Seoul, nearing twilight—the hour between coffee and neon.
The city felt heavier today. Clouds had rolled in over the rooftops like folded blankets, pressing the light down. A bitter wind bit at her scarf, tugging strands of hair loose. Cha Eunha's feet ached. Seoul always made her feel like she was either chasing something or running from it. Today it was both.
The flyer had been pinned to the bulletin board at the back of her neighborhood convenience store, between an ad for discounted eyelash extensions and a hand-scrawled "lost cat" poster.
> "Office Assistant Needed – Entry Level – Start Immediately"
Hyun Group Co. | 11F, Building 308, Cheonggyecheon-dong
Mon–Fri, light errands, clerical tasks, lunch provided.
Lunch. That was enough.
Eunha turned the corner, eyes catching the subtle shine of the building ahead. It was modest by Gangnam standards, but clean, professional. A quiet pride clung to the stone exterior—Hyun Group, etched in brushed steel. They made… what was it? Design and interior consulting? Maybe architecture? The flyer hadn't said.
She stepped into the tiled lobby. Neutral-toned walls, clean lighting. A sleepy security guard nodded from the front desk, barely glancing up from his phone.
The elevator chimed politely. She stepped in alone.
> "11th floor," she whispered. "Don't mess this up, Cha Eunha."
As the elevator rose, she checked her reflection in the mirrored wall. Her hair was a bit wild from the wind, cheeks wind-bitten pink, but her eyes were sharp, clear. Tired, yes—but ready. She didn't notice the flickering light above. She didn't notice the faint, charred scent seeping in from the cracks.
The elevator gave a soft ding.
Floor 11.
The doors slid open.
A pleasant scent—lemongrass and paper—greeted her. This wasn't some scam or sketchy backroom gig. The lobby had plants. Tasteful art. Glass walls looking into meeting rooms where well-dressed people typed away. Normal. Ordinary. Real.
A petite receptionist looked up, surprised.
> "Yes?" she asked in a polite, clipped tone.
"Uh—Cha Eunha? For the… assistant interview?"
"One moment."
The receptionist typed something, squinted, then smiled slightly.
> "You're early. But they'll see you. Meeting room B. Down the hall, left."
Eunha bowed gratefully and turned.