Deleterious

Chapter 4

Why am I like this

Everyday I ask myself that question. Seriously, what the fuck is wrong with me? Any sane person would be doing their best to escape in these type of situations. When a freak of nature digs its claws into your back the first thing you do is fight back, somehow find a way to get to safety. I've never thought of escaping, not even when I was a child and first exposed to the horrifying nature of my brother. This is strange, it's obvious I'm scared of him, the fear he can put in me with just a look is astonishing to say the least. Even with just his presence my body unconsciously stiffs in preparation for any unpredictable outcomes. So why am I like this? Even abused dogs try and bite the hand of their inconsiderate owners.

I look down at the spoon in front of me, the humiliation from days ago beginning to creep up on me. Looking around the room, I watch as my subordinates try and fail to keep their composure whilst eating the spicy soup in front of them. The sniffles and heavy breathing puts a small smile on my face as I take my own sip. I'm not like my brother, I can't go to the extent he can when "playing" with others. However, this is something I'm more than capable of.

"S-sir, may we begin the meeting?" It's funny, in these small moments the obedient dog is able to have some fun of its own. I'm able to have some ounce of control when my 'owner' isn't around, it's nice to experience it sometimes.

"Oh, please do." I guess that's enough for today, it's fun for a little while but I can never go on with it for too long.

The meeting is long, much longer than I thought it'd be. After my childish antics they usually work quicker, talk faster so they can get out as soon as possible to get a nice cold glass of water. It is kinda funny to see them struggle in their seats, red faced and runny nose. I look back down at my dish, not too long ago I was on the floor, barely keeping stable on my hands in knees eating this exact same soup. Han seok basking in my humiliation and enjoying every ounce of shame I had to offer. If he wanted to prove a point I definitely understood it, Chairman Jang or not I'll always be below him.

When the meeting ends I'm more than happy to leave. Although meetings with my subordinates are some of my most joyous times as CEO, my mood has been deterred by the onslaught of thoughts surrounding the damn soup. Of course he'd be able to do that, take something I enjoy and twist it into something to use against me.

"Sir?" Turning towards my assistant I give her a questioning look

"Are you hungry?" Now that she brought it up, my stomach does feel a little empty.

"Well, you barely ate your soup," her face turns slightly pink as she scratches her cheek lightly "and your stomach, it just growled."

Widening my eyes I look around to see if anyone else might of heard the embarrassing sound. I didn't realize it before but I wouldn't be surprised if my stomach really did growl. My mind was preoccupied with so many other things, it made it hard to focus on the food in front of me during the meeting.

"I'll excuse myself for lunch then." With a quick smile I turn around, eager to leave the office and get some fresh air.

"Shall I accompany you sir? Or would you like me to go out and order food for you so you can stay here?" I take a quick look back before offering a small smile.

"I'd actually prefer to be alone at the moment, I'll be back in 30." Waving her off I make my way towards the exit, I'm only now starting to realize how hungry I really am. This time, it will not be soup.

The cafe is only a 7 minute drive from my office, I had never been here myself but I'd always hear my subordinates talking about it. Apparently it was the perfect spot, a nice environment and affordable food, not that money was a real issue in the first place. It's bright, the large windows allow the natural light to shine through which adds a comforting glow to the space. The cafe itself is simple but modern, the tables are spaced well enough for decent privacy, and the food smells delicious from where I stand at the entrance.