His father leaves his room, leaving the door ajar. He walks towards the door to gently close it. Han Gyeol stretches his stout body as if he's built like a walking thirst-trap. The way his muscles become more palpable than before as he moves them would be enough to drive some people insane. Han Gyeol leans on the table and thinks, "What if it doesn't go well…? No! I cannot be thinking like this. You can do it Han Gyeol!". He lets out a sigh as he runs his fingers with prominent veins through his silky, voluminous hair. A male siren indeed.
He checks the time on his phone. "It's 6 pm"
[Finally, some time for self care.]
He lets out a sigh and takes a seat on his comfortable couch. facing towards his laptop and opens ddtube.
[Hmm... let's see what catches my eye today.]
The website has an enormous range of K-Dramas but Han Gyeol has his eyes on something specific. And it's called Romance. Han Gyeol decides that he'd rather have his heart throb due to oxytocin rather than facing anxiety due to his arch nemesis, his girlfriend.
[Oh my God. They held hands, Finally!]
He sits there giggling at the lighthearted comedy and the chemistry between the leads.
[Now kiss, you two.]
His toes begin to squirm a bit as he indulges himself in the drama.
A few moments later, a knock is heard on the door. He doesn't realize at first because he's too focused on the drama. Practically glued to the screen. A sharper knock is rings his ear, catching his attention. He flinches a bit, his smile faltering, "Come in".
A man who has a drought on his polished head enters. Adorned in a black tailcoat along with a tie and black pants. Butler Jang smiles though his eyes, "Mr. Choi, I'd like to inform you that the dinner is ready- oh…". Mr. Jang's eyes accidentally flutter across the screen. The silence is thicker than osmium. The laptop is shut with a loud slam. He clears his throat and says, "Y-yes I'll be joining in a few minutes". Mr. Jang tugs his lips and walks out of the room.
He buries his head In the cushion and lets out a muffled groan.
[How... humiliating!]
His feet swing across the air. Han Gyeol regains his composure and makes his way to the dinner table. His father is awaits his presence on his chair waiting for him to join. Han Gyeol takes a seat and they both dig in. Mr. Choi drifts through the silence, "Ah… so I was wondering what kind of department you'd prefer." He sighs while rubbing his temples.
[I hope he understands what I'm about to say.]
His brows twist in response "Department? Wasn't I supposed to manage the business with you as the Co. CEO?".
[Does he not trust me? Am I not up to the par?]
"Han Gyeol listen, I want you to experience life as an employee so you can make better judgments when you take over the business." Mr. Choi places his hand on Han Gyeol's hand.
He sighs a bit and says, "I know you might be a bit disappointed… but, it's our family tradition as well. Do you get me?".
He moves his head in half-hearted approval, "Yes Dad, I understand."
[This won't do. He looks disappointed.]
Mr. Choi's lips purse, "Oh right, you were interested in marketing right?".
He leans on the table with his ears perking up, "Yes, Dad"
"The interviews will start the day after tomorrow. I already applied on your behalf." Mr. Choi says.
Han Gyeol's eyes narrow and brows furrow, "I meant to ask something… I won't be taking any other potential employee's space right? What if they need the job more than me?"
His father pats his back, eyes flickering softly, "Don't worry about that you silly kid. I'll be putting an extra spot." Han Gyeol tries to play it cool while giving a smile and nodding but inside of his head, there sits a whole chaos committee.
[I worked hard just to start from scratch?]
[Maybe I lack skill... I wish I was good at something that I was actually needed for.]
He inquires, "When will I be able to handle the affairs with you then?"
Mr. Choi says, "Don't fret. That won't take much time. It depends on your performance so buckle up good Sir!".
He smiles briefly and continues eating his meal.
Later, he lays in his bed thinking of numerous possibilities of what the journey would bring. Han Gyeol's eyelids begin to feel a bit heavier and he drifts off to sleep.
On the day of the interview, Han Gyeol wakes up a tad earlier and goes on with his morning routine. He pays attention to basic skincare which makes him look even more elegant. His hair is slicked back. His black tie compliments the navy blue suit. Han Gyeol makes his way to the interview and as expected from him, he gives his best and makes a lasting impression on the interviewers.
It Is no surprise that he passed the interview. The following week, he reaches his first day in the company. He starts his morning by taking a shower. The water dances through the showerhead, slipping through his body. He runs his fingers through his hair. Han Gyeol looks at himself in the mirror while using the shampoo to make random shapes out of his hair. He ends up making some devil horns.
[Behold! Han Gyeol the devil incarnate. Haha!]
Later, he leaves the bathroom while wrapping a towel around himself. Han Gyeol looks at his glazing muscular build and plump abs in the mirror as he dries his hair. He changes into a black dress shirt and pants.
[Let's get it together Han Gyeol!]
He reaches a tall building, glazed with glass. It has the name 'Zephyr & Co.'.
[Does Dad still think that I'm not cut out for a CEO?]
His eyebrows scrunch and lips purse. He lets out a deep exhale and plasters on a smile.
Han Gyeol enters the workplace. The interior design is modern and has a positive effect on the environment. The combination of white, brown, and black reminds him of ice cream sandwiches.
[Man, I feel hungry.]
A staff member calls out to all of the interns and directs them to gather in a particular room. The room consists of seats for the new interns. The staff member informs them that they'll be receiving some directions and interface of the company and its values.
[I didn't know we'd have a proper session for the introduction.]
The Interns feel a sense of nervousness clouding the room because it's an experience that is new to them. Even Han Gyeol couldn't escape this tense state.
He taps his feet. His lips thinned in a line. He gulps some water and wipes his lips with the back of his hand.
A short while later, a woman in her 20s enters the room, "Thank you all for waiting.".
Han Gyeol raises his brow as he wonders, "Who could she be?".