Watching the junior colleague try to shove the cold fish-shaped pastry from the floor straight into her mouth, I had a brief thought.
Honestly, was it too hasty to call out “You’re hired!” during her interview?
If this were somewhere private, it might be fine.
But in the lobby and elevator hall where people working in the building constantly pass by?
“Three-second rule, you know? I picked it up right away, so it’s okay!”
“No, if you eat that, I’ll become a workplace harassment perpetrator. Hand it over.”
“But it’s the pastry you gave me, Senior… I’m so sorryyy…”
With no choice, the moment the elevator doors opened, I snatched the dust-covered pastry, nudged her inside with a solid shoulder bump, and hurriedly followed her in. My size and strength are modest, so I knew just using my hands wouldn’t work.
“Ah!”
She stumbled and leaned against the wall inside the elevator.
I sighed and gave a small apologetic bow to the security guard for the disturbance before stepping in.
Clunk. Whir.
The elevator began its slow ascent to the eighth floor.
Leaning against the wall, Seungyeon glanced at me nervously and mumbled,
“I-I’m sorry…”
“It’s fine. Thanks to you, I became a bad senior trying to make you eat food off the floor. What can we do?”
“No, that’s not—never!”
“Quiet.”
Unlike earlier, even if I made a stern face, it didn’t have much effect.
During her interview, Seungyeon was the only one who stood out compared to the other three candidates. No matter how much I furrowed my brow, squinted, or stared directly at them, they couldn’t stop grinning. It annoyed me so much that I barely spoke during the entire process.
The boss must have noticed too, because he avoided asking me anything in those interviews.
Still, Seungyeon met all my criteria, which is why she’s here in the elevator with me now.
“I’m sorry.”
“I didn’t say anything.”
“No, but you’re staring at me. It’s like… I can feel it…”
Maybe this is the opposite problem—she’s too perceptive.
While I’d prefer this to someone completely oblivious, I worry that if this keeps up, Seungyeon might find it too hard to stay here and quit.
I can’t just let the MK-II I’ve found go back to being another regular otaku.
I need to come up with various ways to ease her tension.
At least she shows enthusiasm when talking about first-gen trainees.
Maybe later, while watching the broadcast, we can casually chat, and that’ll help her relax. I’m hopeful.
“Not easy…”
How do I manage junior colleagues?
Having only ever been a junior myself, I really have no clue.
* * *
After escorting Seungyeon to the HR manager who had agreed to explain employment contracts and other pre-employment matters I headed straight to the CEO’s office.
I had planned to bring coffee with me, but the CEO had asked me to come immediately, which seemed urgent. When I arrived, she greeted me with:
“From now on, you’re the team leader. Here.”
She handed me a shiny new employee ID.
[Magia, Assistant Manager / Streaming Part Leader]
Wait, I’m a team leader?
“Me?”
“Yes. Congratulations on your promotion, Magia.”
Our company originally had 13 employees.
I had heard a rumor that, with the recent addition of three new hires, three people would be promoted to team leader.
But I never thought I’d be one of them.
I was completely caught off guard.
Was my role something that warranted being a team leader?
“I mean, do I even qualify? I only have one junior under me.”
“The finance team leader only has one team member, including herself, but she still has the team leader title, doesn’t she?”
“…Well, that’s true.”
“Everyone recognizes your skills, which is why the promotion was approved. Don’t overthink it.”
One thought flashed through my mind, ‘What about my salary?’
Our company isn’t exactly rolling in money. We’re constantly walking a tightrope between employee payroll and revenue.
If my position is bumped up to assistant manager, surely my salary increases too, right?
“If you’re thinking about money, discuss it with the HR manager later. It’s already decided, so there’s no going back.”
“Dic—”
Almost unconsciously, I blurted the nickname “Dictator Momo,” a term viewers used during our broadcasts.
Noticing this, the CEO squinted and asked sharply,
“Dic-what? I’m not budging on this one, Magia.”
“Dictating success, as always.”
“Wow, you’re really good at spinning things today,” she said, chuckling as she handed me a folder.
Inside were proposals for advertising campaigns—lots of them.
One, two, three… just how many are there?
“Thanks to your hard work recently, we’ve had a surge of ad requests targeting first-generation trainees. This should give us some financial breathing room for a while. So relax and enjoy your promotion, okay?”
“But ad revenue isn’t exactly a stable income source—”
The CEO frowned immediately.
“Alright, enough. Go see the HR manager. Now.”
“But, boss, considering the company’s future—”
“HR manager! Take Magia, I mean Team Leader Magia, off my hands!”
—”Yes, on my way!”
Not long after, the HR manager appeared, gently nudged me toward her office, and escorted me out.
I shot the CEO a glare that said, “You dictator,” but she just grinned smugly.
This was unusual. Normally, she humored me. Today, though, she was acting like an actual dictator.
It was a strangely oppressive small-company vibe.
“And Seungyeon?”
“She’s finished signing her employment contract, and the operations manager will handle her onboarding and basic training today. Until she joins your team, just keep doing what you’ve been doing.”
“Ja-Paht”—the nickname again. Seriously, people around here are so creative with abbreviations.
The HR manager handed me a document encased in an acrylic folder.
“This is your new employment contract reflecting the salary increase. You’ve done this before, right? Just review it and sign. Behind that are the forms to apply for a corporate credit card. Fill them out thoroughly, too.”
“A corporate card?”
“Yep, you’re a team leader now. You need a personal corporate card. Return the shared card you’ve been using. Moving forward, you can use the personal card for late-night stream issues, team travel for broadcasts, and so on.”
“Ah, I see.”
“Just don’t go wild with it. The limit’s not that high, so no buying merch, sending Super Chats, or making donations with it. Got it?”
“I never did that kind of thing with the shared corporate card either.”
“See, that’s why you’re Ja-Paht. So smart, you get everything with just one explanation.”
If I kept indulging the HR manager’s chatter, this conversation would stretch on forever. So, I focused on filling out the documents instead.
The employment contract.
It was my second time doing this, but just like the first, it was full of difficult legal terms.
Trusting the company and the CEO as usual, I skipped ahead to the most important part—the salary section.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
…
Article 6 (Overtime Work)
Due to the nature of the work, overtime is typically required. Therefore, “Party A” seeks “Party B’s” consent to work beyond the standard working hours outlined in Article 5. “Party A” agrees to provide “Party B” with inclusive overtime compensation as specified in Article 7, covering extended, nighttime, and holiday work.
(Consent from “Party B”: (Signature))
Article 7 (Wages)
1) Wage Details
– Base Salary (includes standard working hours and weekly holidays): 2,612,500 KRW (209 hours/month)
– Fixed Overtime Pay: None
– Fixed Night Shift Pay: 375,000 KRW (60 hours/month)
– Fixed Holiday Work Pay: None
– Additional Overtime, Night Shift, and Holiday Work Pay: Paid based on actual hours worked
= Monthly Salary: 2,987,500 KRW
…
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
The monthly salary stated in the previous employment contract was 2,509,500 KRW.
Now, it’s jumped by nearly 500,000 KRW a 19% increase with just a simple calculation.
Considering I’m working the legal maximum of 52 hours a week, packed with weekends, holidays, and night shifts, it’s not rare to see paychecks hitting close to 4 million KRW.
On top of that, lately, bonuses have been coming in whenever I appear on broadcasts, adding up to nearly 1.5 million KRW in October alone.
…Isn’t this too much of a raise?
Do all team leads get paid this much?
It’s fortunate that the ads are pouring in thanks to my hard work, but I just hope this pay raise stems from a genuinely stable financial situation.
The boss has always been candid with me but remains cautious about money matters, leaving me to guess that things are fine.
After signing the contract and submitting it to the HR manager, he asked me,
“Any complaints about the salary?”
“It’s a bit much.”
“Oh, as expected. The boss asked me to pass on this response when you said that. Listen carefully… ‘Take what you’re given.’”
Well, if the boss feels like giving more, who am I to argue?
In return, I’ll work even harder for the company.
Hatchlings, sprouts, puddles, and little roundlings, I’ll carry the log a little higher for us all.
You all pitch in, too! That pooled effort turns into original songs, cover tracks, new outfits, and more!
“Here’s a copy of the contract. Let’s keep seeing each other on good terms, Ja-Patt.”
“‘Ja-Patt’ so often, I feel like red bean paste.”
“See? Koreans are always in a rush, so even names sound better when shortened quickly.”
“That makes sense, Manager Yeom.”
“Wow, you skipped three whole syllables of my name impressive. Just as expected from our multilingual talent. Alright, Magia Team Lead. See you around.”
So confusing.
The HR manager has such an intimidating face but acts so oddly.
Shaking my head, I returned to my desk.
“…Hmm.”
Peeking on tiptoes, I saw the team leader and Seungyeon chatting cheerfully in the meeting room.
Unlike our earlier squabble over fish-shaped pastries, they seemed to be getting along quite well.
I guess the team leader, being experienced in managing people, has already won Seungyeon over.
‘Still, as the senior, I should take the first step.’
After all, the only seniors I know are the boss and the team leader.
Maybe we should eat together this evening.
Since I can’t leave the office due to the Halloween special broadcast, something simple and nutritious that everyone likes—pizza—sounds perfect.
*
A few hours later, in the conference room at Parallel’s headquarters.
After completing the basic company training, Team Leader Kang wore a pleased expression.
“You must be well-educated. You pick things up quickly, and I like that.”
“Thank you!”
“So, your name is Oshika Komari?”
“Yes!”
“Then, do you happen to like cute things?”
“Yes… Is that strange?”
“No, not at all. Who doesn’t like cute things? In that case, you must like our Team Lead Ma, too?”
“Yes!”
At that moment, Seungyeon’s mental hierarchy chart finally fell into place.
Though a brand-new employee still unfamiliar with the entire company structure, thanks to her parents, she at least knew the chain of command from her position to the CEO.
‘There’s me, Assistant Director-nim, Team Leader-nim, and then the CEO.’
For now, Seungyeon felt a wave of relief.
She had been unsure whether Magia was an executive, department head, or division head, but now she could relax knowing Magia was her immediate supervisor and that there was someone above them in the form of Team Leader Kang.
Still, isn’t it surprising?
Even though Magia isn’t in such a high position in the company, they sat in on interviews. That must mean they’re especially favored by the CEO.
She heard Magia joined Parallel after managing Momo, and that must mean they’ve latched onto a golden connection.
“More than anything, I still remember how kindly Team Lead Ma treated me when I arrived at dawn on the day of the interview! Thanks to them, I was able to rest comfortably and do well in the interview! I really think they’re a wonderful person!”
At those words, Team Leader Kang burst out laughing.
“So the person who showed up at 2 a.m. was you, Seungyeon?”
“…”
Any trace of strictness Team Leader Kang might have been trying to maintain disappeared entirely.
As the conversation progressed, it became clear that Seungyeon was polite and diligent, even if her voice was a bit loud. That could improve over time, and Magia didn’t seem like the type to shrink away like a hamster just because of some loud voices nearby.
‘If this is the case, I don’t have much to worry about.’
Magia must really have an eye for choosing the right people.
It’s unclear whether only people like this gather around Magia, but there didn’t seem to be a reason to stick around for a week.
After all, the boss’s top priority was for the two people working together to get along and divide tasks smoothly.
“I mostly accompany our team members when they go out, like to studios or labels. So, you probably won’t work with me much. Just listen to what Magia says.”
“Oh, okay. Got it! But I’ll still greet you every day!”
“Sure. By the way, even if Magia seems a bit absent-minded, she takes her work seriously and can be very particular. Don’t give her any reason to pick on you. Just work hard, okay?”
“Yes!”
“Alright then, let’s head back to your seat.”
With that, Team Leader Kang’s demeanor felt like a warm spring breeze to Seungyeon. Now, it seemed the only thing left to do for a smooth work life was to improve her relationship with Magia.
‘Ugh… because of that fish-shaped bun earlier…’
She hoped Magia wasn’t upset.
Hopefully, when they met again, she’d greet her with a smile…
“Ah, you’re here? Sit down. From now on, this is your seat, Seungyeon.”
To Seungyeon’s relief, Magia was smiling brightly.
She was already cute, but her smile made her even cuter. Seungyeon had to resist the urge to reach out to her soft-looking crown of greenish hair.
Seungyeon sat down, shifting her hips slightly and leaning back into the chair, turning this way and that. The backrest and seat snugly supported her, making her feel incredibly comfortable.
“This chair is so comfy!”
“Well, it’s a job where you have to sit for long hours, so I made sure to get the best ones.”
“Wow, top-notch benefits!”
“Right?”
Magia’s expression seemed more relaxed now, and then she came up with a suggestion.
“And, since we’ll be working together from now on, it still feels a bit awkward. How about we have dinner together later?”
If Magia had stayed upset, Seungyeon was planning to suggest dinner herself. Though she didn’t have much experience in corporate life, she was no stranger to navigating meal or drinking gatherings to appease her seniors.
But with Magia taking the initiative, Seungyeon couldn’t be happier.
“Whoa, really? I’m totally in! Count me in!”
“Well, the kids’ Halloween broadcast is starting soon, so we can’t go out. We’ll have to order in instead.”
“Oh, that’s fine! Eating while working? This is a first for me!”
The atmosphere turned warm and cheerful.
Magia then casually asked the team leader, “Team Leader, why don’t you join us too?”
“Huh? Should I? What’s on the menu?”
“Pizza.”
At the mention of pizza, Team Leader Kang hesitated and glanced away.
“Ah, actually, I just remembered I have to pick up my kid today. Maybe another time? Let’s eat together tomorrow instead.”
Magia looked genuinely disappointed but quickly turned to Seungyeon with a question, her voice full of concern.
“Seungyeon, do you like pineapple?”
Seungyeon was someone who could eat just about anything. That said, she wasn’t fond of overly sweet or sour foods except pineapple. Fresh or canned, she loved the fruit, despite its sweet and tangy flavor.
“Yes!”
Magia’s smile grew even brighter.
“Wow, you like pineapple?”
“Yes, yes, I do! A lot!”
Team Leader Kang, who was watching this exchange, knew of a significant misunderstanding but couldn’t bring himself to intervene.
Magia was an extreme pineapple pizza enthusiast.
While most of the company adored Magia, they all shook their heads at her unique taste in pizza.
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