What's Wrong With Assistant Kang?

30. No Longer Selfish

Her fingers slid down his cheek, and she slowly (and reluctantly), pulled away from him. Her eyes widened at all the beautiful feelings rushing through her during this moment. Her cheeks had reddened, and the smile that grew on her face reached her honey-brown eyes with sincerity. 

He didn't say anything, only staring at her wistfully, deeply wishing she hadn't pulled away from their embrace and feeling the cold of not having her so close anymore. 

"Jumin..." She astonished herself by calling him by his first name for the first time ever. But the name felt surprisingly pleasant as it slid off her tounge.

Jumin felt his heart leap momentarily hearing her say his name so sweetly. 

But he still looked at her silently, with the same longing expression, waiting for Jaehee to speak again.

"I... I want this," she said softly, smiling at him warmly. "But..."

"But...?" he continued after her silence, confused and admittedly fearful of what she may say next.

Had she regretted her decision? Did she actually not like him this way after all...?

Her smile didn't falter, and she shook her head slightly. "I like you."

Jumin felt relief flood him once again, and his shoulders relaxed, but she wasn't finished yet. 

"But I don't think we should date... not yet." Seeing his dejected expression, she quickly explained herself, not wanting him to get the wrong idea. "We still work in the same company... and, well... I don't think it would feel right if we dated right now and still kept being assistant and boss as well."

Jumin's silver eyes widened a bit and he finally understood what she meant. "You're right... as unpleasant as it is." It wouldn't be right to date each other considering the positions they were in at the moment. 

But he still couldn't help but feel distressed at the fact, and he noticed Jaehee having the same afflicted expression, even though she tried to hide it.

The two now remained silent for a while, looking down and unable to make eye contact; both unsure of how to continue the uncomfortable conversation.

Eventually, Jaehee raised her head once again, giving him a small, comforting smile. "But I don't think it will be a problem for very long."

Jumin looked at her bemusedly, not comphrending what she meant.

Jaehee couldn't help the chuckle that escaped her seeing his obliviousness. "Soon I'll be leaving the company, remember?" she reminded him, laughing slightly.

"Oh... right," he murmured. How had things ended like this...? 

As far as he knew, the whole reason he had proposed to Jaehee, why he began to know her better, how he discovered what a beautiful and amazing person she was truly and grew to love her... 

Was because he wanted to keep her by his side at the company. He wanted to keep her flawless work, her perfect leadership skills when it came to teaching and leading her subordinates, her exceptional loyalty. 

And yet she was still as determined of leaving as she had been the first time she declared it to him and basically threw her resignation papers on his desk. 

Only now, she seemed happier. 

Looking at her bright smile, her brown eyes glimmering, and remembering the feeling of her lips against his, of the warmth her hug brought, her long, glossy brown hair curled up between his fingers, her sweet but faint scent of coffee...