We Make a Good Team

It's like he's been expecting this question I've been dying to ask. He doesn't even open his eyes as he responds. "I don't know, why did you?"

I narrow my eyes at him. "I asked first."

This time, his eyes meet mine. "But I'm more interested, so answer me first. From what Eun's let on, you weren't having much fun, were you? So why did you come? Was it to provoke me?"

Partly, yes. "Did it work?" I ask with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes," the young man immediately responds, but he doesn't sound angry anymore.

And maybe because he's admitted that I decide to become more honest. "I came to make Eun happy. But these people and I... we don't have the same concerns anymore. They are my friends, but I feel like I'm losing them because I don't know how to relate to them anymore."

I almost expect him to scold me for complaining about matters that must seem so trivial to him, but instead, he says quietly: "Welcome to my life."

Pensively, I ask him: "How do you do it, oppa? Wake up every morning with the knowledge that the happiness of millions of people depends on you? On how funny you are during a VLive, on how well you sing during a concert, on how cute you behave during an interview? How can one person possibly carry such a heavy burden on their shoulders?"

"Well, it's not a burden to me," Hajun says. "It's a privilege."

"You're not wrong," I admit. "Your job is improving other people's lives, and that is indeed a privilege. But it's also incredibly tough. I know that because I observe how you work your ass off every single day. Even when you love your occupation, it's okay to say that things are hard sometimes, oppa. It's okay to say that things suck. No one can brightly smile all their worries away, not even you."

While I often complain that my life depends on Hajun these days, I haven't failed to notice that he's not free either. HA Entertainment dictates every single minute of his life. I've never heard upper management ask him or any other member what they would like to do for a change.

He's trapped, I'm trapped, we're all trapped.

I was so focused on my little rant that I didn't notice Hajun's endearing gaze on me. His smiles the way I've seen him smile at his hyungs, and small wrinkles appear around his eyes. "You're a wise person, Rose-ah."

I playfully wink at him. "I try to be, at least."

He's still looking at me as he softly states: "My job might be a burden, but you know what isn't?"

"What?" I ask, curious.

"You.", he calmly answers.

Oh. Oh.

Out of all the possible things he could have told me, I didn't expect that.

"What... what makes you say that?" I ask, stuttering, failing to keep my cool.

Maybe I don't annoy Hajun as much as I assumed.

"I'm aware I sometimes make you feel like you're a burden to me..."

"Sometimes?" I snort to myself.

"Well, most of the time," he corrects himself, sending me an apologetic smile. "And truthfully, you can be a real piece of work, Rose-ah."

When I pout a little bit at that, he grins and puts an arm around me in a soothing way. The warmth of his skin on mine sends electric waves through my entire body.

"However, I'm aware I'm a piece of work as well. And together, I believe we make a great team."

"It's like our insufferableness combines and transforms into a superpower.", I add to that statement, deep in thought.

"Sure, if that's how you want to word it," my boss chuckles. "You're cute, Rose."

While it's indisputable that he means that in a friendly, platonic way, I can't help but blush. Shit, why do I always to be affected by everything that comes out of this man's mouth?

From the corner of my eye, I can tell he's observing me amusedly. "You get embarrassed really easily when you're drunk."

No. I just get embarrassed really easily whenever you're around me, Hajun.

"I'm not drunk," I mutter, which makes him snicker. At least he drops the topic.

We both stand there for a while, observing the hectic yet dreamy city underneath us.

Then, I ask into the peaceful night: "Hajun oppa? Can we... can we go home?"

I'm exhausted.

"Why are you asking for my permission?" While his tone is slightly mocking, the gentle sparkle of his eyes signals to me, he does not intend on starting another fight. "I thought you could handle yourself."

"I'm not asking for your permission," I immediately defend myself. "I'm just thinking practically. We live in the same place, and you came here in your car, right? It's just more logical."

"More logical, I see." He smiles teasingly while he stares me up and down, making me nervous. What is going through his head? Then, a gleeful, wicked grin appears on his face. Oh no. I recognize that expression. It's once again the expression he wears before he starts taunting people.

"Alright, I'll drive you back home." His grin grows wider and wider. "But on one condition."

I gulp. "What condition?"

"You have to admit that I was right," he slowly says, watching my shocked expression full of pleasure.

"Right about what?" I attempt to play dumb, even though I exactly know what he's referring to.

"Right about this party." He says. "Right about the fact that it was a bad idea to go out on a workday."

Oh, that little, obnoxious prick.

There's no way in hell I'll satisfy him like that.

However, I don't have another option. I'm tired, and all I want is my bed. While the night buses in South Korea are exceptionally safe, they would take double the time of the car.

Hajun's aware of that. He's shamelessly taking advantage of the situation.

I just scoff. "There's no way in hell I'll admit that."

"Fine," Hajun responds indifferently. "Have fun on the night bus, then."

And then, he slowly turns around walks away, purposely making me suffer.

For my sleep's sake, should I swallow my pride just this once?

I despise how he's playing with me like that. However, I don't have many other choices.

Fine, Hajun, you win.

But only this time.

"Wait!" I desperately call back after him as he's almost reached the door.

He pivots back to me, tauntingly raising one eyebrow. "Yes, Rose?"

"I've changed my mind," I say, gritting my teeth.

Oh, how I hate him for forcing me to do this. At the same time, though, he's never been more attractive than now, staring down at me mockingly.

"Have you now?" He's having a blast, I can tell.

Every word I have to push out physically pains me. "About you. You were right, Hajun oppa. I shouldn't have gone out during the week. Now I'm worn-out, and I'll probably regret it tomorrow."

He has stepped very close to me. Too close for me to stay sane.

"Why don't you look me in the eyes while you say that, hmm? Or else I won't be convinced you're honest. Was your oppa right?"

Oh no, he didn't. He did not seriously refer to himself in the third person as oppa. Usually, he finds that just as cringy as I do, so there's only one reason he's doing it: to piss me off even more. And it's working.

I seriously feel like throwing up.

Of course, it wouldn't be the end of it. Of course, he has to continue to make me suffer.

You can do this, Rose. Just think of your bed.

Reluctantly, I look into his dark, fiery eyes that are burning themselves through me. "You. Were. Right. Oppa. " I press out. "Are done now?"

Nodding, he smirks, satisfied, before condescendingly patting my head. "Yes."

"Good," I manage to act like I didn't just throw all my pride and self-respect out the window, "now that you've had your daily dose of "let's-torture-Rose," can we leave? I need to sleep."

With revenge plots already in my mind – I can't keep losing against Hajun-, I stomp away, only to be stopped by my dear boss.

"Hey, Rose." He gently grabs me by the shoulders and turns me around, so I'm forced to meet his gaze. "Since you admitted that, I won't mention this evening ever again."

Surprised, I ask: "You promise?" I didn't think there'd be something for me to win in this situation, but apparently, I was wrong. Maybe Hajun really isn't the devil after all.

He offers me a genuine smile, not a mocking one this time. "Yes. And you can choose the music in the car."

Instantly forgiven.

Excitedly, I beam at him. "Really? But you never let me do that!"

"Exactly," he retorts cheerfully. "So let's go now, Rose-ah."