A/N: Let's see who can name this chapter's K-Drama trope(s)! 😎😛

Internship (in) Love

A Gundam Wing K-Drama

Chapter 3

The cafeteria buzzed with the usual lunchtime chatter, the clatter of trays and the hum of conversation filling the air. Soo Jin sat at a table with her female colleagues, a steaming bowl of rice and assorted side dishes in front of her. The aroma of freshly prepared food wafted around them, mingling with the sound of laughter and light-hearted gossip.

But Soo Jin wasn't really listening. Her mind was still caught in the stairwell, replaying the encounter with the mysterious agent who had caught her mid-fall. His strong arms around her, the way his dark bangs had flailed and then settled over those intense brown eyes—every detail played on a loop in her mind, making her heart flutter all over again.

"Soo Jin?" One of her friends, Ji Young, called her name, but Soo Jin didn't respond, her eyes staring blankly ahead as she held her chopsticks poised over her bowl of rice. She was still dazed, lost in the memory of those brief but electric moments.

Ji Young exchanged a knowing look with the others and leaned forward, waving her hand in front of Soo Jin's face. "Earth to Soo Jin!" she teased, her voice sing-song and playful.

Soo Jin blinked rapidly, snapping out of her reverie. She looked down, realizing with a start that her chopsticks were still suspended in mid-air, holding a small portion of rice. Her cheeks flushed as her friends burst into laughter, their teasing giggles making her feel even more self-conscious.

"You've been zoning out for the last five minutes!" her other friend chimed in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "What's wrong? You look like a damsel in love!"

Flustered, Soo Jin's cheeks turned a deeper shade of red. "What?! N-no! It's nothing like that!" she stammered, her voice higher-pitched than usual. She quickly lowered her chopsticks and stuffed the rice into her mouth, chewing with exaggerated fervor to hide her embarrassment. The hurried way she shoveled food into her mouth only made her friends laugh harder.

"Yeah, right!" Ji Young teased, nudging Soo Jin with her elbow. "Who is he, huh? Come on, spill! Did some handsome agent finally catch your eye?"

Soo Jin shook her head vigorously, trying to deny it, but the heat in her cheeks betrayed her. "I-I'm just tired, that's all," she mumbled through a mouthful of rice, avoiding their teasing gazes. Her heart was still racing, and she could feel the flutter in her chest as she tried to focus on her meal. The more she thought about it, the more ridiculous she felt—getting all flustered over one little encounter.

But even as she chewed, her eyes couldn't help but scan the cafeteria, searching for those broad shoulders and that tousled, dark hair. Her gaze swept over the tables, the agents engrossed in their meals and conversations, but she couldn't spot him anywhere. Disappointment settled in her chest like a stone, and she let out a small, almost imperceptible sigh.

She forced herself to pay attention to her friends, joining in their conversation with as much enthusiasm as she could muster. But every now and then, her eyes would flicker to the door, the entrance, and the far corners of the cafeteria, as if hoping to catch another glimpse of him. The memory of their brief encounter lingered like a ghost, and she couldn't shake the feeling that she wanted—no, needed—to see him again.

Soo Jin returned to her desk, grateful for the brief silence that filled the department when everyone was still out for lunch. The usual hum of activity was absent, leaving the space quiet and still. She had left the cafeteria earlier than usual, needing to escape her nosy friends and the flurry of emotions that had left her flustered all through lunch. The calmness of the office was a welcome reprieve, allowing her a moment to collect herself before the others returned.

Settling into her chair, Soo Jin let out a soft sigh, the tension in her shoulders easing as she reached for the candy bar in her drawer. The familiar rustle of the wrapper was comforting, a small indulgence to help her focus and regroup. As she prepared to take a bite, she suddenly froze, her senses tingling with awareness.

She wasn't alone.

Slowly, she lowered the candy bar, her eyes drifting toward the desk by the window—the desk that had been empty since the day she arrived.

It was occupied.

Her breath caught as she stared in awe at the broad shoulders filling out a worn-out Preventer duty jacket. The messy black hair at the back of the agent's head was unmistakable. It was him. The agent from the stairwell.

Soo Jin shot up from her chair, standing rigidly, her heart hammering in her chest. The world seemed to slow down, every detail coming into sharp focus. She watched as the agent sat at his desk, eating from a takeout salad container, his eyes focused on the computer monitor in front of him.

She took a hesitant step forward, and then another, and another... her gaze trailing over his features. The strong, steady arms that had caught her earlier now gripped a fork with deliberate precision, each movement smooth and controlled. Her breath hitched as she watched him spear a piece of lettuce, his actions exuding an effortless grace.

Her eyes traveled up to his face, where his long, graceful fingers brushed his bangs aside, revealing thick, dark lashes that framed his eyes. As he blinked, the slow rise and fall of his lashes seemed to draw her in, each motion captivating. His full lips, slightly parted as he prepared to take a bite, added an undeniable sensuality to his otherwise stoic expression.

The light from the window caught his smooth, flawless complexion, highlighting the golden hue of his skin. There was something almost ethereal about the way his features came together—sharp, yet softened by the gentle glow of the afternoon light. Soo Jin felt her pulse quicken, completely mesmerized by the simple, yet captivating act of him taking a bite of his salad. Every motion was smooth, precise, and somehow both powerful and elegant—a combination that made it impossible for her to look away.

Sensing her presence, the agent looked up, his intense gaze locking onto hers. In the light streaming through the window, his eyes seemed to shift in color, the brown appearing almost hazel, with hints of a lighter shade that made her pause. There was a moment of stillness, of silent recognition.

Soo Jin's heart raced. This was the same man who had caught her earlier, who had held her so effortlessly. Now, here he was, seated just a few feet away, those strangely colored eyes focused entirely on her.

Gathering her courage, Soo Jin stepped closer, bowing her head slightly in a polite greeting. "G-good afternoon, Agent Yuy," she stammered, her voice trembling slightly. "I'm Park Soo Jin, the new office assistant." She hesitated, then extended her hand for a handshake, offering a smile that felt awkward on her lips. "I've heard much about you and I'm looking forward to working with you."

Heero—Agent Yuy—simply stared at her hand, his intense gaze making her feel small and vulnerable.

"Anyway, uhm…" Soo Jin withdrew her hand awkwardly, struggling to maintain a friendly smile, "thank you again for earlier. Thanks to you, I made it to the mail room just in time."

Heero just looked at her for another moment, his expression giving nothing away. Then, he gave a curt nod. "No problem," he said, his tone flat. He didn't seem interested in her gratitude. Without another word, he returned his attention to the computer monitor, resuming his meal as if she hadn't even been there.

Soo Jin felt her nerves unraveling at his indifference. She tried to continue, her voice faltering slightly. "Uh, yes, so uhm…" she stuttered, "please let me know if you ever need anything." Her cheeks flushed with heat as she quickly straightened her skirt suit uniform. A wave of embarrassment washed over her as she turned and hurried back to her desk, her mind racing.

This was not how she had envisioned their second encounter at all! What was it about him that made her so stupidly flustered? Her cheeks burned with shame, and she mentally kicked herself for being so awkward in front of him.

As she sat down, trying to calm her frazzled nerves, she couldn't shake the image of those intense eyes, the strange color that seemed to shift in the light. Despite the awkwardness and his cold demeanor, something about him intrigued her, drawing her in like a puzzle she was determined to solve. The challenge of befriending the other agents suddenly seemed to pale in comparison. Heero Yuy was clearly no ordinary agent, and that only fueled her resolve. If cracking the shell of the others was difficult, then breaking through his would be the ultimate test. Whatever it took, she was going to learn more about the man behind those intense, shifting eyes.

The next morning, as Soo Jin made her morning coffee rounds, offering each agent their preferred brew, she kept the best for last. She approached Heero's workstation, holding out a fancy cup of latte, the kind she had learned most of the agents appreciated as a small morning luxury. As she neared his desk, she took a deep breath, preparing herself for the interaction.

"Good morning, Agent Yuy," she began, her voice a bit too eager. "I brought you a latte. Thought it might brighten your day."

Heero looked up from his monitor, his expression blank as he eyed the cup she was offering. "Brighten my day?" he asked, clearly puzzled.

Soo Jin's heart skipped a beat at the unexpected response. "Oh, um, it means… make your day a bit better. And a latte is… it's, uh…"

His scowl deepened. "I know what it means," he cut in. "No, thank you, Miss Park."

"Oh," Soo Jin let out, feeling foolish. "I just assumed…" she cleared her throat, plastering on a big smile. "I mean, your Korean is really good!"

Heero's brows furrowed, and he looked at her as if trying to decipher some hidden meaning behind her words. "What?" he asked, this time sounding more irate.

Soo Jin felt her face heat up. "I, uh… I just assumed… you might be from Japan, so…"

Heero's frown deepened. "Don't assume you know anything about me," he said coldly, his voice carrying an edge that sent a shiver down her spine. With that, he turned back to his work, effectively shutting down the conversation.

Soo Jin stood there, feeling utterly deflated. "Right… sorry…" she mumbled, backing away awkwardly. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment as she quickly retreated to her desk, the latte still in her hand.

She couldn't shake off the sting of Heero's dismissal, the chill of his words lingering with her long after she returned to her desk. She glanced at the untouched latte and sighed. Trying to push it out of her mind, she refocused on her work, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Heero and the wall he seemed to keep firmly in place.

As lunchtime approached, Agent Lee strolled over to her desk, flashing his usual charming smile. "Hey, Soo Jin-ah, we're all heading down to the cafeteria. Why don't you join us?" he suggested, his tone overly familiar.

Soo Jin hesitated, glancing at her monitor as if debating whether she should stay behind. Before she could respond, Lee gave her a quick, encouraging nod. "Come on," he said, his tone friendly but insistent. "You can't work all day without a break."

Reluctantly, Soo Jin allowed herself to be persuaded, but her thoughts were elsewhere. As they approached the elevator, she caught sight of Heero walking past them, his gaze straight ahead. Her heart skipped a beat at the thought of being crammed in the elevator with him, maybe even brushing shoulders. But Heero didn't so much as glance in their direction. Instead, he continued past the group, heading straight for the stairwell.

Soo Jin's eyes followed him, her pulse quickening as she watched his figure disappear behind the stairwell door. She barely registered Agent Lee's hand at her waist as he guided her into the elevator with the rest of the team. Her mind was too preoccupied with Heero's solitary choice to take the stairs.

As the elevator doors closed, she couldn't help but keep her gaze fixed on the last spot she had seen him, her thoughts swirling with curiosity. She was snapped out of her reverie when Lee's voice cut through the silence.

"Don't mind him," he scoffed, noticing her lingering stare. "Agent Yuy can't be bothered to join the rest of us commoners…"

The other agents muttered in agreement, their voices tinged with disdain. Soo Jin caught bits and pieces of their conversation—words like "arrogant prick" and "HQ's lapdog" drifted to her ears, each one laced with bitterness.

Soo Jin frowned, her thoughts a whirl of confusion and curiosity. She didn't like the way they spoke about Heero, but she didn't dare defend him, not when she barely knew him herself. Instead, she stayed silent, her mind now occupied with trying to understand the man who chose solitude over camaraderie.

When work resumed after lunch, Soo Jin tried to focus on her work, but her mind kept drifting. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, but the words on the screen blurred as her gaze was drawn, almost involuntarily, toward Heero.

From her desk, she couldn't see the finer details she'd noticed before, up close, but she could still appreciate the view. His broad shoulders filled out the worn Preventer duty jacket, the fabric straining slightly against the muscles hidden beneath. The way he sat, poised and alert even while focused on his work, exuded a quiet strength that she found impossible to ignore.

Just as she forced herself to look away and focus on her task, movement caught her eye. Heero stood up from his desk, and before she could stop herself, her gaze followed his every motion. He reached for the zipper of his jacket, pulling it down smoothly before shrugging out of it with practiced ease. The bulky outer layer fell away, revealing the standard-issue khaki button-down underneath, neatly tucked into his trousers. The shirt hugged his torso, the fabric stretching just enough to hint at the well-toned body beneath.

Soo Jin's breath caught in her throat as Heero swung the jacket up in a graceful arc, the fluid motion of his arms captivating her attention. The jacket flapped in the air before he draped it over the back of his chair, the movement causing his dark bangs to sway slightly. For a brief moment, the sunlight streaming in through the window caught the edges of his hair, casting a soft glow around him.

It was as if time had slowed, the scene playing out in perfect detail before her eyes. The elegance in his movements, the effortless way he carried himself—it all combined to create an image that Soo Jin found impossible to look away from.

But just as quickly as the moment had started, it ended. Heero settled back into his seat, completely unaware of the effect he had on her. His focus returned to the monitor, leaving Soo Jin to wrestle with the fluttering sensation in her chest.

It was then that Heero glanced up, his eyes locking onto hers for a brief second. Startled, Soo Jin quickly ducked her head, pretending to be engrossed in her work. Her cheeks flushed with heat, and she mentally kicked herself for staring so obviously.

She tried to pull herself together, shaking her head slightly as if to clear the daze. But the image of Heero, glowing in the sunlight, his movements so smooth and captivating, lingered in her mind. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't quite banish it.

Was she really so shallow that it was just his looks that drew her in? She bit her lip, wrestling with the thought. There had to be something more—something in the way he carried himself, the quiet confidence that surrounded him like a shield. It wasn't just his appearance; it was the enigma he presented, the puzzle she couldn't resist wanting to solve.

That afternoon, as Soo Jin entered the kitchenette, she was surprised to see Heero standing by the percolator, pouring himself a cup of the office's bitter brew.

Panicking slightly, she whirled around and pretended to be searching for something in the upper cabinet, her motions exaggerated as she shifted aside stacks of cookies and crackers with a bit too much force. A few packets of instant coffee tumbled out, clattering onto the counter, and she winced at the noise.

Heero glanced over his shoulder, his eyes narrowing slightly as he watched her from the corner of his eye. She froze, her heart pounding, but he simply shook his head and returned to his coffee.

Soo Jin continued her charade, twisting jars of sugar and instant coffee, pretending to arrange them neatly on the counter. All the while, she kept sneaking glances at Heero, hoping to catch his eye again. But he was focused on his task, pouring his coffee with the same precision he seemed to apply to everything.

When he finished, Heero turned to leave, his gaze briefly meeting hers. Soo Jin stiffened, plastering a forced smile on her face as she gave him a slight nod. Heero's expression remained unreadable as he took his cup and walked past her, his footsteps echoing down the hall.

Soo Jin sighed, feeling a mix of defeat and frustration. She watched him go, her shoulders slumping slightly. After a moment of hesitation, she straightened up, determined to keep face. She twisted a few more jars, then marched out of the kitchenette with exaggerated determination, her steps awkward and stiff.

As she passed by Heero's desk on her way back to her own, she couldn't help but notice his frown as he glanced up at her. She quickly averted her eyes, trying to appear nonchalant as she hurried to her desk.

Once she was seated, Soo Jin buried her face in her hands, groaning inwardly. What was it about Heero Yuy that made her so flustered? She couldn't possibly be so vain that his mere sight of him made her knees weak and her mind turn into jello!

Frustrated, Soo Jin pulled open her desk drawer and grabbed a candy bar, unwrapping it with a huff. She took a bite, the sweet chocolate doing little to ease the turmoil in her mind. As she chewed, her gaze drifted to the family photo on her desk. Jin Ho's smiling face stared back at her, a reminder of the brother who always seemed to understand her, even when she didn't understand herself.

She sighed, swallowing another bite of the candy bar. "Jin Ho," she murmured softly, her voice tinged with a mix of exasperation and fondness, "I know you're laughing at me wherever you are, but I can't help being this stupid…"

The photo remained silent, as it always did, but somehow she could almost imagine her brother's teasing smile, the way he would have ribbed her for getting so flustered over a guy. A small, sad smile tugged at her lips as she set the candy bar down and turned back to her computer, more determined than ever to ignore the man across the room and just do her job.