Chapter Text
Life had started to feel monotonous. The mundane rhythm of classes, work, and the in between had me itching for something new. There were only so many projects I had passion for, critiques that were novel, pieces good enough to add to my portfolio. That was until I received a call from one of my friends, Yuna.
"Hey Y/N, I'm not sure what you're up to this summer, but the company I'm working for is looking for a Creative Lead for their latest project."
"Hey Unnie, surprised you called me, aren't you still at the office? Anyways, what's the project?"
"Cortis! You'll be responsible for all visual decisions as a Creative Lead."
"Wow, that does sounds interesting,"
"Right! And then we'll get to work in the same company." I could hear the excitement buzzing within her.
Yuna was someone I met during my college orientation. She was a graduate student then, and helped me a lot my freshman year. She had since graduated and got a full time job, I couldn't remember where though. "Quick question though, what exactly is 'Cortis'? It is some product launch or-" I cut myself off, remembering who Yuna works for.
"Oh right, I sometimes forget you aren't into K-pop. Basically, you'll be the one in charge of the visual direction of HYBE's newest boy K-pop group."
You pause hearing that, unsure what to say next. "Oh."
"Pretty exciting right! It'll be a great team, you're going to love the manager. In fact, he really enjoyed your works."
"Huh? Hold on," You could feel an impending head ache, "you showed the manager my portfolio?"
I could hear some ruffling on the other end of the call, "Yeah..." Yuna trailed off, "I'm sorry, did that upset you?" I could hear her shrinking over the phone.
"Well, I'm not stoked hearing that." I held the bridge of my nose.
"Oh Y/N, I'm really sorry. I got ahead of myself and didn't ask you first. I just thought you'd love, love, loveee this position." I could tell she wasn't going to stop her rambling.
"Unnie wait," I took a second to collect myself, "is your manager not aware of my age or education? I thought this was like some internship, not some big shot job for a debuting K-pop group. Don't you think the stakes a bit high for someone like me, who's more entry level?"
"Y/N, What does age and education matter in this industry? A degree means nothing without a impressive portfolio, and saying your portfolio is impressive would be humble."
Hearing this praise made me feel a bit embarrassed. "Listen Yuna Unnie, I know that despite our 6 year age gap, we can discuss conversations that is unexpected for someone of my age group. But, that doesn't mean I have the same judgement and experience of someone your age."
"Ouch," Yuna said dryly.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to say you're old. What I'm saying is that I'm too young. Don't you think?"
"If I thought you weren't capable, I wouldn't even have thought of you. But, I couldn't help but think of your portfolio when I heard the project details. The direction they want to take with Cortis aligns so well with what you do. Honestly, I think there is no better fit than you."
Yuna was earnest to a fault, I couldn't help but feel myself waiver a bit. "What about school? I still want to get my degree."
There was a pause over the phone, Yuna deep in thought. "What if you try it out, Y/N? School is on break anyways right now. You can see how you like it, network and gain some industry experience. It could be like an internship with a promised return offer if you like it. And I'll just say, not many companies would go to such lengths for an intern, but you're more than just some intern."
There was a lull in the conversation, as if Yuna was waiting to hear my argument. My mind was still trying to wrap itself around this. Sure, I had worked with large companies in the past, often contracted for a small project. I won some award here and there, but no way was this enough to qualify me for this job. Especially, make me the only candidate in consideration? There had to be a catch. I sighed, "What are the details?"
I could hear Yuna smile, "I knew you'd come around, and this job is just perfect for you! Let me forward you the job description and schedule a time for you to meet the hiring manager."
"Alright, sounds good." only after agreeing did I feel some sense of relief, "This doesn't mean I'm taking the job though."
"Yeah yeah," Yuna dismissed, "If you do take this job, you owe me a meal,"
I laughed, she laughed. These were the moments I enjoyed, and ones I missed since she graduated.
---
It's been a week since my last call with Yuna, now I was standing in front of BIGHIT Entertainment's office. I had an interview with the Creative Director scheduled for today, in fact, in about 15 minutes. I walked inside the building, greeting the receptionist, "Good morning,"
She welcomed me in, "Good morning miss, how can I help you?"
"I have a interview with Mr. Choi at 9:30 AM,"
She typed something onto the keyboard, "Ah yes, hello Miss L/N. Mr. Choi told me to expect you, would you like a bottle of water?" I saw her reach for something under the table.
"Sure," I replied.
"Why of course," she smiled, handing me the water bottle, "his office in on the 4th floor, directly to you right when exiting."
I bowed, "Thank you,"
She hummed, "Of course, I'll let him know you're on the way up."
I walked over to the elevator, pressing the the up arrow. Just then, a tall figure approached me. I unintentionally met my eyes with them, instinctively I gave them a small nod. They nodded in return and waited for the elevator alongside me. A few moments later, the elevator doors opened. I walked in and watched the tall fellow follow behind me.
"What floor?" I asked.
"Two."
He had a nice voice, I thought to myself. I pressed the "2" and "4" button and watched as the elevator doors closed. Sealing my only exit. There was a soft jazz melody playing the the background of the elevator. It filled the space, taking up room before any nervous jitters could settle into my bones. I wasn't wearing anything too professional, Yuna told me over the phone that this meeting was less of an interview, and more of a formality. Still, I tried to dress presentable enough for my possible future employer.
As the elevator hitched to a stop, the doors opened to floor 2. The man standing beside me in the elevator shuffled out, saying, "Good luck," right before he exited.
Before I could even react, "Than-" the doors closed. Again, engulfing me. I guess I looked the part for the interview.
I reached floor 4 and walked down the hallway to my right. It led to a pair of double doors that had the name 'Hajun Choi' on a placard. I brought my fist up, knocking a few times.
"Come in," I heard from the other side. I pushed the door opened, greeted by the sight on an expansive office. "Take a seat Miss L/N." Mr. Choi stood, motioning me to the chair in front of his desk. I bowed, making my way over to the seat. I prepared myself before entering, my blouse as my armor, and my wits as my sword.
"Good morning Mr. Choi," I held my palm out, "It's great to meet you."
Mr. Choi grinned, returning my hand shake, "The pleasantries are all mine, I was excited to speak with you. I have only heard great things about you."
I gave a small nod in response.
"Let's skip the formalities, shall we." Mr. Choi's face sunk into a serious gaze, "I'm sure you read over the job description, and I was slightly briefed about your situation. But here at BIGHIT, I was to assure you that we are more than willing to make exceptions if it means we get the best."
His presence was imposing, fitting for someone in a position such as him. I cleared my throat. "Yes, as you may have been told, I do have some reservations Mr. Choi. I'm currently a student, however my school is on break right now. I don't have much work experience besides some contracts I worked on in high school, the only thing I have to show is my portfolio. Lastly, I don't intend on taking a step away from school as of now, I want to get my degree. So if I am going to take on this position, I want to know what exactly are you looking for out of me." My hands were clasped together in my lap, sweat nestling between the wrinkles.
Mr. Choi studied my face for a little, his eyebrows slightly furrowed, then after a moment he relaxed and let out a small chuckle. "I like you Miss L/N." That reaction caught me by surprise. Mr. Choi continued, "I like how you approach problems, to be specific. I can see it through your portfolio, your design decisions are intentional, your work is meant to challenge the status quo. Evoking a visceral reaction from the viewer, without having to show the theme explicitly. Your piece "Eluding Light", a commentary on religion and morals, struck a cord with me especially." He learned forward, a hush to his words, "I need you to do the same thing with Cortis."
He paused, as if allowing me the room to say something. "These kids," A look, I can only describe as hope and longing, filled his eyes, "they want Cortis to be different. Their working debut album name is 'Color Outside the Lines'. In an industry like this, that's nearly impossible to do. There is an established playbook that every group follows, meant to cater to as many fans as possible. Betraying the artistic themes and expressions many idols have"
My throat went dry, "Why are you telling me this, Mr. Choi? I'm sure I'm not privy to hearing some of these things."
Mr. Choi's face soften, "I've watched these kids since they entered BIGHIT, some years ago. Back then, they were nothing, just another trainee. Now, they have something, this hunger. You see Miss L/N, I've seen a lot of groups through these halls, but them, they're special. I know they're going to take this country on like a storm, but I need a supporting team that is just as hungry as they are."
As a college student, it's daunting to hear something like this, especially at your first job interview. So I wasn't sure what was appropriate to say, but there was this unease building in me, "Mr. Choi, forgive me if this is rude, but you speak as though I already accepted the position? I haven't even heard the full details yet."
"Oh yes, sorry about that, I got ahead of myself there," Mr. Choi scratched the back of his head while reaching for some loose papers on his desk, "Here, the full contract is written out and we're open to negotiating some of the clauses." He slid the papers towards me. I reached for them and began to scan through the lines of text.
Mr. Choi continued, "As I was saying, I need people who share the same vision as these kids, the ones who'll support them whenever they falter. A group is only as strong as the team behind them is."
While skimming the lines, my eyes glossed over the compensation, then my jaw dropped. "Mr. Choi, did you guys accidently add a 0 here? Is this a typo?" I held the paper up, pointing to the number listed.
He shook his head, "Nope, that's the right number. Your talent certainly deserves fair compensation," he paused, "And I figured as a college student, you'd need the money to pay for the tuition." He joked.
"These aren't numbers any intern would ever see." I repeated.
"You're not an intern though, your a Creative Leader."
"I'm still in college, Mr. Choi."
"So? I see no issues as long as you deliver on your work, and I know you will. Your portfolio is worth more than a piece of paper from an institution."
"I-" My mind was filling with a thousand different thoughts, "I don't know what to say Mr. Choi. There has to be some catch. It says here I'll be in charge of their debut promotional branding. Are you sure you're willing to entrust that to me?"
"That is a good way to sum up your responsibilities."
"Shouldn't someone with more experience be handling something as important to a K-pop group, as this?"
"We are not hiring you for your experience, but rather your skillset. What you lack, you team will make up for."
"You're really going to entrust this to a college student, Mr. Choi?"
"Why else would you be in my office Miss L/N? Besides, if it doesn't work out, it'll be a good resume boost for you at the end of the day. I'll be sure to write you a good letter of recommendation to your next employer."
I looked at the dotted line to sign, then glanced back at Mr. Choi. "I'll sign if we add a clause about an optional last day, that being when Cortis debuts. You guys cannot decline my resignation and must allow me to return to school if I desire."
"Done." Mr. Choi nodded, reaching for a pen, "You can sign on the dotted line Miss L/N."
"Oh, and I want my age and background not be released to anyone under HYBE, besides though who are obligated to know. I don't want my age to interfere with my work." I bit the inside of my cheek, "I won't sign till I get the updated version."
Mr. Choi let out a small laugh, "Nothing will get past you Miss L/N, will it?"
"How else could I have made it this far Mr. Choi?" I held a triumphant smiled back.
He took back the pen, placing it into his pocket, "I'll have someone from HR send you the updated contract. You can sign it and hand it to me then,"
I felt a bead of sweat glide down my back, "Thank your Mr. Choi, I'll do my best."
He looked at me with a little pity in his eyes, "Piece of advice Miss L/N, as your new boss, please treat me as you would your colleague. It'll make our time together much smoother,"
"Pardon?" I'm sure my confusion was all over my face, "You are my superior though, I'm sure my actions before could have been seen as disrespectful just now,"
Mr. Choi brought a hand to his chin, leaning back in his seat. "I'm sure if I was some other Director, that would've been very disrespectful, and that employee would've also been a doormat in front of their manager. But alas, I am not one of those manager, and you're not a doormat."
Ah, now I get why Yuna said I was going to like the manager, "I'll be mindful of that Mr. Choi, thank you."
The tension that filled the room quickly dissipated with those words, "Now, seeing as you are to join the team soon, I think it'd be good for you to have a tour of the building and meet the your coworkers. I'll call someone up to show you around, you can stay seated Miss L/N."
I nodded, a sense of accomplishment filled my chest. After a few words on the phone, Mr. Choi turned to me, "Secretary Kim will be up momentarily, he'll meet you by the elevators,"
"Okay," I said as I stood up, "I really appreciate the time Mr. Choi,"
"Of course," He stood up as well, "I look forward to the work you do for Cortis." He held his hand out.
I reached for it, "Likewise," giving him a firm shake.
Mr. Choi flashed a quick smile as I turned to leave, the unease and stress leaving my body as I left.
As I entered the hallway, I pulled my phone out to check the time. Only 20 minutes had passed in there, but it felt like I was there for eternity. Mr. Choi means well, but man does he have an intimidating aura. As I waited by the elevator, I shot a quick message to Yuna.
You:
I got the job :)
Then, I heard a ding come from the elevator. Looking up I saw a man in a suit, "Miss L/N?"
"Yes, that's me." I slide my phone back into my pocket.
"I'm Secretary Kim, I'll be showing you around the building. Why don't we start with floor 2?"
Yuna:
OMG!! I'm so happy for you :)
I'll stop by BIGHIT after my meetings this afternoon, you have to tell me how it went!
"Sure, that sounds good. Thank you Secretary Kim."