ONESHOTS || MEANIE ● WONMIN

|mascot|

Mingyu knew he wasn't the most well-liked boss in the office. He was fully aware of that much, considering he wasn't the gentlest, the friendliest, or even the most patient—basically the worst kind of boss a person could have.

But what Mingyu was, though, was good at his job. He may have been strict, but he knew exactly how to get things done. It usually ended with a few employees grumbling under their breath, yet on that very same project, they would be praised by clients for a well-presented proposal. Smooth sailing every single time, as long as those papers passed through Mingyu's hands.

The man knew he wasn't easy to deal with, and he had no intention of going out of his way to change that—not when his methods produced great results and continued to improve the company's sales and image.

But on some days, he did wish people would be less wary of him. That his employees would offer him a genuine smile, not one that made them look like they were about to shit themselves in fear.

It was a hard thing to ask, considering his temper. Still, deep inside, he did feel lonely. Not always—but when it did hit, it hit hard.

Today just happened to be one of those days.

Another proposal had been successfully presented and approved. The employee tasked with it beamed with pride and happiness, the woman turning around to shake hands with everyone, cheeks raised so high that Mingyu was sure her face would definitely hurt later in the day. Once she locked eyes with Mingyu, who was seated near the end of the table, she froze. Her smile faltering as if she'd seen a ghost.

That expression alone made Mingyu sigh. He knew exactly what it meant, and he wasn't going to act dense and sit there waiting for her to walk over like some meek deer just to shake his hand for the sake of politeness.

He stands from his chair, tapping his papers on the table to catch the remaining employees' attention.

"Good job, everyone. I'll be leaving first."

And he walks out before the woman can even take a step toward him.

He's used to it, to being outcasted. It comes with the title. He wanted to be respected, slightly feared, so his words would carry that indisputable tone no one would ever dare defy. He tells himself he's happy with that. But again...not always.

It's already dark out once Mingyu leaves the office. A few employees remain behind as he steps outside. He walks along the sidewalk, enjoying the peaceful stroll after a long day of being stuck in his office.

Fridays usually make him feel like some depressed middle-aged man—which, technically, he is. On days like this, he'd normally be by himself, buying cans of beer and lounging on his couch, watching whatever happens to be on TV.

The bells of the convenience store ring the moment he steps inside. He grabs a few cans, a bag of chips, and heads straight to the counter to pay. When he steps back outside again, a gust of cold air hits him, making him shiver. His hands rub up and down his arms, trying to generate some warmth.

He stands there for a few moments, contemplating whether to continue walking in this weather or go back inside where it's warmer. But the thought of chilling alone in his own home makes him sigh, and he decides to suck it up and endure the biting cold of the breeze.

Just as he's about to take a courageous step onto the sidewalk, a shadow catches his peripheral vision, making him turn to the side.

Safe to say, he was surprised once he got a proper look at what could be casting such a massive shadow.

A mascot.

A gray, absurdly cute cat mascot stood there, like a statue that had spawned out of nowhere.