Stargazer

Light

I groaned as a small ray of sunshine found its way between my curtains, landing right on my eyes. I rolled over, squinting my eyes to check the time on my alarm clock, almost deciding to say "fuck it" and skip today.

He'll think you're even worse than he already thinks you are.

I sighed as I sat up, checking my phone, only to frown at the sight of nothing. I climbed out of bed, my feet dragging on the floor as I shuffled to the bathroom to take another cold shower.

I shivered when I got out, wrapping myself with the thin towel. I never realized how nice having hot water would be, especially as the temperature starts to drop even colder.

I grabbed my phone off of my nightstand, scrolling through social media while I stood in my towel. I liked all of the latest updates from my favorite account: @/goldencloset , who posted photos of aesthetic scenery. His latest update made me smile. It was at the edge of a forest, trees dancing on the right hand side and the city of Seoul in the distance on the left hand side. It was calming. It was black and white, only adding to the photo.

I double tapped, watching as the heart fluttered over the photo before disappearing as quick as it appeared. I locked my phone, tossing it on my bed, deciding it was time to get ready for another awful day at the office.

••••

"Ah, Mr. Kim," I heard the second I stepped foot off the elevator. I sighed, turning to face the receptionist, whom I swear is also out to get me. "Mr. Cho demands to see you in his office right away."

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat as I walked directly to the office at the end of the hall. He had two large glass windows peering over the rest of the desks, except this time they were covered with the curtains. This won't be good.

I knocked twice on the thick mahogany door, waiting for a response before I entered, shutting the door quietly behind me.

"You wanted to see me, Mr. Cho?" I said with a slight bow.

"Yes, Mr. Kim. Take a seat." He pointed casually to the seat in front of his desk.

I did as he asked, sitting on the edge of the seat, wiping my sweaty palms on my trousers.

"I read through your latest work."

"Really, sir? I didn't realize it had gone through the secondary editing process."

"It hadn't," he said quickly.

A lump formed in my throat as I gave a slight nod. "I understand, sir." My hands were practically shaking in my lap, and I laced my fingers together to hopefully minimize the uneasiness.

"Have you been having issues with your supervisory editor, Mr. Kim?"

My eyes met his in curiosity. "What do you mean?"

He shrugged, reaching into a drawer and pulling out a tall stack of papers. "I glanced through some of your previous manuscripts. They have many degrading comments marked in them, but I couldn't make out a reason for such comments. Care to explain?"

I sighed, squeezing my hands tighter. "If I may, sir, I cannot speak for Mr. Seo and his decisions. I will say that I have felt that recently the comments on my works have been wuite... harsh. I know I am not the best writer in the world, but I do work very hard and I always try my best." I felt my lips turn upwards into a small smile as I spoke.

Mr. Cho nodded. "Very well. I will have a discussion with Mr. Seo about this immediately. I will have one of the other senior editors edit this manuscript and have it back to you by the end of the week, but," he paused, making me sit on the edge of my seat, "I think you may have a hit on your hands."

I stood up and bowed, unable to contain my smile and excitement. "Thank you so much for your feedback, sir! I am privileged to have you read one of my works and hold it to such a high regard."

"Also, Mr. Kim," he stopped me, holding up a finger. I would've been scared if it wasn't for the smile in his eyes. "I would try to think of a cover for this book now, while you can. Maybe try contacting a local photographer or artist!"

I nodded. "Very well. I will get to work now. Thank you again, Mr. Cho, sir."

My boss chuckled, shooing me out of his office.

I couldn't contain the smile on my face, despite all of the looks people gave me, including a very furious Mr. Seo.

••••

*waves* I missed you all my beautiful readers💕