Yoon Ji Yoon groggily opened her eyes to the blaring alarm clock. 7:00 AM. Another day, another reminder of her shattered heart. Her boyfriend of five years had dumped her for a wealthy socialite just a week ago, and the wound still felt fresh.
As she sat up, her gaze fell upon the note on the fridge, scribbled in Kim Ha-Na's familiar handwriting: "Off to work, sleep well, and have a nice day! Will call you, bye." Ji Yoon crumpled the note and tossed it in the trash can, feeling a pang of loneliness. Ha-Na, her best friend and roommate, was trying to be supportive, but Ji Yoon couldn't shake off the emptiness.
Just as she was about to sink back into bed, her phone buzzed. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and checked the screen. An unknown number. "Starlight?" The message read: "You're invited for an interview at THE (Taehyun Fashion). Transfer from Starlight Company. Interview at 8:00 AM. Good luck."
Ji Yoon's eyes widened in surprise. Taehyun Fashion? THE? She had applied to Starlight Entertainment Company some days before, but never heard back. This was an opportunity she couldn't miss.
With renewed energy, Ji Yoon sprang out of bed and rushed to the bathroom, her feet moving swiftly across the floor. She slipped on the tiles and fell, but quickly picked herself up, her heart racing. No time for mishaps.
In record time, she showered, brushed her teeth, and rummaged through her wardrobe. "Well, well," she muttered, scrutinizing each outfit in the mirror. Finally, she settled on a sleek black dress and paired it with her favorite heels.
As she brushed her tangled hair, her mind whirled with interview prep. 7:30 AM. She grabbed her handbag and shoes, rushing out the door. Locking the apartment behind her, she slipped on her heels and hastened toward the bus station.
Breathless, Ji Yoon arrived at the bus stop just as the bus pulled up. She boarded, her heart pounding with anticipation. What lay ahead at Taehyun Fashion? Little did she know, this interview would change her life forever.
Ji Yoon tapped her feet impatiently as she waited for the bus. Finally, a crowded vehicle arrived, and she squeezed inside, grasping a pole to avoid falling. The 10-minute ride felt like an eternity. As the bus stopped at the last station, she grabbed her phone from her handbag and checked the message:
"THE (Taehyun Fashion), 123, Seocho-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul. Interview Room 301."
Glancing at the time, 7:53 AM, she sprinted out of the bus station like a crazy woman. The majestic building of THE Fashion loomed before her. Its sleek glass façade gleamed in the morning sun, exuding luxury and sophistication.
"Wow," Ji Yoon breathed, momentarily forgetting her urgency.
She dashed into the lobby, sweating, and approached the reception desk. "Hi, I'm here for the interview."
The receptionist smiled warmly. "Name, please?"
"Yoon Ji Yoon."
The receptionist handed her a tag. "Number 105. Please proceed to the waiting room."
Ji Yoon grabbed the tag, attached it to her dress, and rushed into the waiting room. She rehearsed her introduction, trying to calm her racing heart. Some applicants glanced at her, amused by her flustered state.
As she caught her breath, Ji Yoon surveyed the room. Elegant chairs, a coffee table with fashion magazines, and a water dispenser created a comfortable atmosphere.
Before long, a voice called out, "Number 105, Yoon Ji Yoon."
Ji Yoon stood, smoothed her dress, and walked into the interview room.
*The Interview Room*
Four judges sat behind a sprawling, mahogany desk, their faces stern and unyielding.
1. *Kim Taehyun, CEO*: Chiseled features, piercing brown eyes, and an unmistakable air of authority. His sharp jawline and perfect hair emphasized his arrogance.
2. *Lee Ji-Hoon, Design Director*: A middle-aged man with a balding head and thick-rimmed glasses. His expression seemed perpetually disapproving.
3. *Park Soo-Young, HR Manager*: A woman in her late 30s with a bobbed haircut and a tight smile. Her eyes narrowed slightly, assessing Ji Yoon.
4. *Choi Min-Ho, Marketing Head*: A tall, lanky man with a stern expression, his arms crossed.
The desk held four water bottles, a stack of résumés, and a notepad. Three applicants waited nervously, seated two meters away.
Kim Taehyun's piercing gaze lingered on Ji Yoon, his expression unreadable. Their previous encounters flashed in his mind – the distraught woman in Daehan Corporation's lobby, the near-accident on the road. He had pegged her as a gold digger, but now, as she stood before him, he sensed something different.
"Please, introduce yourself," Lee Ji-Hoon, Design Director, prompted.
Ji Yoon's hands trembled slightly as she began. "I'm Yoon Ji Yoon, a high school graduate with a passion for art. Although I lack formal education, I've honed my skills through self-study and practice. Painting is my life."
Kim Taehyun's eyebrow arched. An artist? This was unexpected.
Park Soo-Young, HR Manager, leaned forward. "Ms. Yoon, what makes you think you're qualified for THE Fashion?"
Ji Yoon's eyes sparkled. "My art may not conform to traditional standards, but I bring uniqueness and creativity. I've always been fascinated by fashion's intersection with art. I'd love to contribute to THE Fashion's innovative spirit."
Choi Min-Ho, Marketing Head, raised an eyebrow. "How do you plan to apply your painting skills here?"
Ji Yoon's smile grew. "I envision collaborating with designers to create bold, artistic prints and patterns. My art can elevate THE Fashion's brand, making it stand out in the industry."
Kim Taehyun listened intently, intrigued by her audacity. No polished résumé, no impressive credentials – just raw talent and determination.
"Ms. Yoon," he said finally, his deep voice commanding attention. "I must admit, your background is...unconventional. But I sense potential. Show me your artwork."
Ji Yoon's eyes widened as she rummaged through her bag, producing a sketchbook. Her hands trembled as she handed it to Kim Taehyun.
As he flipped through the pages, vibrant colors and emotive strokes leapt off the paper. Talent shone through every piece.
Kim Taehyun's gaze met Ji Yoon's, a spark of curiosity igniting within him.
"Tell me, Ms. Yoon," he said, his voice softer. "What drives your art?"
Ji Yoon's voice barely above a whisper. "My heartbreak, my struggles, my hopes. Painting is my solace, my truth."
The room fell silent, the tension palpable.
Kim Taehyun's eyes never left Ji Yoon's face. For the first time, he saw beyond her rough exterior to the vulnerable, talented woman beneath.