How to Make a Man Fall in Love

As you walked to your workplace, you came across an unusually large number of utility staff nearby. There are eyes glued to you as well, as if you did something wrong early in the morning, though all you did was walk.

Upon arriving, you saw the reason for their looks. Your workspace was being cleared out. 

“Is it because I turned her down?” The question that instantly popped up inside your mind the moment you saw what’s happening.

“Where’s my computer? W-wait! Why are you taking my desk away?” One of the utility staff is cleaning your table and picking up all of your files.

“Hey! Be careful, that’s essential! Don’t— put that down… Seriously, what are you guys doing!? Is Ms Lee even aware of this?” You start to wonder if she’s going to fire you just because of that rejection.

“Uhh, we—” The utility you asked hesitated to respond.

“Yes, I’m well aware.” Ms Lee suddenly popped out of her office, a blank expression over her usual beautiful face.

“Then…” The utility staff hurried past, carefully carrying your desk and files into Ms. Lee's office. 

"Careful," she reminded them. "Those documents are important... just like him." She lightly turned her body to give way to the utility staff, moving your desk inside her office. They nodded nervously before excusing themselves.

You get it now, she’s planning to keep you inside her office, inside her territory, like a house pet.

“Ms. Lee, I suppose there’s a legitimate reason for your actions. May I know what this is all about?” As a professional, you remain calm and are willing to hear her reasons. Whatever it was, as long as it’s valid, you’ll not oppose it.

“I’ve read somewhere that secretaries work better if they’re closer to their boss... You’re my secretary, and I’m your boss.” She looks proud while explaining it, crossing her arms confidently.

“That’s not enough, Ms Lee, you can’t just—” You stopped when the utility staff excused themselves, they’re done moving your desk in, everything. “Thank you.” The men worked hard early in the morning, were definitely scared as well, so they deserved a thank you.

“Thank you! And you.” She thanked the utilities by obeying her orders. The icy CEO just thanked them, and that made them even more shaken. Then she pointed at you. “Come in.” She added, gesturing to you to follow her.

“So… how do you like your new area?” Crazy, not the place, but her. She’s crazy, you thought. 

“With all due respect, Ms. Lee, that's hardly a professional justification; our workspaces are close enough.” You gestured at the floor-to-ceiling glass window, “We’re just a wall away from each other.” You added, and you’re being rational, hoping she’ll consider it.

“Exactly. Now there’s no wall between us.” She clasps her hands, smiles mischievously as if it’s the brightest idea she's ever thought of, brighter than when she acquired billions in one month. “Don’t worry about adjusting. Sooner or later, you’ll get used to being around me.” She added.

“I’m not worried about anything, it’s just…” Right, what’s the reason why you’re complaining? Is it really because you feel like she’s putting you inside a cage? You’ll actually accept anything she does if this happened to you a year ago.

“Hmm?” She’s waiting for you to continue.

“Ms. Lee—” You think thoroughly for a reason…

“And actually, when you already adapt to being near me, who knows? Maybe you’ll sign the marriage papers yourself.” She took a step closer to you.

That's the main reason, her marriage proposal. It didn’t exist years ago; it just came into existence yesterday morning, right here at her office.

“Ms Lee, still.” You insist.

She’s actually right for some reason. She’s right that there’s no visible wall between you and her right now. However, there’s still a nonexistent status wall in the middle, she’s still your boss, and you’re her secretary.

But, come to think of it, if she’s saying that it’ll help you work better…

“Ms Lee, you said earlier that I’ll work better if I’m closer to you, right? Are you saying that I’m not doing my job properly? Sorry if you feel like I’m lacking. But, I’ll move my desk back outside your office.” You regained your composure, fixed your coat, and walked to the nearest intercom.

“You know that’s not what I mean, right?” She followed you with her eyes, furiously.

“Yes, I know really well what you meant, I’m just using it as an excuse to move back where I belong.” You smiled before calling the utility staff to move your belongings back, “Hello, Ms Lee changed her mind, move my workstation back to where it was supposed to be, thank you.” Even using her name to expedite the process.

“Tch. You don’t get it. This is where you belong, right here.” She opened her arms as if asking for a hug with her scary smile.

She might squeeze you to death if you took her bait… but she’s cute as hell.

“Seriously, Ms Lee. What’s gotten into you?” You almost laughed. Since when did her terrifying behavior start looking cute? If you don’t know her very well, you could’ve jumped to her arms already.

“Is it not working?” She tilts her head, pouting.

Now it looks forced; you want it more natural.

“Not a chance.” You said straightforwardly.

“Okay, the first move did not work.” She pulled out her phone and suddenly read something in a low voice. 

“Some of these tips on how to make a man fall in love with you may work better for you than others… the second tip is…” 

“Sighed. What are you even reading? And most importantly, why?” You tried to peek at her phone, but she quickly moved it away.

“No, you can’t see it. All of it might turn out useless if you see it, you should be surprised like today.” She playfully went scrolling through her phone, hiding the screen from your curious eyes.

“Ms Lee, I’ve been in constant surprise ever since that night when you said good night to me.” You said. She squinted her eyes upon hearing it, and her lips curled slowly.

“...”

“I–uhhh.” You instantly wonder if there’s something wrong with what you just said.

“You liked it.” It’s not a question; it’s a statement coming from her.

“W-what? No–” Did she take it the wrong way? By the way she is acting right now, she definitely did.

“Then I’ll call you every night.” She wore this convinced smile upon realizing it. Knowing her really well, she’ll really call you every night and then.

Will it be tiring? Absolutely. Imagine working for her in the morning and talking to her on the phone at night? She already put a leash on you.

“Ms Lee, that’s not what I mean—” You wanted to prevent those unwanted late-night calls since night’s the only time you get a rest.

“Yes, I know what you mean, I’m just using it as an excuse to stay close to you even out of work.” She said, somehow it felt familiar.

“W-wait— did you just use the same reasoning I did earlier?” You chuckled. She’s unbelievable.

“You did it first, I just copied it. I admit it's effective.” She chuckled as well, and right after it, the utility staff came in to take your desk back.

The room’s filled with silence as both of you watched them bring your things back to where it came from. They’re sweating wildly, probably due to nervousness and early hard work. After a few minutes, the utility staff left.

“Looks like we should get things back to normal.” You fixed your coat once more.

“Good morning, Ms Lee.” You didn’t have the chance to greet her earlier since your morning started with an unusual ruckus.

“Sighed. Fine, good morning.” She walked back to her desk, and her heels echoed on the marble flooring.

“Smile, you have a lot of work today.” You pulled your phone out and looked through her schedule for the day.

“Hmm, as usual.” She smiled and rested her back on her seat.

You started rolling out her schedule, it’s a jam-packed day for her and you. You accompanied her, of course. Meetings after meetings, different clients, and business proposals. It’s the life you and she had. What happened earlier is a rare occurrence, but you can feel there’s still a lot of that up ahead for you.

The next day, the sun is happily brightening up the streets of Seoul. You got a nice ride under the nice weather, while your eyes are in a deep, restless state. And somehow, that bright sun reminds you of someone… better not to think of her since everything she does is trouble. 

As you entered the company’s building, workers and staff greeted you politely, and you greeted them back as usual. They know you very well, the doom’s secretary.

“Good morning, Ms…” You greet the staff behind the reception counter, waving with a friendly smile while your hands swaying side by side like cooked vegetables.

“She’s not in yet.” She smiled back and delivered you the good news, but you had had enough of her.

Most of the time, she’ll drive herself to the office. So you always check the reception hall if she came earlier than you, so you can prepare yourself for what’s coming.

“Got it, thanks.” You waved once again, for goodbye this time, as you took the elevator all the way up to the 72nd floor, where your workplace and office were.

The first thing you do upon arriving is to check your workplace. You're thankful that your desk was still outside her office, as it should be.

“Did she give up already? Hmm, weird… after bugging me last night– never mind, it’s fine this way.” You thought she would insist on bringing it inside her domain once again, leashing you close to her. She can do it overnight if she wants to.

“Sighed.” You took a deep breath.

For only ten minutes at work, early morning, and yet you’re already exhausted. It’s not something new to you, but lately, everything has become extra special.

You took a seat, stretched a little, before preparing things she’ll be needing for the day.

“...”

“Huh?” Your smelling senses got blessed by a musky, floral scent. It's a familiar scent from a girl you knew, the same girl you thought of when seeing the bright sky.

“Good morning! Is Ms Lee already at her office?” A lively woman greets you, tapping your desk for attention. Her smile alone brightens up the day: Ms. Baek Jiheon, Secretary to the Vice President.

“Did you take a bath of perfume?” You looked up, you did not answer her question, and threw your own question instead.

“Why? Do I reek?” She dropped the files she was holding at your table and pulled her coat into her nose, sniffing it.

“Simply, yes.” She always uses that perfume, Diptyque’s Fleur de Peau, as you recall. So whenever you smelled it, you knew she was near. You can proudly say that you can smell trouble. 

“It’s better to reek with perfume than alcohol, right?” She pouts and picks up her files, “So, is Ms Lee in?” She added, asking the question you did not answer earlier.

“Not yet.” But no matter how bright her smile is, your day was still gloomy.

“Okay, thanks!” She’s energetic as always, what a contrast to your everyday life.

After Jiheon left, silence swallowed you once again. You wanted to rest.

The main reason for your early drainage was due to your late-night interview, not with some news agencies, but with your boss. She called you at midnight and started asking questions that weren’t in your resume.

She asked about your favorite food, favorite color, what coat color you prefer, and many more. You also heard a clicking sound of a pen; she was probably writing down everything you said. You were on a phone call the entire night until the sun peeked out.

“I thought she’d call for a simple good night, but we stayed up all night.” You looked at the mirror at your desk and noticed how screwed you are.

“I should file for overtime.” You fixed your hair and went to wash your face.

The morning went on a blur, calls and paperwork kept you busy as it always does. Before lunch, she called you through your intercom.

You entered her office, and she’s too busy to face you. All you heard was her mouse clicking endlessly.

“You called me, Ms Lee?” You stood in front of her desk, hands clamped in front, waiting for her orders.

“Oh, you're there. Get the car ready, we’ll eat lunch together.” She’s not taking her eyes away from her desktop screen.

You wait for more; there might be something bigger than that.

A little bit more,

And that’s it?

“Hmm? What? Do you need something?” She noticed that you were still standing there like a mannequin.

“Ms. Lee, is that it?” You’re expecting more, calling you to her office just to say that. She could’ve just said it through the intercom.

“Yes, is there any problem?” She finally looked at you.

“None, but Ms. Lee, I have a packed lunch.” You did your best to cook it earlier, even though you're restless. You didn’t even mind the burnt sausage you got when you subtly took a nap in your kitchenette.

“Eat it at home, so for now, eat lunch with me.” She smiled before going back to her desktop.

“It seems like you’re really busy. How about you finish that one, and I’ll just order food for you.” It’s actually a nice way to have my packed lunch as well.

“No, thanks. This can wait.” She happily resumed clicking. The terror, Ms Lee, is happily doing work? You already know that something’s wrong.

You squint your eyes full of suspicion. You took a peek at what’s keeping her busy, and yet she insisted it can wait; that’s not like her.

“Tips…” There’s a spreadsheet open, schedules, numbers, and a lot of text—

“Yah!” She yelled when she saw your actions and instantly tilted her monitor. “Get the car.” She sounds mad, but she looks more flustered for you.

“Y-yes, I’ll get the car ready.” You bowed before leaving her office.

On your way to the parking lot, you thought about how things had changed in just a few days. You could feel the lightness in your conversations, the way her calmness outweighs her anger, and those pretty smiles—

“No.” You shook those thoughts again; everything must remain professional.

The place isn’t crowded, perfectly placed round tables all over, and a highly ornate interior. Fine dining for lunch? Fine, you’re with your boss after all.

“How is it?” She watched you chew the tender steak, perfectly grilled and seasoned. Still smoking hot, fresh off the grill.

“It’s great, well-cooked, as expected.” You wiped off your lips with a napkin, observing etiquette before answering.

“I’m glad you liked it.” She’s happy upon hearing it. “Let’s eat here again tomorrow, then we’ll have Japanese cuisine the next day, and Italian—” Her excitement is uncontainable when she reveals her plan for the next few days.

“Ms. Lee.” You simply called her.

“Hmm?”

“Sorry, but I had to decline. I apologize if this may sound rude to you, but I want to keep my lunch time to myself; it’s the only vacant time I have at my work.” You tried to explain it to her as politely as you could, not to sound rude to her.

“Okay.” Her expression flattened; she’s probably offended. However, it’s your right, you believe.

“...”

“...”

Both of you eat while harmonious classical music plays in the background.

“If you marry me, I’ll extend your lunch time. You can eat with me, and you can have extra time at the office. What do you think?” She added another clause in her contract in an instant.

“Kgh– W-what? Ms Lee–” You almost spit out chewed meat in front of her upon hearing it. You even stuttered at her sudden proposal.

“Just kidding, but I’ll probably add it for real; I’ll be considerate.” She winked at you before returning to her meal, hiding a small smile behind another bite of steak.

“Seriously.” You laughed and resumed eating as well. You’re glad she wasn’t really offended regarding your free time; in fact, she got an absurd addition to her proposal instead.

“Hmm, respect his boundaries, check. Have a heartfelt lunch with him, check.” She checked her phone while you were eating. Is it the same spreadsheet she was working on earlier?

She’s cute—

“No.” You shook it again, shaking your head multiple times. There’s this sudden thought that you shouldn’t exist.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay? I thought you liked it?” She stopped scrolling and threw a barrage of questions at you.

“It’s nothing.” You stuffed your mouth with a chunk of meat, showing that you love the meal. In response, she cutely smiled at your actions.

The meal is great, the conversations you’ve had are nice, and honestly, the best lunch you've ever had for a while, but still, you prefer to spend your time by yourself. You drove her back to the building.

“Then, I’ll be one call away if you need something, Ms Lee.” You said before slipping through your workspace.

“Here.” She nodded, but before she went back to her office, she dropped something on your desk. It came out of nowhere; it was probably resting inside her handbag from the very beginning.

“Ms. Lee?” You looked at the letter and at her.

“I– uhh, tip number 4.” She hurriedly went inside her office and closed the door.

Did God really decide to watch something fun and pick you as his entertainment? If he does, you bet he's entertained by how much expression you showed in just a day.

It’s just because your boss is full of surprises.

And now, she has even left a letter at your desk. There’s no doubt about what’s even on it. The letter’s full of hearts, arrows, and kiss marks.

“Aish.” You rapidly picked whatever your hand reached— it’s a folder, and put it on top of the letter. The folder’s big enough to hide it completely below, perfect.

“No one has seen it, right?” You muttered, hoping you concealed it on time; it’s a disaster if someone saw it, especially if it’s from her.

“Seen what?”

“Oh my god! uhh— Jiheon!?” Your heart nearly stopped beating, and you also heard an imaginary thunderstruck.

Did your smelling senses not work this time? Is it malfunctioning? How come you didn’t sense her?

“Jiheon!?” She raised a brow, a voice, and a hand. She’s ready to hit you; she must have forgotten that both of you are still at work.

“Uhh, sorry, Ms Baek.” You were too shocked that you forgot the formalities for a moment; you’re still at work, better remember it. “You’re here for Ms. Lee? She’s inside; you may come in.” You added and gestured for her to enter the door.

“Yes, thanks. By the way, are you free later? Let’s catch up, others said they’re stressed out and want a little drink.” She posed a soju shot, like the one you saw on the posters.

“Aren’t we all stressed out?” You noted.

“Exactly, see ya’ later!” She entered your boss's office without hearing your response.

“I– uhhh.” You hesitated for a moment. “Wait, I’m free, but why am I hesitating?” Something is holding you back, and you don’t know what it is.

“Whatever, I guess it’s time for me to have some fun.” You put her letter into your desk drawer and went back to work.

“Cheers!”

A glass full of beer, clinking together the roars of exhausted office workers, including you. You sat at the edge of the long wooden table, your co-workers ranting about the hardships they feel. Beside you sat the always energetic Jiheon.

“Oh? Is it empty? Drink!” She kept pouring beer into your glass, she was watching you empty it from time to time, and kept pouring more.

“Yeah.” Of course, you keep chugging it.

It’s been a long time since you got to join these kinds of nights, drinking like crazy since tomorrow’s Sunday.

“...”

“Is Ms Lee that hard on you?” There she goes again, the drunk Jiheon you never saw for a while.

“No, she’s just being her usual self.” You took a sip of your beer as if it were a coffee.

“Kghh– My poor best friend… uogh–” As you thought, Jiheon’s already at her limit, and yet she kept drinking.

“Aish! Don’t you ever throw up on me. Again.” You placed a finger on her forehead, keeping her head high.

“No, I’m– uoghh—” She just smiled at you for a second before she stopped herself from throwing up.

“Seriously.” You looked away to hide a grin. She’s unbelievable. The professional Ms. Baek in the office is a contrast to a drunken master like her right now.

As you looked around, it looked like Jiheon wasn’t the only one wasted. The accounting manager had her head stuck on the table, snoring. Others even sneaked out, and some are taking a smoke outside for a break.

“I’ll go now. Hey, do you have a driver already?” You nudged Jiheon, who’s swaying beside you, humming to an imaginary song.

“Driver? N– supersonic–.” She puffed her cheeks slightly, already drunk to hide her childish side and even start dancing to whatever song it was.

“Seriously? You’re really drunk, are you?” After drinking, now your job is to babysit a childish workmate.

“No… I’m not…” She insists, there’s a little laugh in between her words.

“How many?” You showed your hand, two fingers raised, two.

“Fuck you, too.” She shoved your hands away; she’s drunk, definitely.

“You can’t drive in that state.” You thought of driving her home, “I had drinks as well…” You think of a way to bring her home safely, though you can’t drive her home since you’re tipsy as well.

“...”

“I’ll take both of you home.” 

“Thank you.” You respond, gathering your bag and Jiheon’s.

“...”

That woman who suddenly speaks behind you, her voice is so familiar, the voice that kept you awake last night.

“Huh? MS. LEE!?”

You turn around and confirm your guess. It’s her, your boss, Lee Jieun.

To be continued…