The hum of office chatter and clacking keyboards filled the air as another workday unfolded.
Coffee cups were scattered across desks.
Printers buzzed, spitting out reports.
Emails flooded inboxes faster than anyone could read them.
For Lee Jihoon, it was just another ordinary day at work.
He leaned back in his chair, sipping his coffee, scrolling through his emails.
Everything felt routine—until a familiar sound rang in his ears.
Ding!
A system notification popped up before his eyes.
[New Kindness Challenge]
Someone is struggling emotionally. Offer them encouragement.
Reward: 18,000 KRW
Jihoon blinked.
Emotionally?
His eyes casually scanned the office.
Everyone seemed busy, but no one looked particularly distressed.
Kevin was watching YouTube videos while pretending to work.Minji, the intern, looked relaxed, happily chatting with a coworker.His boss was too busy yelling at a spreadsheet to be in emotional distress.
Jihoon frowned.
This challenge didn't seem to be about someone in the office.
Then, he remembered—
Kindness didn't have to be in-person.
Maybe… this was about someone online.
Jihoon unlocked his phone and opened social media.
His feed was full of the usual things:
Random memes.News updates.People complaining about their jobs.
As he scrolled, one post stood out.
A well-known indie artist, Park Sena, had posted something worrying.
Park Sena (@sena_art):
"Lately, I've been feeling like my art isn't good enough. No matter how much I try, I feel like I'm falling behind everyone else. Maybe I should take a break… or just stop altogether."
Jihoon's fingers hovered over the screen.
He had seen this artist's work before.
She wasn't famous, but her art often appeared on his feed—beautiful digital paintings of nature, warm tones, and soothing landscapes.
Her work always gave off a comforting, peaceful vibe.
And now, she was doubting herself?
Jihoon exhaled slowly.
This wasn't just a random complaint.
She was genuinely struggling.
And if no one told her otherwise…
She might actually stop creating.
Jihoon took a moment to think before he started typing.
Jihoon typed carefully, choosing his words with purpose.
@sena_art
"Hey, I've always loved seeing your art on my feed. You create something that brings warmth to people, even strangers like me.
I know it's easy to compare yourself to others, but just remember—art isn't a race. It's an expression of what makes you unique.
You've already inspired more people than you probably realize. Don't let doubt take that away from you."
He read over his words one last time.
Would this help?
Maybe. Maybe not.
But at the very least…
She would know that someone noticed her, appreciated her, and believed in her.
Jihoon tapped send.
Ding!
[Kindness Opportunity Completed!]
Reward: 18,000 KRW
Jihoon felt a small smile tug at his lips.
Now, all he could do was wait.
Hours passed.
Jihoon had almost forgotten about the post as he got caught up in work.
Then—
Buzz.
A new notification appeared on his phone.
Park Sena (@sena_art) replied to your comment!
Curious, Jihoon clicked on it.
Park Sena:
**"Thank you so much for this. I really needed to hear it today. I didn't think anyone noticed my work that much, but your words mean a lot.
I won't give up. I'll keep drawing. Thank you, truly. ❤️"**
Jihoon felt warmth spread through his chest.
It was just a few words.
A simple message.
But to someone who needed it, it had made a difference.
Ding!
[Bonus Reward Unlocked!]
You've inspired someone to continue their passion.
+5,000 KRW
Jihoon chuckled.
The system really valued kindness in every form.
As Jihoon put his phone down, Kevin peered at him suspiciously.
"You're smiling again," Kevin said.
Jihoon smirked. "That's illegal now?"
Kevin narrowed his eyes. "You've been acting weird lately. Are you secretly a monk?"
Jihoon laughed. "Not quite."
Kevin leaned forward. "Then what is it? Are you secretly running a motivational blog?"
Jihoon rolled his eyes. "Maybe."
Kevin sighed dramatically. "You've become suspiciously thoughtful. Like, where is the sarcastic Jihoon I used to know?"
Jihoon shrugged. "Maybe I just enjoy making people's day better."
Kevin stared at him.
Then, without warning, he gasped loudly.
"Oh no," he clutched his chest. "My friend has been replaced by a kind, thoughtful person! Where is the real Jihoon?!"
Jihoon shook his head, laughing. "Idiot."
Kevin grinned. "We'll see how long this 'good guy act' lasts."
Jihoon smirked. "Forever, probably."
Kevin snorted. "Well, I guess it's not a bad thing."
Jihoon simply took another sip of coffee, letting the moment pass in quiet amusement.
That night, Jihoon checked his phone one last time before bed.
Park Sena had posted a new artwork.
A beautiful sunrise painting, with the caption:
"New beginnings. Thank you to everyone who reminded me that my art has meaning. I'll keep going. ☀️"
Jihoon smiled as he scrolled through the comments.
Many people had responded, offering encouragement, support, and appreciation for her work.
And all it had taken…
Was one small message.
Ding!
[Daily Kindness Reflection]
"A few kind words can change someone's entire day. You never know who needs encouragement—so don't hesitate to remind people of their worth."
Jihoon exhaled slowly, closing his phone.
A small act.
A big impact.
And he was glad he had done it.
One small act at a time.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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