“Ouch, my waist hurt” Seulgi lightly massaging her waist after she get out of her motorbike

“Seul!” Moonbyul hollered as she approaching Seulgi

“Yah unnie, don’t scream. People will look at us” Seulgi rolled her eyes

“Sorry” Moonbyul giggled “Where is Wendy?”

“She’s already inside. Let’s go” both of them enter the café where they plan to eat a late night snack. The café is open until 12 so Seulgi and her friends usually hangouts there after working

“Yah!” a blonde girl waving her hand as soon as she saw Seulgi and Moonbyul

Moonbyul and Seulgi race towards Wendy who already munching French fries

“How dare you eat without us?” Seulgi complain

“You two take too long”

“We got stuck in a traffic jam. Besides, we have short briefing with Producer Kim before go home”

“Seul, what shall we eat tonight?” Moonbyul nudging Seulgi

“Hm, I don’t feel like eating ramen. Shall we try burgers?” Seulgi scanning the menu at the table

“Not bad, I want a mild spicy cheeseburger and onion ring. For drink, I want iced lemon tea”

Seulgi looked at the older girl lazily “Unnie, do you expect me to order for you?”

“Yes” Moonbyul showing goofy smile

“You usually like this. You will pay for us later”

“Yah!”

“Your salary is higher than mine so paying my foods is not a big deal for you” Seulgi wiggle her eyebrows

Moonbyul rolled her eyes “Okay, now go order the foods. I’m starving”

“Okay!” Seulgi skipped to the counter to make her order

The female staff turned her back to the counter as she was busy wiping the table. She doesn’t notice Seulgi's presence until the bear clears . The girl turn around and quickly serving the customer who smiling sweetly

“Hi ma’am, may I take your order please?” the girl in front of Seulgi speak softly

Seulgi can’t help but smile like an idiot as she stares at the beautiful girl before her. She admits that the girl is the most beautiful girl she ever met. Her soft voice alone already makes Seulgi heart racing. Seulgi really fall in love at first sight

“Pretty” Seulgi mumble while staring at the staff with honey dripping from her eyes

“Sorry?”

The bear flinch as she realize her clumsiness “Oh, nothing” she chuckle

“So, may I take your order?”

Seulgi tapping her fingers on the countertop “I want double patty chicken burger, mild spicy cheeseburger, small portion of onion ring and grilled sausage with cheese sauce”

The girl was shocked when she heard Seulgi order a lot. It’s obviously shown on her face but she is not saying anything. However, Seulgi noticed her reaction, she chuckled “If you think the foods are for me alone, you’re wrong. It is foods for two” Seulgi pointed at their table where Wendy and Moonbyul busy gossiping

“Oh, I see” the girl blushing as she was busted by the customer “Drink?”

“2 iced tea”

“Okay, your order will serve later” she tapped the screen then the receipt came out. She gives it to Seulgi then the bear pays it with the money that Moonbyul gave her. She go back to their table after receive the change

……………………………

Today Irene will attend the interview to be news anchor at one of the broadcasting companies. Becoming a news anchor has been her dream since back then. She studies hard to achieve her dream. While waiting for the vacancy, she decides to do a part-time job at the fast food restaurant. A month ago she saw a job vacancy on the internet and she immediately applied. Few days ago, she received a call from the company to come to the interview. She can’t help but be very happy as she is one step closer to her dream but she can’t satisfy it yet. She know there are a lot of rival for the job

She already composed herself before coming to the interview. With the experience that she has during her college session, she is confident that she can do well. As she informed, there will be few stages of audition before the final interview.

Irene calmly steps inside the building and rides the elevator to the 3rd floor where the interview will be held. As she stepped out of the elevator, there were few candidates already arriving. Everyone looked nervous. She approach the staff to confirm her attendance

The female staff show a friendly smile then she gives Irene her queue number “You can sit at the bench. Our interview will start soon”

“Thank you ma’am” Irene said politely and bows her head

………………………..

Seulgi is on her way to the studio for her next schedule. She passed by the hall where the news anchor interview will hold. She saw about 15 candidates waiting for their turn to interview. Even if they don’t see her, she mentally says good luck to them.

Seeing their nervous look, she remembered the moment she came for her interview as camera operator 4 years ago. Out of 10 shortlisted candidates, she accepted along with her fellow camera operator, Oh Sehun and Kim Jongin. They join the daily news production team. Since that day, she and Moonbyul became best friends because Moonbyul is the senior camera operator who is also their trainer. Wendy, Seulgi best friend since high school also work together with them as assistant floor manager

Between the candidates who sat at the bench, Seulgi noticed someone familiar. She recalled back where she saw that person. After few minutes, she snapped her fingers

“The waitress” she whisper

Since they are preparing for an interview, Seulgi decides to not distract the girl. She wanted to cheer her up but she canceled it. In the end, she continue walking to the studio since the news will air in 20 minutes and she have to prepare too

……………………..

Tonight, Seulgi came to the double patty cafe again. She comes alone because Wendy and Moonbyul have something else to do. Tomorrow is her off-day so she is in a good mood today.

To her delight, there are only a few customers at the café who enjoy their late night snack. Her smile is getting wide when she sees the staff at the counter. The girl sits on the stool while reading something. Seulgi quickly approaching her

“Hello”

The girl replies with a sweet smile “Hello, what can I get for you?”

“Double patty chicken burger and cola”

“Okay, I will serve your order soon”

“Alright” after make payment, Seulgi take the sit by the window

Her meal was served by the girl. She carefully put it in front of Seulgi “Have a nice meal”

“Thank you” Seulgi said “Em…miss, can we talk for a while…if you’re not busy”

“Sure, I’m a bit free tonight” the girl sits on the chair across to Seulgi

“First of all, I am Kang Seulgi” Seulgi hold out her hand

“I am Bae Joohyun or Irene Bae” both of them shake hand

“Are you preparing for a news anchor interview on W-TV?” Seulgi ask straight to the point

Irene is practically taken aback by Seulgi's question “Yes, how do you know?”

Seulgi answer after swallow her food “I saw you at news anchor interview few days ago”

“Do you work there?”

“Yes”

“You’re an anchor too?”

Seulgi shake her head then giggle “I am camera operator”

“Oh, I see” Irene nods her head

“So, are you preparing for next interview?”

Irene nods her head slowly “Yes, they want us to record video then submit it next Tuesday”

“Do you record it already?”

“Not yet, I still memorize the script that they gave us”

“You shouldn’t delay it. You know, recording takes time. You can’t just record 1 take. You have to do it until you get the best result then edit it so they can hear you clearly. Clear voice is the most important for TV presenters” said Seulgi

Irene sighs “Actually, I’m noob at that stuff”

Seulgi stare at Irene for a while “If you don’t mind…I can help you”

“Really?”

Seulgi shrugs “Yeah, I’m not an anchor but after years of seeing how they work, I can help a bit. I also can introduce you to my friends who are also news anchors. They can give you some tips to be a good presenter”

“I’m worried if I will trouble you. You know we’re still strangers” Irene said awkwardly

“Hey, we know each other's names already so we’re not strangers. I really want to help you to get that job. I offer to help you with the tape and help you to consult my friends to make it easy for you to go through another stage. You don’t need to pay. I’m sincerely helping you. Do you accept it?” Seulgi convincing Irene

Irene can hear sincerity from Seulgi. She still awkward but she want to get her dream job “Okay, I agree”

Smile crack on Seulgi face “Are you free tomorrow?”

“Yes”

Seulgi write something on the tissue then give it to Irene “Call my number and I will see you tomorrow then we meet my friends”

“Okay, I will call you”

“I’m waiting for your call but please don’t call too early. I want to sleep more” both of them giggle “You can call me after 10 AM”

“Alright, I will let you sleep more” Irene getting comfortable having conversation with Seulgi

“Em, do you ride a car to go home or public transport?” Seulgi asking

“I ride bus”

“Let me drive you home tonight”

“It’s okay, you don’t need to do that. You help me a lot already” Irene reject softly

“I insist. It’s not safe for girls to ride public transport late at night. I will wait until the café close then I drive you home so that it easy for me to pick you up tomorrow”

Irene gives in “Okay, the café will close in 30 minutes. I need to go inside to help my friends clean the stuff. Enjoy your meal”

“Okay”

………………………

“How long since you started working at the café?” Seulgi initiate their conversation as she drive to Irene apartment

“About 3 months ago after I ended my contract as assistant lecturer at my former college. That café is owned by our lecturer. She opened it to help students that need part-time jobs. Most of the staff at that café is from our college”

“No wonder I never see you before”

Irene takes a glance at Seulgi “What about yourself?”

“After graduate from college 4 years ago, I immediately apply for camera operator at that company”

“I really appreciate your effort to help me. The other candidates are no joke and our competition is fierce”

Seulgi smiles shortly, “That’s why I wanted to help you. I heard from my friend that the panel is having a hard time choosing who they will let pass for the next interview. Out of 15 candidates, I heard only 11 are finally chosen so you’re lucky”

Irene showing surprise looks “Really?”

“Yeah, you must work hard. No worries, my friend and I will help you as much as we can. We are regular customers at your café. They excited when I told them that you come to that interview”

Irene giggle “Aigoo, I’m really thankful that I met you”

“Me too”

They arrived at Irene apartment building. Both of them unbuckle their seatbelt “Do you stay with your family?”

“No, my family at Daegu”

“Oh, you’re from Daegu?”

“Yes” Irene nods her head “I will call you tomorrow. Drive safely. Is your place far from here?”

“Nope just 15 minutes from here. We’re same way actually but mine turn right when we reach the crossroad junction while yours is direct”

“Okay then, goodnight”

“Goodnight” Seulgi waiting until Irene enter the building safely before she leave

………………………….

Next day, Seulgi picked Irene up at her apartment. She smiled happily when she saw the girl at the entrance waiting for her arrival. Irene get inside after Seulgi stop her car in front of her

“Sorry I’m late, there is an accident near the traffic light” said Seulgi as she maneuvered her car

“It’s okay, I heard about it too so I know you might be stuck on traffic jam”

“We will meet with my friends at the café near the company because some of them are working today. This almost lunch time so we decide to meet there”

“Alright” there is an awkward silence in the car until Seulgi talks again “What do you always do to spend your day off?”

“I’m homebody so I will just stay at home…cleaning, doing laundry and just laze around”

“Not going out on a date?” Seulgi ask boldly

Irene laugh dryly “I don’t have anyone to go out with”

“Single?” Seulgi mentally jumping as she hear the answer

“Yes”

“Can’t believe that gorgeous woman like you are single”

“Do gorgeous women need to have a couple?”

“No, I mean there must be lot of men courting you” Seulgi shrugs her shoulder

“The men that courting me really more, from the customers, lecturer and the students” Seulgi lips tugged downwards “But I never give them chance”

“Why?” now Seulgi suddenly feel better

“I know that I just want me because of my looks. It's obvious though. Even just talking with me or I smile to them, many of them will show off after that. Lot of them also look at me with their erted eyes. I don’t see what makes them proud just seeing me smile at them. I do it to everyone though. It is not rare” said Irene

Seulgi cackles as she hears Irene complain “That is because you’re pretty and gaining your attention is something big to certain people. You don’t know how it feels like when they gain your attention”

Irene furrowed her eyebrows “How does it feel?”

“The feeling is like you won a jackpot. Something that everyone wanted but you’re the luckiest person that becomes the winner. Even just little gesture but to your worshipper, it could make them can’t sleep for many nights, heart feel like explode and feel like they owned the world alone”

“Silly” both of them laugh “Do you used to worship someone?”

“Yes” Seulgi answer confidently

“Who?”

“You”

“Ayy, Kang Seulgi” Irene lightly pinch Seulgi arm

They arrived at the café where they will meet with Seulgi’s friends. Both of them sit at the big table at the corner of the café. Seulgi said there are 4 of her friends who will come. Around 10 minutes later, Seulgi's friends arrived. They also introduced themselves to Irene.

“Jisoo not coming?” Seulgi ask her friends

“No, she have schedule this afternoon” said Wendy

“She presents afternoon news?”

“Yes”

“Jennie-ah, surprisingly you’re not her make-up artist today” Seulgi teasing

“She gives me permission to join you all because I don’t have a proper meal yet and I’m seriously hungry. I overslept this morning” Jennie puffed her cheek

“This person here is whipped” Wendy said

Jennie rolled her eyes annoyingly “At least I’m not single since born”

“Aigoo, don’t fight” said Solar

“Hm, Byul unnie surprisingly silent today” Seulgi playfully nudging Moonbyul

Moonbyul sighs heavily “I’m upset because of Director Park. He asked me to replace one of the camera operators for midnight news tonight”

“Where is that person going?”

“I don’t know. I not asking him”

“It okay unnie, you will get extra paid since it count as overtime” said Wendy

“Yeah, I tolerate because of the payment” Moonbyul suddenly grinning

“Your mood swing” Solar rolled her eyes annoyed by her girlfriend

Seulgi turn to Irene who only listen to their conversation since earlier “Rene, Solar and Moonbyul are dating while Jennie is dating the anchor, Kim Jisoo” Irene nods her head “Meanwhile, Wendy is forever single”

“Yah! Look at yourself before talk about me” Wendy yell

“Irene-ah, you don’t mind with our relationship?” Solar asking Irene, ignoring Wendy whines

“No, I don’t have a problem. I have lot of friends swing that way” Irene said with smile

“That’s good then”

“Seul, you said you have something to tell us regarding Irene unnie. What is it?” Moonbyul look at Seulgi with curious face

Seulgi nods her head “Yeah, I call you all for meeting today because I need help especially from Solar unnie and Jisoo”

Solar paid attention to Seulgi “What can I do for you?”

“Unnie, she is preparing for an anchor second interview and they are asked to tape the video. I hope you and Jisoo can help her with some tips or advice”

“Oh, I don’t have a problem with that. When will you submit the tape?” Solar asking Irene

“Next week on Tuesday” said Irene

“We can do the recording this weekend. I am free on Saturday and Sunday” Solar stated

Jennie says “Jisoo is also free on Friday, Saturday and Sunday so she can help unnie with her practice too. I will let her know later”

“Good” Seulgi give 2 thumbs up

“What about us?” Moonbyul pointed at herself and Wendy

“You do editing and recording with me”

Wendy snapped her fingers “I will be the floor manager for your set unnie. Don’t worry, I will make your video looked like you’re in studio” she said with confident

“Thanks Wendy” Irene beaming happily

“Where will we do the recording?”

“At my place” said Seulgi

“Cool, at your mini studio” Moonbyul added

Irene can’t help but appreciate their effort for helping her sincerely. They literally arrange everything for her. She only needs to memorize her script and do her best. She feel grateful that she meet all of them especially Seulgi

“Thanks everyone for your help. I don’t know what I could do to show my gratitude to all of you” Irene said sincerely

“No worry unnie, you don’t have to pay us anything” said Moonbyul while the others agree with her

Then Solar added “It’s enough that you become our friends and you join us at the company. We will be in the same team for sure”

“If you success, we will have after party sponsor by Seulgi unnie” Jennie said blatantly

“Yah!” Seulgi hit Jennie hand with her chopstick

“Unnie, Jisoo told me that your salary went up last month. How dare you not celebrate it? Last time I gain my annual bonus, you barking for meat party” Jennie glare at Seulgi

Seulgi groan “Jisoo really have big mouth” everyone laughing at her

“Don’t be stingy Seul. You should give motivation to Irene unnie so she will gain confidence” Wendy pats Seulgi head

“Okay, success or not we will have party” Seulgi melted since it is for Irene

“Yay! God Seulgi, fighting!” Jennie, Moonbyul and Wendy cheering happily

“Rene, I hope you will get used to their antics. The more you be with us, the more rare behavior that you will see at them. It gets worse if Jisoo is here. She and her 4D behavior is inseparable” Solar whisper to Irene while the others are cheering like stupid

Irene cackle “They are very funny though”

“Rene, tomorrow I will bring Jisoo to see you and we will talk about your script. Where can I meet you?”

“Em, you can come to Red Room Café. I work part-time there”

“When will your work end?”

“My work time is flexible so I just need to match it with yours”

“Okay, my schedule is only until 3 PM. I will ask Jisoo later and will inform you again tonight. We will do a study group. The interview is not that hard but not so easy. You all are lucky that the panel is not strict unlike during my era. However, don’t worry about presenting, I bet you already have a bit experience in presenting news. You can do it” Solar pats Irene shoulder

“Thank you for helping me too. This is the 3rd TV station that I go to and I hope I will get the job. For my number, you can ask from Seulgi”

“Sure thing” Solar nods her head then she turns to her friends again “Yah!” she stops their banters “Eat quickly. We have 15 minutes more. I have a meeting after this. I don’t want to stuck on traffic jammed”

“Okay