บท 32: Sizing up the enemy
"I am not going." Ji-Won replied curtly, wriggling his arm away from his friend's grasp.
The Director's answer came as swiftly and deadly as a sharp sword. It cut through the Deputy Director's sensitive heart like cold steel.
"Oh, come on, Ji-Won. I even searched for a place close to your apartment. You have to come." Seo-Jun stated firmly, tightening the hold he had on Ji-Won's arm. His lips were pursed, almost as if about to pout.
"No, I don't." Ji-Won retorted simply, heartlessly ignoring his friend's sulking expression.
As soon as he finished his words, Ji-Won turned towards Jung Seok, handing him a thick file.
"Please take this to the Marketing Department before you leave."
"Yes, Director Kang." Jung Seok said with a slight bow of his head.
Without saying another word, or looking back at the rest, Jung Seok turned on his heels and left. Usually the Marketing Department worked late hours, so he was sure there was still someone there to receive the papers he had been entrusted with. Among his peers, Jung Seok was also known for being a bit of a workaholic. So, no one was really surprised when they saw him wandering around the company at that hour, carrying stacks of documents in his arms.
Meanwhile, back in the Planning Department, Seo-Jun hadn't given up on his mission. He was set on trying to convince the Director to join them.
"Want me to steal your car key again?" he threatened with a frown.
"Don't you even think about it." Ji-Won glared at him menacingly.
"Then come with us. At least for an hour." Seo-Jun pleaded.
Ji-Won sighed, looking thoroughly exasperated. He glanced around and his eyes accidentally found Su-Jin's. When their gazes locked, she raised an eyebrow at him. The small gesture caused Ji-Won to become flustered, and he quickly looked away.
But despite the strange, unsettling feeling that short eye contact had caused him, at least Ji-Won's mind still worked properly. He thought about it carefully. Surely, they would both be uncomfortable if he goes. So, therefore, it was best that he didn't join them. Besides, he wasn't the kind of person who enjoyed these types of group events.
Feeling quite resolute, Ji-Won took a deep breath. He then turned towards his friend with the determination one felt when entering the battlefield.
"Seo-Jun, you know that employees usually enjoy these dinners when the boss is not around. If I force them to feel uncomfortable, what kind of person would I be? So, it's best to leave me out." Ji-Won reasoned earnestly.
However, all his carefully laid out arguments got swept like dust under the wind. To Ji-Won's desperation, Yeon-Ah took a step forward and shook her head vigorously.
"How can you say that Director Kang?! You are part of our team as well. We wouldn't enjoy the dinner without you there."
Compared to her usually soft demeanor, she was now looking quite tall and righteous. Her usually soft and quiet tone had transformed into a confident and strangely compelling voice. Even her face radiated strength.
'What's wrong with her now? She was supposed to be a quiet rabbit, so why is she talking now?!' Ji-Won thought miserably. He couldn't help but lament about the women's tendency to act out of character when one least expected it.
It appeared Ji-Won wasn't the only one startled by this sudden change in character.
At Yeon-Ah's words, Su-Jin and Seo-Jun exchanged a brief glance. There was a look of astonishment on both their faces, as they tried to understand what had happened.
In Su-Jin's eyes, her friend's current appearance properly demonstrated the saying 'a happy occasion can invigorate one's spirit'. If even the usually introverted Yeon-Ah could show so much enthusiasm for an outing with her colleagues, then how could she be the one to disappoint? Hence, Ji-Su breathed in deeply, hardening her resolve in accepting the outcome.
"I guess Yeon-Ah is right." Su-Jin nodded, then she turned towards Ji-Won. "It is only fair to have you there, Director Kang. We should all learn to get along, if we want to make a good team. Otherwise, there won't be any harmony in the office."
As she finished, Ji-Su threw Ji-Won a pointed look.
For other people, it might have seemed like a casual statement, but when it fell into Ji-Won's ears, Ji-Su's words felt rather prickly. He crossed his arms in front of his chest, scoffing at her inwardly. So, she wanted to get along now? Fine then, he could play that game too.
Several minutes later, the entire Planning Department was leaving the building. Both teams made their way towards their cars or simply took a cab.
Team 1 was currently waiting for Jung Seok to return from the Marketing Department. When he arrived, the man was panting and huffing as if he had run in a marathon. Knowing Director Kang didn't like waiting, he clearly had hurried to join them as soon as possible. As expected from a workaholic!
"We'll be taking my car." Ji-Won suddenly said.
As he spoke, he had already gone around the car, taking a seat behind the steering wheel.
"Eeh?!" Su-Jin blurted out before she could stop herself.
Her eyes instantly widened in surprise. For sure, she had expected them to take cabs or walk, but definitely not drive there.
Those among their colleagues who decided to drive to the restaurant had already made up their minds to call a designated driver when it was time to go home. Otherwise, how could they enjoy the atmosphere without drinks?
But, Su-Jin somehow couldn't see Director Kang doing that. It was simply impossible for her to imagine him allowing someone else to drive his car, while he sat in the back, inebriated and half asleep.
'So, does that mean he won't be drinking this time either? How will he have fun then?' Su-Jin wondered.
Suddenly, Ji-Won's voice sounded close to her, startling Su-Jin out of her thoughts.
"You are free to take a cab or walk if you wish, Miss Park." he said curtly, as if reading her mind.
Feeling the displeasure in his voice, Su-Jin felt her face grow hot with embarrassment. At that moment it was impossible for her to continue that previous train of thought without giving herself away. Hence, she instantly decided to beat a retreat.
"No. Your car will be just fine, Director Kang." She said hastily, getting inside the car.
Hearing her swift reply, Ji-Won narrowed his eyes. For some reason, Su-Jin's sudden obedience made him think of the 'do not pursue an enemy who simulates flight' saying. As a consequence, he acted upon the wise words and didn't chase the matter further.
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