Fortnight ✔️

Chapter - 1

In late November, as the chill sets in over South Korea, the streets are filled with bundled-up figures, couples walking arm in arm to keep warm. The winds bite as the night descends, urging everyone to retreat to the comfort of their homes, seeking solace from the cold. It's a time when the anticipation of the first snowfall hangs heavy in the air.

Amidst this wintry backdrop, Taehyung sits among his colleagues at the company dinner organized to celebrate his promotion. As the recently appointed CFO, he occupies a central position, observing with a gentle smile as conversations ebb and flow around him. His colleagues take advantage of the gathering to voice their complaints to the seniors and managers, but Taehyung remains a calming presence.

Juniors approach him, offering food and drinks, but he politely declines, content to watch and listen to the camaraderie around him. Despite his high position, Taehyung is known for his humility and approachability. He can be firm when necessary, but his colleagues respect him for his fairness and integrity.

Though he's rarely seen letting loose and fully embracing the moment, his occasional smiles, though reserved, carry a genuine kindness that endears him to his team.

As the company dinner winds down, one of Taehyung's staff members, Jimin, enthusiastically suggests heading to karaoke. Taehyung notices the eager glint in Jimin's eyes; it's a sign he's seen many times before, usually indicating it's time to call it a night for himself.

"Come on, Taehyung, you've got to join us this time!" Jimin urges, a playful grin spreading across his face.

Jimin is the only close companion in the office who is similar in age. He is the managing director of the finance department.

Taehyung chuckles softly, shaking his head. "I appreciate the offer, Jimin, but you all go ahead. I'll catch up with you next time."

But this time, the rest of his colleagues chime in, insisting he joins them. "Seriously, Mr. Taehyung, it's not the same without you!" one of them says.

"Yeah, it'll be a blast! And if you're not feeling it, you can leave early," another adds.

Taehyung sighs, feeling the weight of their collective persuasion. "Alright, alright," he relents, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "One night won't hurt."

With that, they all head to the nearest karaoke joint, booking a room for themselves. As the night progresses, they take turns singing their favorite songs, some purposely butchering the notes to induce laughter from their colleagues.

Taehyung finds himself chuckling along with the group, surprised at how much he's enjoying their goofy antics. Amidst the laughter and off-key singing, he understands why these outings are important for team bonding.

"You were right, Jimin," Taehyung says between laughs, clapping his colleague on the back. "This was a good idea."

As the night wears on and his colleagues begin to trickle out of the karaoke room, Taehyung ensures that each one of them leaves safely before he finally heads out himself. He slides into his car, starting the engine with a weary sigh. Rolling down the window, he lets the cold breeze hit his face, momentarily refreshing him.

For a while, he maintains a small smile, remnants of the laughter and camaraderie from the evening. But as he drives farther away from the karaoke joint, that smile slowly fades, leaving behind a blank expression. His face becomes a mask, devoid of any emotion, reflecting the emptiness he feels inside.

With one hand on the steering wheel, Taehyung reaches up to loosen his tie, feeling the weight of his responsibilities and the facade he carries at work. Alone in the darkness of the night, he is stripped of the role he plays among his colleagues, revealing his true self – calm, but not necessarily okay, occasionally happy, but mostly devoid of any real joy.