same ground ✩ l.hs

九

" If you'd get to pick one, would you prefer
love over success or the other way around? "

———————————————

—

Aera stepped off the elevator on the 25th floor, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nerves. Today was her first day at Harvest Haven Foods or HHF the innovative company that offers a wide variety of high-quality food products not only inside the country but globally. Clutching her bag tightly, she took a deep breath and walked towards the reception desk, her heels clicking on the polished marble floor.

The receptionist, a friendly woman greeted her with a warm smile. " You must be Park Aera! Welcome to HHF. I'll show you to your workspace and introduce you to the team. "

Aera followed her through the sleek, modern office, trying to take in everything at once—the open-plan layout, the collaborative workspaces, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offering a stunning view of the city skyline.

The receptionist led Aera to a cluster of desks near a large window. " This will be your spot, " she said, gesturing to a desk with a brand-new computer and a welcome package. " Feel free to get settled in. Your team leader, yerim, will be here shortly to give you an orientation. "

Aera unpacked her bag and set up her workplace, she waited for the night to be over just so she could finally settle in and work in the company, meaning she barely got any sleep last night. Just as she was arranging her pens and notepad, a woman with a friendly demeanor approached her.

" Nice to finally meet you, Park Aera. I'm Seo Yerim, your team leader. Welcome to HHF. " She extended her hand, and aera shook it. grateful for her welcoming attitude.

" Oh and by the way, you don't have to be formal, let's drop that. " yerim laughed. " we could use it only when needed," she added.

Aera smiled awkwardly nodding to yerim instructions. Although she wanted to be fair and reciprocate her energetic attitude, it only brought her memories where someone who also used to greet her cheerfully every morning. And it made aera awkward that she was thinking about heeseung when the team leader was the one in front of her. 

" Ask away anything I'm just a table away. See you later, Aera! " Yerim gave a warm smile before leaving to join one of the employees drinking coffee.

She seems like she knows everyone. Aera thought.

Sighing, Aera began working through the loudness of the workplace which she finds relaxing.

Without notice of the surroundings for a whole hour, Everyone stood up while the noises began to halt all eyes directly staring at the girl who kept on typing words on her computer. Yerim laughed awkwardly and walked up to Aera who was still busy with her computer and stopped to look at Yerim who had a forced smile.

" Mr. Lee is here. " Yerim whispered audibly. She saw panicked strokes of lightning on her face as aera immediately stood up and bowed to the CEO, Lee Heeseung.

His face was emotionless while staring at the girl who almost failed to greet him.

Please don't say anything please don't say anything...

" Learn your manners, Ms. Park. " Aera watched him leave with disbelief in her face. She admits that she's wrong for not greeting him immediately like anyone else but she swore she saw an employee did the same thing as well. And she could proclaim he rolled his eyes on her.

he should be the one learning his manners. Aera spoke through her head while justifying and calming herself that this was only her day at work and she should be able to tolerate this further behavior of heeseung.

" I'm sorry about that. Mr. Lee is always been like that and it's normal here in this workplace. No reason to be embarrassed. " Yerim assured.

Always been like that?

With a smile, Aera said, " It's alright and I should be the one apologizing for almost dragging you into my mess. "

Yerim disagrees and explains she did that because that's what she has been doing for the others as well when they're getting themselves into crisis. And in that moment aera thought about how good of a leader yerim was.

" Then let me treat you a coffee as a token of thank you. " Aera asserted which yerim accepted.

at the coffee shop

" Their coffee and bread here are the best ones I have tasted out of all the coffee shops I've been to. " Yerim exclaimed excitement evident in her voice. " Aren't you exaggerating it? " Aera chuckled as the both of them sat near the counter.

" I wish I was. " Yerim added with a laugh and made an order at the counter. Aera told her she'd just get their best-seller due to abhorring having to stand up again after sitting comfortably.

She didn't entirely disagree with yerim since the visuals and smell of the place already had her on hold. It feels cozy and warm despite it was her nose doing the job.

She closed her eyes and continued sniffing the caffeine and bread without caring about her surroundings because they'd do the same anyways.

A sudden voice behind her abruptly caused her to stop what she was doing. A sudden voice that sounded way too familiar with an accent that never fails to aim her interest. She finally turned around, and her eyes widened. The boy giggled upon seeing her reaction.

" jake? " Aera stood up and hugged him.

" Aw, I missed you too. "

———————————————
AUTHOR'S NOTE :

bread lover here 🤚🏻