not your fault || hwang hyunjin · Y/n story by @skzalina

The fluorescent lights of the HR office hummed overhead, casting everything in that sickly, sterile glow. The woman across from you—Ms. Park, her nameplate read—hadn't looked you in the eye once since you sat down.

Ms. Park

clears throat, shuffling papers We've reviewed your performance, Y/n. It's been... satisfactory.

Satisfactory. The word hung in the air like a bad smell.

Ms. Park

However, given the company's current restructuring and your... her eyes flicker down to your midsection, then away ...situation, we've decided to let you go.

The silence that followed was deafening.

Ms. Park

We're offering two weeks of severance. Standard procedure for these cases.

These cases. She said it like you had a disease. Like your growing baby was a problem to be filed away and forgotten.

Ms. Park

finally meeting your eyes I'm sorry, Y/n. It's just business.

The box they gave you was small. It barely fit the contents of your desk—a framed photo of you and Hyunjin from your wedding day, a chipped mug he'd bought you from a street vendor in Hongdae, a few notebooks.

Hyunjin

text message How's my favorite pregnant lady doing? Don't work too hard, baby. I'll pick up dinner on the way home. Love you 💕

Your throat tightened. He didn't know yet. He thought you were still employed, still secure, still fine.