Yes, Miss Manoban

CHAPTER 11

A wide smirk was etched on her face as she sat behind her brother's desk. In front of Astrid was Secretary Jeon's notebook and beside it was a sticky note she found on his desk.

"I must say, I'm terribly disappointed in you, Secretary Jeon," she addressed the man in front of her. "My brother had always spoken very highly of you. How you're reliable and dedicated. Dedicated, yes but, for a different reason."

Astrid shifted her leg and leaned back to her chair's backrest as she locked gazes with the secretary.

"So... what's your side of the story?" she asked casually. "I'm usually not intrusive but you do understand that I needed to check who the notebook belonged to. And imagine my surprise when I saw a very detailed schedule of Miss Serena Lee."

"I..."

"You?"

"I uh..."

The edge of Astrid's lip raised a bit. Maybe the poor boy needed some help.

"Are you a fanboy, Secretary Jeon? A crazed fanatic? A stalker?"

Joshua sighed heavily. The thing he dreaded the most finally happened. He didn't say a word and just bowed before taking his ID off.

Anything he'd right now would surely affect him. Seeing the evidence laid in front of him, he cannot simply lie his way out. If he did admit to what she's saying, he pretty much secured his place in jail. Not that being a fanboy is a crime but divulging information about Serena's schedule before it was released can be considered one.

He's not particularly proud of what he has done but he wanted to iron out his schedule since being a secretary can mean limited free time. So, he aligns the fan meets, airport appearances and Serena's other activities to his so that if in case he couldn't attend those he can send his friend Winston to go instead.

So, his only way out—and to keep a shred of dignity, was to resign. At least he neither confirmed nor denied the accusation.

Astrid raised an eyebrow as Secretary Jeon took a few steps and placed the ID next to the notebook on top of the desk. Shock was an understatement. But of course, he did not give him the benefit of it.

Again, the man bowed before walking towards the door. But before he could completely leave, she spoke.

"So, you're just going to walk away?" she said. "No explanations whatsoever?"

"It wouldn't matter," he answered straight. "Whatever I say will be taken against me."

"I said an 'explanation', not an excuse," she muttered chuckling. "You don't give me much credit, Secretary Jeon. I have known about it for quite a while now."

She actually found out about it a few days ago when she saw the familiar handwriting. Grabbing the small notebook from her purse, she was shocked to find out that the notebook she picked up at the airport wasn't from one of those fangirls flocking the airport. It was in fact his. And he is a fanboy. Miss Serena Lee's dedicated fanboy.

"Then why didn't you fire me right away?" he asked.

"Do you want me to?" she questioned back. "Do you want me to fire you?"

Joshua did not answer. He knew it was a trick question.

"Every person has their own quirks. I'm not bothered if you're a crazy fanboy as long as you do your job well," she stated taking the ID from the surface. "But, you are fired."

His forehead creased.

"Why?"

"Because I don't like it when people question my judgment," she said nonchalantly and stood up. She played with the lace of his identification card as she walked towards him.

Even though he towered the CEO, her aura was intimidating enough to make him gulp and take a step back. But the door blocked him making his back hit it.

They were only a few—maybe a couple, inches apart as she folded her arms and leaned even closer to him. Her eyes narrowed at him.

He didn't know what to do as she was staring at him too close for comfort. Is that what happens to people who stay abroad for too long? Forgets the thing called personal space?

"Especially in front of other employees."

Miss Manoban's luscious lips formed a smirk before standing straight again.

Wait, did he just call her lips luscious?

"Have a nice day, Mister Jeon."

-

Joshua heaved a sigh as he dug into the kimchi fried rice he just made. A day has already passed of him being officially unemployed and it felt terrible. He was bored out of his wits and he's pissed at the trolls flocking stan twitter. He was tempted to give them a piece of his mind but as a fan site, it's not necessarily right to get in between fan wars.

And there's user stanselena. He doesn't know much about this person but he was a menace. This sasaeng fan would always follow Serena around and take photos even in flights. This person would also book hotels in close proximities to Serena just so he could get photos of her or in compromising situations. Sometimes he'd think whether this person was a fan or a hater. Because of his actions that are way over the line.

His thoughts were cut off when he felt his phone vibrate. His forehead creased when he saw Manager Choi's name flash.

He contemplated whether to answer or not.

Why is Serena's manager calling him? Did Miss Manoban tell him about his identity? Is he going to curse him or something?

Or it could be some sort of emergency? Maybe Serena's having problems? Troubles?

In the end, the idea of being rude made him receive the call.

"Yes, Manager Choi?"

"Um... Secretary Jeon? Is this you?"

His eyes grew wide and he almost choked on his food.

It was Serena freaking Lee! Serena herself was freaking calling him!

"Uh... Uhm... uh... y-yes! It's uh... um... me. Secretary Jeon. Yeah." He stammered as he tried to compose himself. "What um... what can I do for you, Miss Lee?"

He tried his best to mask his squealing self by sounding serious and business-like.

"I was wondering if you were free tonight? I haven't been able to thank you about my comeback fiasco and CEO Jung told me that it was you who really helped contain the situation," she said sweetly.

He can't help but fawn over the other line but of course, hid it well. Except for the small strain in his voice that he was quick to dismiss by clearing his throat.

"Um... now? I uh..."

"I'm sorry if it's urgent. I'd understand if you aren't free—"

"No! I mean... I uh... yes! I'd love you to join you for dinner. But you don't actually have to. I just did my job so you really shouldn't be giving me too much credit."

"Still, Secretary Jeon, I am very thankful," the idol said on the other line. "So, I guess seven in the evening would be fine?"

"Ah, yes. It's fine."

"Great! I'll have Manage Choi pick you up tonight." Her cheerful voice was music to his ears. "Again, thank you very much for your help, Secretary Jeon."

And then the line was dead. But his heart was very much... alive.