It was a beautiful day; Clear skies and a brilliant blue with soft drifting clouds, birds chirping, a cool weather and the gentle, warm sun. The perfect weather for a picnic–beautiful, serene and idyllic.
Despite the beauty and peacefulness of the weather, Seol Yoon-ah was anything but at peace. After she had gotten home yesterday, she had been too angry to sleep. Her usual composed and courteous demeanor had been reduced to an angry mess.
She was currently on her way to work. The drive to work was heavy with silence, mirroring the storm brewing inside her. Her expression was taut yet blank, her mood volatile enough that the slightest provocation could trigger an outburst.
When she'd heard about what Lee jihye and Yoo Minseo had said about Jisoo, she had gotten angry.
Why would someone I have no business with just choose to toy with me? She had thought about this all night long. It baffled her how someone she barely interacted with could go out of her to make her work life a mess.
"But then again, I should have known that sh*tty people like my bullies from highschool could be found everywhere, anytime." she grunted, smacking her hands on the wheel, causing the car horn to blare.
When she thought about her few years in highschool and the bullies who had gone out of their way to make it a misery for her, she realized that Jisoo was no different from them.
The only difference this time is that she would show Baek Jisoo her place. The Seol Yoonah of her teenage years that silently swallowed insults and jeers was no more. She nodded with conviction at the thought of it.
Her car glided smoothly into the parking lot. With practiced ease, She parked the car and turned off the ignition. A quiet stillness filled the vehicle. For a moment, she just sat there, hands resting lightly on the steering wheel. She stared at her reflection in the rearview mirror.
Her jaw tightened.
Yoon-ah's gaze fixed on the rearview mirror.
Her reflection stared back, unreadable, but she knew herself well enough to see the restrained anger beneath the blank expression. A quiet, simmering irritation. She wasn't sad, nor was she shaken. No, she was pissed.
With a deliberate motion, she reached up, adjusting her sleek black hair, tucking a loose strand behind her ear. Then, she smoothed down the collar of her blazer, ensuring every part of her appearance was immaculate. If people were going to talk, she would at least make sure she looked perfect while they did.
Her lips curled—not in amusement, but in a small, knowing smile.
"Let them talk," she murmured under her breath. "I'll deal with it my way."
Taking a final glance at her reflection, she straightened her posture and inhaled deeply. Composure. Control. Confidence. She had survived worse; she wouldn't let petty gossip shake her.
With that final thought, she pushed open the door, stepping out into the crisp morning air. Her heels clicked against the pavement as she shut the door behind her, the sound sharp and precise.
The rhythmic click of Seol Yoon-ah's heels against the polished floor echoed through the lobby as she passed the entrance, exuding a quiet confidence.
The morning light filtered through the glass doors, casting a sharp glow on her sleek black ensemble—a tailored black ensemble of sharp elegance; a fitted blazer, flowing A-line skirt, and a bold lilac scarf, that gave off vintage aristocratic vibes with modern allure.
Her emotions were in check. The anger from before? Still there, simmering beneath the surface, but controlled. She wasn't about to let Baek Jisoo see even a crack in her composure.
As soon as she stepped inside, her gaze went straight to the receptionist desk. There she was, a woman, back turned toward her, dressed neatly in the standard company receptionist uniform– The same tailored beige blazer with a single button, paired with a matching pencil skirt. Her shoulder length hair nodding enthusiastically, as if she were in a good mood.
So, you're feeling all high and mighty after doing something terrible, huh? She wondered, eyes narrowed.
Yoon-ah didn't hesitate. Her strides were purposeful, unwavering. She was ready to end this nonsense once and for all.
But just as she reached the desk, the woman turned around.
It wasn't Baek Jisoo.
The face that greeted her was unfamiliar—soft features, bright eyes, and an eager smile that didn't match the venom she had prepared for. She was the total opposite of Baek Jisoo.
"Good morning!" The new receptionist greeted her cheerfully. "How may I help you?" She leaned forward, eyes wide with strong eye contact and raised eye brows.
Yoon-ah blinked, caught off guard for the first time that morning. The taut expression she had maintained loosened ever so slightly.
"…Nothing, I work here." she replied smoothly, recovering in an instant. Then, after a beat, she asked, "Where is Baek Jisoo?"
The receptionist's face lit up. "Oh! She took the day off today." She gestured toward her name tag with a slight tilt of her chin. "I actually just started today—Han Chaeri. It's nice to meet you!"
Yoon-ah glanced down, reading the name before returning a polite nod. "Welcome to the company. I hope you settle in well."
"Thank you, sunbae!" Han Chaeri beamed, clearly appreciative of the encouragement.
Yoon-ah gave her a small, unreadable smile before turning away.
As she walked toward the elevators, her mind was already spinning.
Baek Jisoo took the day off?
Coincidence?