CHAPTER-1 : ONE DAY AT HOME

-EUN HANA

 I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing, signaling the start of a new day. It was my mother calling, and as usual, it seemed I was in for her "get a job at a company" sermon. I didn't want to answer the phone, but I knew if I didn't, she would be at my door in a matter of ten minutes.

 After graduating from university and returning to Seoul, I had told my family that I wanted to move out so I could focus on my novels. Since then, I've been living just a stone's throw away from them. My family had allowed me to move out, and they had even rented a house for me. What a thoughtful gesture, isn't it? They had given me the attic of their own house. It's ironic, isn't it? A four-story family apartment building, and my apartment is in the attic.

 As soon as I answered the phone, my mother's yelling began. I stepped out onto the balcony and glanced down at the balcony below, where my mother stood, glaring at me with wide, angry eyes. I forced a fake smile and said, "Yes, yes, today I'll send my CV to a few companies." In truth, this would be the first time I did so. My inspiration has been lacking lately, making writing books incredibly difficult. Occasionally, I help out at my uncle's flower shop located below our apartment. Other than that, at the age of 28, I can't really say I'm contributing much. So, today, I'll do some research and apply for open positions at a few companies.

 After talking to my mother, I prepared breakfast for myself and turned on the television to watch while eating. As I enjoyed my breakfast, I also kept up with the entertainment news. A familiar face appeared on the screen. Kang Dae, whom I didn't get along with very well in high school, had taken over his family's business. I wasn't surprised because he had always been arrogant in high school, but he still managed to graduate at the top of his class. I paused for a moment and thought this could be a sign. Yes, maybe we didn't get along well back then, but it had been over a decade since. We didn't have any lingering animosity towards each other, except for his rejection, of course. Yes, I had made such a foolish mistake. No matter how much time passed, it still lingered in my mind like it was yesterday.

Ten Years Ago, When Eun Hana Was In High School:

"Hey, look over there! Isn't that Eun Hana? What does she think she's doing? I can't believe it. I think Eun Hana is ask for a date Kang Dae."

"No way, really? Step aside, let me see."

"Well Kang Dae, I don't want you to feel pressured, but I wanted to ask if you would like to date me. What do you think?"

Kang Dae looked around and then pushed his hair back with his left hand. He gave me a condescending look and took the box of cookies I handed him and threw it on the floor. Then he took a step towards me and leaned in close to my ear and said:

''The whole school is watching us right now. My whole image is ruined because an ugly girl like you asked me a date. I don't know how you plan to take responsibility for this, but you better not be seen in my eyes again.'' Then he walked away without looking back. I was stunned.

However, looking at the present day, Kang Dae must be twenty-eight years old, and I believe he must have changed since then. So, I'll take this as an opportunity to send a CV to his company as if I didn't know about it. Yes, this may make me appear a bit audacious, but I have no other choice. I need to grasp onto the opportunities I have at the moment.

My editor had warned me that if I didn't write and submit a novel to him within this year, he wouldn't work with me again. At least securing this job would provide me with stability, and if I were accepted, I could potentially draw inspiration from the people in the company for my writing.

With great excitement, I quickly rushed to my computer. After pulling up my oversized sweatpants a bit, tying up my hair, putting on my glasses, I immediately started filling out a CV.

About an hour had passed, and I had completed the CV. Now, all that remained was finding their email addresses and sending them an email. When I visited the company's website, Kang Dae's photos immediately caught my eye. After sending my CV, I continued examining them. "He's grown so much taller since I last saw him," I murmured to myself.

Then, unable to contain my excitement, I began browsing through his social media accounts. I found myself stalking him for a couple of hours. During that time, I learned many things about him, from his zodiac sign to his personal life. He has a girlfriend, and they celebrated their second anniversary last month. Wow, was Kang Dae the type of person to have a relationship that lasted that long?

to be continued...