A short while later, a woman enters the room.
She fidgets with her hands as the corners of her lips perk up, "Thank you all for waiting.".
Her footsteps halt, so does their breaths.
[I really hope that I'm able to improve my impression... At least in front of the newbies.]
Her black long skirt, and a porcelain dress shirt flaunted by her red tie. Her cocoa brown hair lies is a low ponytail. The windows reflected her brown enchanting eyes as they mingled with the sunshine.
Han Gyeol rubbed his chin, "Who could she be? Her dressing style seems quite…intriguing. She's dressed like a hell of a lawyer."
"She could actually beat me up, though ". A hum forms in his voicebox.
He takes note of her enthralling appearance. Her aura is intimidating almost as if she's a boss lady. She's wearing a brown suit matched with a red tie. Her slender, veiny hands were embellished with cobalt rings. Her arched eyebrows were the scorching fire. Her deer-like eyes as water to a thirsty person in a stranded desert.
His cerebral cortex generates only one resposnse, "Did Dad hire her as a CEO instead of me? She surely seems like one!".
Her demeanor expressed confidence yet humility at the same time. Yet, her voice had a certain edge to it.
Jennifer breaks the silence, "Hello, my name's Jennifer Lee. I'm the senior organizational psychologist from Zephyr & Co.". She says under her breath, "Here comes the 'is she a foreigner?' comments.".
Some of the interns mumble wondering if she's a foreigner.
[Is it really that unavoidable? Kids these days.]
She sighs and shakes her head. Jennifer clears her throat and adjusts her collar, "Okay, I'll be giving you a briefing on what it is like to work here and some important values."
[Let's just get it over it.]
The Interns nod and listen to her intently.
"I won't take much time because I have Gotham City to take care of. I'll clear some things up… I would never say that we're like a family in this workplace, unlike some other companies. It is purely an ethical way of the employer and the employees using each other."
"Number two, any sort of bullying, harassment, and, unfair treatment will not be tolerated and will have serious consequences. I would love to personally skin you off… just kidding." She says the last line with a grin and immediately loosens her lips.
[Why are they all staring at me? Did I say anything wrong?]
"What even-" Han Gyeol raises his eyebrows.
[I feel threatened. I hope she's not being serious.]
"What makes this company different is, whereas the whole industry is occupied in coming first in this rat race… Our company is more concerned with quality control and sustenance." Her hands dance around the air in harmony.
Han Gyeol feels a bit proud of his father for having such an impact. He smiles subtly with a glint of shine in his eyes.
She takes her sweet time to explain the workplace ethics and requirements. The time moving like a snail on mud.
"All right, that's it for today. You may refer to the team manager of your respective departments for further queries."
[Phew. All done. Good job Jennifer!]
One of the male interns exude a wry smirk, "I'm feeling a bit lucky today…how about I test it?". He leans back in his chair, "Today's a beautiful day but that's not the only beautiful thing, right Ms. Lee?".
Jennifer replies with a flat tone, "I'd appreciate it if you refrain from such remarks. Keep them saved for your significant other… if you manage to get one, Mr. Cha.".
[Ha..Men these days. How brazen!]
The room fills with low snickers. She stares up and down with a sharp expression, causing the sounds to die down. She exhales deeply, "Did my tone sound too harsh? Ugh-".
Han Gyeol's phone rings. The name of the caller makes his brows furrow, creating a rift of tension. His eyes follow the phone and then he gazes at Jennifer. He purses his lips and fiddles with his watch.
[Wow. An omen of death on it's way. Should I really have to pick it up?]
Jennifer walks up to him, "You may go ahead and pick up the call. I was about to leave.".
" I'll be taking my leave then. Have a nice day everyone!" she leaves the room. Her footsteps speedy. Unwavering. Han Gyeol advances to a silent corner and attends the call.
The voice of a woman could be heard. "Oppa! Why haven't you been attending my calls?". The woman flicks a dice with her long, minty nail.
(*Older males can be referred to as "Oppa" by females)
His brows tug together. he clears a lump in his throat , "I was sleeping… I just saw the notifications just yet.".
She twirls her hair , "Oh right. You remember that bag I got last time?"
"The Vers*che one."
[It's literally 10 in the morning. Ten.]
Han Gyeol sighs. His finger finding his temples, "Yes, what about it?".
[Why can't this woman just leave me alone? Can't stand this.]
The woman pouts, frustrated, "I was about to buy another one belonging to the same article and my card reached its limit."
Shaking his head, he grimaced , "Didn't you just get one last week?".
[Just how long are you going to leech off of me?]
His eyes twitch, not a glimpse of softness in his expression.
"Come on! All you have to do is to push a few buttons… or you know how I can push your buttons. Right, darling?."
Han Gyeol peeks at his phone screen in disdain. His fist clenches as his ears burn through the irises.
"All right. I'm a bit busy at the moment so I'll pick it for you later." His expression hardening further.
A staff member leads the interns to their respective departments.
Han Gyeol gazes towards his cubicle. There sat a few documents, waiting for him. He mutters quietly and takes his seat. The table holding a work list, a computer and some stationary. After stretching his arms, he begins to handle his tasks.
The tasks were nothing hard for him, who has always been practicing handling even arduous tasks. Compared to that, the assigned tasks seemed rather dull. He clenches his jaw as his body screams for a yawn.
[This is rather easy for my level.]
Han Gyeol could feel a few co-workers in the marketing team eyeing him. The introvert inside of him was screaming, shaking, throwing up even.
After hours of hard work, he decides to reward himself with a cup of warm coffee.
He finds Jennifer right in front of him picking up a cup. She notices him. Her eyes never leaving his.
[I should probably smile a bit. I don't want him to get the wrong idea.]
"Mr. Choi, can you hand me the coffee packet?" she points at the coffee box.
He nods, applying a smile, "Ah yes. Sure"
He is about to hand it to her but then she specifies, "The decaffeinated one, please."
[Oh...It didn't stick to me that she'd like a decaf.]
Her choice piques his curiosity. He hands her the packet and she starts to prepare her coffee.
"Is there a reason why you prefer the decaffeinated one?" he tilts his head.
[I wonder what his intentions are. Let's just go with it.]
She slides the cup aside, "It may sound a bit odd but caffeine makes me doze off. It's quite unpredictable. In simple words, it makes me high."
Han Gyeol rubs his chin and taps his foot, "So what helps you gain energy for tedious tasks-"
She looks upwards at the ceiling, "Orange juice. The orange was too annoying so blended it... Did you get the reference?".
Her tone is suddenly filled with excitement
"The annoying orange? I can't believe it's been ages since I've watched those!" his body perks up as his smile exposes his pearly whites.
A corner of his lips tug up, "Well I've noticed that your tan seems quite orange as well."
Her head tilts slightly, "what is that supposed to mean...?"
His eyes pop out as he realizes and he covers his mouth, "Oh... Nevermind. Are there other activities which are efficient?"
[What are you doing stupid? You almost called her annoying!]
Jennifer lifts her arm up. The muscles bulge under her shirt, "Also as you can see, exercise tends to help as well.".
His eyes sparkle up, "I had no idea that you were well-built. I appreciate your commitment."
[I could sense that she was fit but that...wow]
You could see a spark in his eyes as he uttered.
The compliment makes Jennifer smile widely while fidgeting with her hands.
"Hehe… Thank you." She fixes her collar.
"How was your first day by the way? If anyone bothers you or anyone you can report them to the HR department.".
Jennifer would often be protective of anyone who'd click well with her. Just like a mother duck towards her fragile ducklings. She was ready to bring hell over the Earth if anyone practiced injustice within her bounds.
His eyes dart around. His mouth forming a smile, "No everything's fine so far. Thanks."
He thinks, "I wonder why I was hesitant to approach her… she seems like a decent person. I could feel something different within her. Maybe… warmth? She seems like the type of person who would comfort me when I feel down.
She grabs her coffee, heading towards the opposite direction as a voice fills her ears.
"Wait a minute… Ms. Lee!"