Rina carefully examined the pile of receipts and invoices spread across the table.
Her small card-making business had taken off faster than she'd expected, and while the orders were manageable, the finances were a mess.
Numbers she could handle; they had always been her comfort zone.
But the modern world's systems of taxes, digital payments, and online platforms were overwhelming.
"Why is this so complicated?" she muttered, her pencil tapping against the paper.
She had spent hours researching online tutorials on bookkeeping and e-commerce, but it felt like trying to decipher a foreign language.
Rina paused and looked at her laptop screen.
The platform she'd been using to sell her cards had introduced a promotion program for small businesses.
The catch? Participants had to pitch their brand at a local community event.
Her eyes narrowed as she reread the details.
A chance to stand out. A chance to network. A chance to attract bigger clients.
But it required confidence and the ability to present her work in front of an audience.
"Public speaking…" she whispered. The thought sent a chill down her spine.
The following day, Rina visited the library, her notebook in hand.
She spent hours scribbling down ideas for her pitch, sketching designs, and making a list of questions she needed to research.
She was so engrossed in her work that she didn't notice someone approaching her until they spoke.
"You're working hard."
Rina jumped, almost dropping her pen. She looked up to see Jiho standing across the table, holding a book.
"You again?" she said, her tone half-annoyed, half-surprised.
Jiho grinned and pulled out a chair. "It's a public library, Rina. I'm allowed to be here."
"What do you want?"
"Nothing. Just curious about what you're working on," he said, craning his neck to peek at her notebook.
Rina instinctively covered it with her arms. "It's nothing."
"Looks like something to me," Jiho said. "Come on, let me see. I'm good at giving feedback."
She hesitated, debating whether to let him in. Finally, she sighed and slid the notebook toward him.
Jiho studied the pages, his brow furrowing as he flipped through her notes.
"So, you're pitching your shop at this event?"
"Maybe," Rina said. "I'm not sure if I'm ready."
"Why not? Your work is amazing. People would love it."
"It's not that simple," she muttered, avoiding his gaze.
Jiho leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You're scared."
Rina stiffened. "I'm not scared."
"Yes, you are," Jiho said, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. "But that's normal. Everyone gets scared before doing something big."
Rina clenched her fists. "I wasn't scared in my old life. I used to close deals that would make kings tremble."
Jiho raised an eyebrow. "Kings, huh? Sounds intense."
Realizing her slip, Rina quickly changed the subject.
"Anyway, this is different. It's not just about making money. It's about proving that I can survive here."
Jiho's smile softened. "Then do it. Prove it to yourself. You've already come this far, haven't you?"
His words struck a chord in her. He made it sound so simple, so attainable.
"I guess…"
"No guessing," Jiho said firmly. "You can do this. And if you need help practicing your pitch, I'm your guy."
Rina blinked at him. "Why would you help me?"
"Because you're my friend," Jiho said with a shrug. "And friends support each other."
The word "friend" lingered in Rina's mind as Jiho returned her notebook.
By the end of the day, Rina had a clearer vision for her pitch.
Jiho's encouragement had lit a fire within her, and for the first time, she felt like she could handle this challenge.
As she walked home, she glanced at the notebook in her hands and smiled.
Maybe, just maybe, she was starting to find her place in this world.