The Truth About Monsters

Chapter 2: Subservient

It had been two weeks since Rosie had her unceremoniously uncoordinated meet with Jisoo. One week of "playing hard to get" as Lisa had called it, though Rosie reminded her it was Jennie's number that she'd be calling for an interview, not Jisoo's. And Jennie certainly was interested in anything Rosie had to offer. And then it was a week of waiting for the set date to approach. It was agonizing. Rosie spent every second of everyday thinking about Jisoo. She couldn't understand why she found her so enigmatic. At first, Rosie chalked it up to all the tales she'd been told about Jisoo and her business and gang operations. She was ruthless. But Rosie found that her thoughts didn't cease at Jisoo's behavior, but her looks. The wild emerald eyes that made Rosie feel uneasy, legs weak, breathing labored. It was unlike anything she'd felt before. She didn't know what it was.

Jungkook had covered for Rosie at the hospital. Meaning, she'd thrown his name around and everyone got the message that it was okay for Rosie to take a leave of absence. Sehun seemed disappointed and suspicious when she'd broken it to him, but she had no choice.

This was everything that mattered to her. Family, duty, loyalty. She would make it work. She had to. For Mark. For Lisa. For Jungkook, Somi, Chanyeol, Felix, and everything in between. To prove to herself that she wasn't a waste of potential, time, or love.

Whatever Kim Jisoo was going to throw her way, she'd take it. She'd learn from it and report to the Jeons. She'd be a good soldier.

***

Jisoo's building was the real deal.

Inferna Pharmaceuticals, colloquially known as Inferna Corp. was one of the few lasting and great works of architecture in the downtown area. It sported colored brick and classical column driven architecture, like most of the monuments that DC came to be known for. The inside, however, was quite modernized. Rosie would later learn that the building was a great metaphor for Jisoo herself. Not only that, but it was buzzing with workers that cared very little about Rosie's existence, as no heads were turned when she made her way to the first floor receptionist's desk. She felt awkward, carrying a tray of coffees she'd felt inclined to bring for some reason. She felt incredibly stupid, then.

It was there that she was faced with a beautiful, older looking blonde lady, perhaps in her early fifties. Her hair was tied behind her, her work attire crisper than any combination of clothes Rosie owned. Her suit must've costed more than Rosie's rent. And that was after Jungkook's assistance to get her going.

She rose from her seat with a smile, standing to shake Rosie's hand, which had not even been outstretched.

"You must be Dr. Park." The woman smiled through almost pursed lips, as if she were facing a time restraint, and every second Rosie delayed, she would take a pay reduction.

"Hi, yes..." Rosie trailed off oddly. What was one to say in that sort of situation?

"I'm Chaelin, Jennie is expecting you." She spoke swiftly, glancing at her watch. "...two minutes ago, actually."

Rosie bit her lip nervously. She knew stopping to get coffee was a bad idea, but she wanted o make a glowing first impression.

"I thought... Jennie was the secretary..." Rosie suggested casually as Chaelin walked her to the elevator at a brisk pace. Rosie was still in awe of the murals that adorned the walls, the golden outline of the elevator shining at the end of the hall.

Chaelin let out a wry chuckle. "Jennie is the vice president of operations. Try not to forget that, if you'd like a position here. I am no... secretary" She looked scornful, tactlessly expressing her distaste to Rosie. "I'm a shareholder."

Rosie's eyes widened. "Oh. Wow. Thanks, I guess, for helping me out."

Chaelin nodded. "I'm here to help Jisoo make important decisions in such a dire time for her family." She elaborated no further, and Rosie knew better than to ask.