Loves Labyrinth

It was an unusually cold day at the office for TJ. As she prepped the conference room for the call between her company’s staff and that of HYUN-TECH, her fingers trembled from the cold. A collaboration between both companies seemed underway, and her excitement was through the roof. If all was successful, it meant a trip to South Korea for a few weeks. The thought of that was enough to make her feel giddy all over. She had been a fan of the Korean culture for as long as she could remember, and a trip there was like a dream for her.

When the meeting began, she sat at the table with her Galaxy Book 3 in place, taking minutes. Her boss, Mr. Bouche had his back turned to her and the rest of the team as he spoke to the CEO of HYUNTECH and his team through a large screen. She did her best to focus on the meeting, but her heart kept doing backflips in her chest at the excitement of the Korean trip.  

She snapped back into the meeting when she heard laughter. It seemed like the business talk was done, and now they were talking about the trip.  

“My assistant, TJ, who would be joining us is also a big fan of the Korean culture.  She loves the food, music and the dramas. I’m sure this trip is a dream for her”  

TJ felt as the attention drifted from Mr. Bouche to her and she was overcome with embarrassment. Everyone at the office was already familiar with her love for K-culture, so it didn’t matter to her if he said it. What made her embarrassed was the gaze of Mr. Byung-Ho the CEO of HYUN-TECH and his team behind him. She wanted to crawl underneath the table and hide there but she had to remain professional.  

Trying to stay calm TJ gave a shy smile and excused herself. “I’ll start working on the necessary documents for our trip to South Korea Mr. Bouche. “ She gave a quiet nod to Mr. Byung-Ho and calmly stepped out of the office without waiting for a response.

As she fled down the hall towards the restrooms she heard Marvy one of her colleagues who sat with them for the meeting, call after her but she didn’t stop till she reached the restroom. When she got in she leaned against the toilet sink trying to catch her breath. Marvy, who had finally caught up to her barged in as TJ was scolding herself in the mirror.  

“Girl, are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“I don’t know girl. I don’t know what came over me, i just...I don’t know” TJ sighed, biting her lips in annoyance at herself  

“It’s okay. Everyone has moments like this. Now if you’re done getting yourself together, let’s get to work. Mr. Bouche said to assist you with preparations for the trip.”

“You’re right. I’ll get everything ready. Let’s get to work, Marv”

                                  ♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤

“Guy! I can’t believe it’s happening.  I’m actually going to Korea! I’m going to be able to see all the things I’ve ever read about or seen in dramas.” Tj’s voice was filled with excitement as she spoke to her friend Irene on the phone.  

Irene who was just as excited as TJ spoke with joy too. She was happy for her friend. It had been a dream for both of them and although Irene wasn’t a part of the work team going on the trip to Korea she was still just as excited for her friend.

Her bubbly voice sounded through the phone “Babe, I’m so happy for you. I know how much this means to you and omo, it’s giving me joy too” Her bubbly voice sounded through the speakers. She had switched to her Nigerian accent without even realising it.

“You better go clubbing oo. And go to all the celebrity favourite spots, who knows maybe you can even meet one of your K-pop idols there”

“Don’t get my hopes up abeg” Tj responded laughing “But I’ll definitely try and take in as much of the culture as I can. I want to experience everything! I just hope work isn’t too bulky so I can have enough time to do what I want to.”

Irene could tell how excited TJ was as she watched her friend Pack her suitcase through the phone screen. It was so great to see TJ’s excitement. Even though she couldn’t experience it with her, it would feel like she did through her.

“I’m getting jealous. I wish I could come with you” Irene said, pouting. TJ turned to look at Irene and saw the funny look on her face that made her laugh. She picked up her phone and sat on the bed. Taking a break from packing her stuff.

“I wish you could too babe. I promise to bring as many souvenirs as I can when I’m back. And video calls too. It’ll be like you’re there with me too if we’re always on Facetime. “

“You had better! And don’t forget to try all the delicious food too. Bulgogi, Bibimbap, Kimchi, Korean beef and Soju.” Both their mouths watered as Irene listed all the yummy dishes TJ had to try. “Oh and don’t forget to visit a noraebang!”

“Noraebang?” TJ asked, her brows furrowed in confusion.

Irene laughed at her bewildered face “A karaoke room dummy. You have to go belt out your favourite K-pop songs! It’s a must!”

“Guy! All these in just two weeks that I’ll be spending there?” TJ asked

“Yes o! I’m going to live vivaciously through you on this your short trip” Irene responded smiling widely.

“Don’t forget that I’m going there for work oo. Anyway I’ll try and have fun whenever I can.”

“Better have fun. A lot of it. It’s not like you’ll be working 24/7. Don’t forget to take that sexy top I got you. It’ll help you have another type of fun if you know what I mean” Irene gave TJ and knowing smile while wriggling her brows. TJ burst out laughing and nodded in response.  

After saying their goodbyes, TJ got back to packing her stuff for the trip. By the time she was done, it was almost midnight. She went to bed, excited for the big day tomorrow.