J O B S E E K E R |구직자

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The next morning, you stirred awake, tangled in a thick blanket. Your gaze landed on the mirror to your right, where your reflection revealed strands of messy hair cascading down your crown, temple, and shoulders. Scratching your head, you reached for your socks before stepping onto the icy floor with a shiver.

The sun shone brightly, but the biting cold of late winter lingered. Rubbing your frozen palms together, you ambled toward the main door, deciding you’d steam some milk before heading for a warm shower.

The door creaked as you opened it, and an icy gust of wind wrapped around you like an unforgiving blanket. A chill shot through your body, and you quickly bent down to retrieve the newspaper and milk package. That’s when your eyes fell on an unfamiliar envelope tucked beneath the newspaper.

The neat handwriting on the casing read, "To Miss Song ~ From Mr. Anonymous." Confusion flickered across your face as you broke the seal. Inside was a bundle of money that made you choke on your own saliva. “Money?” you gasped. “Who left this here? The newspaper delivery man? But why would he call himself Mr. Anonymous?”

Questions swirled in your mind, but the envelope provided no further clues.

---

At breakfast, the table was set with a bowl of milk, a spoon to its right, and a box of honey-and-almond cereal to the left. The mysterious envelope lay ominously in the center. Your focus remained glued to it as you absentmindedly poured the cereal. The bowl overflowed, and colorful rings tumbled onto the table, clattering against the wood. Agitated, you sighed and swept them away, muttering under your breath.

“This envelope… it’s driving me insane,” you grumbled, shoving a spoonful of cereal into your mouth. “Who sent it, and why? What am I supposed to do with it?”

Determined to find answers, you called the newspaper delivery man, hoping he’d know something about the mysterious cover. But he denied any knowledge, leaving you just as puzzled as before.

---

Later, the restaurant doors slid open, and you stepped inside, shifting the strap of your purse on your shoulder. A familiar voice greeted you.

“Hey, Y/N-ssi! Good morning!” Wonho’s cheerful tone rang out.

“Morning, Wonho-ssi,” you replied with a faint smile, an idea forming in your mind. Could he have sent the money? You decided to probe. “Uh… do you have something to say?”

Wonho glanced outside the glass walls, his expression thoughtful. “Hmm, let’s see… Oh! Last night, everyone really enjoyed the dinner party. We missed you a lot!” His lips pouted in mock disappointment.

Your hope deflated instantly. “That’s all? Nothing else?”

He furrowed his brows, as though searching his memory, then shook his head. “Nope, nothing else.”

Suppressing a sigh, you bit your lip. “Alright, I’ll be stepping out for a bit. I’ll see you later.”

“Where are you going? Want me to come along?”

You shot him a sharp look, and he raised his hands in defense.

Softening your tone, you replied, “No, I’m fine. Thanks.” With that, you turned on your heel and walked out.

---

Eventually, you found yourself standing before a grand building, its entrance flanked by two stoic security guards. Your chest tightened with a mix of nervousness and excitement. Slowly, you stepped inside, greeted by gleaming marble floors, intricately designed walls, and an opulent chandelier overhead.

A man in a black vest and white shirt approached, his name tag gleaming on his chest. Flashing a professional smile, he asked, “Hello, ma’am. How can I assist you?”

You scratched the back of your neck awkwardly. “Um, I’m here about the job posting. I saw your advertisement online—”

“Ah, I see.” He cut you off, his tone disinterested. “Follow me. I’ll take you to the reception desk.” Without waiting for your response, he turned and strode off.

Trailing behind him, you couldn’t help but marvel at the architecture and ambiance. But his brusque attitude grated on you. So what if I’m looking for a job? I’m not an employee yet. Is this how they treat guests?

At the desk, the receptionist greeted you warmly. “Hello! How can I help you today? Are you looking for a single or double room?”

You blinked, glancing down at your attire. Do I look like a guest? Clearing your throat, you clarified, “Actually, I’m here for a part-time job. I saw the listing on your website.”

The receptionist’s smile wavered. “Ah, a job. Let me check… We don’t have many openings left, but give me a moment.” She typed away at her computer before nodding. “We do need someone for the housekeeping department. If you’re interested, I can get the agreement papers ready.”

Housekeeping? It wasn’t ideal, but what choice did you have? “Sure,” you agreed, taking the stack of papers she handed you.

As you read through the terms and conditions, a name caught your eye: Kim Namjoon, CEO of Kim Enterprises.

“Kim Namjoon… Have I heard that name before?” you murmured. “No matter. It’s the paycheck I’m after, not the person.”

You were about to sign when a girl, roughly your age, rushed to the counter, gasping for breath. She pleaded with the receptionist, her voice trembling.

“Please! I need this job. My mom has cancer, and I can’t afford her chemotherapy without it.”

Your grip on the pen faltered as her words pierced through you. Glancing at the papers in your hand, you hesitated. Then, with a soft smile, you handed them to her.

“You need this more than I do,” you said gently.

Tears streamed down her face as she stammered, “But… how can I…?”

“You can,” you insisted, pressing the papers into her hands.

She bowed deeply, gratitude shining through her tearful gaze. “Thank you. I’ll never forget this. I hope you find an even better opportunity soon.”

You offered a warm smile before turning to leave. Outside the building, you sighed deeply, pulling the mysterious envelope from your purse. Running your fingers over its surface, you pressed your lips together, lost in thought.

~~~~~~~~~~~

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