My Bosses Love Me

Ch.6

Jisoo never liked her birthday.

Unlike most people, all she could think about was that every year she took another step closer to death, and there was no reason to celebrate that fact. The worst part of it all was having to smile and thank each person who congratulated her, just out of politeness. It was late and she was tired; she just needed to finish signing some documents and go home.

“Happy birthday!” the small group shouted as they threw confetti as soon as Jisoo opened the office door.

— What is this? — she asked in surprise, looking closely at the people present.

“We gathered the people from our floor and prepared a surprise,” Jennie explained with a smile on her face. She didn’t even need to say much for Jisoo to know that it had been her idea. And although she wasn’t a fan of surprises, that detail alone made the older Kim happy.

“Thank you all,” Jisoo said politely. “You’re the one who organized all of this, aren’t you?” she asked Jennie.

— Yes, but I had a lot of help from Chaeyoung — she pointed to the girl who was in a corner of the room.

— Well, I really appreciate everyone's consideration — Jisoo said, looking at the girl who looked away.

— No need to thank Jisoo, we are grateful to have a boss like you — one of the employees said. — A toast to the best boss in the world! — he said, raising a glass.

After the short speech, everyone mingled and started eating treats. Jisoo quickly downed her glass of soju and went towards Chaeyoung who was alone in a corner. The girl's reaction was the same as always. She bit her lower lip and lowered her gaze, a trait Jisoo had already noticed. She just couldn't tell if she acted like this with everyone, or just with her in particular.

“Did you choose the colors for the balloons?” Jisoo asked, leaning back next to the girl.

— No, it was Miss Jennie.

Of course, who else would know what your favorite color is?

— Everything was done very well — Jisoo said, analyzing the small celebration carefully.

— I'm glad you liked it — Chaeyoung said.

— Yes, I liked it. But I think there's something missing — she exclaimed, putting her index finger to her chin as if she was thinking. Chaeyoung's eyes widened in fright. What could it be? She and Jennie spent weeks preparing everything, thinking it was perfect.

- What is it?

— You didn't give me a present.

— A gift?

— Of course, it's my birthday after all — Jisoo reminded.

Chaeyoung scratched the back of her neck in confusion. She didn't think the older woman would care about getting something, much less from her.

“I don’t think I earn enough to give you a gift that’s worthy of you,” Chaeyoung admitted awkwardly. The outfit Jisoo was wearing alone cost three months of her and Lisa’s rent. Jisoo gave a sideways smile, which Chaeyoung had noticed she did quite often.

— Don't think I'm that kind of person, I value little things. I would gladly receive whatever you were going to give me.

— It's just... I really didn't prepare anything — Jisoo laughed a little loudly.

— Relax Chaeyoung, I'm just kidding. But I really wouldn't mind getting a gift from you, maybe I'll charge you.

She was going to talk more to the girl, but her cell phone rang, interrupting the conversation.