Ch.317317. Ta-da! Surprised?

“Is this really my military exemption document? ……Really?”

“Yes, check it out.”

My brother nodded casually and thrust the stack of documents at me. I almost snatched them and scanned from the first page. I know it’s rude behavior, but ever since he mentioned military exemption documents, my heart has been pounding uncontrollably.

Flipping through with trembling hands, I found the documents consisted of exactly five pages. The first through third pages contained the results of my military service examination, stating I was classified as Grade 1, and the fourth through fifth pages stated I received exemption as the head of a multi-child household.

In other words, my brother wasn’t lying. This really is my military exemption document…!

“Wow, it’s real?”

“What, did you think I was lying?”

“When you suddenly show up in the morning and hand me what you claim is my military exemption document, isn’t it hard to believe right away…?”

From the beginning, I wondered why these documents were in my brother’s hands. When I asked, he tapped the top page of the documents with his finger.

“Siwoo, you set your document delivery address to where you worked as an intern.”

“Oh… you’re right.”

“How long has it been since your college internship ended and you still haven’t updated it? What good is a young person with such a scattered mind?”

I was about to retort that he’s young too, but he patted me on the back first. I know it’s just playful since he didn’t put any force into it, but somehow it feels strange being treated like a kid.

“Anyway, congratulations. Now you don’t have to worry about military service.”

“Yeah, thanks. But don’t I still have to go to training camp or reserve forces even with an exemption?”

“Why would someone with an exemption receive basic military training? You’ll start with civil defense next year. It should be written there too.”

“Ah….”

How would I know when I’ve never been exempted before? After hearing my brother’s words, I scanned through the documents again. Sure enough, on the last page was information about future schedules for those exempt from military service.

It was lengthy, but to summarize: exemption from all military training starting from the year of exemption, and automatic assignment to civil defense with basic education beginning the following year.

“But how is it that even if you’re exempt from military service in this damn country, they still call you in for training? From a company’s perspective, giving employees a day off is quite a loss.”

My brother, who was looking through my documents with me, clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction. I neatly folded the documents in half and replied.

“Is that what you’re unhappy about?”

“Of course. Why do companies pay good money to hire people? Because they expect returns equal to what they spend. But if someone misses a day for civil defense or training, the company essentially wastes that day.”

“Isn’t one day unavoidable…? That’s how the law is set up.”

“That’s exactly why the law is wrong. When we send our employees for training, does the country compensate us for that time?”

“……”

Indeed, as expected of a future executive, his way of thinking is quite different from mine. My brother thoroughly considers things from the company’s perspective.

Well, it’s natural for someone who will eventually become the head of Han Group to think that way. I carefully stored the documents and held them in one hand.

“By the way, weren’t you in the middle of work? Don’t you need to go back?”

“I should head back soon. Oh, Siwoo, I heard your department is having a company dinner today.”

“Yeah, that’s right. How did you know?”

“I ran into your team leader at the pantry and chatted briefly, that’s when I heard. It’s at that meat restaurant up front, right? It’s really delicious there. Eat a lot.”

“I’d like to, but I haven’t been able to exercise much lately, so I’m planning to eat moderately.”

“You might want to, but it’ll be hard. Isn’t the dinner to welcome you? They’ll definitely make you eat and drink a lot.”

“Are you just trying to scare me…?”

“Ah, it’s a shame. If you were a new employee in our department, I’d make sure you crawled out of there.”

“…Come on.”

*

That evening, at the company dinner.

“Wow… I’m stuffed.”

My brother was right about them making me eat and drink a lot. I’ve consumed so much meat and alcohol that my stomach feels queasy.

This must be what they call “wine, women, and song” – it says it all. As my colleague said, if I had one more drink, I don’t know what would have happened. Probably nothing good.

“Phew….”

Still, coming outside and feeling the cool breeze makes it a bit better. I sighed while patting my cheeks, flushed from alcohol. The atmosphere suggests the dinner is ending soon, and all that’s left is to go home. Hwa Nabi and the kids will be waiting at home, and it wouldn’t look good for a father to come home too drunk.

So I was thinking about sobering up a bit before heading home when I heard automatic doors opening behind me. I turned around to see colleagues from my department with equally flushed faces coming out.

“Siwoo. We’re going for round two now, you’re coming with us, right?”

“Ah, round two…”

“Come on, why even ask? We all gathered today to celebrate Siwoo’s employment. How can the guest of honor skip out?”

“That’s right, of course you should come. Siwoo, how about karaoke? I know a good place nearby. Do you sing?”

It seems like the answer is already decided, and I’m just supposed to respond. It’s already a given that we’re going for round two without even expressing my opinion.

Hmm, what should I do? It’s the first time everyone’s gathered since I started working, and everyone seems to be in high spirits, so I’d like to join them, but I’m concerned about my family waiting at home.

But I can’t flatly refuse either, since the person who just invited me to round two is my mentor… and the person supporting him is my closest colleague.

Unless I want to burn bridges, I can’t skip these company dinners. That’s what social life is all about.

“Well, you see…”

I hesitated between two choices: comfortable workplace relationships or family. How should I navigate this situation? Is there a good solution?

A way to get the benefits of both choices without any risks…

“—Oh, husband?”

…I was startled while contemplating. Someone I didn’t expect to see here suddenly appeared.

“Huh…?”

“Husband, why are you here?”

That’s what I want to ask. Why is Hwa Nabi here? I looked around with wide eyes in surprise, and soon found the answer.

The parked car behind her, the sedan her grandfather gave her as a gift when she recently got her license. She probably drove it out while going out… but no, it doesn’t matter what she drove. What matters is why Hwa Nabi is here.

‘Surprise! Were you surprised?’

‘Yes, of course I was. Why are you here without saying anything?’

‘I sensed you were in trouble around here. So I rushed over.’

‘How did you know I was here?’

‘Um, telepathy?’

Hwa Nabi winked cutely and waved the phone she was holding.

Ah, she found out using the couple location tracking app. That app I thought was unnecessary is being put to good use now.

“Um… do you know her?”

My mentor asked cautiously. His eyes were also wide with surprise, seemingly startled by Hwa Nabi’s appearance.

“Ah, well. She’s my wife…”

“Oh, right. I think I’ve seen her on Instagram. That, very famous person, right? Your name is Hwa Nabi… isn’t it?”

Just as I was about to explain, my colleague exclaimed and cut in. He seems to have recognized her from Instagram, and Hwa Nabi didn’t deny it but smiled brightly.

“Yes, that’s right. I use a lot of filters when posting, but you recognized me?”

“No, not at all. I don’t think you use many filters? You look exactly like your photos. Wow, you’re really beautiful…”

“Heh, thank you.”

After greeting him warmly, Hwa Nabi glanced at me. Her smile was full, as if saying, ‘See? This is how I’m treated outside.’

“Ah, what’s your relationship with Siwoo? The way you addressed him seemed very close…”

Whether due to the alcohol or some other reason, my colleague with a flushed face looked back and forth between Hwa Nabi and me as he asked. I secretly gestured to Hwa Nabi, signaling her to come closer.

“Hmm… our relationship?”

Understanding my signal, Hwa Nabi slowly walked over and stood in front of me. Then, without even pretending to check if others were watching, she suddenly threw herself into my arms.

“Huh?”

“Wow…”

“……”

Three people were surprised by this sudden development, and one person wasn’t. The former includes me and my colleagues, and the latter is Hwa Nabi.

Since she’s happily embracing me, I can’t just let go, so despite being flustered, I hugged her back.

“This kind of relationship.”

“Oh, could it be that you’re Siwoo’s wife…?”

“Yes. I am Siwoo’s wife. And this is my husband.”

“Ah, I see. Wow… Siwoo, you’re really something.”

“…Yes, well.”

It’s embarrassing when someone older than me sincerely admires me. I patted Hwa Nabi’s waist, signaling her to let go.

I know she likes skinship, but it’s doubly embarrassing in front of others. It’s all good, but I wish she wouldn’t do this in front of others. It’s not that I dislike it, but it’s just embarrassing.

‘Heh, I don’t want to.’

But my signal had no effect.

“By the way, it looks like everyone’s coming out of the meat restaurant. Did the dinner just end?”

“Yes. But there’s talk of going for round two, so I’ll probably have to go along.”

“Really? Where are you going?”

Just as I was about to answer “karaoke,” my mentor, who had made eye contact with me, suddenly shook his head vigorously.

Wondering why he was acting that way, I stared at him, and after making eye contact with my colleague, he cleared his throat awkwardly and insisted.

“…What round two? Your wife has come to pick you up, and you must be tired, Siwoo. Go home quickly and spend time together.”

“What? But Deputy Manager, you just told me to go to karaoke together…”

“Hey now, that’s nonsense. When did I say we should go to karaoke? I told you to go home and rest. Go on, go home with your wife. I’ll explain to the other employees.”

“That’s right, we can’t keep your wife waiting. Go home together.”

“Ah, yes. Thank you…”