episode_0115

There was a slight hiccup on the way to work, but in any case, I wasn’t late for work.

Now, I no longer confuse similar menu names, and the side dishes and additional menu items that come out together are not too difficult, so I can work mechanically without much thought.

Normally, I would have chatted briefly with the managers or exchanged banter with Yoo Arin, passing the time, but today it was Director Lee Chan-song on duty.

Apparently, according to what I heard from Lee Seo-ah at the karaoke, the director had another fight with the manager yesterday.

Whether it was because of that or not, whenever we tried to take a break or work leisurely, he came down on us like a hawk, making sure we were working diligently.

Thanks to him, we were just folding overflowing napkins and standing up even when we didn’t need to.

“Back then, we used to stand and work, right? Isn’t it fine now?” grumbled Yoo Arin. At first, we all stood while working.

It was true that we shouldn’t slack off from the beginning, but things are different now.

The managers have acknowledged what we do well, and especially during the early hours when it’s more relaxed, they tend to go easy on us.

Director Lee Chan-song was unwavering.

One could say he was a person of strong character.

“We know the seniors are sensitive lately. Of course, the director would be sensitive too.”

“Why is he taking it out on us?”

Since it was a valid point, I just shrugged my shoulders in response to Yoo Arin’s complaint.

Then.

“Hey, we have an order.”

“Huh?”

Yoo Arin retorted at Director Lee Chan-song’s somewhat rough words, but he handed me the bill without looking this way.

While the kitchen prepared the food, we set up the cart and checked where the order was coming from.

“Room 1007?”

“Hmm? Room 1007?”

As I pondered over the familiar number, Yoo Arin, furrowing her brow, nudged my shoulder, reminding me of the blonde woman from last time.

“Oh, her.”

Honestly, it was amusing every time I saw her. I became a hero after resolving the underwear incident at the lodging.

But unexpected situations arose every time I saw her, making that particular room not so welcoming personally.

“I’m going to follow.”

Even as I said this, Yoo Arin glared fiercely.

“Where are you following?”

She was adamant, not only to keep an eye on me but also seemingly to spite Director Lee Chan-song, whom she had just spoken bluntly to.

“If you get caught, you’ll be in big trouble.”

“What’s the big deal? I’ll only be gone for a moment. Just say I went to the restroom.”

“… ”

As I stared back at her, Yoo Arin eventually crossed her arms and glared.

“When you’re with the director, he subtly asks various things.”

“Huh?”

“Oh, never mind. I didn’t mention it because I thought you’d worry. I heard he does the same to Seo-ah and Bom as well.”

I let that slide.

Seeing my expression darken, Yoo Arin put on a forced smile.

“It’s nothing, really. It’s just subtle sexism, you know? These days, they say the younger ones are developing well, that the Gold One uniform fits snugly… things like that?”

“Why didn’t you say something earlier? Is it ongoing?”

Judging by Yoo Arin’s reaction now, it was clear that I had carefully selected the mildest things to say.

“Yeah, I immediately scolded him for that being sexist. So, she dislikes me even more now.”

“You did the right thing.”

“He doesn’t do it to me anymore, but it still feels uncomfortable being together.”

“Sigh.”

A bitter breath escaped. I felt a bit annoyed with myself for only now realizing why the others particularly disliked Director Lee Chan-song.

“But I heard things have calmed down a bit due to the recent lawsuit incident.”

Nonetheless, the information was uncomfortably unsettling.

“Let’s go together.”

In the end, I allowed Yuarin to accompany me. Even though nothing major would happen by leaving her here, I wasn’t keen on staying with someone who seemed uncomfortable.

The 10th floor, reached with Yuarin.

As it was not a place she frequented, Yuarin still wandered around, humming to herself.

“Are there really a lot of gangster-like people here?”

“I did see quite a few people with tattoos on their bodies.”

“Oh, I noticed that all the pawn shops are near the hotel. They take everything like watches, gold, and car keys.”

“Just for show. If there are rough people around, I’d rather not meet eyes with them.”

“Do you think if a female staff member comes up, someone might take her away?”

“….”

I can’t say that would never happen. I’ve heard of cases where it did.

Smart.

“Room service.”

As I knocked on the door, preparing to dance, I was met with a cold stare.

“You know that’s not funny, right?”

“Well, isn’t it okay in its own way?”

Awkwardly fidgeting, she waited for the guest. Yuarin purposely stood next to the door, out of sight of the guest.

Creak.

The door opened.

“Come in.”

‘Huh?’

Today was a bit unusual.

A lady wearing glasses and a suit, looking well-protected. Unlike last time when she seemed helpless, she now exuded an aura of a capable career woman.

‘What’s this?’

She gave off such a strong impression that I almost forgot I was on night duty.

With a gentle smile, she ushered me in and promptly closed the door.

“Huh?”

Yuarin’s small gasp was heard through the crack of the door, but nothing more followed.

‘I didn’t expect this.’

The conversation I had just had with Yuarin came to mind.

Whether the stories about being taken inside were real.

I never imagined I would be the one involved, not as a female staff member.

“Come in.”

The blonde girl leading me with a grin. As she pushed my back, I felt like I was being led into something.

If I were really being led into something, I hoped Yuarin would report a little late while I pondered what underwear I wore today.

“Oh, damn.”

Upon seeing the man inside, curses involuntarily escaped me, and he furrowed his brow.

“You have no respect for your elders.”

Elders.

Right.

The man in front of me was Kim Jaewoon, my elder brother.

Wearing a suit with his hands in his pockets, he arrogantly looked down at me, making me feel filthy.

“Hey, man.”

I picked up the fork and knife from the cart and started cutting the steak.

“I wanted to try this once.”

We couldn’t order it ourselves, so I was a bit disappointed, but if my brother ordered it, it was better.

As I ate the steak, the blonde lady behind me looked puzzled and mumbled.

“Oh, it’s the vice chairman’s younger brother.”

“Is that not a compliment?”

When I replied irritably, she immediately bowed deeply and apologized.

Until a moment ago, she seemed relaxed, but seeing me cut the steak made her realize something was unusual.

“Why order steak in the middle of the night? It’s hard on the kitchen.”

Sitting on the bed, my brother grumbled when I complained.

“I ordered it because it’s something you’d like.”

“…Hey, man.”

So, I ordered it knowing I would eat it.

Feeling disgusted that he acted exactly as my brother thought, I pushed the cart aside and stared at him.

“Why are you here? Do you know how much trouble the staff is going through trying to please you?”

The executives are going crazy because the vice chairman has arrived.

Since the culprit was right in front of me, I decided to express my frustration honestly.

But my brother calmly replied, “I came because of you. I heard you’re working here.”

“……”

“It seems like you really don’t plan to come during the break. At least talk to your parents.”

“I talked to Mom.”

“Hmm?”

I replied sullenly to my brother, who was looking at me with a puzzled expression.

“Seriously. Ask Mom. And what’s with ‘Mom’? You’ve been following me around calling her that for years.”

From behind, the blonde sister stifled a laugh. My brother’s gaze sharpened, then he gestured for me to leave with a chin lift.

“Don’t worry about the kid outside, just go down.”

“Yes, understood.”

Yuarin must be worried. There might be a chance of reporting, so I needed to go out quickly and talk.

“The… the door is open! Woojin! Kim Woojin! Are you okay?”

“Oh! I’m fine! Do as the sister says!”

“What?!”

“Hello?”

When my voice was heard in the room, Yuarin’s voice also seemed to lose strength.

It seemed like there was more to say, but it got buried due to the door closing.

“Secretary?”

I asked as I turned around swiftly, and my brother nodded.

“Yeah, since you’re working part-time, you seem reluctant to disclose family relationships.”

It’s not that.

I didn’t hide it on purpose; I just didn’t see the need to disclose it.

“I purposely let the secretary have a room alone and came in after a few days.”

“Are you dating the secretary?”

“Ugh, don’t talk nonsense.”

“If you’re not dating, just say so. Because of you, the younger one can’t get married.”

My big brother frowned as if he couldn’t speak after my words.

Knowing that this was something he hated to hear the most, I said it deliberately.

Now, let’s get to the point.

“You must have something to say since you came to find me, right?”

I asked with a smirk. Honestly, there were things I wanted to address about O Yunji immediately, but first, I intended to listen to why my brother had come.

If he was going to nag, I wanted to hear everything from the other side before being nagged.

But unexpectedly.

“There’s nothing.”

My brother bluntly replied.

“Hmm?”

“There’s nothing. I came to check if you’re doing well. Mom is worried.”

“… ”

A subtle atmosphere.

My brother was staring at me impassively without changing his expression.

“Sorry, but even if you say that, I won’t overlook it.”

I retorted irritably to my brother, frowning.

“How do you know I’m dating O Yunji?”

Whether it was an explanation or a defense,

Whatever it was, I must have thought about it, which is why he appeared in front of me.