Approaching her third year at the company, Love felt nervous again on her way to work. This was because a new recruit was finally joining the development planning team. It was also the day she officially became the mentor for the new employee. Although she briefly mentored Dohan last year, it was merely a formality. He wasn’t a new employee, and his position was higher than hers, so he couldn’t properly play the role of a senior. This time, it was real— a real successor and a real mentor. Love took a deep breath with a more nervous face than her first day at work.

“Team leader, how old is the new recruit?”

While Manager Kim Insoo went to greet the new employee, the team members gathered.

They temporarily postponed work to welcome the precious newcomer.

Dongsik, who rose from his seat for the last time, approached the team members and answered Nayoung’s question.

“He’s about twenty-six.”

“Then, Love, you’re the same age.”

Nayoung shifted her gaze to Love with a delighted voice.

“Fortunately, Love. He’s not much older this time.”

Nayoung teased Dohan with a playful tone while glancing at him.

It was because Love had gone through a lot of heartache after Dohan joined the company.

However, in the end, the two became a couple and had been doing well ever since.

“If the new recruit were a girl, she could have been younger than me. Too bad.”

Dohan narrowed his eyes at Love’s mumble.

He was also disappointed because the new recruit wasn’t a girl.

From today, Isarang would be the mentor for the male newcomer.

Recently, he found her enthusiasm irritating.

After work or during weekend dates, the main topic she brought up was the new employee.

How old he might be, which university he graduated from, and she even wondered if he had a girlfriend.

Dohan was bothered by Love’s excessive interest.

If it were a girl, it wouldn’t have mattered much, but the fact that it was a guy was the problem.

Moreover, hearing that they were the same age made him feel uneasy for no reason.

Whether the new recruit was younger or older than Love, it would have been the same.

He let out a small sigh, and just then, the office door opened.

“We’ve brought the new recruit.”

A man with a friendly demeanor appeared behind Insoo, bowing politely.

“Hello. I’m the new employee, Jang Hyunseong.”

Everyone welcomed him with applause after Insoo introduced each team member, and they shook hands.

“Here is Jang Hyunseong, your mentor, and Lee Sarang, the new employee.”

Hyunseong seemed tense all along but appeared to relax only when meeting the person closest to him.

He had a particularly bright face, and he seemed like someone to rely on.

“Nice to meet you, senior.”

“Yes, I look forward to working with you.”

The title of “senior” made Love’s eyes sparkle.

She had only called and not been called by it, as her juniors in college referred to her as an older sister or sister.

So, she didn’t know, but it was such a pleasant word that Love couldn’t stop smiling.
After the greetings, the team members returned to their respective seats. When Hyunseong stood awkwardly, Sarang guided him to his desk.

“Mr. Hyunseong, your seat is here.”

“Oh, yes. Next to you, senior.”

“Yes. You haven’t received your laptop yet, so it might feel a bit empty. You’ll get it in the afternoon.”

“Understood, senior.”

“If the title feels uncomfortable, you don’t have to use it. We’re the same age, Mr. Hyunseong.”

Although it sounded good to hear, Sarang decided not to be insistent about the title. Even though he was a junior, it felt awkward to hear “senior” repeatedly.

“No, still, since you joined as a director, I haven’t had a chance to mentor anyone. So, I’m thinking of taking care of Mr. Jang Hyunseong.”

“…What?”

Laughter erupted from all around. However, the newcomer, who didn’t understand the meaning of the laughter, looked around with bewildered eyes. Whether to say or not, Dohan turned his body to face Dongsik’s desk and approved the request with his shoes instead of documents.

“Team leader, I’ll take care of Mr. Jang Hyunseong.”

Without even asking if it was okay, Hyunseong’s mouth hung open at the announcement that he had to. As a newcomer who had just started working, he couldn’t understand the situation.

“Oh, our Director Ji has such strong feelings for his junior. Haha…”

At Dongsik’s laughter, other team members also chuckled. Hyunseong was at a loss, not knowing what he had done wrong. Sarang, who was trying to snatch the mentor position from Dohan, found Dohan’s attempt annoying, and her expression mocked him.

“If you want to, just do it. I won’t stop an employee who wants to do something.”

“Team leader! Mr. Hyunseong is me.”

“Sarang, you were in charge of Mr. Ji last year. So, this time, yield to Mr. Ji.”

Dongsik sided with Dohan because he couldn’t ignore the possibility of Sarang getting close to Hyunseong and creating distance between her and Dohan. As someone who wished for the marriage of the two, Dongsik did not turn down Dohan’s request, which was akin to a plea.
Laughter burst forth here and there.