8 7. Daydream

Saturday, 7th. March. 2015

The staff mingling event or as they'd put it in the email, 'Casual Induction' was scheduled for this afternoon. So, I leisurely took my time in getting ready for it. Some tunes played in my apartment from the open laptop on the couch. A few pieces of clothing had been thrown on my bed in the process of picking something. I'd decided on a white long-sleeved shirt with a thin black bow. And, a light pink pleated skirt that sat at the waist. Cute but neat. That was the style.

By the time I left my apartment a civil dusk was setting, it was enough for shops and stores to start turning on their lights, making it easy to see inside. The displays of the clothing store, caffès or flower shops illuminating glower caught my eye through the glass as I made my way to the Agency.

A light chatter of people floated in the tepid spring air. There was such a variety of things tucked away, hidden through the maze of small streets. Arts and crafts boutiques, design studios, grocery stalls, apartments, barbecue restaurants.

Somehow all squished neatly into the streets. Small walkway trails and stairs like a labyrinth, leading from one main block of streets, behind apartment complexes to other sections. Seeing as it was the first time I'd ventured further than the University, which was only across the road, everything was a first time discovery.

By the time I arrived at the building the sky had settled, a perfect maritime blue. Some of the lights in the windows of the building were on, which, let me know people were inside.

As I walked into the foyer I was greeted with a warm smile by a receptionist and escorted to a large meeting room further down a hall. The room was set up like a small intimate seminar was about to take place. She made sure I had a copy of the introductory package and a seat before leaving me.

Shortly after the introduction began, the man giving the briefing's name was Jae-Bum. He touched on everything we needed to know, from copyrights, NDAs, payment details, contract agreements, work expectations. Then, once all of that was taken care of we had a short intermission then he finished with going over specifics about the content.

The space of two hours had passed during the session, and, after it'd come to an end we were excused and left to mingle, snack on the platters and have a glass of wine or beer. The new members of staff slowly scattered around the room, some making their way to the spread of snacks and beverages, and, others congregating in small groups of conversation.

My mind was quite full after taking in all the information so I decided to go and help myself to some of the fruit splayed out along the table. My eye was drawn to a guy whose back was turned, but whose vivid accessories, an oversized hoodie, and baggy track pants caught my attention. His look was definitely on point.

Just as I was about to grab a strawberry from the plate, the stylish guy beside the table turned unexpectedly and bumped into me. As he did, I felt a coldness drench the front of me. His entire drink spilled onto my white shirt. When I looked up, he was a bit taller than me.

"Oh shit! I'm so sorry, are you okay?" His eyes widened in shock as he noticed the wet patch across my chest.

"Uhh" I glanced down, not knowing what to say. Still trying to comprehend what'd happened. A chill ran through me and I realised that my shirt had become see-through.

"Shit, quick. Come with me." Suddenly he panicked as he saw the same thing I had. He grabbed my wrist and pulled me from the room before anyone else could see.

"Where are we going?" I asked, taking advantage of the momentary drama to admired his features. Wide-set brown eyes, high cheekbones and lips the shape of a heart.

Not to mention the strong aura he exudes, the fits he's wearing says it all.

"I'm so sorry, I wasn't paying any attention. I have a spare shirt in my studio that you can change into." He glanced at me apologetically as we climbed up a flight of stairs.

"Oh.. thanks... My shirt is kinda see-through right now so.." I mumbled, feeling more awkward about the situation as the initial shock started to wear off. We came to a halt at a door.

"What? No don't thank me, this is my fault. Getting you something to change into is the least I can do." He rubbed at the back of his head sheepishly before holding the door open, motioning for me to step in first.

"Yeah, I guess so" as I entered I was stunned by the room, totally forgetting what I was about to say, "Wait? This is your studio?!"

"Yeah. Sure is. You like it?" He grinned cheekily after he closed the door behind us. He was quick to go over to a shelf and look through some shirts.

"Yeah, it's so cool. Wish I had a studio like this. Making music would be so much easier." I sighed at the thought of it, grazing over the widescreen on the desk and all the production software. Being a producer at this company must have been great.

"The seminar is for new employees so uh, did our company just hire you as a writer?" He paused for a moment then pulled out a shirt, "Aha! Here, this one's perfect for you." He turned, beaming as he handed me an oversized white tee.

"Thanks," I took it from him before answering his earlier question, "And yeah, as a ghostwriter to be more exact."

"Oh. Interesting," he stood before me as though in contemplation for a moment, although, I had no idea what he was thinking.

"So um, where should I change?" I shuffled my feet awkwardly, the shirt he'd given me still in hand. The wetness on my chest was starting to make me feel cold.

"Oh sorry, I'll step out. Just meet me in the hall when you're done." He gave a small smile before leaving me to change.

He was unexpectedly kind. Maybe it was cause he felt bad about the accident but still, he didn't have to go to the trouble of lending me clothes. I slipped out of my wet shirt and into the fresh softness of his T-shirt. The light alluring scent that must've been his comfortingly filled my nose. It felt familiar.

"You okay in there?" He called from behind the door.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Thanks, I feel way better." I shoved my wet shirt in my handbag and rushed out to the hall. He kicked off the wall he was leant against when he saw me, gaze checking out the shirt I was wearing.

"My shirt looks good on you." The way he'd said it made me feel faint. Where did that come from?! But he was quick to change the subject as though totally oblivious to what he'd just said.

"Oh, by the way, I had an idea. Seeing as you're going to be writing, did you want to swap numbers? I mean, in case you had any trouble or needed help." His smile broadened. I only gave it a moments thought. If he was a Producer then I'm sure there wouldn't be any problems with that. It's not like I was exchanging numbers with the companies Idols or anything...

"Sure, that'd be nice. My name is Jia by the way." I introduced myself.

"Hoseok. It's a pleasure to meet you." He replied.

After exchanging numbers I started to feel a little tired so Hoseok offered to have someone drive me home. It was such a kind gesture so I took it, I thanked him, promising to return his shirt and left with a male staff member that he'd asked to drive me back.

______________________________________

Memories - Hoseok's Piece:

1st. April. 2014

I'd danced all night, to the point of exhaustion. To the point, I was left breathless and laying on the wooden boards of the practice room floor. The music ended, leaving me in tense silence.

I study the details of the white ceiling above me but all it does is collapse into thoughts. Losing myself in the rhythm usually works when I don't want to linger on painful shit. But, not this time. Not yesterday or the day before either.

Fuck.. I can't stop asking myself, just how did it come to this? How did we get here? Like I'm waiting for someone to pop up and laugh, tell me it's all a big joke. Or a daydream. Anything, but, I know that isn't going to happen.

Jia is one of the kindest, sweetest and most innocent girls I've ever met. So, why? None of it makes any sense. Why was she the one left to suffer like this? It's just insanity. And it breaks my fucking heart.

God, what I'd give to just hold her. I'd keep her safe, make sure nothing like this ever happened again to her. Tickles run from the corner of my eyes. I sit up, unbothered with wiping them away. Instead, I start my cool-down stretches.

Even being here, I can imagine her behind the camera, helping me film videos. I close my eyes. The vivid feeling of her hips swaying in my hands, the tickle of her hair on my cheek. Her voice, sweet scent. Projecting behind my closed eyes.

Daydreams.

What I would've given for them to be real.

Notes:

(ꈍ . ꈍ´´♥) Love is so painful...

Let me know any thoughts you may have ~