YISO'S POV

A sudden gasp escapes my throat as I wake up abruptly, my body soaked in icy sweat. The final memory I have is being at that funeral, collapsing to my knees as the intense sorrow engulfed me entirely.

The name "Yiso Kenoly" resonates in my mind. I clutch the fabric below me, my hands shaking.

The space I occupy is softly illuminated, with the gentle hum of an air conditioner being the sole noise. I attempt to shift, yet my extremities are rigid, my physique burdensome. Then I listen to a voice.

Mr. Han. His tone is soft, infused with worry. There's another voice...a woman's, replying in soft whispers, but I can't discern the words.

I attempt to sit up, but a sudden, intense pain pierces my head. I flinch, pressing my eyes closed tight. And that's when it takes place.

A burst of brightness engulfs my sight and instantly I experience a sudden *thwack* on my head.

I perceive red.

A yell, my yell, echoes in my ears.

I open my eyes wide, inhaling sharply, clutching my head. It disappears, yet the fear endures.

I place a hand against my forehead. What was that? A recollection or an image?

The door groans open as Mr. Han enters. His demeanor is serene, yet his eyes reveal his concern.

"You're conscious," he murmurs gently. "How do you feel?"

I gulp down. "What... took place?" My voice is just above a murmur.

"You fainted at the funeral," he clarifies, moving nearer. "It must have overwhelmed you."

Excessive. That's putting it mildly.

I attempt to fend off the panic and survey the area. The space feels strange yet refined, featuring dark wooden furnishings and a big window that faces the city.

"Where am I located?"

"My residence," Mr. Han states. "I didn't want you to be alone at the hospital when you woke up, so I brought you here, and you can remain for as long as you want."

I nod gradually, yet my thoughts continue to whirl.

That picture......the hammer and the dazzling light endure.

Hands tremble, and heartbeat thunders in my ears.

"Miso?" Mr. Han's voice appears faraway, altered.

I compel myself to blink, to take a breath, yet my body won't settle down.

He observes and approaches slowly, as if he fears I might shatter.

"Miso, speak with me," he implores. I part my lips, yet the words refuse to emerge.

At last, I indicate the hammer, and he swiftly takes it as though aware of my anguish.

"The laborers must have abandoned it," he says. I stay quiet since I'm unsure of what to express.

I'm not sure why a basic hammer urges me to flee. Why it seems like a tool designed for me.

Later that night, I am seated in the living room, gazing vacantly at the TV screen. Mr. Han is seated close by, perusing a newspaper.

I'm unable to concentrate. My thoughts are a jumble of disjointed pictures and emotions that lack coherence.

The memorial service. The mallet. The title "Yiso Kenoly".

Who is that woman? Why does contemplating her make me feel as if I'm plummeting into a void?

The voice of the news anchor draws me out of my contemplation.

"We provide you with urgent news about Jang Foods, one of the top food firms in America based in the bustling city of New York."

I become immobilized.

"Jang Foods?" I murmur. The name seems to be a place known.

I shift my eyes to the display. A woman and a man stand in front of a line of microphones, their expressions serious. The journalists encircle them, cameras lighting up.

The man... there's something about him that turns my stomach. His defined features, how he poses.

The woman's face appears in my thoughts, just beyond my grasp.

I lean in closer, feeling my heart race.

Karen. Marshall. Their names surge into my thoughts unexpectedly. How can I recognize them?

I hold onto the armrest, my fingers sinking into the material. My breaths grow shallow.

"Miso?" Mr. Han speaks with caution.

I can hardly hear him.

The updates keep coming. "Recent controversies surrounding Jang Foods have sparked worries, especially about their CEO's abrupt exit after allegations..."

Abrupt exit? Accusations? I'm not sure why, but I have a sense that I ought to understand what's going on.

Karen and Marshall share a glance on screen. Next, Marshall begins to speak. "We are collaborating with the relevant authorities to address any misconceptions." The term seems incorrect.

A new wave of dizziness hits me. Karen's features. The voice of Marshall. Jang Food Products.

I shut my eyes tight, but rather than darkness, I see flashes.

I have blood on my hands and a set of frightened eyes looking at me. A soft voice tells me, "Run."

I inhale sharply, my body lurching forward as I return to the present.

Mr. Han is beside me in a flash, holding onto my shoulders.

"Miso, take a breath," he says with conviction. "You are secure."

Secure. I lack a sense of security. I sense I'm submerged in recollections I can't recall.

I grip his sleeve, my voice scarcely a murmur. "What is going on with me?"

Mr. Han's gaze becomes somber, and following an extended silence, he utters the phrase I hadn't anticipated. "I believe you ought to consult a therapist."

I've been living with Mr. Han for a few weeks now, and he has acted like my guardian angel. He motivated me to visit a therapist and even covered the substantial costs.

I can't even picture repaying him, so I've concluded that the minimum I can do is to improve myself and ease his worries.

I began visiting the therapist last week, and to be honest, it has been beneficial. I've also chosen to find employment since I can't continue relying on Mr. Han, regardless of how often he encourages me to do so.

Today, I attended a therapy session and am currently walking the streets looking for any job postings I come across. The city is more crowded than I expected.

Unexpectedly, I navigate the bustling streets as if I've done it countless times before.

I clutch the strap of my bag more firmly and pause in front of a stylish corporate building, examining the job board by the entrance.

"Administrator, Custodian." "Interns required," I whisper while running my fingers along the list, browsing through job advertisements.

Out of the blue, a voice I recognize calls out from behind me, "I know you."

The words cut through the air like a knife.

I become immobile.

YISO'S POV

I gradually pivot with a sensation of fear and apprehension.

What made me feel frightened? I wasn't caught doing anything wrong initially, yet I still couldn't eliminate the feeling.

Perhaps it's due to being quite anxious lately and the ongoing nightmares that I still can't understand are increasingly starting to unsettle me.

Each time I rise from sleep, it seems the puzzle grows increasingly challenging to assemble, but fortunately, it's not as tough as it once was.

The therapy is gradually proving beneficial for me in maintaining my composure during situations like this.

I wear a grin when I see the young man positioned before me. Based on his appearance and the accent I noticed, I believe he's British, but that's not the only quality I find attractive about him.

It's his shining eyes, fair hair. A firm jaw that enhances his face's appeal to me even more.

I'm still appreciating his appearance when he asks, "You are the lady, correct?"

"Excuse me, have we met before?" "Have we encountered each other previously?" I inquire with a truly confused expression on my face.

"You're the woman at the hospital, correct?" The bewildered woman?"

I took a small step back, feeling somewhat insulted, as I tried to grasp what he intended by confused.

"Oh, I didn't intend to upset you...perhaps I expressed it poorly," he states with a smile, and although I felt somewhat offended, I couldn't resist appreciating his smile.

It appeared so cozy and peaceful that, oddly, it put me at ease.

"It's simply that you seemed very disoriented that day in the hospital, inquiring about your location and identity...I truly intend no harm."

Eventually, the elements come together. I suddenly recall that he was the first individual I saw upon waking up.

"Ah, I recall, you were the custodian." I said with a cautious smile.

"Honestly, I like cleaning better... but janitor works too." He answered, shrugging his shoulders.

I chuckled quite a bit for the first time since I got up.

"What do you mean by cleaning man...that sounds really amusing." I said while still attempting to hold back my laughter.

"I'm pleased that he could make me laugh; it's a delight," he said, bowing gently and looking up to give me a brief wink that oddly made me blush.

"What brings you here?" He asks

"Um..." I am submitting my application for the secretary role, as I noticed there is an open position." I respond, gesturing toward the announcement I was looking at before.

"How lovely." "I wish you land the job; you appear to be a kind person." He rubs his neck, steering clear of eye contact for the initial time.

"Thank you, that's kind of you to mention. How about you, are you here to apply as well?"

"Oh no...I've been employed here for a year now. I've served as their 'cleaning guy'." He winks again, prompting me to laugh for the second time today.

"You're so funny," I say, grinning.

"I'm happy I managed to make a beautiful woman laugh," he responds, causing my face to flush.

"Well... I suppose I'll catch you later." I murmur, seeking a reason to depart.

"Wait a moment, I didn't catch your name." He states

"It's Miso... Miso kang, how about you?"

"Ferdinand Henshaw." He states with yet another delightful smile.

"It was truly a pleasure to meet you, Ferdinand." I suggest leaving.

I enter the building and proceed directly to the receptionist, saying, "Good morning. I've come to apply for the secretary position." I smile at her and say.

She gradually lifts her head and, without acknowledging my greeting, replies, "Place your file there. You will receive a call."

I nod and place it where she requests. I'm ready to go when I suddenly feel the urge to use the bathroom, so I turn to her and ask, "May I please use your restroom?"

"Of course, she replies while indicating to the left. "Along the corridor, the initial door on your right."

I adhere to the instructions and shortly find myself in the women's restroom. I go ahead with my work.

I'm just about to leave when I notice two women enter, and for some reason, I remain sitting quietly.

"I still can't accept that Miss Yiso has passed away. It's incredibly sorrowful." The first lady states.

"Do you see what I mean?" It doesn't make any sense at all, especially on her wedding anniversary. It's far too coincidental" The Second lady responds.

"Do you want to hear my opinion? I believe it's a murder. I don't think she simply passed away, and I suspect that Karen and Marshall are involved in it."

I believe it's the First Lady who spoke this time, as I can tell their voices apart.

"I honestly have no idea, Jane; everyone is still in disbelief, but if you were to inquire; I also sense that something is off, but I suppose we should keep our opinions private."

"I really dislike that the company has changed since she departed, particularly with Karen behaving as if she owns the place," responds the woman I believe is Jane.

I listen to them leaving, and I instantly sense goosebumps forming across my skin.

It remains incomprehensible to me that when I hear that name Yiso, I experience this inexplicable anguish. The therapist refers to it as an episode, but I believe it goes deeper than that.

I grip my chest as it feels tightly squeezed, and I suddenly find it hard to breathe. Warm and uncontrollable tears start to stream down my face, the sensation so intense that I can't seem to rid myself of it.

I receive another glimpse of the hammer and grab my head; this time, the tears pour out like a flood.

I need some time to settle down, and suddenly I feel thankful that no one entered. I gather my composure swiftly and exit the restroom, and after taking a few steps, I collide with someone.

I'm on the verge of apologizing when I suddenly remember it's the same guy I spotted on television a couple of weeks back.

Again, the well-known fear resurfaces once more.

YISO'S POV

I remain there motionless, while we gaze at one another.

Those eyes seem quite familiar, which adds to my confusion, as I know I have never encountered him face-to-face, apart from watching him on television a few weeks ago.

Those eyes flickered in my mind, in another context, but filled with contempt and derision, and all of a sudden, a severe ache begins in my head, causing my vision to become slightly blurred.

I begin to feel anxious in my mind because this is a public area, and I cannot risk having another incident here. I trip slightly, and I sense warm, strong hands holding me.

"Are you okay?" I listen through the fog I'm trying to escape from.

That voice... that touch... they resonate and feel incredibly familiar, and a sudden surge of pain and anger overwhelms me, prompting me to retract my hand as if I were burnt; perhaps I was, as I struggled to manage the whirlwind of feelings coursing through me.

"I'm okay, thanks." I gently respond and move one leg after the other. Before long, I depart from the Jang Food Industry building.

I strolled for several blocks to clear my mind. It was effective, as the air felt quite fresh and the weather was exceptionally bright.

My mood shifted almost instantly. As soon as I felt improved, I hailed a cab and went home.

I have been quite steady with my therapy sessions over the last week and I feel significantly improved.

The nightmares have decreased somewhat, and I have been resting more effectively, which has enhanced my well-being and mood.

I had at last been summoned for an interview with Jang Food Industries. I could hardly hold back my enthusiasm.

I informed Mr. Han about the news, and he was just as pleased for me as I am. He motivated me to give my all, assuring me that I would definitely land the job.

I entered the building with a big grin spread across my face, making my way to the receptionist's desk.

"Good morning, miss. I'm present for the interview." "I received a phone call." I smiled at her and said.

She appeared to be feeling happy today as she smiled in return and responded.

"Good morning and welcome to Jang Food Industries, what is your name?"

"I am Miso... Miso Kang."

She glanced at several documents before addressing me.

"You are contestant number 12." Kindly use the elevator to reach the 10th floor. "Someone will be present to guide you."

"Thanks a lot."

I stroll to the elevator, pressing the button immediately after I arrive.

"Kindly wait", I hear just as the elevator is about to shut.

I hold the elevator door as a young woman roughly my age rushes in with a breathless "thank you" and then begins to use the mirror inside the elevator to adjust her hair and makeup.

Observing her, I understand that I didn't apply any particular makeup since I aimed to maintain a professional appearance.

I ensured my hair was styled in a high ponytail and applied lip balm to keep my lips hydrated. I chose not to allow myself to feel intimidated.

I glance around in an attempt to divert my attention and suddenly experience what I would refer to as a déjà vu, as it feels like I've been on this elevator before.

I arrive on the 10th floor and notice others sitting outside an office, so without delay, I shift my bag on my shoulders and head over to join them, and shortly after, someone gives me my tag.

I positioned myself next to two women who were speaking quietly.

I'm just about to pull my phone from my bag to message Mr. Han and inform him that I've entered the building safely when I hear the name 'Yiso', causing me to inadvertently listen in on their discussion.

"Why do you suppose the other secretary left her position, not that I'm upset about it, but it's Jang Food Industries... one of the largest food companies here in New York City." The girl wearing tag no 9 speaks softly.

"I realize it's quite unbelievable because during Yiso's time leading the company, I don't believe I ever came across any job openings advertised, even though I'm truly grateful for this chance." The woman next to her, whom I believe has tag number 10, responds.

"I heard that Karen let her go and declined to collaborate with her. Can you envision that everything occurred following Yiso's passing?"

"I don't mean to be negative, but I'm not a fan of Karen." She doesn't come across as a pleasant individual; however, the salary is appealing, and that's the reason I'm here, to be completely honest" they continue talking

Their discussion is cut short when candidate no 9 is summoned, and I sit there pondering why everyone holds one or two odd views regarding the Jang Food Industry.

Although I haven't met Karen face to face, I've never heard anyone say anything positive about her, which makes me somewhat uneasy about working here if I secure the position.

Shortly after, my number is announced and I promptly rise to enter for my interview. As I near the door, an unexpected chill envelops me, and the only thought echoing in my mind is to flee!

My hands start trembling, so I grasped the doorknob.

"Are you okay?" I recognized it was the woman who gave me my tag.

Fortunately, her voice aids me in regaining my composure, and I eventually unlock the door and enter.

The woman scheduled to interview me has her back facing me, holding a mobile phone to her right ear.

"Good morning, ma'am." I say.

"Take a seat." She responds swiftly and return to her phone call.

"We're short on time, Marshall," I hear her say, her voice filled with urgency.

I can't hear the man clearly on the other end, but it appeared she was not pleased with his words.

The phone call seems to last forever, and I simply remain standing.

She quickly pivots, and I inhale sharply upon realizing that the individual interviewing me is none other than Karen.