Bold = character's thoughts

Italicized = emphasis or phone conversations

*NOTE*: Light profanity and drinking in this chapter. While these are only small moments in the story, if any of these make you uncomfortable, do not read!

"Ms. Jung, we have received confirmation on the collaboration with YW. The CEO of YW would like to meet with you tomorrow morning to discuss in further detail about the project.” Yerin’s secretary explained while handing Yerin a file containing information about the meeting time and what would be discussed.

"Thank you Secretary Park.” Yerin couldn’t help but smile. A collaboration with YW, the biggest designer clothing company in South Korea, would not only increase the sales, but also the reputation of Nuri, the cosmetic company created by Yerin herself. “Is there anything else on my schedule for today?”

"No Ms. Jung, however it would be good to read up on CEO Kim and the collaboration-”

“I got the gist of it from the file you handed me, so I think I’m good to go. I’m going to visit Sojung now. See you tomorrow, Secretary Park!” Yerin said while walking towards the elevator to head to her car. 

Once the elevator opened, Yerin stepped out,walking briskly towards her Aston Martin DBS. The sounds of her heels echoing around the otherwise silent parking garage. It was only 4:30 PM, too early for any of the other employees to be seen leaving. While her parents had gifted her other expensive cars, this one in particular was Yerin’s favorite. The perfect, expensive car for a perfect, expensive woman. Yerin chuckled to herself as she opened the car door and sunk into the leather seat. Turning on her car, Yerin pulled out of the parking garage, towards Sojung’s house.

While driving, Yerin decided to call Sojung to let her know that she was heading over to her house. Perhaps mansion was a better word for it since Sojung lived just as luxuriously as Yerin did. Yerin and Sojung have known each other for half a year now. They met at a formal party hosted by one of Yerin’s associates. Yerin recalls Sojung’s gorgeous dress being the reason she decided to talk to Sojung. They quickly found that they had interests in similar things and have since been friends. Although she’s only known Sojung for slightly over half a year, Yerin considers her one of her greatest friends. 

"Hello?” Yerin was brought out of her thoughts by Sojung’s voice.

"Sojung! I’m heading over to your house!”

"What? Yerin, I’m not even- I’m still at work! And shouldn’t you be at work too?” confusion could be heard in Sojung’s voice.

"I decided to leave early since I had nothing else scheduled and I got some great news today.” Yerin explained, still looking forward to the road as she continued towards Sojung’s house.

Sojung sighed before checking the clock in her office. “Well, go wait at my house then. I should be done soon and I’ll head over right after. My housemaid will let you in.”

"Great, see you later Sojung!” immediately hanging up the phone, Yerin decided to turn up the radio and began humming along to her favorite song. Can’t believe how great today has been. I get news about the collaboration, open schedule for the rest of the day, leave work early, and now my favorite song is playing! Today is definitely my day. Yerin thought to herself. With how busy she has gotten since her last cosmetic line was a huge success, today felt like a breath of fresh air. “I don’t think anything could go wrong for me today.”

Pulling up in front of Sojung’s mansion, Yerin parked her car and walked up to the doors. As she was about to ring the bell, the door suddenly opened, revealing a girl around Yerin’s age,but a couple inches shorter than her. This girl had long, brown hair with a wide smile and round cheeks. She’s cute. Yerin thought while looking the girl up and down, inspecting her clothing. The girl was wearing an open white collar shirt over a white t-shirt, coupled with loose-fitting white pants. Though based on her appearance… ah she must be the housemaid! Must be new too since I’ve never seen her before.

"Oh sorry, I mistook you for someone else." the girl let out an airy laugh before looking up at Yerin with curious brown eyes, "Wait, aren’t you Jung Yerin? CEO of Nuri?”

"That’s right, and I don’t really care who you are.” walking passed the girl and into the house, Yerin couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “Gosh, doesn’t Sojung have her people trained before they start working here?”

"Excuse me? Who exactly do you think I am?” shock was evident on the girl’s face as Yerin turned around to face her. The shock quickly turned to anger though as the girl’s eyebrows furrowed. Her smile was completely gone. 

"Aren’t you the housemaid? Did they not train you to speak politely to guests?” Yerin was getting angry now as well. Who gave this housemaid the right to speak to her in such a way? And why was she getting angry at Yerin? Yerin was simply telling the truth when she said she didn’t care about who this random girl was. Why should I care about someone below me?

"I can’t believe this… You know what? I don’t care. I’m going to leave.” The girl took a deep breath before walking towards the door. “...Sojung should pick better friends” Yerin could barely hear the girl say before she slammed the door shut. Although she left, Yerin could still feel how tense the air was.

"Urgh! I can’t believe her! What was her problem anyway?” Yerin screamed out in frustration, still thinking about the argument she had with the girl just now. “And to think today was going so well too. *sigh* I need a drink.” All the pent up rage spent, Yerin collapsed onto a couch, the cool leather only managing to slightly calm Yerin down. Whatever, I’m not going to even bring it up to Sojung. If I talk about it, it’s going to put me in an even worse mood. I’m going to enjoy the rest of my day, because today is my day.

Half an hour passed before Sojung opened the door. Quickly taking off her heels and putting on slippers, she walked over to Yerin. “You sure look comfortable. Getting here before me, I wish my schedule was empty.” Sojung sighed before walking into the kitchen, Yerin getting up and following behind her.

"I’m guessing it was a long day for you?” Yerin asked an obvious question. With the high demand for models, especially as more designer brands are releasing more clothing lines with the approach of summer(?), it’s expected that Kim Sojung, the CEO of the Kim Modeling Agency, would have to work longer hours as well.

"Just lots of meetings with designers and looking over profiles for hopefuls.” Sojung explained as she pulled out two glasses and a bottle of red wine. She poured for herself and Yerin before continuing, “There’s just been a sudden increase in the number of people looking to work at the agency. Hopefully it calms down soon. Anyway, what was the ‘great news’ you got today?”

Yerin smiled at the thought of the collaboration before taking a sip of her wine. “My company is confirmed to have a collaboration with YW and we’re going to release an entire clothing and cosmetics series.”

"Well that’s a dream collaboration if I’ve ever heard one.” Sojung chuckled at the news before refilling Yerin’s wine glass. “And I do know how much you love YW’s clothes.”

Yerin looked at the sleeve of her suit with the YW brand on it. While she loved all types of designer clothing, YW’s clothing was definitely the most aesthetically pleasing while still maintaining class and comfort. So to be able to collaborate and even meet the CEO of YW was truly a dream come true for Yerin.

"Hey, we should celebrate this news!” Yerin suddenly exclaimed, startling Sojung as she took a sip of her wine.

"Aren’t we celebrating now? This is my most expensive wine you know.”

"You’re no fun, Sojung. We always drink wine at your house.” While staring at Sojung, who sighed and put the bottle of wine away, an idea suddenly came to Yerin. “We should go to the club! You’ve never been to one before, right?”

"Yeah because you know I’m not much of a partier or drinker, Yerin!”

"You need to loosen up. Don’t worry, the club I like to go to isn’t usually super crowded. Come on, at least do it for me? So we can celebrate together?” Yerin begged while giving her best attempt at puppy eyes. She knows the puppy eyes won’t affect Sojung, but it never hurts to try.

"Fine, fine! I’ll go, but I’m not going to get drunk.” Sojung rolled her eyes before throwing up her hands in defeat.

"Perfect! I knew I could count on you!” though I knew you were going to say yes anyways. Yerin thought to herself before walking back towards the front door. “Anyway, since you had a long day, I won’t keep you up any longer. Bye, Sojung! See you Sunday night!” Closing the door, Yerin walks back to her car and begins driving home. Can’t believe I convinced Sojung to go to the club with me. But first, my meeting with Kim Yewon, the CEO and head designer of YW.

Pulling up to the YW company building, Yerin hands her keys over to the valet. As soon as she stepped through the entrance, the receptionist greets her. “Good morning, Ms. Jung. I’ll show you to Ms. Kim’s office. If you would follow me.” Yerin follows her into the elevator as they head to the top floor of the building. 

"Ms. Kim, Ms. Jung Yerin has arrived for the meeting.”

"Come in,” Yerin heard from the other side of the door. It’s finally time. I can’t believe I get to meet YW! I heard only a handful of people know what she looks like. She sounded kind of familiar though. Where have I heard her voice before?

To say Yerin was shocked would be an understatement, because before her was the last person she was expecting to see. Turning around to look at Yerin was the same girl she met at Sojung’s house. She was now dressed in a black pants suit that better accentuated her figure than the all white clothes from yesterday. The top buttons were undone on the white collared shirt she was wearing underneath the suit top, displaying a perfect collarbone. Most striking of all was the displeased look on her face as she stared at Yerin.

"Oh …” Yerin mumbled to herself, facing going pale. Who would’ve thought that the girl she thought was a housemaid was actually the person she was hoping to meet the most. No, how was I supposed to know! No one would expect the head designer of YW to dress so plainly out of work. Yerin started to scream internally, however she maintained a neutral face.

"Jung Yerin, it’s nice to meet you...or so I’d like to say.” Yewon sarcastically said as she returned to her office chair, still staring straight at Yerin. “My name is Kim Yewon, CEO and head designer at YW. Oh right. You don’t care who I am. Sorry about that.”

She’s being petty now. She’s definitely mad! Ugghhh Dumb-rin, come up with something to say! Even though she thought this, Yerin was having a hard time coming up with words to somehow alleviate the situation and keep the collaboration from falling apart. Maybe I should start by apologizing. Yeah, that’s a good idea. Gosh, who knew someone with such a cute face could be so intimidating!

"Um, Ms. Kim, I’m s-sorry!” Yerin bowed slightly as she apologized, slightly stuttering. Yewon raised an eyebrow at her. Stuttering? Me? Get your together, Jung Yerin! “I mean, I apologize for the way I talked to you yesterday. I had no idea who you were, and that still doesn’t excuse how I acted, but I hope you can forgive me!” Yerin was almost shouting now as she did her best to explain her actions from yesterday. Who am I kidding? There's no way she’s going to forgive me for that. Goodbye collaboration…

Yerin looked up at Yewon who was now staring at her desk in contemplation. Yewon sighed before looking up at Yerin.

"Listen, Ms. Jung. I really don’t like you, and I can’t say I forgive you for what happened yesterday, but this collaboration is a huge opportunity for both of our companies.”

Yerin exhaled, not even realizing that she was holding her breath. “So that means..?”

"I won’t cancel the collaboration.” Yewon says while folding her hands on top of her desk.

Yerin finally smiled upon hearing this. Yewon was correct when she said that their collaboration was a huge opportunity for both of their companies, and Yerin is just thankful that it was saved considering the disaster of a first meeting they had.

"Anyway, this meeting was meant to begin discussions on what the collaboration will look like, however, I think the both of us aren’t in the greatest of moods right now, so let’s meet again on Monday at the same time as today. I’ll go over to your company. Please prepare some basic ideas and designs for your product by then.” Yerin nodded in agreement with moving the meeting to another day. The tension was high in Yewon’s office, and it wasn’t helping her come up with ideas for a new product.

"Okay, Monday morning? I’ll have some stuff prepared by then. And please feel free to call me Yerin!” Yerin hoped to slightly lift the mood in the office, but Yewon stared at her before looking down at the paperwork on her desk. The displeasure evident on her lips as the frown never left her face.

"...If that’s all, I’ll see you on Monday, Ms. Jung.” Yerin flinched as Yewon emphasised ‘Ms. Jung’ before turning around and leaving the office. Once Yerin was in the comfort of her own car, she could finally breathe easily again. While the collaboration was saved, the tension was still there, and she just hoped that it would get better soon.

Author's Notes:

Umrin have officially met. That was quite a messy way to meet, but this just goes to show you shouldn't judge someone based on their appearance.

I hope you enjoyed reading Chapter 1! This whole story was a very self-indulgent project that I wanted to share with buddies, so hopefully it can live up to some of your expectations. Also wanted to note that while I included all three ships, the main focus will be on Umrin. Wonha and Sinju will still appear quite a bit, but the main story revolves around Umrin.