Tulip

Roses

Chaeyoung got back into the dorm to see the girls waiting for her in the living room.

The food they had cooked was left untouched on the dining table. Partly because they wanted to wait for Chaeyoung to come back first and have lunch together, and partly because they were eager to know what happened in the office before they eat.

"Chaeyoung-ah!" Lisa called as soon as the door shut close.

Chaeyoung heard the maknae, but her mind was still processing what had happened moments earlier in the office.

"Yah, Park Chaeyoung."

She just couldn't believe it.

 
[Flashback]

"I love him. Jeon Jungkook."

Chaeyoung felt her breath hitching as she released that words.

She definitely wasn't ready for her boss's response.

A short few seconds passed in silence, but it felt like an eternity.

This time, Chaeyoung was sure that the scolding would come. But to her surprise, Yang Hyunsuk smiled, and even laughed a little.

'He's probably laughing at my claim.', Chaeyoung thought.

She immediately brought her head low in guilt.

"Sajangnim, I apologize for that.." She muttered.

"What for?" He responded.

"I guess it's alright. You can go see him."

Chaeyoung snapped her head back up. Her brows furrowed in confusion.

As if sensing her slow understanding, he rephrased his words. "I'm saying it's okay to let you girls breathe a little. You've been working hard anyways."

For once, she believed that her ears were malfunctioning.

Her eyes widened, almost teary. Her hands covered her mouth that hung open.

"A-are you.."

Yang Hyunsuk rolled his eyes, annoyed to repeat what he already said twice.

"Yes, Chaeyoung. I'm actually allowing you to be in a relationship with that boy. Ask me one more time, and I'll change my mind."

It really happened.

Chaeyoung bowed again and again, so thankful. Her cheeks were already stained with tears.

The middle-aged man smiled again. "You should thank him. He was the one who convinced me to this. He's brave. Didn't even falter when I threatened him." He chuckled. 

"Man, that boy really didn't give me space to breathe for the past two weeks." He shook his head at the end.

Hearing his words, Chaeyoung then realized why Jungkook was busy.

It was for this.

A tear escaped her eyes again, out of pure happiness.

"What's wrong?" Her boss asked.

She slowly smiled. "Nothing. It's just that it's rare to see you smile so much in one time, sajangnim."

He snorted. "You can go now- oh one more thing, Chaeyoung. I'd appreciate it if you can keep it on the low. You're gonna explain it yourself to the media if it's exposed, get it? I'll have you know, these pictures cost me a fortune to make that damn paparazzi shut up."