What never should've happened.

Monday Night pt. 1

Y/N's POV 

It was almost five when Eunji's phone rang to the beat of a Stray Kids’ song, that made you come out of the extreme focus you had on the document you were working on. You cracked your back and stretched a bit.

Eunji was flustered, trying to silence her phone.

“Mianheyo, Y/n-ssi! My phone is usually set to vibrate, but my little sister was worried about it being my first day and I told her I'd call her when it was time for me to go home.”

“It's fine, Eunji-ssi, just take the call.” You stood up and went to your board, jotting down some ideas to work on the following day, but you couldn't help but hear what your assistant was saying.

“No, Hedo, I won't leave at five, I have work to do. I'll get us the chicken tomorrow, I promise. You know that I can't leave unless my boss does.”

That struck a chord with you. It was one of the things you hated about the Korean work culture, the way the employees had to stay as late as the boss did. It was ridiculous and it wasn't something you were willing to perpetuate. You headed back to your chair and waited until she hung up.

“Eunji-ssi, I want to make something very clear to you.”

The poor girl paled, thinking you were going to scold her for the phone call. 

“As long as you work for me, you will leave this office at five o'clock sharp, unless there's a pressing need for you to stay, in which case you will be paid overtime.”

Eunji looked at you, baffled, she couldn't think of what to say. This was not normal.

“I don't want you to stay late just because I stay late, Huang-ssi doesn't stay late when I do. When he does, it's because he likes to drive me home to make sure I'm safe, but he's not required to. And neither are you. So tonight, you're to go home, bring your little sister some chicken and enjoy your time with your family.”

Her eyes filled with tears.

“I know what being away from your family is like, I know what missing years with your loved ones thanks to an idiot boyfriend is like,” you took a breath and Eunji tilted her head, looking at you, she could tell you had a troubled past but you still were strong, “you should never take spending time with them and being close to them for granted. Take it from someone who knows.”

“Gamsahabnida, y/n-ssi. I promise you I will always do my best at work and I won't let you down.”

“I know you won't. Now off you go. It's five. I'll see you tomorrow.”

Eunji bowed and headed out quickly, gathering her things from her desk and left after waving at you. 

Half a minute later, Huang came in and leaned on the door frame.

“You're the best boss ever, did you know that?” He said with his arms crossed and his eyes danced with admiration, “just so we're clear, I stay behind with you because you're my friend and I like knowing you're okay.”

“I know that, but she doesn't need to think you like me in a way you don't. Trust me. Now, guess what her file says?” You said, wiggling your eyebrows.

“What?”

“Her house is on the way to your grandma's doctor's office. Run along,  give her a ride. If you hurry, you can catch her at the bus stop.”

“Noona!” He complained, but he was already halfway out the door, “wait…text me when you get to the subway, please.”

“I'm not taking the subway,” she smiled, “Yoongi's picking me up.”