What's Wrong With Assistant Kang?

31. Rainy Days

"Assistant Kang?" Jumin called, but Jaehee didn't respond, only silently staring out the window like she had been for the past ten minutes.

"Assistant Kang?"

Again there was no response from her; she was clearly distracted, which was extremely strange coming from the always efficient Jaehee Kang.

Finally, she snapped out of her thoughts, blinking and bowing down slightly. "Oh, I'm sorry. Was there something you wished to say?"

Jumin's grey eyes narrowed slightly, worried, and he examined her carefully. "You seem distant today... are you okay?"

Jaehee immediately gave him a smile, as if out of reflex. "Yes, of course." she reassured him just as quickly, then glancing away. She didn't want him to worry because of her.

Jumin seemed quite unbelieving, still staring at her in silence.

"Mr. Han...?" the brunette spoke, sounding awkward.

The corporate director sighed as he promptly got up from his leather chair. "I wanted to ask you about Miss Park's internship. How is she managing?" He approached her until he stood up right next to her by the window, from where they could see almost all of the city from the high, and beautiful, view.

"Oh, Mi-Cha— um, I mean, Miss Park has been doing well lately. At first I was worried about her since the position seemed like a lot to handle for a newcomer, but eventually she learnt how to be a qualified worker." She smiled sincerely this time, quite content to tell the good news to him.

Jumin smiled in return, glad to see her cheer up, even if just slightly. "I'm glad. You're truly a good teacher."

The chief assistant wasn't sure why, but her heart suddenly leapt on her chest at the compliment. "How was your meeting this morning?" she asked him, geniunely curious of how his day went.

Jumin's smile instantly vanished, and Jaehee was worried she accidentally said something wrong. "Oh, that..." he muttered, momentarily closing his eyes.

She could see the built-up stress on his face, and he massaged his temples as an attempt to get rid of it.

"Since Father is on that trip with Mother, it became more difficult to maintain things in order... It's extremely draining, but not impossible at least," he explained to her, sounding quite tired, but thankfully not disheartened.

Now it was Jaehee's turn to look at him worriedly, but she smiled slightly at him. "I'm sure you did a wonderful job. You're a good director, and you will be an even greater chairman someday," she reassured him with sincerity, softly laying a hand over his arm in comfort.

Jumin wouldn't say it, but hearing her say that gave him all the strength and confidence he felt was missing after all those stiff meetings and corporate arguments.  She truly was wonderful. He couldn't help the warm smile that grew on his face as he looked back at her.

The two stared at each other for a while, lost in their own thoughts, before turning around and facing the wide sky ahead again.

"Oh, the clouds are really grey... and they're starting to cover the sun." Jaehee noticed with concern. It looked like extremely heavy rain, walking under it would be a chore.

"Hm. It seems like it's going to rain," he agreed, then he turned towards her with a face of all seriousness. "You should come with me and Driver Kim so you can get home safely."

"Oh, well..." She thought it over for a bit, she supposed there really wasn't anything to lose. Then nodded at him with a small smile. "Alright, thank you."