1 Hayeon Yujin

In the vibrant city of Seoul, South Korea, Hayeon Yujin stirred in her bed as the first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains. She yawned and stretched, her eyes fluttering open to greet the new day. With a slight groan, she reluctantly pushed back the cozy covers and swung her legs over the edge of the bed.

Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she began her morning routine. First, she stumbled into the bathroom, where she splashed water on her face, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. As she brushed her teeth, she couldn't help but mumble in frustration about the prospect of yet another day of work.

After getting dressed in her work attire, she made her way to the kitchen, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. She poured herself a steaming cup, hoping the caffeine would jolt her awake and bring some semblance of energy to her weary body.

In the corner of the kitchen, she noticed a family picture frame sitting on the counter. She paused and glanced at it, a flicker of sadness crossing her face. It held a cherished photograph of her late parents, a constant reminder of the love and support they had given her throughout her life. With a tender smile, she bid a quiet goodbye to the picture, silently expressing her gratitude for their presence in her heart.

After leaving her apartment, she stepped out into the brisk morning air, her breath forming a faint mist before her. Determination etched on her face, she set off to find a bus that would take her to the company where she worked.

As she reached the bustling bus stop, a line of people awaited their rides, each lost in their own thoughts and routines.

The bus arrived with a familiar rumble, its doors swinging open to welcome the passengers.

Finding a seat near the window, she settled into the bus and let out a sigh of relief. The rhythmic motion of the bus, combined with the warmth of its interior, began to lull her into a sense of comfort.

Just as she began to feel drowsy, memories of the past flooded her mind.

She was just a child then, living in a cozy home with a loving family. Laughter filled the air as her parents playfully teased her, and she felt the warmth of their affection wrap around her like a protective cocoon.

But amidst the joyous memories, a dark cloud loomed on the horizon. The dream shifted, and she relived the heart-wrenching moment of the accident that had taken her parents from her. The memory was vivid and painful, tears welled up in her eyes as the emotions of loss and grief washed over her once again.

Just as the dream seemed overwhelming, she was suddenly awakened by the gentle touch of an elderly woman sitting next to her.

"Excuse me, dear," the kind voice said, "you were snoring. I thought I'd wake you up."

Embarrassment flooded her cheeks, and she quickly wiped away the remnants of her tear-streaked dream.

"Oh, thank you," she mumbled, trying to regain her composure. As she glanced at her watch, panic set in-she was running late.

She hurriedly thanked the grandma and apologized for the disturbance before gathering her belongings and stepping off the bus at her stop. The city bustled around her, people rushing past as the sunlight slowly waned.

As she walked, the dream lingered in her mind, leaving her feeling nostalgic and emotionally raw.

Then, she glanced at her watch and realized that she was running behind schedule. Panic surged through her veins as she recalled the list of tasks she needed to accomplish that day. Without a moment's hesitation, she broke into a sprint, weaving through the crowded streets, determined to reach the building where her company resided.

She approached the familiar glass doors, taking a deep breath before stepping inside. With a swift nod to the security guard, she hurried to the elevator, pressing the button impatiently as she waited for it to arrive.

The elevator doors opened, and she stepped inside, joining a group of fellow employees. Her heart raced, the seconds ticking away in her mind like a relentless countdown. The floors seemed to pass too slowly, and the anticipation of facing her impending responsibilities intensified.

Finally, the elevator reached her destination, and she rushed out, her footsteps echoing in the corridor as she navigated through the maze of cubicles and desks. The office buzzed with activity, but she remained focused on her mission.

As she approached her desk, her supervisor, Mr. Lee, intercepted her with a stern expression. "Hayeon, you're late again," he reprimanded, his voice firm but tinged with disappointment.

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Lee," she stammered, her face flushed with embarrassment. "I had some personal matters to attend to this morning."

He sighed, his frustration evident. "I understand, but punctuality is essential in our line of work. Your team was counting on you for the morning meeting, and now it's delayed."

Guilt gnawed at her conscience as she realized the impact of her tardiness on her colleagues. She knew Mr. Lee had high expectations of her, and she had let him down.

"I'll make sure it won't happen again," she promised, her voice determined.

He nodded, acknowledging her apology. "I hope so. We all have responsibilities, but we need to balance them with our work commitments."

As he turned and walked away, she sank into her chair, feeling a mix of disappointment and determination. She knew she had to do better, to prove herself capable and reliable despite the occasional challenges life threw her way.

Throughout the day, she threw herself into her work, determined to make up for lost time. Despite the scolding she had received, she refused to let it define her. With each completed task, she felt a glimmer of satisfaction, a sense of achievement that she had not allowed her momentary setback to derail her entire day.