Ding!

Miraki nudged the small bell on the service counter. She was at her workplace, the bustling kitchen of the globally recognized Mercury Hotel.

The time of year was April, and the weather was growing increasingly warm. Sweat coated her chef's hat due to the heat, and her chef's uniform did little to mitigate the discomfort.

She had been on her feet for a grueling 12 hours. The normally hour-long break had been cut short due to the significant influx of guests for their anniversary event. As the clock struck one in the morning, the head chef urged the afternoon shift workers to take a break.

Miraki was a radiant brunette, slightly clumsy but amiable, admired by all her colleagues for her empathetic nature.

"Mimi," an arm encircled her. She swiveled to find her friend Lucy holding on to her.

"I'm exhausted," Lucy complained, resting her head on Miraki's shoulder. Miraki gently stroked her friend's cheek and gave her a reassuring pat on the head.

"Me too, but at least the day was a success," Miraki sighed, relief seeping into her voice.

They ambled down the staff corridor towards the changing rooms. The pathway was narrow and dimly lit, frequently bustling with staff members on their way to fulfill guest requests.

The changing room was sparse, devoid of the usual crowd. The click of her heels echoed as she approached her locker. Upon unlocking it, she faced a small mirror affixed to the inner side of the locker door.

Carefully, Miraki undid her hair bun, releasing her shoulder-length hair that curled in soft waves, accentuating her round face.

It was Miraki's third year at the hotel. At 23, she had progressed from an apprentice to a commis 3. Financial difficulties in her life had compelled her to work during her third year of university, a situation that had unfortunately worsened over time. The increased living expenses barely left her with enough from her income.

Lucy had become Miraki's friend during her first week of work. They were assigned as dorm mates and had become inseparable ever since.

Slipping out of her chef's coat, Miraki dressed in a white linen top with lacy patterns and a pair of simple pants reaching her knees.

"Mimi, should we eat here or order online?" Lucy asked, busy undoing her bun.

"Let's eat here," Miraki replied, after a quick check of her bank balance. She only had a few hundred left to last her for the month.

"Okay," Lucy agreed.

They exited the changing room and made their way to the staff dining hall. A lavish buffet had been prepared for all the staff.

They settled at a corner table and placed their steaming bowls of pho on the surface.

"Mi, did you hear about our managing director's engagement?" Lucy leaned in to share the gossip while waiting for the soup to cool.

"I'm not particularly interested in his personal life, Lu," Miraki replied, her expression stoic.

Lucy rolled her eyes playfully. "It's a big deal, though. Just think about all the girls who'll be heartbroken."

Miraki chuckled, "Well, they'll have to get over it. Now, let's eat."

Miraki hungrily dug into her noodles. The warm pho was a comforting balm to her fatigue.

'Our director is getting married. Good for him,' she mused. She was neither happy nor upset, but she did wish him the best.

The director was known for his demanding standards, especially during events. They often worked extra hours to achieve his idea of perfection. Despite this, he was a man of his word, ensuring they got occasional paid vacations, a gesture appreciated by all.

"The stars look lovely tonight," Miraki whispered, standing in the hotel's back garden, which connected to the staff's entrance and exit.

The Mercury Hotel was situated on the outskirts of the city, near Lake Hope. This location offered unpolluted skies and fresh air.

"They do, don't they? Promise me you'll gaze at me every night when I become a star, okay?" Lucy asked with a light-hearted smile.

"Stop talking nonsense. We've got so much to accomplish before we even think about that," Miraki chided gently.

Lucy looked younger than her years due to her playful, soft nature, often causing others to mistake Miraki as the older one, despite being two years Lucy's junior.

They walked back to their shared apartment, just a five-minute walk from the hotel. It was a minimalist dwelling with two bedrooms, a large kitchen, a living room, and a bathroom.

"Goodnight, Lu," Miraki called out before retreating to her lemon-yellow painted room. In lieu of a vanity, she used the mirror on her nightstand to apply her skincare products, neatly arranged in the drawer.

[Esther: I'm in the city! Let's meet tomorrow]

A new message arrived as she was applying serum.

[Miraki: Sure, how about 5 pm at the apathie's?]

She replaced the skincare items in the drawer and lay back, ready for some much-needed rest.