The Perfect

“No.”“Not even one?”The employee averted his gaze. Slumped shoulders, uncertain eyes. From the moment he entered, it was clear he was suited for a low-level position. Timid and focused on keeping his head down. The director clicked his tongue in disapproval at sending someone like him.“So Manager Kim was right. Afraid of Heartless. Not what I expected.”The employee looked up, questioning with his eyes, but the director didn’t notice, engrossed in the personnel record. Instead, the outsider who had been watching spoke.“Are you afraid of Heartless?”“Yes.”The answer came without hesitation. The director frowned, but the outsider smiled.“Most people are afraid. If you fought in the war three years ago, you have the right to say you’re scared.”“I’m not that confident.”He mumbled, voice barely audible. The director remained displeased.“Right, confidence isn’t the issue. Even if Heartless go wild, they’re just like us. They don’t use superpowers, and one bullet can kill them. What’s there to fear? Unless you’re afraid of the gun?”“…”“Why aren’t you answering? Afraid of the gun? A man afraid of a gun?”“Well, guns are dangerous…”The two men reacted differently. The director frowned, the outsider laughed.“Even if it’s dangerous, just holding a gun is enough. So you did well in the field despite being scared of Heartless?”“Field?”“You caught Heartless with 4K. That’s why 4K’s CEO…”“Special Chief.”The outsider interrupted, calling the director. The director glanced at him, realizing his mistake. The employee eyed them suspiciously, but the director quickly changed the subject.“Hmm, you’re close with 4K’s CEO Na? That’s why 4K took the case.”“We’re not close. I helped by chance, and CEO Na generously rewarded me…”“Even so, CEO Na isn’t a philanthropist. You must’ve impressed him. 4K doesn’t usually take Special Disaster Prevention Agency cases.”“Never?”The employee asked, puzzled. The director frowned again. That’s why you were summoned.“Didn’t you know? We’ve approached 4K several times, always rejected. 4K specializes in high-risk cases. Their non-cooperation has caused us trouble. Especially that arrogant…”“Special Chief.”The outsider interrupted again. The director cleared his throat and smiled warmly. He almost ruined the deal. The employee seemed suspicious, but the director shifted the topic.“But CEO Na is very gentle. I wanted to secure a contract with him, and now you’re here.”“Special Chief, there’s a misunderstanding. I’m not close to CEO Na beyond that incident. No contact, it ended there…”“Humble. That incident clearly left an impression. 4K, usually uncooperative, accepted on the condition you work as a liaison. All thanks to you. Ha.”The words were insincere, but the employee was too shocked to notice. He blinked and asked.“Did CEO Na really request me as a liaison?”Of course not. But he couldn’t reveal that truth.“Well… 4K’s CEO requested it. You must’ve left a deep impression.”The director repeated, handing a paper.“Sign here.”I was in a reverent state. I imagined the choir singing sanctus and doves flying overhead. My mind was filled with joy. I could almost fly. A deep impression. I left a deep impression on CEO Na. It felt like a story from my novel. I was part of that story. My heart raced, nearly bursting. I forced myself to calm down. What made such an impression? My fear and timidity? My jokes finally landing? My composed demeanor despite Yangsimless’s meal extortion?It was likely the last. Though my voice trembled, my actions were commendable. But for him to accept the agency’s request? That’s beyond just liking me. Business was involved. Yet because of me, to see me! My heart felt strained. What is this? The perfect CEO Na, more perfect than in a novel, attracted to me, scheming to keep me close. This is… obsession!“Sign here… Can you hear me? Are you okay?”I wasn’t. My heart raced painfully. The director’s words were gibberish. He forced a pen into my hand, and I scribbled something, but I didn’t remember.“Start working there next week. The contract with 4K is done. As long as you work there, we’ll keep dealing with 4K. Stay there as long as possible. That’s an order.”Mind over body, they say. Usually exhausted after work, I felt light and walked home with a spring in my step. My heart raced with excitement. The world, CEO Na trading with the director to bring me in. Wow, I need to write this into my novel! I entered my building, oblivious to the person by the elevator notice board.I was lost in my fantasies, mouth agape, not caring who saw. Had CEO Na not contacted me because he was planning to keep me by his side? Drinking 870-year-old whiskey at his Van Dyke Brown mahogany desk…“Han Jemyung?”“Yes… Ah!”A scream escaped my mouth. My heart, already racing from my fantasies, felt like it flipped. Why wouldn’t it? Yangsimless was right in front of me.“Did you see something you shouldn’t have?”Yes, you.“No, just startled.”I was genuinely startled. My heart still felt like it would leap out of my chest. Damn, I had been so careful, but my excitement about meeting CEO Na next week made me let my guard down… Wait. That means I’ll see this guy next week too?!“Gah!”“What is it?”“Just surprised again.”He eyed me suspiciously. I needed to stay calm, but it was hard.“I should be surprised. Why is someone from Garibong-dong here?”Gulp.“I moved.”I blurted it out and immediately regretted it. Damn, I should’ve said I was visiting someone.“When?”“Uh, two days ago.”Still not trusting…“Right. I saw the back of your head at 8 AM yesterday. If you’d said you were visiting, I’d have thought you were lying.”Crisis averted, but my heart raced again. How did he see the back of my head at 8 AM?“Why are you here?”“Strange question. What if I live in 205?”“…I saw you come out of another building with documents before.”“Right.”Still suspicious, but I managed. Every conversation felt like life or death. But the real danger was just beginning.“I’ve been looking for someone for ten days and just got a tip they live in 205.”The security guard must have talked. At least he didn’t give my apartment number.“What’s your apartment number?”“…”“What’s your number?”“Thirty-five thousand seven hundred sixty.”“…”“…”“Very funny.”His expression said he’d kill me. But I dodged another bullet. He moved on from my residence.“Living in 205, you might’ve seen the person I’m looking for.”I glanced at his flyer on the notice board.“I just moved, so I don’t know anyone…”“I’ll show you.”What?!“I drew a composite sketch based on witness descriptions. Recognize this person?”He handed me a paper. My heart leapt to my throat. Damn, if he drew a composite, he’d know it was me… No, he wouldn’t. Is this a person?“Seen this?”“…In hell.”“What?”“Yes?”“Jiwoo dog?”What?“How did you know?”Know what?!“I drew it in one go without Jiwoo dogging.”So that’s why it’s a mess. I’ve never seen such a mess… Wait. This style looks familiar. It’s like the drawings from the middle school girl who sends me fan letters! I grabbed the drawing from his hand. It was similar. Definitely drawn with feet.“Know this person?”“No, just similar style…”No, that’s not it. I looked up, frozen. Yangsimless was smiling. No, he was trying to suppress a smile, but his lips twitched.“I get that a lot. People say it’s like Egon Schiele.”What an insult to Schiele! Unless Schiele drew with his feet… Did he?“So, seen this person?”I nodded, relieved. With this composite, he’d never find me.“Wait, looks like you, Han Jemyung.”What part?! I recoiled in shock, but he held the paper next to my face. I crossed my eyes and flared my nostrils. After a moment, he lowered the paper, disappointed.“Thought it was similar.”I felt my nostrils twitch as I asked.“What will you do when you find them?”“Get an apology.”An apology. Should I confess now? Damn, it’s unfair, but…“And compensation.”“What compensation?!”My voice was loud, but Yangsimless was lost in thought.“For the severe mental damage from my tarnished reputation. Plus, the cost of flyers, printing, and all the time and expenses for tracking and questioning. Especially meal expenses.”The fear of jelly returned. I couldn’t lose more of my salary.“I’ll help. I live in 205, so I’ll look for someone matching the composite. Director Kook, you’re busy, no need to…”“No need for help. You’ll be busy like me from Monday.”Monday? That’s when I start at 4K. I couldn’t ask if he knew. He smiled meaningfully and walked away.CEO Na sat in his roughly 200-pyeong office, deep in thought. How could he bring Wi Siwoo closer to him? He had already sent his rival, Manager Kim, to an island. To ensure he never returned, he cut off all ferry services to the island. Now, Manager Kim would spend the rest of his life gathering seaweed on the shore, shedding tears saltier than the sea itself.CEO Na felt no guilt for ruining the life of someone who had been working well at the company. As the head of a massive corporation with 5 million employees, he had ruthlessly eliminated rivals. Manager Kim had committed the grave sin of hovering around Wi Siwoo. For the cold and possessive CEO Na, Manager Kim’s presence was bad luck.Manager Kim’s daily life would now involve going to the sea to gather seaweed, shedding tears. With his competitor eliminated, CEO Na focused on keeping Wi Siwoo tightly by his side. He had devised a meticulous plan to achieve this. To ensure Siwoo didn’t suspect his plan, he had avoided contacting him for a week.This week had been hellish for him. But now, it was over. From Monday, Siwoo would start working by CEO Na’s side. The day before Siwoo was to start, CEO Na decided to celebrate in advance by pouring a glass of 1020-year-old champagne.In 1020, the champagne had been created to commemorate the wedding of Count Bénevent de la Colla Pheléithion VII of Saint-Émilion, France. Made using a family secret recipe passed down through generations, the champagne had a unique aroma and taste. Unfortunately, on his wedding day, Count Bénevent de la Colla Pheléithion VII had an accident and became infertile, ending the family line, leaving only one bottle…Becoming a strange person—no one had advised against this, but after completing regular education, it became naturally ingrained. Don’t stand out. Don’t live differently from others. Standing out attracts attention and attacks. Being different leads to being labeled strange.Being ridiculed simply for being different was absurd, but it had become an accepted norm. However, others weren’t living my life for me. I wasn’t living for others, and I definitely wasn’t living to please others. So, there was no need to worry about appearing strange or standing out.It took a long time to realize this. But even after realizing it mentally, accepting it took even longer. The habit of constantly being conscious of others couldn’t disappear overnight. While I was turning my fantasies into novels, I still cared about others’ opinions. What if they found out I wrote this and thought I was weird? What if they called me a pervert?In reality, those who knew I wrote novels never reacted that way. The only one asking those questions was me. Isn’t it amusing? I decided to start anew, but the more I tried to change, the more my old self emerged. But that’s okay for now. As long as one thing remains hidden. The effort I made to not be myself.Monday. With a feeling of flying throughout the weekend, I managed to post a new chapter and prepare for Monday. When meeting CEO Na, I had to manage my expressions. Without preparation, I knew I’d smile foolishly upon seeing his face. So, I practiced in front of the mirror, recalling the saddest moments of my life.Thanks to this, on the way to the new office, I managed to suppress my smiles. With tense eyes, I opened the door to CEO Na’s office, ready to manage my expressions. This helped me handle the warm reception from 4K employees.“What’s this, why are you here again? I heard you finished the job in one day last time?”Clicker recognized me and widened his eyes. Muscly Man beside him narrowed his eyes.“Are you here to ask for another favor? The audacity of the Special Disaster Prevention Agency. We told them dozens of times we wouldn’t take their jobs, and even the director came to bother us. I thought they’d given up. But now, after one favor, they want more, right?”Wrong. Your CEO invited me. CEO Na hadn’t informed his employees about the important decision he made at his Van Dyke Brown mahogany desk. Maybe he felt embarrassed. 4K didn’t take Special Disaster Prevention Agency jobs, but because of me, he broke that long-held stance to keep me close.Had he informed them earlier, he would’ve faced strong opposition, especially from troublesome Yangsimless. But the deed was done. A man must know when to act decisively in crucial moments. CEO Na once again proved to be perfect in my eyes.“What’s all the noise?”Someone I hadn’t noticed before rose from the sofa. His face, freshly awake, was covered with stubble grown overnight.“Section Chief Bae, the Special Disaster Prevention Agency employee is here again.”Surprisingly polite, Clicker pointed at me. Section Chief Bae had been the only one kind to me, so I bowed to greet him.“Hello.”“Whether you say hello or not is none of your business.”Section Chief Bae responded coldly, frowning as he stood. He was completely different from the person I knew. And I noticed there wasn’t any smell of alcohol. Maybe he’s a different person when sober? To my surprise, he scolded the other two employees.“Why are you two making a fuss about a Special Disaster Prevention Agency employee in the morning?”“But Section Chief Bae, last time he brought a ridiculous request, and CEO Na had to comply. Now the agency is surely trying to exploit us further. Am I wrong?”“It’s true I’m here because of the agency, but this time it’s not our request, it’s the representative…”Before I could explain, the impatient employees reacted only to the first part and got angry.“See! I was right!”“I knew it! The agency rejected us when 4K started, but now they want to exploit our fame. That’s why you’re here, right?”I couldn’t understand their intense anger at the agency, but it was unfair.“Listen. The work you dislike so much was brought by your representative, not me.”Silence followed. I expected a loud rebuttal accusing me of lying, but they just exchanged glances. Why? Did they already suspect? Did CEO Na often talk about me? I barely suppressed a grin.“Our CEO requested it?”“Yes. CEO Na requested it.”Another short silence. Then the reaction I expected.“Haha, come on. Why would CEO Na request a job from the agency and send someone? He’d have to be crazy.”Crazy… about me. I struggled not to smile.“Why would I lie?”“Because it’s a lie. You’re making no sense. Was that a joke to make us laugh?”“It wasn’t meant to be funny.”“You’re right, it wasn’t funny!”Clicker confidently exclaimed as Muscly Man stepped forward, ready to join the confrontation. With no allies, I felt the loneliness of a two-to-one battle, but then Section Chief Bae intervened, blocking the two men.“Both of you, quiet. Why are you picking a fight with an innocent person? Whether it’s the Special Disaster Prevention Agency or not, we just handle Heartless. We didn’t join this for the money. If you want to make money, I’ll write you a recommendation to another company that pays well.”It seemed Section Chief Bae outranked them, as they didn’t argue back, instead glaring at me. Serves them right. I should buy Section Chief Bae some makgeolli from his favorite bar.“Hey, Special Disaster Prevention Agency employee, if you’re going to come here, do it properly. Don’t just follow orders from above without knowing the reason.”I got scolded too.“The reason is that CEO Na called for me.”The three of them looked at me with the same expression: “You’re lying.”“It’s true. Special Chief called me, and CEO Na apparently liked me, so he requested I be sent here as a liaison in exchange for taking on the agency’s work.”“…”“…”“…”“I’m not sure why CEO Na specifically requested me, but… hmm.”I paused to suppress my laughter. Seeing their shocked faces, I had to conjure up the saddest memories, even imagining my non-existent parents’ death. Yes, you’re surprised, right? You tormented me, and now CEO Na called for me. You must be in shock. Though I suppressed my laughter, I couldn’t hide my satisfaction and added.“I’m not sure why CEO Na singled me out, but…”“Why would I request Han Jemyung?”Of course, to keep me close… What? Startled by the voice behind me, I turned. The star of the day, CEO Na, stood at the door. Oh no, I wasn’t ready to meet him! I hadn’t practiced my subtly smiling yet aloof, enigmatic smile in front of the mirror hundreds of times! I belatedly curved my lips. But before I could perfect the smile, he asked again.“Did I request Han Jemyung?”“Yes. I was told that while CEO Na decided to cooperate with the agency, he wanted me as a liaison. I came under orders from above.”“Did I request it?”“Yes.”“Who told you that?”“Special Chief himself. He said the CEO of 4K requested it.”“Did he specify which representative?”Which representative? Well, obviously…“Han Jemyung?”“4K has two representatives.”“Yes. It seems there was a misunderstanding. I’ve never contacted the agency, nor made such a request.”“…”“It’s likely Director Kook acted on his own.”He spoke and exchanged looks with the staff. Their expressions turned subtle, with furrowed brows and tight lips.“There must be a reason. The decision not to take on the agency’s work was largely influenced by Director Kook. Can you tell me if it’s a fixed-term or condition-based contract?”“…”“Han Jemyung?”Sorry. I muttered an apology, feeling lost. I think I also apologized for the misunderstanding.“Mr. Hong, contact Director Kook. Mr. Seo, you know someone at L&Y, right? They wouldn’t just stand by while the agency contracts with us. Find out if they have any information. Section Chief Bae, use your connections to find out if there’s an issue at the agency. If they’re handing us work, it must be serious. If L&Y can’t handle it, it’s significant. And.”He looked at me.“Han Jemyung, can we talk?”I followed him into a room. Thud, the door closed behind me. He pointed to a chair, and I found myself opposite him. He stared at his desk, frowning slightly, then spoke.“When resolving the last case, did anything happen with Director Kook? Did you, pardon the expression, upset him?”“…”“As you know, he holds grudges. He has a tendency for persistent revenge that most people find hard to understand. I’m not saying he’s out for revenge against you. But in my experience, revenge is often his main motivation when he dislikes something.”He paused, waiting for my response, then continued.“You settled the meal expenses that day, right?”“…Yes.”“Was there another conflict?”“…”“I’m not interrogating you. It’s better to identify the cause and resolve it quickly. Director Kook holds grudges but also lets go once things are settled. Did you say something that could have upset him?”I heard the question, but my mind wasn’t working well. My voice, not seeming like my own, said, “I’m not sure.”“Then it seems he misunderstood something. I’ll find out when he arrives.”He said more afterward, explaining about setting up my workspace and using any equipment. I walked out, passing the three busy employees. When I regained my senses, I was sitting on a toilet.I must have been out of it for a while. Time heals, they say, but this felt like poison. Belated shame washed over me. I felt red with embarrassment. Ugh, this is so humiliating. Not just my words to CEO Na and the office staff, but my foolish fantasies for days.I really thought CEO Na had summoned me. I had mentioned his name when speaking with the Special Chief, and he hadn’t denied it. Well, technically, he had avoided it. Damn. Damn the Special Chief. And Yangsimless. When CEO Na asked about other conflicts, something clicked despite my haze. A whispered voice in my ear.‘What if you desperately want me?’Couldn’t be. Not just because I said I didn’t want his help. If true, it means he wants me to ask for help…“Why are you crying?”Ah! I looked up, startled. Section Chief Bae’s face peeked over the stall.“Hehe, why are you crying?”He smiled. His eyes were a bit glazed. He’d been drinking.“Embarrassed?”“I wasn’t crying.”“Your eyes are wet.”Seemed his personality changed when he drank. Well, most people are like that.“Really, I wasn’t crying.”“It’s okay. Cry if you want. You’re already embarrassed, so what’s the difference?”There is a difference. It’d be more embarrassing.“I wasn’t crying. My eyes are just like this.”“Really?”He tilted his head and laughed again.“What a shame. If you were 20 years older, you’d be my type.”Older?“I only date older people.”“Oh, um…”“Your aura is just my type.”When someone is drunk, anyone could be their type. Still, his drunken ramblings were a relief. If I had to face the sharp glares from that office full of enemies, I might actually cry. Embarrassment seemed to bring sorrow along with it.“But if Director Kook has marked you, I’ll back off.”“Marked me?!”I jumped up, my sorrow exploding. The man didn’t even flinch, still resting his chin on the partition and nodding.“Yep, yep. The Special Disaster Prevention Agency employee with the vibe has been marked. Once Director Kook marks you, you can never escape.”“Even if I apologize?”“If you apologize, well, he might let it go.”So I should apologize…“Unless Director Kook whispered to you.”“Whispered?”“Yeah. Like this, leaning close and whispering.”He cupped his hands around his mouth. But I didn’t have the luxury to be annoyed by a drunk man trying to be cute. His next words froze my expression.“When Director Kook is really angry, he lowers his voice. When he’s truly angry, he smiles and his voice becomes calm. Then he gets close and whispers.”“What, what did he say?”“I’ll kill you.”“…”“That’s the warning.”“…”“Well, that’s what I heard. I’ve never seen it myself. No one has pushed Director Kook that far. Well, unless he whispered to you, just apologize quickly. Do what you need to and end it. And if you’re okay with it, let’s grab a meal sometime… Ah!”With a crash, his face disappeared. He must have fallen off the toilet he was standing on. I heard groaning, then the sound of him leaving the restroom. I listened for a while to make sure no one else was there, then wiped my eyes with the back of my hand.* * *Catching Heartless was a highly stressful job. Especially for 4K employees who handled high-risk Heartless, stress management was crucial to stay focused. To cope, some drank, some exercised obsessively, and others indulged in shopping. But it wasn’t enough. The more dangerous the Heartless they had to catch, the greater the burden, needing an escape to another world. For example, an unrealistic romance novel that had been updating consistently for over a year.CEO Na gathered his staff and announced his decision.“A new employee will be coming to assist me.”The employees’ eyes widened in shock. Assist? The perfect CEO Na, who flawlessly handled everything without anyone’s help, needed assistance? Even those in his office mainly marveled at his brilliant mind. But the shock wasn’t over.“I scouted this person from elsewhere. Treat them well.”Scouted?! How incredible must this person be? A genius employee with an IQ of 358 tried to win CEO Na’s favor but kneeled before CEO Na’s revealed IQ of 577. One employee nervously asked a question. Though CEO Na didn’t like questions, it was necessary to know for work.“Is the new employee handsome?”No answer came. Just a faint smile. CEO Na smiling! To be smiled at by CEO Na’s appearance! Some staggered in shock. The head of a massive group with 5 million employees, ranked first by People magazine as the most beautiful person for 31 years straight. No one imagined someone who could make him smile existed. Who was it? What kind of person? What’s the name?“Who else?! It’s Wi Siwoo!”Section Chief Bae’s sudden outburst startled the two who had their heads against the monitor.“Ah, Section Chief Bae, you scared us.”Clicker complained but returned his attention to the monitor. He read the last few lines he hadn’t finished and exclaimed in admiration.“Wow, this is it. The main character has finally appeared.”“It’s too soon to relax. The half-brother who studied abroad will definitely return.”“The novel suggested he might have died studying abroad.”Muscly Man scoffed at Clicker’s words.“That makes it more certain. No one has returned from the dead in this novel. How can a melodramatic novel have no one return from the dead? The half-brother will return.”“Still holding onto that? Look, the new person’s specs are insane. They have 50,000 employees. That’s game over.”“5 million.”“No way… Whoa! It’s true! Awesome!”Clicker was genuinely impressed. He had changed significantly since first encountering the novel. Initially, he felt ashamed reading a collection of childish delusions. Of course, the content was still absurd. But had he adapted? Well, it was somewhat worth reading. It was especially fun to read and criticize together. Trust was vital for those who worked dangerous jobs, and nothing brought people together like criticizing something collectively.“Awesome? It’s crazy. If they have 5 million employees…”Muscly Man grumbled but felt a gaze and turned. Seated a bit away was the Special Disaster Prevention Agency employee who claimed he was there by CEO Na’s orders. Feeling embarrassed, he had been out for a while, but when had he returned? And why was he looking at them with such a strange expression?“Hey, you got something to say?”* * *I wished I could stay in the restroom all day and then go home. But I couldn’t do whatever I wanted just because I needed to earn a living. I resolved in the restroom to face whatever mockery and jeers came my way and returned to the office. The later I went, the more 4K employees would laugh at me, so I forced my reluctant steps forward.However, their reaction was different from what I expected. They had no interest in me. Gathered around Clicker’s large monitor, they seemed deeply engrossed in something urgent. They didn’t care whether I sat at the empty desk or not. Still, I hunched my shoulders like a timid mouse.Sitting there, I had nothing to do. I pulled out my notebook, thinking pretending to work hard might keep them from talking to me later. Usually, I’d eagerly pore over my drafts in spare moments, but now I couldn’t focus. Having nothing else to do, I forced myself to concentrate on what I had to write. While reality was still embarrassing, things would be different in the world of my novel.In the next episode, the protagonist Wi Siwoo finally starts working at CEO Na’s company. Of course, he receives a warm welcome from the employees. Especially the three colleagues in the secretary’s office joke that he’s there because of them. When light-hearted banter turns into a small argument, Siwoo steps in, flustered.‘I wasn’t specifically chosen to be here. It’s a coincidence…’Then, a voice as deep and rich as a 15,000-meter cave echoes behind him.‘I chose Wi Siwoo.’Siwoo is startled. But the employees, already aware, nod in agreement, though they don’t hide their wistful glances at Siwoo. If not for CEO Na, they would want to be friends with him too. Unaware of his vine-like charm, Siwoo tries to find an empty seat, but CEO Na calls him.‘No, Wi Siwoo’s place is in my office.’Dun dun! I, I’m sharing an office with CEO Na?!“Han Jemyung, please come to my office.”Huh! Startled, I looked up. CEO Na stood at the office door.“Do you mean me?”“Yes. If it doesn’t interfere with your work.”He glanced at the notebook I was diligently writing in. Though he couldn’t see the words from that distance, I hurriedly closed it. As I got up, he entered the office first. As I left my seat, I noticed the three employees still huddled around the monitor, looking serious. What’s so important that they don’t even acknowledge the boss?That’s when they started talking strangely. They seemed to be discussing something from the monitor. But the content was odd. Half-brother studying abroad? 5 million employees? It felt familiar. Muscly Man noticed my gaze.“Hey, you got something to say?”“Do you?”“What?”“Yes?”“…”I won. Savoring a bit of satisfaction, I headed to CEO Na’s office, but Section Chief Bae’s admiration halted my steps.“Wow, look at this detailed background. The author has a knack for details. 1020-year-old champagne?”What? Shocked, I turned. 1020-year-old champagne?“Shame. If the count hadn’t become impotent, I could’ve tasted it.”The count? What kind of story sounds so much like mine? As I approached them, my name was called again. Han Jemyung? CEO Na looked at me questioningly, so I had no choice but to resume my original path. Yet even as I sat in front of CEO Na, I couldn’t shake the thought. 1020, not 1000? And champagne, not wine? Could it be… plagiarism? Who the hell…“Are you okay?”“No.”Oops. I quickly replied and bit my lip.“I mean.”“I understand. Anyone involved with Director Kook would be distressed. Especially you, Han Jemyung.”Especially? His emphasis made me uneasy. By the way, the desk was midnight black. Nice.“You signed this document.”A white paper was placed on the midnight black surface, labeled as a document from the Special Disaster Prevention Agency. I pulled it closer. The form was familiar. At the top was the agency logo I saw daily.‘Document Number: xxxx-xx-xxxx’Title: Employee Dispatch Contract for Collaboration with 4K Co., Ltd.Contract concerning the dispatch of Han Jemyung of Management Team 3, Division 5, Special Disaster Prevention Agency (hereinafter referred to as the Agency) to 4K Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as 4K) for collaboration as requested by 4K. The contract commences with the start of collaboration by Han Jemyung with 4K and ends with the conclusion of said collaboration. However, the end of Han Jemyung’s dispatch duties shall be decided solely by the primary representative of 4K. The management and duties of the dispatched employee, Han Jemyung, shall be entrusted entirely to the primary representative of 4K, and Han Jemyung shall comply under all circumstances. 4K bears no responsibility for any injuries or death of Han Jemyung during the collaboration. 4K shall not cover any additional allowances or incidental expenses for the dispatched employee.At the bottom of the fully filled contract was the consent signature of the dispatched employee. Mine. Damn, my signature.“I don’t know exactly how you came to sign this.”Because I was mesmerized by you.“I understand you wouldn’t voluntarily sign such a ridiculous contract.”But I did.“I see you signed it directly in front of the Special Chief, so you must have felt pressured.”Not at all.“I apologize on behalf of our side’s representative. Even if you mistook me for the representative on the contract, it must have been a tough decision.”It was super easy.“Han Jemyung, are you okay?”He asked me a second time. Despite the situation, it was somewhat comforting that he was concerned about me.“So, this primary representative mentioned here…”“Yes, that’s Director Kook.”“Then CEO Na is the secondary representative?”“I understand it sounds strange. Director Kook and I co-founded this company. However, Director Kook insisted on being the primary representative because he holds 1% more shares than I do.”It was petty, incredibly petty. But I had no time to measure Yangsimless’s pettiness. According to this contract, I had to work with Yangsimless from now on. So, I’d be catching Heartless with that guy…! The shock hit me belatedly. Going to a site with Heartless again.It was a conspiracy. Yangsimless conspired with the Special Chief to deceive me. Though I actively participated, that wasn’t the point. I was listing the people I should curse when I realized the room was quiet. I looked up to see CEO Na watching me. His face was expressionless, but his eyes showed pity.“Let’s find a solution. If we know why Director Kook is upset, it won’t be hard to resolve. Do you have any idea why he was angry that day?”“Well, it’s…”“Even something trivial is fine. Director Kook sometimes gets irrationally furious over unexpected things.”His harsh words startled me, and he gave a sly smile.“Anything come to mind?”His gentle inquiry made me want to reveal my bank account password.“Actually, yes.”“Go ahead. Even if it’s unpleasant, if an apology can resolve this, the contract will end, and you can return to the agency. While Director Kook can be unpredictable, sometimes a light apology can defuse the situation.”True, if Yangsimless said he no longer needed me, the contract would end. If I apologized for the help during the Heartless chase, maybe this nightmare would end.“I’m fine.”He smiled again. His perfect smile exceeded any I’d imagined for my protagonist.“Even if you said something harsh to Director Kook, I understand. No one has interacted with him without cursing at least once.”“Even you, CEO Na?”“Of course. Several times.”“And did he take revenge?”Another smile. But this time, he just smiled without answering. It didn’t matter. Strangely, facing him made ridiculous thoughts surface. If I stayed here, I could keep seeing him, right?“While this might be partly about revenge on you, it’s more than that.”“You mean he has another motive?”“More like…”He trailed off, looking thoughtful. True, he wouldn’t contract with the agency over a single remark… Then, I heard a whisper near my ear.“No, it’s just because of you.”Gasp! I was so startled that I turned quickly, mouth open, unable to scream.Crash—The chair toppled as I scrambled up. Before me stood the person I least wanted to see, Yangsimless. He shamelessly looked at the fallen chair.“Any damages will be billed to the agency immediately.”Damages? What did I destroy? Angry but flustered, I righted the fallen chair. It wasn’t broken. Wait, was that a scratch?“Am I right?”“That scratch was there before…”“I told you, you’d be busy from today.”Oh, that. I glared up at him. This guy, because of him, I’d endured the ultimate humiliation today! Even if he held endless grudges, I had to protest. Just in case, I shielded the chair with my body.“If you’re upset, take it out personally, not by making me a liaison employee. That’s just… going too far.”I was humiliated, damn it! My voice was small despite my internal rage. Unlike my timid self, he looked at me boldly.“Then you shouldn’t have come. You signed the contract to work with our company.”Time to change my signature. I’d make it a maze so it couldn’t be used without my awareness.“And what’s extreme is relative. What you think is trivial might mean someone else barely gets six hours of sleep and only eats three meals a day because of it.”Damn, so it was about my comment that I didn’t need his help… Wait. Six hours of sleep isn’t that little. And he had three meals a day!“Director Kook.”CEO Na’s voice interrupted. His face slightly tense, he glanced at me, then motioned Yangsimless to sit.“Let’s talk. Han Jemyung, please step out.”For you, CEO Na, anything. I quickly left. As I moved to sit where I’d placed my bag, I was stopped.“Wait.”Yangsimless stood at the office entrance, pointing to a room.“Han Jemyung, your place is in that office, my office.”He finished and re-entered CEO Na’s office, closing the door. I couldn’t take my eyes off the closed door. The expressions of the three shocked employees didn’t even register. This felt ominous. Why was this guy saying my perfect protagonist’s lines?“Hey, apologize quickly and return. You might die on the job.”Byunghee had said something scary.“You think I’ll die?”“Yes.”“…I guess.”Byunghee’s intense look meant he was serious. He sipped some expensive soju at our usual makgeolli place.“So apologize, pay up, whatever it takes. Avoid the shit because it’s dirty, not because you’re scared.”“I’m scared of shit.”“Jokes like that are why he seeks revenge.”“Hey, it’s not the joke he’s mad about. And my readers love jokes like that.”“Exclude your niche audience. Why is Director Kook mad?”Two people had asked me the same question. Again, I had no answer. In that situation, wouldn’t anyone say something like that? It was Yangsimless, after all. Even trying to justify it, I felt my words were a mistake and was embarrassed.“Anyway, that’s not important now… The real issue is whether to apologize immediately or stay here longer.”“Are you crazy? You’ve been terrified of Heartless.”“More like rapping than singing.”“Should I take revenge too?”