Hi, I'm S.
This isn't the diary of a superhero, though I've always wished I were one—Spider-Lady, perhaps? Haha, that's just a metaphor; I've always been obsessed with Spider-Man.
Today is my first day at work. I graduated a year ago, and after a long struggle, I finally landed this job. But enough chattering—I need to get ready so I won't be late on day one.
Ouch! That hurt. Don't worry, I just stubbed my pinky toe on something.
I'm putting on the official uniform: a white blazer and black fabric trousers. It's a traditional look for a traditional job. I've always dreamed of extraordinary things, but I guess there's no harm in enduring a bit of the "ordinary" at the start.
I headed to the bus stop. I arrived exactly one second late. I'm currently sprinting like a madwoman, hoping the driver hears me and stops.
"Sir! Mr. Driver! Wait! I'll be late for work!"
Finally, the bus screeched to a halt.
S: "Thank you, sir."
The driver muttered something grumpily under his breath. I couldn't tell what he said, but I didn't care. The only thing that mattered was reaching work on time.
I stared out the window, watching the street blur by—shop signs, people rushing to work like me, and children heading to school. I've always hated waking up early, but I've always loved the crisp, cold breeze of the morning.
Finally, I arrived. The workplace is a massive shopping mall. I'll be working as a salesgirl for a high-end brand—I won't mention the name for now.
Meet Mr. Akane, the branch manager. He looks like he's in his late twenties, and he looks... furious.
S (bowing respectfully): "Hello, Mr. Akane. I'm the new sales assistant. Thank you for hiring me."
Akane (grumbling): "Five minutes late on your first day? That's unacceptable, Miss. We sell time here, and in this store, time is expensive."
S (lowering my voice): "I'm sorry, sir. The bus was a second late and—"
Akane (coldly): "I don't care for excuses. There are fifty boxes in the warehouse that need to be unpacked and organized before the grand opening. Also, a VIP is visiting the store today."
Damn it. What just happened? Rebuked on my first day! He's so mean. Should I just walk up and slap him? Honestly, I'd be so happy if I did.
What about you? Would you want to do that too if you were in my shoes?
I'm in the warehouse now. Curse these dust-covered boxes! Why doesn't Mr. Akane care about cleanliness if he's such a perfectionist? Hmph. Curse you, Akane. Why couldn't one of the senior staff help me? I've become a mere speck of dust. I'm no longer "S."
And then there's Mika, my colleague. She's been here longer, and I can bet she's Akane's twin in cruelty. She just stands there with him, laughing and chatting with that fake, annoying smile. Even though she's supposed to be helping me unpack and set up the displays, she clearly enjoys some "privileges" from Akane.
We've been open for an hour now. Mika hasn't budged from her seat while I do everything alone. She probably thinks her father owns the store.
Suddenly, the VIP arrived. It's an idol named Mingh, accompanied by his friend, Do-ki.
The moment Mika spotted them, she sprang from the seat she hadn't left for three hours. She nudged me hard in the chest, forcing me to sit in her place. It's so pathetic and obvious, Mika. You love the spotlight. You're like a snake in human form. It's best to ignore people like you and Akane.
Mika (in a sugary, fake voice): "We are so honored by your visit! How can I assist you today?"
Do-ki sat down; it seemed he was just there to accompany Mingh and had no intention of buying anything. No one answered her. Mr. Mingh began wandering through the store in silence. Then, suddenly, he pointed his finger at me.
Mingh: "You. Can you bring me a larger size of this?"
In that moment, I glanced sideways at Mika. I could swear her eyes were sparking with rage. Karma, Mika. Karma.
S: "Certainly... here it is."
Mingh: "Where is the fitting room?"
S: "This way, please."
As we walked toward the fitting rooms, I caught Mika's gaze again. It was so sharp that if eyes were guns, I'd be a dead body riddled with bullets. But I didn't care.
I knocked softly on the fitting room door.
S (in a low voice): "This is the larger size, sir."
Mingh opened the door. He was looking at me—really looking, intense and focused. Our eyes met for a heartbeat before he looked away, took the jacket from my hand, and shut the door.
I stood there, frozen. What on earth was that look?
My thoughts were interrupted by Akane's wretched voice shouting at me: "What are you doing? Are you going to stand there all day?!"
S: "I'm sorry, I just thought he might need something else."
Mingh stepped out of the fitting room, cutting off Akane's shouting. "Why are you yelling at her? I asked her to wait there until I finished trying on the jacket."
Akane and Mika's faces turned pale. Do-ki looked at his friend in surprise but said nothing.
Mingh: "I'll take this one."
S: "We are happy to serve you. I hope it meets your expectations."
Mingh: "Can I ask you a question?"
S: "Of course, go ahead."
Mingh: "Where are you from? Your features look quite different from the girls here."
Then, he leaned in and whispered in my ear: "Give me your phone number."
I looked at him in total shock. He placed his phone in my hand and added quickly: "Hurry, type it in. I don't have time. You can be as surprised as you want after I leave, but this is a secret between us. Agreed?"
S: "Agreed."
And just like that, Mr. Mingh vanished from the store. I stood still until Mika's voice snapped me back: "What were you two whispering about?"
S: "Nothing important."
I grabbed my bag and headed home.
Before going to bed, I opened my diary and left a handwritten note:
"Mr. Mingh... you are a beautiful dream. I hope I never wake up!"