At that moment, Ji-Won had gotten up to his feet, and was glowering menacingly at his friend. there was not the faintest trace of goodwill on that handsome face.
"What?" Seo-Jun asked, blinking his eyes innocently. "You agreed to one drink. That is, one drink for each team member."
As he finished, a sly smirk began to pull at the corners of his lips. His logic was flawless, and no one could refute it, not even the frightening Director Kang.
Having to admit defeat, Ji-Won finally sat down again. Seeing this, the others breathed a sigh of relief, as the sizzling tension slowly evaporated. It was replaced by a slight bubbling feeling of enthusiasm and playfulness.
"I'll get you for this." Ji-Won threatened in a low grumble.
"I know you will. But for now, pour me a drink." Seo-Jun retorted, shoving his glass in front of his friend.
With a grudging scowl, Kang Ji-Won poured a drink to each and every team member.
There was nothing bad to be said about his mannerism. His gestures were neat and elegant, his posture natural, proving his good upbringing.
Yet, there was something that made all the team members feel rather uncomfortable, and that was Director Kang's sour expression. He looked like he was one step away from cursing all those glasses into becoming poison. And thinking about it, Su-Jin could actually see it coming from him.
Having the boss pour you a drink was usually considered an honor. People did that in order to demonstrate the respect they felt for each other. But, in that situation, the alcohol had every chance of tasting bitter rather than sweet.
Since he was going to drive, Ji-Won didn't accept any drinks from anyone. Seeing how the Deputy Director didn't even attempt to convince him, no one dared to approach the menacing Director with an offer to pour him alcohol.
When he finally reached Su-Jin's glass, Ji-Won paused for just a moment. She looked up and their eyes met for a brief second. It lasted only until the small glass was full, but it was enough for her to notice something in his gaze. His eyes did not contain anger or resentment, but rather... awkwardness.
That realization suddenly piqued Su-Jin's curiosity. She glanced at him once more, feeling unexpectedly intrigued by his strange personality. He acted all cold and icy-hearted, but could actually feel uncomfortable when joining a team dinner?
Su-Jin's brain was momentarily assaulted with questions she couldn't find answers to.
'What is it with this guy? What are his real feelings then? Is he really unfeeling or is it more to him than that?'
A second later, though, Su-Jin immediately slapped herself mentally. She berated her silly mind for ever thinking such foolish thoughts.
~~~
When Saturday morning came, Su-Jin stirred in her bed, happy she didn't have to wake up early. That meant the alarm clock could remain intact, and her disposition had every chance of being bright as the summer day outside.
However, it all lasted until she looked at her phone. Today's date was staring at her darkly. She let out a wail, shoving her head underneath the pillow. The fabric caused her words to come out muffled.
"Why does it have to be the 13th?!"
"Sis, breakfast is ready." She heard her brother shout from downstairs.
"I'm coming!" Su-Jin shouted back, not caring if he actually heard her or not. "Blasted day!" she added bitterly.
Indeed, for Su-Jin, the 13th of every month was something to be reckoned with. On that particular day, her klutziness would take almost supernatural proportions.
Out of the most severe stuff that had happened were falling down the stairs and breaking her arm when she was in grade school, cutting her fingers and burning the food while cooking when she was in highschool. There was also forgetting the windows open on a rainy day, and jamming the vacuum cleaner, all while she was in college. She even managed to break a sink once.
These, and much more, all happened on a 13th.
Sure, on the more lucky occasions, she only got herself a new scratch or bruise, so she might be able to escape pretty much unharmed this time around too. But she couldn't take that chance. This time, she would just sit still and do nothing.
After breakfast, Mi-Suk left for the office where she did most of her drawings, while Min-Jun went out to a study group. That left Su-Jin alone in the house. She fed Gyojeon, then flopped onto the couch to watch TV. She had decided to take on the cleaning tomorrow, on the 14th. That was a safe day to do stuff around the house.
~~~
On the other side of the city, the Kang household was oblivious to the brightness of the summer day. There was a heavy atmosphere throughout the house and the place was so quiet you could hear the furniture creaking.
Mrs. Kang was sitting on a comfortable looking armchair. It was a massive peace, embroidered with a luxurious floral pattern. In her hands there was a cup of coffee that had gone cold. Her fingers tapped on the handle rapidly, a clear proof of the agitation she was feeling.
A young man with ruffled brown hair was lounging leisurely on the sofa across from his mother.
They had been arguing for the past half an hour, but despite all that, the young man looked as calm as anything. That only made his mother more riled up.
"Ji-Su, are you listening to me?" Mrs. Kang asked her son briskly, annoyance dripping from her voice.
"Yes mother. I heard you loud and clear." Ji-Su said, his tone oozing with the boredom he was feeling.
"Now that your half-brother has returned, you have to do everything in your power to secure your position in the company." His mother continued, ignoring his grimaces.
"Stop calling him half-brother, mother. It sounds so...crude." Ji-Su scrunched up his nose.
"But it's true. He 'is' your half-brother."
"Still, I don't like it. I call him brother." Ji-Su said stubbornly.
"Alright, alright!" Snapped Mrs. Kang. "Now that your 'brother' is back, you need to be careful."
"Careful of what? Is not like he is going to attack me in my sleep. He even moved out of the house, just so he won't have to see us." Ji-Su cried in exasperation.
He understood where his mother was coming from, but he still believed she was exaggerating.