"Mr. Wang, Ms. Lee I am really glad that you guys are back. Now the workload will finally decrease." I greeted them with a warm smile as I went next day to work.
They both went away on a trip but it was not a leisure trip instead it was an assignment that had to be completed in Thailand. This company has another branch in that country and so they both were assigned with the task. So, yes in other words it can be called a trip.
They both reciprocated my smile and then asked me about my health. I guess they must have heard it from our team leader since my absence was definitely not wanted. I knew just with a glance at their faces that they both were genuinely worried about me. But all I could do was reply with a lie as I didn't want to burden anyone anymore with my worries. Not even myself.
"I was just feeling under the weather and your CEO didn't even wake me up. Can you guys believe that?" I tried to laugh the situation off but their expressions didn't cooperate.
"This is no laughing matter. We were really worried but since you are talking with this much enthusiasm today, I am relieved," Ms. Lee lightly patted my shoulder and headed to the meeting room.
Mr. Wang was still staring at me intently before speaking, "No matter how much you are being pressured by the boss, you can always deny it. Health comes first you know. I heard that the team leader overworked you while we were away and because of that, you caught a fever."
"Huh! Where did you hear that?" I raised my eyebrows and asked in confusion while on our way to the meeting room. He gave a vague smile and continued to walk.
"Tell me," I insisted.
"I have my sources you know," he smirked.
"But that's not true, although he did give me some extra tasks,"
"Aha! I knew it," Mr. wang interrupted me and started talking about how he was discriminating between genders and all.
Me, who reached the room and noticed the vacant seats saved by Ms.Lee for us, decided to keep quiet as I was not sure where this talk would go and if I will be able to defend myself or not.
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"Alright, everyone! since you all are here let's cut to the chase. We have been assigned a new project recently since our members have returned from the one in Thailand, making our team complete again. So, our current project revolves around the famous girl group band, CYBELE."
As soon as our team leader announced the name there were bustling sounds in the room. "Yes, yes, calm down everyone. You might have been aware beforehand since this project is under the gen Z exchange programs where young idols' lives are displayed." He halted and took a sip from his morning coffee. Then he continued as he shifted to the next slide on the projector.
"It will be released in the form of a monthly magazine edition. Hence, we will be taking this opportunity to feature their girl group while they will feature our boy band. This is a perfect opportunity for our promotions and hence I want someone reliable as a leader for this job."
Although I knew at that moment that everyone was expecting their names to be called out, I sat there as quietly as I could. Also, the team leader wasn't very fond of me so I got an escape pass. To be honest, I didn't want to inculcate myself with CYBELE anymore of course due to a certain someone. And since there were many people wanting this opportunity, I was assured of not getting selected.
"So, how are you going to decide a head for this project?" a person sitting across from me asked the team leader.
"Well, it's not like I can do a random draw as they would prefer only experienced candidates. Also, since this is a project revolving around the lives of young idols, so the target audience is also in their 20's. I cannot just pick any random member from my team. Right?" he looked at the member who asked the question.
"You see, I want people who have a similar mindset and those who are already familiar with the group. Mr. Wang and Ms. Lee would have been the ideal candidates but since they already returned from a big project, I have to choose someone else. He started scanning the other ones and then he laid his eyes upon me. "Oh! yes, you. Mr. Kiro, how did I forget about you? I was told that you helped in writing the lyrics for our boy group's debut song. Also, you are already acquainted with CYBELE.
This will be a perfect opportunity for you to get more exposure. Okay, so one person is the head and in case you aren't available, you, Mr. Choi, will be the second head. Okay, so give a big round of applause for both of them. Mr. Kiro will be leading the project while the other members will be helping them in the process."
I sat there utterly stunned and slowly trying to seep into reality. While everyone around congratulated me, I felt an urge to stand and speak. This unusual feeling was not subsiding. But then I realized that reality seldom goes the way we want it to. Right!
It's like there is no escape, every time I try to run away, my past halts me midway. They say that forget your past and think about your future. But what if the past wants to become your future too. Maybe not entirely but just a part of it. And I am sick of adjusting the pieces of the past into my future. I don't think I will be able to adjust these pieces anymore, anywhere.
"Kiro, you finally made it. This will be the first big project that you will be leading. We are so happy for you," Ms. Lee and Mr. Wang both congratulated me followed by the others. As I received the greetings from others I tried to maintain a smile on my face.
I have to accept this, I have to. Yes, take it as an opportunity. I averted my gaze towards the Team leader and I got the expression I anticipated. He smirked while making lip movements as I tried to recognize it.
"ALL. THE. BEST, OUR.MOST.BELOVED AND. TALENTED. OMEGA" At that moment I was not able to figure out his expression but somehow that didn't bother me at all. But a suspicion was raised and I decided to check it.
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"The lunch break is in 5 minutes. Let's eat something delicious today since Mr. Kiro will be treating us," Mr. Wang proposed as he looked at me with a happy expression.
"I am thinking about having lunch with our CEO today. It's not like I wish to but I have some urgent matters to discuss with him. I hope you don't mind," I expressed my words while feeling sorry.
"Of course, of course, we returned from Thailand after so long, and there was a certain someone who was desperate to know about our trip. Also, at home, I guess you both are busy with other matters...ummfff...." his voice muffled in between and he scowled. It was Ms. Lee who came to my rescue and took Mr. Wang away.
"Why don't we lunch outside tomorrow? Deal!", her calm smile and her audacity to control situations always fascinate me.
"Deal!" I gave her a high five and we went our separate ways.
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I reached his office and knocked lightly. "Come in", a voice resonated from inside.
I opened the door and entered inside. In front of me sat our CEO, Andrew. "To whom do I owe this pleasure to eat with my beloved today?" He stood up from his chair and happily reached me. I on the other hand stood still. He tilted towards me and stared at my face. "I thought my partner didn't like any sort of interaction during office hours," he then came close and kissed me on the forehead.
Then he held my hand, "Come sit here, Tell me what do you want to eat? I'll order it for you," he started scrolling through his phone while we sat on the sofa. "I'll eat anything but before that, I wanted to ask you something?" he lowered his phone maybe after ordering and focused his attention on me.
"What's wrong Sarang?" he placed his phone down and waited for me to speak first.
"Do you know about the new-gen Z collaboration between ours and CYBELE'S company?" I asked him without showing many expressions.
"Yes, I am aware of it since it is one of the major projects that is in the talk right now."
"Our team has been appointed as the one to work on it and I have been appointed as the lead," as soon as I finished my sentence, Andrew hugged me in ecstasy.
"See, Sarang I knew it, Finally, they recognized your talent and this is the perfect opportunity for you to be on the big screen. Then you can tell the world that second genders are nothing and that talent and hard work do pay off."
"Wait, so you are telling me that you are not the one who proposed my name for this project?" I asked him almost flabbergasted by his reaction.
"I am hearing it from you right now at this very moment. Also, why would I do such a thing when I am aware that's gonna be a cause for our fight? And I haven't received the report regarding this yet so I'm sorry that you had to tell me this first. I wanted to be the first one to congratulate you but I'm glad that you came to me yourself. Ah! this makes me so happy and equally motivated to work," Andrew patted me in appreciation.
"I know you are going to do just fine. So, let's give our best," his lips curled into a warm smile Meanwhile I was at a loss for words and remained quiet.
Of course, I knew he would never do that but I just had to confirm due to the team leader's remark. I don't know what's happening right now nor do I have the energy to indulge and seek a solution. I came here to reprimand but after seeing how everyone cheered for me including Andrew, I think I should give it a go.
We heard a knock on the door and the food was there.
"When I am working time seems to crawl but when I am with you. Time seems to fly by twice as fast," Andrew sulked as he looked at his watch while empty plates lay in front of us.
I'm sure no one could imagine these words coming from their CEO's mouth. He is like a child sometimes. I noticed his expression and decided to give him a kiss. But he spoke before I took any action.
"I think a sweet kiss will recover my mood in no time," he asked me while I giggled beside him. I bent forward and which was supposed to be a slight kiss turned into a smooch.
"Sarang, let's celebrate tonight! Just you and me," he asked me while he released me from his embrace. I nodded joyously "but not today. Let's celebrate it with everyone today and I will keep the weekend free for you. The children at the orphanage will understand as they know that I am busy now".
He was disappointed at first but as soon as I completed my sentence he was as happy as a puppy.
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tO bE cOnTiNuEd...