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.

YISO'S POV

I recognize her as Karen.

I have seen her in a few Jang Food ads while getting ready for the interview, and although I didn't have much of a physical response to seeing her on television, encountering her in person is a whole different experience.

Once more, she turns away from me, preventing her from noticing that I was experiencing another episode.

The ear blocking sound returned, and bloody hands gripping a hammer approaching me caused me to step back in disbelief because it seemed so vivid.

My initial reaction was to flee the office and the building, but I began applying the breathing exercises my therapist shared with me, and it assisted me as I began to relax.

The flashes ceased as well, for which I was quite grateful since she dropped her phone.

"Are you not going to take a seat?" I don't have the whole day." She cracks.

"I apologize." I quickly said as I head toward the seat she pointed out before.

I take a seat, and she begins to review my file.

"What makes you believe that Jang Foods ought to employ you?"

I am still short of words due to the experience I had earlier. There's a sudden impulse to strike her in the face.

"Ms. Kang?" She remarks, raising an eyebrow.

A quick vision of her face wearing a wicked grin fills my mind, and I grasp my hands tightly. I could sense my nails digging into my hands as I attempted to manage the intense fury going through me while looking at her.

"I'm sorry... I'm just feeling a bit anxious." I express an effort to appear courteous and fill my mind with uplifting ideas.

"It's okay, we all feel anxious occasionally. Now take it easy." She responds.

"I'm feeling calm now, thank you." I declare immediately, sensing empowerment.

The interview exceeded my expectations considering how I initially felt when I entered Miss Karen's office.

I was astonished by how confidently and fluently I responded to all the questions she asked me. It felt as if I had been involved in that industry for quite a while since I understood what to say and the right timing to say it.

I had just finished using the restroom and was on my way home when I ran into the girl I encountered in the elevator earlier.

"Hello!" Thank you once more for assisting me in holding the elevator. She spoke with a cheerful grin that caused me to respond with a smile of my own.

"It's okay; it seemed as though you were behind schedule." I reply

"Indeed, I nearly arrived late. I had a significant presentation, and I'm grateful I arrived on time because of you."

"I'm happy to help." I said heading toward the exit.

"I recognized that you were one of the candidates. I wish you success in getting the job." She says, giving my shoulder a tap.

"Thank you very much; it means a great deal." I reply

I ultimately bid her farewell, and even though she suggested treating me to lunch, I declined, explaining that I had a prior engagement, and she allowed me to leave.

I exit the building, attempting to breathe in fresh air as I'm still disturbed by my response during my first meeting with Karen.

I'm still attempting to organize my thoughts when I hear a voice calling out. "Miso?"

I stop, scanning my surroundings and eventually notice an older woman approaching me with happiness on her expression.

Before I can speak, she envelops me in a tight hug, and soon enough, she is weeping and kissing my cheeks.

"Miso, my dear, how have you been? Where have you been hiding?"

I succeed in freeing myself from her grasp to examine her closely.

"I apologize, but I believe you have the incorrect individual." I express my confusion clearly, as I am certain I have never encountered her before.

"It's you! I could never be mistaken." She demands with watery eyes.

"Ma'am, please don't weep; there is no reason to weep.

Why not attempt to think your mind back, a bit" I said.

I offer reassurance, soothing her as I felt a wave of emotion witnessing her cry, along with a slight guilt for possibly forgetting someone so significant.

I can't even begin to fathom how it must feel for your beloved not to recognize you.

She keeps insisting that I am Miso, and I suddenly begin to feel lightheaded while my sight starts to blur.

I nearly tumble when I sense someone supporting me, and I understand it's Mr. Han.

"Greetings, ma'am. I believe you might be mistaken; this is my niece." Mr. Han softly clarifies things for her.

She examines me more closely, gazing into my eyes, and her expression tells confusion.

"I'm sorry, miss, but you truly resemble someone I'm familiar with." she apologize

She expressed her apologies again and departs.

I'm grateful for Mr. Han's presence because as soon as I get into the car, I feel incredibly tired.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Han." I sigh in relief. "I can't bear to think about what might have occurred if you hadn't arrived at the perfect time." I said as I lean my head against the car's headrest.

"It's okay, Miso." What makes you sound so tired? How did the interview go" he asked

"It went smoothly. I felt somewhat anxious initially, but I answered majority of the questions correctly." I respond with a faint smile.

I didn't want to inform him about having another episode during the interview, as he might start to worry, which would lead him to push for more frequent therapy visits. I truly wanted him to believe that I was improving.

We eventually got home, and I go freshen up. I showered, had something to eat, and soon after, I was in bed and fast asleep.

I awake suddenly, my body soaked with sweat, gasping for breath. I experienced another nightmare, but this time I watched myself walk into Karen's office, and before I could say anything, she stabbed me with a knife.

I was still attempting to catch my breath when my phone vibrated, startling me once again.

I check to find that it was a message sent by Jang Foods.

I didn't have to open the text message since I could tell from the notification bar that it said 'We apologize..."