Before The Storm • Chansoo

*7*

2 weeks later

As I sit down in my desk chair, I try working on the task in front of me that was soon to be due. Despite the many cups of coffee I've forced down today, I work on and off, struggling to concentrate. The fresh bruises on my arms burned stronger than the caffeine traveling down my throat. Before I get the chance to pick up my pen, a loud noise begins to reverberate throughout my office. My mind too foggy to think straight, I can't pinpoint where the sound is originating for a moment or two. Snapping my focus to reality, I grab the phone and put it to my ear. "Mr. Park, come to my office now, and make it quick", the voice speaks darkly. My heart drops to my stomach when I hear the coldness in his voice. The call ends before I'm able to question his requests, not that I could talk to the CFO in such a way.

I get up with a grunt, my abdomen aching. When I get into the elevator, my mind races to all of the possible reasons I'm getting called to the office. It's very easy to lose a job in such a competitive environment. One mess-up, and you're done. I stood at the door and knocked quietly, my anxiety beginning to spike. "You can come in", he called. Following his directions, I stood in front of his desk attempting to avoid showing weakness. "You asked for me, Mr. Choi?" He took off his glasses and massaged the bridge of his nose.

"Do you know how much work you've turned in late? Is there a problem? Why are you slacking off?" His voice was deepened more than usual, carrying an angry tone.

"No sir. I've just had trouble concentrating lately. I'm trying to fix it. I won't do it again."

"Be sure of it. I'd usually let someone go because of this. You're lucky I take such a liking to you. You're dismissed."

I deeply bow my head in gratitude, and leave his office. In a hurry, I head back to mine, not wanting to wait any longer to finish the assignment. After about an hour or so, I manage to finish before the deadline. It was difficult to ignore the colorful pain throbbing throughout my body. A soft alarm went off, alerting me it was time for me to eat lunch. With my busy, time consuming position, it was sometimes hard to remember to take care of myself. In the break room, Hyunwoo was eating his lunch and looked like he was just about finished, but too occupied with his phone to care much. "Hey Hyunwoo, how has your day been?" I asked looking in the cabinet for some top ramen.

"I've been pretty well, but I've heard you've been slacking off from rumors through secretary. Have you been well?" He shakes messy strands of blonde hair out of his eyes, setting down his phone to observe me. Looking at him now, he should be sent out of the building for not being dressed professionally, but there'd be no way any of the staff would do such a thing. Everyone in the building seems to be captivated by him, which is complete bull if we're being honest. He's an idiot.

"I don't know. I guess so", I answer, my eyes on the fire beneath the pot.

"What's wrong? Does it have something to do with Juwon?"

"Sadly. Juwon and I had a fight a few weeks ago", I explained curtly. I thought back to the events that led up to that night, and how it had put me in such an abandoned state of mind. The sound of the bubbling water hitting the fire grounds me back to reality.

"Did she break up with you, or the other way around?" He cranes his neck to make eye contact with me.

"No, at least I don't think so. It wasn't officially declared."

"Ah, I understand. Well, enjoy your lunch I have to get back to work." He left the room and I was left alone with ramen that was too soggy. I've always sucked at cooking. It wasn't long before the room was filled with loud chattering, as it usually is. Chaewon and Yeonggi barged through the door bickering as they normally do.