Just Sleep, She Said

Her marriage proposals still consistently appear in different ways. Letters consistently arrive at your apartment door every morning; the red color is enough to tell you that it has a marriage proposal inside it. Then, on particular days, flowers were delivered to you like a usual thing in the afternoon's work; you had no choice but to accept them since all the employees' eyes were on you.

“Be my husban–” You read the letter attached to it, but the way it addressed you as her husband, It’s definitely from her.

You took a glance at her, raising your head above your desk partition, and looked through the glass wall between you. Only to find out that she’s aware of what’s happening, grinning ear to ear.

Wink.

“Ohhh–” You hid, sitting back in your chair enough to conceal your presence from her.

“T-that wink’s dangerous… How did the glass stay intact? Yet my heart's crushed by it.” You put both your hands in your chest, feeling the fast beating of your foolish heart.

“Where did the flower come from?” Just like the flowers, a voice came out all of a sudden.

“Ah, Ms— BAEK!?” Your senses failed you again.

“Why are you so scared? I’m not going to eat you.” She tapped your shoulders.

“No, it’s not.”

“Yes, it is. You look so pale— wait, are you drinking in the middle of the day!? At the office!? Without me!?” She ended up drawing a conclusion without giving me a chance to speak.

“You drunkard secretary.” A fact coming out of your mouth: “Explaining to you looks impossible since your mind works differently during these hours.” You added, pointing at the clock; it’s only one of the afternoon.

“So, where did the flowers really come from?” Her question looped around.

“From an investor.” You lied, putting the flowers on your desk.

“Oh? So you just received it; it’s for Ms Lee.” She leaned over, taking a good look at the flowers. Her hand was about to pick up the letter, but your hands were faster, hooking it to your drawer and locking it.

“She has a lover?” Her sly smile accompanied Jiheon’s question. “She had one, right? I knew it.” The way she raises her eyebrow repeatedly is her way of telling you she got it right.

“NO! OF COURSE NOT! What nonsense!” You let out a loud objection, enough to make her startled, jumping an inch from the ground. 

“WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING AT ME!!?” She shouted back, terrifying like a bear’s roar. Slamming your table, causing you to stumble back.

“Uhh… sorry.” You lowered your head.

“So, what’s that for?” She pointed at the drawer where you hid the letter that was with the flowers.

“Classified.” You fixed your coat and regained composure.

“I see… so, is she in?” Jiheon pointed at your boss's office, asking you the real reason why she was there.

“Yes, you can go.” You confirmed Jieun’s availability with a soft nod.

She turned around, but she turned back at you in just a millisecond.

“...”

“By the way, I like your perfume. Why didn’t you use that when we used to hang out together?” She praised your perfume; it’s actually so strong that it overpowered hers. It might be the reason you didn’t feel her presence earlier.

“Hang out…” You muttered; that’s just how she treats it–

“I’ll go in.” Her words brought you back to reality after reminding you of a glimpse of the past.

“Huh? Ah, yes.” You gave her your reassuring smile.

Jiheon disappeared to your boss's office again.

"Sure, it's the first time you noticed my perfume." You muttered.

You glanced at the office door she had just entered.

"But Ms. Lee—Jieun did."

The corner of your lips lifted on their own.

A week later, there’s a scheduled meeting in Tokyo, Japan. The mood’s not complying with what you’re expecting. Apparently, the meeting that is set for that day has been abruptly rescheduled for the next day. No clear reason, no advance announcement, and not even a message thirty minutes late. You and Jieun were just sitting in the conference room, waiting like fools.

Jieun just stood up and walked away; no words came out of her lips, but she was trembling with anger. You did not dare to stop her or ask where she was going. You just followed her behind, like a loyal pet to its owner.

You kept following her, in the hotel reception, in the elevator, and until you were with her in the room that she got.

“I’m so sorry about that, Ms Lee.” You continuously apologized for the inconvenience it caused. She was so mad because time is really important to her. Especially since you were supposed to go back to Korea the same day.

“What can we do now? Nothing, so stop apologizing.” She crossed her arms after dropping her purse onto the bed. “Those bastards will have their death tomorrow; better ask the mortuary to reserve some space.” She was ready to kill those executives who decided to cancel the meeting on their own.

“I will, cremated or buried?” You teased a little, hoping to ease her anger a little.

“Alive.” She teased back and finally let out a smile after a stressful day. “Let’s stay for the night.” She added and sat at the edge of the bed.

“Then, excuse me—” You took a step back and were about to leave the room.

“Where are you going?” She looked puzzled, eyes full of confusion, as if your actions were wrong.

“Uhhmm, to my room? I haven’t got a room yet.” You explained. She got a room by herself after she got mad about the meeting cancellation. You just followed her into this room, going with the flow of her anger.

“You’re just wasting your time.” She scoffed.

“Why?” Her annoying laugh caused enough curiosity.

“There’s no more room available; let’s share this bed.” She lay on her back and tapped the space beside her; her smile never faltered.

“...”