🔔 "Cling cling cling..." The blaring alarm clock pierced through the silence of the room, jolting Lee U Jin awake.
😤 "Oh, my godddd! How can I manage to get late every time I have a special day? No, not today! I hate you so much, U Jin!" I muttered as I hurriedly got out of bed. Today was different; I had a crucial contract signing with the prestigious Vividus Company. Somehow, I had landed the role of the private psychotherapist for the chairman, Mr. Kim Won Hee.
🌪️ In a frenzy, I raced against time, battling stubborn shampoo bottles and searching for my essentials. "My bag, my phone, and what else? No time, U Jin, run!" I exclaimed, dashing out of my apartment and into my car.
🚗 Surprisingly, I managed to arrive on time, patting myself on the back for my miraculous time-management skills. The Vividus Company's towering 21-storied building loomed impressively before me, a testament to my new professional endeavor.
🏢 Navigating through the colossal revolving door, I found myself in the sleek lobby facing a courteous receptionist.
👩💼 "How may I help you, ma'am?" the receptionist inquired.
👩💼 "I'm Lee U Jin. I'm here to meet Mr. Jung Dae Woon regarding the psychotherapy contract for Mr. Kim Woon Hee."
😊 The receptionist smiled, "Mr. Dae Woon has requested you to go to the 11th floor to discuss the contract. Please allow me to guide you there."
🦋 As butterflies fluttered in my stomach, I followed the receptionist to the elevator. The pristine cleanliness of the building didn't escape my notice, adding to the overall aura of professionalism.
🕰️ On the 11th floor, I finally met Mr. Jung Dae Woon. Nervously, we exchanged pleasantries, impressed by his charming and professional demeanor. As we sat in his office, he handed me the contract.
📜 "These are the terms. You'll be required from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, and there's room for a monthly salary raise based on your performance," he explained.
🧐 Taking a closer look, I found additional clauses in the contract:
Confidentiality Agreement: The therapist agrees to maintain strict confidentiality regarding all information disclosed by the client during sessions.
Performance Metrics: Monthly performance evaluations will be conducted, determining the therapist's effectiveness and dedication to the client's well-being.
Professional Development: The therapist commits to continuous professional development and staying updated with the latest psychotherapy techniques.
Termination Clause: Either party can terminate the contract with a one-month notice period or in case of a serious breach.
Salary Details: The therapist's starting monthly salary will be $X, with a provision for an annual review for potential increments based on performance.
Emergency Protocol: In the event of a crisis or emergency situation involving the client, the therapist agrees to be available for consultation and intervention outside regular working hours.
🤝 After a brief review, I agreed, "The terms seem very convenient. When can I meet the client?"
🗣️ "Mr. Won Hee is currently not in the company. You can meet him tomorrow," Mr. Dae Woon informed.
😌 Despite my eagerness to meet the client, I accepted the arrangement. "Huh, U Jin, never mind. You can do it," I whispered to myself as I left the room.
🏡 Since my day was saved and I found myself with plenty of time, I decided to visit my mom and dad. After spending a few hours with them, I bid my farewells.
🕘 "Ahhh, it's already 9:00 pm. I should get going. Bye, everyone! Love you."
🚦 The traffic was surprisingly light, and I reached home within 15 minutes. However, as I pulled into the driveway, I realized my car was on the verge of running out of petrol.
🌑 The alley leading to my house became particularly dark at night, adding an extra layer of eeriness to my isolated location. To make matters worse, my sister's habit of barging into my house and creating chaos led me to change my house password recently. The problem? I had saved it on my phone, which I accidentally left at my parent's house.
😫 "Wait! Oh hell no! How could I leave my phone at my parent's house? Now what do I do? Dang it!" I muttered to myself, frantically trying to recall the password. "Was it 67854? Maybe 67944 or 6789..."
⛽ As my tension mounted, I noticed my car's fuel gauge dipping dangerously low. With both my phone and petrol running out, I felt a sense of helplessness. Just then, I heard footsteps approaching.
😨 I couldn't quite decipher my feelings – was I relieved to get help or scared of the situation unfolding? Deciding to be brave, I called out, "Excuse me!"
🧑 The stranger looked startled, his face adorned with question marks. "Yes?"
📱 "Could you please lend me your phone for a moment? I'm stuck outside my house."
🤐 He remained silent, staring at me without any expression. After a few moments, he finally responded, "Yeah, sure."
📞 I dialed my mom immediately, feeling a mix of gratitude and embarrassment. Even though we were unlikely to meet again, I couldn't shake the urge to know his name for helping me in a difficult situation.
🙏 "Thank you so much for your help. If we meet someday, I'll surely pay back your kindness."
👍 "Yeah, okay, if we meet," he replied in a sweet tone.
👩💼 "By the way, my name is Lee U Jin."
👨💼 "I'm Choi Dong Hoon."
🤝 As we exchanged names, there was a fleeting connection, a brief encounter in the night that left me with a sense of gratitude and curiosity.