𝑬𝒑𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍 | m.yg. ✓

열넷 :: calm before the storm

Present

The sun was shining brightly above the blue sky and white clouds, painting the earth a bright hue of oranges and yellows. Byeol was dressed up nicely and presentably. A white dress shirt together with a baby blue blazer and a matching slacks adorned her figure. She wore a pair of flats since she wasn't a huge fan of heels. Light makeup and simple shiny earrings complemented her soft featured face. Lastly, her usual wavy and silky hair was in curls, completing the professional yet friendly look she was going for.

She strided across the streets of Seoul, with the documents in her hands, gripping on to them as if her whole life depended on them. The girl let out a deep breath as she turned to a familiar corner, where the publishing company was located.

They could keep on rejecting me and I'll break down all over again but I certainly won't stop until I lose hope. Byeol set her jaw, a determined expression painted across her face.

The familiar tall building came into view, towering above her, along with the trees and other buildings. Her eyes trailed across the exteriors of it before walking over the entrance building.

Though she felt someone's eyes on her, she ignored it, refusing to face any sort of anxiety at that moment. She stroded inside, the warm atmosphere instantly replaced by the cool wind that was coming out of the air conditioners.

The woman in the reception area instantly recognized Byeol, giving a small smile on her way, though it didn't reach her eyes, the event of what occurred ages ago still fresh in her memory.

"Min Byeol, you're back again," she stated more than questioned. "Are you here to...?"

Byeol nodded. "I'm going to apply for my book to be published. A different one, this time."

The woman's lips twitched slightly. "This is your fifth time, dear. Don't you think it's time to...—"

"I will," Byeol cut her off. "If I see no more end at the tunnel. I swear, I will. I appreciate your concern, Hyunjin. But I'll be fine."

"Does your husband know?" she hesitated.

Byeol sighed. "No. I don't have any plan to tell him either. He's stressed enough and I don't want to be a burden to him. I try my best to stand on my own feet."

When the woman stayed silent, chewing her bottom lip with hesitance, Byeol gave her a smile then turned away to the direction of the elevators, not bothering to look back at Hyunjin, who was taking a few deep breaths and praying for her.

Byeol tapped her foot on the floor once she was inside the elevator, anxiety starting to seep through her system as she watched the numbers go up, matching the level of her anxiety. She pushed them back down and forced herself to focus, opting to look at her documents instead since they were the only source at that moment of keeping her together.

The elevator doors dinged open and she stepped out immediately, turning around to approach the familiar office.

She took one last deep breath before placing her cold hand on the handle of the glass door, pulling it open and inviting herself in.

Her eyes trailed up to see Kim Taehyung on his seat, behind his desk, the plaque on top of it shining, as if it was meant to be there to show itself off. Moreover, for the man to show it off.

He was currently busy scanning the pile of documents on his desk, still quite oblivious of the sudden presence of the girl, who cleared her throat.

The man stopped, looking up slowly through his spectacles. His eyes widened slightly before he removed his glasses then settled her gaze back on Byeol, who was now sitting comfortably on a chair on the other side of his desk.

"Min Byeol?" He raised an incredulous eyebrow at her. "It's been awhile. I thought you'd given up considering you were consecutively rejected for seven times."

Byeol's legs twitched at the insensitive remark. "Mr. Kim, you didn't have to spit that in front of me."

"Well, you are one annoying client," he scoffed, leaning his back on his chair, a way to express his annoyance.

"I have a new story."

"So?"

"I want you to read it through. I promise you, it's—"

She was interrupted when the glass door opened and someone came in, abruptly cutting her off.

"Ah, Mr. Kim!" A feminine voice exclaimed behind her. "Good to see you again— oh. Am I interrupting? You have a client?"

"Not really." He grunted.

Byeol turned her head in curiosity to look at the woman and she abuptly halted, her eyes widened and body suddenly frozen in shock.

The female's gaze fell on her and her smirk widened.

"Oh, hello, baby sister," she drawled. "Long time no see."