Chapter 7: See you after work

The appointment with Assistant Manager Kim for the VR room was an unexpected gain for me.

He seemed to know quite a bit about Battle of Legends, so I casually asked what tier he was, and to my surprise, he was Diamond.

It’s true what they say:

“The darkest place is under the lamp.”

Based on my previous research, I know that the tier with the highest average playtime is Diamond.

Among Battle of Legends players, those in Diamond tier have the most experience.

Since Assistant Manager Kim, who reached Diamond tier as a hobby, is probably well-versed in game knowledge, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask him about streamers who use Battle of Legends as content.

“Well then, after work. I’ll see you at the cafe across the street.”

“Ah… Yes. I understand.”

After confirming the appointment with Assistant Manager Kim, I stood up, carrying my tray.

As usual, I returned my dishes and headed back to my department, and it was 12:30 PM.

Since I went to lunch a little late, some seats were still vacant.

I plopped down in my seat, and a yellow memo with today’s main schedule greeted me.

[Wednesday 4:00 PM – Internal Briefing / Pre-launch Event Check]

Hmm.

This briefing is a little special.

It’s a briefing about the launch event for the famous French brand, Rêve.

Since I was the one who handled most of the communication with Rêve, it was a project that required more attention from me personally.

It’s purely coincidental (or perhaps lucky) that I’m the only one in our department who speaks French.

‘…Is this the first time I’m seeing it in person?’

The briefing’s audience is Executive Director Jeong Hwa-yoon.

As the person who persuaded Rêve to choose Yeoryeo Hotel, I’ll need to explain the overall progress of the project to Jeong Hwa-yoon.

There’s no problem.

The briefing materials are already complete, and I’ve reviewed all of Rêve’s requests for VIP routes and backup plans.

If there’s any uncertainty… it would be Jeong Hwa-yoon.

Since we haven’t met for a while, I don’t have much information on how they’ve grown as a person.

For now, I’ll aim to leave a good impression on Jeong Hwa-yoon.

“The event venue… is the Daeyeon Hall at the Seocho branch.”

Muttering to myself, I reviewed the key points of the project again.

Even if I already know everything, it helps to go over things once more.

I might also check for any typos in the documents.

What Rêve wants is impact.

The list of invitees for the launch event includes a number of influencers, precisely because of their impact.

The focus is more on handling VIPs than journalists or the media.

Once I finished reviewing the event details, the familiar sounds of typing from my colleagues filled the air.

The rich aroma of coffee.

The whir of the copier.

I glanced at the usual scene, then turned my gaze back to my monitor.

There were less than two hours until my meeting with Jeong Hwa-yoon.

‘Back in school, they were just ordinary, never any major scandals in their personal life, and no particular romantic relationships…’

Maybe it’s because today is the first step of my meeting with Jeong Hwa-yoon.

Information about them kept coming to mind one after another.

Without realizing it, I was starting to deduce who Executive Director Jeong Hwa-yoon was.

‘Publicly, they’re the granddaughter of the chairman. Their abilities have yet to be fully proven, and there’s probably a feeling among the staff that they’re a parachute hire…’

When Jeong Hwa-yoon was younger, they never really did anything noteworthy.

But then again, who needs to assess the work performance of a second-grade elementary student…

Well, whatever the case, this meeting today is definitely important.

Ultimately, I need to make sure that Jeong Hwa-yoon remembers the name Yoo Seo-a.

Today is just groundwork.

“Excuse me, Seo-a-ssi. It’s about time…”

“Oh, yes. I understand.”

At the call of the other person involved in the Rêve launch event, Assistant Manager Seo Eun-chae, I tidied up my things.

Afterward, I printed the briefing materials and scanned them to send by email.

I also backed everything up to the cloud in case of any unexpected situations.

Now, all preparations were done.

I checked the buttons on my dress shirt once more and mentally prepared for the knock.

And finally, a soft knock.

“Come in.”

Assistant Manager Seo Eun-chae and I entered the executive office at 3:58 PM.

It was a perfect timing, neither too early nor too late.

“Hello.”

I greeted Jeong Hwa-yoon lightly and neatly placed the documents on the conference table.

I was able to observe Jeong Hwa-yoon more closely after the briefing started.

“The event will be held next Friday at 7 PM in the Daeyeon Hall of the Seocho branch.”

“The invitees include 30 influencers, 12 celebrities, and 10 press teams, with a total expected attendance of around 90 people.”

I gave the briefing in a businesslike tone while scanning Jeong Hwa-yoon’s overall appearance.

Refined features.

A smooth layered haircut that fell over the shoulders.

Eyes that had become softer than when they were younger.

Despite their light expression, there was no trace of childish innocence.

Had they really grown up now?

They were no longer the person who used to openly show their emotions.

“The event flow will use the existing Daeyeon Hall structure, but we plan to extend the east-side lounge into a reception area, separating the walls to create a private interview space.”

“Was that a request from the French headquarters?”

“Yes. They wanted interviews to be conducted in a controlled environment for brand image management.”

“Who is the person in charge from that side?”

“Marie Droux. We’ve been in contact daily.”

“You must be fluent in French.”

“Yes. I’m fairly comfortable with it.”

“Hm…”

I answered all the questions I could.

A short silence followed.

I tried to read what Jeong Hwa-yoon was thinking.

But their emotions were faint.

There seemed to be an invisible wall between us.

There was little change in their expression, unlike when they were younger.

“The risks identified so far are two.”

I continued with the briefing.

One way or another, I’m just a regular employee for now.

I figured the priority was to show that I could handle this project well.

“Rev’s VIP is scheduled to arrive 30 minutes before the event, so rehearsal time is tight.”

“Then, what about the other issue?”

“There’s another internal meeting scheduled for the same day in a small conference room at the Seocho branch, so there’s concern about a route conflict.”

“Hm… have you thought of any measures or counterplans?”

“We’re coordinating with Rev to move the rehearsal to the evening before. As for the small conference room, we’re in contact with the meeting organizer to consider relocating it. I’ll report the confirmed plan by tomorrow.”

I wrapped up the briefing in a calm voice.

Jeong Hwayoon also slowly closed the file.

“Good. Looks like you’ve prepared well. I won’t need to step in.”

A clear and concise voice—that’s Jeong Hwayoon.

I waited naturally for the right timing to stand while organizing my documents.

I figured my first impression on Jeong Hwayoon wasn’t too bad.

Starting with this launch event, I’ll just need to steadily build up a good track record.

Approaching too hastily would only invite suspicion.

The best outcome is making Jeong Hwayoon seek me out.

Swish.

Glancing at Jeong Hwayoon, I stood up with Assistant Manager Seo Eunchae.

I gave a polite nod to the still-seated Jeong Hwayoon and was about to leave the executive office.

But then, she called out to me.

“Um, Ms. Yoo Seoa.”

“Yes?”

“Do you have a moment? There’s something I’m personally curious about.”

That was unexpected.

There shouldn’t be anything about me that would pique her personal interest.

“Assistant Manager Seo, you may go ahead.”

“Oh, yes…”

Soon, Assistant Manager Seo left the office.

Jeong Hwayoon slightly lifted her gaze toward me and gestured for me to sit back down.

Well, no helping it.

Might as well get familiar with her now that it’s come to this.

I sat back down and silently waited for her to speak.

Time passed a little slowly.

***

“Hello, Executive Director.”

To Jeong Hwayoon, Yoo Seoa’s first impression was a bit striking.

Neatly styled brown hair.

Lovely features.

She had a presence that even caught the attention of fellow women.

But more than appearances, it was everything else that caught her interest.

During the entire report on the Rev launch event, there wasn’t a trace of awkwardness typical of a new hire.

“The event is scheduled for next Friday at 7 PM in the Seocho branch’s grand banquet hall.”

“The guest list includes 30 influencers, 12 celebrities, and 10 press teams, totaling around 90 people.”

Her tone, pacing, even her breathing—there wasn’t a single unnecessary detail.

Maybe that’s why.

‘A rookie this composed is quite rare…’

Throughout Yoo Seoa’s report, Jeong Hwayoon found herself more focused on the person than the content.

In her experience, people like that usually had their own agenda.

It wasn’t just about doing the job well.

And so, after the report ended—she held Yoo Seoa back before she could leave and had her sit across from her.

She was curious about what brought this person to Yeryeo Hotel.

“Now that I think about it, we haven’t properly introduced ourselves. I’m Jeong Hwayoon, Executive Director at Yeryeo Hotel.”

Starting with a simple greeting.

She lightly tapped the corner of the documents with her fingertip, continuing the conversation with Yoo Seoa.

“Ms. Yoo Seoa.”

“Yes, Executive Director.”

Yoo Seoa’s slightly raised gaze showed no particular wavering, which was oddly striking.

They had only met today for the first time.

Why did she look at Jeong Hwayoon like she was already familiar?

It didn’t feel like she was outgoing—more like she didn’t see any need to act unfamiliar.

Maybe it was just her imagination.

“But Ms. Seoa, what is your goal in coming to Yeryeo Hotel? I know it’s a bit late to ask now… but if it’s okay, would you be honest?”

The question, in the end, was simple.

Yoo Seoa paused for a moment, then slowly lifted her head.

And with her usual calm expression, she answered:

“I came to seduce you.”

A completely unexpected answer.

And with that, the words naturally caught in my throat.

I stuttered unintentionally, unable to grasp the intention behind the question.

“Th… Who, are you talking about? Ah, are you perhaps dating someone at work?”

“No. I’m not in a relationship.”

Once again, the joking tone came through.

“I came to seduce Executive Director Jung. Trying to turn my life around.”

“…Me?”

“Yes.”

“Th… I’m sorry. Of course! I respect your preference, Seoa, but… I like men.”

“Hm, that’s a shame.”

A faint smile, as if she never expected much anyway.

How could someone… look so much like that?

Different name, gender, age…

But that familiar light tone overlapped with a face from long ago.

For a moment, my chest felt tight.

“Sorry. Was that rude of me?”

“Ah, no. I appreciated your honesty.”

Unconsciously glancing at Yuseoa’s expression, Jung Hwayoon slightly furrowed his brows, as if to regain composure.

Then, quietly murmured,

“That was similar to something I heard when I was young. That person was also surprisingly honest.”

“Are they doing well now?”

Jung Hwayoon didn’t answer right away.

Instead, he smiled.

A laugh, like a faint breath.

“I hope they are. They saved my life.”

He didn’t bother saying they had died.

For Jung Hwayoon, it was a hundred times better to believe they were resting peacefully somewhere without pain than to acknowledge their death.

Eventually, Jung Hwayoon opened a drawer and took out a small black box.

Then pulled out a single business card from it and handed it to Yuseoa.

“I look forward to working with you. For some reason… I feel like I’ll be seeing you often.”

Just like that person back then.

In response to the quiet murmur that was nothing more or less than a vague intuition, Yuseoa bowed.

And when she raised her head again, even the slightly shaken expression had returned to its original calm state.

***

Hmm.

As I left the executive’s office, I let out a short sigh.

Was saying I came to seduce someone I knew from elementary school really the right answer?

Trying to make Jung Hwayoon remember me—Remember Yuseoa—maybe I was just a bit too hasty.

Well, still.

What’s done is done.

There’s no turning back after spilling water.

Now, I have no choice but to stay close to Jung Hwayoon and work to gain his trust.

“…Assistant Manager Kim must be waiting.”

It was already quitting time.

Remembering my promise to meet him at the VR room, I headed to the café in front of the building.

Thankfully, Assistant Manager Kim was already there, waiting.

“Sorry. Did I… keep you waiting long?”

A familiar voice.

And one I had been waiting to hear.

“No, I just got here too.”

Trying to be considerate, Assistant Manager Kim asked right away.

Did I have a preferred VR room?

Or should we just go to one near the office?

“Whichever’s more convenient for you, Seoa.”

“I don’t really know much about VR rooms. Let’s just go to one nearby for now.”

So, one step.

Then two.

Yuseoa and Assistant Manager Kim walked in sync.

The unexpected problem?

Yuseoa kept talking.

“So, how did you start playing Battle of Legends?”

“I heard Diamond is a pretty high rank. Was it hard getting there?”

“Do you think meditation might help improve gameplay? Mainly from a mental angle.”

Was it just my imagination, or did this feel like an interrogation?

Still, not answering was never an option.

So he answered earnestly, trying his best to act like it was nothing.

Eventually, they arrived at the VR room.

But maybe because it was after school hours,

The place was much noisier than expected.

“Hmm…”

“Seoa, should we try somewhere else?”

“No, it’s fine. There’s a couple room available.”

“…What?”

The common VR rooms were too noisy—so let’s use a two-person room.

She had a lot to ask Assistant Manager Kim, and a noisy environment would make it hard.

On the surface, it wasn’t anything too strange.

However, for Assistant Manager Kim, a grown man, it carried a different implication.

Click.

Clack.

“Hmm… It’s definitely quieter with the door closed.”

Once they were inside the private room together, it became hard to even start a conversation.

But to make matters worse, Yuseoa took out a hair tie and tied her hair back right in front of him.

“First, I want to do some 1v1s. Is that okay?”

“Um, Assistant Manager Kim?”

“…Ah, yes. Yes, that’s fine.”

Assistant Manager Kim was more confused than ever.

Was this… intentional?

Why tie her hair back??

Would pretending not to notice be more rude???

Is this… a green light????

[Trial Account01 (Rogue) / HatesGosoonjo (Knight)]

[Trial Account01 (Archer) / HatesGosoonjo (Knight)]

[Trial Account01 (Priest) / HatesGosoonjo (Knight)]

“…Are you really Diamond rank?”

No room for debate—it was a solid red light.

Just like his character in-game, Assistant Manager Kim’s brief crush was shattered into pieces.

The only thing he got in return was Yuseoa’s suspicious gaze.

It was summer.