Asilzoda:
Nice to meet you, and this is your wallet. You dropped it this morning.
Yoojin:
Oh, what? Where did you find it?
Asilzoda:
We bumped into each other this morning, and you dropped it. We called you, but you didn't hear us.
Yoojin:
Ah, thank you so much. I was rushing this morning, so I didn't even notice I had dropped my wallet.
Manager Kim:
Ms. Kang, please be more careful. You found your wallet today, but next time you might not be so lucky.
Yoojin:
Alright, Manager Kim. I'm sorry for causing you all trouble.
Bahora:
It's okay. Things like this can happen to anyone.
Manager Kim:
Alright, girls, let's get to work.
Girls:
Yes, ma'am!
The girls quickly got to work.
There wasn't much work and it wasn't too difficult.
Soon it was lunchtime.
The girls invited Yoojin to lunch, but she declined.
Some other coworkers invited the girls to eat. They became curious about Yoojin and started asking around.
Colleague 1:
Ms. Kang? If I'm not mistaken, she started working here about a month ago.
Colleague 2:
She's good at her job, especially her reports.
Colleague 3:
But even though she works well, she's a bit arrogant. She never talks to us or joins us for lunch. Always alone. I think she looks down on us because of her skills.
Others:
Yeah, I agree with that.
Colleague 3:
By the way, you girls seem quite smart and elegant. Why did you come to work here? We heard you speak many languages and are very beautiful. Also, I saw you with Secretary Lee this morning. You looked quite close. No need to flirt with old men to get a job, you know.
Bahora stood up in anger, ready to splash water from her glass in her face, but Asilzoda stopped her.
Asilzoda:
Сегодня наш первый рабочий день. Если вы не хотите, чтобы это стало проблемой с первого дня, проявите терпение.
(Today is our first day at work. If you don't want trouble from day one, please be patient.)
Bahora sat down. Asilzoda calmly sipped her tea. Then she looked at the third colleague.
Asilzoda:
May I know your name, ma'am?
Colleague 3:
Choi Bo Ra. Sorry I didn't introduce myself earlier. Hmm.
Bahora couldn't stand her face. She wanted to slam it into the table and throw her out the window. But Asilzoda told her to stay calm.
Asilzoda was still calm. She finished her tea.
Asilzoda:
Nice to meet you, Ms. Choi.
Do you know why people have noses?
Choi Bora:
Why?
Asilzoda:
To breathe — not to interfere in other people's business. Thank you for judging my work, but I'd prefer if you kept your extra opinions to yourself. People earn more respect when they mind their own tasks. I'm saying this to warn you, Ms. Choi. Lunch break is almost over. Let's return to our desks. Come, Bahora.
Choi was fuming.
Choi Bora:
You and that arrogant Kang... I'll make sure you both know your place soon. Just wait.
Meanwhile, Asilzoda and Bahora walked away.
Bahora:
I'm impressed. You said those things so calmly. Did you see her face? That was amazing! Hahaha.
But why do people dislike Ms. Kang? Is she really as arrogant as they say?
Asilzoda:
I don't think so. Look at her — she works through lunch. If the rumors were true, she'd be like Choi, sitting around and gossiping.
Bahora:
Then why does she avoid people so much?
Asilzoda:
It's not avoidance. It's called self-protection.
Bahora:
Why would she need that kind of protection?
Asilzoda:
What do you think? Maybe her life is similar to ours. That's what I believe. Otherwise, she wouldn't be this cautious with people.
Bahora:
Well, there's still time. Let's go get coffee. We should bring one for Ms. Kang too.
Asilzoda:
Good idea.
They left to get coffee. Ten minutes later…
Asilzoda:
Ms. Kang, I can see you really love your work. You even skipped lunch.
Yoojin:
Please drop the formality — just call me Yoojin.
Asilzoda:
Alright then, just call me Asilzoda. Here's some coffee for you.
Bahora:
And you can call me Bahora too!
Yoojin:
Hahaha, okay, Bahora and Asilzoda.
Yoojin smiled. Her smile was radiant, almost glowing.
Asilzoda and Bahora exchanged glances.
Asilzoda (in thought):
Her smile is bright and beautiful.
Bahora (in thought):
When she smiles, she becomes even more beautiful. Her smile is dazzling.
Yoojin:
Thanks for the coffee. Let's get back to work.
Girls:
Alright.
A few days later…
Bahora:
Yoojin, are you free this weekend?
Yoojin:
Why do you ask?
Bahora:
Asilzoda and I are going shopping. Want to come with us?
Yoojin:
Sorry, I'm a bit busy. You two go ahead without me.
Bahora:
Okay then. But what about joining us for dinner tonight? Asilzoda invited us. We're going to a Japanese restaurant. Come with us?
Yoojin:
No, but thank you for the invite.
Bahora:
Why not? Please, please, please come with us! We're still new here.
Bahora had very beautiful, gentle eyes. No one could say no to them — not even Yoojin.
Yoojin:
How did I end up agreeing… and where have you brought me?
Ahh… where are we?
Bahora:
This is the Japanese restaurant we mentioned.
Yoojin:
This place looks so fancy and expensive.
Bahora:
You think so? Well, Asilzoda invited us, so let's go in — she's probably waiting.
They entered and saw Asilzoda waiting.
Bahora:
We're here!
Asilzoda:
Was work that heavy? You're so late.
Bahora:
No, it was hard convincing Yoojin.
Asilzoda:
Looks like you used your eyes again.
Yoojin:
What do you mean, eyes?
Asilzoda:
Bahora's eyes — when she softens them like that, no one can say no.
Bahora:
That's true, but they don't work on stone-hearted Asilzoda.
Asilzoda:
Did you just call me stone-hearted?
Bahora:
Sorry! I take it back! Let's order. I'm starving. I want everything on the menu. Yoojin, what will you have?
Yoojin:
Isn't this too expensive? Asilzoda, is this okay?
Asilzoda:
No worries — just order. I said I'm treating you today.
They ordered food. After it arrived, they began eating.
Suddenly, Yoojin looked at the girls and asked:
Yoojin:
Asilzoda, Bahora… do you love each other?
> "How would you answer, if it was your story?"
🖋 Your words matter — leave your answer below.