MP   ...

MP   Let me know if you need anything else.

It’s been a long month, trailing around her and learning the strange intricacies of her schedule. And she's hardly interacted with you at all.

You busied yourself with various chores - find materials, order materials, clean up materials - while she focused on her work. There's a cold, rigid professionalism to it. But you can handle cold. Having the opportunity to observe her from afar has been rewarding enough, especially since she seems unbothered whenever you linger for longer than you should.

Navigating through her workshop has been the most arduous chore. Well, it’s not as if your own productive space is any different. Comes with the territory, you suppose.

RJ   Wait, Mr. Chaudhary

You still, your back turned on her.

RJ   What do you have after this?

MP   …

With her demand, you’ve learned to keep yourself at the ready at all times. So you turn around, your demeanor as casual as possible. That doesn’t stop your shoulders from un-tensing, though.

MP   I would be going home, but...

MP   Did something come up?

RJ   No, don’t worry about that

RJ   I’ve just been thinking about how hard you’ve been working

MP   …tch.

MP   Is that it?

You relax. But not too much.

MP   I would hope it's sufficient.

RJ   It is. Youre doing great

MP   I’m only doing my job.

RJ   No, not everyone can keep up with all this

RJ   I didnt think anyone could

RJ   Truthfully, Mr. Chaudhary,

RJ   I wasn't sure a mentorship like this was something i could handle

MP   I see.

RJ   But you’ve made it all worth it

RJ   I couldn't ask for a better assistant

Your cheeks flush with pride. You have to clear your throat to keep yourself composed.

MP   Thank you.

MP   I don’t regret coming here, either.

MP   I hope to learn as much as I can from your skills.

She wears a lop-sided grin that would look ridiculous on anyone else, but on her, it looks effortless.

RJ   Youve been having a good time here?

MP   Yes.

RJ   You think i'm doing alright as a teacher?

MP   You are... not one I have come to regret.

RJ   Heh

RJ   That's what i've been hoping to hear

RJ   So… I’ve been thinking!

RJ   It’s your one-month anniversary

RJ   Let’s go out for dinner! There’s a place I've had on my mind

MP   ...

MP   You... don’t have to do that, Ms. Seong.

But before you know it, you've arrived at a restaurant with her. She argued that she’s been meaning to eat fancy and the occasion gave her a good excuse. Unfortunately, you haven’t been working long enough to know how to reject such a gesture comfortably. So, now you’re here.

She orders a round of drinks and appetizers as you settle into your seat. The smell is incredible, you can admit. But the person across from you is still as enigmatic as ever.

RJ   You’ve ever been here, Mr. Chaudhary?

MP   No.

MP   This place is… fancier than I’m used to.

RJ   Well, why not treat yourself?

MP   Is there something you would recommend?

RJ   We can take a look at the appetizers...

RJ   Ooh, the soju’s here!

You would rather self-immolate before losing all composure via inebriation in front of your boss, of all people. Meanwhile, she takes a hearty shot of soju from her cup and exhales just as heartily, a wide grin plastered on her face.

RJ   Whoo!

RJ   That’s the good stuff

RJ   It's almost nostalgic haha

RJ   I had my first taste of this stuff when i was very young, you know

RJ   Always a big event, always a little drink

RJ   Loosen up the spirit with some spirits!

It’s such a stark contrast to her usual workplace stoicism that it startles you. And concerns you, since she’s the one who drove you both here.

MP   Ms. Seong, should you be drinking so… liberally?

RJ   This is part of the process!

RJ   What’s better for professional bonding than over some drinks?

RJ   My dad taught me that when I was young. culture and all that

RJ   And I’ll be the dad that teaches you!

MP   That's alright.

RJ   Here, get ready for it

MP   I've already refused, Ms. Seong.

MP   Please don't make me.

She does a strange airplane-like maneuver (as well as some enthusiastic motor sounds) to transport a glass over to your face. You block it with the palm of your hand.

MP   Respectfully, Ms. Seong,

MP   I have enough father figures in my life.

You maneuver the glass out of her hand and place it on the table. Fortunately, your words seem to have distracted her, as she puts her cheek on her hand and grins at you.

RJ   Did I hear that right? you have dads?

MP   Something like that.

RJ   How did they meet? how did they fall in love?

MP   It was nothing like that.

MP   They're... separate.

RJ   Well now i'm curious

RJ   Tell me about them in more detail!

RJ   Are they nice? Handsome?

RJ   Are they hairy? Tall? bushy eyebrows? big beard?

MP   I don't like these questions, Ms. Seong.

RJ   Is that a yes?

MP   Please refrain from asking about their appearance.

RJ   Ah, okay

RJ   Hmm...

RJ   How did they feel about your career?

RJ   Did they bug you about what you wanted to be when you grew up?

MP   ...

MP   I...

MP   Don't have any complaints to voice at the moment.

That response proves unsatisfactory, as she heaves a heavy sigh and takes a long sip.

RJ   Dads can be so tough

RJ   just because you wanna do something different

RJ   They think they can boss you around

MP   ...

MP   Some are like that.

RJ   is that why you’re always so serious, maple?

RJ   did your dads make you that way?

MP   No, I wouldn't say that.

RJ   I’d never make you that way, maple

MP   You aren't... what?

MP   What are you saying?

RJ   kids are always growing up too fast

RJ   All because of whats expected of them

RJ   id be better than that, maple. I'd treat you better

There’s a slur to her words and a burnish blush across her face. Her lips have only touched the cup twice - how is she already so intoxicated?

RJ   I’ve done so much of this alone haha

RJ   I thought bringing in a little kid would ruin my flow, y’know?

RJ   Someone i gotta take care of

MP   Ms. Seong, I'm nearly in my thirties.

RJ   But you’ve been doing such a good job, it just

RJ   it makes me want to take care of you

RJ   treat you better

RJ   Kids deserve better

MP   …

RJ   im sorry if i’ve been like a bad dad

She rests her face on the table. Momentarily at a loss for words, you awkwardly bow your head.

MP   No need to apologize.

MP   I don’t… see you like that.

From then on, she began talking to you more. She asks you about your family, your friends, your love life. She calls you by your first name. And she started including you in her projects.

It's much too warm to be considered professional. But... this, too, must come with the territory.