Internship (in) Love
A Gundam Wing K-Drama
Chapter 5
The encounter with Heero in the stairwell lingered in Soo Jin's mind long after she had returned to her desk. There was something about the way he had sat alone, eating that sad-looking salad with a sort of resigned acceptance, that tugged at her heart. Heero was a mystery she was still trying to unravel, but this small glimpse into his life had given her a thread to follow.
The next morning, as she logged into the meal ordering system to enter her lunch choice before the 10 a.m. deadline, Soo Jin hesitated. The usual routine of selecting her own meal suddenly felt insignificant in light of the growing concern she had for Heero. Instead of finalizing her order, she paused and navigated to the department's meal statistics, her fingers hovering over the keyboard.
Her curiosity pushed her to take a closer look at Heero's meal history. She wasn't sure what she was expecting to find, but as she scrolled through the past weeks' records, a pattern quickly emerged. Almost every day, Heero's order was the same: a salad and a protein bar. Occasionally, she noticed a deviation—his meal plan included something different on rare days when the cafeteria offered dishes like bibimbap or kimbap. These were meals that, unlike most cafeteria options, didn't contain any animal products. He never took a side of kimchi with his order either, for even this simple staple of Korean cuisine was non-vegan.
The pattern became glaringly obvious as she cross-referenced Heero's orders with the cafeteria's weekly meal plan. On days when no vegetarian or vegan options were available, Heero would settle for the same uninspired salad and protein bar. The realization that his choices were so limited struck a chord with Soo Jin. Heero's already solitary nature seemed further compounded by the lack of attention given to something as simple as his dietary needs.
Determined to take action, Soo Jin clicked over to her email and began drafting a message to HR. She kept it professional, suggesting that the cafeteria menu be expanded to include more vegetarian and vegan options. Her tone was polite but firm, emphasizing that this would not only accommodate those with specific dietary preferences but also promote inclusivity within the agency.
After sending the email, Soo Jin leaned back in her chair, a sense of satisfaction settling over her. It was a small step, but it was something she could do for Heero—and perhaps for others who faced similar struggles. She knew it was a long shot, but at least she had tried.
Two hours later, she received a terse response from HR: "The current menu offers a balanced variety of options that cater to the majority of staff preferences. Agents with specific dietary needs are encouraged to bring their own meals."
The dismissal of her suggestion left Soo Jin frustrated, but she wasn't ready to give up just yet.
Determined to make a difference, Soo Jin delved into the meal ordering stats across the Seoul branch. She meticulously reviewed weeks of data, identifying other agents who frequently chose vegetarian or vegan options. It was a tedious task, but Soo Jin knew it was necessary to gather support.
By the end of the day, she had compiled a list of agents who shared Heero's dietary preferences. With this information in hand, she knew she had a chance to build a strong case.
Soo Jin's campaign for more vegan options was in full swing, and her days had taken on a new rhythm. The next phase of her plan involved approaching the identified agents personally. Soo Jin found it surprisingly easy to strike up conversations with them in the cafeteria or during breaks, and when she explained her plan to petition for more vegan menu options, most were quick to agree. However, gathering signatures meant covering a lot of ground, with very little time to do so between her demanding tasks of keeping the Cyber Threat Analysis Department up and running.
Instead of waiting impatiently for the elevator like most of her colleagues, she had started taking the stairs—seven flights up, seven flights down—whenever she needed to run errands or gather signatures for her petition. At first, it was a simple act of practicality, but soon, it became something more—a chance to connect with him in a way that didn't involve words. A simple show of support for Heero, a quiet solidarity in his solitary routine of taking the stairs.
The first time Heero noticed her strange new habit, it was clear he wasn't pleased. She had just started down the stairs when she saw him ascending toward the upper floors, his usual expression of focused determination etched into his features. When their eyes met, Heero gave her an annoyed look, as if questioning why she was invading his private domain. Soo Jin felt a nervous flutter in her stomach but quickly masked it with a grin.
"Just adding some steps to my pedometer!" she said cheerfully, waving her wrist to show off the device strapped there. "What? You can't be the only one here going for a healthier lifestyle!"
Heero's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't respond. Instead, he shook his head and continued his climb, leaving Soo Jin to wonder if her attempt at humor had fallen flat.
But the next day, as she made her way down the stairs for lunch, she spotted Heero again, this time heading back up from the cafeteria with his takeout salad in hand. Their eyes met once more, and Heero's expression was just as annoyed as before. Without a word, he quickened his pace, his long strides eating up the steps with ease.
Soo Jin felt a surge of determination. She wasn't going to let him get away that easily. With a burst of energy, she turned around to climb back up, matching his stride despite the burning in her legs and the sharp stabs in her side. She could feel the sweat beginning to bead on her forehead, but she refused to back down.
Heero seemed to notice her effort, and for a brief moment, his eyes flicked to hers in what almost seemed like a challenge. He increased his pace again, and Soo Jin, not one to be outdone, pushed herself even harder. They climbed in determined strides, the stairwell hall filling with the echoing sounds of their footsteps and Soo Jin's increasingly labored breathing.
As the strain of the climb intensified, Soo Jin's feet began to ache in her high heels. Without hesitation, she slipped them off, clutching them in one hand as she continued her ascent.
Heero glanced down at her bare feet and then back at her determined expression. His lips twitched, as if suppressing a smile, before he quickened his pace again. Soo Jin, feeling the competitive edge take over, surged forward, beating him by a step as they neared the landing. Heero quickly climbed two steps at once, beating her to it.
They reached the 7th floor, both slightly breathless. Soo Jin was panting, her legs trembling from the exertion. But there was no way she was going to show weakness now. Heero paused at the landing, glancing over at her with that same inscrutable expression.
She managed a breathless grin, trying to mask the fact that she was one step away from collapsing. "See? Told you… I'm serious about… this healthy lifestyle thing…" she wheezed out, leaning against the wall for support.
Heero didn't reply immediately. Instead, he paused, his gaze lingering on her flushed face and disheveled appearance. Then, with a small, almost imperceptible twitch at the corners of his lips, he turned and flopped down on the first step leading down from the 7th floor. Without a word, he opened his salad container and started eating, making no move to dismiss her from his presence.
Soo Jin felt a small victory bloom in her chest as she watched him settle in. She let out a long sigh and flopped down next to him, setting her high heels aside and rubbing her aching feet.
Heero glanced at her shoes, then at her with a raised eyebrow. "Those are highly impractical if you're going to keep this up," he commented dryly, spearing some vegetables with his fork.
"Says the guy who's sweating in his jacket," she shot back playfully, wrinkling her nose and waving her hand in front of it with exaggerated disgust.
"Hn," Heero grunted, but after a moment of consideration, he shrugged off his duty jacket, setting it aside. Soo Jin tried to stifle a smile as she watched him, feeling an unexpected warmth at the simple gesture.
As they sat there on the stairs, their breathing slowly returning to normal, Soo Jin felt a quiet contentment settle over her. The usual tension and awkwardness that accompanied her interactions with Heero seemed to have melted away, replaced by something softer, something that felt almost like camaraderie.
"Here," he said, holding out his protein bar to her.
Soo Jin blinked in surprise before accepting it gratefully, touched by the unspoken acknowledgment that she had missed lunch because of their little race. She unwrapped the bar as Heero returned to his salad, the two of them eating together in a comfortable, companionable silence.
The next day, Soo Jin came prepared, swapping out her heels for a pair of sneakers she stashed under her desk.
She was on her way down to the mailroom when she met Heero coming down from a meeting on the upper floors. They crossed paths on the 8th floor, the same floor where they worked, and this time, their eyes locked in a long, silent exchange. Soo Jin felt her heart skip a beat, the intensity of his gaze almost too much to bear.
But then, a mischievous idea sparked in her mind. "Race you down?" she challenged, her voice light and teasing.
Heero raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by the suggestion. For a moment, she thought he would brush her off, but then, to her surprise, he smirked. "Only if you race me back up," he countered, his tone carrying a hint of challenge.
Soo Jin grinned, excitement bubbling in her chest. "Deal."
And with that, they were off, sprinting down the stairs like a couple of kids. Soo Jin's laughter echoed through the stairwell, a bright, infectious sound that contrasted sharply with Heero's usual silence. By the time they reached the bottom, she was gasping for air, her legs feeling like jelly, but the exhilaration of the race kept her going.
A quick visit to the mailroom and they were off again, making the climb back up, each pushing themselves to their limits. By the time they reached the 8th floor again, both were drenched in sweat, their breathing ragged. Soo Jin bent over, hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath as laughter bubbled up from her chest.
"Oh boy… will my pedometer… be pleased with me today…" she panted, her grin wide despite the exhaustion.
Heero, equally winded, stood beside her, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. For a moment, they stood in silence, the only sound being that of their labored breathing. Then, to Soo Jin's amazement, she saw it—the subtle curl of Heero's lips, a real smile.
From that day forward, Heero no longer gave her annoyed looks when they passed each other in the stairwell. He didn't complain when she walked with him down to the cafeteria each day either, and sometimes, if she timed it right, they walked downstairs together at the end of the day.
It wasn't much, but it was progress. And for Soo Jin, that was more than enough.
After two weeks of running around the Preventer building, Soo Jin had gathered enough signatures to present a compelling case to HR.
Proud of her efforts, Soo Jin returned to HR with the signed petition. The HR manager was visibly surprised by the number of signatures she had collected. For a moment, the usually stoic manager was at a loss for words.
"I didn't expect this level of support," the manager admitted, flipping through the pages of signatures. "I'll bring this up with the cafeteria staff. We might be able to implement some changes."
Soo Jin left the HR office with a sense of accomplishment, knowing she had made a real difference.
After lunch that day, Soo Jin opted to take the stairs again. As she ascended, she spotted Heero in his usual spot in the stairwell, leaning against the wall with a cafeteria takeout box in his hands. To her delight, she noticed it wasn't the usual salad and protein bar—it was a vegan japchae dish, something new on the menu.
A smile spread across her face as she approached. "Enjoy your meal," she said softly, using the traditional Korean greeting.
Heero paused, looking up at her with a slight nod of acknowledgment, his expression unreadable but perhaps, just perhaps, a little less guarded than usual.
As Soo Jin continued up the stairs, her heart felt light. She knew she had made a small difference in his day, and that was enough for now.
It was late, much later than Soo Jin had intended to stay at the office. The sky outside had darkened into a deep, inky black, and the only sound in the quiet office was the steady hum of the air conditioning and the occasional rustling of papers as she finished up the last of the monthly report.
Soo Jin leaned back in her chair, stretching her stiff muscles, and sighed in relief as she saved her work and powered down her computer. The day had been long and exhausting, but she felt a small sense of accomplishment as she gathered her things and prepared to head home.
The night was a symphony of rain, each drop a soft tap on the pavement, creating a rhythmic lull that filled the empty streets. Soo Jin stood just inside the office building's entrance, staring out at the downpour with a mix of frustration and resignation. The rain was relentless, falling in thick sheets that blurred the city lights into a hazy glow. She bit her lip, contemplating the foolishness of running into such a storm without an umbrella.
Just as she steeled herself to dash out into the deluge, something shifted in the air. The rain, which had seemed so unforgiving, suddenly lost its sting. Soo Jin blinked, her eyes widening as she looked up.
An umbrella—black and sleek—had appeared over her, its canopy stretching wide like a protective shield. Time seemed to slow, the world narrowing to just the sound of rain pattering softly against the fabric. Her breath caught in her throat as she turned to see who had come to her rescue.
Heero stood beside her, his expression as unreadable as ever, but there was something about his presence that made her heart race. His brown eyes, usually so guarded and intense, now held a different kind of intensity—something softer, almost inviting. But there was also a weariness in them, a heaviness that hadn't been there before, as if the day had taken more out of him than he let on. She also couldn't help noticing the dark circles under his eyes and the slight trembling in his hand as he held the umbrella.
He stepped closer, his shoes tapping quietly on the wet pavement, the sound almost drowned out by the rain.
Soo Jin felt her pulse quicken, her body turning instinctively toward him, as if seeking the warmth and security he offered. The moment felt like an embrace—intimate and protective—as the world outside their small bubble of shelter faded away. The soft light from the streetlamp bathed them both in a warm glow, casting long shadows that danced on the slick ground.
As Soo Jin looked up at him, she noticed the way his eyes gleamed under the faint glow of the streetlamp, an almost glassy sheen catching the light in a way that seemed slightly off. She leaned in unconsciously, her curiosity piqued. Her gaze drifted to the edges of his iris, where she spotted a faint, unnatural outline—a subtle sign that something wasn't quite as it seemed. His eyes looked more tired than usual, the lines around them more pronounced, as if he hadn't slept well in days.
Before she could fully process what she was seeing, Heero looked down, his eyes shifting away as he brushed his bangs forward to obscure his gaze. The moment passed in an instant, leaving Soo Jin with a lingering sense of intrigue and a dozen questions swirling in her mind.
For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence between them heavy with unspoken words. Then, with a small nod, Heero gestured toward the subway station down the street. "Let's go," he said, his voice low and steady, cutting through the rain like a lifeline.
Soo Jin could only nod, still dazed by the surrealness of it all. They walked in silence, the rain continuing its steady descent, the umbrella a cocoon of calm amidst the chaos. Soo Jin noticed how Heero kept a respectful distance, his entire left side exposed to the rain, the drops soaking his jacket and shoulder. He seemed to make a conscious effort to keep the umbrella tilted toward her, leaving himself vulnerable to the elements. Despite his calm demeanor, she noticed how his movements were slightly slower, more deliberate, as if each step required more effort than it should.
The rain fell around them in slow motion, each droplet a glittering bead of silver that sparkled in the light. As they walked, Soo Jin inhaled the subtle scent of his cologne; a clean, understated fragrance that was just so much like him. She could hear the steady rhythm of Heero's breathing, feel the soft brush of his jacket sleeve against her arm as he adjusted the umbrella to shield her more fully from the rain. The warmth of his breath, tinged with the rich aroma of coffee, filled the air between them, and Soo Jin's heart swelled with an unexpected warmth, knowing that he had enjoyed the coffee she had arranged for.
She stole a glance at him, taking in the sharp angles of his profile—the strong jawline, the determined set of his mouth, the way his bangs clung to his forehead, slightly wet from the rain. The height difference between them was more noticeable now, with Heero towering over her, the umbrella held high above her head.
Soo Jin felt her cheeks warm despite the cool air. There was something about walking this close to him, under the shared umbrella, that made her heart flutter in a way she didn't quite understand, making her feel both protected and oddly small.
As they reached the subway entrance, Heero paused, his eyes catching hers for just a moment. The rain continued to fall around them, but under the awning, it felt as though they had stepped into a different world, separate from the noise and bustle of the city.
"Good job with the cafeteria menu," Heero said quietly, his voice almost drowned out by the sound of the rain. It was a simple phrase, but it carried weight, and Soo Jin's heart fluttered at the unexpected praise. She was surprised that he knew she was the one behind the changes in the cafeteria menu.
Before she could fully process the compliment, Heero folded the umbrella with a practiced flick of his wrist, shaking off the excess water. Then, to her surprise, he handed it to her, the black canopy now closed but still dripping slightly.
"Here," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Soo Jin blinked, stuttering a weak protest. "I—I can't take this…"
Heero's response was as swift as it was decisive. He gently but firmly placed the umbrella in her hands, his touch lingering for just a second longer than necessary. "It's fine," he insisted, his voice firm but not unkind.
Before she could argue further, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the rain without looking back. The water quickly soaked through his jacket, plastering his dark hair to his forehead, but he moved with the same calm, purposeful stride, as if the rain was nothing more than a minor inconvenience.
Soo Jin stood there, holding the umbrella he had left her, her heart pounding in her chest. The rain continued to fall, the world around her a blur of gray and silver, but in that moment, all she could focus on was the memory of his touch, the sound of his voice, and the quiet strength that seemed to surround him like a shield.
As she finally made her way down into the subway, Soo Jin couldn't help but smile to herself, a soft, secretive smile that spoke of the growing connection she couldn't quite name. But that smile was tinged with concern, a quiet worry for the man who had walked away into the rain, carrying more than just the weight of the storm on his shoulders.
The office kitchenette lights cast a harsh glow over the countertops, highlighting the rows of neatly organized supplies that Soo Jin was restocking. She moved methodically, her mind still swirling with thoughts of Heero from their earlier encounter in the stairwell.
The sound of footsteps approaching broke her concentration, and she looked up just as Agent Lee sauntered in. His presence immediately made her tense, and she forced a polite smile as he approached.
"Soo Jin-ah," Lee drawled, leaning against the counter far too close for comfort. His voice dropped to what he likely thought was a charming tone, but it only made Soo Jin's skin crawl. "You're always working so hard. How about you let me take you out sometime, hmm?"
Soo Jin tried to take a step back, but the counter behind her left her cornered. She glanced around, hoping for an escape, but there was none. "Oh, um, that's really not necessary…" she began, her voice trailing off as she tried to think of a way to decline without offending him.
Lee only leaned in closer, his grin widening. "Come on, don't be shy. We'd have a good time…"
Before Soo Jin could respond, the doorway darkened, and she looked up to see Heero standing there. His expression was as unreadable as ever, but the harsh lights overhead revealed a slight pallor in his complexion. His usually sharp, dark hair now appeared limp, hanging lifelessly around his forehead, further emphasizing the fatigue etched into his gaunt features. Soo Jin noticed the dark circles under his eyes, and the way his hand trembled slightly as he steadied himself against the doorframe.
"Agent Lee," Heero's voice was cool and composed, yet there was a hint of something rougher beneath it. "We have a briefing in five minutes."
"Shouldn't you be upstairs?" Lee sneered, barely glancing at Heero. "Thought they called you in this morning."
Heero's expression darkened briefly, a shadow passing over his already weary face. "They did," he replied, his tone laced with quiet venom. "But then they figured I'm more needed here to keep you in check."
Lee snorted dismissively. "Run back along to your masters, lapdog. We can handle things down here." He turned back to Soo Jin, his grin widening as he leaned in closer. "Isn't that right, Soo Jin-ah?"
Soo Jin tried to edge away, her discomfort obvious, but Lee either didn't notice or didn't care. Heero's eyes narrowed, his fatigue momentarily forgotten as he stepped into the kitchenette, his presence looming larger, more intimidating. He didn't raise his voice, but there was an unmistakable edge to his words.
"Leave her alone, Lee," Heero said, each word measured and firm, carrying the weight of a command rather than a suggestion. "Now."
Lee's grin faltered, and he straightened up, glancing between Heero and Soo Jin with a sour expression. "Always so serious, Yuy," he muttered, his tone laced with annoyance. He gave Soo Jin one last, flirty nod. "Catch you later, Soo Jin-ah."
As he brushed past Heero on his way out, Lee muttered under his breath, just loud enough for Heero to hear. "Stick-in-the-mud. No wonder nobody wants to work with you…"
Soo Jin let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding. The tension in her shoulders eased slightly as she glanced up at Heero, her heart pounding for reasons she couldn't quite explain. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
For a moment, their eyes met, and Soo Jin noticed the dark circles under Heero's eyes, the way his shoulders seemed to slump, as though he were carrying an invisible weight. His gaze flickered with something unspoken—a mixture of exhaustion and resolve, as if he were holding himself together by sheer force of will. She wondered if he had slept at all since last night.
Heero gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, acknowledging her thanks, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he turned and walked away, his steps quieter, almost hesitant, as though each one required more effort than the last. Soo Jin watched him go, her concern for him growing, the image of his gaunt, weary face now etched into her mind.
Whatever burden he was carrying, it was weighing him down, and she couldn't help but wonder just how much more he could bear before he broke. There was something about the way he had intervened—so quietly, yet so effectively—that made her feel both protected and intrigued, but now, there was also a new layer of worry. Was he pushing himself too hard? Was there more going on with him than he let on?
As she resumed her task of restocking supplies, Soo Jin couldn't shake the image of Heero's pale face and weary posture. The kitchenette, once a place of mundane routine, now felt charged with a tension she couldn't quite define. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that whatever was happening with Heero, it was drawing her in deeper, making her want to understand him even more.
To be continued...