Love In Installments…

By Mudita Pawar

“Help! Help! Please, someone help me—I’m sinking!”

A desperate voice echoed across the quiet park. Park Hazel turned sharply toward the sound, her heart pounding. She ran toward the old marble fountain, the source of the cry, but found no one there. Confusion settled on her face until she felt a small tug at her sleeve.

“Eonnie… help her, please…” a soft, trembling voice said.

Hazel looked down and found a little girl staring up at her with tearful eyes. She bent to her level, concern flickering in her gaze.

“Save whom, kiddo?” Hazel asked gently.

The girl pointed toward the fountain. Floating helplessly in the shallow water was a tiny yellow bird, its wings flapping weakly as it struggled to stay afloat.

Without another thought, Hazel shrugged off her jacket and leapt into the fountain. The cold water splashed around her as she reached out and scooped the fragile creature into her palms. She cradled it carefully against her chest, her voice soft and soothing.

“Oh, little birdie… relax. You’re all right now,” she whispered.

“Thank you!” 

She turned to the little girl with a warm smile, 

“My pleasure, love.”

Placing the rescued bird safely on a dry patch of stone, Hazel wrung the water from her sleeves, slipped back into her damp jacket, and walked away. 

Kang Enterprises - 10 AM

The sharp thud of a palm slamming against the wooden table echoed through his cabin, making Hazel flinch. The papers on the desk trembled, and so did she. She kept her head low, strands of her still-damp hair clinging to her cheek.

“Do you not want this job anymore, Ms. Park?” A deep, controlled, and dangerously calm voice made her look up at him.

Hazel’s breath caught in her throat. Her pulse quickened...though she dared not meet his eyes

“I—I’m s-sorry, Sir… t-this won’t happen a-again…”

Her voice broke halfway through the apology.

He stood, unbuttoning his gray blazer. In that instant, the entire atmosphere in the room shifted. His presence filled the space. He walked around the desk slowly, his polished shoes tapping against the marble floor. Hazel could feel his gaze on her. 

“You’d better keep your word, Ms. Park.”

She quickly bowed and ran out as fast as she could.

Once inside her own small office, Hazel let out a long, breathless sound. “Arrrrr… Kang Jihoon… I’ll kill you someday,” she hissed under her breath. 

She dropped her head onto her desk and tugged at her hair in frustration. 

Park Hazel, twenty-seven, had worked at Kang Enterprises for a year now. Her mornings always began with coffee, chaos, and chasing deadlines, while her nights ended with tired eyes and half-finished reports. Life was a loop of exhaustion, but she needed this job, no matter how ruthless her boss was.

And that boss was Kang Jihoon.

A 30 year old CEO of Kang Enterprises, Kang Jihoon was known for his cold precision and unshakable discipline. A man who never smiled, never raised his voice, yet somehow made everyone tremble.

There were many who hated him for his cold aura, but none of them had the audacity to face him. Hazel never liked him too. 

Why?

Because he made her rewrite every single report she submitted. 

Of course, those reports had glaring mistakes—mistakes she somehow always missed at first glance.

“Phewww…” Hazel sighed, taking a sip of her now-cold coffee as she sat across from her best friend, Hana.

Hana raised a brow. “Rough day again?”

Looking up at the clear blue sky, Hazel said dramatically, “Sometimes I really wish I were a bird. Such a peaceful life they live…”

“No...you are wrong. We too have to face difficulties like humans... ”

Hazel blinked at her, frowning.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” the confused Hana asked 

“You know too much about birds and their struggles....”

Before Hana could reply, Hazel suddenly gasped. “Oh shoot! Kang’s coming out of the building—Hana, I have to run! Bye!”

And with that, she dashed back inside through the side entrance, leaving a bewildered Hana staring after her.

And the day ended with Hazel hiding from Jihoon. 

Beep....Beep...Beep.....

“Ughhh…” Hazel groaned, burying her face deeper into the pillow.

“Five more minutes,” she mumbled to no one in particular.

But the alarm had other plans. Hazel peeked one eye open, glaring at the clock.

7:05 a.m.

“Why do people hate Mondays? I hate everyday....” she muttered, dragging herself up. Her hair was a mess. Scratching through the tangles she headed toward the bathroom. 

Ten minutes later, she stepped out, a towel wrapped around her damp body, when her phone beeped.

A message from Jihoon: Ms. Park, I want the quarterly report on my desk today.

Hazel stared at the screen. “WHAT?!” she cried, collapsing back onto the bed. 

The towel slipped; she grabbed it tighter and reread the text twice, as if the words might somehow rearrange themselves into mercy.

“Now I’ll surely kill you, Kang... Arrrrr!!!!” she yelled into the empty room, half-angry, half-panicked.

“He is not that bad....”

Hazel froze. She flinched at the sound, every hair on her arms prickling. “Am I hearing things now? Have I finally gone mad?” she whispered to herself.

“No... you’re not mad yet...”

Her blood ran cold. She pressed the towel tighter around herself and scanned the small room, heart hammering against her ribs.

“Who are you?” she demanded. 

“I‘m here....look at the window.”

She took careful, hesitant steps toward the window and pushed it open. No one. The street below was empty. Just as she was about to shut the glass again, her eyes fell on a tiny yellow bird hopped on the window frame. Ignoring the bird, she continued closing the window.

“I think I need some rest....no one is here and still I’m hearing sounds”

Before she could react, the bird darted inside through the small gap. Hazel yelped, waving her hand. “Hey, birdie... move out! This isn’t the place to play.....sheuuu... sheuuuu!”

The little yellow bird landed on the edge of her dressing table and stared up at her. 

“You could at least offer me coffee,” 

Hazel gasped. She stumbled backward, almost crashing against the window. “You—you just talked?” she stammered, her heart pounding violently.

The bird hopped closer. 

Hazel quickly snatched a flower from a vase and held it out like a weapon. “No... move back! Don’t come any closer!”

The bird tilted its head, almost amused. “But I’m your friend. You forgot me?”

Hazel stood frozen against the glass, unable to process the absurdity of a talking bird standing before her.

The bird continued softly, “A couple of days ago, you rescued me from drowning. You were the only human who could hear me... and now, I’m here to repay your kindness.”

“I don’t want anything!” Hazel blurted out, voice trembling. She tightened her grip on the flower, still half convinced she was dreaming.

The bird fluttered its wings once and chuckled, a sound far too human. “Don’t worry, I don’t bite. But I can help you.”

Hazel frowned in disbelief. “Help me? You? How?”

“Something you need most in your life.” 

Hazel blinked. “And......what’s that?”

“Love” the bird said, hopping closer to her.

Chapter 2 

Hazel was busy typing on her laptop, completely ignoring the talking bird perched on her shoulder.

“Hazel, trust me… you need love in your life. Let me repay you, please,” it pleaded.

She shrugged her shoulder impatiently, and the bird fluttered down onto her desk, staring up at her with round, unblinking eyes.

“Will you stop staring at me like that? I’m working,” she muttered without looking up from the screen.

“You work too much,” the bird said, tilting its head. “Your eyes look tired, your heart looks tired—”

“Birds can’t see hearts,” Hazel interrupted dryly.

“But I can....”

Hazel groaned. “Oh, great. I saved a psychic parrot.”

The bird puffed its tiny chest. “I’m not a parrot! I’m—” It paused dramatically. “Cupid.”

Hazel froze mid-type. Then she let out a laugh, short and disbelieving. “Right. And I’m the Queen of Korea.”

“I’m serious!” it chirped. “I’m on a mission to fix your love life.”

Hazel sighed, rubbing her temples. “Look, little birdy… whatever you are, the last thing I need right now is love. What I need is coffee, deadlines met, and a boss who stops texting me at seven in the morning.”

The bird hopped closer to her keyboard. “Jihoon, right?”

Hazel’s fingers froze. “…How do you know his name?”

The bird’s eyes glimmered mischievously.

Hazel stared at it, completely bewildered. “What are you planning to do?”

“Simple,” the bird said with a little twirl of its wings. “Make you fall in love.”

“With who?!” she demanded.

“With Mr. Kang...” the little bird chirped happily

“No wayyy!!!” Hazel slammed her hands on the desk, making the bird hop away in terror.

Pointing toward it, she warned, “Birdie… first of all, I don’t believe in love. I’m perfectly happy being single and only in need of some peace in my life. And secondly—Mr. Kang? Never in any lifetime! I don’t care if he’s the last man on this planet. I. Hate. Him!”

The bird stared at her silently, blinked twice, then said softly, “He’s not the problem. Your fear of falling in love is.”

Hazel rolled her eyes, grabbed the freshly printed report, and marched toward her boss’s cabin—with the bird once again perched on her shoulder.

“Stay quiet in there,” she hissed under her breath as she reached the glass door. The bird obediently flew off, landing on a small bush near the cabin window.

Hazel took a deep breath and knocked.

“Come in,” came the deep, calm voice from inside.

Mr. Kang Jihoon didn’t look up right away. He was flipping through some files, sleeves rolled just enough to reveal the veins on his forearms, of course, he had to look annoyingly perfect even at 10 a.m.

“Your report, sir,” Hazel said, setting the file down.

He finally looked up, and his gaze locked with hers. He took the papers from her hand and their hands brushed. Hazel pulled off her hand quickly. 

“Is his hand soft?”

Hazel’s jaw clenched. She turned sharply toward the window, where the bird peeked through the glass. Her glare could have set feathers on fire.

Jihoon frowned. “Ms. Park?”

She snapped back around, plastering on a nervous smile. “Yes! I mean—yes, Mr. Kang?”

“You seem… distracted,” he said slowly, studying her expression.

Hazel forced a laugh. “Distracted? Me? No, sir! 

He nodded and continued discussing the report with her. She was trying her best to focus on him, but the bird outside kept distracting her.

“He’s staring at you,” the bird whispered. “I think he likes you.” 

Hazel’s eye twitched. She whispered, Get lost, and signaled toward the bush. The bird, of course, did not obey.

“I heard that...” Jihoon caught her attention while reading the file. 

Hazel’s face burned. “Sir… I was—” she stammered, with her fingers clenching the edge of the desk.

Jihoon set the papers down and leaned back in his chair, hands folded, watching her with an expression that was suddenly less intimidating and more like amused, 

“Ms. Park,” he said slowly “I know you don’t like me....but asking me getting lost of my own cabin isn’t little too much...?”

Her mouth opened, then closed. She lowered her head, trying to hide from the humiliation.

The bird whispered again, louder this time, “You should compliment him. Say, ‘You look handsome today.’”

Hazel inhaled sharply through her nose, muttering, “If you don’t shut up, I’ll pluck every feather on your body.”

“What was that?” Jihoon asked, now feeling worried for the girl.

Hazel’s hand flew to cover her mouth. She mumbled, “I—I’m sorry, sir,” and bolted for the door.

She hurried past the reception, ignoring a few curious glances, and didn’t stop until she reached the outside the company building. 

A voice gained her attention, “Ms. Park...”

She turn to see one of her colleagues approaching her, 

“Mr. Kang asked to give you this”

He handed her a coffee. She took it with a polite bow, her brows knitting in confusion. This was the first time he’d ever shown such a gesture.

She was staring at the mug when the bird landed on her shoulder and spoke,

“Look up. He’s looking at you.”

And she did.

Her eyes traveled to the seventh-floor window. Jihoon stood there, his silhouette framed by the morning light. The moment she noticed him, he stepped back.

“Admit it,” the bird teased, hopping closer to her ear. “He likes you.”

“I said shut up,” She shook her shoulder making the birdy flew away. 

She started walking back toward her desk, but paused for a moment and glanced up again at the seventh floor window. It was empty. Still, the faint image of Jihoon’s face got captured in her mind. 

He pushed her on the bed and hovered over her, 

With flustered face Hazel asked him, “What are you doing Mr. Kang?”

 He pinned her hands by her sides and brushed his nose on her cheek, 

“Taking what’s mine..”

She freed her hands and wrapped around his neck pulling him closer. 

Hazel: Then take it all...

He stared at her with a soft smile. She pulled him closer again.
 “Do it, Mr. Kang... kiss me... Kiss me... Kiss me—”

Thud!

“Ahhhh—!” The fall woke her up, pain shooting through her back.

Hazel blinked rapidly, then gasped as the memory of her dream hit her.

“Oh shoot! What kind of dream was that?! Me and... Kang?? No wayyy!!!”

She sat on the floor, pulling her hair in frustration.

 After a moment, her eyes landed on the bird sleeping peacefully on the pillow.

“All this is happening because of you! If you hadn’t put all that stupid stuff in my head, I would’ve never dreamed about that man!”

 The bird yawned without opening its eyes. “You’re welcome,” it murmured sleepily.
 Hazel was about to throw a pillow at it, but dropped the plan. 

Next Morning

Hazel walked into the office, clutching a set of papers close to her chest like it will hide her thumping heart. Her hair was a little messy, her eyes heavy with regret from the dream that refused to leave her mind.

“Just act normal,” she muttered to herself. “He doesn’t know. He can’t know.”

She turned a corner too quickly, and bumped straight into someone. Papers scattered across the floor, and before she could fall, a hand gripped her waist firmly, pulling her upright.

Her breath caught. Their eyes met. For a second, everything else blurred. His gaze softened, lingering on her eyes longer than it should have. Hazel could feel the warmth of his hand on her waist, his scent was faint but dizzying. 

Jihoon blinked, clearing his throat, and quickly stepped back. “I’m sorry, Ms. Park. Are you alright?”

Hazel’s heart fluttered. She nodded avoiding eye contact, “Y-yes... I’m fine, sir.”

He crouched to pick up her scattered papers, and their hands brushed again. Hazel’s pulse raced like a drum. This time she managed to look up and her eyes caught his lips. She gulped, 

“Here, your papers... Ms. Park.”

His voice broke her trance as he handed the papers back. She quickly took them and bowed, while he walked toward the elevator. Hazel stood there, holding the papers tightly, her eyes still fixed on him.

He waited while talking on a call and he smiled. Yes, he smiled. She smiled too. 

“He should smile more...right?” 

Hazel nodded mindlessly but snapped back to her senses in an instant.

“Oh God!!! When will you stop following me birdy??”

“Not until you realize he is the one...”

Hazel was done with it and kept staring at the bird sitting on the window. 

The bird hopped closer.

“Give me one chance,” it chirped, “and I’ll make you believe in love... and in him...”

Releasing a defeated sigh, Hazel could only nod to the little birdy.

Chapter 3 

Hazel got settled on her chair and placed the bird on her desk. 

“Ok...so tell me how will you make me believe in love?”

“By teaching you to love in installments...”

The bird spread her yellow wings and twirled gracefully, almost like a tiny belly dancer.

“Love in installments???” Hazel asked, her brows knitting in confusion.

The bird perched proudly on a stack of files, her feathers shimmering in the morning light.

“Love doesn’t happen all at once, Hazel. It grows piece by piece, heartbeat by heartbeat, installment by installment”

Hazel leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. “Oh, please don’t start another poetic lecture.”

The bird ignored her sarcasm and continued with the flair of a storyteller,

“There are five installments of love — five lessons that will help you find the right man” 

Hazel lean on the desk showing her interest. The birdy continued, 

“Installment One,” the bird lifting one wing like a teacher making a grand point,

“Respect. You can’t love someone if you don’t respect who they are”

Hazel muttered under her breath, “And how will I get to know if he respects me or not?” 

The bird blinked. “You’ll know...very soon...”

Next day, Hazel rushed through the office lobby, clutching her notebook, late for her meeting with Jihoon. She barely noticed her surroundings until she bumped hard into someone. A woman, but managed to catch her before she fell.

“Ohh....I’m so sorry—”

“SORRY MY FOOT!” the woman snapped, glaring at her. “You nearly ruined my dress!”

Hazel stepped back, speechless. “I— I didn’t mean to—”

Before she could explain, a deep voice interrupted, calm yet firm.

“Ms. Eun, that’s enough. We have our meeting lined up”

Hazel turned. Jihoon stood there, his expression sharp yet composed. The woman, still fuming, straightened her posture and walked beside him toward the conference room.

Hazel blinked, realization dawning on her. “Wait... is she our new investor?”

Her colleague sighed dramatically. “Yes... and now you’re doomed.”

Inside the conference room, Hazel tried to stay invisible at the far end of the table, quietly setting her files in order. The tension was thick; Ms. Eun’s voice was sharp enough to slice through air.

“You....get me some coffee....”

Hazel froze mid-motion, unsure if she heard correctly. She looked up confirming to who Ms. Eun was talking. Yes, she was talking to her. Her cold eyes were cutting straight into her body. 

“Excuse me?” she asked politely, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ms. Eun crossed her arms. “Coffee. Two sugars, no milk. You do know how to make that, don’t you?”

Hazel's eyes automatically shifted to Jihoon, but he showed no expression. 

A few people around the table exchanged awkward glances. She could feel every pair of eyes on her, burning with silent pity. She swallowed hard and nodded. “Of course, ma’am.”

As she turned to leave, Jihoon’s voice cut through the silence.

“Ms. Eun,” he said, “Ms. Park is here as part of the project team, not as a server.”

The room went still. Ms. Eun blinked, caught off guard by his tone.

“Oh” she said coolly, “I thought she is just a clumsy intern”

Jihoon met her gaze without flinching. “Intern or not, we respect every employee here...”

Hazel’s breath hitched. She glanced at him. His expression were steady, and calm. 

Ms. Eun gave a dry chuckle and waved a hand. “Fine. Forget it.”

But the damage was already done. Hazel sat back in her seat quietly, hands clasped tightly in her lap.

The rest of the meeting blurred past her ears. All she could think about was how he stood up for her. 

When the meeting ended, Hazel gathered her belongings and walked back toward her cubicle. The bird swooped down along the way, landing softly on her shoulder.

“Lesson one learned,” it whispered with a proud grin. “He stood by your side, even though that investor is very important for his company. He’s paid the first installment.”

And with that, the bird fluttered out the nearby window into the open sky. Hazel could only stare after it, her thoughts an unreadable blur.

A few days passed. The tension of that humiliating meeting had faded. Hazel buried herself in work, determined not to think about the way Jihoon had defended her. Yet, every time she saw him across the office something in her chest stirred.

It was a Wednesday morning when, as usual, Birdie landed softly on her desk.

Hazel didn’t even look up from her screen this time. “Not now, Birdie... I’m busy.”

The little creature hopped closer, fluffing its wings. “Relax, I’m not here to distract you today.”

Hazel sighed, still typing. “Then what are you here for?”

“To tell you about the second installment of love,” Birdie chirped wisely.

Her fingers paused mid-air. “Second installment?” she asked, turning toward it. 

“Trust,” Birdie said simply, its tiny eyes gleaming. “The second most important installment in love, after respect.”

And with that, it took off again, back to wherever it always came from

Later that evening and Hazel was still working. Most employees had already gone home, but she stayed back to finish the presentation for the upcoming investor meet.

She flinched at the sudden thunderstorm sound. 

“I hope I don’t get caught in rain tonight....” she wished looking out of the window. 

Her laptop blinked — battery low. She groaned, searching under the table for the charging port when she heard footsteps behind her.

“Still here?” Jihoon’s voice was softer than usual.

She startled, hitting her head lightly on the desk. “Ouch--”

“Careful...” His hand reached instinctively, fingers brushing the spot gently. “You really need to stop getting into accidents.”

Hazel froze. His touch was light, but warm enough to make her heart skip. “I... I’m fine,” she mumbled, quickly straightening up.

Their eyes got locked for longer than it should be. Before Hazel could break the comfortable silence, the lights started flickering and the office went dark. 

Gasp

Jihoon felt a tug on his sleeve. He chuckled, “Ms. Park, are you scared?” 

“N--No...” she tried to sound confident but her actions betrayed her. She kept on tightening her grip on his sleeve more. 

Jihoon tilted his head slightly with a teasing smile just visible in the faint glow from the external lights. 

“Then why are you holding onto me like I’m your flashlight?”

Hazel quickly loosened her grip, embarrassed. “I—I just didn’t want to trip or something.”

“Right,” he said, clearly amused. “Very practical of you.”

A soft laugh escaped her, easing the tension. But before either could say anything more, thunder cracked again, louder this time. Hazel flinched and wrapped her arms around his body burring her head in his chest. 

Jihoon froze. Her sudden closeness caught him off guard. His hands hovered in the air for a moment before instinct took over, and he rested them gently on her shoulders.

“It’s just thunder,” he murmured, his voice a low whisper near her ear.

Hazel’s heart pounded as she realized how close they were. Being embarrassed, she stepped back immediately, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “S-sorry... I didn’t mean to—”

“It’s alright,” Jihoon said softly, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

The lights flickered again, briefly just to let them know how close both of them were standing. Both pretending not to notice.

“Let’s leave, I’ll drop you home....” Jihoon said after a pause, clearing his throat.

“Y--Yes...” She picked her handbag and he moved forwards to the door only to find it 

“Locked?” He turn to face her. “Give me the card Ms. Park”

Hazel froze. “Card?”

“Yes...the power is cut, the doors wont get open without the cards now...”

She bit her lower lip in nervousness. “Mr. Kang...I lost the card last week and forgot to get a new one issued”

His hand dropped down from the door knob. He was left with no words. 

Jihoon exhaled slowly, his jaw tightening for a moment before he composed himself.

“Of course you did,” he said under his breath.

Hazel winced. “I’m sorry… I thought I’d never need it again after the system update.”

He turned, leaning one hand against the glass wall beside the door. The rain outside streaked down in silver lines, reflecting faint flashes of lightning.

“Well,” he said finally, “looks like we’re staying here until the storm settles—or someone from maintenance comes back in the morning.”

Hazel blinked her wide eyes. “Morning?”

He nodded and got settled on the small couch beside her desk. She kept playing with her fingers fully aware he was trying his best not to burst on her. 

One more loud thunder storm dropped and she ran to his side. Clenching his arm sleeve she was shivering now. 

The thunder kept on growing and making her shiver more. 

Jihoon sighed softly, feeling her grip tighten around his arm. “Hazel...” he said quietly, “relax...I’m there with you”

For the first time, he called her by her name. Hazel looked up at him, the storm light reflecting in her eyes. It was ridiculous how safe she felt in that dimly lit office, locked in with him.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered after a moment, her voice almost drowned by the thunder. “You must think I’m… childish.”

Jihoon tilted his head slightly, looking down at her. “For being scared of storms?”

She nodded, still clinging lightly to his sleeve.

His voice softened, almost a murmur. “Everyone’s scared of something, Hazel. You just… don’t usually let people see it.”

Her eyes lifted to meet his, “Are you scared of anything too?”

He nodded, gaze fixed on the rain outside.

“I’m claustrophobic”

She waited. He continued quietly, “When I was five, my cousin locked me in a storage room. I was trapped the whole day until my grandma came home from the farm.”

“You must have been terrified...” she whispered.

 Jihoon’s lips curved into a small, humorless smile. “I screamed and cried until I lost my voice. After that… I stopped screaming.”

Hazel’s eyes softened. “You don’t like closed spaces since then…”

He nodded once.

She gently placed her hand on his arm, even though she was still trembling herself. “I’m sorry for putting you in this situation again.”

He glanced at the office door, then at her. “It’s different today...”

Their eyes met, “How?” She knew the answer, but wanted to here form him, 

“Because today I’m not alone....I’m with someone I trust....”

“Trust?” The word left form her lips. “He trusts me?” was her last thought  and suddenly the power came back. 

Hazel blinked at the sudden brightness, realizing how close they still were. Jihoon’s face was just inches away, his gaze steady, unreadable, but softer than she’d ever seen before.

Neither moved for a few seconds. Her hair was brushing her cheek softly, and he couldn't resist back moving them away. 

She pulled back quickly hiding her flustered face, when he spoke, 

“Next time the thunder scares you... close your eyes and count the time between the lightning and the sound. The more the seconds grow, the farther the storm moves away.”

Hazel looked at him, her lips parting slightly. “Count... the time?”

Jihoon nodded, his voice calm but low, almost laced with something personal. “It’s what my grandma used to tell me when I was scared. If the seconds between the flash and thunder keep growing… it means the storm is passing.”

She nodded slowly, eyes still on him. “Thank you.”

Jihoon glanced at his watch, breaking the moment. “Come on, I’ll drop you home before the next storm decides to change its mind.”

Hazel let out a small laugh, gathering her things and they left. 

Birdie yawned comfortably in Hazel’s empty bed, curling its wings.
 “They’ve successfully paid the second installment of love,” it whispered.
 “Trust.”

Chapter 4

It was Friday morning. Hazel was sipping her coffee in the cafeteria when Birdie arrived and landed right on the rim of her cup.

“Yaa!! It’s hot!!” it squawked, hopping down immediately and flapping its tiny wings in complaint.

Hazel burst out laughing at the sight. “I knew you’d come. You’re getting predictable now.”

Birdie tilted its head dramatically. “You were waiting for me?”

“No…” she replied casually, taking her last sip of coffee.

“As if I care,” Birdie muttered, pretending to dust invisible particles off its feathers.

Hazel folded her arms over her chest, leaning back on the chair with a smirk. “So, what’s the next installment?”

“Curious, huh?” Birdie teased, hopping closer. Its little eyes sparkled mischievously. “Have you already fallen for him, or what?”

Hazel’s cheeks instantly flushed. “Shut up! Tell me if you want to... I’m not interested anyway,” she shot back, standing up quickly and walking toward the elevator.

Birdie followed her, fluttering around her head like a tiny gossip reporter. “Aww, denial.....I’m loving this!!!”

Hazel pretended not to hear, tightening her grip on the files in her hand as the elevator door opened with a soft ding.

And then—
 “Good morning, Hazel.”

Jihoon stood inside, perfectly composed in his charcoal suit, the faintest hint of a smile curving his lips.

Hazel froze for half a second, her heart skipping in betrayal. But she quickly recovered, bowing slightly. “Good morning, sir.”

Birdie perched quietly on her shoulder now, whispering, “Oh, he smiles differently when he looks at you.”

Hazel’s jaw tightened. “Leave before I throw you in my coffee again,” she muttered under her breath.

Jihoon’s brow arched slightly. “Sorry?”

“Ah—nothing!” she said quickly, forcing a polite smile as she stepped into the elevator beside him.

As she stood beside him, her eyes fall on his tie. It was not done well today. 

“Seems Mr. Kang woke up late today?” She spoke while pressing her lips not to laugh. 

He looked to his side facing her, “How do you know?”

“Your deformed tie is telling it all,” she chuckled softly.

Jihoon looked down, then back at her, “Oh....I forgot to fix it in hurry. Ms. Park...can you please help me fix it. I cannot do it without a mirror...”

Hazel’s heart stopped beating for the moment, “Me?”

“Please? I have a meeting right now...” He showed her his doe eyes, which she saw for the first time. 

She turned to face him, hesitantly looking up. He was already looking down. And for a brief second, their eyes met.

The air inside the elevator felt oddly cold. 

Hazel swallowed, raising her trembling hands toward his tie. “Okay... just—uh—stay still.”

He didn’t move, didn’t even blink. His gaze stayed on her as she straightened the knot, fingers brushing against the soft fabric... and accidentally, against the warmth of his chest.

Her breath caught, hands shaking. Out of nowhere, he held both her hands sending shivers down her spine. 

“You asked me to stay still, but your own hands are trembling...” 

Her eyes flicked up at him, instantly meeting his, and the elevator door dinged open just then, saving her from drowning in that look.

Pulling her hand back, she stepped back hurriedly, clutching her files. “All done. Have a great day...”

She rushed out as of saw a ghost. 

She rushed out of the elevator as if she had seen a ghost, her cheeks still burning.

Birdie swooped past her shoulder, “Still you don’t want to hear the next instalment?”

“In my cabin, Birdie...” she muttered breathlessly, hiding her flustered face as she hurried down the hallway.

Hazel closed the cabin door behind her and leaned against it, pressing a hand to her chest.
 Her heart was still running wild, as if it hadn’t yet realized the moment had ended.

Birdie settled on her desk, tapping its tiny claws on the wood. “You look like you just saw a ghost...”

“Shut up, Birdie,” Hazel groaned, walking to her chair and sinking into it. “That was... sudden.”

“Sudden?” Birdie spoke with a tease. “Or intentional?”

Hazel’s head shot up. “Birdie!”

“Alright, alright!” it flapped its wings playfully. “Let’s not melt you further. You wanted to know the third installment of love, didn’t you?”

Hazel took a deep breath, resting her elbows on the desk. “Yes... please, before I lose my mind.”

Birdie’s tone softened now, wings folding neatly. “The third installment... is Responsibility.”

Hazel blinked. “Responsibility?”

Birdie nodded sagely. “Yes. Walking on the soft path made by respect, feeling the warmth built by trust, next comes the cozy hug made by responsibility.”

Hazel tilted her head, listening quietly as Birdie continued.

“It means taking care of someone’s heart like it’s your own. Protecting it. Respecting it. Not because you have to, but because you want to.”

That evening, she received an invitation to a company success party celebrating a new collaboration scheduled for the next day.

The following evening arrived faster than she expected. Hazel stepped into the grand venue, her red, body-hugging dress catching the soft light of the chandeliers. The air buzzed with music, laughter, and the faint clink of champagne glasses.

Birdie fluttered quietly behind her, whispering near her ear, “Where’s he??”

“I don’t know...keep quite...” she murmured, her gaze sweeping across the room, only to freeze when it landed on Jihoon.

He stood near the stage, talking to a few executives, looking effortlessly charismatic in his black suit. But what caught her attention wasn’t the suit, or his composure — it was the same tie. The same one she had fixed for him that morning.

Her heartbeat stumbled. He didn’t change it.

Birdie let out a tiny whistle. “Oh boy… the man is in love for sure...”

Hazel took a deep breath, straightened her shoulders, and started walking towards her colleagues.

While she was talking, a waiter passed by with a tray of glasses. She picked one up, but before she could take a sip, the glass was gently pulled away.

“What the—” Her words cut short when she saw Jihoon standing before her, holding her glass.

He raised one eyebrow. “That’s alcohol.”

“So?” she said coolly, taking it back from him and turning away to rejoin her friends.

“So?” he repeated under his breath, rolling his eyes with a quiet sigh. “I’m her boss...”

He went back to greeting guests, though his gaze lingered on her more often than he’d admit.

Then a light tap landed on his shoulder. “Hey, Mr. Handsome...”

He turned, smiling politely. “Ms. Eun. Welcome.”

She laughed softly and opened her arms. He returned a brief hug keeping a distance. But it was enough to make something sharp twist inside Hazel’s chest.

Hazel’s jaw tightened. Her grip on the glass tightened, and she emptied it in one go.

“Excuse me, may I have one more, please?” she called to the waiter with a too-bright smile, taking another glass and finishing that one too.

Birdie watched with wide eyes. “Uh-oh...calm down girl...”

By now, Hazel was tipsy. The lights blurred, the laughter felt too loud, and she slipped out of the party quietly.

Walking alone down the empty road, her heels clicking against the pavement, she muttered under her breath,

“Why do I care... his cheek, her lips... he didn’t mind, she loved it... Why on earth should I care?!”

The cold night air brushed against her skin, but Hazel barely felt it. 

“I can give you some warmth....”

She froze at the unfamiliar voice. Turning sideways, she saw a man leaning against the wall, his eyes trailing down her figure with a dirty smirk.

Hazel’s pulse quickened. She started walking faster, but when she stumbled slightly, his hand shot out and grabbed her arm. Her blood ran cold.

“Let go of me!” Hazel’s voice shook as she tried to pull her arm free, but his grip tightened.

“Come on, pretty lady,” he sneered, leaning closer. “Why walk alone at night when you can have company?”

Before Hazel could respond, the man was suddenly yanked backward with such force that his hand slipped off her completely.

Her eyes widened. “Jihoon...”

He stood there, his expression dark. His jaw was tight, his eyes colder than she’d ever seen.

“Touch her again,” Jihoon said quietly, his voice low and dangerous, “and you’ll regret it.”

The man stammered something, taking a step back. Jihoon didn’t move, he just stared until the guy turned and ran into the shadows.

Hazel’s breathing was uneven, her heart pounding against her ribs. 

“Sit in the car,” Jihoon said without looking at her.

She obeyed without argument. The ride was silent — his eyes fixed on the road, her gaze flicking toward him now and then, hoping for a word... anything. But he said nothing.

The car finally halted near her apartment. He stayed still, eyes forward, one hand gripping the steering wheel.

Hazel hesitated. “Jihoon... I—”

“Don’t,” he interrupted, his tone sharp but low. “You shouldn’t have left the party alone.”

Her brows furrowed. “So you’re scolding me now?”

He turned his head, meeting her eyes at last, those cold, unreadable eyes that made her chest ache. “I’m saying you scared me.”

Hazel blinked, taken aback. “why?”

He exhaled, leaning back in his seat avoiding her gaze. “Because....you are my responsibility...”

“I...am...your responsibility?” she repeated nd remembered birdies words about third installment of love. 

He bit the inside of his cheek, as if searching for the right words but finding none. The air inside the car grew thick, heavy with all the things neither of them could say.

Hazel turned slightly toward him, “I must leave now...”

And she tried to unbuckle the seat belt but it was stuck. “It’s—It’s stuck...”

“let me see” he unbuckles his belt and leaned closer, his fingers brushing against hers as he reached for the buckle.

Hazel’s breath caught. His face was inches away now, the dim light outlining his sharp jaw, the slight crease between his brows as he tried to free the buckle. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears, faster and louder.

“There…” he whispered when it finally clicked free, but neither of them moved.
 His hand still rested near her waist, her eyes lifted just to meet his.

Hazel didn’t know who moved first — maybe she did, maybe he did — but suddenly their lips met. He kissed her lower lip, and she responded softly, her lips brushing against his upper one.

It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t fierce. Just a soft press of warmth. When they pulled back, the silence in the car felt heavier.

Jihoon blinked, his breath uneven, his hand frozen mid-air as if afraid to move.
 “Hazel — I—” 

“I must go now...” she whispered, her voice barely steady, and quickly opened the door.
 Before he could say anything, she stepped out and ran toward her building without looking back.

Jihoon sat there, staring at the empty passenger seat, his hand still hovering where she’d been moments ago. He let out a slow breath, leaning back against the headrest.

“What have I done...” he murmured to himself, running a hand through his hair.

She leaned her forehead against the door for a moment, whispering to herself,
 “It was just a mistake... right?”

A soft flutter near her ear broke the silence, “It wasn't....for sure....”

Chapter 5

Hazel woke up before her alarm. Or let's say she didn’t fall sleep for the whole night? She sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers brushing her lips, still remembering the softness of last night.

Her phone buzzed.

From: Office Admin

Reminder: Meeting at 9:00 AM with Mr. Kang and the Creative Team.

Hazel groaned. “Great. Just what I needed... seeing him first thing in the morning.”

She grabbed her towel and was about to head to the bathroom when she felt a tug.

She turned, frowning. “Birdie, I’m not in the mood to play—”

Birdie fluttered, clutching the towel stubbornly. “First listen to the 4th instalment...”

Hazel shot it a tired glare. “I have heard enough...leave my towel”

She jerked it away and slammed the door on the birdies face leaving her murmured “The fourth installment of love… is loyalty.”

Hazel chose the farthest chair from Jihoon’s.

When everyone got settled, Jihoon entered the room, eyes scanning every seat. It didn’t take long for him to find her.

He sat down, flipping through the printed presentation. “Ms. Park, come forward. I need you—”

“Huh?” Hazel jolted slightly in her seat. 

“Aren't you the one who worked on the reports on this project?” He stated calmly. She nodded and rose, walking toward the seat beside him. Jihoon pulled the chair back slightly, and she sat.

The lights dimmed as the presentation began. He slid a copy of the reports toward her, and their hands brushed, just a momentary touch, but enough to send her heart into a sprint. She quickly pulled her hands down into her lap.

She kept her eyes fixed on the desk, answering every question with a silent nod.

He looked up at her, eyes took a brief halt and god knows what took over him, he pulled her chair closer attaching their shoulders. Hazel froze. Her breath hitched. Eyes still glued to the papers.

“I want to hear your voice,” he said quietly. “Stop nodding to every question.”

She hesitated, then instinctively nodded again.

“Again?” he asked, voice edged with teasing warmth.

“Y-Yes... s-sir,” she whispered, and that made the corner of his lips curve into the faintest smile.

The meeting came to an end. Hazel stood up as if released from a spell, hurriedly gathering her sheets. Jihoon was busy seeing off the board members, perfect chance for her to slip away unnoticed.

She took one step toward the door—

“Are you in a hurry?”

The voice came from behind her.

She froze. The papers wobbled in her grip and were about to scatter when a hand caught hers from behind, steadying her.

His fingers wrapped around her hand, firm but gentle.
 Her pulse jumped.

Jihoon leaned in slightly, his breath brushing the side of her ear.
 “You’ve been avoiding me since last night.”

Her heart stopped for a beat. “I—I wasn’t avoiding you, I just—”

“Just what?” he asked softly, not letting go of her hand.

“Mr. Kang... please...” she tried to free her hand. He let go instantly, the warmth fading too quickly.

“Whatever happened yesterday—”

“—was a mistake. I know,” she cut through his words.

He blinked, surprised. “Hazel... it was a mistake for you?”

He gently turned her to face him. “Because it wasn’t for me. I understand it happened all of a sudden, but—”

“Mr. Kang,” she interrupted again, her tone trembling, “I don’t want to talk about it.”

And just like that, she left the room, again leaving him behind, just like last night.

Birdie smacked its tiny wing against its forehead from the window sill.

“This girl will never confess her own feelings…”

Later that afternoon, the office was buzzing with tension.

Kang Jihoon was oddly silent. His manager was frantically taking calls on his behalf.

“No, Mr. Min, the news is fake. Please trust us—”

“Oh, I understand, Mr. Kim. We’ll make sure this doesn’t affect the partnership—”

When he finally hung up, he turned toward Jihoon. “Sir, now what?”

Jihoon’s jaw was tight. “Who took the pictures? There were no media allowed in that party.”

“Hazel...Hazel....” the birdy flew faster than a jet to her. Hazel didn’t even look up.

But it cared less and continued, “Do you know Jihoon and—”

But before it could finish its message, her email notification pinged.

She clicked it—

And froze.

“WHAT!?” Her voice cracked as she scrolled down.

There it was — a set of blurry photos taken at the company party: Jihoon and Ms. Eun, mid-hug, one looking dangerously like a kiss.

Birdie hopped onto her shoulder, peeking at the screen. “That’s what I was trying to tell you... it’s all over the company email. Everyone’s saying Jihoon and Eun kissed last night.”

Hazel’s stomach dropped. Her chest felt tight, a strange ache twisting where it shouldn’t.

She stared at the photos, her eyes stinging. “That’s the reason I don’t believe in love...because it doesn’t exist....” she whispered bitterly.

And just as she shut her laptop, her phone buzzed — a new message from the office admin.

From: HR Department

Emergency meeting. All staff to gather in the conference room.

The conference room was filled with murmurs. Screens were lit up with the same pictures. 

When Jihoon entered, the room went silent. His expression was calm, composed, the kind of calm that scared people more than anger ever could.

“Mr. Kang,” one of the directors started, “we’ve received calls from two investors. They’re questioning the professionalism of the company due to... these pictures.”

Another voice chimed in, “Sir, Ms. Eun is already claiming the photo is real, that you and she are in a relationship.”

But Jihoon’s eyes never left the sight of Hazel and the tears she was hiding. Her gulp at every allegation, her tight grip on her dress, everything was observed. 

Jihoon didn’t react. He simply adjusted his tie and said, “I’ll handle this.”

“But sir—”

He pushed the chair back and bolted out of the room leaving more murmurs behind. 

Time was passing slower that usual today. Jihoon had left the company at 11 and there were no update of his whereabouts till 4 in the evening. 

Hazel kept pacing to and fro in her cabin, hoping to get an update, but nothing came up.

“At least sit in one place, my neck is paining now,” Birdie complained, cracking its fluffy neck once to the right and once to the left.

Hazel kept staring at the black screen of her phone. “He’s not even replying to any of my messages...”

Suddenly, a girl came running into her cabin. “Hazel... put on the company channel!”

She quickly sat in her chair, Birdie perched on her shoulder as usual, and opened her laptop.
 It was a fresh video — Ms. Eun confessing that she had fabricated the pictures to bring Kang Enterprises down. She apologized for all the damage caused to the company and to CEO Kang Jihoon.

“See... he’s loyal— Oh wait... that’s the fourth installment of love, Hazel!” Birdie chirped in excitement. And for the first time, Hazel felt that happiness in her heart too.

That same evening. It was almost dark. Everyone had gone home, but Jihoon’s cabin was still lit.

“Mr. Kang,” she called softly, knocking on the door.

He didn’t look up. “Go home, Hazel.”

His voice was low, rough, as if it had carried too much weight all day.

Hazel stepped inside anyway. “I saw the video,” she said quietly. “Ms. Eun confessed everything. You… you went to meet her, didn’t you?”

Jihoon’s hands paused over the papers on his desk. He didn’t answer.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” she pressed gently.

He finally looked up. “Would you have believed me?”

She paused.

“See... I knew it. Well, I don’t blame you either. The pictures looked so real that—”

“I never believed them... not even for a second,” she interrupted, taking a few steps closer.

“Why?” He got up from his chair, moving toward her.

“Because...” she took one more step.

“Because?” he asked again, stepping closer.

Now they were only two steps away, eyes fixed on each other.

“Because… you’ve never given me a reason not to trust you.” she finally spoke. 

His heart skipped a beat. “Hazel…”

She looked up, eyes glassy yet firm. “Everyone in the office doubted you. They whispered, they speculated… but I couldn’t. I saw the way you walked out of that room today — not to defend yourself, but to protect this company, to protect your people...”

He stared at her, speechless.

“You didn’t have to prove anything,” she continued softly, “but you still did.”

He was left with no words today. Letting her speak her heart out, he chose to stay quite. 

She took a step closer. “You’re loyal, Jihoon. To your people, your work… and maybe even to me, though you’ll never admit it.”

He let out a quiet laugh, “You think loyalty is easy?”

“No,” she said. “It’s rare. And it’s what makes you… dangerous to fall for.”

He cupped her cheeks and wiped the tears gathered at the corners of her eyes. “But you’re brave enough to fall for such danger, aren’t you?”

Hazel’s breath trembled as she looked into his eyes, “You know what...for the longest time I never believed in love. I used to think love is just a word and you only get sorrow in return” 

Jihoon didn’t move. He kept caressing her cheek while she continued, “but then a magic happen. And I started falling for my own rival boss...”

He chuckled “Rival??”

She nodded, “But now...I think love is a mix of all the feelings, from respect to loyalty with the hint of sorrow and happiness....”

Jihoon’s eyes softened, his thumb tracing slow circles on her skin. “And which one am I to you then?” he asked quietly. “Respect? Loyalty? Or sorrow?”

Hazel smiled faintly, her voice barely above a whisper. “All of them… but most of all, peace.”

For a moment, he forgot how to breathe. Her words settled somewhere deep inside him. 

He leaned in closer, his forehead brushing against hers. “You shouldn’t say things like that,” he murmured. “Because when you do… it makes me want to forget everything else.”

Her lashes fluttered, her pulse wild. “Forget what?”

“That I’m your boss. That I shouldn’t want you this way.”

“The office hours are over now....so you’re not my boss at this moment...” She whispered closer to his lips

He knew what she meant, and he took the opportunity. He brushed his lips on her, teasing her. 

She slapped his chest, “Jihoon...”

He laughed and kissed the tip of her nose before pulling her into his warm embrace, patting her head gently.

“Hazel,” he murmured, voice low and husky. “If love had installments… you’d be the last one. The one I’d never want to end.”

She buried her laugh against his chest and spoke, “But you’ve already paid all the installments...”

“Huh?” He pulled her back with a confused look. “What?”

“Nothing... just let me stay here for a while. It’s too cozy...” she whispered, resting her head against his chest again.

He laughed softly and held her tighter, resting his chin on her head — feeling, perhaps for the first time, the ultimate satisfaction of his life.

Outside, the birdie sat on the bush and whispered to itself,

“And this... is the last installment of love.....the Love itself. My work here is done... time to find another lonely soul. Bye...”

THE END...

By Mudita Pawar