⤷MASQUERADE || Jeon Jk FF ♡

part; ¹⁴

Y/N stepped out of the meeting room, the polished smile she wore for the Japanese co-founder still lingering on her lips. The deal was sealed-a major step forward for her company's expansion into the Japanese market. As she shook hands and exchanged pleasantries one last time, her satisfaction was evident, even if her expression remained neutral.

Jisoo, who had been observing from a distance, immediately stepped forward as soon as Y/N was alone. "Congratulations, Miss Shin! That was an impressive negotiation," she said with an eager smile, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

Y/N nodded slightly, her eyes betraying a flicker of satisfaction. "Thank you, Jisoo. Make sure to send a follow-up email to their team and prepare for next week's joint announcement."

"Already on it!" Jisoo chirped, scribbling notes into her tablet as they began walking back to Y/N's office.

Just as they were about to enter, a sudden commotion erupted from the lobby. Raised voices echoed through the spacious hall, cutting through the usual hum of office chatter. Y/N's steps faltered, her sharp gaze narrowing in the direction of the noise. She glanced at Jisoo, who looked equally perplexed.

"What's going on?" Y/N murmured, turning on her heel as she headed toward the source of the disturbance.

Jisoo followed closely behind her, concern etched on her face. As they reached the lobby, the scene unfolded before them: two male employees stood facing each other, tension radiating from their stiff postures. One was visibly agitated, his face flushed with anger, while the other looked down, his shoulders hunched in shame and humiliation.

Y/N's presence seemed to cut through the air like a knife, instantly silencing the murmurs around them. Every head turned to look at her, eyes wide with a mixture of fear and respect. The two men immediately straightened up, bowing in unison.

"What's happening here?" Y/N demanded, her voice calm but laced with authority. The crowd around them parted like the Red Sea, giving her a clear view of the two employees. She crossed her arms, her gaze flicking between them with steely precision.

The first man-a younger employee dressed in a crisp suit-lifted his chin, his expression still simmering with indignation. "Miss Shin, I-this man here," he gestured sharply to the other employee, "he touched me inappropriately. He-he's always been weird around me and today, he just crossed the line!" His voice was loud and accusatory, almost shaking with anger.

The accused man-a slightly older employee, dressed in more casual attire-looked up, his face pale. "I didn't mean to," he stammered, his voice breaking slightly. "It was an accident, Miss Shin. I'm-" He paused, swallowing hard, as if it took every ounce of courage to speak. "I'm transgender, and I-yes, I'm attracted to men, but I would never... I didn't mean to make anyone uncomfortable. It was just a misunderstanding."

"Misunderstanding?" the first man spat, scoffing loudly. "People like you are all the same! Disgusting-"

"Enough!" Y/N's voice rang out, cutting through the air like a whip. Everyone fell silent, the oppressive atmosphere thickening under the weight of her gaze. She turned her attention to the first man, her expression hardening.

"Just because someone is transgender or has a different orientation does not make them 'disgusting,'" she said icily. "We do not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination in this company. If there was an issue, you should have brought it up professionally-not like this."

"But, Miss Shin-" he started, but she held up a hand, silencing him instantly.

"Let me be clear," Y/N continued, her tone unyielding. "Your personal discomfort or biases are not an excuse to treat your colleague with disrespect. If you felt his actions were inappropriate, then we will handle this matter through the appropriate channels. But I will not tolerate anyone speaking to another employee like that, regardless of the circumstances."