HERSHE || BBANGSAZ ||

1. Newcomer

It was Thursday, 7:57am. A woman was hurrying to get into the elevator before the doors close. Good thing there was a guy who looked back and held the door for her.

She thanks the guy whilst she carefully fits her small frame into the crowd, making sure that the tea-to-go she's holding is still in one piece.

As soon as the doors open to her desired floor, she went out immediately—almost running—trying to make it to her station before the clock strikes eight o'clock.

"Morning, Hanni! On the dot, huh?" a voice from behind said.

Hanni turned around and saw her friend approaching. "Hey, Dani, how are you?"

"Hmm, a bit stressed. My work partner wasn't here for days," said Danielle, making Hanni chuckle. "I'm surprised, though. I thought you'll be on leave until Friday?"

Hanni dropped her bag on the table. "It was only a three-day vacation. I cannot to have a whole week off and attend countless unfinished tasks when I get back. That's suicide."

"Now that you mention it, I have been rendering OTs these last 3 days just to somehow make it up with the clients."

"I'm sorry. I'll have to make it up to you. I promise."

"It's okay. It's nearly the end of the year and you haven't taken a single leave yet. You must unwind from time to time, Hanni. You're so workaholic."

"Not really. I just don't want to take an off and get a double load of work after. It just doesn't make sense."

"Whatever. I'm still glad you took an off. At least."

After successfully logging into her computer, Hanni composed herself, leaning her butt on the table, a tea in her right hand. "So, how are things here?"

Danielle positioned herself beside Hanni. "Well, same old stuff. Client work doesn't seem to stop coming."

Foreseeing the amount of work she needs to handle, Hanni sighed. "I guess we should start doing the articles now. Can you email me all the—"

"Oh, shit." Danielle covers her mouth with a hand, her eyes trailing on something.

Getting interrupted, Hanni followed her friend's line of sight and saw a long-haired woman walking towards the ladies' room. She can't picture out the persons face because of the cap that's almost covering half of her face.

"Isn't she a vision?" asked Danielle.

Hanni opened her mouth but wasn't able to make a word. She glanced back at the ladies' room entrance and then to her friend. "I— I don't—"

"Did you see her face? She's cute, right?" Danielle giggled. "You have to admit, that one is a real hottie."

Hanni grimaced. "Seriously? Danielle, you're asking me that question? You know I don't swing that way."

Danielle sighed. "Okay. I know you're not really into this. But could you please help me with this one? I'd like to get to know her."

"Help you with what?" asked Hanni, confused. "Wait, wait, wait... How long has she been working here? Why didn't I notice her before?"

"She just started this week, Monday. You were on your leave, remember?"

"Oh. I see. Which department?"

"Graphics. Heeseung's department."

"Ahh, that's why you needed my help..." Hanni glares at her friend.

"Exactly. I'm pretty sure Heeseung missed you so much. Why don't we pay him a visit instead?" Danielle wagged her brows.

"I could send him a message and just tell him to come here."