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Chapter 5 - Handsome stranger

No one's pov

Monday arrives quickly, and today is Chloe's first day at work. Tension fills the air as she rushes out of the dorm, having missed the elevator.

After showing her pass at the gate, she fails to notice a line of staff waiting to welcome the superiors. Glancing at her appointment email, she sighs, "23rd floor! I can't take the stairs, and I have only five minutes. Oh, I'm doomed." Just then, the second elevator dings and leaves, full of people.

Finally, she gets a lift to herself and presses the button for the 23rd floor. Just as the doors begin to close, a masked man stops them. Despite his mask, he radiates handsomeness. He enters with a Korean lady carrying files and two other colleagues, all dressed for the office. They bow, a customary greeting in Korean culture.

The masked man looks at Chloe and says, "Annyeong haseyo." Having Googled the phrase, she replies with a hesitant "Ne." Laughter erupts in the elevator, mostly from the lady. Embarrassed, Chloe realizes her mistake and opts for silence. The masked man doesn't laugh; he seems to understand her confusion and chooses to remain quiet.

 

Chloe was in such a hurry that she didn't even get time to appreciate her outfit ,however it still looked snatched."She wore a sleek navy sheath dress that gracefully hugged her figure, providing a professional yet stylish look. The dress featured a subtle boat neckline and cap sleeves, adding a touch of elegance without being overly revealing.

To complement the dress, she paired it with classic nude pumps that elongated her legs and provided comfort for her first day at the office.

Her accessories were minimalistic: a delicate gold chain necklace and small hoop earrings that added just the right amount of shine without overwhelming her outfit.

She carried a structured black leather tote, perfect for holding her essentials, and topped off her look with a lightweight blazer in a matching navy hue for added sophistication.

The overall ensemble exuded confidence and professionalism, making her ready to make a great impression on her first day."As I said she looked like everything .

Finally for what seemed like hours with a ding sound indicating their arrival the lift come to a stop.Chloe was the first to come out that she didn't even realize the group also exited in the same floor.

A few steps as she entered she was greeted by a bright, open reception area. A sleek, modern desk is manned by a cheerful receptionist dressed in trendy attire, complete with a stylish name tag. The receptionist's warm smile instantly puts her at ease. Behind her, a large digital screen displays the latest music videos and promotional materials for upcoming talent shows or albums.The receptionist, all too aware of the interns she says, "Kindly have a seat, you'll be attended to shortly,

With this, Chloe took it to admire her surroundings; however she could only see as far as the open plan workstations.

The walls are adorned with colorful posters of K-pop groups ,Kdrama artists and solo artists, showcasing their latest albums and concerts. There are also framed magazine covers featuring the agency's stars, adding a touch of fame to the ambiance. Potted plants and chic furniture give the space a fresh, inviting feel.

Moving deeper into the office, she could see open-plan workstations where maybe creative teams collaborate. Each station is equipped with high-tech computers and colorful stationery, reflecting the youthful energy of the employees. Glass walls separate different departments, allowing for transparency and interaction.

Adjacent to the workstations are several meeting rooms, each with unique themes inspired by different musical genres—like a hip-hop room with graffiti art and a pop room adorned with pastel colors. These spaces are equipped with the latest technology for video conferencing and brainstorming sessions.

At the back of the office is a state-of-the-art recording studio where artists can record their tracks. The soundproof room is filled with high-quality microphones, instruments, and soundboards, creating an atmosphere of creativity and innovation.

In the corner, there's a cozy lounge area with plush sofas, a coffee machine, and a snack bar stocked with trendy treats. Employees gather here to relax, recharge, and discuss ideas in a more casual setting. The walls are decorated with fan art and messages of support from fans.

Finally, each artist or group has their own personal office decorated to reflect their unique style. These offices are filled with personal memorabilia, awards, and photos, making them a creative sanctuary for the stars.

Generally the entire office buzzes with energy and excitement, filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and the occasional chatter about upcoming projects. It's a place where creativity thrives, and every corner is infused with the spirit of K-pop and the passion for entertainment

 

It doesn't take long when Chloe is called into what seems like a meeting room, where she meets other interns. "I was this close to being late on my first day, oh crap," she thinks, mentally cursing herself for not considering about pet care yesterday. She had taken too long signing in Casey when she found a pet care service near the dorm.

After about four minutes of anxious waiting, the lady from earlier enters and addresses them with a bright smile. "Hello, everyone! My name is Jenny Park Welcome to Celestial Dreams. This is a company that you will love and dedicate your time to for at least six months. Usually, I take interns through their duties and responsibilities at work, and that's all, but today is special." She glances at Chloe, her smile widening as she recognizes her from the elevator.

"It's special because this is the first time our company has decided to take interns globally, not just trainees. This means that interns who do well will get a chance to audition for our company if they so desire. It's a wide range of opportunities that comes once," she continues, her enthusiasm infectious. "So today, we will have the CEOs of the company talk to you directly as we launch the global training project for Celestial Dreams."

She claps her hands lightly, her excitement palpable. "Also, do note that a whole lot of keenness is required because I won't orient you like I usually do. I have always taken the responsibility to orient interns, but this being different, we won't have much time. So kindly listen to the instructions closely."

Chloe's heart races. The mention of global auditions sends a thrill through her. Could this really lead to something bigger for her? But doubt creeps in. What if she isn't good enough? What if everyone else is far more talented? She feels a mix of hope and anxiety swirling in her stomach.

As the lady continues her introduction, Kim Ji-hun and his sister, Lee Son, enter the room, instantly commanding attention. Chloe's heart skips a beat as she takes in their presence. They walk in with effortless grace, exuding confidence. Kim Ji-hun, with an aura of charisma, immediately draws the eyes of everyone in the room. His sister, Lee Son, is equally captivating, her smile warm and approachable.

Chloe glances at them, feeling a strange sensation as Kim Ji-hun's and lee son gaze land on her. "Why do they seem so interested in me,?that's so weird,"she wonders, a mix of flattery and anxiety washing over her. She quickly shakes off the feeling, reminding herself to focus on the presentation.

Lee Son catches Chloe's gaze and gives her a friendly nod, recalling their amazing encounter on the plane. She wished she had told Chloe sooner about her status , Chloe smile didn't reach her chick meaning the status bothered her.She had sensed Chloe's genuine spirit and felt an instant connection, but she knew that Chloe was unaware of her celebrity status. Kim Ji-hun, on the other hand, is intrigued by Chloe's beauty .

As Kim Ji-hun stands in the meeting room, his gaze inevitably drifts towards Chloe. There is something undeniably captivating about her. Her beauty radiates from her very essence, drawing him in with an allure that is hard to ignore.

Chloe possesses a natural charm that captivates everyone around her. Her long, wavy hair cascades over her shoulders, glinting softly under the warm lights of the room. It frames her face perfectly, accentuating her delicate features. Her almond-shaped eyes sparkle with curiosity and intelligence, their deep brown hue reflecting the light and drawing attention like a magnet. He finds himself lost in those expressive eyes, intrigued by the emotions they convey—confidence mixed with a hint of vulnerability.

Her skin is porcelain smooth, glowing with a youthful radiance that makes her appear almost ethereal. A light dusting of freckles dances across her nose, adding a playful touch to her otherwise elegant demeanor. Her lips, soft and full, curve into a warm smile that lights up her entire face, making her look approachable and genuine.

Chloe's style is impeccable, blending professionalism with a touch of her unique personality. The navy sheath dress she wears hugs her figure in all the right places, elegant yet modern. It highlights her silhouette without being overly revealing, showcasing her poise and grace. The subtle boat neckline adds a hint of sophistication, while her choice of classic nude pumps elongates her legs, enhancing her overall appearance.

There's something refreshing about her innocence that stands out amidst the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. As the siblings take their positions at the front of the room, Kim Ji-hun can't shake the feeling that Chloe's presence is significant. 

He wonders if she has any idea who they are, casting a tentative glance her way. Hae rin, his sister, notices the intense glance and nudges her brother's hand, who snaps out directly."Ooh, this bufon, is he crazy? His stare is so obviously goodness, he's gonna get the poor girl in trouble any time soon, goodness." She sighs as they take a seat in the meeting conference

Chloe's enthusiasm is at its maximum right now, her first day, room, and she's already meeting up with the bosses, such a blessing in disguise. From one corner of the eye, Kim jihun watches Chloe, his mind in wonders of how such a person could look like an angel , Gods perfection in it's greatest works.

Mrs park leads the presentation continues speaking, emphasizing the importance of this internship and the unique opportunities it presents. Kim Ji-hun watches as Chloe listens intently, her heart racing with excitement and anxiety. He senses her mix of hope and uncertainty, wondering if she has what it takes to succeed in this dynamic environment.

"Okay, Chloe," she tells herself, taking a deep breath. "You've got this." But when Kim Ji-hun's piercing gaze meets hers again, she can't help but feel a flutter of nerves. What if she messes up? What if they expect too much from her? 

As the presentation progresses, he finds himself stealing glances at Chloe, captivated by her quiet determination. There's something special about her. He wants to know more about her, yet he remains uncertain about how to approach her without drawing attention to himself.

After the presentation wraps up, Lee Son addresses the interns once more. "We're excited to have each of you on board. Remember, this internship is not just about learning—it's about growing and seizing opportunities. We believe in you, and we want to see what you can achieve."

With that, the session concludes, and Chloe stands up, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. She feels a sense of camaraderie with her fellow interns, all of whom share the same dreams and aspirations. As they begin to chat among themselves, she can't help but feel a connection to them.

Before he knows it, Kim Ji-hun approaches her. He leans slightly closer, a warm smile on his face. "You handled the elevator situation well," he says, his voice smooth and reassuring. "Don't worry too much about fitting in. Just be yourself."

Chloe's heart skips a beat. "Thank you," she replies, surprised by his kindness. She seems unaware of his true identity, but something about him feels genuine. He notices a sudden rush of confidence in her, bolstered by his words.

As other interns gather around, she feels a sense of belonging. They exchange names and backgrounds, sharing their hopes and dreams for the internship. Chloe feels invigorated, her earlier doubts gradually melting away.

"Hi, I'm Chloe," she says, introducing herself to the group. "I'm really excited to be here."

"Nice to meet you, Chloe! I'm Mia," says a bubbly intern with bright pink hair. "I can't wait to get started!"

"I'm David," another intern adds, adjusting his glasses. "I've always wanted to work in entertainment. This is a dream come true."

As they chat, Kim Ji-hun glances back at Lee Son, who is engaged in conversation with other staff members. He can't shake the feeling that there's something unique about Chloe, the masked man from the elevator.

"Hey, Chloe!" Lee Son calls out, breaking her thoughts. "Ooh hey it's you Lee son , I'm sorry for not noticing you earlier I just didn't know you ." Lee son chuckles "Ooh don't mind I wanted you not to know me and we're friends aren't we we need no formalities my dear." Lee chuckles holding Chloe's shoulder softly.

"Yeah I guess so it's just a little awkward your my boss now it's going to take a lot of time to get used to it"

"Ooh aren't you a darling ," Lee bends down to Chloe's ear level because lee is taller and whispers"Nobody has to know it will be our little secret and call me Haerin I prefer that than lee ok."

"How would you like to join us for dinner later? It's a little tradition we have for new interns."

Chloe blinks in surprise, not expecting such an invitation. "Dinner? With you and...?" She trails off, glancing back at Kim Ji-hun.

"Yes! With my brother and me," Haerin replies, her smile widening. "It'll be a great way for you to relax and get to know us better. Plus, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the company and your aspirations."

Chloe hesitates for a moment, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. "Um, sure! I'd love to," she finally replies, her heart racing at the thought of spending more time with them.

"Great! We'll meet in the lobby around six," Lee Son says, clapping her hands together in excitement. "You won't regret it!"

In the evening, after the interns' sort of orientation, Chloe heads back home. She passes by the pet care center a few kilometers from her dorm. The place is crowded since it's actually feeding time according to the timetable. She strolls through until she spots Cassy right next to a tall man wearing a mask.

"What's up with Asian men and masks?" she ponders.

From the mask, she can tell one thing for sure—the man behind it is handsome. His long black hair is tied up in a man bun, and his eyes are the siren kind, radiating top-notch handsomeness if that's a thing?

Chloe pouts; she had thought Cassy would come running to her after seeing her, but the cat was glued to the strange man.

Chloe facepalms. Of all days, this was the one she had to drain all her social anxiety. Looking at her watch, she realizes, "Oh crap, if I don't start heading home and dress up for the dinner, I'll definitely be late. Come on, you can do this."

Gathering courage, she approaches the man."Hey, um—that's my cat. Just picking him up from pet care?" Chloe fakes a smile as she waves toward Cassy, who naturally purrs but avoids her and goes back to cuddling the man.

"What, Cassy? That's rude! You can't even greet me, you stupid cat." Chloe pouts, pointing at Cassy without even realizing she's stamping her feet.

"Okay, you know what, Cassy—I'm out of here." Chloe turns to leave, thinking she could earn Cassy's attention, but who would have thought the cat was glued to the man instead?

The handsome man chuckles and calls out, "Hi, cat lady?"

Chloe stops walking through the crowded pet store and turns.

"Hey, is this your cat? Just take her—I mean no harm. I just happened to be looking for my pet and came across her," the man says, smiling through the mask as he hands Cassy back.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm just in a rush and didn't think she'd be so dramatic today of all days," Chloe says, still not recovering from the man's deep voice.

"Oh, it's alright. She's a darling. By the way, she's extra cuddly. I'm so sorry—I didn't realize you were in such a hurry. Pardon me."

"Oh, it's okay. You mentioned you're looking for your pet—is it here at the pet care, or…?" Chloe asks.

"No, actually, he got lost a couple of days ago. I've been looking for him ever since, so today I figured maybe the pet care would have him," the man explains, obviously saddened by the thought of his lost pet.

"Oh dear, I'm so sorry. I hope you find him soon. I know you're devastated, but don't worry—I'm sure you'll find him."

"Thanks a lot. Anyway, it was nice meeting you and your lovely cat. I'd better head off now."

The man waves a sad goodbye to Cassy and starts walking away, but before he can disappear around the corner, Chloe shouts, "Hey, if you want to meet Cassy, you can anytime! I leave her at the pet care—she seems to adore you."

The man pauses, gives her a thumbs-up, and heads off.

"Okay, what in the goddamn world did I just say?" Chloe mutters as she pays the pet care worker and heads home.

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