Chapter 18 - Secret Gossip (1/2)

The moment she heard that voice, Su-Jin's heart almost stopped. Knowing that she was alone on the rooftop, and having someone speak to her so suddenly, gave her a huge fright. It almost caused her to jump two meters into the air.

Su-Jin leaped to her feet, twirling around hastily in order to face that person.

Right behind the bench, leaning against it in a casual manner, stood a man. He had chocolate brown hair and a pair of twinkling eyes.

He was staring at her, looking just as surprised as she was by the encounter.

”You!” they both cried out at the same time.

”What are you doing here?” Su-Jin asked in astonishment.

After almost having her heart jump out of her chest in fright, Su-Jin was feeling her pulse slowly going back to normal.

For a split second, she thought it was Director Kang. The sheer idea that he might have heard what she was saying about him made her sweat in terror. She might dislike the man, but ultimately, he was her boss, and badmouthing one's boss to his face wouldn't help with career climbing.

Luckily for her, though, it was not Director Kang, but the young man she had met in the elevator on her first day of work.

”I came to skip work.” He replied, shooting her a grin.

As he spoke, he went round the bench and took a seat. Glancing at Su-Jin, he gestured for her to do the same.

After a short moment of hesitation, Su-Jin finally sat down as well. Then, she turned her head and looked at him carefully. She instantly felt mesmerized by the color of her eyes, and the silky texture of his hair. But what impressed her the most was the cheerful expression he had. He looked as refreshing as a young high schooler who skips lessons on a beautiful summer day.

Instead of admonishing her for staring so rudely, the man seemed rather amused by her sudden interest. His beautiful brown eyes gazed at her openly, and she soon felt herself blush.

With warm cheeks, Su-Jin turned her head swiftly, effectively breaking eye contact. Her eyes shifted in the direction of the horizon. The sun was still high in the sky, causing the atmosphere to grow warmer still.

”I told you why I am here. What about you?” the man suddenly asked, his tone sounding light like the breeze.

Hearing the man's question, Su-Jin's body flinched imperceptibly. Her heart skipped a beat, and an awkward feeling erupted in her chest. She risked a sideways glance, and saw with great surprise that the man's eyes were still glued to her face. Thus, she swiftly looked away again, keeping her eyes trained in front of her.

”Is it a secret?” the man continued to probe, sounding slightly teasing now.

”The air felt stifling in the office, so I came out for a short break.” She finally replied, still refusing to look at him.

”Hmmm. Is that so?” he hummed.

The two of them remained quiet for a moment. The sound of a gentle breeze blowing through the leaves surrounded them, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Despite sitting next to a stranger, Su-Jin was feeling surprisingly calm. Even her breathing had finally evened out. By now, she wasn't so apprehensive towards this person any more.

Before long, Su-Jin turned her head slightly, looking askance at him.

”Is it alright for you to skip work like this?” she asked.

”Aren't you doing the same?” he nonchalantly shot the question back at her, arching an eyebrow inquisitively.