Love Stories Over A Cup Of Coffee

A: The Start of Something New

"So, why is the Chairman calling to see me? Is there a problem?" I asked Secretary Na. I feel nervous for two things. One, the Chairman might be in a bad condition again that's why he asked me to see him. And second, he hasn't said anything about what I told him last night.

"Don't worry too much. I think the Chairman has something to say but it's not about his health. He's been doing okay lately. His lab results are all good as well." Secretary Na assured me as we approach the mansion.

"Are you okay Chairman?" I asked the Chairman as soon I we enter his office.

We found him sitting behind his long table, smiling while scrolling his phone.

"Oh dear, I'm very okay. Don't worry about me." He stared at me and and Secretary Na, so is standinh beside me, for a long time. He then smiled. "Can you move closer together?" He asked.

I looked at Secretary Na. He looks as puzzled as me. He looked at me and slightly nodded to tell me that we should just do what Chairman want.

We moved closed to each other, our arms touching.

"Closer, please." The Chairman asked again.

I looked at Secretary Na. He nodded. Once again we moved closer. This time, his arm wrapped around my waist.

The Chairman observed us a little bit more. He nodded, then a smile.

"Beautiful!" He said as he clapped his hands.

"Umm, sorry, but what is happening?" I asked bluntly.

Tha Chairman chuckled. "You two look good together. I love it so much! I wouldn't be a hindrance to the two of you."

I looked at Secretary Na. He gave me a shy smile.

"Secretary Na asked for my permission to court you, a few days ago. You see, I love the idea of him being part of the family. In fact, I've always treated him as family. If you end up together, why not? You look good together." The Chairman paused for awhile. "But of course, the final decision is always yours, my dear. Whatever it is that you want, we will all follow. After all, your life is yours to live."

So, wait. Does that mean that even before I texted him last night, he already asked my grandfather father? Does that mean that even if I didn't asked him to, he will ask permission anyways? Wow. Secretary Na is truly exceeding my expectations.

We saw August standing in front of the Chairman's room. I thought he's waiting for us to get out so he can talk to the Chairman but apparently, he's waiting for us.

"Can we talk?" He directed the question to me.

I kinda panicked because this is the first time that he talked to me outside of work since I've read his letter. I looked at Secretary Na for help. He smiled at me and nodded, telling me to give August a chance to talk.

"I'll leavethe two of you for a while. I'll just get some snacks." Secretary Na said.

"We'll be at the pool side." August informed him.

After Secretary Na left, August led me to the pool side. It's not sunny, so it's okay to stay here. It's cloudy and windy, but it will not rainy type of weather to day.

It took August a while before he started talking.

"Secretary Na talked to me a few days ago." He looked at me in the eyes, the first time in a long while. "He was asking permission, I guess you know by now what this is all about?" He asked me. I nodded.

I observed August. There's no bad feelings cmoing from him. None at all. What is he thinking tho? What's with the long pause.

He let out a sigh. "I know I'm in no position to have a say in your life, especially on your love life. I don't think my opinion even matters. But I want you to know that I'll be supporting you, whoever you want to be with." He paused again. This time, he's looking behind. I assume Secretary Na has arrived. "I'm giving you the go signal, not because my permission has any bearing, but because I do not want to deprive her of anything that she deserves. Take care of her, and don't make her cry like I did." After that, August smiled at me, then left without saying anything.