Work Text:
“How’s your new apartment? You're not living in a weird neighborhood, aren't you?”
“Please, I was born and raised here. It’s fine. There’s a leaky faucet, but I already put in a request with management.”
“The pay’s a little better there, right?”
Eunseok smiled at that. “It’s been three days, gwajangnim. I’ll let you know when it hits my account.”
The line went quiet for a moment.
"I didn’t really want to lose you. We didn’t even have a replacement yet.” Kim gwajang paused. “But if I kept you here, you would’ve just kept coasting. So when HQ asked for someone, I recommended you.”
"It’s different here,” Eunseok sighed. “People move fast. Argue openly in meetings. Osaki gwajangnim speaks at least three languages, switches mid-sentence like it’s nothing. I’m still a little annoyed that you transferred me so suddenly—you know that.”
“You’re my best soldier,” Kim gwajang chuckled. “So don’t embarrass Daegu branch. Work properly and stop joking around too much.”
Eunseok couldn’t believe the lady. “Are you my mother?”
Kim gwajang laughed. “I’ll see you when I’m up at HQ. Send my regards to Shotaro. And Sungchan.”
🖊
Eunseok spotted him first, approaching from the other end of the corridor. Jung Sungchan, gwajang from Corporate Strategy. Same age, same cohort during probation period years ago. Eunseok hadn’t heard much about him until last year, when Sungchan and his daeri spent a few days at Daegu branch for a performance review.
Sungchan's high-flyer track had been the reason Kim gwajang gave him an earful for not applying to be a daeri. Eunseok had laughed it off, just like he had for the past two years.
"I heard you transferred." Sungchan stepped forward and offered his hand. “Kim gwajangnim called, told Shotaro and me to look out for you. How is it so far?”
“I’m settling in alright, gwajangnim,” Eunseok replied, returning the handshake. “Osaki gwajangnim has been showing me the ropes. Anton Lee from HR took me to lunch, he used to be in Daegu as well.”
“Come on, no honorifics,” Sungchan laughed, corners of his eyes creasing. He’d always laughed easily, even back then. “Like the old days.”
Eunseok offered a polite smile.
"Where do you live now?"
"About thirty minutes from the office."
Sungchan nodded. “That’s convenient.”
“Uh. Engineering and Corporate Strategy often work together. We sometimes need technical support for reports, so they’ll likely come across your desk soon,” he added. “I guess I’ll be seeing you around?”
“I look forward to it,” Eunseok said, watching as Sungchan adjusted his collar.
🖊
Sungchan came to his desk two weeks later, at lunchtime.
"Eunseok? Got time?"
"Of course, Sungchan."
Eunseok made a motion to stand up, but when Sungchan casually pulled a chair from the next cubicle and sat down, he paused, then settled back into his seat.
"I read your comment about the failure rate trend."
"Oh. The failure rate spiked in Q2. It’s not actually a process issue, just classification. Busan and HQ are logging defects under different categories."
"So the spike is artificial,” Sungchan hummed. “But even if the categories differ, it still shows up as an increase."
"It does, but not for the same reason. Busan logs calibration drift as a minor fault, while HQ treats it as a critical failure. So when you aggregate the data, it worsens."
Sungchan nodded. “The issue isn’t the process then, just the reporting. And that would affect the reliability projections.”
“It already has. Busan ran into the same issue before. We standardized the fault codes, so the trend normalized.”
"You went down to Busan?"
“Ah, Lee bujangnim from Busan branch and I attended a conference together a while back, so when he called me, I offered to come and take a look.”
Sungchan went quiet for a moment.
"I see. Uh," Sungchan glanced at his watch. "We have this meeting with Operation at 4 pm, downstairs. Engineering isn't required to come, but if you have time, you can probably run the team through this?"
"If you like, of course," he added. "I'll tell Shotaro."
Eunseok checked his Outlook. "Yeah, I can make time."
Sungchan eyed Eunseok's unopened sandwich. "That one gets soggy quickly. Maybe you can try the bakery behind the building. They have ciabatta as well."
Eunseok glanced down at it. “Next time, then.”
Sungchan lingered a second longer, fingers drumming lightly against the desk before he stood.
“I’ll see you at four.”
Eunseok nodded, already reaching for his mouse.
🖊
“Hyung, can you take a look? The new batch’s torque logs look a little off.”
Eunseok leaned over Jihoon’s workstation, scanning the readings.
“Might be calibration,” Eunseok murmured. He squinted at the timestamps.
“No, calibration’s fine. The timing is off.” He pointed to the screen. “Here, try syncing to the machine cycle. It should line up.”
Jihoon tapped the keys. “Huh, yeah, you’re right.”
Shotaro walked over from his desk. “You’re suggesting we fix the measurements instead of the process?”
“Yes. The machines are operating correctly, so changing the process would slow production. This should make the data accurate.”
“Thanks, hyung,” Jihoon muttered, scribbling in his notebook.
Shotaro scanned Jihoon’s screen once more. “No downstream impact?”
“None.”
“Okay. Let’s proceed with that. Good call,” Shotaro said, glancing toward the aisle as he walked back to his desk.
“Sungchan? You need me?”
Eunseok turned around and saw Sungchan leaning against the cubicle frame, arms crossed as he silently took in the scene.
As Sungchan walked to Shotaro's desk, his arm brushed the back of Eunseok’s chair.
🖊
Summer came faster than expected. Eunseok barely noticed, the months slipping past in reports and dreaded overtime. He’d grown used to the pace. That afternoon, he was in a big meeting, several teams gathered around the table.
"Q2 report showed that three southern factories had been stalling consistently. Production is down 12%,” Kang chajang said. “Strategy, how do we fix this?"
"Our initial assessment suggests that the system is struggling with heat concentration, chajangnim. We propose replacing all cooling units. Park daeri, can you show the cost-benefit analysis?" Sungchan said.
Wonbin clicked through the slides. "The cost is huge. Return on investment takes three years, and,” he hesitated a bit. “More importantly, installation will need shutting down each factory for four days.”
“It’s expensive, but necessary to avoid another crash this summer,” Sungchan concluded. “We’ve coordinated with Engineering. The building can handle the new units. Osaki gwajangnim, care to confirm?”
"Structurally, yes, the building won't collapse,” Shotaro said. “But it’s a massive undertaking."
Shotaro wrote in his notebook and pushed it a little towards Eunseok.
not the real bottleneck. wdyt?
From the slides, Eunseok suspected the issue might be much smaller. They were looking at spreadsheets, far from the factory floor.
He wrote on Shotaro's note.
airflow
When he returned his focus to the meeting, he happened to glance at Sungchan, who was already looking at him. There again, that easy smile.
“We’ve been seeing more stoppages around specific sections, especially older areas,” Ahn gwajang from Operation added.
"Actually, chajangnim, gwajangnim. Daegu branch had a similar issue during last year's heatwave," Sungchan pivoted suddenly. “Song juim, if you can share your experience?"
"Thank you, gwajangnim," Eunseok said, a little startled, but kept his composure. He glanced once more at the slides. "In Daegu, the machines weren't the issue. Safety sensors were positioned in areas where heat got trapped. We addressed it by improving airflow—simple vents and heat-reflective shielding. Minimal cost, and we didn't stop production."
Ahn gwajang leaned back, crossing his arms. “We’ve adjusted ventilation before. It didn’t make much difference.”
Eunseok shifted in his seat. “Uh. Was that general ventilation, gwajangnim?”
“Then we might want to try—something more localized,” he added. “Around the sensor clusters. It’s less about overall airflow, more about where the heat settles.”
“That’s a relief,” Kang chajang said, massaging his temple. “But we can’t apply that as-is across all sites, can we?”
“That’s right, chajangnim. The pattern is similar, but based on the as-built drawings, the older section of Changwon is more constrained, so heat might get trapped around specific sections. We can target those areas instead.”
He glanced briefly at Shotaro, who gave a small nod.
“We can start with targeted adjustments. The setup will vary by site, especially Changwon, but the underlying issue should be similar,” Eunseok concluded.
“And you’re confident this won’t affect reliability projections?”
Shotaro looked up from his notes. “From an engineering standpoint, this is sound, chajangnim. We’ve seen similar behavior before, and the risks can be managed during planning.”
Kang chajang hummed as he wrote in his notes. He paused briefly, then leaned slightly to the side as Sungchan murmured something. Kang chajang gave a short nod.
"Let's run a pilot—Changwon first. If results hold, we’ll take it up for full implementation. We have seven weeks before peak summer, so watch the timeline. Jung gwajang and Osaki gwajang lead, two people each from your teams, including Park daeri and Song juim. Ahn gwajang, assign someone for on-site coordination."
After the meeting, Wonbin approached him, grinning. "You make it sound simple, hyung. I'll email what we've done so far. Let's talk about it more after lunch."
Sungchan poked Eunseok's elbow as he passed. "We'll be in your care."
🖊
"Why is it so hard to get lunch with you two these days?" Anton asked, putting down his tray. “First time all week.”
"Hyung is getting pulled into things," Wonbin laughed, briefly covering his mouth. "Changwon site is a little complicated. Then, follow-ups with Operation almost every day. The other day Shotaro hyung complained to me that Eunseok hyung barely sits at his desk anymore. Soon he'll need to move his desk to Strategy."
"You look way too excited now," Eunseok muttered, poking at his rice. "Though I do feel bad. Did I ruin your research about the cooling units?"
"Ey, hyung,” Wonbin waved his hand dismissively. “It’s alright. The cost was my biggest concern all along. If there’s a simpler way, I’m just glad I don't have to defend shutting down factories.”
“About Ahn gwajangnim as well,” Eunseok said, resting his chin on his hand. “In factories, people tend to stick to what’s worked before. But HQ is sure different. I was worried I overstepped.”
“He’s alright, hyung,” Anton said. “He has that reputation—only listens to other gwajang. But he warms up after a while.”
“Yeah, I went to his desk to check on technical constraints,” Eunseok said. “We’re cool now. Maybe.”
Wonbin’s head tilted. “Honestly, I was a bit surprised how quickly the discussion pivoted in that direction.”
“Maybe Sungchan hyung likes Eunseok hyung,” Sohee chimed in, grinning. “What else, why would he suddenly name-drop him?”
“Hyung, you’re always making something out of nothing,” Anton nudged Sohee. “Are you saying he’s playing favorites?”
“It’s an observation,” Sohee shrugged. “Finance sits closest to the door. These days, when food comes in after six, it’s usually for Jung Sungchan, pilot meeting room. Was he like this before this project?”
Wonbin considered that for a moment. “He did buy us food, yeah, but maybe not as much as premium sushi.”
“What are you saying, rascals,” Eunseok put down his chopsticks. “Of course he needs to buy us food, it's the least managers can do when they’re piling on extra work. It’s called having manners.” He eyed Wonbin. “Maybe you should try, Wonbin, you’re the highest rank among us here.”
Wonbin rolled his eyes. “You and I make about the same amount, hyung.”
🖊
Eunseok, Wonbin, and Minseo from Operation were over at the Changwon factory. They were guided by Sooah, a factory staff.
Minseo’s eyes widened when she spotted a man walking towards them. Sooah quickly bowed.
“Cho gongjajangnim,” Minseo stepped forward with a slight bow as she shook his hand. “Why are you coming down? We’re just checking the locations. Sooah-ssi has already shown us around.”
Cho gongjajangnim laughed. “No no, I have time. I should be thanking you for not halting my lines.”
“Ah, I haven’t introduced you properly. Park daerinim from Corporate Strategy. Song juimnim, Engineering.”
Wonbin came up next with a quick bow, then shook his hand, looking a little sheepish.
Eunseok followed afterwards. “You must be busy, gongjajangnim. Thank you for taking the time.”
Cho gongjajangnim scanned him. “You're Song juim? I heard you were the one who suggested the airflow adjustments.”
Eunseok shook his head. “Not like that, gongjajangnim. We ran into something similar in Daegu, I just followed that approach.”
“You’re from Daegu branch? I should give Kim gwajang a call,” Cho gongjajangnim patted Eunseok’s back, then handed Sooah his card. “Sooah, take them to a good eel place in Sangnam-dong. Have a proper meal. And travel back safely.”
As they watched Cho gongjajangnim walk back toward the administration wing, Minseo elbowed Sooah. “Did you ask him to come down?”
“I wouldn’t dare.” Sooah thought for a moment. “I didn’t even know he knew you guys were coming today.”
🖊
When the lift opened, Eunseok saw Sungchan.
“Eunseok? Why are you back?” He scanned Eunseok’s nonformal attire, then glanced at his watch. “It’s almost 10 pm.”
“I forgot my, uh. Gym bag.”
Sungchan eyed Eunseok’s hand. “And bringing a laptop bag?”
Eunseok sighed in defeat. “I texted Wonbin. He said he’s still in the office. Thought I’d swing by.”
Sungchan looked at him quizzically. “Huh? I didn’t see him at his desk?”
“He’s in one of the small meeting rooms.”
“You didn’t have to come,” Wonbin sighed when he saw Eunseok, then at Sungchan following behind him. “And you?”
“We met on the ground floor,” Eunseok said. “He insisted on coming up.”
“What are you even working on? Did I give you this deadline?”
“Not you,” Wonbin said. “It’s the inventory audit for the warehouse. No brainer work but there’s a lot of it. They gave it to a few daeri and want it done before midnight, external auditors are coming tomorrow. If you noticed, daeri from other departments are in the other meeting rooms.”
“Their planning is always a mess,” Sungchan muttered as he pulled a chair beside Eunseok. “Let’s split it, it’ll go faster.”
“Wonbin, what’s this 'logistics variance' code?” Eunseok asked fifteen minutes later.
“Oh, it’s—”
“May I?” Sungchan moved his chair closer to Eunseok and motioned to his laptop.
“Uh, sure,” Eunseok shifted his chair back.
Eunseok glanced at Wonbin, already looking at him with a raised eyebrow. Eunseok rolled his eyes.
“We've been working together for two years, hyung. This is the first time you’re driving me home.”
Sungchan scoffed. “Please, you live fifteen minutes from the office. And the reason you had overtime in the first place is that you’re too busy giggling with the sawon way past lunch.”
Wonbin tsked.
“We've got confirmation date for the presentation,” Sungchan added. “On the second, next month. But I think our job is essentially done, just need to polish the deck. Wonbin can handle it.”
“Okay,” Wonbin said. “Take the third exit from here, hyung. It's just around the corner.”
“Ah,” he continued, almost absentmindedly. “I heard you two were in the same batch during orientation?”
“Hmm. About five, six years ago, Sungchan?”
“Six,” Sungchan confirmed. “Were you placed in Daegu right away?”
“Yeah, since then,” Eunseok answered. “It’s nice there. Not very far from the factories, so a lot of engineering work. Tough love, with the people, but they’re the most loyal.”
“But,” Wonbin hesitated. “Ah, never mind.”
“What is it?”
“Um. I heard you put off applying for promotion, hyung. Why?” Wonbin said. “It’s just—you’re way too capable for your current rank. Not just this project, other things too. It’s—it’s okay if you don’t want to answer,” he added quickly.
“It’s alright,” Eunseok laughed. “I like doing technical work. Administrative and office politics are stifling, I guess. Solving real problems is more satisfying.” He paused. “And I think the company has better people to take on the position.”
When they reached Eunseok’s apartment later, Sungchan reached out, hand settling on Eunseok’s forearm.
Eunseok glanced down at it. What? This is—
“I understand where you’re coming from. But the company doesn’t always need the best people—it needs the right people.” He held his gaze. “Sometimes the right people just need to step up.”
Eunseok just smiled at that. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Sungchan. Thanks for the ride.”
🖊
“Is it cruel if I told you I’m glad I have you all for myself again?” Shotaro asked during lunch.
“Good work, Eunseok,” he continued. “For the presentation too.”
They presented the result to the chajang and bujang three days ago. The project has been approved with minimal revisions. They would begin the preparation for implementation, with a consolidated plan to be reviewed by the executives.
“Sungchan was the one presenting.”
“You and Wonbin did the actual work. And when Sungchan asked you to walk them through the details, you handled it well too.” Shotaro put down his chopstick and reached for a wet wipe. “Choi bujangnim even called me after the meeting, to ask about you.”
“Huh,” Eunseok reached for his drink. “I suppose I didn’t embarrass the team.”
Shotaro scoffed. “Learn to take a compliment, will you?”
“Anyway,” he went on, a teasing smile beginning. “Just wanted to let you know. I submitted an application for your promotion. It’s with Kang chajangnim now, but it’ll reach Choi bujangnim soon.”
“What.” Eunseok froze. “I didn’t apply for a promotion. I don’t want it."
Shotaro shook his head as he raised a hand. "No, I'm too busy. I've been working without a daeri since the start of the year and it's been hell. Either you become my daeri, or you make gwajang and I work for you."
Eunseok sighed, pushing his hair back. "Why are you doing this to me.”
“Kim gwajangnim warned me you’d refused,” Shotaro snorted. “Unfortunately for you, it doesn’t really work like that at HQ. When a gwajang puts a name forward, it just rolls upwards until it reaches HR.”
“And with Choi bujangnim already paying attention to you,” he added, starting to laugh now, “between you and her, who do you think HR is going to listen to?”
🖊
“Congratulations, Song daeri,” Sungchan greeted him in the printing room. Eunseok had been writing performance evaluations for the sawon, now that they were officially reporting to him.
“Thanks, Sungchan.” Eunseok collected his papers, hesitated a bit before turning to Sungchan. “Can’t help thinking it’s a little weird, honestly.”
“Hm? How’s that?”
“The way things are just…lining up. In such a short time. It’s like there’s an invisible hand playing chess in my favor, you know what I mean?”
Sungchan smiled as he loaded a new batch of paper into the photocopier. He didn’t meet Eunseok’s eyes.
“One of the perks of working at HQ is the exposure. Efforts get noticed easily, especially if we manage to pull off a tough assignment. But between you and me,” Sungchan turned to him now, leaning against the photocopier. “Things don’t happen overnight. You’ve been doing great.”
Eunseok held his gaze. “Still. Feels too convenient.”
“You’re overthinking it,” Sungchan said, golden boy smile appearing again.
Why did he keep doing that?
He lingered for a moment, then patted Eunseok on the shoulder as he walked away.
🖊
“The ones I need to buy food for are my team, not you rascals,” Eunseok said, mixing his noodles. “Especially you, Wonbin. Why are you even here? You’ve been a daeri longer than I have.”
Wonbin sighed. He looked completely drained. “Please be kind to me today. One of the sawon accidentally wiped a shared folder and Sungchan hyung told me to sit with her in IT until she recovers it. Those people are vultures. They talk as if we’re stupid.”
“Maybe we are. Finance calls them every day, there's always something wrong in our system,” Sohee laughed. “Is Sungchan hyung strict? He seems nice. To Eunseok hyung, specifically,” he wiggled his eyebrow at Eunseok.
“He’s alright. But he was brutal to me last year. I practically begged him for a promotion, only to realize I was just getting extra work babysitting the sawon.”
Anton rolled his eyes. “Don’t be dramatic, hyung, your dossier was long.” He paused a bit. “Though not as long as the one he sent for Eunseok hyung.”
Eunseok stilled at that. “What.”
Sohee nudged Anton with a sharp elbow. “Are you allowed to talk about this?”
Anton scrunched his nose. “I mean, Eunseok hyung took care of me since Daegu, so.”
“He was the one writing it for Eunseok hyung? Why him, not Shotaro hyung?” Wonbin clarified.
“Shotaro hyung did write, a standard one. But oddly enough, Sungchan hyung was cc’ed. And then, about three hours later, he sent another dossier.”
“What’s written in the supplementary?” Eunseok asked. “Am I even allowed to ask?”
“It’s quite extensive, hyung. Aside from this vent thing, it also listed a lot of your projects from Daegu. Even smaller ones I’m not sure were formally recorded. It was, like, seven or eight pages.”
“Sounds like him,” Wonbin laughed. “He’s kind, you know, protective, meticulous. Though I didn’t know he’d do that for others not reporting to him.”
Anton nodded. “It wasn’t necessary. One gwajang initiating is enough. But if two gwajang did—well, basically a done deal. Even my bujang noticed. That’s why the administration went through faster than usual.”
“Speaking of bujang,” Sohee started. “I still don’t understand why Choi bujangnim came down for the presentation. She’s busy as hell. And it’s not like she needs to be there, this is just a pilot, right?”
“You mean delegation of authority?” Eunseok asked. “Of course she needs to approve, the cost was fourteen million.”
“No, it’s different between branch and HQ,” Sohee interrupted. “In the Finance manual, chajang in branch approve below ten million. Here they could approve up to fifteen.”
“Well, about eighty percent of the cost was unbudgeted. Maybe that’s why,” Eunseok shrugged.
Wonbin suddenly put down his chopsticks and reached for his phone, starting to scroll. “Hyung, do you remember, when did Sungchan hyung told us the confirmed presentation date?”
“Hm? End of last month, maybe—” Eunseok tilted his head. “Wasn’t that the twenty-fifth? The day you submitted the inventory audit. Why?”
“A while ago, Sungchan hyung asked me to contact bujangnim's secretary to ask for a two-hour window of her schedule. He didn’t say why, so after I told him, I forgot. He does that a lot, random requests.”
Wonbin pushed his phone towards Eunseok. “Here, the text I sent to the secretary. On the twenty-third. He must’ve called bujangnim himself.”
Sohee stared at him, mouth forming an O. “This is it, hyung. The evidence is lining up.”
Eunseok leaned back, listening to the three of them arguing about the supposed evidence. Wonbin talked animatedly, overanalyzing things he claimed wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for Eunseok.
He thought about it before. How neatly everything had been. He didn’t attach it to a name then, but if he traced back, Sungchan might be there at every turn.
And all those...invading my personal space. Gradually. The lingering. And the smiles.
The kids didn't need to know, but those have also been bugging him. Were those...a thing?
“This is so romantic,” Anton laughed, clapping his hands. “If this isn’t personal, I don’t know what is.”
🖊
He decided to test the hypothesis. After all, what was an engineer without data.
Before the second implementation meeting, he came down to a café two blocks from the office, the one Sungchan’s takeaway cups were always from.
When he returned and entered the meeting room later, Sungchan was already there, seated at the head of the table as usual, reviewing materials on his laptop.
Eunseok took the seat beside him, the one that usually belonged to Shotaro, and set a cup down in front of him.
Sungchan’s eyes flicked to the cup, then to Eunseok. Then briefly, to the chair Eunseok had taken.
"Uh. For me? Thank you." He lifted the cup for a sip—then paused.
"The café next to the barber’s?"
Eunseok nodded, taking a sip of his own drink.
"This isn't an iced americano."
Eunseok hummed. "I know you like it sweeter."
Sungchan held his gaze two seconds longer, before the smile returned. "Thank you."
Eunseok watched as Sungchan’s attention returned to his laptop, thumb idly stroking the cup.
Shotaro entered the meeting room just before the meeting began. He glanced briefly at Eunseok's seat, then took the chair next to him. If he found it unusual, he didn't say anything.
🖊
By the time the fourth implementation meeting wrapped up, most of the team had started leaving. Sungchan was still seated, searching through the printed deck.
Eunseok glanced at the stack in front of him. He reached over, brushed Sungchan's fingers while pulling his copy closer, and flipped to the last few pages.
“The revised timeline,” Eunseok said. “You were looking for this earlier.”
Sungchan stilled. For a moment, his gaze stayed on the page.
“Right,” he said finally, lifting his eyes to Eunseok. “Thank you.”
His eyes dropped back to the document. “You marked the critical path?”
“You brought it up every meeting.”
Sungchan nodded. “I usually mark that myself.”
“I know,” Eunseok said, leaning back. “Before meetings. But you didn’t have time today, your previous meeting ran over.”
Sungchan opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but it didn't come out. He looked back down at the deck.
Eunseok caught his ears redden.
🖊
They were over in Pohang for a conference. Shotaro had pushed him to present, something about sealing his reputation as a daeri. After dinner, Shotaro had excused himself to enjoy the sauna, leaving them at the resort’s restaurant.
It was quiet, save for a couple of conference attendees finishing their late dinners. Sungchan still looked bright, talking about places to eat in Pohang, which Eunseok didn't understand after a packed day like this. He was a little sleepy himself, but decided that there'd be no better opportunity than this.
"I haven’t thanked you properly, for the endorsement,” Eunseok started. “Anton told me about the dossier. An additional from Strategy, aside from Engineering."
"Anton Lee? HR?” Sungchan asked. His eyebrows were doing that funny thing when he was being very serious. “He’s not supposed to leak confidential information.”
Eunseok sighed. “It's not necessary, what you did. I was perfectly fine where I was.”
“I only list what you’ve done so far. For the project. Also a little—background, from Kim gwajangnim."
"Yeah, she mentioned you called, said you kept her for an hour. No wonder it was seven pages."
“The transfer,” Eunseok continued. “Was it also you?”
“No. Shotaro requested someone to HR. They compiled a list, and your name was already on it,” Sungchan said. “I just looked and mentioned—oh, I know this one, he's good. Shotaro picked you and a couple others and confirmed with HR. Next thing I know, you were the one who got sent.”
“…Right.”
"I'd do it for anyone," Sungchan replied, a little too quickly. “Part of the job, spotting talents.”
“Hmm. Maybe you would,” Eunseok nodded. “But that's not the only reason, isn't it?"
When Sungchan didn't respond, Eunseok leaned closer, squinting at him.
"You like me."
Sungchan looked taken aback.
"Excuse me?"
"Gwajang don’t play fairy godfather for just anyone,” Eunseok continued lightly, leaning back into his chair. “And to quote Sohee—evidence is lining up. Do I need to list them?"
Sungchan didn’t respond immediately.
Eunseok lifted his drink and watched him from behind the glass. "You're overthinking it."
At that, Sungchan threw a small smile at the flickering candle on the table.
"Do you remember my first post after orientation?"
"Internal Audit? ...Business Development?” Eunseok shook his head. “I don't remember, sorry. That was a long time ago."
"It was HR. Short posting, just over eight months. I requested a transfer to Strategy as soon as I had a little leverage."
Eunseok raised an eyebrow. "Why are you suddenly bringing this up?"
"Eight months in HR was more than enough to memorize company policy.” He paused briefly. “There’s this form. Section 32.4. Disclosure of Personal Relationships."
Eunseok stalled at the implication. Then laughed, full and unrestrained.
"That's a really roundabout way to ask something, Sungchan."
Sungchan shifted in his seat.
"Gwajang are required to submit it. To address power imbalance, if—” Sungchan cleared his throat. “I'm asking if you want to sign it with me."
Eunseok studied Sungchan’s face. No trace of a joke.
"Am I supposed to be offended? You're assuming I'm not dating anyone."
Sungchan leaned back. "Not an assumption, a deduction.”
“I didn't use to eat in the canteen,” Sungchan continued. “At first, I found it…inefficient, how much people just talk about others. But after a while, I've learned to filter through the noise only for important information."
"Which is?"
"Song Eunseok comes to work voluntarily on Children’s Day and leaves late at night. Never leaves work before 8 pm. Never brings a packed lunch," he paused, hand playing with something on the table. "Doesn't seem to meet anyone regularly outside of work."
"That proves nothing. I may be a workaholic. My partner may be as busy."
"You also haven't corrected me so far."
Eunseok shook his head as he laughed. Unbelievable.
"Since when? That you've—" He couldn't say it again. "The project?”
Sungchan didn’t reply immediately, fingers playing with the rim of his drink. "Maybe before."
"Your visit to Daegu?"
"Hmm. A little longer, actually."
"What." Eunseok closed his eyes briefly. "Orientation? Are you serious now?"
"It's not like I was hung up on you,” Sungchan added quickly. “At the time I just thought you were handsome. Capable, a bit funny. I didn't hear anything until I happened to see you again last year."
"And right now?"
"Still capable, obviously. That's the reason for the endorsement. I'm optimizing a company asset. If you didn’t meet my standard, I wouldn't have pushed."
Eunseok smirked at that. “Not gonna lie, it was borderline disrespectful to my work. I was having doubts whether I earned it myself or through your influence."
Sungchan sighed. “Your work stands on its own.”
“And I take pride in that. So no more playing chess."
Sungchan looked dejected as he slowly nodded.
“And. The other one?” Eunseok added.
“Wha—”
A look of sudden realization hit Sungchan’s face. He stifled a laugh.
“Yes,” he admitted. “Still handsome, unfortunately. The, um. The specs."
Eunseok hummed, resting his chin on his hands. "What about it?"
"Suits you." Sungchan's ears were really red. Maybe it was a little cute. "A little distracting during overtime.”
Eunseok smiled at that. He turned Sungchan’s words over in his head.
And a couple others he’d been thinking about for weeks; waiting for a drop of water to finally land, and with it, his quiet acknowledgment that maybe Sungchan had always looked at him this closely.
Risks can be mitigated, his brain supplied. Assessed over time. Recalibrated, if needed.
And this one might actually be worth taking. You wouldn't know, if—
"I'll review it," Eunseok nodded. "If you have the form ready on my desk Monday morning."
"A daeri ordering a gwajang around?” Sungchan leaned back and huffed. “Wow, not even two months on the job, and you're already like this."
“Not an order,” Eunseok said.
“Just a man asking his boyfriend to do something for him.”
Sungchan’s face turned comical. He was silent for a moment, before a smile started blooming on his face.
Eunseok leaned in. “I think that's allowed?"
Sungchan laughed, meeting him halfway. "Yeah, that's more than allowed, actually."
🖊