Soo-ah felt the weight of the early morning fog as she stepped into the grand lobby of The Royal Haven. Her new responsibilities in the event planning department were proving to be a challenge, but she was determined to rise to the occasion. Today, she had an important meeting with Lee Min-joon to discuss the upcoming charity gala, a high-profile event that could significantly boost the hotel's reputation.
As she walked past the ornate chandeliers and plush furnishings, her mind drifted to Ji-hoon. They had grown closer over the past few weeks, sharing stories over coffee and late-night conversations about their dreams and fears. Despite their deepening friendship, there was an unspoken tension between them, something she couldn't quite place.
When Soo-ah entered the conference room, Min-joon was already there, his back to her as he gazed out the window. The city skyline was barely visible through the mist, creating an ethereal backdrop.
"Good morning, Min-joon," she greeted him, trying to shake off her nervousness.
He turned to face her, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Good morning, Soo-ah. Ready to make this gala the event of the year?"
She nodded, taking a seat across from him. They spent the next hour discussing the details – the guest list, the menu, the entertainment. Min-joon was meticulous, his attention to detail evident in every aspect of the planning.
As they wrapped up the meeting, Min-joon leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "Soo-ah, there's something I need to tell you."
Her heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"
"There's been some… unsettling news," he began cautiously. "One of our staff members found a series of anonymous notes in the kitchen, each one more disturbing than the last. They seem to be targeting specific employees, including you."
Soo-ah felt a chill run down her spine. "What do they say?"
Min-joon handed her a folder containing photocopies of the notes. They were crudely written, their messages cryptic but threatening. "We don't know who's behind this yet, but we're investigating. Until we find out more, please be careful."
Soo-ah nodded, her mind racing. She couldn't imagine who would want to threaten her or why. She clutched the folder tightly, determined to get to the bottom of this mystery.
Later that evening, she found herself on the rooftop garden, seeking solace among the blooming flowers and the gentle hum of the city below. Ji-hoon joined her, his presence a comforting reminder that she wasn't alone.
"You seem troubled," he observed, taking a seat beside her.
Soo-ah sighed, handing him the folder. "Min-joon told me about these today. Someone's trying to scare us."
Ji-hoon's brow furrowed as he read through the notes. "This is serious. Have you told the police?"
"Not yet. Min-joon wants to handle it internally for now," she replied.
He nodded, his gaze distant. "We'll figure this out, Soo-ah. You have my word."
As they sat in silence, the bond between them strengthened, each finding comfort in the other's presence. Little did they know, the secrets they sought to uncover would lead them down a path of danger and discovery, testing their resolve and trust in ways they never imagined.