A SWEET QUACK-TASTIC

Beyond the Fog: Realizations Ascend

Kang Soo-hee trudged into her office, half-asleep. Her curly long hair was tied in a loose bun, and a tote bag hung on her left shoulder, wearing her beloved duck-print pajamas - a black t-shirt with a duck face printed on it and orange loose-leg pants with duck faces on the hips. A half-eaten orange rested in her right hand, while another orange bulged in her mouth, puffing out her cheeks.

Kang Soo-hee, 28, was a writer at Huimang Publishing Centre. She was affectionately known as "Miss Orange" - not due to her upper chest physical resemblance to the fruit, but because of her ardent love for oranges.

Just as she approached her desk, Cha Jisung, a male colleague, greeted her with a cheerful call, "Yaa! Miso's mom, how was your weekend?"

Kang Soo-hee was also fondly known as "Miso's mom" - a testament to her devotion to her adorable pet duck, Miso. Quack!

Lim Hari, another colleague, chuckled and said, "Wearing pajamas to the office, bravo!" Soo-hee's response was delayed, her mind still foggy. "What!? OoOo. Aaah... I was too sleepy and busy writing that I didn't realize."

Soo-hee's thoughts drifted to the previous day. From morning to evening, she had been engrossed in writing and editing her story. Her only companions were cups of her handmade special lemon ginger tea and about the recipe;...no one knows, a remedy for her lingering cough. And a packet of instant noodles. After making dinner for herself and Sang-hee, she returned to write, the cycle repeating through the night.

Cha Jisung observed, "I guess the weekend was all ups and downs with the story." He paused, then asked, "Well, where's your best buddy, Park Sang-hee?"

Soo-hee responded with a mixture of distraction and irritation. "Yes! What?! Aaaish, I left her alone." Her face scrunched in frustration, accompanied by a weak, audible sigh.

Behind-the-scenes, Team Leader Mr. Kim watched them from afar, listening in on their conversation without them knowing.

Soo-hee realized her mistake and rushed to retrieve Sang-mi, who was notorious for getting lost due to her forgetfulness about roads and maps.

As she hurried back, Mr. Kim's voice called out, stopping her in her tracks. 'Soo-hee, hold on!' he said with a warm smile. 'Before you return, pick out a new dress for yourself. We'll be heading out on a camping trip later, after just three hours of work. Wear your new dress then, and let's make it a celebration!' Soo-hee's eyes sparkled with excitement.

Mr. Kim's expression turned playful, his voice tinged with affection as he added, 'Hey, brat!' - a term only a father figure like him could use without offending her, filled with warmth and familiarity. 'I've already transferred the money to your account. Don't forget to buy something nice, or it'll go to waste!' He chuckled, his eyes twinkling.

'Now, what are you waiting for? Go! Sang-hee might get lost on her way here or wander off without knowing. We can't have her getting into trouble, can we?' His teasing tone belied a genuine concern for Sang-hee's safety.

Soo-hee raised an eyebrow, her curiosity sparked. "Is this really a celebration, Mr. Kim?" she asked, her voice laced with doubt. Mr. Kim nodded enthusiastically. "Of course it is! You'll wear a new dress, making this day all about you!" He beamed with pride, his eyes twinkling. From afar, Soo-hee held out her hand; they sealed their deal with an air high-five, palms meeting in mid-air.

Now with renewed energy, Soo-hee headed out to track down Sang-hee.

To be continued...