Chapter 8: CH 7

The café is full of office workers who are thirsty for caffeine. Everyone must be trying to figure out how to survive the rest of the day.

Ha Won grabbed my sleeve and took the lead. With his small body, he avoided people who were in groups together like flocks of penguins. Ha Won may have avoided them because he is agile, but I kept bumping into people and had to apologize to each of them.

“Sorry, I’m so sorry. Pass, I’m trying to pass, sorry…”

By the time I got to the counter, I had transformed into an apology machine. I even felt compelled to apologize to the clerk as well.

Ha Won poked my side.

“What do you want to drink? I will buy it.”

“I would like an Americano, please.”

I’m not going to turn him down when he says he will pay for it. It’s a rule I follow in my social life. Don’t refuse when they say they will give, and don’t pass up the opportunity to give when they say they will. It will make your life easier if you keep to this. However, I make sure to choose the cheapest option. It’s my way of showing my loyalty.

Ha Won looked at me as he ordered three Americanos. Are you telling me that I have to pay for it? Perhaps there is some Omega culture that says they will buy you coffee, but they actually don’t. Even if you watch TV dramas, Alphas will usually buy you coffee. I’m not an Alpha, but I’m also not an Omega.

But I do have a higher rank. Should I buy it this time? I think I should buy it.

As I started looking through my wallet, Ha Won spoke up.

“Add whipped cream on the Cookies and Cream Frappuccino and add Java chips…”

Ha Won’s order took about 30 more seconds to complete. The long order can be annoying, but the clerk is smiling.

“I see you are ordering sweet menus, you must be an Omega. You have a pretty smile, so I’ll give you a 1,000 won discount. Would you like my number with your order?”

Ha Won frowned. I can see the hand holding the card hesitating. I push Ha Won’s card while holding out my own. After all, I’m the Deputy, and I should be the one to pay.

“It’s to-go. I will pay for it.”

“Oh…”

The clerk hardened his face and looked at Ha Won.

“You have a lover?”

My right arm became heavy all of a sudden. As I look down, Ha Won is hugging my arm and smiling. It’s a mischievous smile.

“He will help me pay the 1,000 won…”

Ha Won pulled my arm a little closer. I want to remove my arm, but my posture is awkward. If I make a wrong move, I’m afraid I’ll hit Ha Won’s chin with my elbow.

“I’ll prepare it for you along with the drinks. Your order number is 121. Next person’s order.”

The clerk looked a little down. As we stepped out of line, Ha Won let go of my arm. Then he tucked his hand behind his back.

“I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s okay.”

I’m surprised, but after witnessing something like this to the point where he hung onto me, I think I’m glad I paid.

On the one hand, I remembered my younger sister who was attending college in Gyeonggi-do. The sister who only contacts me when she needs to buy something… She doesn’t contact me unless she needs some pocket money. She was raised wrong.

“Sometimes there are people like that. He thinks he’s being nice, but he’s actually stereotyping me as an Omega. If you buy something sweet, you’re definitely an Omega… And I don’t like it when people hit on me just because of my face.”

Ha Won pouted his lower lip and puffed out his cheeks. He looks young. He looks like a college student. I look around and notice a few people staring at us. I look at Ha Won. He is pretty.

“However, this is the first time I’ve seen someone get a number at a café. That’s how good Ha Won’s first impression is.”

He seemed to dislike the word pretty, so I changed it slightly. It’s a takeout order with a number. When he heard the order, it was obvious it wasn’t the first time he’d heard it. Ha Won didn’t even respond to that. After all, it seems that he has at least a little pride.

We looked at each other and smiled, then Ha Won turned his head. Ha Won’s wiggling fingers caught my eye.

I’m speechless again. Feeling restless, I open my phone. As expected, there is no message. I’m sure I’m an outcast. I open and close the Internet browser about ten times for no reason.

“Customer 121!”

“Ours has arrived.”

I go to the counter with a smile on my face. Ha Won follows me.

“Thank you.”

The clerk in a brown beret pushed the tray towards us. It reminded me of someone with long hair left sideways. Really…

“Your hairstyle is like Yoo Seol-hee. From that drama.”

And one of my friends plays the lead in that drama. I chuckle a little. It felt as if I was desperately attempting to conceal the great secret of the entertainment industry. My friend is starring in a drama! That jerk drank and slept at my house yesterday! My friend is a celebrity!

Suddenly, my mother comes to mind. My mother bragged about my math contest prize by bringing it to work when I was in elementary school. That’s how I feel right now. It’s not something I’ve done, but I’m proud of it.

The clerk looked at the receipt on the tray and then looked up at me repeatedly. In the meantime, I grab a straw.

“Excuse me, customer, but may I ask for your number…?”

The clerk whispered as if he didn’t want anyone else to hear.

“It’s 121. Three Americanos and a Frappuccino. Thank you. Goodbye.“

I chuckle even as I hold the coffee. I’m proud of you Ki-do. I am thinking of grilling pork belly for you if you are still at home. You’re so successful. The styles from your drama are so popular.

As I leave the cafe, Ha Won grabs my sleeve.

“Are you doing this on purpose?”

I raise one of my eyebrows.

“What?”

Ha Won opened his mouth slightly and smiled strangely.

“It’s nothing.”

“Let’s go. Lunch time is almost over.”

I walk Ha Won to the General Affairs Department on the first floor. I only take one cup of Americano and hand the rest to him. Ha Won shook his head and handed it back to me. My fingertips touched his and he was quite cold.

“I ordered one to give to Deputy Kang. Take it and go up.”

Ha Won bit the Americano straw and picked up the Frappuccino.

“Isn’t the Americano for Department Head Lim?”

“No, this one is for Department Head Hannah.”

“Oh…”

I drank some of the Americano. It’s cool and bitter. Ha Won looked at me and smiled.

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“I’m going in.”

I nod and then get into the elevator. I feel like I got a little closer to Ha Won today. Something is strange, but overall it is good.

The elevator stops on the second floor. I should have taken the stairs instead of taking the elevator. I hear some murmuring. When the door opened, a familiar face appeared.

“See you at three o’clock. Prepare well for PT. Everyone can go back.”

My hands holding the Americano were cold. The man who made eye contact with me smiled gently as he curved his eyes.

“Did you enjoy your meal?”

It’s Director Lee.

I’m silent until I reached the third floor. When I heard the ding sound, I dashed out like lightning.

“I’m going in.”

As I walk forward, Director Lee suddenly appears next to me.

“What are you doing after work today?”

“Yes?”

“Would you like to have dinner with me?”

“Ah…”

I stop walking. Director Lee blocked my way.

“Let’s have a drink too.”

“I have an appointment.”

“Can I ask with whom?”

I have to think about it now. Who do I have an appointment with later? Ki-do came to mind. Ki-do is a good excuse.

Director Lee just kept smiling without knowing how I felt. I drink a large gulp of Americano. It appeared to be a date request.

I don’t quite understand. Isn’t it common for Alphas to date Omegas? Betas usually date other Betas. My parents were like that, as were my grandparents, and even the newlyweds next door were both Betas.

I’m not interested in delving into the complicated world of Alphas and Omegas. As a Beta, I prefer a normal life with other Betas. Director Lee, who beckoned to me, reminded me of the Jordan River’s gatekeeper.

I’d like to lead a normal life. Dating a male boss is not something I would normally do. Furthermore, I have no plans to date in this infectious society. This filthy world where Alphas and Omegas date until they’re sick of each other.

“I don’t think it’s possible because I have a scheduled appointment with my college alumni.”

“That’s just for tonight. Or will it always be? Is there going to be an appointment every time I ask?”

The quick-witted Director raised an eyebrow. Director Lee had dimples. I speak without taking my gaze away from his dimples.

“I don’t plan on hanging out with you in private in the future. I’ve already told you, but I’m not interested in dating.”

Director Lee carefully took a step closer. Director Lee’s shadow is on my face. I’m a little scared, so I step back. Director Lee truly is an Alpha. He’s tall and handsome.

“I’m not talking about dating.”

“Then why do you keep coming to see me?”

“We just met by chance.”

“But it is…”

“You said you weren’t going to date. Don’t date anyone. I won’t disturb you, Kim Joo-hyuk, really.”

“You know that’s a weird thing to say, right?”

I sip the Americano again but it’s no use. My throat is still dry.

“Why don’t you give me a chance to be friends? If you don’t want to date, then let’s be friends.”

“It’s very strange…”

It’s not hot, but I feel a drop of sweat running down my back. Director Lee does not back down, even when I want him to. I recall the dramas I’ve seen so far. I feel like an Omega. An Omega who received a confession from Alpha. How did the main characters react?

I can’t remember. To be honest, I didn’t watch many dramas other than Ki-do’s. My parents were obsessed with dramas for a long time when I was in college, but I only watched a little bit at the time. I caught a glimpse of it when Mom and Dad were yelling at the TV.

My sister and I sat on the sofa and watched soccer. We played a penalty game because she said it wasn’t fun to just watch. She yanked my hair out whenever she won… But why haven’t I heard from her in a long time? It’s about time she ran out of pocket money…

Guess I’ll have to text her later. Something like, are you doing well? Did you get a boyfriend?

I rip off the lid of the Americano. No matter how much I think about it, Kim Joo-young is suspicious these days. Why isn’t she asking for an allowance? There’s no way my mother would give her enough pocket money…

“Kim Joo-hyuk, is this really something that you need to think so hard about?”

“Ah, yes…”

That’s right, Director Lee.

“I’m sorry for holding you back when you’re busy. Think about it. You’re eating dinner with me tonight. I’ll take you to a really good restaurant.”

Director Lee tapped my shoulder and turned back to the elevator. I gulp down the rest of the Americano. If I take up Director Lee’s offer, I may be able to eat something quite expensive. The capitalist within me is shaking. No. Peaceful life. I want a peaceful life.

I return to my desk and sit down in my chair. Before I go to work, I should text Kim Joo-young.

[Do you need pocket money?]

As soon as the computer refreshed, the messenger flashed. If she wasn’t studying, she would answer quickly.

[Give me]

[Are you always looking at your phone? You answered so fast]

[You even get mad when I reply fast]

[I won’t give you any allowance]

[If you don’t want to, then don’t.]

[How come you didn’t ask for allowance these days?]

[There is some money left from the New Year’s allowance]

[Do you want allowance?]

[Yes]

It’s fine now that I’ve confirmed she’s alive. Now I have to send her 10,000 won.

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