Chapter Text
Ah, the corporate field—where ambition dresses in a suit and strategy is the tie that keeps it all together in style.
It's a world where one's mettle is tested in the furnaces of meeting rooms, and the currency of choice is innovation backed by unyielding resolve.
And money. Let's not forget money. As Liza Minnelli once said, “Money makes the world go round,” and well she wasn't wrong, you know.
In Hare Tech's case, one of Seoul's most promising Tech companies, the tension in the corridors is so apt, it could be bottled and sold as a perfume called "Eau de Ambition."
If you let yourself take a good whiff, you'll realize that here it's all work and no play.
Hare Tech does not need dull boy Jack.
“Jack is stupid,” said once the man behind Hare Tech. “What we need,” he then continued with a determined smile, “is a Rose.”
Survival. Adaptation. Innovation. Ruthlessness? Yeah, that too. Taking over the entire board and letting your competition drown? Absolutely.
To be honest, that boarding meeting was kinda intense. Maybe slightly brutal. But in a world full of Jacks, the CEO added, be a Rose. That's how you crush your competition.
Now, the glass doors of Hare Tech's lobby part as a man, his hair long and styled in a way that shows his indifference to fashion, steps into what Corp Illustrated has characterized as "The Warren of Wonders."
The new blood wears a simple outfit that favors functionality—a comfortable sweater, perhaps a size too large, paired with jeans that have seen better days. His glasses give him a nerdy vibe. Ah yes, this is in fact someone who spends more time with code than with people.
This is Hare Tech's new intern, holding a laptop bag that seems to carry more than just a computer—perhaps the weight of his aspirations and nerves as well. Or… a knitting set for lunch break. You can never really be sure with corporate people these days.
As he walks further into the inner sanctum, a large digital board in the lobby displays a unique set of company rules that capture his attention:
"Punctuality is Purpose, Order is Ours, Precision is Paramount."
The intern fixes his glasses taking a step towards the heart of Hare Tech's operations, but his gaze lingers on the digital board, memorizing the company's mantra. It's not the creed that fascinates him but the flawless programming and digital signage that makes his coder's heart flutter.
Now, from across the lobby, the Department Manager dressed to the nines observes the new arrival like a curious predator.
His attire contrasts the intern's—a suit paired with a crisp white shirt, the top button casually undone for a touch of approachability. A decorative pin adorns his lapel, adding some personality to the ensemble. Finally, his dark hair falls in a natural, slightly tousled style, framing his face and softening the corporate edge.
His eyes take in the intern's image. Classic programmer, he thinks, noting the subtle signs of a night spent troubleshooting rather than sleeping, the slight stoop from hours hunched over a keyboard, and the neutral expression that all but shout a preference for IDEs over idle conversation.
With a smile on his plump lips, the manager approaches the new blood, preparing the usual welcome, tailored, of course, for the man before him—talk of server specs instead of sports, algorithms over small talk. He knows the type well; the quiet thinker, the midnight oil burner, the stereotype of a programmer who walks into Hare Tech ready to turn lines of code into digital poetry.
Crossing the lobby with a smile, he finally extends a hand in greeting.
"Welcome to Hare Tech," he begins, the timbre of his voice both inviting and reassuring. "I'm Department Manager Park Jimin, your guide on this new journey."
The intern finds himself momentarily spellbound. And how could he not be? There's an air of competence about him that's nearly palpable, a sense that here is someone who not only knows the ropes but can also teach you how to climb them with finesse. "You must be Min Yoongi, right?"
The intern takes the offered hand. This handshake is the first real anchor to his new reality.
"Yes. I'm happy to be here."
“Perfect. Follow me. We'll start with a tour of your primary battleground—the development wing. Our server architecture is something to behold."
As they walk, Jimin points out various areas within the office—it's a tour he has given many times to young interns. The collaborative spaces are already occupied by people who are ready to create and solve.
Yoongi follows, his initial nervousness transforming into curiosity now.
"The server room—our sanctuary. I trust you understand the importance of maintaining its sanctity. We run a tight ship here, and only the best make it through HR Manager Choi's daunting selection gauntlet," Jimin points out with a sense of pride.
"Ah, yes, HR Manager Choi's screening process. I read up on the firewalls... figuratively speaking, of course. My CV had to pass through multiple evaluations and background checks before I was selected for the position."
"I don't recall seeing your name on the interview schedules, but HR Manager Choi has a knack for spotting hidden gems. I'm glad you're one of the few who made it through unscathed," Jimin replies, amused.
"Well, let's just say I have my ways of navigating through complex systems. It's all about having the right keys for the right locks."
"You're already speaking our language. It's refreshing to see an intern so... encrypted in their thinking."
Yoongi smiles. "Thank you. I believe in full system immersion. It's the best way to ensure all... protocols are up to standard."
"That's the spirit." As they walk, Jimin's gaze lands on a framed blueprint hanging on the wall—a detailed schematic of an early software architecture design. "The heart of Hare Tech is discipline, respect, and innovation," he adds, pointing to the framed piece. "CEO Jeon may be young, but he's sharp and incredibly adept. That's the original blueprint for the platform he developed in college—it's what transformed into Hare Tech."
Yoongi nods, taking in the framed blueprint, noticing the detail that went into every line and comment. His eyes then drift to one of the corners where a small, rough sketch of a bunny is doodled, perhaps a whimsical afterthought. It looks bizarre amidst the algorithms and code blocks—it's playful, almost intimate, a glimpse into the CEO's mind perhaps?
"Started with a doodle, now we're here," Yoongi quips with a smirk, maintaining his polite tone.
"Exactly." Jimin smiles, appreciating the humor. "Even our logo has evolved from that very doodle. It's been quite the journey." His eyes reflect pride and nostalgia before he transitions smoothly to the present, "Now let's see where you'll be feeding your coding machine, Intern Min, before we get to your new desk."
"Of course," Yoongi nods, taking a last look at the blueprint.
As Jimin guides the new intern through the hallways of Hare Tech towards the cafeteria, they turn a corner and halt, shoulders brushing just a little.
"That's CEO Jeon,” Jimin says, fixing his jacket. Yoongi remains still, finally looking at the visionary behind everything head to the elevators.
The young man wears a contemporary black hanbok that hugs his frame gracefully—a bold statement of his commitment to merging tradition with innovation.
The fabric has a subtle sheen, capturing the office light and highlighting the refined silhouette of his attire. His hair is impeccably styled, complementing the sharp lines of his hanbok, while his piercing gaze seems to comb every corner of the office, looking for... well, who knows.
In his hand, there's a black suitcase, its contents as private as the man himself, likely filled with the future of Hare Tech coded in documents.
Yoongi can't help but be impressed by the young CEO. But that's not all. Close behind him is another man with black hair that seems a bit off for somebody who may know, moving with an effortless grace that kinda seems odd in an office. Yoongi leans towards Jimin just a little.
"And who's that with the CEO?" the intern inquires.
"That," Jimin responds with a slight tilt of his head and an affable grin, "is Secretary Kim. He's the CEO's right hand. Some say he’s the one with the real power in the corridors," he teases.
The intern's eyes now follow Secretary Kim, noticing his posture, the way his clothes fit, and the overall aura he projects. He looks like he's won employee of the month—probably seven times in a row now.
"He seems... different from everyone else," Yoongi comments, more to himself than to the Department Manager.
"Different is an understatement. He's a man of many talents and surprises, especially during karaoke night. But you didn't hear that from me," he adds with a wink.
"Thanks for the heads up," he responds with a polite nod. This new sense of comfort between them is quite enjoyable. They may even have chemistry after all, an early seed of friendship that will offer Yoongi some escape when the grind becomes too much. Or maybe something more but we'll get back to that later on.
Only after the two figures have entered the elevator, he leans toward Jimin once more, his voice lower now. "Secretary Kim's hair... is it dyed?" he asks, careful not to sound judgmental but intrigued by the anomaly in the otherwise uniform appearance of Hare Tech’s staff.
"No chance. Colored hair is a big no-no here. Everything about that man is by the book, down to the last strand. He doesn't even smoke."
“I see. It just seemed… never mind. They both seem very professional.”
"Indeed. And they make quite the team," Jimin continues, finally leading Yoongi toward the cafeteria to show him the lunch line. "Some say they are the same person, having the vision and the skill to drive us forward. Now shall we carry on? There's much more to see, Intern Min.”
Yoongi nods. "Of course, Department Manager Park."
* * *
An hour later the tour has finally come to an end and Yoongi feels the excitement coursing in his veins. He's ready to dive in, learn from the best, and fulfill his duties.
Now Jimin finally leads him to his new desk, a grin playing on his lips as he leans against the neighboring cubicle, one that's decorated with an array of sticky notes in a rainbow of colors.
"A last piece of advice, Intern Min," he begins, "CEO Jeon, he's brilliant, but he's got an eagle eye for detail and a memory like an elephant. Slip up, and he'll know, but keep your ducks in a row, and he'll make sure you soar."
Yoongi raises an eyebrow, intrigued by the duality of Jimin's cheerfulness and shrewdness. Feeling more confident to talk, he adds, "Sounds like you've figured things out pretty well here, Department Manager Park."
"Oh, I've had my moments," Jimin chuckles, waving a dismissive hand. "But that's just it—you have to know when to ride the waves and when to dive under them. Take the quarterly reports, for instance. Present them with confidence, even if your knees are shaking. CEO Jeon respects courage."
Yoongi nods, taking mental notes. "And what about the team? How do I fit in with them?"
Jimin's smile broadens, and he gestures expansively. "Ah, the team! A brilliant bunch, but as diverse as the colors in a kaleidoscope. You've got So-hee, the coding genius who speaks in algorithms—you'll love her; Seokjin, the marketing guru who can sell sand in the desert; and then there's Namjoon, the strategist, who's as likely to quote philosophy as he is to draft an effective business plan."
"And where do you fit into all this?" Yoongi asks, heart racing a little, a small smile tugging at his own lips. He should probably stay in his little Matrix but there's something about Department Manager Park that makes him enjoy idle conversation more for once.
"Me?" Jimin's eyes twinkle with mischief. "I'm the thread that weaves it all together. A touch of joy, a dash of cunning—it keeps things interesting." He winks. "Keep your eyes open, your mind sharp, and remember, every smile here has a story. Welcome to Hare Tech, Intern Min. It's a pleasure to have you aboard our ship."
But before he goes, Jimin leans in slightly, as if sharing a secret with Yoongi. "Also, before you dive into the code and get lost in algorithms, there are some additional rules you should memorize. They're not just guidelines, they're the scripture of survival here at Hare Tech. I've give you a head's up before you find everything about it on your welcome pack."
"Oh? More rules?"
"Yes." He counts off on his fingers, "No dating colleagues—it's messy and unwelcome drama. Tattoos, keep them under wraps; they don't mesh with the company image. And colored hair," he pauses for a fraction of a second, a subtle nod toward Secretary Kim, "is not just frowned upon, it's outright banned. It's all about the image of order and control, essential to our brand. Our clients are old, you see. Unfortunately, they require certain requirements to take us seriously."
"I see. I'll make sure to remember them."
"It might sound rigid, but there's a reason for everything here. It's all about harmony and efficiency. Stick to these, and you'll fit right in." He pats Yoongi reassuringly, indicating the end of the orientation ritual, "Now, I'll be right back in a few with your welcome kit, Intern Min Yoongi."
As Jimin strides away, Yoongi takes a deep, steadying breath.
No dating, no tattoos, no dyed hair… He wasn't joking… Yoongi thinks, his fingers absentmindedly traveling to his shoulder—an old wound perhaps, or maybe something more… rebellious.
With a sigh, he removes his glasses and lifts his laptop bag. Across the room, a man in a tailored grey suit catches his eye, his confident stride through the hallway suggesting more than just corporate clout. His presence commands attention while whispers follow his every step.
Yoongi's eyes linger just a moment too long, the trace of a smirk gracing his lips—recognition, or maybe acknowledgment.
As the figure disappears behind the heavy doors of the executive suite, Yoongi's attention subtly shifts. He opens his laptop, already booted and waiting for his command. A few swift keystrokes and he's navigated to a program hidden between spreadsheets and presentations. The screen blinks briefly as his script executes, silently weaving his machine into Hare Tech's network.
With the groundwork laid, he cracks his knuckles, muttering under his breath, "Let's get to work."
Another day at Hare Tech one might say… if it wasn't for the conversation taking place in the CEO's office a few meters away.