Serenade of Shadows: A Redemption

Souls connection

"You know, Oppa, you're starting to make me feel like a VIP with this pick-up and drop-off service.", Tsetseg said jokingly.

"Well, consider it my way of ensuring my sister's friend and her impeccable fashion sense arrive and leave the workplace in style.", Heesik said playfully "I appreciate the chauffeur service, but you don't have to go through all this trouble for me.", Tsetseg felt grateful for his help.

Heesik grinned, "Trouble? Nah, it's a pleasure. Plus, it gives us some extra time to catch up on our days, right?”

Tsetseg smiled.

__ __ __ __

During Tsetseg's first week at her new job, the dynamics within and outside the office underwent subtle shifts. The routine of Heesik dropping her off and picking her up became a familiar rhythm, a comfort in the midst of her corporate challenges.

Within the office walls, Tsetseg navigated the intricacies of corporate life. Ryu Shi Oh's persistent attempts at playful banter added an unexpected layer to her daily routine. Their interactions oscillated between annoyance and a strange camaraderie, leaving Tsetseg with a mix of emotions. One day, while bumping on the corridor with Shi Oh,

"Good evening, Tsetseg. Still swamped with work?" he teased.

Tsetseg sighed, her frustration evident. "Mr. Shi Oh, can't you see I'm trying to focus here?

A wry smile played on his lips. "Call me Shi Oh, Tsetseg. We're beyond formalities, aren't we?"

Tsetseg stopped walking for a moment and looked at him, who was walking
beside her, "Fine, Shi Oh. But don't mistake informality for camaraderie.”

Shi Oh continued to stroll beside her, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Fair enough, Tsetseg. So, any exciting plans for tonight after escaping the clutches of work?"

Tsetseg rolled her eyes. "Just the usual, maybe some dinner and unwinding. Unlike some, I don't live for work."

He chuckled, "Well, I can't promise to stop bugging you, but let me know if you ever want to escape the monotony."

Tsetseg scoffed, "Thanks but no thanks. I'll manage just fine on my own."

As they bantered in the corridor, Shi Oh leaned against the wall, a playful glint in his eyes. "Tsetseg, how about we break the monotony with a coffee date? Just a casual outing, no work discussions."

Tsetseg, surprised by the proposition, hesitated for a moment. After a brief pause, she sighed and said, "Fine, Shi Oh. Coffee, but no strings attached. Strictly casual."

Shi Oh chuckled, "Fair enough, Tsetseg. Just a simple coffee outing, no hidden agendas."

Tsetseg, feeling a mix of amusement and skepticism, replied, "We'll see about that, Shi Oh. I'm not one to get tangled in complications."

As they agreed, Shi Oh's gratitude slipped through, "Thanks for considering it, Tsetseg. I appreciate it."

Their eyes locked for a moment, a subtle intensity lingering. The moment, however, was abruptly interrupted by Shi Oh's phone ringing. “Excuse me”

“Hello, Father," Ryu Shi Oh's demeanour underwent a swift transformation, adopting a demeanour antithetical to what Tsetseg had observed moments ago.

"Shi Oh, we're grappling with complications in our drug transportation. Kang Heesik, from the narcotics department, is proving to be a formidable obstacle," Sun Jae lamented.

"Heesik?", Shi Oh glanced at Tsetseg as he pronounced her friend's name, lowering his voice. "Why? What schemes is he orchestrating?"

"He's been constricting our operations. We can't afford any missteps. Our routes and connections are compromised. We nearly got caught."