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Ae-Young's P.O.V.

I walked towards the kitchen, feeling rather sleepy as I turned the kettle on. I couldn't even remember waking up and getting out of bed, but I know I did so during the past five or so minutes. I must be really tired. When I looked at my phone, I realised why....it was half four, in the morning!

I sat at my kitchen table, scrolling through my messages, seeing Soomin had texted me, asking if I was alright. I gave her a short one word reply of reassurance, before putting my phone down and making my tea.

I felt quite tired before, but now I'm just sleepless. I have an odd feeling that it's not me who's the cause of it.... Nevertheless, I may as well get started with the day. Even though it may be half past four, it wouldn't hurt to get a few things done around the house before work.

It's like they say, there's no time like the present. Or, the early bird catches the worm. I'm sure there are many more phrases that could be of use in this situation, but I'm too tired to continue attempting to motivate myself. I know as soon as I take a sip of my tea, I'll fall onto the sofa, magically put the TV remote in my hand and finish watching the final episode of the K-drama I had previously binged once upon a time.

And as I took that sip of my tea, I did just that. For the next hour I watched the K-drama. Then, still restless, I decided to start watching another, as recommend by Soomin a while back. To be honest, I was hoping I would doze off in the middle of it. Unfortunately however, I just couldn't.

By this point, I was feeling rather fed up of sitting around doing nothing. In addition to that, my eyes were starting to hurt from both the lack of sleep and watching TV for so many hours. So now, I thought it would be a good time to take a shower and change, get ready for work and....WORK-

I jumped up quickly from the sofa, in search of my phone. It took a few trips around my apartment, until I found it was simply lying on the kitchen table, where I last left it. I checked the time, and indeed it read the time 9:02, meaning I was late. And I was going to be very late, if I didn't leave right now.

I can't however, since I have to change. That's going to take more time. Then collecting all my work materials, that should put me back even more. I sprinted around the house, trying to find files that I would probably need for today.

I only stopped momentarily to change-

After checking my reflection in the mirror, double-checking I had my keys and phone in my bag and triple-checking everything in my house was turned off, I left my apartment. I ran down the stairs quickly once I was sure I locked up, and made my way to work.

I hurried my place as much as possible, without making a show of myself of course. I didn't fancy making a fool of myself running like crazy down a street I go through every single day.

I rushed into the building, making my way to my desk, without even taking my normal detour to Soomin's desk. When I did reach my desk, I realised Mr. Lee was close by. So as sneakily as I could, I tip-toed my way to my desk. Unfortunately for me, Mr. Lee noticed, as wasn't the slightest bit amused.

"Miss Kwan, you're late, again." Mr. Lee stated sternly. I nodded my head lightly, unsure on whether I should say something or not. Instead, I lowered my head so my eyes met the ground. "Could you please make your way to my office? I wish to have a word with you. I'll be there shortly."

Without saying a word, I turned around and started walking in the direction of Mr. Lee's office. On the way, Soomin noticed me and quickly made her way over to see what was going on.

"What wrong?" Soomin asked, walking alongside me, all the way to our boss' office.

"I've been late one too many times it seems...." I replied, somewhat ashamed, I might add. Then a sudden thought of realisation hit me. "Wait, am I getting fired?"

"Oh no, I highly doubt it-

"Excuse me, Ae-Young, I believe I asked you to wait for me in my office?" The booming voice of Mr. Lee spoke all of a sudden. "And Miss Soomin, I suggest to return to your desk."

"Right away sir." Soomin muttered, before giving me a small thumbs up of encouragement. Then as she walked back to her desk, I carried on into Mr. Lee's office.

"Please sit." Mr Lee stated, as he himself sat down. I took the seat opposite his and waited in silence until he spoke again. "Miss Kwan, I hope you're aware of how important punctuality is here."

"Yes, of course I am." I began, trying to plan out my explanation in my head as I talked. "There's just been so much on my plate lately-

"If I recall, I've given you multiple days off, due to that very reason. And even after it, you show no effort to improve." Mr. Lee interrupted, sounding rather frustrated. "Out of everyone working here, tardiness was something I did not expect to get from you."

"Sir, I understand that you must be frustrated with me-

"No, I am beyond frustrated." Mr. Lee interrupted, once again. "You used to be my most valued employee, what happened?"

"Life happened." I mumbled to myself, quiet enough that he couldn't hear. "Sir, I apologise for my lack of punctuality. I'll do better."

"It's quite unacceptable at this point, and even after all that I've done-

"Excuse me sir, not meaning to be rude, but I believe I've done far more for you than you have for me." I instantly replied. "The amount of hours I've spent working for you, when I damn well shouldn't have could've totaled up to a fortune by now. I've always been on call for you, whenever needed. And do I get so much as double time, or even time and a half? No. So please, don't talk to me about all you've done for me, because I can assure you I have done far more."

The moment I stopped talking, I realised what I had said. I didn't expect to erupt like that, and I don't think my boss did either.  I looked towards Mr. Lee, wondering what the new expression he wore meant. But right now, I don't think I even care that much. Before I stepped down from my position, I had to put up with so much shit from him. I tolerated more of him than anyone else in the entire company. He rarely even acknowledges the amount of time and work I put into everything I do. He barely even noticed the lengths I went to, for him, even when it wasn't my job to do so. I don't believe I would take back anything I just said. I stand by it, every word.

"Honestly, Ae-Young, I feel you're being very defensive and over-dramatic. There's no need for it-

"Dramatic?" I repeated in a hushed tone. "You think I'm being over-dramatic?"

"Yes, you're acting like a child." Mr. Lee continued. "I'm simply letting you know that in all the time you've worked here, you've always been on top of your game. But recently, your standards are slipping. I expected more of you."

"You always expect more of me. But here's something I bet you didn't expect..." I replied, caught up in my anger as I stood up. I didn't even take time to consider what I was saying, before the words had already left my mouth. "I quit. I'll get you my two weeks notice as soon as possible and then I will no longer be a problem to you."

With that, I walked towards the door, opened it and left the office. I rushed towards my desk, the adrenaline making my heart pound at three times the normal rate. I didn't pause to take a break though. I simply grabbed a few of my belongings from my desk, that were my own personal items and I left.

I honestly had no intention of quitting so soon. Of course, one day I definitely would have. But not in the spur of the moment like I did, not purely out of frustration and anger. But here I was, storming out of the building only ten minutes after entering it.

I feel like I may have possibly overreacted, but again, I regret nothing I said. That job has brought me nothing but stress since the beginning. Maybe quiting would be good for me. Maybe it would put my mind at ease just a little bit, until I have this whole soulmate situation sorted out.

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A/N  Hello all~~

I apologise for the lack of updates the last while, there's just been a lot going on and I had no time nor motivation to write. However, I am now back~!

Thank you all so much for 15K reads and 600+ votes! Coming back to this really motivated me to keep going and as a result, I got this chapter out earlier than expected. As always, thank you all for the constant love and support-!

Stay safe everyone~ 💜💜