Soo Emi

"What a mean, rude.......jerk." I mumble to myself as I pour hot water into a cup. "Is that how he really is? Is he going to be like that forever? That's so not good at all."

"I sure hope you're not talking about me."

Of course I'm talking about you.

And of course he heard me.

If he was going to come down anyway, why didn't he grabbed his own dang "tea with no leaves".

I turn around to see him standing behind me with a surprisingly bright smile on his face.

"Your tea is almost ready." I say, a bit coldly.

"Watch your tone, assistant." He takes the cup from my hands. "I can finish it myself."

I turn and walk away from him.

I need some fresh air.

I stomp outside and stomped my feet against the concrete.

"This is my luck, isn't it? The world knew that I wanted a challenge and paired me with a man like him." I ball my fists. "I didn't get this job out of pity! My father believes in me and I do too!"

I sigh loudly and messed with my hair.

"Was it like this with my father? Did he have to go through the same thing? If so, I wonder how he felt." I cross my arms. "Why was he so mean? Don't you have to be nice to be a business man?"

I pace around a tree, ignoring looks from the people passing by. They can look all they want. I have other things to worry about.

"Just be calm, Emi. I have to be modest and kind. He doesn't have any power over you. Except that he does and I have to see him every single day." I hold a hand to my forehead. "This is...."

"Hey, you."

I turn around with my fists. "What?"

"Whoa. Calm down." The guy holds up his hands.

Whoa.

I let out a breath. "I-I'm sorry. I am just stressed."

"Working for a man who is like that can be pretty stressful." He shrugs, pouting sympathetically.

I tilt my head. "How did you..."

"Sorry, I was listening to you after hearing your stomping parade." He chuckles.

"Oh." I run my hands through my hair, letting loose hairs fall out of the bun. "Great."

"Hey, don't get your hair so messed up over some guy who doesn't know how to treat a lady." He reaches over and pushes a strand out of my face.

Oh-

I gulp. "Y-You're right..."

"I am." He smiles sweetly.

"I-I'm Emi." I hold a hand out.

He shakes my hand. "Joon."

"Thanks, Joon. I needed that." I sigh, turning away.

"I always hang around here. If you want to let out some steam, I am here." He places a hand on my arm. "I'll be-"

"HEY, LITTLE ASSI- I MEAN, EMI!" Someone loudly calls my name.

I turn around and see Hoseok standing at the entrance of the tall building.

He is so loud.

Did he have to do that?

His eyes come in contact with mine in seconds and he rushes over, his arms stiff as they swing back and fourth by his side.

"You can't run out like that, assistant." He hisses at me and tries to grab my arm.

"Wait-"

In a blink of an eye, Joon's hand catches his and he swiftly turns it into a handshake.

"Nice to meet you! I'm Joon." He innocently greets Hoseok.

Hoseok pauses before nodding his head. "Nice to meet you, Joon. I'm Jung Hoseok."

"So, how do you and Emi know each other?" Joon asks, sending a quick smirk to me.

I blush.

Is it normal to feel this comforted by someone I just met?

"I apologize, Joon. I am currently working and Emi is my assistant. Have a nice day." Hoseok grabs me by the arm and pulls me to his side.

I mouth a "thank you" to Joon before getting dragged away by my boss.

As soon as we enter the elevator, Hoseok towers over me with a fierce expression.

Gulp.

"I don't think you understand how much power I have over you. You may be the daughter of the most important person here, but I am YOUR boss." He firmly says, pointing to himself. "You work for me. Do you understand?"

"I do know that, sir." I grit my teeth. "I just went out for some fresh air. I...apologize for that."

"You went out and made a friend. You have no breaks unless I say you can leave. You need permission, Emi. I have to know where you are at all times. Take this seriously." He leans closer. "You're not a princess here."

The elevator dings and the doors open.

I curve his towering figure and walked ahead for the office.

I don't want to be a princess.

°

I flop down on the couch with a cup of water.

"How was your first day of work, cupcake? How's working with Hoseok? Isn't he the nicest man you have ever met?" Father sits down next to me.

I look at him, puzzled. "Nicest? Hoseok, nice?"

"Yes, how's working with him?"

No, don't tell him.

He's going to worry all over again.

I force the happiest smile I can manage. "It's really great! I'm having a good time working for him."

"That's relieving." He gives me a kiss on the cheek. "Goodnight, cupcake."

°

I walk into Hoseok's office the next day with some pettiness left from yesterday.

Ignore it.

Ignore it.

Just smile and do your job.

Hoseok was sitting at his desk, focused on his screen. "You finally made it. I was about to ask for another assistant for the time you're not here."

My eye twitches.

"How does that sound, Emi-"

"Sir, what is going on with you? Why are you acting like this? Are you acting?" I suddenly spill out, forgetting what I told myself just a second ago.

He looks up from his monitor. "Stop blabbering, assistant. You're not making any sense."

I turn his spinny chair so he was facing me. I place both my hands on the armrests of the chair and leaned closer to his face.

"You act like some kind, warmhearted person to my father, but not to me? What kind of joke are you playing, sir?" I look away to take a breath. "I'm not usually this forward, but I really need some answers. I'm new to everything. Everyone knows that!"

He widens his eyes, but smiles afterwards.

"No matter what, assistant. You can't be scary. You're so small." He pokes my nose.

I step back, my lips trembling. "Y-You didn't answer my question, sir!"

"I don't have to answer you if I don't want to, my little assistant." He spins back around and starts going through his papers. "I'm busy."

I grab his arm and quickly drag him out of the office. I bring him to the elevator and pressed the top floor where my father's office was.

"Awh, my poor assistant is going to tell on me." Hoseok teases with a fake cry. "I am SO fired."

I remain silent.

"Hey, respond to your boss."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disrespect my elders."

He tighten his jaw. "Hey-"

The elevator doors open and other employees walk in.

"Oh, hey, Hoseok." They greet him with some handshakes.

"What's up, Namjoon, Yoongi." Hoseok laughs and pats their backs. "How are you guys?"

"Tired. Wife at home pressuring me to come home earlier because she misses me so much." Namjoon sighs, clutching his chest.

They all look at each other with such serious faces, then burst into laughter.

"We all know you don't have a wife, Namjoon." Yoongi rolls his eyes.

"I just wanted to imagine." Namjoon pouts.

"Namjoon, maybe if you get an assistant, your assignments wouldn't stress you out too much. Also, take nice baths. Very relaxing and can make you sleepy." Hoseok advises, stealing a quick glance towards me.

I look away quickly.

"You know, that's actually a good idea. I was thinking of hiring some extra help. I'll think about it."

I stand back and listened to Hoseok help out his friend like an angel sent down from heaven.

Why can't he be like that to me?

Is it because I'm his assistant and he's allowed to treat me a little recklessly?

I'll ask my father.