Back to Work Already...
“Back to work already...”
Tuesday. After fully resting over the weekend plus Monday, I was riding the bus back to the outpost. I'd lounged around for three whole days, and with the spirits' help, my condition was perfect. But now, work was starting up again.
I wonder what dimension's customer would show up this time, asking for a loan. From ancient elves to humans so tiny you needed a microscope to see them—this was my workplace, the Dimensional Credit Vault Kikiwai Multidimensional Outpost, where unimaginable clients came with deals tied to the fate of their species or planet.
“Haa...”
Even as a human, you need a break sometimes. Sure, the job was still fun, so just occasionally. But yeah, it was wearing me down in all sorts of ways.
“I wanna swing by Seoul sometime. Probably can't unless I take a longer vacation.”
Just three days this time, so visiting Dimension 3-1 wasn't even on the table. Next chance, maybe.
“Wonder when I'll get another break.”
Staring out the bus window in a daze, I closed my eyes, and memories of the past three days flooded back.
Saturday, I crashed at home. Sunday, I dodged a tail and randomly bumped into Pluto and her family outside, ending up eating delicious food together. Thankfully, nothing happened on the way home, so I didn't report it to Elama.
Monday, I met up with Mira. Originally planned as a trio with Isaac.
“......”
Thinking about it, both meetups had drained me big time. On days off, no less—no real rest at all. Good thing I vegged out Saturday, or I'd have dragged myself to work exhausted.
“No matter how I think about it, something's off.”
All the people I met on this break were anything but ordinary. First, Sunday's encounter: Pluto and who she called her sister. I figured it'd be casual chit-chat and a meal before parting ways, but things took an unexpected turn—I nearly choked mid-bite.
'Hmm. So you're a banker.'
'I'm in finance myself, you see.'
Of all things... not exactly, but running into another industry pro like that? When we first met, she seemed quiet, but after a bit of booze, the vibe got weird.
The biggest issue? This stranger was firing off tough questions nonstop.
'Impressive. Hard to believe you're only a year in—your grasp of operations is spot-on. Next, deposit-related queries.'
'Do you keep track of the exact number of extension-maturity clients each month, Jian?'
...... Yeah, like that. Felt just like my interview day.
It was a raw meal, but she wasn't letting me off easy. Pluto's sister hurled deep questions that no freeloader should. Her tone was polite, sure, but honestly tougher than Elama's pressure interview on day one.
Not that I was gonna make a fuss over one meal. But how does a total stranger act like my boss?
Couldn't wrap my head around it. Even Pluto had subtly grated on me with her casual speech from the jump, and this sister—different style, same talent for flipping my insides.
'Hehe. The deputy manager's squirming.'
'Pluto. Even at a drinking party, mind your manners.'
Says that, then steps on all my landmines herself.
No matter that we're in the same field. Even if I'm a green rookie.
She had no right to quiz me like that. Maybe the booze made this prim lady cross a line. Seemed like a workaholic who loved her job to death. Despite looking young, maybe she only talked shop with underlings and never learned real communication.
Eventually, I couldn't hold back.
'Ms. Pluto's family member. I get you're a senior in the industry, but aren't you a bit too interested in someone else's work?'
'Ah, my apologies. Bad habit.'
Only after I politely showed my displeasure did she apologize sincerely.
But I didn't figure out why until the meal was wrapping up. A little misunderstanding.
'Um, Jian. If it's not too rude, may I ask one thing?'
'I thought you didn't care about that stuff, but asking now has me flustered.'
'As her big sister, how far along are things with Pluto?'
*Pffft.*
*Cough.*
Me and Pluto both spat our drinks—no telling who first.
'You must have the wrong idea—we're just normal coworkers.'
'Deputy manager's not my type. But why'd you deny it first? Kinda pisses me off?'
'More importantly, that...'
'Okerus.'
'How'd you get that misunderstanding, Ms. Okerus...'
When I asked, the woman named Okerus stared straight at me with dead seriousness.
'This is the first time my little sister has ever suggested grabbing a meal with an acquaintance she bumped into outside—especially a man.'
'......'
'I know my sister well. Pluto doesn't casually invite guys to eat.'
The mood was veering weird, so I kept shaking my head. Glancing at Pluto beside me, she was deadpanning and waving it off too.
So that's why the mock-interview? Because she thought Pluto and I were close?
Even after we both insisted it was a misunderstanding, her skeptical gaze lingered—she wasn't fully convinced.
Headache. Energy drain. Why deal with this on my dime during a holiday?
Objectively, Pluto's a beauty, but getting mistaken for her lover by someone with zero warmth? Not fun. Bet she felt the same.
'I overstepped. My apologies. Thinking she finally had a boyfriend, I got carried away...'
Misunderstanding cleared, I gritted through, laughing it off awkwardly till the end without complaints.
All three were reasonable adults (Pluto's iffy), and we'd only had a couple glasses of white wine—no drunken antics or puking.
'I'll cover the meal.'
Maybe guilty over her slip, Okerus insisted on paying with her card. Dim lighting hid it, but the color looked...
No doubt she was a big shot. No bragging, just natural, so I let it go with a thanks.
'Deputy manager, palate cleanser!'
Meanwhile, Pluto was back to her usual loose-screw grin.
'Palate cleanser?'
I planned to say goodbye outside the restaurant, but she pulled something from her bag and handed it over.
'Chocolate?'
'Yup. Loyalty!'
'Loyalty?'
That was it. A quick “Sorry,” then she hopped into a nearby limo with her sister.
'Got a chauffeur...'
Sister's loaded, family's rich, or both? Either way, regretted letting her pay.
That night, I didn't go home. Worried about another tail.
Checked into a hotel, then headed back to the bachelor banker dorm at dawn.
'Yeah, ready. Coming to pick you up now.'
Changed and headed to meet Mira. Couldn't make her who traveled far on precious vacation take the bus, so I rented a car. Felt illicit thrill skipping work hours. Picked her up at the Larryert.
But Mira? Vibe totally different from usual.
'Hi. Oppa Jian.'
Full makeup. Dressed to kill. Seen her casual at old trainee meetups, but today? Whole new level. The girl with light makeup and neat braids now had a 9:1 part, hair sleekly swept—looked like she was grabbing dinner with me then heading to a blind date.
'What's with today?'
'What?'
Still Mira, though. Trying to play cool and smirking lethally? I chuckled, and she exploded back to tsundere mode.
'You can dress up at a travel spot! I care about fashion too!'
Her sense was spot-on. Even beat the artsy folks I knew style-wise. Come to think, she was super jealous last time I went to Dimension 33's Rhinomil outpost.
'Didn't say anything, why snap?'
'Your look pisses me off?!'
Not my place to laugh. I'd even dug out an old hat for our rare trainee hang.
'Let's roll, Driver Kim.'
'What rich housewife are you?'
'Not married yet. I'm a refined lady from fine stock~?'
'Your concept...'
Shotgun, legs crossed elegantly? Still Mira.
'Yes, ma'am. Scenic spots first.'
Valuable HR connection for future info. Had to play along today.
We hit Diamond Pearl Head first, then toured landmarks. Pre-golden week, but tourists lured by that broadcast package dotted everywhere.
...All couples, somehow.
'Man, young love.'
'Don't talk like some old fogey, year-one worker.'
Shot her life brag pics, snapped a couple together unplanned, and suddenly past 6 PM.
'Dinner time. Calling Isaac.'
'...Isaac?'
'Yeah, trainee meetup. He's here on Kikiwai—been ages. Texted him yesterday; said he'd make time after work.'
That's when it hit. Mira's face darkened blatantly.
'......'
Her gaze sharpening—did I step on a mine? No way she and Isaac had a fling that fizzled.
While I panicked, Mira whipped out her smartphone.
“...Huh. Isaac's got work, can't make it.”
Mira smiled, but a chill hung around her.
'Aw, too bad. Just us two then. Oh, oppa—there's a spot I wanna hit.'
'You been to Kikiwai before to have a must-go?'
'Blog reviews, duh.'
Mira showed me the map app. Central area—decent spots there.
But parking and standing before her pick, a weird déjà vu hit.
'This place...'
Something's wrong. Feels like I ate here yesterday.
'What, oppa? You been?'
Mira beamed up at me innocently.