Beautiful Dreamer

2. Hide And Seek

"We maintain a very high level of professionalism, considering we are at the very top of our game. Our editorial department has done a fantastic job, and I shall expect the same efficiency level whether you are a newbie or not. I am the department head, and my colleague here is the design team leader. Our competitor is the finance department; therefore, this year, we will maintain our crown by defeating them yet again. I understand you are new staff, but for you to be recruited means you are professionals by right; therefore, the level of efficiency and work ethic should be maintained at all times."

"Ari, you're scaring them." Mun leaned closer to his friend and work colleague and then whispered, "They are going to see you as the picky monster of a boss, but if you ask me, I think you are lovely."

A light chuckle was heard from the crowd amongst the new staff, and disappeared just as quickly. Ari tried to find the source of it. However, everyone appeared to avoid her gaze, and their heads bent lower in respect or fear. Ari couldn't tell.

"Ignore this fool. He may have a rotten sense of humour. However, it's backed up well by handwork and resilience; therefore, do not be complaisant. I'm I understood?"

The crowd of about fifteen staff replied in unison, their eyes drifting to look at Mun, who, to them, was far more approachable than Ari.

"Most of you will be used as supporting staff until we find suitable roles for you. All that will be dependent on your skills and how you perform. Still, I urge you to put your best foot forward since some of you might receive a permanent contract while others will have to walk away, taking in experience from our company. For now, team leader Mun shall call your names, and each of you will proceed to the respective departments assigned to you. I look forward to working with you."

"Thank you," Mun said, then took over the orientation while Ari proceeded to her office. She was feeling a little hangover, which fueled her irritable mood, and she almost felt guilty for coming out too strong in front of the new employees. Even so, she still showed up for work despite Mun discouraging her from doing so.

"I can take over the introduction while you get some rest. It's only for a day anyway."

"No. I never miss such moments. Besides, I'm not one of those departmental heads whom you never get to meet and only bump into them in the lift. I have to do this so I won't have to go introducing myself to them one by one."

"I can't wait to go home," Ari mumbled to herself, but within minutes, she was so deeply submerged in her work that she forgot about her lingering headache. Just then, Mun burst into her office, insisting they do a familiarization dinner with the new staff. "It's important to address everyone by name; this is the best way to get acquainted quickly."

"No. I'm going to drive straight home once I'm done here. Just report back to me everyone's strengths and weaknesses. That information will be useful when the time comes for us to split them up into other departments."

"How come you are always like this to the new staff? It's as if I'm dealing with two versions of you, and it's exhausting keeping up."

"This is work. Once we clock out, another me awakens. You should be used to this by now. Besides, I don't want anyone to think I got here by sheer luck when I work my life off to keep this company afloat."

"Well, you do have a reputation for being the mean menace."

"And you are too laid back at work to make such a casual comment in front of everyone. Can you be serious for once and leave my office? Time is money."

"Actually, I have a good reason to be here," Moon spoke with a mischievous grin as he walked over and sat on the couch in his friend's office. "I've completed my preliminary duties as team leader and handed the new staff to respective staff buddies. Nonetheless, a certain file landed in my hands. On it, a familiar name and face attached."

Ari seemed irritated. "You are wasting work hours."

"So impatient." Mun laughed. Remember when I told you to be a little congenial with the new staff? Turns out there is one who was hiding quite well amongst the crowd. A guy named Rey." Mun grinned when Ari stiffened. "Did I tell you his second name is not 'babe'?"

"Oh no!" Ari panicked. "D-did he follow me here?"

"Why would he? It's merely a coincidence he is one of the new recruits. I was thinking you could make him your personal assistant and have a second go at introducing yourself properly."

"This is no laughing matter! Mun, you said I'll never see him again!"

"Hush now, will you, lest someone outside hears you expose your perverted side yet again."

"He is going to blabber to everyone..."

"That's why I told you to be nice to new staff. Look at you trembling in fear."

"Where is his file? I want to peruse his resume and everything about his past..."

Mun laughed aloud, his carefree nature irritating Ari further. "Everything is under the human resource department's jurisdiction. But if you want to know about the guy, why don't you ask him? He might agree to date you if you don't blatantly introduce yourself the way you did. Too forward for my taste if you ask me."

"You are incorrigible." Ari frowned further. "Didn't you see his face? He was disgusted by me."

"Yea. I saw it all right. He must be a conservative. That's why I pity you."