Golden ◂ NCT Jaemin

19 ◂ Annoyed

◂ 19 ▸

Jeno and Jaemin stepped out of the elevator. 

They rounded a corner, steps echoing in the hallways that were rather empty so late in the day. WayV wasn't in town, Dream has had the day off today. 

The two didn't expect many people to be in the office right now - or any more than one for that matter. 

So no need to say that they were surprised when they suddenly found Jie wandering through these empty hallways. She seemed to be headed to the same room as them - Taeyong's office. 

However, with her head down and eyes on a couple of files that she was carrying, she didn't see them at first - but they saw her. 

The sight made Jaemin frown. Her skin was pale and the circles under her eyes were covered with an extra layer of makeup. She looked tired. 

"Oh," Jeno exhaled in surprise. "Hey, Jie." 

A little surprised at the sudden noise, Jie looked up right away. It didn't take long for her to smile at them. 

"Oh hey," she greeted back and came to a halt in front of the office's door. "What are you doing here?" 

"We're reporting back to Taeyong," the older explained quickly when the two stopped opposite her. "About yesterday's job."

"Nice of you." 

Jeno just smiled in return. "Why are you here this late?" 

"I helped Taeyong with some paperwork. I also needed to check up on some other things," she explained briefly, then looked at the door. "But Taeyong has been working all day long so he is taking a nap now." 

"Oh, should we come back tomorrow...?" Jeno asked. 

Shaking her head, Jie opened the door quietly. "No, it's fine," she replied simply. 

She entered first, put the files down on the desk and then walked over to a softly snoring Taeyong. He looked calm and adorable, lying there all innocently with his arms crossed on the sofa that he fit on just barely. 

Giving his shoulder a careful squeeze, she smiled at the sleeping man. 
"Boss." 

Jeno hummed lowly. "You're always so formal," he noted. 

"Maybe you're just too casual," Jie retorted jokingly. 

After giving his shoulder yet another squeeze and calling him once more, the man opened his eyes slowly. Although he was a little drowsy and confused, he was quick to smile at the girl. 

"Jie~" he called her. "You're still here?" She nodded. "What time is it?" 

"Half-past eleven," she said, then stepped back to let him sit up and stretch his limbs. "I finished checking up on all the major sponsors and interest groups that we talked about. I also talked to Hongjoong as you asked me to. It is all on your desk, take your time looking through it." 

"Thank you," he said to which Jie merely replied with a quick bow of her head. Then his attention already shifted to the two boys who were waiting patiently. 

Jie hummed. "Jeno and Jaemin are here to talk about the case. I still have something to do, so I will leave you alone." 

"Okay." Taeyong looked her up and down briefly. "How about you go home? You've been here longer than me." 

When he saw her hesitate, he already knew that she wasn't going to agree. Still, she smiled politely and made a weak attempt to come across as if she was actually considering his request.