The Museum's Life

Chapter One: They Came Alive

QOTC:
"Everyone's lives are different. There's no need to compare yourself with someone else. The only person you should compare yourself with is you."
---Unknown

[A/N: Take note of the timings in this chapter, they're very important;)]

Chanelle's pov:

"A night guard? Dae Geun ahjussi, I really can't---"

"Eh, geokjeongma! This isn't the typical job you have in mind. In this museum, you don't put the word 'night' and 'guard' together. It's just wordplay, okay? No combat skills needed at all, you just need to be a nanny for the exhibits. You're lucky enough already! You're babysitting things that can't cry, bother you and ask for milk." I can't help laughing as I listen to his avid voice. A nanny, really? He's really a joker!

He's my best friend Skyla's uncle, and a chummy, blithe man in his early forties who absolutely loves joking around. I know he is trustworthy as a person, but I am honestly not up for a job that sounds so odd and dull.

I love exciting things, and was previously working for Intrigue, an English magazine here in South Korea. The reason why I had to call up my best friend's uncle for a job recommendation was because things weren't going smooth for the magazine, and eventually it had to come to an end. It was one hell of a disappointment. Simply put, the job was prodigious, and an absolute dream of mine.

"Babysit? Ahjussi, really? I'm really sorry, but I won't be taking up this job offer. I'll quit in less than a week, I can assure you! It disinterests me. And..." I shudder. "I don't like... things... staring at me when I'm on task. It's uncanny. I think I'd rather babysit real kids."

I hear his laughter from the other line. "Yah, you won't know they're staring at you if you don't look at them! Aigoo, Chanelle, please! I really could use some help. I'm hiring you because I trust you for the job, y'know. You should feel honoured! Ah, and... Museum is new, so as the museum director, I want you to check out the exhibits for me." What?

He announces in a singsong voice, "Your three bosom friends have already agreed, and they're starting tomorrow." Wait, all three of my best friends are in? Now that's a real temptation. He won't lie to me, will he? While working for the magazine, I've come to learn that trust isn't what you should easily give to people. Sometimes, even your close ones. I'm still learning though. I still come off as pretty naive to them.

Sure he and I spend quite an amount of time together and chatting, but it seems too much of a coincidence. All three of them? Ah, right, before I forget, they are Skyla, Bo Eun and Ha Seon.

The first two are people who just radiate negative vibes and are difficult to hype up but understanding, unlike most people who are quick to judge. Oh, and they're realistic, unlike me who often lets fantasy get way into my head. Skyla's pretty chill, mostly lazy, but cool, and she never watches her mouth. How many times did I have to get her out of trouble? Bo Eun is mostly poker faced, but she can be nice if she wants to. She's caring to the few of us, basically a mom of the group. Both of them are usually salty, but can be hilarious when we're together, making jokes and meme faces at each other. As for Ha Seon, she's basically one of the best humans I've known, except for her overly forthcoming personality which can offend people at times. Ha Seon and I have a different bond since we're both positive and bright people, and we've known each other since elementary school. We met Skyla and Bo Eun in middle school, and that's when we realised---people of opposites could go along really well after all.

Anyway, for all I know, Skyla and Bo Eun would rather wrestle each other than sit in a dusk enclosure from about late night till dawn. It's only believable if Ha Seon is the one who gives a nod of her head. At least I know Dae Geun ahjussi doesn't mean any harm lying. A man can ask for a help in his own way, can't he?