Always By Your Side || MinChan Romance

34.

Thirty Four

Minho offered a reassuring smile to his temporary replacement, Ms. Park, who clutched her notepad as if it were a lifeline. Despite her impressive resume, her eyes darted around the office, and he could tell her nerves were working overtime.

"Ms. Park, there's no need to worry. Mr. Bang is a kind man," he assured her warmly, hoping to ease some of her anxiety. "He expects competence, of course, but he's also understanding."

Ms. Park gave a small, grateful nod, her shoulders loosening just a bit. "Thank you, Mr. Lee. I just... I didn't think I'd be working so closely with him. It's a big responsibility."

Minho chuckled. "It is, but that's why you're here—because you're capable. Now, he's in a meeting for the next half hour, so that gives us time for a quick tour before you officially meet him."

He led her through the various departments, introducing her to key staff members as they passed by. Along the way, he pointed out the areas she'd likely need to frequent most often: the conference room, the document archives, and his own office, where they paused briefly.

"And here is my office. You're welcome to use this space whenever you need a quiet place to organize documents or just catch your breath," he said with a grin.

"Oh, that's very generous of you," Ms. Park replied, looking relieved. "Thank you, Mr. Lee."

He waved it off. "Think nothing of it. And please, call me Minho."

They made their way to Chan's office door, where Minho gently tapped before looking at her with an encouraging smile. "He can be a little intense at first, but trust me, he's got a big heart. Just remember to be yourself."

She took a deep breath, nodding. "Thank you... Minho. I'll do my best."

As they waited for Chan's meeting to wrap up, Minho glanced over at her, his confidence in her growing. He remembered his own first day, the nerves he'd felt, and how Chan had helped him feel at home. Now, it was his turn to pass that sense of welcome on to Ms. Park.

Chan looked up, briefly surprised to hear Minho calling him "Mr. Bang," and met his smirk with an amused grin. It was rare these days that Minho used his formal title, but the old habit carried a certain charm.

"Mr. Bang," Minho continued, gesturing to Ms. Park with a nod. "This is your new assistant, Ms. Park. Highly qualified, and I'm sure she'll catch on quick." His tone softened as he added, "I wanted to introduce her before I start training her."

Chan's gaze shifted to Ms. Park, his expression warm yet professional. "Ms. Park, welcome. I've heard good things already, so I look forward to working with you."

Ms. Park's cheeks flushed slightly as she fumbled with her words. "T-thank you, Mr. Bang. I'll do my best to keep up."

Minho chuckled softly, shooting her an encouraging look. "Like I said, there's no need to worry. I'll guide you through everything you need to know."

Chan's eyes flicked between Minho and Ms. Park, noticing how naturally Minho had taken on a mentor-like role. A soft smile tugged at his lips as he took in the moment—a testament to how much Minho had grown into his position, and how soon he'd have a new title altogether: father.

With a nod, Chan extended his hand toward Ms. Park. "In the meantime, I'll let you two get started. Minho's been with me a long time, and you're in good hands. He'll make sure you're well-prepared for everything this job entails."

As she shook his hand, a little more confident now, Minho caught Chan's eye, that spark of pride and fondness passing silently between them before he led Ms. Park out, eager to get her settled in.

As Minho went through the ropes with Ms. Park, showing her the usual protocols and schedules, he felt an unexpected flutter in his belly. It was faint at first, like a gentle brush, but then it became unmistakable—a little kick. His eyes widened, and without thinking, he excused himself quickly, leaving Ms. Park with a reassuring, "Just a moment, I'll be right back."

He practically rushed down the hall, his heart pounding, and reached Chan's office in seconds. Knocking once before slipping inside, he found Chan leaning over some papers. Chan looked up, a bit startled but immediately concerned.

"What's wrong?" he asked, setting everything down.

Minho gave him a soft smile, moving closer. "Nothing's wrong. Just... here." He grabbed Chan's hand and placed it gently on his belly. "The baby's moving. You can feel it too."

Chan's expression shifted instantly, his eyes widening in awe as he felt the tiny movements beneath his palm. "Oh..." His voice softened, and he let out a quiet laugh, completely mesmerized. He kept his hand there, hardly daring to breathe, just in case the moment would slip away too soon.

Their eyes met, and for a long moment, they were both silent, wrapped up in the wonder of it all. Minho smiled, his own heart full as he saw the emotions flickering across Chan's face—love, joy, and a touch of awe.

"Guess he's already making himself known," Minho whispered, and Chan chuckled, brushing his thumb gently over Minho's belly.

"He's just like you," Chan murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "Already determined to keep me on my toes."

Minho smiled warmly as he returned to Ms. Park, adjusting his tie as he settled back into his training mode. "Thank you for understanding," he said. "It was... something very important."

Ms. Park nodded, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "No need to apologize. Honestly, I'm just grateful to be working with someone as experienced as you before officially stepping in."

Minho chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "I'm sure you'll be amazing here. I just wanted to make sure you felt comfortable." As they resumed their work, he noticed Ms. Park's attentiveness, making quick notes and nodding along as he explained each task.

Despite the interruption, Minho's excitement hadn't faded. He couldn't help but catch himself smiling here and there, thinking of the little life he and Chan were preparing to welcome.

By the end of the week, Minho was both relieved and proud. Ms. Park had picked up quickly, catching onto the company's rhythm with impressive skill. Each day, as he waddled a bit slower and his ankles swelled a bit more, he felt reassured knowing he could finally hand over his responsibilities without worry.

One afternoon, he leaned back in his office chair, a hand instinctively resting on his belly. "Almost time to head home," he murmured, glancing at his sneakers—far from his usual style but an undeniable lifesaver.

Minho smiled, imagining his cozy nest waiting for him, and as the thought settled, he felt a little flutter from the baby as if in agreement.