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Call it a journalist’s instinct, but Eun Haje likes to think she’s got Jin Nasol all figured out. Not because she knows her personally, but she has a feeling they’re cut from the same cloth: posturing an exterior toughened by the harsh environment while harboring a soft heart for those who matter, not that the other would acknowledge it as cleanly as she has.
But this has nothing to do with that.
Neither do her exceptionally observant eyes, if even the usually oblivious Park Minsung has noticed. Well, Eun Haje is sure that anyone can see it, everyone… except Kim Soleum.
“Noru-ssi.”
“Ah… Nabi-ssi, how may I assist you?”
Instead of answering, Jin Nasol appraises him quietly.
Not understanding her silence, Kim Soleum politely waits.
Only Eun Haje notices the concerned glint in her gaze, how quickly her eyes rove over him, and the pleased gleam in them when no injuries were found. It almost makes her want to scoff when, in an attempt to look unconcerned, she casually tucks some strands behind her ear, asking her rookie how the exploration went.
Behind her, Park Minsung gives an amused cough, while Lee Jaheon stares with interest. Even the employees from other groups have lingered to watch, not at all hiding their fascination with the scene.
Everyone knows by now that Jin Nasol holds Kim Soleum in high regard. Ever since they were dispatched in their first darkness together, the butterfly-masked woman has given more value to the younger man’s worth than she ever had for everyone else.
She considers his input as carefully as one would to a trusted confidant, respects him as though they share the same rank. Even just hearing about his exploits, and Jin Nasol swells with pride like a mother hearing about her son’s success.
It amuses Eun Haje to no end, especially since the two don’t even share the same group. Normally, people regard other groups in this company as competition, including their own colleagues. Even if he had saved her life, that wouldn’t be enough reason to melt those glacial eyes into something softer, fond.
“···I see. Thank you for saying so.”
Jin Nasol stares, then shakes her head disapprovingly.
“This isn’t the place to downplay your contributions.”
A light admonishment, like she isn’t blushing with the tips of her ears, flattered by the grateful words said to her, causing even Lee Sunghae to mouth a muted ‘oh’ at the rare display of bashfulness from the stone-cold woman she’s come to know.
Go Youngeun’s eyes dart between them, realization slowly dawning on her while Baek Saheon dons a disturbed look, Jang Heowoon shuffling awkwardly behind him. Even Kang Yihak is looking on with a glint in her eyes, like she’s found something useful.
‘It’s so obvious it hurts,’ Park Minsung’s grimace seems to say, but Kim Soleum tenses, a nervous furrow between his eyebrows, taking the chastisement as face value. With a polite, regretful smile, he takes the critique with the grace of a professional.
“I will keep that in mind.”
Well, if this is how they are all the time, then Eun Haje can’t quite blame him.
In Kim Soleum’s case, it’s hard to look past the power imbalance between a rookie and a higher-ranked employee. Anyone in his position can’t afford to be presumptuous, so even if the younger has noticed, it may take a while to accept that reality.
“Hm, as long as you understand.”
Jin Nasol drawls, boredly causing Kim Soleum’s smile to stiffen, put in a precarious position in the face of a displeased superior, much to their amusement.
Eun Haje suppresses a snort.
Regardless of her own feelings about the situation, she feels a little bad. Ultimately, however this progresses will depend on Jin Nasol and Kim Soleum. And if Jin Nasol wants even a grain of chance with their maknae…
She’ll have to do better than that.
Perhaps start with being a little more honest with herself.
Seriously, what a scoop.