Work Text:
My name doesn't matter. I am just one of many field operations team members at Daydream Inc. A disposable team member, ready to be used as cannon fodder at any moment. I thought I would go on living like this, walking a tightrope as thin as a thread, liable to fall at any time.
But everything changed when I heard Team D was recruiting trial candidates as elite members. Determined to alter my wretched fate, I decided to apply.
That brings me to the moment my turn finally came. I found myself alongside two of Daydream Inc.’s most famous employees: Supervisor Kim Soleum and Section Chief Lee Jaheon. Their names were constantly on everyone’s lips, the subject of endless office gossip. Kim Soleum, the brilliant newcomer, and Lee Jaheon, known for being hopelessly unsophisticated.
I followed close behind them, watching as Supervisor Roe Deer gave orders to Section Chief Lizard, a dynamic that made it look as though their roles were reversed. Fortunately, Lee Jaheon wasn't the type to stand on ceremony regarding seniority. If this happened in another team, especially one where the person giving orders didn't possess a brilliant mind like Kim Soleum’s, things might have turned out very differently.
I did my job by assisting them, helping to resolve the Darkness and fill the Dream Collector with C-rank Dream Essence.
At the end of it all, Kim Soleum smiled at me and offered his hand.
“Thank you for your cooperation.”
I was taken aback. He treated someone as expendable as me with such genuine friendliness. Slowly, I raised my hand and shook his.
“You’re welcome, Supervisor Kim Soleum.”
Now I understand why people called Kim Soleum a good man.
___
Once again, I joined Team D. Unlike when I was with other teams, I felt no fear at all entering the Darkness this time. It wasn't because I had become mentally tougher or fearless in the face of death, but simply because my attention was captivated by the handsome faces of those two men.
If you looked closely, their faces did bear a resemblance. It was no wonder so many people assumed Supervisor Roe Deer was a cousin or relative of Section Chief Lizard. However, when I asked them directly, I learned they shared no blood ties whatsoever.
I went about my work smoothly. Occasionally, I observed the interactions between Supervisor Roe Deer and Section Chief Lizard. From what I could see, they were quite close. Supervisor Roe Deer was likely one of the few people who could interact with Section Chief Lizard, whose way of speaking was rather odd and overly blunt.
Then, suddenly, the room within the Darkness shook violently. The three of us were thrown off balance and separated. I looked around, found myself surrounded by yellow walls. I checked my right hand. Thankfully, the red bracelet hadn't come off. To exit the Darkness, one had to wear the bracelet all the way to the exit, where a guard would check everyone individually.
I wandered, calling out the names of the two men who had been with me.
“Supervisor Roe Deer! Section Chief Lizard!”
My feet carried me through empty rooms of various colors—red, green, purple, white—until I arrived at a gray room. There, I found a bracelet similar to mine. It bore the inscription ‘Roe Deer’. It didn't take much thought to guess who it belonged to. I moved on, heading toward a black room. There, I saw Supervisor Roe Deer and Section Chief Lizard deep in conversation.
“Mr. Roe Deer, just take my bracelet.”
“Section Chief... How could I do that? How would you get out?”
“I’ll just beat up the guard.”
“...”
I could see Supervisor Roe Deer standing there, frozen in shock. It was no surprise that the Section Chief Lizard's answer was completely unexpected. While the Team D squad leader certainly possessed extraordinary physical strength, thrashing the guard still made no sense. I decided to approach them.
“Section Chief Lizard. Supervisor Roe Deer.” I held up the bracelet I had found. “I found this in the gray room.”
The man wearing the deer mask walked over to me. “Oh, thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Supervisor Roe Deer.”
We continued the Darkness exploration, searching for a way out. I lost track of time, but eventually, we found the exit.
___
My life changed completely after I became a trial member of Team D. People who used to treat me like worthless trash suddenly tried to get close to me. Of course, knowing their true colors, I gave them only perfunctory responses.
There was no Darkness to enter today, but I still had to go into the office. It was lunchtime. As usual, I bought some kimbap and a bottle of coffee at a nearby convenience store. I finished every last bite and tossed the trash into the bin.
I returned to the office, intending to take the elevator upstairs. However, the elevator had been packed the whole time, and the line of people stretched out like a snake. In the end, I decided to take the emergency stairs. Besides, my office was on the fifth floor.
At first, I climbed energetically, fueled by the kimbap. But by the second floor, I was already panting. My heart was pounding, and sweat was soaking my shirt. I kept climbing until I saw Section Chief Lee Jaheon and Supervisor Kim Soleum standing face-to-face in front of the third-floor doorway. I wanted to greet them, but I stopped myself when I overheard their conversation.
“Are you seriously asking me out on a date?”
“Yes.”
I immediately stepped back, keeping out of sight so I wouldn't disturb them. I focused intently on eavesdropping on their conversation.
“Sir, I want to be honest. I actually saw you in your lizard-head form.”
“?... I see.”
“Wait, aren't you surprised?”
“No.”
“Could you please explain?”
“I’m an alien.”
I almost shouted out loud. If this conversation leaked, it would surely become the hottest piece of office gossip. But I respect Supervisor Kim Soleum and the Team Leader of Group D. Besides, they’ve treated me well. As someone who knows the value of gratitude. I’ll keep this secret buried forever.
“But even though I see you with a lizard’s head, I still like you. So, let’s go on a date tomorrow. What do you say?”
“Yes.”
“Ten in the morning? Meet at the restaurant across from the office?”
“Yes.”
“Great, I’ll be waiting. See you later, Sir.”
“Yes.”
If I were in Supervisor Kim Soleum’s shoes, I’d probably be tearing my hair out in frustration. Section Chief Lee Jaheon’s replies were incredibly brief, not a sweet word in sight. I still find it hard to believe that such a stoic, seemingly arrogant man could be involved in a romance.
And yet, I think they’re a perfect match. I once read a quote: "If your faces look alike, you’re meant to be." It perfectly describes this newly minted couple. I hope their date goes well.
___
Every time I see them, they seem to be getting closer, though only when they’re in secluded spots. It doesn't look like anyone else in the office has caught wind of their relationship yet. After all, in front of others, they act strictly like a superior and a subordinate; there’s absolutely no sign of them being a couple.
Sometimes I catch them kissing in the restroom, holding hands in quiet corners, or feeding each other. I might be the only one witnessing these romantic moments simply because I like frequenting areas where people rarely go. That’s fine by me, it’s a nice treat for the eyes.
One day, I went to the men’s company dormitory on some business. As I passed by a room, I accidentally stumbled upon a scene involving three people I knew. Section Chief Lee Jaheon was handing a single rose to Supervisor Kim Soleum. Standing behind them was Baek Saheon, staring at the couple in shock and his mouth hanging open.
“Is this for me?”
“Yes.”
I watched as Kim Soleum accepted a single rose. For the first time, I saw a different expression on Supervisor Kim Soleum’s usually composed face—a shy look, with flushed cheeks and a sweet smile. Even a nobody like me was captivated; if he hadn't already been taken, I might have tried to make a move on him myself.
“Thank you,” the man said. I noticed him clutching the rose tightly, as if he didn't want to let go.
“Yes.”
“Sir, could you take a step forward?”
“Yes.”
I watched Section Chief Lee Jaheon step closer to Supervisor Kim Soleum. What happened next took me by surprise.
Supervisor Kim Soleum kissed Section Chief Lee Jaheon on the cheek, while Baek Saheon dropped his plastic cup behind them. I covered my mouth to stifle a squeal of delight. I immediately turned around and left, abandoning my plan to visit my friend.
That night, I fell asleep with a happy smile on my face.