite lonely." Hoseok comes in and places a hand around my shoulder. "She accidentally dropped her....bracelet in the fountain and being the gentlemen that I am, I helped her fish it out."

"I don't wear brace-"

"THANKFULLY, I was there to HELP her. If I WASN'T, she probably would've gotten in A LOT of trouble that could've taken HER JOB!" Hoseok emphasizes through gritted teeth.

"Oh, haha, yes! I'm sorry, father." I scratch my head nervously. "You know how clumsy I get sometimes."

"Well, aren't you the coolest person in the world." My father shakes his head in admiration. "What would Emi do without you?"

I would be able to do a lot of things.

"I need to go to the restroom." I excuse myself and left without another look at either of them.

How does Hoseok do it?

Is it that shiny smile of his?

It's like he has my father in a trance.

I step out of the elevator and onto the first floor.

Patience.

Patience.

"You're looking for who, sir?"

My ears catch a conversation.

I see Joon from afar, standing at the receptionist's front desk.

"I'm looking for Soo Emi, an employee here. I have something to return to her." He holds up my lunch bag. "She forgot this."

"Hey, Joon!" I wave my hand up.

He turns to me and his face brightens up. "Oh! Emi!"

"Don't worry, Jennie." I assure her with a small wave. "He's a friend of mine. He's fine."

"Yeah he is." Jisoo, in the back, checks him out.

Ignoring her, I take the lunch box from Joon.

"Thanks!" I bring my arm around him for a totally unnecessary awkward side hug.

"I was worried for you, Emi. I didn't see you at all yesterday. I was afraid I got you fired." He hangs his head apologetically.

"Awh, no. Everything's alright! I was just really busy yesterday."

"Oh, there she is!" I hear my father from across the room.

I turn around and see my father jogging towards me with Hoseok glaring at me right behind him.

I stand in front of Joon, blocking him from Hoseok.

"Who's this?" My father asks, pointing to Joon.

"This is my friend. His name is Joon." I introduce, still keeping an eye on Hoseok.

Joon respectfully bows to my father. "Hello, sir."

"Hello, Joon." My father nods back.

Hoseok taps his foot on the floor as he stares at the ceiling.

"Excuse me, sir?"

A janitor appears behind my father.

"There's a huge coffee stain on the carpet in the staff room. The soap in the closet isn't helping at all." The janitor whispers, but loud enough for everyone to hear. "Would you like me to inform someone to order new carpet?"

"Did you rub it?" Jennie asks.

"We did."

"If I may," Joon approaches him. "If you want to get coffee stains off your carpet, you use liquid dish soap, white vinegar, and warm water. And you blot, not rub."

We all look at him in astonishment.

"A man that knows how to clean." Jisoo bites down on her lip.

"Joon, would you like to work here?" My father grabs his shoulder with a sudden job offer.

"What?" Hoseok steps forward.

"Really?" I gasp.

"We could use your expertise in cleaning and keeping our building spotless. We only want the best! We could earn back our title as Cleanest Company!" My father chants with his fist in the air.

He does get pretty excited over small trophies.

Joon's jaw drops. "S-Sir, are you serious?"

"As serious as pudding. What do you say, Joon? We'd love to have you join us." My father smacks Hoseok on the back. "Isn't that right?"

Hoseok's lips twitch into a crooked smile. "Of course. Why not?"

"Let's schedule an interview sometime next week, yes? I'm sure you'll be a big help to my workshop." My father holds a hand out to Joon. "What do you say?"

Joon turns to me with his eyes popping out. "Should I?"

I frantically nod.

"I-I'll take the job!" Joon shakes my father's hand.

"Great!"

As they were enthusing, Hoseok grabs my arm and turns me around to face him.

"Your father isn't serious, is he?" He whispers.

I narrow my eyes. "Of course he is, boss."

He shakes his head, tightening his jaw. "Your father really is the type to hire unqualified people."

I was literally about to bring myself to slap him across the face, but my father and Joon called us back.

Hoseok got away this time....

That was too close.