Placebo || 3Racha ✔️

4

By the time I get to work, Ms.Shin is already at her desk. I greet her quietly, going into my office and shutting the door. How was I supposed to work like this? Knowing they could see me. What if they were watching right now? What if they were in my sector of the building?

I look outside of my window. I was a few stories up. How could they watch me? Did they have an extraordinarily good camera? How long were they out there yesterday?

"Mr.Seo, Mr.Seok is on line three," My assistant says through our direct intercom.

I can't do this again today. I can't think about something so frightening. I'm at work. If I lose focus again, I'll end up staying away. I can't lose out on anymore sleep.

Even after the call, my mind is still anxiety-ridden.

What if it was someone I knew? Why now? Why all of a sudden? Who were they?

Stop. Stop it. It- it has to be a joke. The office has to be in on it. My boys have to be. They couldn't. They don't have the time for it. They wouldn't go to such lengths.

A headache forms behind my eyes. I close them, relaxing my face for a few seconds. Just a few hours. Then I'll be home and safe.

They know where I live. What if they watch me through the window? What if they're watching my boys right now instead of it? What if Jisung gets home and someone is there?

I grab my phone, rapidly texting him separately.

Little Monster

can you text me
when you get home
today?

He responds almost immediately.

sure
why?

just tell me.
i have a package
coming in and
i don't want
someone stealing
it

okkkk

-

A knock on my door makes me jump about five feet in the air. Ms.Shin bows, looking at me like I was crazy.

"Sorry, sir. Are you alright?"

"Y-yeah, I'm okay. What is it?"

"I brought you some coffee. You looked pale when you got here. I thought you might be tired." She smiles, holding out a foam cup of not-so-black coffee.

"Oh, thank you." I stand, taking it from her and bowing. "Has anyone else sent flowers?"

"No, sir."

"You said the others were probably from the local shop. Which one would that be?"

"It's a few blocks away. An older woman owns it. Would you like me to call for an order?"

"No, no, nothing like that. Thank you for the coffee. You can go back to your desk now."

After she closes the door, I make a mental note to take a visit to that little old woman. I just don't know when I'd have the time. I could say I'm going to the gym or I'll surprise them with actual flowers. Either way, I need to know who those were from.