Absinthe

I barely touched my food when Vice Chairman Lee announced that he's retiring for the day. Obviously, he did not expect me to make such a demand. 10% of Samsong Holding's shares means billions and billions of dollars. No one in their right mind will give that away.

On the other hand, I wouldn't be in my right mind if I accept his offer to go back and work for him again, especially with this particular problem to solve.

If I take it, I would fail. I'm sure of it, 100%. And that stain in my career will be the talk of the entire industry, world-wide.

What's worse is that everyone will probably associate such failure with my sexuality.

So don't get me wrong. I didn't ask for 10% of Samsong Holding's shares because I want them. I just wanted a convenient excuse to not have to say no.

"I just remembered," I said, getting everyone's attention. "Is Samsong Philippines aware that you are here?"

Minsu-hyung shook his head. "This was all an impromptu decision from Vice Chairman Lee."

"I see. We'll take you to your hotel, then."

Faye footed the bill and we all filed out towards the restaurant's lobby where Faye asked for our cars. Momentarily, my trusty BMW came, looking laughable compared to Faye's brand new Benz SUV. I knew that she bought a new car a few weeks after she crashed her Range Rover against JM's. But I didn't know it was a Benz.

Vice Chairman Lee looked at my car, then to me. "We're taking Ms. Gonzales' car, BJ. We'll be in touch."

Before I could stop myself, I bowed in response and Vice Chairman Lee didn't seem to miss it.

Fuck! Old habits really die hard. "Good night, sir."

I felt Minsu-hyung affectionately tapping my shoulder followed by a light hug from Gunho-hyung. "Tomorrow, then!"

I hopped into my own car and drove back home, head full of all sorts of things. From Jiwoo, to Vice Chairman Lee, to the CEO who fired me, and to Cho Hanbi.

Wouldn't this be the best opportunity to prove to everyone, once and for all, that talent and skill have nothing to do with one's sexual orientation and preference?

That if I succeed, I can slap every single person who laughed with disdain at my termination and my sexuality. I can make headlines once again, and this time, actually get the chance to help out every single homosexual who feels oppressed in the corporate world.

But saying yes to this means saying goodbye to the Philippines once again.

It also meant saying goodbye to Jiwoo.

Ugh! I don't know what to think!

My dashboard display signaled a call from Faye. I pressed the receive button and greeted her.

"I just dropped them off. Are you home now?"

"Almost," I responded. "I'll lend Minsu-Hyung my Benz. I barely use it anyway. And it's a gift from the Vice Chairman, remember? That way, you won't be needed to drive them anymore."

might be the finance expert

are you

still feel traces of smugness in her voice. "Just making

said. "Anyway, let's have lunch tomorrow.

not going

think so." I said, thoughts of Jiwoo suddenly start swimming in my head again.

Faye said. "It's your

being insecure about his financial status!" I didn't want to expose myself but my frustration just came out all

able to resolve it if you keep on being insecure about your situation, either!" Faye answered

"What do you mean?"

deserve this or that! Do you know how that sounds like to Jiwoo and to the rest of the world? It's like you're questioning whether people

"..."

know you have a lot on your mind right now, so go straight home

"Okay."

Let's make it brunch,

"Sounds like a plan."

didn't take me long to finish my drive back home, and I was basically on autopilot from the parking lot, to the elevator, up to my penthouse where I could see someone leaning his back just beside the

an elegant pair of black trousers and shoes to match. The shoes look familiar – probably a Berluti or a Zegna. He was

I help you?" I

was wearing one. I actually had briefs on, not that it matters. But holy shit, it was Jiwoo and it wasn't Jiwoo at the same

can see his dual toned blazer, I'm sure that it was from Fendi. I now remember his

sunglasses I bought for him clipped stylishly on the v collar of his wool

he said simply.

really knowing what to say. I could feel Jiwoo following me into the house, all the way

"What do you think?'

turned to face him.

face. "I'm sorry for

him. "And that's supposed to make me feel

answered quickly. "I'm

said. "What's

myself and accepted the offer I got from your friend's

"Huh? My friend's company?"

for luxury brands.

alive?! Where

agreement. I'll be fired if I tell

at what Jiwoo just said. "Don't you dare,

Jiwoo said, his face now breaking into a grin. "I guess I'm okay with being fired. I just accepted the

Jiwoo. I don't think I'll ever understand you." I was so exasperated with all this drama that I left Jiwoo and walked towards the fridge to