Chereads / Traces Of The Heart / Chapter 4 - Flirt

Chapter 4 - Flirt

In the aviation school, students on the flight attendant course are in practical class, safety training for emergencies inside the aircraft.

The crew divides into two teams: one responsible for combatting fires, and the other for ensuring the safe evacuation of passengers.

In this scenario, an emergency landing has already occurred, and the fire continues to spread.

Armed with the necessary equipment and protective clothing, the first team boldly advances to battle the blaze.

The atmosphere is chaotic, the scene vividly mirrors the challenges of such a situation on board. Visibility is severely limited, smoke billows in every direction, and breathing becomes an arduous task.

Simultaneously, the second team swiftly and safely evacuates passengers.

"Run low towards the emergency exit, protecting your face so you don't inhale the smoke!!!" The crew shouted.

Ah Reum was part of the first team, it seemed impossible that that sweet and thin girl had the strength and agility to handle the heavy extinguishers and advance towards the fire. Yet, she did so with unwavering determination.

Experiencing it in such a realistic manner... it was undeniably challenging, yet even more exhilarating.

Ah Reum anticipated that, though, as it came with the territory of her chosen profession. She was happy to be able to do her part with great success.

At the end of the lesson, the teacher requested a private conversation with Ah Reum.

"Ah Reum, we're arranging a meeting with a manager from Seoul Wings Airlines to discuss your potential recruitment, which is scheduled to commence two weeks after your course completion. They've expressed interest in receiving CVs from the top-performing students. It's crucial that you attend this meeting." the teacher explained.

"Really? I'll certainly be there. Thank you, teacher!" Ah Reum exclaimed with excitement."

Teacher Lee Won Heyong places great faith in Ah Reum and continues to offer her valuable advice.

"This is a unique opportunity! You know that although the flight attendant course isn't mandatory for airlines, it's a significant advantage on a flight attendant's résumé. Companies take notice of it. Seoul Wings is seeking the best students from the top institutions, so it won't be a walk in the park. Keep dedicating yourself, not only to earn your wings but to soar even higher. Cause you'll be flying to great heights!" Said the teacher, putting great faith in Ah Reum.

Ah Reum enjoys a lunch with the teacher and four other colleagues before attending the crucial meeting.

The manager commences the meeting by providing insights into the company, outlining the selection process, deadlines, and the company's expectations from each candidate.

He underscores the company's unwavering commitment to delivering excellence in customer service and emphasizes the collective effort required to achieve this goal.

Ah Reum listens with great attention and maintains a discreet enthusiasm on the surface.

Internally, she is seized by a wave of enthusiasm, expressed through joyful celebrations in her mind.

She reflects: "Wow, is this really happening? Right after graduation, I'll be able to fly? Woo-hooooo!" She celebrates enthusiastically in her thoughts.

As soon as the meeting concludes, Ah Reum hurriedly departs for her work.

"Whew, I arrived! An important meeting has come up at school." She said breathlessly as she arrived at the Patisserie. 

"You've been studying hard, haven't you?" asked Ha Neul.

"Yes, there's less than a month to completion, I'm very nervous and happy!" replied Ah Reum brightly.

"Cool!" Said Ha Neul.

Jin Young comes out of the manager's office. "So he's here..." Ah Reum whispered.

They smile at each other spontaneously, but now it's different.

So Hee sees it and thinks it's strange. "Those two, there's something going on!" So Hee thought, puzzled.

"Are you two flirting? So Hee speculated comically.

"Did you say flirting?" Ah Reum laughs, pretending not to understand.

"We're just being friendly, it's nice to be polite to our customers, right?"

Inside Ah Reum's head, various thoughts echo. "Exactly, that's all," she starts to think aloud and continues rambling.

"It's not like I have any expectations... Wait, do you ever have expectations?" 

She continues, embarrassed, "It's just... it doesn't mean I like him..." Ah Reum concludes her internal monologue, or so she thought.

"Ah Reum? Ah Reum? You were talking out loud!" So Hee says with a laugh. "I knew you had a crush on him!"

"What? What did I say?" Ah Reum asks, distracted and surprised.

Ha Neul gives a sly smile. "I can't believe you said that out loud." A hint of amusement and embarrassment in her tone.

"What did I say?"

"That you've already started expecting things..." Said Ha Neul.

"You've got it all wrong; it's just that... he's attractive, and you naturally anticipate seeing a handsome face." Even she doesn't seem to believe it.

"Alright," Ha Neul says ironically. "As if you're someone who cares about looks..." She whispers.

The manager calls Ha Neul over then.

"Hmm, it's strange. The handsome Jin went in there, and now they're calling Ha Neul too... curious," So Hee thinks to herself.

Ah Reum and Jin Young face each other, both smiling flirtatiously. She turns away, blushing in embarrassment.

"Are we really flirting?" she thinks, a little elated and worried. "Let's work!" 

Ha Neul leaves the manager's office.

"Oh, here she comes! That was fast." Said So Hee, she stares at Ha Neul (Curious). "Speak, speak."

"Wait for Ah Reum to come back."

"What?" Tell me soon!" So Hee said.

"You're too curious!" Ha Neul said, raising her eyebrows.

"Then tell me, if you know I'm curious." So Hee retorted.

Jin Young sends a small message to Hyun Ah.

"Everything's set for the photoshoot; we'll meet with In Ho tomorrow to discuss the some details!"

"I'm close to the Pâtisserie; I'll come over!"

"I'm already leaving! See you tomorrow." Jin Young quickly ends the conversation to talk to Ah Reum.

Ah Reum returns to the counter, and Ha Neul begins your speech "Next week..."

Jin Young interrupts and calls Ah Reum.

"Just a moment, I'll be right back," she says as she walks over to him.

"Hello, how can I assist you?" Ah Reum greets him formally. 

He chuckles. "You're so formal here. I'm just leaving and wanted to...talk to you before I go. I think I can go now hehe." Said Jin Young smiled playfully.

Ah Reum's cheeks turn rosy instantly, and she can't help but giggle. "See you...then."

After this romantic exchange, they return to the eagerly anticipated announcement.

"Right, now that we're all here. Next Friday, the Pâtisserie will be closed to the public."

"Why?" So Hee asked.

"There's going to be a photoshoot with two actors from Action Entertainment." Ha Neul replied.

"Action Entertainment? Oh, isn't that Jin and Ga Eun's agency? Wow, they are coming?"

"Just Jin, he'll be one of the models coming, the other will be Hyun Ah who will be taking part in the selections with him.

It's going to be a rehearsal and interview for the With the possible protagonists; they've chosen places that they like and that tell a bit about them. Jin chose the Pâtisserie!" 

"Wow! How amazing! A photo shoot here!" Exclaimed So Hee excitedly.

"Jin? Did the manager tell you all this?" Ah Reum was a bit surprised.

Unbeknownst to the girls, Ah Reum had overheard most of their conversation. Well, she began listening to them after meeting Jin Young.

However, Ah Reum held the belief that if she needed to learn more about him, discover who he truly was, she should hear it directly from him.

She also made an effort to remain focused and avoid creating expectations, although in vain.

After all, the possibility of it being one-sided was significant. Even though his eyes seemed to be calling her and now everything indicated that he liked her, she still believed that there was a chance he might simply be acting kindly and friendly, given his profession as an actor.

After the conversation she had with him and listening to them at that moment, everything started to make sense in her head.

"So that's why they always kept an eye on him and were interested in whether he really liked me," Ah Reum thought.

"Us? Even you, Ha Neul? I thought you weren't into these things..." Ah Reum asked.

Ha Neul maintains a poker face. "Hihi hihii."

"Come to think of it, I think that's the only thing she likes, lol," So Hee joked. "I was surprised when I found out too."

Ha Neul starts talking: "Moon Ah Reum, her dream has been to be a flight attendant since childhood. She has a degree in Hotel Management and countless other courses that make her increasingly prepared to work in the skies. The final step before applying for a job as a flight attendant is completing the flight attendant course, so I can't be distracted by entertainment. I don't want to know anything! That's what you said when we talked about him," Ha Neul pointed out. "Why are you so interested now?"

So Hee nodded. "Yes! You were as boring as Ha Neul, lol."

"But it's been a while, and I didn't know him!" It seems like Ah Reum has been caught.

"Exactly, it was before you met him. When you first met, we even thought he might have considered you a fan too, so you didn't really know him. Something has changed now that you know him, hasn't it?" So Hee said, as if she knew exactly what was going on between them.

"Anyway, it's all very nice, but do we have to come to work that day?" Ah Reum pretends not to be interested again, lol.

"We'll need to serve the team, so yes!" Ha Neul replied.