The Haze

셋

3

Glass Walls

...

I sigh as I look up at the tall glass building, level 32 belonging to Woo Entertainment. 

Yes, I know. Woo Entertainment.

When I had first applied for the job and seen the name, I hadn't been able to stop the chuckle that escaped my lips, despite the dread I had felt in that moment. 

Now however, my knuckles are white as I clutch my bag strap, my heart pounding in my chest.

People are filtering in and out of the revolving glass doors, most if not all are in suits and smart clothing, just like me. 

For all intents and purposes I fit in here just fine, I got the job I applied for, I met my boss over Skype a week ago, I even have a desk in this building just for me. 

Yet why do I feel completely unprepared? Why do I feel like the sore thumb, sticking out where I'm not supposed to be? 

Well, I know why.

I exhale a shaky breath, and start moving. One foot in front of the other, eyes forward, breathing in and out. 

I make it to the 32nd floor and meet with Mr Jang, my supervisor. He explains my job, which is to read books sent in to the company, and decide whether the CEO should buy the rights to produce dramas or films from them.

Just as I would with a patient, I speak clearly, formally and with my best smile. I just pray that I didn't look too constipated. 

And voila, a wooden dest set in a room full of others is assigned to me. Two others are arranged along with it, forming a triangle in the middle. Two women around my age sit at the other desks. 

The one facing me gives a heartwarming smile as I approach, her almond eyes turning into slits as she stands and offers me her hand,

"Annyeonghaseyo [hello], I'm Lee Jin-Seo," I take her hand and bow slightly in greeting. The other turns around to meet me, little pink lips pressed together in amusement,

"Omo [omg]! You must be Luna!" She bows her head too, her bangs bouncing on her forehead as she straightens up, "I'm Bong Ki-Ah, welcome!"

I smile at them both, some of my tension sliding away as I sit down and we begin to chat. I learn that Jin-Seo is my age, whereas Ki-Ah is two years younger. I exhale in relief when they both switch to English instead of Korean, my eyebrows rising up in amusement while my heart stops beating so fast. 

"We will take you out after work today, to celebrate your first day," Ki-Ah nods to herself as she boots up her laptop, taking a cute green pen in the shape of a cactus from her pot and squiggling in her diary. 

Jin-Seo hums in agreement, tucking a strand of brown hair behind her ear as she takes a book from her pile and hands it to me,

"This is a good book to use as practise, before Mr Jang gives you your list later today."

The Stranger in Town 

How fitting. 

"Thank you," I clear my throat and open the book, I suppose I have to start somewhere.

----------------------------

The rest of the day flows quietly. 

As I turn to the back cover of the book, I stretch back in my chair and look around, eyes widening at the realisation that the once brightly overcast sky is now an eerie shade of navy. It dawns on me that I had just spent an entire working day reading a book.

And I got paid for it.

I'm liking South Korea.

"Shall we get going?" Jin-Seo starts packing her things, a friendly smile playing on her lips, "you did well on your first day, lets celebrate."