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. She would work, and you would do various chores - find materials, order materials, clean up materials… there was a cold, rigid professionalism to it. But you don't mind. Having the opportunity to observe her from afar has been rewarding enough.

Even if navigating through her workshop has been a chore in itself. Well, it’s not as if your own productive space is any different. Comes with the territory, you suppose.

RJ   Wait, Mr. Chaudhary

RJ   What do you have after this?

You still, your back still turned on her.

MP   I’ll be going home.

MP   …

MP   Did something come up?

With her demand, you’ve learned to keep yourself at the ready at all times. That doesn’t stop your shoulders from tensing, though.

RJ   No, don’t worry about that

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

MP   …tch.

MP   That's it?

You relax. But not too much.

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.

RJ   You think i'm an okay teacher?

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

RJ   Heh

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. And 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, 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

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   Huh?

RJ   No, 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 quickly block it with the palm of your hand.

MP   Respectfully, Miss...

MP   I have enough fathers in my life.

MP   And (unlike yours) they taught me about the necessity of moderation.

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   I've told you this.

RJ   You've mentioned it

RJ   Tell me about them in more detail

RJ   Are they nice? Handsome?

RJ   Are they hairy? Tall? Bushy eyebrows?

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 don't have any complaints.

MP   They were supportive enough.

But 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, I suppose.

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

RJ   did your dads make you that way?

MP   I'd rather not -

RJ   I’d never make you that way, maple

RJ   id be... better than that

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?

MP   Ms. Seong, I have a degree.

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

RJ   it makes me want to take care of you better

RJ   Kids deserve better

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

MP   …

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.