Dan-Bi's atelier was on the floor below. When she wasn't there, she was usually in meetings, debating the perfect look for a certain celebrity for a certain occasion. Their encounters had been few, but Noelle had always found her to be sweet and caring.
She remembered one day in particular, after the incident with Mi-Ok. Dan-Bi had stopped by her desk and left a small box of chocolates. She'd mentioned a friend who found solace in chips during bad times, but said she personally believed chocolate was far more appropriate for situations like these.
Noelle had eaten a few chocolates and, indeed, their rich sweetness melted away some of her anxiety. She'd saved the rest in the fridge—a necessary reserve for the next difficult moment, which was inevitable as long as she had to be near that guy.
Dan-Bi was a truly impressive woman. She was in her early forties but looked shockingly younger. Yet her most striking feature wasn't her age, but her impeccable style. She was a master of any combination she tried. Like today, she had somehow paired an animal-print skirt with a reddish t-shirt. It was awesome.
"Hi Noelle, sweetheart! I haven't seen you the past couple of days," Dan-Bi greeted her warmly.
"Good morning! Yes, I was with Mi-Suk on the set. I'm working there now. Too..." she said, her voice flat, lacking any spark.
"Oh! I wasn't aware. So, finding the set life thrilling?"
It was a normal question, the kind anyone would politely ask. Yet, waves of rage crashed against her thoughts. She wanted to scream: 'I hate it there! It's a nightmare!' Instead, she buried her true feelings and gave the answer that was expected. "Of course! I'm learning a lot of new things."
"Like what?"
Like what is the best brand of sparkling mineral water, and how fast I can fetch a script from a bag.
She silenced her thoughts and she said: "Filming is complicated and demanding work. I'm learning how the teams cooperate to achieve the best results. I think if you can survive a set, you can survive anything."
Dan-Bi paused for a moment, nodding and smiling. "Well done, Noelle! I think you'll do great in any interview you attend!"
Noelle was puzzled. "Excuse me? What do you mean?"
"Isn't it obvious? You gave a reasonable and respectful answer. You said all the right words."
Noelle began to suspect this woman could see right through her. That was not good! She hated when people could read her mind. "Was that an interview?"
"No, it wasn't. But I don't think you're telling the truth. I don't know you well, though, so I might be wrong." Dan-Bi leaned in slightly. "How can you enjoy the set when you-know-who is the one starring in the show? Is he behaving well? Or is he still scheming against you, trying to convince others to get rid of you?"
"Is he... actually trying to turn people against me?"
"He's trying hard to get what he wants. It's rare to see him try so hard, all by himself. You obviously inspire him."
"Inspire? Yes, I inspire disgust" Noelle said. "But why are you telling me all this? You're one of his oldest and closest associates."
"It's precisely because I care for him that I'm telling you. Keep an eye on him, so he won't do anything stupid. He never considers the consequences. Don't let your guard down. Expect him to screw you over at any time. When he wants something, he doesn't think clearly."
Noelle was shocked. She knew he was horrid, with his absurd demands and general unpleasantness. She had assumed it was all a tactic to wear her down, to force her to resign. But this was something darker.
Why is this happening to me?
"Don't overthink it. Just stay alert," Dan-Bi added, seeing her concern.
"Thank you. I will."
"So, I feel I need to know you better. Tell me, what do you like to do off work?" Dan-Bi asked, lightening the conversation.
That question always made her uneasy. Was she supposed to say something impressive? The real issue was her fear of being exposed as utterly lame. But in this case, she found she didn't even care.
"Well, not much. I usually watch a movie or a series, spend hours scrolling on my phone, and take long walks around the city," Noelle said, indifferent to Dan-Bi's judgment. She would flee that office any moment now and Dan-Bi would likely forget all about her in a matter of days.
"That wasn't an interview answer, but it's a great way to learn a thing or two about you. Good job! I like the same things, but I also love going out for a drink or to dance. Would you like to come along sometime? Mi-Suk and I go out now and then," Dan-Bi said.
Of course she did! But it had been so long, stranded alone in a foreign country and...
Excuses... You are lame, girl!
She tried to defend herself: "Back home, I used to go out with friends. Not often, but I enjoy it too."
"The things we like the most aren't the things we do daily. They're the things we save for special occasions. You probably don't know many people here, so come with us to relax and have fun."
It felt nice. This was the first invitation she'd received in almost two years. Since starting her post-graduate classes, she failed to make new friends. As time flew by, the invitations stopped—for meals, walks, movies, anything. And it was all his fault! If it weren't for him, she would have a normal life.
Wait a minute. This wasn't on him. She'd never been good at letting people in. She had always been reserved, always giving the bare minimum. It wasn't fair to blame him for her own deficiencies.
Now, faced with a genuine offer, she was still reserved. More like afraid. She kept everything locked inside, terrified someone would discover what was in her mind and heart.
Why do I feel like this? I really need to see a therapist.
"Thank you! I'll come along when I have time," Noelle said. She was always polite, and she could always find an excuse to avoid things later.
"Great! We'll keep you posted!" Dan-Bi said. She looked thoughtful for a moment. "I'm not sure why, but I feel I owe you a favor."
"A favor? To me? No way!"
"I told you, I don't know why, so please hear me out. I have a ton of clothes downstairs, and I can lend you something whenever you feel like it."
Noelle was speechless. "Um... Thank you. I don't need any clothing..."
"I know. I've noticed what you usually wear—trying to stay under the radar, correct? I guess you don't pay too much attention to your outfits. Try putting on something else. You might feel better. Or more confident. Or just pretty."
"Thank you. I'll come if a special occasion arises."
"Come anyways. Come if you just want to try something different for a change at work," Dan-Bi said. "Bye for now. I have to run to a meeting." She walked away after giving Noelle's arm a friendly squeeze.
Noelle was puzzled again. Dan-Bi reaching out with friendship, offering favors and clothes... She couldn't help but find it strange. She seemed too genuine. But then again, she seemed to know something.
Maybe Dan-Bi was offering her clothes as armor for the war that was about to escalate. Or maybe she simply pitied her, certain that Yeong Ye-Jun's fury would eventually crush her.