Chapter 30: Whispers in the Halls

The office, usually bustling with the daily rhythm of work, was eerily different today. The usual hum of typing and quiet chatter was overshadowed by a palpable tension. Whispers floated through the air, words exchanged in hushed tones behind cupped hands. YN and Seokjin’s relationship had become a hot topic, the rumours spreading like wildfire.

It started with stolen glances and half-concealed smirks from coworkers as YN entered the building. She could feel the eyes on her, the judgmental stares that made her skin prickle with unease. Seokjin, walking beside her, noticed the change in atmosphere immediately. His usual broad smile faded, replaced with a stern expression as he scanned the faces around them.

As they approached the elevator, two employees quickly turned away, their conversation abruptly cut off. YN bit her lip, trying to suppress the rising anxiety in her chest. She had always commanded respect at the office, her intelligence and leadership unmatched. But now, the respect she had worked so hard to earn seemed to be hanging by a thread.

Inside the elevator, Seokjin pressed the button for their floor. He could see the tension in YN’s posture, the way she held herself so rigidly. “Are you okay?” he asked softly, his concern evident.

YN forced a small smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m fine,” she lied, trying to maintain her composure. “It’s just… they’re all talking about us, aren’t they?”

Seokjin sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “It looks that way. But don’t let it get to you, YN. They don’t know anything about us about how much we mean to each other.”

YN nodded, appreciating his attempt to comfort her, but the unease lingered. The elevator doors opened, and as they stepped out, the whispers grew louder. YN could hear snippets of conversation, harsh words that cut through her like a knife.

“Did you hear? She’s sleeping with her secretary…” “I always thought she was so professional, but I guess not…” “It’s so inappropriate. What was she thinking?”

YN’s heart sank as she walked past the gossiping employees. She knew she had to stay strong, to not let their words affect her, but it was hard. So hard.

As they reached her office, Seokjin stopped and placed a hand on her shoulder. “YN,” he said, his voice gentle but firm. “We’ll get through this. Together.”

She looked up at him, her eyes filled with worry. “But what if this ruins everything? What if they don’t take me seriously anymore?”

Seokjin’s gaze softened, and he leaned in closer, lowering his voice. “You’ve built this company with your own hands, YN. Anyone who doubts your abilities because of our relationship is a fool. And as for the gossip… it’ll die down. People always talk, but they’ll move on to the next thing soon enough.”

YN took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside her. “I hope you’re right.”

Seokjin gave her a reassuring smile. “I am. And besides, if anyone has a problem, they can take it up with me.”

YN couldn’t help but chuckle at his confidence. “World Wide Handsome and World Wide Protector, huh?”

He grinned, his playful demeanor shining through even in the midst of the tension. “You know it.”YN’s office door creaked open as they entered, but before YN could fully step inside, a group of her senior colleagues approached her. Their faces were a mix of discomfort and disapproval.

“YN,” one of them began, a woman with sharp eyes and an even sharper tongue, “we need to discuss the recent… developments.”

YN steeled herself, her professional mask slipping back into place. “Of course. Let’s talk in my office.”

As they filed in, YN couldn’t help but notice the way they avoided looking at Seokjin, as if his presence was a stain on her reputation. Once inside, they closed the door, and YN knew she was in for a difficult conversation.

“YN,” the senior colleague started, her voice heavy with judgment, “there’s been a lot of talk around the office. About you and Mr. Kim.”

YN’s heart raced, but she kept her expression neutral. “I’m aware. And I assure you, my personal life has no impact on my professional performance.”

“But it does,” another colleague interjected, a man with graying hair and a stern expression. “It’s affecting the morale of the team. People are questioning your judgment, your integrity.”

YN’s chest tightened. She had expected resistance, but the blatant disapproval stung more than she anticipated. “My relationship with Seokjin is none of anyone’s business,” she replied, her voice firm. “I understand the concerns, but I’ve always been transparent in my role here. My work speaks for itself.”

The sharp-eyed woman crossed her arms, her gaze cold. “But your relationship with an employee, your secretary, no less creates an appearance of impropriety. It’s unprofessional, YN.”

YN felt the weight of their words pressing down on her, but she refused to back down. “Seokjin is not just my secretary; he’s someone I care about deeply. Our relationship does not diminish my capabilities as a leader or the respect I have for this company.”

The gray-haired man sighed, shaking his head. “It’s not just about you, YN. It’s about the perception of the company, the image we present to the world.”

YN clenched her fists, frustration boiling beneath her calm exterior. “I understand the concerns, but I won’t apologize for loving someone who has stood by me through everything. Seokjin has been more than just a secretary; he’s been my confidant, my support system.”

Her colleagues exchanged glances, clearly unconvinced. The tension in the room was thick, and YN could feel her control slipping. She had always been able to handle pressure, but this was different—this was personal.

Finally, the sharp-eyed woman spoke again, her tone icy. “We suggest you reconsider this relationship, YN. For the sake of your career and the company’s reputation.”

YN stared at them, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew what they were really asking was to sacrifice her love for Seokjin to maintain her professional image. But could she do that? Could she give up the one person who had been her rock, just to keep the office gossip at bay?

“I’ll take your concerns into consideration,” YN said finally, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. “But my relationship with Seokjin is not something I’m willing to end.”

Her colleagues exchanged disapproving looks, but they seemed to realise they had reached an impasse. With a curt nod, they left her office, leaving YN standing there, feeling more alone than ever.

As the door closed behind them, YN let out a shaky breath, her composure finally breaking. She sank into her chair, burying her face in her hands. The weight of their judgement, the whispers in the hallways it was all too much.

But then, she felt a warm hand on her shoulder. She looked up to see Seokjin standing there, his expression full of love and concern. “YN,” he said softly, “we’ll get through this. I promise.”

YN’s eyes filled with tears, but she nodded, taking comfort in his presence. No matter how difficult things became, she knew she could face anything with Seokjin by her side.

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