Chapter 6: Chaeyoung

The storm approached with much caution, not wanting to disturb the placid body of water beneath it.

***

Who'd have thought that an actual office tour could be so tiring? Ms. Park (from HR, not Jihyo-my boss) has been introducing me to people from different departments left and right since 9 a.m. And it's not even that big of an office! From what I understand, we're about one-hundred people, but majority of them are only contractual workers. Within that number, there are only five of us in Creatives.

Carl, of course, is my fellow artist. His presence alone has made the entire ordeal bearable. At least I don't have to start from scratch in building connections. He maintained his easygoing ways ever since I met him at an org party in art school. To be honest, I still can't wrap my head around the fact that he'll be married to Suh-yeon, my dormmate.

Jihyo is, so far, a cool boss. I mean, she's very accommodating, but maybe that's just me; my other teammates seem to get her ire during brainstorming. Maybe Jihyo's just kind to me since I'm new here.

Dahyun, our video editor is very loud and inquisitive. She asked me a load of questions during my first day. It seems like she's into rap as well, so that's already one thing we have in common.

Mina, however, intimidates me. Her tone sounds so indifferent (even when she tried to offer me some gimbap yesterday). And her eyes-her eyes! Why does it look like she's perpetually glaring?! Maybe she dislikes me from that stint I pulled in McDonald's last week, I don't know. I have to be careful around her-who knows what she's capable of doing?

It's okay, it's okay-Umma did tell me that my goal as an employee is to perform my duties; making friends along the way is just a bonus.

***

Even though I dislike the smell of tobacco burning, I always accompany Carl during his breaks at the rooftop. If you ask me, it's like a giant ashtray, what with all the employees who go up there for a smoke. I just need to be with someone I can let loose naturally with.

Carl notices my constant swatting of smoke from every direction, so he keeps his distances and faces towards the cityscape-the setting sun highlighting his prominent nose and golden curls.

"This is bad for you, Chaengie," he says, holding out his stick.

"Yet you're still doing it."

"I meant secondhand smoke-don't they say it's worse?"

I shrug. "Don't worry-once I make friends here, I'm ditching you in an instant."

He chuckles, the cancerous fog slowly seeping out between his teeth. "Well, it better be Dahyun, since Mina might have a relapse," Carl suggests.

Why am I suddenly confused, as to whether the idea of a smoking Mina is gross or sexy? "By the way, what is up with her? It's like she's always angry with everyone!"

Carl laughs boisterously, as if he was just waiting for me to bring it up. "Welcome to the club. I remember the time she told me 'Good job, Carl'-I wasn't sure if she was being sincere or sarcastic. But, as opposed to how many of the people here perceive her, Mina's actually cool. It's just her default expression; I mean we've seen her laugh and actually get angry a few times already."

"I guess you're right-it's just something I can't visualize at this point." It's true-it sounds like a myth.

"How's Somi, by the way? Haven't heard from her since I left."

I wish I could say that he shouldn't ask me, but the would be suspicious of me. "Oh, you know...just being busy with her job at a research firm." It's not a lie, anyway-that's all I know.

***

One thing that's quite relaxing about our workspace is that, nearing the end of the day, we can just relax and do whatever. Board games, browsing, gossip, snacking-you name it.

"Chaeyoung-ssi, how are you enjoying so far? Is everyone good to you here?" Jihyo asks with her wide-eyed glory.

I nod and look at everyone around the table. Everyone is all smiles at me...except Mina. Seriously, what is with this girl?!

"Don't worry, you got here at an opportune time, wherein the current amount of work is just about right," our boss adds with a grin.

"Sunbaenim, why're you assuring her like that? She might panic," Dahyun complains, as Jihyo just chuckles in response.

"Relax, your first job isn't hard at all. How do you feel about designing greeting cards?"

"Exciting. I liked making those for my family and friends when I was younger," I answer Jihyo, who clasps her hands in delight.

"That's great to know, because tomorrow that's what you'll be working on..."

Well, at least that shouldn't be too daunting for a novice such as myself.

"...with Mina, our sole writer," Jihyo adds.

Suddenly, it feels like the room got colder as I turn to look at the Japanese girl sitting across from me. The little smile on her face and her dead eyes send chills. Or is it the blasted airconditioning system?