First Day, New Life
I slowly attempt to make coffee, trying not to spill any because my hands are shaking. I just moved here from Daegu. I lived with my parents for twenty-two years, so this is a completely different change. Not that I hate it—change can just be scary.
When I told my boyfriend I was moving here, he broke up with me. I thought it was because he didn’t want to do long distance, which I would have understood. But then I found out he was cheating on me… with one of my closest friends. Talk about betrayal.
But yeah. New city, new apartment, and now I’m about to try getting a job. I’ve worked before, but only in my mom’s small store. I didn’t even get paid—well, why would I? I lived with my parents. When I needed something, they just gave me money.
I’m pretty new at this whole “adulting” thing. Hopefully, I pass this interview.
I want to be an independent young woman, so please—whoever is going to be my boss—don’t crush my dreams.
I glance in the mirror one more time. Okay… I look grown-up enough, I think. I grab my new purse, the one that looks kinda fancy, and transfer everything from my old bag. Heels on, I start walking toward the door.
I’ve been here about three weeks, and I like it so far… except for my first night here. I wasn’t drunk, but I did something I never thought I’d do with a stranger. No need to think about that right now.
I lock the door behind me and step into the morning air. Walking down these streets, I feel… different. Seoul isn’t as alien as I thought. Sure, it’s big, but it still has the same cozy cafes and small shops I like. I made a promise to myself to be more adventurous, to explore everywhere—and hey, taking the subway is already a big step out of my comfort zone.
I start down the subway stairs and… wow. It’s like stepping into a whole new world, packed with people. Lots of people. Is everyone working today? I know it’s Monday, but still.
I squeeze my way through the crowd. Being short has its perks sometimes—I can slip through gaps—but I still bump into people constantly. I mutter apologies, but no one notices. They just walk away before I can even turn around.
I finally squeeze in and find a seat. Finally.
“Woah… you look flustered,” a girl says, holding onto the overhead handrail.
I glance up at her, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “Really?” I mutter, turning to the window to catch my reflection.
She laughs softly, balancing herself as the train lurches forward. “Yeah, you look like someone just threw you into a whirlwind.”
I give a small, awkward smile, pretending to be calm. “Guess… city life is… more exciting than I thought.”
The train hums around us, packed with people scrolling on phones, clutching bags, or holding onto straps for balance. I hug my coffee a little closer to my chest, hoping it won’t spill, and sink into my seat, silently willing the ride to go faster.
“Okay, my name is Kim Soojin. I’ve had some experience working at my mother’s store, where I handled customer service, managed inventory, and… wait, that’s not right. Don’t mess this up, Soojin. Hopefully, he goes easy on me.”
When the subway came to its first stop, I stepped out. Jongno District. It is big, beautiful, bustling… and a little overwhelming.
I start walking, eyes scanning for the tall building where I might be working—if I get the job, of course. A giant billboard caught my attention: “Lee Minho: CEO Extraordinaire”.
Woah. I’d heard he already has over four successful buildings across Seoul. And now… I might be working in his company. If I get the job, of course.
I stop in front of the towering office building, taking a deep breath. Woah. This is nerve-racking.
I step inside, and it’s even fancier than I imagined. I’m admiring the sleek marble floors and glass walls when I bump into a girl.
“Sorry,” I say, bowing a little.
“Ah, it’s you again,” she says, smiling. I look up—subway girl!
“Oh, hi,” I say, relaxing a little.
“What are you doing here?” she asks.
“Umm… I’m here for an interview,” I reply, glancing around at the towering interior.
“Really? I guess we’ll be colleagues,” she says.
“You work here?” I ask.
“Yeah, it’s pretty amazing so far, isn’t it?”
“Yeah,” I agree.
“I’m Hyejin,” she says.
“Soojin,” I reply. We smile at each other.
“Well, I better start working. You should go to floor 25—that’s where someone will interview you,” she says, waving.
“Thank you,” I say and walk toward the elevator. Wow… this place is incredible. And I finally made a friend.
I step into the elevator and, surprisingly, I’m on my own. “My name is Kim Soojin. I’ve had some experience working at my mother’s store, handling customer service, managing inventory… and other things. Oh my gosh, I’m scared,” I whisper to myself.
When I reach floor 25, my nerves spike higher than my excitement. “This is really happening,” I murmur.
I walk to the front desk and hand the receptionist the paper I got from the office last week. She examines it, nods, and points toward a big, sleek black door.
“In there?” I ask.
She nods.
“Thank you,” I say, and start walking toward the door. I knock, and a deep voice answers, “Come in.”
I open it—and there he is. Sitting there in real life, in front of me: Lee Minho.
Oh my gosh… is he really going to interview me? People say he’s hardly ever at his office.
I try not to look nervous, but I know I’m failing—I can feel myself biting my lip too hard.
