The bustling, high-tech environment of Mendoza Industries. Uno, now officially a junior marketing assistant, navigates the sleek corridors, her eyes wide with a mix of awe and apprehension.
Characters:
- Uno Palima: Still adjusting to her new surroundings, Uno is eager to prove herself but also feels a bit out of place amidst the expensive suits and polished smiles.
- Gyu Mendoza: Observing Uno from his office, Gyu is intrigued by her determination and finds himself increasingly drawn to her.
- Alexa: Gyu's personal assistant, a sharp and efficient woman who is initially skeptical of Uno.
Uno's first day at Mendoza Industries is a whirlwind of introductions, confusing instructions, and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed. Gyu, however, keeps a watchful eye on her, his interest growing with each passing moment.
(The story opens with Uno nervously entering the marketing department. Her desk is a sleek, minimalist workstation, but she feels a sense of disconnect from the polished environment.)
Alexa: (Approaches Uno, a clipboard in hand) Ms. Palima, I'm Alexa, Mr. Mendoza's assistant. Welcome to Mendoza Industries.
Uno: (Smiling nervously) Thank you, Alexa. It's nice to meet you.
Alexa: (Eyes Uno critically) I've been briefed on your assignment. Mr. Mendoza is expecting a detailed proposal for the Mendoza X phone campaign by the end of the week.
Uno: (Nods) I'm working on it. I have some ideas.
Alexa: (Raises an eyebrow) Indeed. Mr. Mendoza has high expectations. You'll need to impress him.
(Alexa walks away, leaving Uno feeling a little deflated. She sits at her desk and tries to focus, but the noise and activity around her are distracting. She pulls out her notebook and starts jotting down ideas, but her mind keeps wandering back to her first encounter with Gyu.)
(Meanwhile, Gyu is in his office, watching Uno through a hidden camera. He smiles, amused by her struggles to adapt.)
Gyu: (To himself) She's… different. I like that.
(He picks up his phone and dials Alexa.)
Gyu: Alexa, how's the new marketing assistant doing?
Alexa: (Voice sharp) She's… adjusting, Mr. Mendoza. But she's still a long way from meeting your expectations.
Gyu: (Chuckles) Don't be so quick to judge, Alexa. Give her a chance. I have a feeling she'll surprise us.
(He ends the call and leans back in his chair, his gaze fixed on Uno, who is still struggling to find her footing. He can't help but feel a surge of protectiveness towards her, a feeling that he finds both confusing and exhilarating.)
(The story cuts to Uno, who is finally starting to find her rhythm. She's surrounded by stacks of research papers, her laptop screen filled with charts and graphs. She's working late, determined to deliver a winning campaign.)
(Just as she's about to leave, Gyu walks into the marketing department. He looks around, his eyes searching for Uno. He spots her, her head bent over her work, and a soft smile touches his lips.)
Gyu: (Approaches her, his voice unexpectedly gentle) Ms. Palima, it's late. Why don't you go home?
Uno: (Looks up, startled) Mr. Mendoza! I'm almost done.
Gyu: (Shakes his head) Don't push yourself too hard. You've worked hard today. Go home and get some rest.
**(He pauses, then adds, his voice softer) I'll be expecting your proposal tomorrow morning.
(He turns to leave, but then pauses again, looking back at her.)
Gyu: And Ms. Palima… Don't call me Mr. Mendoza. Just Gyu.
(He smiles, a genuine smile that makes Uno's heart skip a beat. She nods, speechless, as he walks away. She watches him go, her mind racing with a mix of confusion and excitement. This is just the beginning of their story.)