nepenthe • \nuh-PENTH-ee\ •
(𝗻.) something or someone capable of causing
oblivion to grief and misfortune
⸻
For Do Hye-Soo, Jeong Gu Won was her nepenthe.
He dragged her into oblivion from a world of despair,
grief and misfortune with just a sna...
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* * * *
Do Hye-Soo stood gracefully in her elegant Prada Viscose dress, her posture exuding poise and sophistication, as the music reverberated through the opulent venue. The air hummed with energy as the candidates of the 2023 CEO Of The Year Awards in the entertainment sector mingled and conversed, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere in the busy hallway.
Positioned near the drinks table, Hye-Soo charmed the passersby with her disarming smile, her presence lending an air of grace and allure to the event. It was in this moment, amidst the lively chatter and clinking of glasses, that a deep, resonant voice unexpectedly captured her attention
"Anything without caffeine please." He said without bothering to look up from his phone.
As Hye-Soo glanced back at the man, she felt a surge of disdain and frustration bubbling within her. Thoughts churned through her mind like a tempest, prompting her to ponder in disbelief, "Who does he think he is, barging into my world with such audacity?"
Receiving no response, the man finally lifted his gaze from the captivating screen of his phone, only to find himself suddenly taken aback as his eyes met Hye-Soo's enigmatic gaze. As their eyes locked, a moment of palpable tension hung in the air, leaving Hye-Soo with a lingering uncertainty. Was his surprise sparked by recognition of her, or was it because of her apperance.
"Do you trade stocks? I mean, who doesn't, right? If you do, I bet you've heard of Hamyeong Investment and Security. Take it." He began whilst looking in his wallet for a business card. He gestured Hye-Soo to take it from his hand. Hye-Soo, wanting to save him from his own embarrassment decided to play along with whatever he was doing and took the card from his hand.
"There are hundreds of people in line who are waiting for my advice but I'm willing to let you cut the line." He spoke which sounded more flirty than polite.
"The reason being?" Hye-Soo asked.
"You're probably making chump change. All that struggling with rent and bills will age that pretty face of yours and it just breaks my heart. Let me buy you a drink later. Give me your number." He said with a smile and handed his phone to Hye-Soo to type her number in.
By now, Hye-Soo was pissed to say the least but for the sake of this man's own good just typed her assistant's number in and handed it back.
Suddenly, with perfect timing, the announcer commanded the undivided attention of the entire room, his voice cutting through the animated conversations and swirling anticipation. With a commanding presence, he beckoned for the Entertainment CEO of the year to grace the center stage, invoking a palpable hush that settled over the gathered crowd like a soft blanket, all eyes eagerly trained on the forthcoming moment of triumph.
"You can call my secretary regarding any investment inquiries." Hye-Soo said and started preparing herself for the big walk. The man looked absolutely dumb-founded and impressed.
"All that struggling to cover drinks were your mere salary will make you lose your hair quick. It just breaks my heart." Hye-Soo said with sass.
As Hye-Soo gracefully strutted away from the man, her poise exuded an air of elegant confidence, captivating the attention of everyone around her. The pulsating flurry of paparazzi swarmed around her, capturing her every step with an onslaught of blinding camera flashes. Despite the dazzling chaos, Hye-Soo maintained her composed smile, igniting a wildfire of cheers and applause from the enraptured crowd, as if every step she took was a rhythmic dance to the orchestra of admiration.
The announcer exclaimed,
"Mirae Entertainment has had the most votes for two consecutive years. Congratulations, Miss Do Hye-Soo."
Hye-Soo went to the microphone and turned.
"Hello, I'm Do Hye-Soo."
* * * *
The award show felt years away. Hye-Soo sat in the chair of her office visibly stressed as soft echoes of pop music from the practice rooms of her groups/artists danced into her ears. A new article had just been released about one of the artists under Mirae Entertainment that they were allegedly mistreated by the company.
"Find out who did this and show me their schedule." Hye-Soo told her assistant, Mrs. Shin. Mrs. Shin bowed and said obediently, "Yes, ma'am."
Hye-Soo smiled at her and began making her way to the exit to go to Mirae F&B where Do-Hee was.
Then, Hye-Soo's phone rang and she looked to see Do-Hee calling her.
"Speak of the devil." Hye-Soo smiled at the caller ID and picked it up.
"Hye-Soo-ah, are you going on the blind date?" Do-Hee said into the phone. Hye-Soo sighed and in an annoyed tone said,
"Yah, I completely forgot it was today. Shit, and I don't have a solid excuse."
"You should really go on this one, noona."
"Please, as if you go on them yourself."
"I just have a feeling this one might be good. Who knows luck might even be on your side and he might not be a complete asshole."
"Shut up."
"Madam Ju might get upset if you don't go on this one."
And it was as though, Do-Hee had summoned Madam Ju. Hye-Soo got a second call from Madam Ju.
"Look what you've done, Do-Hee. She's calling me." Hye-Soo whined while jumping up a little and she could hear Do-Hee laughing on the other side of the line.
"I hate you, Do Do-Hee."
"I love you too, Do Hye-Soo."
Hye-Soo hang up and picked up Madam Ju's call.
"Do Hye-Soo, are you on your way to the date?" Madam Ju said over the phone.
Hye-Soo cringed quite a little and replied calmly,
"Listen Madam Ju, something came up at work and you know how I hate going on blind dates-"
"That's fine. I hate check-ups too. I'll cancel it. Your work is important." Madam Ju interrupted and Hye-Soo could hear her telling the staff to stop over the phone.
Annoyed, Hye-Soo said,
"Fine. Fine. I'll go on the damn date. Who doesn't want to enjoy a nice meal with an unfamiliar face?"
"That's good." Madamn Ju said satisfied. Hye-Soo hung up and clutched the phone in her hand.
Turning to Mrs. Shin, she asked.
"How long should I stay to avoid being rude?"
"I would say 30 minutes." Mrs. Shin replied professionally.
"I guess I'll sit like a doll for 30 minutes then." Hye-Soo groaned and walked away.
When she was gone, Mrs. Shin whispered to herself.
"I guess you could say Chucky from Child's Play is a doll too, "
