O N E
Soo Emi
“You’re the daughter of the boss who owns this entire building! How could you end up as some assistant?” Jennie, my new coworker, softly giggles.
I just shrug. “My father doesn’t want me to stress out too much, so he put me as an assistant to start out. He’s like that. Besides, I’ve never had a real job before, so I understand why he put me in this position.”
“It’s probably for the best. Your father cares a lot for you.” Jisoo, my other coworker, places a motherly hand on my knee.
I smile at both of them as they excuse themselves back to their job.
I finish my tea and continue exploring the building.
°
Hey, my name is Soo Emi. I am 21 years old, a newborn adult.
I have no siblings, no mother.
I have my father, who I love more than anybody or anything in the entire universe. He's the only one I really have, family-wise.
He's hardworking, smart, persistent, stubborn, and because of those traits, he has earned the title of "The Most Successful Business Man In South Korea".
Despite being the busy man he is, he and I always had a solid and real relationship with each other. He always wanted the BEST life for me, making sure I was happy the whole time when he's not there.
That's other reason why I loved him so much. He cared so much.
When I finished elementary, I went to a private school and always stuck to myself the whole time. I was shy and kind of an introvert. Because of that, I've never got the chance to make any real friends....or have any romantic interests. So my social skills are quite....embarrassing.
After school was completed, I still stayed in my father’s mansion...being treated like a princess. And living like "usual". I’ve never felt lonely, sad, bored, unsatisfied, or angry. My childhood was “perfect”......well, that's what my father wanted.
When I turned 21, my stubbornness grew. I really wanted to do something with my life and not just have everything handed to me. I always knew my father worked his butt off 24/7 and I wanted to help.
It took several months, but my sweet, innocent father finally got the message that I’m not just a teenage girl with scary hormones, or a spoiled baby girl that just wants to play with dolls, but I can be treated like a "mature adult" now.
My wish came true.
Since my father is the most successful business man in all of South Korea, he's the "BOSS" for many, many things. Just recently, he opened up a new and improved building for his workshop. He recruited his old employees and some new.
I’m new.
I wanted to get a job to prove myself and my father said “hey, you can be an assistant” and I couldn’t complain. I didn’t have a place to.
So, here I am......awkwardly sitting in the waiting room with no idea where to go or where to start.
I think it's going fine.
°
“Jung Hoseok is a man born and raised in Gwangju. He has great business experience and has a successful family too. Mother, Father, no siblings. I am acquainted with his father, Jung Mysung. Recommended by him 3 months ago, now his son is transferring over here to work for me in the new building.” My father enthused as he read off a binder.
I just nod my head along.
“He’s 23 years of age. Mature....Smart....Fun to be around....Positive...Funny...” He continued with a bright grin. “Young-like...Handsome. Oh, I like this man already."
“Why are you telling me this, father?” I finally ask.
He looks up at me. “My apologies. Did I forget to mention, cupcake? You’re going to be his assistant.”
A man?
Great. As if my social life wasn't awkward enough.
I let out a breath. “Understood.”
“I hope you two can bond. You heard his description. I’m sure you two will have something in common. And I expect you to be modest around him and kind. Welcome him. Show him around, he’s new to the building, the company..."
“I know what to do, father. Trust me. I can do this.” I state firmly, but as respectfully as I could.
“Of course, cupcake. I trust you. I know you can do this. Alright, so I have people setting up his office right now and I would like for you to clean up for his arrival tomorrow.”
I nod. “Yes, sir.”
"I don't want you giving up on the first day, you hear me?" He wags a finger in front of me.
I nod again. "Yes."
“Dismissed.” He waves me away.
I was about to leave the room when he called my name again.
“Wait, Emi.” He jumps from his desk and hops over to me.
“Yes?”
“How’d I do?” He asks with too much excitement.
I giggle. “You did great.”
“Awh, honey, I’m so proud of you.” He brings me into a hug. "Look at you growing up. I have so much faith in you. I know you're not going to mess up at all."
Those words brought some stress to my shoulders, but I quickly ignored it.
I hug him back tightly.
“Thank you for giving me this job. I will not give up. No matter what. I promise.”
°
Tomorrow is today because today is a new day and not yesterday.
I walk into the building with my formal work attire.
Plain black pantsuit. Black glasses on, hair up. Light makeup. The only thing flashy about my attire were my glossy heels.
All the business women here wear things like tight pencil skirts and bright red lipstick, but I’m supposed to be somewhat modest.
I'd rather wear pants than tight skirts anyway.
I go straight to Hoseok’s office to prepare everything for him and to clean up.
I open the wooden door and see someone already in there.
“Oh- uh, I’m sorry, sir. You must have the wrong room. This is Jung Hoseok’s office.” I stammer, clutching the door handle.
The man turns around.
“I’m Jung Hoseok.” He slightly bows.
I gasp. “Oh! I-I’m sorry. I wasn’t aware you arrived already.”
“I can tell you don’t have experience at all.” He mutters, suddenly turning cold.
I furrow my brows. “Excuse me?”
“No problem. I take it you’re just my assistant.” He crosses his arms. “Am I correct?”
I nod my head. “Yes. My name is-”
“Soo Emi.” He interrupts. “I already know your name. I’ve done my research. That’s what experienced people do.”
I silently scoff.
This guy is being serious?
He’s nothing like how my father described.
Fun to be around? Where?
Positive? Who?
“There are still boxes here.” He points behind him, still having a cold stare on me.
I sighed and forced myself to be polite. “Let me get that.” I say and walked past him. I kneel down and started unpacking the boxes as quickly as I could.
“How can you not be on time for a simple arrival?” He laughs out of the blue. “But I understand why your father put you as the low ranking job. Just a pity employment.”
“We’ve only met and you’re being such a-” Awareness broke in and I stop myself.
Emi, control yourself!
I was this close to losing everything my father trusted me with.
Calm.
I'm calm.
Hoseok just smiles at me. “Little assistant, you have to watch your little mouth. You don’t want your father to get a bad report about his dear daughter. Right? On the first day too?”
I tighten my jaw. “Right.”
“Good girl.” He chuckles. “Now get me some green tea and no leaves please.”
