pied piper

Epilogue II | Surrender

Long chapter ahead! Take your snacks with ya and find a comfy place lol

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"And….done!" I sprang up, my smile widening as I pressed on the send icon, about to press on the 'turn off' icon next.

Just then, wide eyes and a very surprised face entered from my periphery, annoyance dripping in the voice of my dear colleague who abided by the friendly work environment like it was the law.

"No way, bitch."

I returned the sentiment with great fervor, giving him a peek at my daily planner and crossing over the fourth and final task of the day.

Silver round glasses greatly aided in making his eyes appear even wider, like a hilarious pair of zeros. "Why do you always get so little work? I swear it's like the Chief has her eyes on you or something."

I grinned at Taehyung, a sly smirk taking over my face, "She simply knows her best cards, bitch."

Packing up, I was quick to enter a train of thoughts, leading me on to numerous stops. At times, I too wondered the same. Despite having worked here only for 9 months with another 2 months of the internship period, I had already been promoted twice with no late night shifts at work despite never having met the said boss whom I had been labeled the favorite employee of.

In all honesty, I was still yet to completely come to terms with being a 25-year-old graduated adult having landed in a prestigious standalone firm, spending each day making sure the foster care system doesn't fail yet another child. Being an independent body had its advantages as our Chief, the boss lady who basically ran the whole chain remained incog but also ubiquitous, being rumored to be so powerful and influential that nobody dared to intervene with her employees.

In conclusion, we were rendered with all the freedom we needed at work.

Despite never having interacted with the Chief in person, we would still exchange pleasantries, and often, she would be kind enough to guide me through the tough streets of life, via e-mails, of course. In such a short duration, I had become used to never going past a week without telling her how it had gone. At times I wondered if she was the… mother sent from above for me but then reality would set and I'd go by my day like any other. I really couldn't wait for the day to finally meet her.

Maybe when I get my Employee of the Year award? I snickered.

"So you're just gonna leave now?" The deep, dejected voice of the male brought me to the real world and I glanced at my delicate golden watch, watching as the wing of a butterfly-shaped long thin needle reached a perfect 12.

"Just one hour before work hours end anyway, drama queen." I said, not bothering to feel any pity for the man who rolled his eyes before turning back to his laptop. With every digit added to his age, my dear cousin sure happened to grow more and more bothersome. Never offered me a chance to miss Jimin who was busy busting criminals spending night after night at his desk. It was a pity he lived in a whole different country.

"Drive safe." he muttered without turning and I smiled. If it wasn't for him, I don't think I would have been where I am today, free, truly free of thoughts that chained me down. And for that (and numerous other reasons) I loved him endlessly.

Swiftly bidding a smiling farewell to all the swollen faces of my colleagues, I entered my car, a heave of breath leaving my mouth before I was driving off already.

With the evening Sun just below the horizon, I stopped to glance at the traffic light, wondering with awe at the tawny sky, colors of the palette stroking in a seamless twist of magnificence. It seemed like a painting brought to life, hues of red, orange, and yellow blending with additions of the stars who appeared mellow in front of the bright sky, but waiting to sparkle the whole dark of the night.