Stay Stay Stay ||Choi Yeonjun||

11

"Can I go first, if you don't mind? "

I look up at Cha Siwon who had a cheshire Cat grin on her face. Not wanting to go ahead and enrage her I accept. It won't matter anyways. I'm very confident in myself after working and tweaking my design over the last two days and I wouldn't let her ruin today.

This is my chance to show them, Cha Siwon, Mr. Choi, my old boss, Kim Dawon and his posse of office clowns. I'm Chae Ahrin, I would never give up.

At 11, with shaky and clammy hands, I entered the conference room. Some nervous energy did seep in, but I tried to stay optimistic. Bora sits beside me, talking to me in hushed tones about her designs. She had been really excited about this, hoping to meet the 'Epitome of Sexy, abs like washboard Mr. Min' once, her words not mine.

Mr. Choi enters with Hueningkai in tow, talking in hushed urgent tones. They take their seats, while Mr. Choi addresses the room.

"We will wait for a few more moments, as we are expecting the presence of CEO Mr. Park along with Mr. and Mrs. Min today. They will personally check the designs. "

This causes a nervous chatter to explode in the room. To be reviewed by the CEO was frightening thought. But I persevered through with sheer will. The esteemed guests arrived.

Mr. Park was in his early sixties, with salt and pepper hair, square glasses framing kindly crinkled eyes and a small affectionate smile. Following them entered the famous, gorgeous Min Couple. They looked radiant in their everyday clothes, but the simplicity was grandeur when it came to them.

But what slightly scared me was the little girl walking grasping the hand of Mr. Min. So the little lady would choose the designs herself. Suddenly the only people in the room I cared about impressing, was Mr. Choi and Min Sinji. So, I crossed my fingers and sent a silent prayer.

After Mr. Choi properly greeted our new guests and Min Sinji was perched on the swivelling chair, we all geared up for presentation. As promised, Ms. Cha went first.

"Good morning everyone present here, I'm Cha Siwon. So for my presentation, I knew that our client prefers reading... "

The rest of her confident simpering was drowned as I looked at my designs that she claimed to be hers. It was almost exactly same from the canopy bed, to the little dressing table with exquisite gold designs, piano and wooden bookshelves. I had gone for a very 'princessy' look with my previous design. Yet, she chose a powder pink for the walls and marble floors, contrasting to my chintz print wallpaper.

A hand clasped my thigh capturing my attention and I looked into Bora's wide, troubled eyes. We had seen each other's designs and hence, she knew very well that was my work Cha Siwon tampered with and then presented. I discreetly shook my head, warning her not to say anything right now.

Mr. Park was quite impressed with her work praising her effusively. This put a most obnoxious smug smirk on her face. Even Mr. and Mrs. Min were singing her praises. But as they turned to their daughter for her views, they were dismayed to find her looking bored. She just shook her head, opting to look away and out of the window without even acknowledging Siwon and her work. It was evident that Siwon was holding back a scowl at the child's reaction, or lack of one thereof.

I wait patiently for my turn, even though I feel sick. Min Sinji doesn't spare glances to most of the works presented, except a mild interest in Bora's one. You can see the rising apprehension in Mr. Choi's and Mr
Park's glances.

I go last. Bora whispers a reassurance and Hueningkai turns at me to flick a quick thumbs up. I acknowledge him with a nod. I quickly introduce myself and delve into explaining my concept and idea.

While perusing articles on Min Sinji's interests and hobbies, I compiled a quick list of her favourite books. It was mostly fantasy, all about elves and witches and dwarves. She had also talked about her love for forests and going hiking with her parents. That was what got me the idea.

My design had another chintz print wallpaper but in sage green and various woodland creatures popping here and there, a bed made of oak wood with wisteria decorations hanging over as a canopy, I furnished the floor with a soft mossy carpet. The window panes were also to be made out of wood with carved and coloured glass panes. I put a floor length mirror complete with crawling vines on the side. I definitely remembered to put a separate book nook, with a mushroom shaped beanbag. Small details like bell orchid night lamps, mushroom shaped cushions and artificial ferns were included. A beautiful study desk and space for her piano was a must I had decided on.

But of course, I had to include sustainability. So I added air conditioners which were efficient in saving electricity and produced very less toxic chemicals like CFCs, it also filtered pollution and dust particles. There were several compartments in the bed stead, which could be used for storage.

As I finished explaining the finer points I finally decided to look at Min Sinji for her expression. Looking at her I got a pleasant surprise. She was looking on with rapt attention, her eyes wide with awe. Now when a child like Min Sinji gives you a reaction like that, you know you have done it. I positively beamed at her and she giggled back, which caused me to melt into a little puddle of goey joy.

I then chanced a look towards Mr. Choi and Hueningkai who was clapping. For the first time, I could read Mr. Choi's eyes for they were shining with pride. At me. If I was a puddle before, I'm promptly evaporating now.

"Well, judging from the reaction of our little princess, I say we are quite sure which one we want. "

"As are we, I assure you Mr. Min. Ms. Chae you've done the most exquisite job in capturing what Miss Sinji wanted. You also made sure of the efficient functionality. I'm very impressed. "

All the attention was quite overwhelming. Blood rushed to my cheeks as Mr. Choi was undeterred and kept staring.

"I— thank you so much. But this was all possible for Mr. Choi and Hueningkai. They were encouraging with their guidance and gave me this chance to prove myself. "

Mr. Park beams at me and turns to pat Mr. Choi on his back. But his eyes are on me. So is Hueningkai's, making me gulp nervously.

"Very well, you and Yeonjun should handle the project together. "

Then Mrs. Min came to us bringing her daughter along, looking blissfully relieved.

"Thank you. Finally we could start on this. Say thank you to this lovely lady, dear. "

Min Sinji peeked up at me, shyly muttering a small 'thank you'. I bent down to get to her level, holding her hands and started talking about her interests. Soon enough we were chatting away like best friends.

"Okay, so now that's everything finalized, you all can go for your lunch break. Thank you for your exemplary work. Ms. Chae however, please wait for me. "

Mr. Park, Mr. and Mrs. Min and Cha Siwon, all filed out of the room. Cha Siwon for most of the part avoided looking at her. She might've tried to sabotage me, but I had just proved I can still win because I worked hard and stayed honest.

"Ms. Chae–, congratulations, that design was brilliant. You have managed to crack the code that most designers missed. You did not see it just as a project, you delved deep into the heart and mind of the client.... I'm really impressed... And uhm– I'm glad and honoured to work on this with you. "

His warm hand found mine, holding it in a soft embrace. His eyes had captured mine. I hope my eyes we're also reflecting the surge of gratitude and adoration I felt.

"So am I. I would love to work on this with you. "

Yeonjun looked like he was about to say something. I would lie if I said I will never be haunted by the possibilities of what he was about to say.

But all that had to be put away when Hueningkai banged the door open, dragging in Siwon followed by both Bora and Suyeong.