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"Dongsik-ssi, where are you going? Have one more drink!" Lee Min Ji slurred and grabbed Dongsik's sleeve. Yook Dong Sik bowed to her and gently tried to take off her arm but she held on tightly. He tried again with a stronger force this time and she finally let go, slumping down on her chair.
He bowed to the others at the table and placed his hand on his stomach, "I'm sorry. My stomach feels a little..." Shin Seok Hyun, the most sober out of all of them at that table, motioned for him to go and he gave a small bow indicating his thanks before he grabbed his bag and left the restaurant.
He stood out on the porch of the restaurant for a while, controlling his breaths as he felt the cold air of December.
"Let's have a team dinner then," Inwoo said to his group. They all errupted in cheers and exclaimed compliments and praises to which he blocked out from hearing.
"But let's not celebrate my appointment as your chief. We'll celebrate Dongsik-ssi's promotion as assistant manager." He gave them small smile, and the whole team congratulated Dongsik. He, however, continued to looked at Director Seo who was now looking at him.
Yook Dong Sik felt his cheeks burn.
"What am I doing?" Yook Dongsik sighed and looked across the passing cars on the street.
"Are you not feeling well?" He flinched and suddenly turned around only to meet Seo In Woo. "Ah, Director Seo!" He bowed. "I'm sorry I should have thanked you sooner-"
"No need," He motioned for him to stop bowing, "It is well-deserved, don't you think?"
Inwoo stepped closer to him until they were now beside one another.
"No, Sir.. I don't think-"
"Again, are you feeling alright?" He said, dismissing the previous topic as he leaned on the railing of the porch. "You suddenly disappeared midway, I thought something happened." Inwoo now was the one watching the cars which sped by.
Dongsik stared at the man before him. It wasn't really the first time he saw the director this close (i.e. the rooftop conversation wherein he dismissed the director and which he still had yet to apologize for) but yet here he was, caught up again.
Maybe it was because he was so still or maybe it was the wind, but he caught a whiff of it.
He was sure it wasn't even a second but he managed to sense it.
It was a nice scent. It was strong.
The director's cologne which reminded him of the woods, that dry yet soft scent.
It smelled... nice.
He found himself not being able to speak.
Ah, I've officially done it. Yook Dong Sik, you crazy bastard.
"Is there something wrong, Dongsik-ssi?" Inwoo turned his face to look at him, a slight frown forming on his face.
Dongsik gulped and stepped back a little. He scratched the back of his head and looked down.
What the hell am I thinking? Stop it, stop it right now, Yook Dong Sik!
"No, N-No, Director Seo! I just came out here to try and s-sober up a bit." He spread his arms wide (probably a little too wide) and began stretching his legs.
"We still have work tomorrow! I don't want to get too hungover!" He now began making his arms reach one side.
"Aigoo, the weather today is nice, isn't, sir?" Dongsik sneaked a glance at Director Seo who became strangely quiet.
He shouldn't have done that because the gaze the director was giving him... a warm fond expression..
I probably imagined it! The a-alcohol! I knew I shouldn't drink so much! Haha!
Inwoo gave a small smile and was about to say something when his phone rang. He gave a small bow before turning around to answer.
"Yes?"
Inwoo spoke a little too sharply but he didn't care for whatever this may be should be worth interrupting-
"Director Seo, your father has called for am emergency family meeting for tomorrow morning." He heard his secretary say from the other line.
"Suddenly? Are there any other details?" He frowned. What could the emergency meeting be about?
Meanwhile, Dongsik, who has now stopped stretching, kept looking at the director with curiousity.
"I understand." Inwoo ended the call. He turned around to face Dongsik who suddenly did squats.
"Is there a problem, sir?" Dongsik asked, a little exasperated.
"I am afraid I have to leave the dinner early." Inwoo replied.
"O-Oh, of course! Thank you so much for the team dinner, Director Seo!" Dongsik bowed to him. Inwoo nodded then began to walk down the steps of the porch.
"Before I leave, I would like to make sure... you are really feeling well?"
He turned to face Dongsik who nodded, "Yes, sir! Please have a safe trip!" He bowed again.
Inwoo gave a small smile before clearing his throat. "If you say so, Dongsik-ssi. Please do tell the others I left early as I have an early appointment for tomorrow."
He neared his car which was directly in front of the porch of the restaurant. It was also in front of Dongsik. Inwoo opened his car door but stopped,
"Ah,"
he looked up and looked directly to Dongsik who now stood straight.
"Congratulations on your promotion, Assistant Manager Yook Dong Sik."
With that, he went in the car and drove off. Dongsik was so still... almost like a statue.
He suddenly squatted down and pulled on his own hair. He let out some small grunts and squeals. Some people passing by avoided nearing him.
He felt his heart racing.
He felt warm.
He felt like he was floating. Was he floating?
"It's just the alcohol.. It's just the alcohol.." He murmured to himself.
"Haha! I'm just drunk that's it!" He exclaimed before silencing himself when he saw the odd looks from people passing by.
Just the alcohol, nothing more.