Warning: May cause excessive screaming, sudden giggles, and spontaneous pillow fights between besties. Proceed with caution.
Hyungwon hadn't even sat down when the first message came through the company tablet.
From: SHIN HOSEOK
"Coffee. Black. 90°C. Two minutes."
No 'please'. No location. No explanation.
He stared at the screen for a second.
He's testing me.
Fine.
Hyungwon stood, calm on the outside, but inwardly questioning his life choices. First day on the job and the CEO was already playing games.
He found the executive kitchen, made the coffee exactly to specification, and placed it on Hoseok's desk with a quiet knock.
No answer.
He opened the door slightly—just enough to see Hoseok typing, not even glancing up.
"Your coffee, sir," Hyungwon said politely.
Silence.
Then, without lifting his gaze, Hoseok replied:
"You're late."
Hyungwon blinked. "It hasn't even been two minutes."
Hoseok looked up.
That intense gaze again. Like he was scanning for weakness.
"Exactly. It took you one minute forty-six seconds. I said two." He pushed the cup aside like it offended him.
"I assumed faster was better."
"I don't like assumptions."
Hyungwon bit the inside of his cheek.
This man is insane.
"I'll remember that, sir."
Hoseok leaned back, arms folded. "Tell me, Assistant Chae. Why did you take this job?"
Hyungwon kept his voice even. "Because I was qualified."
"No. You were hand-picked. You know that, right?"
Hyungwon's heart skipped—but he didn't show it. "I wasn't aware."
"Liar."
Silence.
Tension.
Then Hoseok smiled. Not kindly.
"Good. Keep lying. Let's see how long before you crack."
He stood up, walking over to him. Close. Too close.
"You think you can survive here? In this company? Under me?"
Hyungwon's jaw tightened. "I intend to."
Hoseok's eyes scanned his face, like he was trying to see beneath skin and bone.
"Be careful, Assistant Chae," he murmured. "This office eats the weak alive."
He turned, walking back to his desk.
"Also… You forgot the coaster."
Hyungwon blinked. Looked down.
Shit.
END OF CHAPTER 2
Hyungwon: 0 / Hoseok: 1