Coding Heaven, Planning Hell (2)
At the very moment Shin Na-young was buzzing with excitement, Kim A-ram was once again lost in thought in front of her computer. Poor Kim A-ram. While everyone else basked in the scattering pink blossoms, warm sunlight, and a sweet glass of wine with their lovers, she sat alone in the prison-like office in Pangyo, the single light on as she taught herself programming.
On the surface, it seemed like a model of self-improvement and diligence. But the motivation was forced, leaving Kim A-ram utterly miserable. Her mind was a whirlwind of worry.
What am I gonna do?
Han Yu-ra had roughly estimated the compensation at three billion won. Even if Kim A-ram saved a million won a month, it would take her over twenty years. And to top it off, her already hellish company life had grown even more grueling thanks to Im Seong-u's meddling.
Now, her new senior—Shin Na-young—called out to her.
"A-ram, come here for a sec."
That curt, offhand tone pissed Kim A-ram off. But she wasn't stupid. It was obvious she'd need Shin Na-young's help for the server work ahead. Sometimes, swallowing your pride was a smart strategic move. She decided to play low-key.
"Hey, I'm kinda busy right now?"
But what could she do? The mere fact that Shin Na-young—once just her subordinate—was now holding the reins filled her with rage. And something about Shin Na-young's eyes was downright scary. Despite being younger, there was this primal fear that if she cracked down once, it'd be merciless.
I can't lose! I won't dance to your tune!
Kim A-ram flashed a smug smile. Sure, her coding would take longer, and her life was on the brink of ruin—but so what? Right now, she'd won the pride battle.
I'm the victor!
I protected my pride!
I stood up for my heart!
But Shin Na-young's face, rejected so casually, lit up brighter than ever. Like she'd seen it coming.
"Okay then, whatever. Su-yeon, wanna step out for a smoke?"
"Sure."
"Oh, Director Im Seong-u, you coming too?"
"Eh, why not..."
Im Su-yeon shot Kim A-ram a mocking glance.
Ha! When your senior says smoke break, you don't skip out!
That was her exact expression. Cold sweat beaded on Kim A-ram's temple. The isolation hit her again.
I'm... I'm the only one being left out.
Unfortunately, the world wasn't kind to Kim A-ram. No solo devouring of success, no lone level-up, no solo climb to the top for this planner-turned-coder genius. Not ever.
I... I used to be the center of this company.
Back when her word decided the game's direction. Even Han Yu-ra listened to her, Yoon Se-hee was easy to manipulate, and Im Su-yeon was her lackey.
But as the saying goes, no flower blooms for ten days straight, and Kim A-ram was yesterday's news. Yeah. Punchline king.
Anyway, she was left alone in the office with CEO Han Yu-ra, soaking in the awkwardness. Yoon Se-hee was there too, but it was like she'd cast an invisibility spell—her presence just faded away.
Damn... shoulda gone out.
Kim A-ram stared gloomily at her monitor.
A drop of rainwater fell on the coding book.
-Good work today.
It was raining today. Despite the 0% chance... even inside the office...
A-ram thought.
.
.
.
The taste of power was sweet. Once you had it, it was addictively so. Now she understood why the world's power-mongers clung to it so pathetically until their downfall.
"Director, Kim A-ram won't listen to me. What am I supposed to do?"
Shin Na-young's coquettish expression floated into view.
"Sigh... A-ram unnie used to be so good at her job back in the day. She's lost that beginner's drive now."
Im Su-yeon chimed in from the side.
You're the worst one.
Telling that to the director was basically begging to get fired. But damn, it felt good. Railroad Software's employees were suspiciously gorgeous. Im Su-yeon was a slender beauty with sharp, upturned eyes. Shin Na-young was the classic cute type in her oversized hoodie, with modest but perky peaks visible if you looked closely. Even Neanderthal-looking Kim A-ram had a fresh, straight-haired charm. It was starting to seem like Han Yu-ra hired purely for looks.
Feels like I'm forgetting someone...
But whatever. Being the center of gravity for women like these? Pure bliss.
Im Su-yeon said to me,
"By the way... Director."
"...Yeah?"
"I'm really, really sorry."
She fidgeted with her hands like she meant it. In short shorts exposing her pale thighs, palms clasped politely, lashes fluttering—it was stunning. To an outsider, it looked like genuine repentance.
But I had experience too.
Not falling for it.
Method acting. If Kim A-ram regained power, Im Su-yeon would pull the same stunt. Knowing she'd cause trouble eventually, I sealed the alliance for now.
"...Sorry? Out of nowhere?"
"No... I mean, I didn't realize how hard programming is. Before Shin Na-young came on."
Anger boiled inside.
Oh, so if you'd known, you wouldn't have treated me like shit? Bullshit. Total bullshit.
"But now I get it. CEO Han tried hiring more people, but... no one with your skills, Director Im Seong-u. You were always working so hard, right?"
"..."
She gazed at me with teary puppy-dog eyes that could melt any man.
-Tremble tremble.
I glanced sideways at the earthquake-like vibration. It was Shin Na-young, glaring at Im Su-yeon like she wanted to kill her.
Why? Was my childhood friend feeling some jealous possessiveness? Wanting me all to herself?
-Seong-u, got a girlfriend?
That high school line she'd thrown at me...?
No. Overthinking it.
Think rationally. If Shin Na-young liked me, there'd be clearer signs. I adjusted logically.
She's just wary of office politics.
She'd seen through Im Su-yeon's true nature, alright. Spotting her lapdog tenacity and venting rage. Shin Na-young was sharp.
"I see."
"Sorry... Director."
I felt like a king. Im Su-yeon wasn't crying for real yet, but imagining her sincere apology later stirred even new cravings for power.
You're next.
"Is that so?"
"...Yes."
"Then, Su-yeon. Got a small favor to ask. Can you do it?"
That's when I felt a piercing glare. From Shin Na-young. Borderline murderous.
What's her deal?
"...Yes, Director. If it's something I can do, I'll make it happen."
I ignored my childhood friend's face and said it.
"Learn to code."
It was an odd demand. What use for an illustrator coding? But in this mess, I had justification.
This is what happens when you idiots don't get programming.
Surprisingly, Im Su-yeon nodded easily.
"Ah..."
-It's just resizing image files, right? A programmer can do it—why me?
Her old words. Seeing her fist-sized face stirred a sadistic urge.
Daring to act in front of me?
"...Got it. I'll work hard."
"Good."
And so the delightful smoke break ended.
.
.
.
Han Yu-ra watched Im Seong-u head out for a smoke. A twinge of unease stirred inside.
...You don't smoke.
He'd quit after trying it once. Probably just bonding with the team. Still, her body heated up. She clenched her palm with her nails.
My employees are all so pretty.
Super bubbly Shin Na-young was adorably cute. Those plump cheeks looked like they'd puff out if poked—total J-pop idol material. Smaller frame and chest than hers, but charming in her own way.
...And Su-yeon too.
Im Su-yeon was a bespectacled, mouse-faced beauty. You know the type? The artsy girls at university sketching with glasses on. That's her vibe.
-No plans to date. Yu-ra.
A sharp pang hit Han Yu-ra's heart. She felt sad. In her mind, his words branched and twisted.
-(With you) no plans to date. Yu-ra.
'...'
-(With you) just a sex partner.
-(With you) gonna date someone else while fucking.
-(To you) no love.
"...Me."
-Seong-u, can't even fix this bug? It's been days.
Han Yu-ra hunched her shoulders. The warmth of being loved clashed starkly with the chill of her regrets.
I... was too harsh to you.
She should've apologized. Pride? Whatever. She gritted her teeth and focused on work.
What's wrong here? They were just fuckbuddies satisfying urges. Both content with looks and sex. And she'd wronged him plenty—no right to expect love. Was she really this shameless?
I... feel left out.
Office politics sucked. Quitting time rolled around. Im Su-yeon came back first, then giggling Shin Na-young. Im Seong-u followed.
"..."
Her heart pounded inexplicably; Han Yu-ra buried her face in papers. Afraid of what? She couldn't even tell herself.
Im Su-yeon said,
"Great work today, CEO. Heading out first!"
"Yeah, take care."
I've got tons left...
Han Yu-ra bowed her head, feeling oddly wronged. Next, Shin Na-young. They waited ten minutes after Im Su-yeon left, then stood.
"See you, CEO!"
"...Yeah. Good work."
Im Seong-u shrugged on his neat jacket, ready to leave 'together' with Shin Na-young. Han Yu-ra was always grateful. A bit sorry. A bit anxious. Did their routes home overlap? Same bus?
"Heading out first."
"Good work, Director."
Everyone gone. Some shadow-like woman said bye, but Han Yu-ra forgot her instantly.
Just me and Kim A-ram left.
Her closest college friend once. Always praised her planning—now just bad blood. Sharing the office stirred complex feelings. Han Yu-ra pitied her back, wanted to say something.
Kim A-ram...
Then, an unmistakable noise hit Han Yu-ra's ears. Her hearing wasn't great, but the fading conversation came through crystal clear. Shared office panels offered zero soundproofing anyway.
-Seong-u. Where we drinking tonight?
'...Huh?'
Han Yu-ra froze. First thought: their casual banter.
They're on banmal terms?
They were close. Without her knowing, something had bloomed between Im Seong-u and Shin Na-young. It weighed on her chest like a stone.
Thud.
Heart sinking, she slumped into the chair beside her.
A guy and girl drinking...
She wanted to chase him, disrupt whatever. But her feet felt leaden—she couldn't move.
"..."
Yu-ra felt a touch of claustrophobia.