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The first encounter was . . .
"Eyes are up here."
The boy, doe-eyed and freshly pink, quickly met my glaring gaze. I watched as he bowed once, shoulders stiff as he hesitated to stand straight. Once he did return to his full height, however, it wasn't just his salacious actions that pissed me off. His eyes flickered everywhere but me, and honestly, just how old was this kid?
"Not a great impression on your first day," I muttered, shaking my head. "Follow me."
And that's exactly what he did; like a lost child I heard him hurry along behind.
The walls of the complex were brown, desks cluttered with books, papers, and empty coffee mugs. Amongst the litter were also a few sorry men collapsed, dark craters beneath their dreary eyes. It had been a rough week, obviously. We walked in silence mostly- the only sound (other than the distant keys of a keyboard being pressed) being the echo of shoes against tile.
"In here," I instructed as we came to an opened door.
He wasted no time in hurrying into the little office, nodding.
"I'm... I'm so sorry," he breathed. He stood awkwardly beside a little chair before a desk, head bowed once more.
"Yes, well, let's hope we don't have another situation like that on our hands, shall we, Jeon?" I had already closed the door and returned to the little brown desk by the time I had finished.
The man merely nodded.
"Good," Grabbing a handkerchief, I carefully dabbed the droplets that remained from earlier. Rain wasn't predicted today, but then again, when was anything predicted? Another huff leaves me, patience already worn beyond thin. "Sit." As I take my seat, so does the other. He shuffles awkwardly in his place at first, frowning as he seems to battle between tucking his chair closer or keeping at a distance. "The position you applied for is an Editor's position. My senior, the one you had your interview with, said you were a promising candidate for the role." Skimming over a few documents fished from my folder, I gather a few of the basics;
- Twenty-two
- Korean (from Busan)
- Jeon Jungkook
- Limited English
- Artist/Musician/Gamer
"Of course my input doesn't really matter, since you already have the job, but we're not interested in hiring children to do the work of adults. You'll be the youngest in the firm; are you sure that's alright? If you think this sort of field will be too difficult... I noticed your resume said that you preferred Visual Novels rather than Literature..."
Peering over the papers, I noticed the way he flinched.
"Definitely," Despite the hesitant exterior, his words were firm and lacked any sort of reluctance. "Working like this... It will be okay."
"Excellent." I filed the papers back in order. The next hour was spent going through the gruelling details of what Jungkook's job would consist of, and the information regarding the exchange program that Sydney Publish conducted. "You will be working with us for twelve months. For six of those twelve months you will be on probation, meaning-"
"I'm sorry, could..." Again, I look up, cocking a brow. "Y-Your speaking is..."
"Oh," I blink. Clearing my throat, I nod. Spoke too fast. Shit. "Apologies. Would you prefer if I used Korean?" His eyes became moons at the sudden question, jaw slackening, too. "Come on, is it really that surprising?"
"You speak...?"
"Yes, I speak." His surprise painted over him once I respond in a similar tongue. He even smiles. "As I was saying, you will be on probation for six months of your year of exchange. During that six months you will be monitored closely and made sure you are meeting work standards and fulfilling your duties as one of the team members. I'm sure my colleague went through all the details with you during your interview, but do you have any questions?"
"No."
"Excellent. Your first job will be to accompany me to our first author." Rising from the table, I grab my coat and sling it over my shoulders. "I wonder if you know him... He is a Korean novelist who moved to Australia in 2017. He's become rather successful here; Min Yoongi; do you know of him?"
As I glance over my shoulder, I notice the delight that colours his expression and draws his lips into a small grin.
"I love Yoongi-nim's work. But some of his works are..."
"Erotic. Yes. His most recent work that we are supporting him with is also erotic; will that be an issue?"
Jungkook shakes his head, scratching his neck. "No issue."
"Excellent. Let's go."
< END OF CHAPTER >
I doubt this book will do very well, but I'm just writing it to practice my use of first person because I suck at it so bad. I hope you enjoy the chapter. Can't promise how the length of future chapters will go; they will most likely vary. Enjoy.
