The long week had finally come to a close. I woke up beside my newly bought alarm clock which remained silent.
Finally, a full 10 hours of sleep. I don't remember the last time I've felt so refreshed. I was freshening up when my phone rang. The contact was Ms Han.
I picked up and positioned my phone between my ear and my shoulder, bending my neck to hold the phone in place while my hands were occupied with breakfast. The other end seemed static and unstable, I couldn't make out what she was saying.
— "Mr Lin, mon-ay sub- ••••••••"
I flinched upon hearing the sudden white noise.
"Ms Han, the signal is terrible right now, please repeat yourself"
I placed a buttered piece of toast in my mouth as I listened more intently this time, my free hand gripping my phone tighter.
— "Beeeeeeee-p"
I glanced at the screen only to see the phone disconnected. I didn't think much of it at the time. In retrospect, it would've been better if I had at least followed up with her. I wish I was more attentive. In the end [Requiem] really is like a curse to me.
After a spirited weekend, completely void of work, Monday had arrived again. My routine was back after a restful break. I arrived earlier than usual, with my regular coffee in hand. It was a good start to the day, except the atmosphere in the office was gloomier than usual.
"Sir…" A dear colleague of mine cautiously approached, teary eyed.
I was taken aback for a moment.
"Ms Han, she-"
I glanced around only to find her usual cubicle empty, not a trace of her belongings were in sight, not even her treasured limited edition 'Asher Koran' badge.
"Ms Han d-disappeared!"
Our dear coworker choked out as her eyes began to well up more. Behind me was a resignation letter, already signed by HR placed neatly on my desk. Fuck what is this? She clearly said to me 'see you on Monday' yet she disappears without a word?
I guided our now sobbing colleague into an empty meeting room and sat her down. The already poor mood at the office declined even more after this. I offered her a cup of water and patted her shoulder.
"Calm down for now Ms Rui, I'm sure Ms Han is fine. I spoke to her on the phone over the weekend and she seemed alright."
I felt a tinge of guilt, but a white lie never hurt anyone, right? Well it's not technically a lie, after all I did speak to her. Ms Rui's sobs eventually calmed to sniffles before she finally spoke again.
"Section chief." She gripped her cup, avoiding eye contact.
"It would put everyone in a tough position if I were to quit as well, right?"
I used every muscle in my face to maintain a poker face. In reality I was about to lose it.
"Has anything at work been making you feel uncomfortable? I won't lie and say it won't affect us, but if it's an issue that can't be solved then it can't be helped."
Of course I lied. If there's a will, there's a way. We can't let go of yet another member of our department now. Even imagining the extra workload of 2 people being spread among us is enough to give me a headache, but alas, who could say that to a crying child.
"There's no issues with work, Mr Lin. My colleagues are like family, my section chief is understanding and reliable, it's just…" She hesitated again.
To be honest my desire to help our beloved Ms Ran had skyrocketed after hearing her praise for me, my ears couldn't help but perk up slightly. Ahem. I waited for her to continue.
"Section chief do you… Do you even enjoy [Requiem] anymore?"
I flinched, the question was unexpected. I had always separated my work and home life. The mishap at the convenience store was the first time I had publicly shamed the game to another person, I was sure my hatred for it had been hidden pretty well…
"Why do you ask?"
Ahem… She asked so seriously yet I could not help but avoid the question.
"Sir, we all know you get the majority of the work in our department. Even so, we have all played the game a great amount. I can't help but hate it. I started this job because I liked gaming, but now, I don't even touch a computer outside of work. It's just… too much. I miss being able to play games as a way to enjoy myself."
I nodded. Completely understandable. The sight of a keyboard makes me wretch.
"I understand, Ms Rui. However, please reconsider resigning from the company. If it's really too much, I will appeal to Director Lee and request you be moved to another department."
I smiled softly.
"It'll be a pity for M&A to lose such a capable worker, I'm sure you'll shine brightly anywhere you work, child."
"Mr Lin…"
Her eyes began to tear up again. Truly heartwarming if you ask me.
"You speak like such a boomer…"
She smiled genuinely while wiping her tears.
Ahem. I patted her shoulder before leaving the room. Damn. My smile twitched as I made my way to my desk. I'll have to prepare for more work I guess… I sighed and felt a faint tear shed. Fuck my life!
The day ended as usual, my precious children left the office one by one until it was just me and my computer. I thought back on what Ms Rui had said earlier. Honestly, if I had paid more attention, Ms Han's resignation wouldn't have come as such a shock. Her figurines and badges disappearing one by one should have been a sign…
After all, I too was once like that. My once decorated room was now plain and boring, just like any other 32 year old office worker's. My thoughts were cut abruptly by my computer.
[Hidden Quest complete ☆ Rewards listed]
x 10,000 EXP
x 5,000,000 GOLD
x 3 Angel's breath
"Congratulations, player! You have reached the maximum level of 200 ☆"
🎶🎼🎵🎶🎼🎵🎶🎼🎵🎶🎼🎵🎼🎶
I glanced at the time before reporting to the development team, exiting the game without letting the congratulatory song finish. 'No bugs, runs smoothly'. I sent the email off before shutting my computer and getting up. I stretched my arms up and let out a yawn, my eyes were trying not to shut.
I went to my car in the company lot. It was parked alone, unsurprisingly considering the time. I was driving out until I got a random, intense craving. Beer… Fuck was there any left at home? I don't remember. After everything I've been through today, surely I deserve a treat.
I turned and went to the convenience store. The bell rang as I swiftly snuck to the canned beer section and grabbed a 6 pack.
"That'll be $10, cash or card?"
I tapped my card and held my purchase before stepping out the door and towards my car.
All of a sudden, I felt my arm jolt backwards.
"Mister Asher Koran?" An annoyed yet sarcastic voice rang from behind me. I turned back, shocked.
"What…?"
Hearing that dreadful name somewhere outside of work surprised me. I looked up at the man who grabbed me as I unwillingly acknowledged each one of his features. My eyes widened slightly, as my dark past slowly came back to me.
The day had been so chaotic that I had forgotten the terrible events that occurred at this shop. Damn it. I swore to never visit here again, how could I forget…
That handsome face was truly unforgettable. Fuck. I should've just gone home.