Penta Ent. | JungHo ✅

10

I covered my mouth as I yawned. I couldn't focus all that well on my work. Jaehyun had kept me from getting my usual hours of sleep. My cheeks flushed as I thought of last night. "I'm banning him from staying over on weeknights." My door opened and Shinwon had walked in with a smile. "Hey Jungwoo." "What brings you in here?" He handed me the cup in his hand and the glazed donut as well. "I'll see you." "Wait-" He closed the door behind him.

The coffee had revived me some along with the donut, but I planned to rest during my lunch break when it was announced. The business phone dinged and I already knew Mr. Jo needed me. I quickly got up and banged my leg against the desk. "Ugh..."

"I'm here, Mr. Jo." "You look less than usual. Had a little fun before work?" I frantically shook my head as I blushed. I didn't like the fact that was what came to his mind first. "I just stayed up longer than usual." "Ah, well, be careful. It can affect your work ethic terribly." I felt silly for believing he'd say something like he'd be worried about my health. We aren't that close, and that's a fact I needed to comprehend. "I need you to gather up these people into a meeting room on the fourth floor. And make sure they hand you their phones." "Right away."

A small smile formed on my face as Ten's name appeared on the list. I hurried around looking for everyone on the list and learned a few didn't come in today.

"Ten." "Oh, hey little marten." "Marten?" He nodded then stood up from his seat. "I'm guessing you came here for an important reason." "Ah, yeah. I'm rounding up some employees to meet on the fourth floor. And you're one of the lucky ones, I think." I took notice that he had left his phone and made his way up. "Marten...? Why did he call me that?" I snapped myself out of my thoughts and quickly moved to get the others.

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"Just hand it over. I don't want you to get in trouble." She gave me a nasty look then turned away from me. I was close to giving up as a few of them refused to hand over their phones. "Chaeun, just do as he says." I looked at Ten who seemed upset with her attitude. "Ten, he won't even notice. Mind your business." "It's fine, Ten." "No it's not. It's not even just about how she's treating you, but about equality as well. Most of us left our phones or handed it over. What makes you so special, you cunt?" They all started to argue and throw curses around as if it was their native language.

"Everyone, calm down." That statement had granted me death glares from everyone except Ten. "I'm sure I didn't call you all in here to insult each other with such slurs." We all looked and saw Mr. Jo who looked angrier than they did. "I'm sorry for handling this terribly." I quickly bowed then heard him tell me to raise my head. "I know it's not easy to get along with everyone, but to let it get to this extent is ridiculous. And here I had great news for you all." I could see the curiosity in their eyes. "May I ask what it was?" "No, you may not. Instead, we'll all sit here and you all will take turns saying something nice about the person to your left."

I silently stood by his side as the fourth round had started up. "Jungwoo." "Yes?" "How did it start?" "I was asking Mrs. Yeo for her phone and she refused. Ten intervened and you know the rest." I couldn't tell what was going through his mind at the moment. What was he going to do? "You all can stop now. Mrs. Yeo and Mr. Lee, a word." Mr. Jo left his seat then held the door open for them. I was left alone with the others who started to murmur. "Hey, Mr. Kim." "Yes?" "What's it like being a lap dog?" "Nah, what's it like being a servant?" "Aren't they similar?" I frowned as they started to crack more jokes. "Say what you want, but at the end of the day, who's actually living life in the best way possible? Think about it."

I knew negative things would spread about me at the company, but I wasn't going to just stand there and take their petty insults. They know I'm getting paid more and get to go places they never could. They reeked of jealously and envy. The door opened and they had returned to their seats. "I'll get right to the point since you all thought this was a zoo and acted accordingly. I've watched all of my employees and you 11 have the best quality and performance for the new position that will be needed for our upcoming expansion. One of you will be the head of the book department." He handed me the papers in front of him to hand out. "I wish you the best." I handed out the last sheet then quickly hurried after Mr. Jo.

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I sat in his office and occasionally looked at him. "Speak, Jungwoo." I let out a squeak at his tone. "I was just curious as to what you said to them. Mr. Lee and Mrs. Yeo..." "Just a simple warning." "A pretty long warning..." I sighed then let out a small gasp. "Shit. I made a mistake and it's in ink..." "Is this a mistake I see?" I fell out of my seat at his close proximity. "I apologize...My mind wandered." "No worries. This is what we do." He squatted by my side then started to go over the mistake with the pen. "I had expected a scolding...Jinho really is patient."