Chapter Text
"I said 15 minutes, Jeon Wonwoo. Not 25 minutes," was the welcome Wonwoo received when he opens the door to Mingyu's office.
"Did I lose the right to go to the washroom?"
Mingyu stares at him from where he sits, dissatisfied.
Truth is, Wonwoo spent several minutes talking to Choi Seungcheol about the pro-bono projects. Blame him, Mingyu's reaction was more of a push for him to secure the project's spot.
He thought, Seungcheol will let him off quickly. However, the enthusiastic men gave him more background than what Wonwoo expected. It took him 25 minutes to en route to Mingyu's office, with the promise that he's planning to "catch" more people by the weekend to join the case.
"Why did you do that without my prior approval?" Mingyu asked.
"Why did you say no other senior lawyer is looking for an associate to work on a project? Seungcheol-shi said he was looking for people for 2 weeks," Wonwoo countered the question with another question.
"I will give the right project for you! Not some unnecessary pro bono work,"
"Unnecessary work?" Wonwoo's eyes widen in disbelief as he approaches Mingyu's mahogany work desk.
"It is important work! From what Seungcheol told me, this might be a huge case against a big powerful company, and yet here you say-"
"Did you talk to Seungcheol just now?" Mingyu narrowed his eyes.
Wonwoo realized his mistake but didn't back down. "Yes, I did. But that's not the point, Mingyu,"
Mingyu scoffed, "Really? Enlight me then on what is the point then,"
Wonwoo closes his eyes for a moment before continuing.
"I know you are my principal supervisor," he took another breath, trying to calm himself. He does not want to ruin his relationship with Mingyu.
"But I need this. Not only for my year-end review, not only for that. I want to do more public interest work; I told you this before." Wonwoo stops and takes a deep breath, "I told you I don't really like corporate and transaction stuff..."
Wonwoo saw a shift in Mingyu's face.
"I will still work on your transaction and other projects, but just give me this opportunity?" Wonwoo asks softly.
***
Mingyu is screwed.
He lies down on his bed at night and replaying the earlier scene.
He is so screwed.
Before Wonwoo came to the office, he was so annoyed and told himself that he seriously needs to scold Wonwoo this time.
But that look. Mingyu slapped his face.
Gosh, that look from Wonwoo. Mingyu now screamed in his head while pulling his hair. How can someone pulls that puppy eye looks so perfectly? Or more accurately, Wonwoo looks like an irresistible kitten. As simple as that, Mingyu's anger melt away as he finally relented and gave the approval for Wonwoo to join Seungcheol's pro-bono team.
Mingyu tosses in his bed, unhappy while thinking that his time with Wonwoo will be reduced.
Hey, don't blame him. He is a professional, alright. He always focuses on his works and clients. But these days (more like weeks), he really looks forward to his time to chat and discuss with Wonwoo. It always feels like a reward after hours and hours of hard work.
So, it's normal to be protective over your oasis at work, right?
Well, he still has another strategy up his sleeves.
***
"Mingyu did what, just now?" Eunha said in disbelief to the other person on the phone.
"Well, the door is not properly closed, so I can hear their discussion..."
"Don't lie, Jeonghan," Eunha cut the other person, "I know you probably propped open Seungcheol's door so you can eavesdrop,"
"Do you want to hear the story or not?" Jeonghan, Seungcheol's flamboyant secretary, asked back. Even without seeing his face, Eunha can see his raised eyebrow.
"Of course, I want it, O' the great Yoon Jeonghan, please shed light for this peasant,"
"So, Mingyu suddenly came – Monday morning to Seungcheol's office, which is uncanny," Jeonghan mutter to the phone. Eunha inwardly agreeing, Mingyu usually brief the week with her first thing in the morning – or go straight to the 'dungeon' to see a certain someone.
"Guess what is the important issue that he said can't wait to discuss."
"What?" Eunha is typing random stuff, so people will not think she's misusing the phone's office – which she totally did, but Jeonghan is the one calling her.
"He suddenly rants about this junior associate named Jeon Wonwoo. He will approve of him to be in Seungcheol's pro-bono team. But, his time will be limited to 3 hours per week,"
"That sneaky bastard," Eunha whispered back.
"I know right," Jeonghan replied immediately, "It's hard to get people willingly participate for a pro-bono case in this firm, and Mingyu has to somehow sabotage the only volunteer,"
"What did Seungcheol said?"
Jeonghan gave a deep sigh at that, "He tried to get more hour but Mingyu will not relent. Technically, Mingyu can do that as Wonwoo's principal supervisor," Jeonghan gave another glance to the door, "Sometimes I wish my boss can be more persistent to the other senior lawyers; he is one of the partners in this firm!"
"He can use the partner-slash-I'm technically your boss card,"
"He has a soft spot for Mingyu; he will not do that to his cousin. Oh, hold on," Jeonghan paused for a moment. Seems like he's trying to listen to the on-going conversation and ended up giggling.
"What happened?"
"Seungcheol is preaching Mingyu," Jeonghan continue his giggle, "...on the ethics of office romance,"
"About time, I have been waiting for the moment he will tell Mingyu to control his crush on an associate while citing to office's memo or internal rules,"
"You guess it right; he talks about the importance of avoiding office romance with direct subordinate and the risk of abusing his power as a supervisor– hahaha!"
As Mingyu heads back to his office, Eunha saw the satisfied smile lingering on his face. He probably feels pleased to ensure he only loses 3 hours of Wonwoo's valuable time to another partner. Here, Eunha works for a boss who acts like an elementary school kid having a crush.
Alternatively, a territorial puppy might be best described Kim Mingyu right now.
***
As instructed per email he received on Sunday morning, on Monday morning Wonwoo is in the meeting room with Choi Seungcheol, another associate who works mostly under him named Hanbin, two mid-associates from taxation department and surprise, surprise – Kwon Soonyoung. Seems like this is his successful efforts in catching more associate.
"Can you believe that my boss suddenly comes this morning and told me to participate in Seungcheol's team? I bet that guy has not done his pro-bono hour and send me as a tribute."
"You'll make a bad tribute, Soonyoung," Jaehyun responded coldly.
"Isn't this good? We finally got to work together!"
Soonyoung stops his ranting to Jaehyun and stared at Wonwoo...
"Oh boy, someone please save me from Jeon Wonwoo with the sparkle in his eyes,"
Wonwoo can't even retort back to Soonyoung since he really feels the excitement to finally work on something that does not involve getting the rich even richer. He feels genuine excitement over a case. Seungcheol briefly explained the issue via email and said he will have more information today.
Seungcheol gave them an overview of the case, which involves a big company not really complying with the environmental rules and safety in one of their factories located in Ansan. Their clients are the labor union, assisted by a small legal aid, who has requested the compliance of various safety measures. Yet, the factory manager refused to do so. The legal aid is trying to tap into the reputation and network of K&C firms to help them settle the case.
"Oh, SMC is a well-known dairy brand," Soonyoung remarks as he looks at the handouts.
"Yes, that exactly the one that we will deal with," Seungcheol answered.
"Our first step now is for us to ensure that we will not have any internal conflict of interest. SMC is one of the popular brands owned by this company, but it is diverse. I will also ask this with my secretary to check by the system, but also ensure with other senior lawyers and partners that we don't have any on-going or potential transaction with any of the listed companies here."
"Sometimes, it's tricky to confirm, as they are not really required to list potential transaction by the system," Hanbin continues, "So, ask your supervisors on this information but make sure not to tell any details of the case yet,"
"Is it a sensitive case?" Soonyoung asked – for someone who is not interested in the case, he indeed asks a lot, Wonwoo mused.
"The legal aid mentioned that several outspoken factory workers have been suspended or even fired. We also don't want any escalation to physical harm for them – which is highly possible now,"
As he already did little research over the weekend, Wonwoo ask Seungcheol, "Isn't SMC's holding company known for their environment and social responsibility? I think they got national recognition for it last year,"
"That is true," Seungcheol nodded. "We're not sure what actually happens in this particular factory. We're a little limited on information as most of them are only supplied to us by the legal aid. We are sure of this because this is one of their smaller factories – so it might escape the holding company's radar. We may need to go to Ansan to discuss directly with them sometime this week,"
"Which brings us to the next question," Hanbin looked expectantly to the room.
"Who can allocate time this week for a short trip to Ansan, meet the lawyer from the legal aid and possibly several union members, get their testimony, documents and head back here?"
The two tax lawyers look at each other and immediately say, "Seungcheol-shi, we're sorry for this. But this week, our team is scheduled to have the signing for overseas acquisition-"
"The $1,5 billion transactions?" Seungcheol asked back.
"Yes, sir, that one," the other answered.
Seungcheol sighed and massaged his temple immediately and said under his breath, "I should formally make pro-bono a mandatory thing this year,"
After checking his calendar with his phone and ensuring some of the research or drafting can be finished earlier, Wonwoo finally speak up, "I think I can go to Ansan this Thursday, Seungcheol-shi,"
Seungcheol now looked at Wonwoo – while Soonyoung let out a satisfied breath next to Wonwoo.
"I'm afraid I can't let you do that, Wonwoo,"
"Eh?" Wonwoo is confused with his answer.
"You have limited billable hours per week to do this. I can tell you why after this meeting, but focusing on the case, that means," Seungcheol look at Kwon Soonyoung expectantly, "It means that only you can travel to Ansan and attend that urgent meeting,"
Soonyoung glances helplessly at the rest of the lawyers in the room, "By myself?"
"Yes," Hanbin confirmed.
"Sir, I don't really have experience with this type of case," Soonyoung nearly whines - to hell with his junior associate title at the moment.
"Don't worry, we will help you with the preparation," Seungcheol said.
"Document checklist and questions," Hanbin added.
If Wonwoo is not perplexed with Seungcheol's enigmatic rejection earlier, he might laugh out loud seeing Soonyoung's pout.
"Okay, you are allowed to bring another staff to help you with the documents and meeting–either paralegal or secretary," Seungcheol decided immediately – probably feeling bad for him. "You can also use the car to go to Ansan,"
"We are not sure about the conflict of interest, Sir – how should we list the client matter?" Hanbin asked.
"Just use prospective clients under my name, ask Jeonghan for the number to enter into your timesheet,"
After that, Hanbin gave them the general direction of the other two cases and things that they need to research. They also discuss what type of documents or evidence they need to request from their client.
Seungcheol concluded the meeting quickly after – probably conscious of everyone's hourly count ticking.
As everyone exits the meeting room to go back to their regular work, Wonwoo is anxiously waiting for Seungcheol's explanation.
"Wonwoo, make sure you put all your work in the timesheet carefully. You can only work for 3 hours per week for this case,"
Wonwoo doesn't move an inch.
"Excuse me, Seungcheol-shi?" He must have heard things wrong, right? What can he achieve with 3 hours weekly? That's ridiculous.
Seungcheol gave a deep sigh.
"Well, someone with direct authority over your billable hour approved that I can only take 3 hours away from your weekly hours,"
Without even realizing or saying anything else, Wonwoo curse under his breath and said, "Kim Mingyu," and stormed out of the meeting room.
To quickly return to the meeting room to gather his notepad, mumble a thank you to Seungcheol.
***
"Eunha, is Mingyu inside?" Wonwoo asked as he strides quickly towards his office room.
"Yes, he is," Eunha answered as she looked up from her computer.
"Okay, I need to talk to him,"
"He's currently in a call with..." Wonwoo walked past her, and Eunha paused in her words,
"Oh well, it's not a client anyway,"
"Mingyu!" Wonwoo asked as he pushed open the door – and quickly shut his mouth as he realized Mingyu is in the middle of a phone call using the speakerphone.
Mingyu looks so surprised with Wonwoo's entrance.
"Yes," Mingyu said softly.
Wonwoo shakes his head immediately and slowly walking out from the door, feeling bad for storming into Mingyu's office. (Wonwoo's brain and attitude are taking a vacation)
A women's voice, from the other line, keeps saying how she has not seen Mingyu in a while, "It's been two months, Mingyu. I don't care how busy you are, we have to meet this week,"
He signals that he will wait outside when Mingyu indicates he will take a seat on the couch.
"I know, you have repeated that thrice already," Mingyu gave a string of soft "hm" as affirmation to the women's proposed meet up venue and time, and end the call with,
"Okay, I need to check with my secretary, she will call you secretary later."
"Sorry, was it a client?" Wonwoo can't seem to recall that voice – while he knows (almost) all of Mingyu's clients. Wonwoo moves to sit near Mingyu's desk.
"Uhm, nope," Mingyu massaged his temple a bit, "Why did you look so feisty just now?"
"Oh, that," Wonwoo immediately remembered, "Mingyu, did you just approve 3 hours per week of my billable hours to help Seungcheol-shi?"
Mingyu looks as if he holds a smile from blooming, Wonwoo can feel his left eye twitching.
"I neither confirm nor deny it,"
"What can I do with 3 hours per week for a complicated case?"
"Well, the requirement was only 40 hours per year... dear Jeon Wonwoo," Mingyu emphasized, "If you conducted doing this for 10 weeks – you have almost fulfilled that requirement,"
"That's ridiculous. Technically I hardly help them with three hours,"
"Well, I believe in your capabilities – you can do it with only 3 hours," Mingyu said in a teasing manner. "Or would you prefer for me to undo my approval at all?"
Wonwoo knew that Mingyu will not back down on this issue from his look.
"Okay, fine," Wonwoo stand up and turn to leave Mingyu's office.
"Where are you going? We will have a lunch break in 15 minutes," Mingyu call for him.
"Work," Wonwoo answered randomly.
"You promised to have lunch with me today at the newly opened cafe,"
"I don't recall confirming or denying that lunch invitation," Wonwoo said as he closed the door to Mingyu's office.
Did he just-?
Not even a minute, the door is opened to show Eunha's playful face, "I told you, you shouldn't act like a kindergarten kid having a tantrum over their toys,"
***
Wonwoo stomped on his way back to his desk while cursing his fate for having a childish supervisor/boss.
Possibly his desk until the end of the year, should the end of year assessment gone smoothly, he, Soonyoung, and Jaehyun (along with several other of his not-so-friendly cohorts) will be promoted. They will get a cubicle on the upper level. They will finally leave the dungeon.
When he's entering the paralegal's wings, the first thing he saw is Soonyoung's soulless expression, with Jaehyun looking so confused standing near him.
"Wonwoo! What happened during the meeting?" Jaehyun asked, "He has been like this after that meeting," he gestured over Soonyoung completely still body, vacantly staring at the computer screen.
Despite his loudness and over the top reaction, apparently seeing a non-reactive and silent Soonyoung is so eerie. Wonwoo immediately prefers Soonyoung's loud self.
***
"So," Seokmin said.
"So," Jaehyun said. The two of them looking expectantly to Wonwoo to solve The Curious Case of Quiet Kwon Soonyoung , preferably during their lunch break so they will have the normal chaotic Soonyoung after that.
Soonyoung stares at the bowl of doenjang-jjigae vacantly. Jaehyun and Seokmin looked at each other worriedly.
While waiting for his food to come, Wonwoo finally asked, "Soonyoung, do you really dislike this project?"
On their way to the restaurant, Wonwoo has tried to summarize to Seokmin and Jaehyun how Soonyoung suddenly has to do many things for the case.
Soonyoung finally exhaled, "Not that, it is more like – I am anxious over it?"
"I never handled a case like this before, an environmental case with a sprinkle of labor and criminal elements to it," he finally moves to stir his bowl.
"Not to mention, this is SMC group that we're talking about,"
"SMC as in..." Seokmin asked in a doubtful tone.
"Yeah, that big conglomerate group. You know what's even worse?" Soonyoung starts slurping like crazy – well at least, he starts eating, "I asked around for any available paralegals after that meeting to accompany me – and none of them wanted to accompany me after I said it's for a pro-bono case!"
"Not a single one of them?" Jaehyun asked as well. Everyone knows, K&C has tons of paralegals.
Soonyoung ate the vegetable pancake in big bites now, "What an astonishing capitalist mindset every single one of them has!"
"I mean, understandably, they're focusing on the year-end review and..." Jaehyun tried again.
"Understandably?" Soonyoung nearly shrills now.
"My awesome boss suddenly throws me in this case, without any understanding that I too, need that good year-end review. That I have never handled similar cases before, has almost zero knowledge of it. There is a threat of backlash from the other employees who supported the factory management," Soonyoung counts all the disadvantages for him, "Where is the understanding for me?"
It is true that sometimes the person who always laugh and looking so playful, can look so scary when they're pressured.
"I know, I know – we all know," Seokmin interjected, "We just want to help you, and please don't be angry at us," he pats Soonyoung's back several times.
"Sorry, guys. I don't think bringing a secretary to the Ansan factory will help me much... But those pesky paralegals pretending to be busy frustrates me, as well,"
"Can you go with me then, Won?" Soonyoung asked with puppy eyes.
Here we go, again. Wonwoo cursed one Kim Mingyu in his head, "I am sorry, Soonyoung. Apparently, Mingyu has put a limit to my hour to do this case,"
Soonyoung gave a loud sigh, "I somehow had guessed that when Seungcheoul suddenly said you have limited time,"
"Well," Seokmin started, "Did Seungcheol said any restriction of bringing a Business Development staff with you?"
All three sets of eyes are now on Seokmin, "I mean, I did participate in a research project on labor union before. I can volunteer to go with you. I will ask my supervisor, but I think she will let me do it," Seokmin stared at the three of them, "If you want and think I can help...," he added hesitantly.
"Of course, I want to!" Soonyoung leaped and hugged Seokmin suddenly.
"Now, we have Seokmin as a tribute as well," Jaehyun concluded.
"When will you join us then?" Wonwoo asked.
Jaehyun gave a nervous laugh, "Can I help you guys unofficially, instead?"
"I'll take it," Wonwoo smiled.
***
AN: This is longer and more technical than what I originally planned. Don't worry; I have a big picture of where this pro-bono case is heading.
I think – I think I have it if I can recall the plotline from last year *lol.
Anyway, please don't hit me with the amount of "pro-bono" words in this chapter.