Work Text:
- Need a ride?
Dongsik sighed and stood up from his seat. He turned off his computer and got ready to go home. He checked the time on his watch and sighed again.
He wouldn't be able to take the dogs out on a walk today either. He muttered an apology to the store owners in his head.
It's not like he chose overtime. If anything, what he wants right now is to get the hell out of here and not look at a computer screen ever again.
Bills, remember the bills.
Once he was finished packing up, he gave his desk one last look and headed out. He turned off the lights in their office and went towards the elevator.
He pushed the button and stood patiently by the doors. He leaned on the walls beside the elevator and closed his eyes for a moment. They felt so strained and watery.
Please let there be no more overtime work tomorrow.
He heard the elevator doors open and stepped inside still with his eyes closed. Who would even still be in the building at this hour? Dongsik was pretty sure only pushovers like him would be around.
He sighed again, he probably already gained a new record with the amount of sighs he let out today. He leaned on the railings of the elevator and rested his head on its walls.
"Tiring day, Dongsik-ssi?"
Dongsik merely nodded, "Yeah... Why do they always have to push the work to me? Well, it's not like I stand up for myself either way..."
Wait
Dongsik suddenly stood up straight and blinked his eyes open. Due to them being slightly watery, he had to blink a few more times before seeing the person before him clearly.
"Director Seo! I apologize, I didn't mean to make such rude remarks." He immediately bowed and bit his tongue. Seriously, can't he even go home peacefully for once?
"Apologize for what? You did nothing wrong, Dongsik-ssi." Inwoo gave him a frown and motioned for Dongsik to stand up straight again.
"If you're having trouble with the division of work, I'll talk with the-
"N-No, sir!" Inwoo faced Dongsik with a raised brow. Dongsik quickly amended, "The things I said earlier were merely just because I was exhausted. Please pay them no mind, Director Seo." Dongsik looked down.
Inwoo stepped closer and touched his chin causing him to look up. They locked eyes for a moment.
"Why do you always look down..."
Dongsik felt his heart beating a little faster. He felt something pull and lock him into the director's gaze.
Was the director always this handsome?
After what felt like ages to Dongsik, Inwoo finally let go of his chin and stepped back. "I apologize for the sudden touch, Dongsik-ssi. As for regarding the talk-
Dongsik was about to interrupt him again when Inwoo placed his hand in front of Dongsik to make him stop. "-I've already received reports from your other co-workers regarding the unfair division of work by the assistant manager. This is something we will discuss with or without your involvement, Dongsik-ssi." Inwoo let his hand fall down back again.
"I-I see."
Dongsik was going to look down again but he realized that the director might... might hold his chin once more. He forced himself to look straight instead.
When the elevator doors opened, Inwoo walked out followed by Dongsik who was slowing his steps so as not to walk beside his boss.
Just as they were nearing the exit, Inwoo stopped walking and went towards Dongsik, "Do you perhaps need a ride?" He stood a foot away from Dongsik.
Dongsik felt his heart race again.
He also felt that pull again, something telling him to go closer.
Dongsik cleared his throat, "I'm sorry, sir, but I decline. Thank you for the offer though, Director Seo."
Inwoo regarded him for a moment and gave a lopsided smile. He tilted his head sideways. He gave a low chuckle as he looked down and then straight once more.
"Of course, I was just asking in case." Inwoo walked two steps closer.
One step
Again, that pull from before, Dongsik felt.
"Also I wonder, what happened to calling me Inwoo-ssi? I'd much prefer that call. Dongsik-ssi." Inwoo said exaggerating Dongsik's name at the end. Before Dongsik could reply, Inwoo went away swiftly, "Anyways, have a great night, Dongsik-ssi!"
Dongsik was left there in the center of the building's entrance area heart beating fast, a little warm,
and again the feeling of the pull.
- Constipated
Dongsik felt eyes burning at the back of his head. He turned around and met Secretary Jo's fiery gaze which made him suddenly stop.
He was wondering whether or not to walk over and ask if she wanted to say something but the thought was diminished when Director Seo went to her.
The fiery gaze Dongsik saw was now nonexistent and what laid on her expression was that of respect and admiration for the director. He could see the sense of respect in her actions, the way her eyes focus on him alone, the way she moves carefully matching the other's stance, and her overall aura itself flowing from her.
Dongsik looked at the two of them for a few more moments and an annoying thought came up to his head. He felt that he should intervene or join the conversation somehow.
Now I want to interact with the Director Seo like that?
Dongsik let out a slightly hysterical laughter which caused the two to look his way. He fortunately managed to get out of view at the last second.
That was dangerous.
"Dongsik? What are you doing?" Dongsik pressed his hand against Jae Ho's and dragged him away as quickly as possible.
When he was sure they were a fair amount of distance away, he let go of his flabbergasted friend. "What's happening, Dongsik? You have a problem or like maybe constipation? I've had one before- well a lot of times so I can-
"Shhhh!" Dongsik looked frantically around. When he was really sure, he finally began to calm himself down. He fixed his suit and hair carefully before facing Jae Ho.
"Sorry for surprising you. Didn't mean to." Dongsik told him to which Jae Ho nodded but then frowned. "So, do you really have a problem with consti-
"What's this talk about a problem?"
Dongsik turned around and forced himself to not flick his forehead.
Great, just great
"D-Director Seo! Good morning! It is truly a great thing that you're now our managing director!" Jae Ho bowed so quickly Dongsik wished he had that speed when it comes to finishing his work. He bowed afterwards.
"Good morning," Inwoo flashed a small smile to Jae Ho. He turned to look at Dongsik, "Do you perhaps have a problem, Dongsik-ssi?"
Dongsik actually mentally paused.
Inside Dongsik's brain
Rational Dongsik (wearing a grey suit, hair maintained, sat upright on a chair) : Just tell him no and that our break is almost-
People Dongsik (wearing a grey suit with a black sling bag, sitting comfortably and making eye contact with everyone) : We can't just shut him down like that! The director asked us such a per-
Rational Dongsik : -sonal question! We're not friends with the Director nor are we confidantes perhaps, such questions should be answered with professionalism and vagueness.
Tired Dongsik (wearing a messy grey suit, hair poofed up, leaning on the desk while simultaneously pen tapping) : Can we just go already? We have a lot of paperwork to finish today and I am NOT working overtime again.
Fanatic Dongsik (wearing a white pyjama set, sitting cross-legged on a couch nearby) : I AGREE! I WANT TO CONTINUE RESEARCHING THE BLACK DAHLIA CASE! LET'S GO HOME! LET'S GO HOME! LET'S GO-
??? : Just tell Inwoo the truth.
"Dongsik-ah." Jae Ho nudged Dongsik which brought him back to the present. Inwoo was still looking at him waiting for an answer while Jae Ho kept glancing back and forth between the two of them nervously.
"I- uh I-I," Dongsik felt nervous with the stare the director gave him but also felt... slightly happy.
Ha ha, I'm completely gone off road.
"W-What I meant to say was-uh,"
"Director Seo, Mr. Kim is already on the way to meet with you," Secretary Jo went beside Inwoo and held her clipboard tightly. She seemed a little exasperated, Dongsik wondered why.
"Ah, yes. I apologize for cutting our conversation short." Inwoo's smile dipped a little. "I-It's okay, sir! Please have a great day at work today!" Jae Ho quickly bowed at him and gave him finger hearts which earned a slight (fake) chuckle from the director.
Dongsik noted the fakeness in that one chuckle because he already saw one true chuckle from him. This one felt a lot different.
"I'll continue chatting with you later, Dongsik-ssi." Inwoo walked away with Secretary Jo just up his back. Dongsik saw her slightly scrutinizing expression and her small smile directed towards him.
"Dongsik-ah, so are you really constipated? I can help."
- His Smile
It was finally the day.
The day which Dongsik dreaded yet anticipated.
The work outing.
It all began with Jae Ho, of course it had to be Jae Ho. No one would be as brazen enough to suggest such an idea to the team anyway... with Director Seo there as well.
"How about an outing this weekend, sir? We could perhaps stay overnight at a nearby resort! I know some pay less than others if you go with a bigger group." Jae Ho suggested the idea to the whole team.
They were all around seated by a large table, drinks and snacks all over. The company had just successfully acquired a strong ally. The preparations which took months to prepare, leaving others more work than usual (including Dongsik).
Dongsik was happy to say the least. He was actually glad that the work most of them have been doing finally paid off. He'd still have a lengthy amount of work to do afterwards but still it felt nice that he'd somehow help achieve something important?
More so, Dongsik was stealing glances at the Director. He also seemed happy... if one could call his expression happy.
Director Seo still had the same neutral demeanour as before, polite and direct. He still sat stiffly on his chair whenever team dinners like these occurred.
Others wouldn't be able to notice those things but with a bit more observation, it's actually easy to dissect the director's real moods and feelings. Dongsik somehow found himself being that person to be so observant. He ignored that thought.
Something was different today. Director Seo seemed a little less tense than usual, his smile was a little bigger than usual, and his tone was also brighter.
He didn't know why (or maybe he did) but Dongsik was sure the director being genuinely pleased for once added to his happiness.
"Aigoo, you must be drunk, Jae Ho-ssi! I don't think we have time for those-
"An outing?" Han Jeong-a was interrupted by the voice of Inwoo. The table suddenly became quiet and everyone turned to the director and gave their full attention.
Han Jeong-a had to admit that her heart was racing at that moment. She also knew that most, if not all, of her co-workers wanted to have an outing. But she was also aware of the fact that the director was a workaholic.
If they happen to want to have an outing, she'd expect to hear a scolding or something negative from the director.
The next few words to be said wasn't what she expected at all.
"I agree, why don't we have an outing this weekend? I can handle all the necessary preparations." Inwoo looked around the table.
Due to the prolonged silence, Inwoo retracted his statement, "Oh, I suppose you are not quite fond of the-
Cheers erupted from the table and reassurances of them wanting to have an outing.
Dongsik choked on his drink as the cheers began and immediately looked away from the rest.
An outing?!
Wait, why was he so nervous about a work outing? It's not like it's his first outing, he's been to some in the past... though they were not very fond memories.
Dongsik knew the reason for his timidness. He knew but he didn't want to admit it.
When Dongsik turned back to face the table, he set down his drink and wiped his mouth. Dongsik sighed a little and took a chance to glance at the director again.
The director was conversing with the others about the trip. They locked eyes for a moment before the director went back to facing the others.
Dongsik suddenly stood up which surprised his co-workers.
"O-Oh, I'm sorry but I have to l-leave early. I apologize, Director Seo. Congratulations again, sir, for locking us a great deal."
Dongsik hastily gathered his items, bowed, then walked out of the dinner before anyone could even react.
He ran out the streets and called a taxi. Once he told the driver of his address and settled in, Dongsik finally felt his cheeks burn
Yes, they did lock eyes together again.
Yes, the director did smile at him for a split second.
Yes, his heart did beat fast.
- Room ft. Seokhyun's broken heart
Dongsik already had his bag ready to go. He checked himself in the mirror. He was actually wearing casual clothes.
Wearing casual clothes wasn't weird, but now that he thought about it, this was the first time he wore them around his current co-workers. He fiddled with the tousles of his mint green hoodie a little and tightened his shoelaces before heading out the door.
When he arrived at the company, he wasn't surprised to see everyone with beach-related outfits and some even wore hats. "Dongsik-ssi! You've finally arrived!" Han Jeonga walked over to him and practically dragged him near to the two white vans laid out in front of the company.
"The director was kind enough to provide us with transport! Ah, he's so cool!" She beamed at him and smiled awkwardly in return.
"Where is Director Seo?" Dongsik asked, looking around in search of the man. "He's going to take his car, he said he needed to visit his friend who owned the resort so he went ahead." Mi Joo was the one to answer.
She opened the door of the first van and guided Dongsik inside. "Let's sit beside each other, Dongsik-ssi!" He nodded and went in. "Your other belongings could be placed-
That's all you're bringing, Dongsik-a?" Jae Ho placed the mirror back in its place. He was seated in the front passenger's seat.
"Yes... Should I have brought more?" Dongsik glanced around and noticed that the others had brought quite a lot of baggage.
"No, Dongsik-ssi. It's not like we're staying there for a week. It's just overnight." Seokhyun said from behind Dongsik's seat. He was fiddling with his phone with an earbud in one ear.
"But still! It's a rare opportunity! We should enjoy every moment of it." Jeonga slapped Seokhyun gently on the back as she sat beside him.
Seokhyun jumped a little in surprise then put the other earbud into his ear. He then gazed out towards the window.
"He and his girlfriend broke up a few days ago. It's probably why he's in a sour mood. I hope this overnight outing might help him." Mijoo whispered to Dongsik. He nodded in understanding.
"Is everyone here?" The driver entered the van.
---
When they all arrived, they were immediately guided by a staff to their respective roomings.
"This whole area is reserved for an overnight stay for your group." The bellboy told them. Dongsik glanced around the area.
It seemed that there were at least four large rooms, although he couldn't note how large exactly the rooms were, it looked enough for the whole team.
"You all have the privilege to choose your rooms, as per orders of Director Seo. I shall leave the keys and their spares here," He placed eight keys, each positioned by pairs. "Does anyone have any questions perhaps?" He turned to look at them again.
No one seemed to have any questions as they were too busy marvelling at the area.
"Is Director Seo also staying with us?" The bellboy moved a little to the left to find the source of the question. Dongsik hadn't even realized he was the one to ask it, of course he'd been meaning to ask it for some time, but he'd still been surprised by himself.
The bellboy smiled at him, "Director Seo told us his room would be near this area, sir."
"I see." Dongsik replied.
Everyone didn't look too surprised but also not that elated. Not that they'd be able to relax if the director would room with one of them, but the thought was so entertaining and intriguing.
And again that pull, that yearning, it tug on Dongsik.
---
Finally after some more inquiries from his other co-workers, the bellboy left them to their own privacy.
"I think all the rooms are pretty much the same," Shin Seok Hyun told them after taking a peek in each of the rooms.
"I think it'd be best if we just arrange by our own friend groups or something like that. How many beds are in each room?" Oh Mi Joo asked Seokhyun.
"About 3."
"It matches perfectly then, with each room having an extra bed. I suppose we'll go by Mijoo-ssi's proposal." Dongsik declared and everyone nodded in agreement.
Kong Chan Seok, their assistant team manager, seemed bewildered that the team decided things on their own without his leadership nor guidance. "I think-," he began only to be interrupted by Mi Joo,
"Dongsik-ssi, want to room with me and Jeonga-ssi?" Dongsik nodded in response and followed the two mindlessly. He hadn't noticed the pleading look on Seokhyun when he got dragged by a grumpy assistant manager along with Jaeho.
"Wait."
Both groups stopped and looked at Jeonga.
She sighed and then said, "Seokhyun-ssi, room with the two of them." Seokhyun almost jumped to hug her with joy but she avoided him, causing him to awkwardly back-step at the last second.
"It makes much more sense anyways. I suppose the three of you being closer in age would find some similar interests. The ones with families," Jeonga smashed her right fist into her other hand and said, "shall be together!"
Seokhyun almost fought the urge to bow to her in thanks. Jaeho merely shrugged and nodded in agreement as he followed Chanseok into their room.
"Thank you so much, noona! It would be such a drag if-
Jeonga stopped Seokhyun, "A sacrifice must be made. Enjoy your trip and bring your smile back, all right?" Seokhyun nodded and Dongsik swore he saw some tears forming in his eyes.
Before he could observe further, Seokhyun grabbed his bag and ran into their room.
"Make sure he actually enjoys the trip. The kid's been too stressed these days." Jeonga regarded and Mijoo replied in agreement while Dongsik nodded.
- The Pool
Dongsik always had trouble falling asleep. He never tried to find out why, which might contribute to it not disappearing fully. What he did know was that if he slept in a place that wasn't his usual bed, he'd have a harder time.
After a few more minutes of struggle, he finally gave up and sat upright. He looked over to his right where Seokhyun and Mi Joo were sleeping.
He felt jealousy rile up in him. The day they had was amazing, fun, and just great. However, it was also tiring and drained everyone's energy.
Dongsik thought this would help him relieve his bad habit but he was proved to be wrong. He sighed and got off the bed. He tried to make as little noise as possible so as not to wake up the other two, they didn't need to be bothered just because of his troublesome sleep something, whatever he has anyways.
He grabbed a jacket he hung upon the rackets by the door and left the room.
---
Dongsik was just wandering around, looking at the random sceneries through the windows or some paintings hung up when he ventured into the pool.
He noticed a sign by the wall saying 'Night Hours'.
"Good evening, sir."
A deep voice startled Dongsik and he let out a slight yelp as he stepped back. The man immediately started apologizing for startling him as Dongsik calmed himself down.
"I-Is the pool still accessible at night? I thought most hotels and resorts don't allow that." Dongsik stated and looked out to the pool, hiding his embarrassment.
"Oh, of course, sir!" The attendant, who was now radiating all good vibes and showed that he seemed to not mind that he worked at such an ungodly hour, answered and explained to him their pool services, rules, and anything related.
Dongsik tuned him out and merely nodded every now and then. When he finished, Dongsik was handed a towel and shown the directions of the bathroom.
"We rarely get guests to come to the pool at night so I usually am by myself at work." The attendant told him which Dongsik empathized with. He never really liked working alone before… his colleagues had opened up to him.
The man cleared his throat and said, "I'll now leave you to your privacy, sir. If you need anything, please come to the reception area once again! And enjoy your stay!" He waved goodbye as Dongsik entered another set of doors that led him to the pool.
He felt a little flabbergasted to say the least. He really wasn't planning on swimming or anything of the matter but he felt like it was a little disrespectful to suddenly cut off the guy like that.
Dongsik sighed and went to the side of a pool. He supposed he can dip his feet a little, might even relax him so he'd fall asleep.
He enjoyed the sound of the pool and seeing the night sky. Dongsik closed his eyes, feeling the calmness inside him grow. He sighed in relief.
.
.
.
"Dongsik-ssi?"
He opened his eyes slowly, not recognizing the owner's voice. He became too relaxed to react so quickly.
Well, that didn't last for long.
"D-Director Seo!" Dongsik stood up so quickly that he almost slipped but the director caught him in his arms.
Okayyyy, a little too close there
Dongsik felt his heart beat faster. His cheeks once again burned and that annoying pull tugged at him.
Hit 1
"Are you alright?" The director asked him, his voice was tinted with concern. Dongsik had trouble replying so Inwoo began to ask for help. However, Dongsik stopped him by covering his mouth with his hands.
Hit 2
They locked eyes, Dongsik with confusion and Inwoo with surprise. Slowly, Dongsik moved away from the director. Honestly, he even considered running away but he supposed that that wouldn't really be the best for him.
Dongsik had seen the director throughout the day, he was part of the team after all. Dongsik was very much distracted whenever the director was around their group or near him but they never spoke nor locked eyes. It was always him who yearned.
Yearned what exactly?
Dongsik shook his head slightly before looking up at the director. His clothes were a white sweater covered by a blue jacket and black pyjamas. They laid loosely on him considering his thin frame.
His hair was settled on his face, free of the gel he always used throughout the day. The reflection from the pool's lighting showed on Inwoo's face and Dongsik found himself staring.
He looked so pretty.
"Dongsik?" Inwoo said rather warily of him.
Dongsik was snapped from his entrance and he forcibly calmed himself down, "Director Seo,I apologize, I didn't mean to do that."
Dongsik hung his head low, partly due to embarrassment and regret but mostly due to him being distracted by the director's beauty. His eyes followed the slow movements in the pool.
Silence surrounded them for a moment before Inwoo said, "It's alright," He cleared his throat, "It's quite late, I didn't think out of all people for you to be here."
Dongsik chuckled, "I have… sleep problems, sir."
Inwoo nodded, "I experience something similar too. " He faced the pool and put his hands in his jacket as he stared at the night sky along with the now visible moon.
"The moon is quite pretty, isn't it?"
Dongsik looked up along with him. He was still a little aghast but once he turned to look, he was entrapped by the beauty of the sky and marvelled at it.
"Yes, sir. It really is."
Dongsik missed the way Inwoo gazed upon him fondly.
+1
"So basically you're asking me for relationship advice."
"Noona!" Dongsik blushed profusely which had him laying his head on his sister's counter again. "We aren't even dating exactly, I just feel something. Like a pull or something."
His sister let out a hearty laugh. "You definitely came here to boast of this whole weird soulmate thing going on with you."
"I-I'm not!" Dongsik exclaimed, face still half resting on the counter. His sister sighed and leaned onto the counter.
She'd always been the one he turns to for things like… this. She was the only one to know he liked men after all.
"Dongsik, this guy, you like him. And no, there is no doubt about this."
Dongsik sat upright.
He liked Director Seo…
"B-But-"
"Remember the time about Jisoo? That guy you said you dated back in highschool?" Dongsik frowned, he didn't like that memory one bit, but he nodded.
"Remember me saying I sensed he wasn't a good match for you?" Dongsik huffed and nodded again.
His sister went to the refrigerator and grabbed something before continuing, "And remember the whole ordeal we went through because of that asshole?"
Dongsik nodded.
"And so, here you go!" She put a bag into Dongsik's arms and began shooing him away.
"Make sure to put that in your freezer once you get home, it's cake I baked along with the other moms at the club. Don't forget to tell me how it honestly tastes!" She grabbed his bag and forcibly put it on him.
"But- What-"
"I want to enjoy my rest days too, Dongsik-a! So you better go on and get home!"
When they were both at door with Dongsik on the outside and his sister on the inside, she leaned on the frame and said,
"You like this guy, I can tell. I haven't met him nor should I. It's your life and your privacy. " Dongsik smiled at his sister's words.
So he did like the director…
Before Dongsik could continue that train of thought, his sister continued,
"Just if a thing like back in highschool happens again or if you just need to talk… come to me, okay?"
Dongsik nodded.
"Thanks, noona."
His sister smiled and pushed him out before giving him a slap on the ass.
"Of course, if it does go according to plan, don't forget to share the goods you get from your soon-to-be sugar daddy!"
She slammed the door before Dongsik could even give a retort back.