Chapter 1
Jan Di was running late. Her delivery window was going to close in two minutes. Sweat collecting down her back, she rushed into the nondescript office building in Gangnam. Well nondescript relative to the area. Outside of the opulent neighborhood, this building with a mix of angular and curved lines, and large glass panes would have definitely raised eyebrows. She signed into the security desk and waited patiently for her last customer.
Gleaming golden floor tiles and the intricately patterned ceiling gave a sophisticated old world glow to the whole building, contrary to the cold and minimalist trend that was so popular. Shinhwa headquarters was definitely impressive in it's scale and design, as befitting the massive conglomerate that permeated most of Korean daily life. Primarily a telecommunications company, they also owned hospitals, factories, made household appliances and invested in research and design. They had their hands in almost every industry. Although right now, Jan Di was amazed most by the air conditioning, it was refreshing. This place is nice, she thought. A little envious that people had the privilege to walk through the turnstiles and disappear into the elevators, off to take over the world.
This customer is really taking his time, she thought, thankfully it was her last order.
As she looked around the expansive lobby, she noticed a tall man walk across her line of vision. It was his tight, angry expression that caught her eye. It seemed like he could barely contain his emotions. For a split second she thought he was about to scream. Maybe I am not that envious anymore. Just then a bespectacled man with messy hair came up to Jan Di. "Mr. Seo Hyun Soo?" "Yes, yes, is this my porridge?".
Transaction complete, she reluctantly walked out of the air-conditioned building and back on to her bicycle. The tall angry man was already forgotten, just the memory of the golden, cool Shinhwa building remained.
Seoul in July was disgustingly hot and humid, especially in the afternoon. Jan Di had regretted taking on delivery duties for extra pay. The heat, the sweat and the traffic far outweighed the money and the cool places she got to see. Well, boss man needed the people and he was family so what could she do. She leisurely cycled down the narrow alley to avoid traffic. It was a longer route but it was mostly deserted since everyone was at work. An unexpected breeze caressed her hair. Jan Di let her mind wander, thinking about what she could do with her newly fattened wallet.
Turning the corner, a crossing pedestrian suddenly blocked her. Tyres screeched, Jan Di nearly fell. Righting herself, she glared at the man. He didn't even spare her a glance. "Excuse me, sir, I nearly fell you know", she blurted as he was walking away.
"Not my fault, you are supposed to slow down before a turn", he retorted, his back turned to her. "Well, you are supposed to look both ways before you cross" Jan Di, replied sheepishly. She had been daydreaming about her money after all.
At that, he stopped and looked at her. He was handsome and tall, suited in a fashionable pastel summer suit. It was that angry man from before, she realised. Although he looked more annoyed now. He was even more handsome head on, with his gaze on her, Jan Di grudgingly thought. He had slightly curly hair, dark eyes and prominent cheekbones. He would have fit right in with the aloof models on a runway.
Jan Di felt dizzy looking at him, especially since he was assessing her right back. She felt like she was going to be sneered at any minute. She felt self-conscious, she was probably covered in sweat and the smells of the city. Mentally shaking her head, Jan Di put her chin up and said, "Sorry, next time I will slow down but you should be more alert too"
At that, she quickly made to go back on her bike. "Why?", he replied. "Why should I?"
She looked at him, confused. He looked angry again, that same tense look that had caught her attention before. "So you don't get hurt."
"What if I want to get hurt." He stated petulantly. Jan Di stared at him, even more confused. He looked sad. Strange. Before at the lobby she thought he was gonna scream, now he looked like he was going to cry.
Jan Di was standing there, frozen. He scoffed and started walking away.
"Hey Mister", she called out urgently. She impulsively handed him a strawberry candy from her delivery bag and gave him a halfhearted "fighting".
Feeling discomfited, Jan Di made to get back on her bike.
"Hey, has your shift ended?"