You’re honestly not surprised that things turned out like this. You just wanted to have a nice Thanksgiving dinner with everyone but it can only stay ‘nice’ for so long you suppose.
You all made a dish to bring to the get-together but no one would come near Yoosung’s monstrosity that he calls food with a five-foot pole.
Zen and Jumin ended up arguing because Jumin didn’t even make his and instead had his chef prepare it. To be fair though, it was really good and you aren’t exactly sure how good Jumin’s cooking is.
Seven kept trying to feed you while saying things like “Here comes the airplane! Brrrrrr!” and “Open up for the train! Chew chew!” Saeran ended up flicking mashed potatoes in his face which started a food war.
Jaehee pulled you away before it started, both of you watching from the kitchen as they all get handfuls to throw at each other. V remained seated and you’re surprised to see not a single drop of food got on him as he remained calm in his seat.
You started laughing when Zen hit Jumin with cranberry sauce and you swear you’ve never seen Jumin so angry. It surprised you when he picked up a piece of ham and slapped Zen with it.
“At least they didn’t break the tv this time,” Jaehee says, trying to look on the bright side when they’re done.
“Don’t jinx us,” you grumble, looking at the mess.
Deft fingers furiously typed away at a keyboard, the rhythmic clicking sound filling the mostly empty office. It was about seven in the evening, Jaehee observed, her gaze flickering to the digital clock that sat on the corner of her desk. The woman was forced to stay behind late to finish the mountainous pile of assignments that sat neatly stacked next to her computer monitor. All of her colleagues had left hours ago, save for the janitors, and of course Mr. Han. He had been neglecting his work again in pursuit of silly cat ideas, leaving his assistant to pick up the slack.
When a slight feeling of irritation arose in her chest, the brown haired woman silently scolded herself. Such emotional unrest would only keep her from performing her job proficiently. Jaehee caught herself stealing a glance at her phone, wondering if your name would pop up on the screen with a message. The hope that you would kept her eyes trained on the device for a few more seconds, only for her to realize that such fantasies were silly to concoct. You had your own life and people to take care of, she couldn’t possibly expect you to-
“Jaehee? Jumin, is Jaehee here?”
For a moment, the woman thought she had been so caught up in her daydreaming that she had managed to recreate the sound of your voice. Blinking a few times, and pulling her hands away from the keyboard they seemed to be glued to, Jaehee laid a few gentle pats on her cheeks, hoping to rid herself of the delusion that you had appeared at her office. Her movements ceased quickly as she heard footsteps approach Mr. Han’s office. Since she was his assistant, and it was her job to inspect whoever wished to see him, she supposed she could spare a single look. Peeking over the cubicle wall, Jaehee couldn’t keep her eyes from widening and jaw falling slightly open in shock.
There you were, in all your glory. You were leaning against the doorway of Mr. Han’s room, arms crossed and lips turned up into a slight smile. With a little more investigation, Jaehee noticed that you were carrying a box containing two coffees. A foreign feeling tickled at her heart as the assistant wondered why you had come all the way out to her place of work, let alone with coffee, and asked for her specifically. All of a sudden you turned, eyes meeting chocolate brown orbs and brightening significantly. Your smile had widened, the female noticed, as you made your way to your friends cubicle after sending a small wave to her boss.
“I figured he had kept you late again.”
Your voice rang with a sweet tang through the empty room, filling Jaehee with an indescribable feeling. It was like the first inhale you took after holding your breath for a long time, the kind that left you feeling like you were buzzing with energy. She found that it refreshed her, making her feel light. A polite smile danced across her lips as she nodded.
“Yes, he does tend to do that very often.”
Giggling slightly, and nodding as well, you placed the coffee down on the assistant’s desk before walking away. A wondering gaze followed you, watching you pick up an empty chair before setting it down right next to Jaehee’s. She blinked once, staring at the seat, before looking back up at you. You had to stifle another laugh. Jaehee looked like a confused puppy, and the image pulled at your heartstrings gently. Plopping down, you met your friends eyes, this time much closer than before.
“I also figured you weren’t taking care of yourself and giving yourself breaks, or asking for help. So, I’m here to assist you. I brought you coffee.”
Jaehee’s umber orbs flickered to her own coffee cup, empty and abandoned. She had been so caught up in her work that she had forgotten to fill it, and before she knew it hours had passed. When her gaze traveled back to you, you were holding out the coffee you had bought for her, a sweet smile on your face. That type of expression really did suit you, the assistant thought as she took the drink, nearly jumping at the way your soft fingers accidentally brushed against hers.
“That’s... very kind of you, Y/N, but it’s really not necessary-”
“I insist.”
The single phrase held so much power, cutting the woman off instantly. Your eyes said everything your voice didn’t, and in them Jaehee could see your determined desire to help. She relented, sealing her mouth into a thin line. All was silent for a few seconds, before Jaehee cracked a smile. One thing she admired about you was your ambition and resoluteness when it came to a decision you made. Understanding her smile was your affirmation to begin, you clapped your hands together.
“So! What can I start with?”
Time seemed to race by when is was you at Jaehee’s side. It was now nine forty-five. The two of you were about seventy-five percent done with the huge stack of papers, and the fatigue was beginning to get to your friend. A yawn escaped her lips for the second time in the last few minutes, causing your gaze to trace up to Jaehee’s face from the sheets in front of you. Her blinks were slow and forced, and the woman was slightly bent forward, as if sitting straight was using up too much energy. You took a moment to consider the best way to help her.
“Jaehee, why don’t you take a fifteen minute nap?”
From the way she had reacted to your question, it was as if you had asked her to slap Jumin Han. The woman’s previously drooped eyes snapped open, mouth agape like you had asked her to commit some unforgivable sin.
“It- It would be... unprofessional of me to sleep in such a setting-”
“No one would know, and Jumin is always saying you should take better care of yourself, isn’t he? Taking short power naps is actually very good for your health.”
You had covered all of Jaehee’s concerns with stunning accuracy, stopping her short in her argument. Her brows furrowed as she attempted to find any fault in your words, but her search was futile. A defeated sigh escaped her mouth as she slumped over. Triumph was written across your expression, eyes bright and alert. You were glad that you had finally been able to convince your friend to allow herself to rest.
“Wake me up in fifteen minutes, please.”
Jaehee muttered, as she laid her head against your shoulder. She startled slightly as your hand found hers, intertwining your fingers seamlessly. Seeing that you were unaffected by your own actions and the intimacy of the position you two were in, the woman allowed herself to relax. Your hand against hers was a comforting feeling, and soon enough Jaehee could feel the gentle lulling of a peaceful slumber pulling her mind to unconsciousness. She fell asleep to the sound of your soft breath beside her ear and the scribble of a pencil on paper, the familiar sounds a welcome embrace from the confusing emotions stirring in her heart.
