The Seoul sunrise bathed So Jin's traditional home in a warm glow. Over a breakfast of bulgogi and rice, So Jin eyed Hikari.
"Twenty candidates today. Lead the interviews. I'll watch."Hikari swallowed her nerves. "I won't mess this up."He smirked. "You won't."They arrived at the tourism office by 9 a.m., where a line of eager applicants snaked through the lobby. Hikari sat at the panel table, So Jin beside her, his presence calm but commanding. The interviews began.The Interviews
Candidate 1: Min-soo, 28, Historian
Min-soo adjusted his glasses, clutching a worn notebook. "I specialize in Goryeo dynasty history. Tourists love stories of ancient kings."
Hikari leaned forward. "What's a lesser-known site you'd show them?"
He smiled. "The ruins of Manwoldae Palace in Kaesong. It's raw, untouched—shows the heart of old Korea."
So Jin nodded slightly. Hikari asked, "Can you handle a group of 30 in a storm?"
Min-soo hesitated. "I… prefer smaller groups."
Hikari jotted a note. "Solid knowledge, needs confidence," she whispered to So Jin. He agreed. Min-soo was shortlisted.
Candidate 2: Ji-yeon, 34, Food Blogger
Ji-yeon's energy filled the room. "I've eaten at every street stall in Busan. Food is culture!"
Hikari smiled. "Favorite dish to introduce tourists to?"
"Haemul pajeon," Ji-yeon said. "Seafood pancakes, paired with makgeolli. It's a story on a plate."
So Jin raised an eyebrow. "What if a tourist has allergies?"
She didn't miss a beat. "I'd pivot to vegan banchan—side dishes are Korea's soul."
Hikari whispered, "She's quick." So Jin nodded. Ji-yeon was in.Candidate 3: Dong-hyun, 45, Former Park Ranger
Dong-hyun's weathered hands spoke of years outdoors. "I've hiked every trail in Seoraksan National Park."
Hikari asked, "What's a hidden gem there?"
"A waterfall called Biryong. Tourists miss it, but it's sacred to locals."
So Jin spoke up. "How do you handle a lost tourist?"
"Stay calm, track their steps, use landmarks. I've done it twice."
Hikari exchanged a look with So Jin. "He's experienced," she said. Dong-hyun made the list.Candidate 4: Soo-jin, 22, Art Student
Soo-jin fidgeted, her portfolio trembling. "I… I draw Korea's temples for Instagram."
Hikari softened. "Why guiding?"
"To share the beauty I see—Gyeongbokgung's colors at dawn are magical."
So Jin's voice was firm. "Can you manage a tight schedule?"
She faltered. "I-I'm still learning time management."
Hikari noted, "Passionate but green." So Jin shook his head. Pass.
Candidate 5: Tae-woo, 38, Ex-Tour Operator
Tae-woo's suit was crisp, his tone confident. "I ran tours in Jeju for a decade. I know every cave."
Hikari tested him. "What's a unique Jeju experience?"
"Night diving at Seongsan Ilchulbong. The stars reflect on the water."
So Jin asked, "Ever dealt with a rude client?"
Tae-woo grinned. "Once calmed a shouting CEO with a free soju shot."
Hikari laughed. "He's good," she whispered. Tae-woo was selected.
Candidates 6-9: A mixed bag—two were too nervous, stumbling over basic history; one bragged about "VIP tours" but lacked depth; another knew folklore but froze under pressure. None made the cut.
Candidate 10: Jae-ho, 27, Language Expert
Jae-ho sauntered in, his grin too smooth. "Fluent in English, Mandarin, Japanese," he said, eyes on Hikari. "You must make every tour… unforgettable."
Hikari stiffened. "What's your approach to guiding?"
He leaned closer. "Personalized. I'd show you Seoul's best spots—maybe over dinner?"
So Jin's chair creaked as he stood, his voice ice. "Get out."
Jae-ho blinked. "I was just—"
"Now," So Jin said, his glare lethal. Jae-ho grabbed his resume and fled.
Hikari exhaled, her cheeks pink. "Thanks," she muttered.
So Jin sat, jaw tight. "Next."
Candidate 11: Eun-ji, 50, Retired Teacher
Eun-ji's voice was warm. "I taught history for 25 years. I love sharing Korea's soul."
Hikari asked, "Favorite story to tell?"
"The legend of Hwarang warriors. Their honor inspires even kids."
So Jin tested her. "Can you manage a group of teens?"
She laughed. "I've tamed worse."
Hikari smiled. "She's a keeper." Eun-ji was in.
Candidate 12: Hyun-woo, 29, Adventure Guide
Hyun-woo's energy was infectious. "I lead kayak tours on the Han River."
Hikari asked, "What's unique about it?"
"Sunset views from the water—Seoul's skyline feels alive."
So Jin said, "What if a kayak flips?"
"I've trained in rescue. Everyone's safe with me."
Hikari nodded. "He's solid." Hyun-woo made the list.
Candidates 13-16: One was too pushy, another lacked cultural knowledge, and two were decent but forgettable. All passed.
Candidate 17: Mi-ra, 42, Storyteller
Mi-ra's eyes sparkled. "I tell folktales at festivals—tourists eat it up."
Hikari asked, "Example?"
"The tale of the Gumiho at Bulguksa Temple. It's haunting."
So Jin said, "Can you adapt for different ages?"
"Kids get a playful version; adults get the dark one."
Hikari whispered, "She's versatile." Mi-ra was selected.
Candidate 18: Seung-min, 31, Photographer
Seung-min showed stunning photos of Korea's countryside. "I capture what tourists miss."
Hikari asked, "How do you guide with that?"
"I teach them to see—angles, light, stories in every frame."
So Jin asked, "Can you lead without tech?"
Seung-min nodded. "Just my voice and a path."
Hikari said, "He's unique." Seung-min was in.
Candidate 19: Yeon-ji, 26, Language Student
Yeon-ji was nervous but earnest. "I'm studying Russian and Korean culture."
Hikari asked, "Why tourism?"
"To connect people. I'd show Russians our hanbok traditions."
So Jin said, "What if they don't listen?"
"I'd make it fun—try on hanboks, they'd love it."
Hikari smiled. "She's creative." Yeon-ji made the cut.
Candidate 20: Kwang-ho, 55, Former Fisherman
Kwang-ho's hands were calloused. "I worked Jeju's seas for 30 years."
Hikari asked, "What would you show tourists?"
"Haenyeo divers. Their strength is Korea's pride."
So Jin asked, "Can you handle long hours?"
Kwang-ho chuckled. "I've fished through storms."
Hikari nodded. "He's authentic." Kwang-ho was selected.
By noon, they'd chosen ten: Min-soo, Ji-yeon, Dong-hyun, Tae-woo, Eun-ji, Hyun-woo, Mi-ra, Seung-min, Yeon-ji, and Kwang-ho. Hikari felt a rush of pride. So Jin gave her a rare smile. "You led well."
The Board Meeting
They headed to the executive boardroom, the air thick with tension. So Jin took the head of the table, Hikari at his side.
The board members, still shaken from yesterday, sat stiffly."We're expanding to India," So Jin said. "I'm meeting Pushpodhar Roy next week—timber merchant, hotel tycoon, jewelry empire. His network will open India's market for us.
"Mr. Kim ventured, "An alliance?"
"Yes," So Jin said.
"Hotels, guides, festivals—Roy's connections are key." He turned to Hikari. "You're coming."
Her eyes widened. "India?"
"You wanted the world," he said, smirking.
"Start here."
She nodded, excitement overriding nerves. "I'm ready."
The board agreed, and the meeting ended swiftly.
The Street Restaurant
That evening, So Jin led Hikari to a lively Seoul street, neon lights buzzing.
They settled into "Kim's Kimchi House," a cozy spot with sizzling pans.
"Best kimchi ever," So Jin said, sliding into a booth. Hikari followed, intrigued. The owner, Mr. Kim, greeted So Jin warmly, setting down kimchi and rice."Jin's back!"
Mr. Kim laughed. "Brought a friend this time?"
Hikari took a bite, her eyes lighting up. "This is incredible."
So Jin leaned back. "This place started it all. Mr. Kim's stories about travelers craving real food gave me the idea—restaurants, hotels, tourism. It's about connection."Hikari listened, chopsticks paused. "You built all this… from a kimchi stall?"
He nodded. "Small beginnings, big dreams."
Mr. Kim chuckled. "This guy's heart's bigger than his wallet."
Hikari watched So Jin, his passion breaking through his cool facade.
Her chest tightened—something more than admiration stirred.
Back at the House
Night fell, the koi pond outside So Jin's home shimmering under moonlight.
They laid out separate futons on the tatami floor, the silence heavy.
Hikari stared at the ceiling. He stood up for me today. Why does that feel so… big?
So Jin, facing the wall, clenched his fist. That guy's flirting… Why did it hit me so hard?
Their breathing slowly synced, the quiet binding them. Sleep came, carrying dreams of India's vibrant chaos and each other's unspoken thoughts
.…To be continued…