vermilion. || nct taeil [COMPLETE]

chapter 47.

The business trip to Hong Kong was a success, and Moon Publishing team went home to Korea, feeling triumphant. Lucas was kind enough to send the whole team back, since he was once part of that team. He gives his old boss one last handshake and a hug for Rin before they had to board for the plane.

Despite the high spirits in the office, because of the gloomier atmosphere brought by winter season, everyone seems to be getting more tired than before. The holidays are just around the corner yet they have so much to do before the year ends.

Donghyuck approaches Rin one morning, asking her something about decorations.

"We usually just hang decors around but that's it," Rin informs him with a shrug. "We don't do much during the holidays here."

"Not even a Christmas party?" Donghyuck asks.

"Oh, we have those!" Rin says. "But like... we just drink wine and talk about work."

Donghyuck stares at her like he's lost all hope. "Seriously?" he deadpans. "That's not how Christmas parties work."

"Here, it does."

"You guys don't even do secret santa?!"

"...No.

"Oh, come on!" Donghyuck throws his arms in the air exasperatedly. "This office is so boring what the—It's Sir Taeil's fault, isn't? That workaholic—"

"Hey," Rin warns, already glaring at Donghyuck, who was just about to insult Taeil again.

"Alright, sorry." Donghyuck settles down. His face then lights up as his hands fly to hold Rin's. "Help me plan a Christmas party!"

"What?"

"Yeah! It'll be fun! I can work on the décor and you can, you know, work on the secret santa—" Donghyuck pulls Rin out of her chair. "We just need Sir Taeil's permission! If you ask him, he can't say no!"

"Actually, he can. He doesn't like Christmas parties so."

"What? Even if you're the one asking?"

"Yeah..."

***

"An office Christmas party? Don't make me laugh, Lee Chaerin. Get back to work." 26 -year-old Moon Taeil snarls at his new hired assistant after suggesting an office Christmas party at Moon Publishing.

"But, sir—"

"Work, or I'll fire you."

"...you've said that a hundred times already but you never do..."

"What was that?"

"Nothing, sir. I'll get back to work."

***

"What?" Donghyuck frowns at that. It didn't make any sense. Moon Taeil has a soft spot for his girlfriend, how can he reject her like that?

"He just doesn't like Christmas parties, okay?" Rin consoles. "Even when I suggested it after we got together, he still won't budge."

"What?! But—But why?!"

"I don't know."

***

"Rin, we don't need a Christmas party, okay? Please drop it. I hate those type of things." Taeil dismisses for the nth time as Rin brings up another idea for a party just as they were hanging around in his apartment.

Rin pouts and plants a soft kiss on his jaw. "Why not? Parties are fun!" she pleads.

Taeil pointedly ignores her small kisses, focusing on the book he was reading. He pinches Rin's cheek to stop her from kissing him.