The Smile You Bring Me

Leave of Absence

Ji Pyeong woke up late that morning. His phone was ringing non-stop, "Why is it ringing so much?" he whined as he picked up the call.

"Hello!" he said with his eyes still close.

"Director Han, where are you?"Dong-Chun asked.

Ji Pyeong looked at the time and saw he was already an hour late for work.

"I'm still at home, but I'll be there—just give me a minute,"

"... Chung Myeong has a problem!" Dong-Chun urgently said.

After Ji Pyeong heard that, he rushed to get into Sandbox. When he arrived at Sandbox, he ran immediately to Chung Myung. He was still panting when he saw In-Jae standing outside the conference room, where she watched Chung Myeong have an interview with a reporter that was paid to write a negative article about them— to ruin them. He stood beside her, and she told him that —it seemed like— Chung Myeong was handling the reporter well. In-Jae could see Ji Pyeong's disappointment, but he vehemently denied it.

Ji Pyeong left In-Jae alone in front of the conference room and went to Ms. Yoon's office.

***********************

At Ms. Yoon's office.

Ms.Yoon was at her desk—relaxing her neck when Ji Pyeong came, "Ms. Yoon, can I talk to you for a second?" he asked politely.

Ms. Yoon sat straight back, "Sure!" she said.

Ji Pyeong sat at the chair before her, "Can I take a leave?" he asked.

Ms. Yoon suddenly looked at Ji Pyeong with concern, "Why? Are you sick somewhere?"

"I am not sick, but I think I am a little stressed these days,"

"The bidding for the Smart City is near. Are you not staying until Chung Myung has done with their bidding?"

"I don't think so..." Ji Pyeong said adamantly.

Ms. Yoon looked at Ji Pyeong, and in his expression, she knew it was something personal, and she didn't want to pry more.

"I see! How long are you going to be gone then?" she asked.

"Hmm....about a week or two?" he said.

"How about your work?" she asked more.

"I'll finish all of them before I leave," he promised.

Because Ms. Yoon knew Ji Pyeong wouldn't take a vacation without a valid reason, she allowed him, "Okay then! I am giving you two weeks. You should also take care of your Mental health," she said.

"Thank you, Ms. Yoon!" Ji Pyeong said, and he went back to his office.

****************************

"Dong-Chun give me all the files that I need to review. I want everything to be done before I leave!" Ji Pyeong ordered Dong-Chun.

Dong-Chun was surprised to hear him, "Are you leaving Director Han? Where are you going?"

Ji Pyeong looked at him, "I'll be gone for two weeks; I already informed Ms. Yoon about this!"

"Is it because of Dal-Mi and Do-San, Sir?"

"No!"Ji Pyeong denied firmly, " I just need a vacation. I have been stressed with many things lately!" he added.

Dong-Chun didn't ask more, for he knew the truth. He just changed the subject.

"Ah! Director Han, I forgot to tell you, Mr. Hong is here,"

"Mr. Hong? Who's that?" Ji Pyeong asked confusedly.