Soulmate in Disguise

Red Zora

The funny part about that night is, that neither that guy nor his friend showed up the next day. Neither did I see them a week later, or the following months. It's now been quiet a long time since I met Jisung, and I honestly don't even care to waste a thought on him. There's a lot more to my life than thinking about a clumsy guy.

Charlie: Have you got a minute, Liz?

I gaze at her, putting the cloth down.

Me: Yeah.

Following her, we approach the rest of us. They're all standing there, probably waiting for something. I frown at Charlie, who replies with an energetic eye roll. I guess she isn't too pleased with what's to come, then.

???: So, everybody. It's time to announce what is expecting you.

Me: Boss here?

Charlie: Just wait for it, you'll probably react the same way I did.

I shake my head in confusion.

Me: Am I the last one to be told?

Charlie: Perhaps... I don't know.

Releasing a scoff, I focus on Mr. Parker again.

Mr. Parker: Most of you know already, but there's still some of you who don't.

He throws me a look, followed by everybody else's. I clench my jaw.

Mr. Parker: I'm going to resign.

A light smirk appears on my lips hearing his words.

Mr. Parker: I'm slowly feeling older, and it's time to take the break I should have taken already long ago. You guys know I've always tried to be a good boss. Most of you always knew how to cherish my trying, so let me speak a big thank you from the bottom of my heart to those.

Biting my lip out of anger, I face the ground. "Most of you..."

Mr. Parker: These may not be my last words forever, but my last words as your superior.

We clap, bowing to him as a sign of respect.

Mr. Parker: Now let me introduce your new man of action.

A guy comes walking towards the group. Dressed very well, hair gelled back, grin on his lips.

Mr. Parker: Please welcome Mr. Lee.

They exchange a handshake while we all bow again, clapping our hands.

Mr. Lee: I hope for good cooperation, everyone.

He bows to us as well, glaring into my direction. I return his glare, staring back fiercely. Something about him makes me want to kill.

The others spend some time smalltalking with the old and the new boss. I don't. I prefer spending my time cleaning up everything. I want to finally go home.

???: A hard-working one, huh?

I continue my work, not responding.

???: You're ignoring your boss?

Our eyes meet for a second, until I break contact.

Mr. Lee: How naughty.

Me: You're not intimidating me.

He laughs, placing his hand onto the counter.

Mr. Lee: What an incapable boss I am, then.

I stop wiping, my eyes making their way from his hand up to his face.

Me: I don't need you to like me.

For whatever reason, he smirks.

Me: Let me just do my work and pay me appropriately, and we'll be good.

Mr. Lee: What's your name?

I walk away to wash the dishes.

Me: Check out the employee list.

Mr. Lee: Oh, so you decide to keep on teasing me. What if I fired you?

He comes after me step by step.

Me: You wouldn't.

Mr. Lee: How are you so sure?

Me: I'm the best employee you have.

Catching him stare at me from the corner of my eye, I take a breath.

Mr. Lee: Pretty cheeky, don't you think?

Me: The truth is not cheeky, Sir.

Again, he laughs, this time more quiet.

Mr. Lee: I'll call you red Zora.

Me: Why's that?

I turn to him. Now we're looking directly at each other.

Mr. Lee: You've got that spirit.

Me: Ah yeah?

He comes closer, nodding.

Mr. Lee: You're both so hard to get.

Stopping a few inches in front of me, he tilts his head down.

Mr. Lee: And that's what makes everyone go wild about you.

Chuckling dryly, he expands the space between us and turns around.

Mr. Lee: You better be on time tomorrow.

I listen to the sound of his shoes as he leaves me, seething with tension.

Me: There's more to red Zora than that, idiot.