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The fluorescent lights buzzed softly overhead, casting a sterile glow on the office's beige walls. The rhythmic tapping of keyboards and the occasional rustle of paper filled the air as the members of Team 1 diligently worked on their paperwork. Stacks of documents surrounded them, a mundane reminder of their everyday responsibilities despite the chaos outside. Kim Rok Soo and Choi Jung Soo exchanged a glance, a silent agreement passing between them. They both stood up and made their way to Lee Soo Hyuk's desk.
Lee Soo Hyuk, immersed in a report, looked up as they approached. "What's up, you two?"
Rok Soo cleared his throat, putting on his most innocent expression. "Team leader, Jung Soo, and I were wondering if we could take a paid day off tomorrow."
Lee Soo Hyuk raised an eyebrow, his expression sceptical. "A paid day off? What's the occasion? No, no," Lee Soo Hyuk leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "What trouble are you planning to cause this time?”
Jung Soo let out an exaggerated, offended gasp, placing a hand over his heart. "Hyung, why do you always assume we're up to no good? Can't two hardworking guys ask for a break without being accused of causing trouble?"
Rok Soo nodded in agreement, feigning hurt. "Exactly, team leader. Do you not trust us?"
Lee Soo Hyuk replied, his eyes narrowing slightly. "It's not a matter of trust, Rok Soo-ya. It's a matter of fact. You two have a track record of causing trouble whenever you're left to your own devices."
Jung Soo huffed, trying to look indignant but failing to hide the mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Hyung, that's not fair. We've been good lately!"
Lee Soo Hyuk smirked, shaking his head. "Really? Should I remind you about the incident at the training ground last month? Or the time you both decided to 'improve' the office's coffee machine and ended up flooding the break room?"
Rok Soo chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Okay, those were honest mistakes. But this time, we just want a day off to recharge. We've been working non-stop, and we need a break."
“Come on, Hyung. Even superheroes need a break,” Jung Soo added, trying to make him agree.
Lee Soo Hyuk sighed, glancing between the two of them. Despite their antics, he knew they were right. They had been working tirelessly, and a day off would do them good. He also couldn't deny the camaraderie and loyalty they shared, which always made him more lenient.
"Alright," he said finally, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You two can have a day off tomorrow. But I expect you to be back on track the day after, with no excuses."
Jung Soo let out a cheer, throwing his arms around Rok Soo. "Thank you, Hyung! You're the best!"
Rok Soo grinned, giving Lee Soo Hyuk a nod of appreciation. "Thanks, team leader. We promise we won't cause any trouble."
Lee Soo Hyuk rolled his eyes, but the fondness in his gaze was unmistakable. "Just don't make me regret this decision, alright? And remember, I'm still your boss."
Jung Soo gave an exaggerated salute. "Yes, sir! We'll be on our best behaviour."
As they walked back to their desks, Rok Soo leaned over to Jung Soo, whispering, "It looks like he really forgot. So, what are you planning?"
Jung Soo grinned mischievously. "I have a few ideas."
Lee Soo Hyuk watched them with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. No matter what happened, he knew he could count on his team. And despite their antics, he wouldn't trade them for anything.
The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow on the cosy apartment shared by Kim Rok Soo, Choi Jung Soo, and Lee Soo Hyuk. Lee Soo Hyuk, always the early riser, was already up and about, bustling around the kitchen as he prepared breakfast for his two teammates.
With a satisfied nod, Lee Soo Hyuk placed a note in front of each room. "Breakfast is ready. Remember, no causing trouble today," the note read, accompanied by a wry smiley face.
Two hours later, Choi Jung Soo stirred from his slumber, stretching his arms with a loud yawn. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he made his way to Kim Rok Soo's room, ready to annoy his friend into waking up.
"Rise and shine, sleepy ass!" Jung Soo declared, barging into Rok Soo's room without a care in the world.
Rok Soo groaned, pulling the covers over his head. "Go away, Jung Soo. It's too early for this."
Ignoring Rok Soo's protests, Jung Soo pulled back the covers, revealing Rok Soo's disgruntled expression. "Come on, lazybones. Hyung made breakfast, and we've got a big day ahead of us."
With a resigned sigh, Rok Soo begrudgingly got out of bed and followed Jung Soo to the kitchen, where a delicious spread awaited them. They dug into the food with gusto, fueling themselves for the day ahead.
As they finished their meal, Rok Soo suddenly remembered something. "So today is the team leader's birthday?"
Jung Soo's eyes shone with excitement. "You're right! We should do something special for him."
Rok Soo nodded in agreement. "Definitely. He's been so busy lately with work; he deserves a break."
They quickly hatched a plan to throw Lee Soo Hyuk a surprise birthday party, determined to make it a day he would never forget. First on the agenda was buying presents.
Rok Soo scratched his head, thinking about a good and useful present. "So, Jung Soo, what do you think we should get for the team leader's birthday?"
Jung Soo grinned mischievously, leaning closer to Rok Soo. "I have the perfect idea."
Rok Soo raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? What is it?"
"If you just say 'Happy birthday, Soo Hyuk-hyung' with sincerity, that'll be the best present for him," Jung Soo teased, a playful glint in his eye.
Rok Soo's expression darkened at the reminder of why he chose to ask Choi Jung Soo of all people, and he shot Jung Soo a mock glare. "I'll give you that present, alright," he muttered under his breath, lightly smacking Jung Soo on the back of the head.
Jung Soo let out a laugh, dodging Rok Soo's playful retaliation. "Ouch! Alright, alright, I'm sorry. Let's focus on the actual presents."
Chuckling, Rok Soo nodded in agreement. "Fine. Any ideas?"
They spent the next few minutes brainstorming ideas, considering everything from practical gifts to sentimental gestures. Eventually, they settled on a plan, confident that their chosen presents would bring a smile to Soo Hyuk-hyung's face.
Rok Soo decided to get Lee Soo Hyuk new protective gear, knowing how much he got hurt during their fighting. As for Jung Soo, he opted for a high-quality leather journal, perfect for jotting down his training notes and thoughts.
With their gifts in hand, Rok Soo and Jung Soo headed out to make their purchases, excited to see the look of surprise and happiness on their team leader's face when they celebrated his birthday later that day.
They headed to a nearby store to buy balloons and ingredients for the cake. Rok Soo insisted on baking the cake himself after kicking Jung Soo's ass because he suggested baking the cake himself. Despite Jung Soo's protests, Rok Soo didn't oblige; Jung Soo couldn't even cook ramen properly, let alone bake a cake.
By the time they finished their shopping, it was already mid-afternoon. They hurried back home, eager to get started on preparations for the party. Jung Soo took charge of decorating the living room with balloons and streamers, while Rok Soo disappeared into the kitchen to begin baking the cake.
With determination in his eyes, Kim Rok Soo gathered the ingredients on the kitchen counter, ready to start baking the birthday cake for Lee Soo Hyuk. Flour, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract were carefully measured out, and Rok Soo rolled up his sleeves, preparing to work his culinary magic.
As he began to mix the ingredients together in a large bowl, Choi Jung Soo hovered nearby, eager to lend a hand. But Rok Soo knew from past experiences that having Jung Soo in the kitchen was a recipe for disaster.
"Jung Soo, why don't you go and set the table or something?" Rok Soo suggested, trying to steer his friend away from the potential chaos of the kitchen.
Jung Soo pouted, his enthusiasm deflating slightly. "But I want to help with the cake! That's unfair!"
Rok Soo sighed, shaking his head. "Trust me, Jung Soo. You'll be much more useful in setting the table or decorating the living room. We don't need any kitchen disasters today."
Jung Soo grumbled under his breath but ultimately relented, realizing that Rok Soo was probably right. With a resigned sigh, he trudged out of the kitchen, muttering something about not being appreciated.
Alone in the kitchen, Rok Soo focused on his task, methodically mixing the ingredients together until the batter was smooth and creamy. With practised ease, he poured the batter into a cake pan and slid it into the oven, setting the timer and leaning back against the counter with a satisfied smile.
As the cake baked, Rok Soo couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over him. Despite the occasional setbacks and disagreements, he was grateful for the camaraderie and friendship he shared with Jung Soo and Lee Soo Hyuk. As he glanced out the kitchen window at his teammate and only friend, Setting up the living room for the birthday celebration, he couldn't help but feel a warm glow of happiness spread through him. Today was going to be a good day.
Finally, as the sun began to set outside, they put the finishing touches on the cake and decorations. With a satisfied smile, Rok Soo and Jung Soo stepped back to admire their handiwork, anticipation bubbling in their chests. Tonight, they would celebrate not only Lee Soo Hyuk's birthday but also the unbreakable bond between them, forged through countless battles and shared moments of laughter and camaraderie.
---
Lee Soo Hyuk trudged wearily towards their apartment, his footsteps heavy with exhaustion after a long day of work. As he approached the familiar door, he couldn't help but feel a sense of confusion. Usually, he would hear the boisterous voices of his two teammates, Choi Jung Soo and Kim Rok Soo, arguing loudly over something trivial.
Frowning slightly, Lee Soo Hyuk reached for the handle of his sword, his senses on high alert. With a cautious breath, he pushed open the door, ready for anything.
To his surprise, instead of the usual chaos, he was greeted with an unexpected sight. Choi Jung Soo, his usually hyperactive teammate, was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement, a wide grin plastered on his face. Standing beside him was Kim Rok Soo, the stoic and reserved member of the team, offering him a small but genuine smile.
"Hyung! Happy birthday!" Jung Soo exclaimed, launching himself at Lee Soo Hyuk with enough force to knock the wind out of him.
Lee Soo Hyuk chuckled, caught off guard by the sudden display of affection. "Thank you, Jung Soo."
Rok Soo stepped forward, his expression softening as he wished Lee Soo Hyuk a happy birthday in his own quiet way. Lee Soo Hyuk smiled warmly, feeling a rush of gratitude towards his two teammates. Deciding to tease Rok Soo, he said, "Hey, rookie. Won't you call me Hyung even on my birthday? How cruel!"
Rok Soo huffed and looked away, causing Lee Soo Hyuk to chuckle at his reaction. Placing his hands on their shoulders, he ruffled their hair affectionately. "Thank you, both of you. This means a lot."
As they sat together, sharing stories and making memories, Lee Soo Hyuk couldn't help but feel grateful for the bond they shared. Despite their differences, they were more than just teammates; they were a family, and he wouldn't have it any other way. Together, the three of them celebrated Lee Soo Hyuk's birthday, laughing and joking as they enjoyed each other's company. Lee Soo Hyuk was particularly touched when he saw the cake that Rok Soo had baked especially for the occasion.
As Lee Soo Hyuk unwrapped the gifts from Kim Rok Soo and Choi Jung Soo, his eyes lit up with genuine delight. The personalized leather-bound journals were thoughtful and meaningful gifts.
"Wow, you guys really outdid yourselves this time," Lee Soo Hyuk exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face as he admired the presents. "Thank you, both of you. I love them."
Rok Soo and Jung Soo exchanged proud glances, pleased to see their team leader's genuine happiness.
"It's the least we could do, team leader," Rok Soo replied, his tone filled with sincerity. "You do so much for us every day. It's only fair that we spoil you a little on your birthday."
Jung Soo nodded enthusiastically, eager to show his appreciation as well. "Yeah, Hyung! We want you to know how much we value everything you do for us. You're the best team leader ever!"
Lee Soo Hyuk's smile widened at their heartfelt words, feeling touched by their gratitude. "Thank you, both of you. That means a lot to me."
As they continued to celebrate and enjoy the birthday festivities, Rok Soo and Jung Soo made a silent pact between themselves. They would take on the team leader's tasks for the day, allowing Lee Soo Hyuk to relax and enjoy his special day to the fullest.
"Hey, team leader," Rok Soo spoke up, catching Lee Soo Hyuk's attention. "Why don't you take the day off tomorrow? Jung Soo and I can handle the team leader duties for a day. You deserve a break."
Jung Soo nodded in agreement, a determined glint in his eyes. "Yeah, Hyung! We've got everything under control. You can trust us!"
Lee Soo Hyuk looked between his two teammates, feeling a surge of gratitude and pride swelling within him. "Thank you, guys. That sounds like a wonderful idea. I think I'll take you up on that offer."
With that settled, the three of them continued to enjoy the birthday celebration, cherishing the bond they shared and looking forward to the day ahead. It was a moment of unity and camaraderie, reminding them of the strength they found in each other, both as teammates and as friends.
After the birthday celebration wound down, the trio decided to continue the festivities with a cozy night in. Kim Rok Soo, Choi Jung Soo, and Lee Soo Hyuk gathered in the kitchen, preparing to make a simple yet satisfying meal of noodles and kimchi.
With practiced ease, Rok Soo boiled the noodles while Jung Soo chopped fresh vegetables for the kimchi. Meanwhile, Lee Soo Hyuk poured glasses of soju, ready to toast to the end of a wonderful day.
As the aroma of the cooking filled the air, they gathered around the small dining table, eager to enjoy their homemade feast together. Bowls of steaming noodles and spicy kimchi were placed in front of them, and they dug in with gusto, savoring each flavorful bite.
Conversation flowed easily as they ate, laughter filling the room as they shared stories and jokes. It was moments like these, simple yet precious, that reminded them of the bond they shared as teammates and friends.
After dinner, they settled onto the couch in the living room, glasses of soju in hand, ready to watch a movie together. They scrolled through the options on the TV, debating over which film to choose before finally settling on a classic action flick that they all enjoyed.
As the movie played on, Kim Rok Soo and Choi Jung Soo found themselves gradually drifting off to sleep, their eyelids growing heavier with each passing minute. Despite their best efforts to stay awake, the warmth of the room and the comfort of the couch proved too much to resist.
Lee Soo Hyuk chuckled softly as he watched his two teammates succumb to sleep, their heads drooping and their breathing steady. With a fond smile, he gently shook their shoulders, trying to rouse them from their slumber.
"Hey, you two. Time to go to bed," Lee Soo Hyuk said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Rok Soo and Jung Soo stirred sleepily, blinking in confusion as they slowly came back to consciousness. Rubbing their eyes, they looked around blearily, realizing that they had fallen asleep during the movie.
"Sorry, team leader," Rok Soo mumbled, feeling a pang of embarrassment at having dozed off.
Jung Soo yawned widely, stretching his arms above his head. "Yeah, sorry, Hyung. Guess we were more tired than we thought."
Lee Soo Hyuk chuckled, shaking his head fondly. "It's okay, guys. Let's get you to bed."
With gentle hands, Lee Soo Hyuk helped Rok Soo and Jung Soo to their feet, guiding them to their respective rooms. They stumbled sleepily along, leaning on each other for support as they made their way down the hallway.
Once they reached their rooms, Lee Soo Hyuk tucked them into bed, making sure they were comfortable before bidding them goodnight. As he turned to leave, Rok Soo and Jung Soo mumbled their thanks, already drifting off to sleep once again.
With a smile, Lee Soo Hyuk quietly closed the door, leaving his two teammates to rest peacefully. As he made his way to his room, he couldn't help but feel a swell of affection for the two sleeping figures he had just tucked in. They may be a handful at times, but they were his teammates, his friends, and he wouldn't have it any other way.