My Co-Worker is an Elf Girl?! (#thewattys2024)

Chapter 38: Wait, This Isn't Actually the End?!

INTERIOR OF A CAB - MORNING
Samara and Remy share a silent moment in the inside of a cab.

SAMARA
We have no hope of winning this. We're going home.

Remy lowers her head in shame.

REMY
I'm sorry for holding us back. If you had joined a real group, you'd be prepared.

SAMARA
Don't beat yourself up, Remy. This was my fault, too.

REMY
Huh?

SAMARA
I missed the very first orientation. I would have known the project timeline if I hadn't been late. I got bad information because I was too proud to ask for help.

Samara has her hand on her phone. She mulls over a text that Hokien's Secretary sent after their conversation.

"It was a pleasure speaking with you today, Ms. Lee! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need anything!"

SAMARA
I have something to tell you, Remy.

REMY
What?

SAMARA
During that call with Hokien's secretary, she offered to give us jobs at the company. I told them, "No."

REMY
Why did you?

SAMARA
I was tired of not being seen for my abilities. I am constantly living in the shadow of my family's name. I want to earn something for myself—something that can never be taken away from me.

Sam turns her gaze outside the cab's window. Remy continues to listen intently.

SAMARA
But my damn pride was what got me stuck in the first place. Maybe I should call them back and say yes, for both of us.

REMY
But it isn't over, Sam.

SAMARA
What?

REMY
We can still make it.

Sam is flabbergasted.

SAMARA
With what? We have no materials to show people!

REMY
You don't need any material.

SAMARA
Huh?

Remy perks up. She assumes a Super Sentai-style pose with her newfound enthusiasm.

REMY
Verbal pitches have existed as long as mankind has had questionable ideas!
Give them the old-fashioned razzle dazzle!

SAMARA
But... we have no ideas! What will we even present?!

REMY
We'll think of something! We have however much time until we get to the office!

Samara goes silent.

REMY
You're afraid of looking like an idiot in front of people you respect, aren't you?

Remy's words have pierced Sam.

REMY
No matter which way you go, you'll be faced with pain.