Work Text:
Inwoo walked slowly through the halls. The lights were as bright as ever due to it being the early evening.
He stood in front of the elevator grateful that no other employees were to be found.
He clicked his eyes shut. He will admit that he was a little exhausted since today was filled with many meetings regarding negotiations with another company.
When he heard the sound of the elevator bell, he opened his eyes once again only to be met with Yook Dongsik.
Their eyes both locked onto each other and Dongsik bowed to him, "Good evening, Director Seo." Inwoo regarded him as such and continued to walk in.
Although he was not really fond of pushovers like him, Inwoo had to admit he had some type of curiosity on how Dongsik's mind works. It was such a contrast to how he did things.
Bizarre actions yet still beneficial to him.
He already gave him an advantage yet he still chose his own way?
Noticing that the button was already pressed for the ground floor, he made no move to reach it. The ride was quiet and slow.
Inwoo noted that Dongsik hadn't made any small talk which he normally would've by now. He wondered if his mood wasn't of the greatest at the moment, therefore reasoning with his actions.
He stopped a chuckle about to exit him with a cough. Why was he wondering so much about a person like Dongsik? An employee that is ranked below him at that, a pushover he reminded himself, was intrigued by him but that didn't mean much, he wasn't about to make his actions be affected by his curiosity.
He stopped that train of thought and let his mind quiet down as the elevator continued its travel until he heard a rumble from above them then felt the elevator stop.
It made no sign of opening its doors nor continuing. Inwoo frowned. This hasn't happened before. Was there a malfunction in the elevator? In the company at that...
He sighed and pressed the voice call button which connects to security. "The elevator seems to have stopped." He spoke with a cold tone, not sounding annoyed but also not pleased.
"Ah, D-Director Seo! We apologize, we'll get to the problem quickly!" He clicked his tongue and let go of the button. He stepped backwards only to bump into something. He forgot that he was not alone.
He used this as a chance to look at the person in question and his curiosity peaked once more.
Dongsik's hands seemed to tremble slightly and his head remained low. Inwoo heard a voice from him that if it wasn't so silent, he was sure he would've missed.
"I-I apologize, sir," Dongsik paused as he walked an inch away from him. "S-such luck for an elevator to break down now, right sir?" His voice, although seemed to be forced to sound calm, was let out with stutters.
Inwoo observed him for a little while then said, "Yes, it is quite unfortunate."
He didn't believe in luck nor did he believe in fate. He only knows control and power, and right now if this doesn't get resolved any time soon, a person may lose their job.
Could this possibly be a ploy made by an enemy of his? Jihoon perhaps?
His gaze went back to Dongsik who was now fiddling with the zipper of his bag.
He felt something tug at him.
Seeing Dongsik like this, uncomfortable and anxious made him feel...
Hmm
He planned to keep the silence until they got out but now he was fully interested.
He decided upon the promotion of the younger man, with evident reason. Although Dongsik may seem to be a pushover and someone with many weaknesses like the one he has now, he sensed a type of loyalty in him. Not to mention his work ethics, aside from the whole issue with Jihoon, the young man proves to be beneficial for the company.
All weaknesses are supposed to be hidden completely. I've yet to teach you this.
"I-I'm actually-" He lost his balance and Inwoo caught him. Dongsik muttered a sorry as he pushed himself gently from the director and leaned on the elevator handle instead.
"I apologize, sir. I'm a l-little claustrophobic." He admitted letting his head drop low. Again, he felt that tug within him.
He should mutter something of… comfort, right?
To keep his reputation.
"Don't worry, Dongsik-ssi. They assured us the elevator would be fixed soon enough."
Dongsik nodded at that but said nothing more. Inwoo, who was now closer to Dongsik, was able to see him much more clearly.
There was sweat forming on his forehead along with the trembling of his lips and hands. It seemed that he was trying his best to hide his fear but failed miserably.
Inwoo put his right hand on Dongsik's back which surprised them both. Dongsik flinched but didn't pull from the sudden touch.
Inwoo hesitated on whether or not he would return to his original position but he decided against it. He moved his hands on Dongsik's back in a soothing motion.
"Y-You don't have to do this, sir. I apologize for-" Dongsik was about to pull away when Inwoo forcibly made him stay. He looked at Dongsik who was now looking back with a flustered expression.
For a moment, none of them had said anything. Inwoo, with his hand still on the younger's back, and Dongsik, looking flushed.
The elevator doors opened and they both immediately left each other's sides.
When did the elevator began moving?
The staff were beginning to mutter incessant apologies and were checking up on the director's condition.
What was I doing? I didn't even notice...
Inwoo cleared his throat before saying, "It's alright. Take Dongsik-ssi to the clinical area, he seems to not be feeling well. I'll be taking my leave," Inwoo flashed them a smile, a very fake but still believable one, and hurried on.
One of the attendants bowed as he left and he saw her tend to Dongsik who was now slowly walking out the elevator door with shaky steps.
He walked out swiftly with a neutral gaze as he entered his car. He started the engine and for a moment, Inwoo sat there and stared in front of him.
He lifted the hand he used to soothe Dongsik. He looked at it as if it wasn't his. If he focused well enough, he could still feel the slight tremble he caught from the younger man.
He laughed, a genuine laugh that showed real happiness from him. Forget what he thought about his actions being affected by his curiosity earlier, this game, whatever it is happening with Yook Dongsik, seemed so much fun now.
He felt something odd during that moment, something he never experienced before. Yook Dong Sik, what are you?
Inwoo chanced another look inside the building, he could still see the employees fussing over Dongsik who was now bowing and probably muttering apologies so much. When the staff finally let him go, Yook Dongsik walked out of the building not
looking back and speeding out of the area. Once he disappeared from sight, Inwoo laid his hands on the steering wheel and drove away.