"Come on, Woohyun. This is a big opportunity!" I rolled my eyes and took the small cup in front of me. "Why are you being such a coward?"
"I ain't a coward, Ana. I am okay now." I answered and leaned my head on the wall. "In fact, I am just waiting for my time. I think I already lived for a long time. It's enough."
Out of the blue, Ana slapped my head, making me scratch it. She has some skills in slapping, maybe she should join some contests. I placed the small cup above the table and sighed.
"Don't say those things! If the Lord heard and accepted that, I will never cry at your funeral," she shouted and started slurping the bowl of noodles. After all, is there something else in life? In the end, all the material things, as well as the people we loved–we can't be with them by the time we die. So what's the point? Why invest in something that would disappear someday?
"Come and think of it. Everything we have will disappear once we die. Imagine working hard and building a freaking mansion and then dying the next day? That sucks. I'll just live at the moment and wait for my death." I replied and stared at the bubbles inside the soda.
"Wow, you are so inspirational, it makes me want to stop hanging out with you." Ana, my 28-year-old co-worker uttered while munching noodles. "Honestly, there's more to this life. Maybe if you started dating, the void inside you would lessen."
"Why do you guys always think that romance solves everything? It doesn't. It will just make you fear death since death might take you away from the person you love." I added, which made Ana roll her eyes.
"You know what, I am afraid that I might see life that way once I turn 29." she picked up some chopsticks and grabbed the tempura on my plate. "You want to go clubbing?"
"I feel like an old man already. My back is already aching after spending hours at work, Ana. Thank you but no." I inspected the group of men in suits entering the restaurant. They all seem familiar, the reason why I squinted my eyes. When one of them waved at me, I waved back. Ana furrowed her brows when she saw me waving from afar. She looked back and immediately waved too.
"Look at these kids. They all look cute in suits. Yesterday they were wearing white shirts in the interview." Ana whispered while staring at the group of individuals walking toward our area.
"You know some of them? I only knew Mr. Ang." I whispered and fixed my blonde hair.
"They are our new employees," Ana uttered. "Here they are."
Looking at the new guys felt nostalgic. I can see myself in them, full of positivity and happiness. I wonder if their face would look the same as soon as they spend a year in this company.
"Hello, Miss Ana, Hello Mister Woohyun!" greeted the guy with black hair. "I am happy to meet you all!" his voice almost broke my eardrums, but I pretended that I was happy that they were there.
"I heard you guys are new. What made you pick the company?" I asked and moved towards Ana. They all sat on the black sofa, and to my luck, the black-haired guy decided to sit beside me. He looks like someone who talks a lot, which made me worry that he might drain my social battery.
"Well, the thing is,.." he whispered and removed his glasses. I immediately furrowed my brows when he uttered those words. I can't deny the fact that he has a pretty face. He could be a model if he wanted to. Maybe it is because of the lightning in the restaurant, or maybe because he is just too close to me, but either way, he looks the best among the guys in the company. It won't hurt my ego, because I believe that there are a lot of good-looking guys in the office, and I am one of them…according to Ana.
"I went to your company to meet you, senpai!"
What? am I hearing it right?
-------
"To meet me? Why?" I asked as I dragged this drunk piece of menace. I never thought in my life that I would accompany a drunk newbie. In the first place, this is the reason why I never drink with people. I don't want responsibilities like this. "Why would he like to meet me in this company?"
"Senpai, I can't believe that I will see you again!" he whispered and hugged me tightly. "It's been a while!" His breath smelled of booze, making me more nauseous. I know my back is starting to ache due to my age, but I never thought that this kid would be this heavy. I rolled my eyes as I walked down the street.
"Do you know my name? My name is Mingjung Park!"
"I know, you are literally screaming it these past few minutes. Can you calm down?"
"Okay okay.." he nodded and placed his head on my shoulder. A few minutes passed, and I could feel him moving. Please, don't throw up.
"Senpai?"
"Hmm?"
"Do you know my name? My name is Mingjung Park!" At this rate, I can't help but laugh. Why am I witnessing how a newbie acts when he is drunk? My bosses never saw me drunk despite working with them for years.
"Hey, where do you live?" I whispered.
"In your heart!" he immediately pinched my cheek, which made me lose my balance. Passersby threw a disgusting look at us, making me feel embarrassed. I can't blame them; I did the same thing when I saw a couple on the road last time. The only difference is that we are not a couple.
"Do you have a girlfriend? Maybe I should contact her. How about brother?"
"I don't have one."
"Which one?"
"..."
"Mingjung, which one?"
After a few seconds of no response, I couldn't help but laugh once again when I heard him snore. This guy should be protected at all costs. Bad guys could get his organs this easily if he keeps on being reckless.
Perhaps, it would be better if I took him home. Well, I never took home some co-workers. I never took home any girl either. This would be the first time, and even if it irritates me a bit, he is my responsibility.
"I love you…" he whispered. It's been a while since I heard those words, and it gave me an electric shock. This guy must have been sleeping around with young girls for him to just throw those words casually. But, I might be wrong. Perhaps, I am just being judgmental. Well, who isn't?
"Please don't go…" I froze when I heard those words. "Don't leave me…"
"Lucky you, i don't like gossiping. Your secrets are safe." I replied. "I don't mind if you drop some random names, i'll forget it either way tomorrow."
"Woohyun senpai…" I was about to open the doorknob of my apartment when I heard those words.
I slowly turned back, and I saw his flushed cheeks and small lips stretching.