By Zephyria Considering Department Head Kim’s assessment, it was a miracle I’d maintained my position this long without any issues. If I didn’t have connections. So, did he want to drag me into that swamp too? Even if it meant offering me as a sacrifice to his backers?
The Audit Team Leader patted my arm a couple of times, as if to say she understood. She rose from her chair and picked up a USB that could negatively impact Department Head Kim. Become a whistleblower, or face disciplinary action and get fired.
Either way, I’d have to quit the company. If that was the case, I should screw them over as much as possible before leaving.
“If you tell us everything you know, we’ll take it into consideration.”
The Audit Team Leader whispered softly. She was someone I’d run into with my colleague a few times. She seemed to feel some kind of internal affinity towards me.
“…You don’t have to do that. I’ll tell you everything anyway.”
She stared at me intently, as if gauging the truth in my words.
Department Head Kim disliked me but dragged me everywhere. Not realizing it was becoming his weakness. So, I knew a lot. I had a file I’d been preparing, waiting for the day I’d quit. I clenched my fist tightly around it.
The audit team was clearly pitying me. They subtly hinted at what the situation was, like the connections between Department Head Kim and the Chairman of Mulsan. It was probably a hint to prepare myself. But I didn’t really know anything.
I followed them quietly and arrived at the floor where the audit team was located. Either a big case had broken out, or the forces protecting Department Head Kim had weakened and couldn’t afford to care for him. Maybe it was both.
Or maybe he was being abandoned as a scapegoat.
“It broke out when the Chairman of Mulsan was arrested this time.”
The Youngest member of the audit team offered me a snack. It was a rice cracker covered in white sugar. I shook my head. I still didn’t feel well.
“Honestly, the relationship between you and Department Head Kim is famous. Being in that position, you were photographed and are being investigated. Of course, it’s not that we trust you. It’s just… don’t get too caught up in it.”
His eyes sparkled. Somehow, he seemed to love this job. His passion pricked at my skin.
Did I ever have a time like that? Probably not. It wasn’t a good job for me from the start.
Working overtime, being burdened with tasks. Being scolded for my outstanding talent, then being used again.
Now, I’d even reached the point of being thrown into a moment of corruption. Not by my own will, but by others.
“Just answer what you know. We’ll take care of the rest.”
Manager Yoo, whom I’d exchanged greetings with when we ran into each other, tossed the words at me. It didn’t feel very friendly. Because I was present at the scene of the illegal solicitation. I nodded.
They were watching the room in real-time, crossing their arms and sighing deeply. Looking at their faces with dark circles under their eyes, it seemed difficult. I thought it might be related to a parliamentary inspection.
I sat quietly in the chair like a criminal. Then, the situation I was in began to feel a little real. My stomach hurt much less than before. Was the medicine finally working?
I barely managed to stop a laugh from escaping.
“It looks like the wait will be long… Have you had lunch?”
“I haven’t eaten yet. I have a lot of work piled up.”
“Ah… If you want a snack, please tell me. I’ll raid the pantry.”
Assistant Manager Lee, who was organizing documents, spoke to me casually. Did I look bored? I was enjoying this more than anyone.
The fact that the company I’d worked for, sacrificing my body and mind, was suspecting me wasn’t important. What was important was that the main culprit who’d been tormenting me was finally going down.
The Team leader came out with a bang. Judging from his unpleasant expression, a smooth conversation with Department Head Kim hadn’t taken place. He sighed deeply, then fixed his gaze on me, as if he’d only just realized I was there.
“Manager Kwon, have you had lunch?”
“He said he hasn’t.”
“It looks like the investigation will be very long, so why don’t you just eat with our team?”
He was definitely trying to win me over. The Team leader, who casually tossed the words, grabbed his shoulder and turned his neck. The sound of his joints cracking echoed in the quiet space.
“Do you have any favorite food? We’re ordering delivery now.”
“…I’m being treated for gastritis, so I’m fine.”
“Then Assistant Manager Lee, order from there. They sell porridge and rice soup too.”
“Ah, can I order Yukhoe?”
“Order it, order it.”
They seemed to have a much better relationship than my department. They ordered food without confirming my preferences. Before I knew it, I was caught up in the atmosphere and sitting at the desk with them.
A variety of dishes were laid out, from Yukhoe to Tteokbokki and rice soup. In front of me were beef and vegetable porridge and bean sprout soup. They were cheerful even with me there.
I awkwardly picked up a spoon. They weren’t interested in me at all. The hot steam touched my face. Being mixed in with them somehow reminded me of Gyeoul. Gyeoul must be working with this kind of harmonious feeling too.
Before my eyes turned red, I pushed the hot porridge into my mouth. It was very warm. The hot, fluffy substance scattered in my mouth.
“Have you ever thought about transferring departments? Your department is famous for being particularly difficult.”
“…Department Head Kim cut it off.”
“You should have just stabbed us. It seems like your health is getting worse.”
“The company’s poster boy is ruined. Oh my.”
Chopsticks moved busily, and their mouths had no time to rest. I closed my mouth at the outpouring of attention. Their true intention must be to extract information while acting so friendly.
I thought of the heavy pocket. Should I hand it over now? It’s data I’ll have to submit anyway.
I didn’t hate their obvious intentions. I was already someone who’d been abandoned by the company. Even when Department Head Kim severely abused his power, no one saved me. These people were just third parties.
“There’s something I’ve been interested in lately…”
I took the USB out of my pocket and casually placed it on the desk. With a moment of silence, shining eyes poured out on me all at once.
Like throwing a stone on a shallow frozen lake, the friendly atmosphere shattered in an instant. If I’d known it would turn out like this, I should have shown it to them after finishing my meal, I deeply regretted.
I don’t like socializing with others, but if I’d worked in a team like this, I wouldn’t have been so mentally cornered. I still know they have an agenda, but I feel a slight fondness for them.
“Sharing hobbies. That’s friendly and nice. May I take a look?”
“Yes. You can look at everything and keep it if you like it.”
Smiling brightly, the Team leader reached out to me. I pushed the USB closer. Our eyes met for a long time. No conversation took place until it was placed in a very deep place.
“I’ve started learning golf as a hobby these days. Do you play at all, Manager Kwon?”
“I’ve never learned it separately. I’m not interested either.”
“Ah… Is that so? Department Head Kim seems to like it.”
It was a loaded question, but she asked casually, pretending not to care. A warm smile was occasionally heard, as if she’d never been cold. I also straightened my back and piled the porridge high on my spoon. It was hot and a little depressing.
I did something that would make me suspected, but I’m hurt by such words. It was a funny thing.
“Ah, right. How long have you been with the company, Manager Kwon?”
“He’s my colleague from when I joined the company. I think this year is his seventh year.”
“I think so.”
Oh oh. An exclamation was heard from somewhere. No matter how long I stayed here, I didn’t have the confidence to mingle with them. It was so unfamiliar to react to even such things.
‘Do co-workers have that much to say to each other?’
I’d never lived such a life. Except for meetings I was dragged to against my will, I didn’t get along so well with my colleagues. Except for one person. It was burdensome for them to learn about me and pry into my life.
I blinked. I felt a foreign object in my eyeball. I repeatedly closed and opened my eyes that wouldn’t open. Then, without any pretense, disposable eye drops were placed in front of me. In the short time I turned my head.
Is the audit team allowed to do this? Can they investigate if they’re just so warm? They were people who felt like they had a lot of affection just by looking at them.
“Are you okay? This is really effective.”
“It’s essential for people in our profession. If it works well for you, I’ll get you some more.”
It quickly became noisy. The more I blended into this scene, the stranger I felt. If Gyeoul was here…
Gyeoul came to mind out of the blue. It was a very difficult thing. I was filled with self-loathing for looking for you, and for the fact that you were no longer here because of my mistake.
Finally, the Team leader’s spoon was placed on the desk. I’d rather be locked in that cold room, it would be more comfortable.
“Lunch is over. Manager Kwon, please sit on the sofa and we’ll call you.”
He spoke in a businesslike tone, as if he’d never been friendly. I know they’re giving me a lot of leeway even with this treatment, but my stomach still felt like it was churning.
‘What about work? I think there was an urgent matter that needed to be dealt with immediately.’
To be worried about pending work even in this situation. That’s why I’m only being used and abandoned.
My head was a mess. I couldn’t maintain my sanity due to self-criticism, resentment towards Department Head Kim, and longing for Gyeoul.
And, even Woo Young-geol.
Even though everything that tormented me had turned to ashes and disappeared, my stomach was still burning as if it were being branded with fire. As if even such things were no longer a problem for me.