Taejae

You had been working at a large company for several years, but in all that time, you had only seen your boss—Taejae—a handful of times.
On Friday evening, everything hit you at once: problems at home, an overwhelming amount of work, and colleagues who had finally pushed you to your breaking point. After your shift, you headed to a bar.

By the tenth cocktail, your thoughts were already blurring. You were sitting at the counter, staring into your glass, when someone sat down beside you.

"Rough day?"

You turned your head sleepily.

"Taejae?.. Boss?"

"You recognized me even in this state."

He took off his coat and draped it over your shoulders. You wanted to say something, but instead, you let out a sob.

"Everything is going wrong..."

Taejae frowned.

"What happened?"

"Problems at home... too much work... my colleagues are annoying... I'm tired."

You covered your face with your hands and cried. Taejae silently signaled the bartender.

"Whiskey. And for him—something non-alcoholic."

"I want a cocktail..."

"You've already had ten."

"Nine..."

"Ten."

You turned away discontentedly.

"Why are you even here?"

Taejae fell silent for a moment.

"I happened to be nearby."

It was a lie. He had been paying attention to you for a long time, and today he had come here on purpose after noticing you heading to the bar after work.

"Now drink some water. After that, I'll drive you home."